Then again, the Silver Council was all over the city. Could they be protecting one lone druid? He didn’t believe so. They would never change, never accept anyone but their own kind.
Sure, he’d been part of a program designed to facilitate communication between all Other factions. Yet, the mages were still in control because they had the numbers to organize.
The only news his scouts had brought was that the Silver Council was indeed searching for him. Asking all sorts of Others where they might find him by both his current and old name.
His phone rang, again. He expected more updates about how the Council was combing Seattle and the outlying areas for him.
“Yes?” Cole answered.
“Gwen Fate and Michael Nights left Michael’s building with a dog and several bags. It looks like they are going somewhere for at least a couple nights.”
“Follow them,” he growled.
“I had planned on it, but there was a spark, and now my car won’t start. Afraid they caught on I was watching them and cast a spell on their way past.”
“Worthless.” He hung up, slinking into his seat to figure out his next course of action. Expanding his search seemed to be the only option.
Chapter 24
Gwen was relieved to find Preston standing next to his Maserati when they pulled up. She couldn’t wait to get Mike inside and alone. Jordan was coming out in a couple hours.
Mike looked over his shoulder and scratched Sasha’s head. “We’re here, girl.”
Sasha hopped over the seat and into his lap.
Gwen reached over to pet her with a grin. “I really do love dogs.”
“Thought you loved cats,” Mike teased, before climbing out and attaching Sasha’s lead. He commanded her to jump down and nodded to Preston. “Thanks for letting us stay here.”
Holding his hand out for Sasha to sniff, Preston nodded. “We want you safe. Gwen too. We’ll catch this asshole, and hopefully everything can go back to normal.”
Mike snorted. “I’ve given up on normal. How about no more Cole.”
Sasha butted Preston’s hand with her head and he rubbed behind her ears. Looking to Mike, he offered, “A new and improved normal?”
“That sounds better.”
Gwen snagged the keys. “We might be down at In 2 Deep later. Mike’s buddy is coming out. He’s new to Others as well.”
“Not sure I’ll be there, but you’ll find plenty of people if I’m occupied. Don’t break any furniture.” He waggled his brows before climbing back into his car.
Mike grabbed his stuff while Gwen snagged hers, and up they went. Sasha started sniffing around, exploring. The floorplan was open, the furniture clean. It looked untouched.
“You said it was furnished, but this hardly looks lived in.”
“I told you, he didn’t spend much time here.”
He moved closer, dropping his bags and captured her face in his hands. “Gwen, you’re better than anything I can remember.” He stared into her eyes, drawing a slow breath and her heart stalled. “I love you,” he whispered.
“Good, because I was afraid to say it first.”
He swallowed hard. “You do?”
“I do. I love you. Never felt like this before.”
He swept her off her feet and her legs naturally locked around his waist. “Me too.” Then his mouth was on hers, stealing her breath.
Her hands found his belt before his phone rang. Groaning, he sat her down on the counter. “Why’d you let me invite Jordan?” he grumbled.
She laughed. “You didn’t ask my opinion.”
His brow arched as he pulled his phone from his pocket.
Unable to hide her smirk, she shrugged. “Though, I would have suggested it sooner or later. He’s your closest friend, right?”
Mike nodded.
“Then you should tell him.” She hopped down and grabbed the bags to take them to the bedroom.
* * * *
“So tell me,” Gwen looked up from the pitcher of something alcoholic and boozy that she was mixing, “how did you meet Jordan?”
Mike glanced out the window, thinking back with a half-smile. “Day before kindergarten started, a woman moved into the house next door. She had a young son. I rushed over there, excited to have a kid my age around. We were tight right off the bat. Could hardly separate us, or my sister for that matter.”
“Was it hard to shut him off when he hurt your sister?”
Mike nodded. “He was like a brother. His mom didn’t know what to do with him half the time. She was struggling to make ends meet and suffered from depression. We had Jordan over all the time, so he could escape.”
Scrubbing his hands over his legs, he shrugged. “His other side started coming out and everything went downhill. I’m guessing it’s because he didn’t know what he was. I get that. I mean, I knew what I was but didn’t really understand. I’d been told for so long that I needed to lock it away and ignore it, that my method of coping became habit. Jordan, though, didn’t have a clue about what he was.”
“At least he knows now, and how to control himself. He has a good teacher. I’ve met her a few times, and it seems to be her goal to straighten out others like her.”
“Why?”
Gwen shrugged and turned toward him. “I’m guessing she had a rough start. Maybe didn’t know what she was either.”
The doorbell rang and Mike hopped down. “I’ll get that.” He gave her a brief kiss before answering the door. Sasha followed on his heels.
Jordan stood there with his arm around Leanan. He looked nervous, and Leanan did too.
“Hi, come in.” Mike had to wonder what was up with them. Jordan squatted down to give the dog a good tummy scratch, a greeting she was all too happy to accept.
Gwen came out of the kitchen with a smile. “Hello.”
Leanan took an uneasy breath. “Evening, Gwen. Should I worry about being watched?”
Shaking her head, Gwen laughed softly. “No. I’m with Mike. And after I got your story years ago, I have no reason to be concerned. Unless something has changed?”
Mike looked to Gwen and back to Leanan, who shook her head, indicating no. As usual, he had questions spinning through his brain, but he needed to talk to Jordan, who looked equally confused.
Once Sasha had her fill of affection, she lay down on the blanket set out for her.
Mike cleared his throat. “I asked Jordan over to come clean about a few things. Not about anything to do with you, Leanan, or even Jordan. There’s information I figure he should know.” Mike rubbed his face and looked up at the ceiling. “Come on. We have drinks, snacks, and maybe later, if you want, we can go out. I don’t know. I guess it depends on how this goes.”
“Hey, man, whatever is up, it’s cool. You’re still my truest friend.”
“Ditto, now come on. It’s time.”
Jordan gave Leanan a smile and pulled her to the loveseat. Mike sank onto the couch, with Gwen beside him. He took her hand for comfort and met Jordan’s icy blue gaze.
“You know how Roxy writes all that magic shit?” Mike asked.
Jordan snorted. “Uh, yeah.”
“Well, it’s fitting. We’re druids. She didn’t know. I did. Long story there, but I was hiding because Mom thought it was best.”
“Druids?” Jordan’s brow arched.
“You know Roxy’s shifters? The ones who cast as well? Yeah, that’s basically us. Though until Trevor, Roxy was in the dark.”
Gwen corrected, “Her subconscious knew, even if she didn’t.”
Mike nodded. That did make sense. “She’s also a werewolf.”
“Yeah, Leanan told me that part, and mentioned magic.”
Leanan watched Mike with a thoughtful look. “You are different now. Druids are born with magic. Why couldn’t I tell you were Other before?”
“When we were very young, my mother had someone seal away our magic. Roxy’s was done once. I guess it naturally wore off eventually. Mine, well, I had to keep
having it redone, until suppressing the magic stopped being an option.”
“You would have killed a lot of people,” Gwen reminded.
He nodded. “Yeah, I became like a bomb. And after you told me what you are, I realized it was time to deal with the truth.”
“Looks like Gwen has helped you,” Jordan offered with a grin. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen Mike so complete.”
Mike’s brow arched. “That’s funny coming from you. Never thought you noticed.”
“You were always dealing with shit. I used to wonder why you never talked about it, even when I asked. Now it makes sense. Sort of. I would have listened though. You know that, right?”
“Dude, you’ve always had more shit to shovel than I did. What was I going to say? You didn’t even know what you were at the time.”
Jordan shrugged. “But I would have been there, like you were every time I dug myself deeper with Roxy. You listened, and when I needed it, kicked some sense into my stupid ass. Thank god for that. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Mike nodded. “Well, I needed a friend, and you were there, even if I couldn’t talk about what was on my mind. Now, let’s celebrate having all this shit out in the open.”
“I can drink to that,” Jordan said. Then he paused. “What about Doug? What do we tell him?”
Mike looked to Gwen, hoping for some advice.
“Maybe break things to him in pieces. Let him get used to the idea slowly. No reason he can’t know, as long as he understands he can’t spread it around.”
He squeezed her hand. “Have I mentioned you’re amazing,” Mike whispered.
Leanan raised a glass. “Let’s drink.”
Chapter 25
Gwen smiled over at Mike as she pulled up to Nights Embrace’s temporary practice location. She found a curious glint in his eyes.
His brow rose. “What is this place?”
“Originally a mill, or so I’m told. It’s been renovated to be the werewolf pack’s training facility. It’s big, open, has a kitchen and bathrooms. Most importantly, it’s on the outskirts of town, where no one is going to complain if you get loud. Still within Edenton’s limits, where it’s less likely Cole will find you. But far enough from the main part of town that Doug shouldn’t stumble upon any Others.”
“It works. Quite well, in fact. Only, I wasn’t expecting this.” He looked over with a raised eyebrow. “The scenery on the way over gave me several ideas about hot sex in a field under a starry sky.” He ducked his head. “That probably sounds ridiculous.”
“Oh, Mike, as soon as Cole’s dealt with, I say we go roughing it. You can have me anywhere you want me,” she purred, looking over through her lashes.
He shifted the bulge under his fly as Trevor pulled up in his Land Cruiser with Roxy. “Ugh.”
Gwen laughed. “I do love my beastly man.” She nodded to the building. “Come on, let’s start getting you set up.”
Mike groaned and climbed out of the car, staying planted behind the door as he closed his eyes and breathed deep. He didn’t need Roxy giving him grief about his rampant desire.
“Hey, Sis. How’s the little one?” he asked, with a nod at her still-flat belly.
“Mornings suck lately,” she grumbled, but rubbed her tummy. A small smile appeared. “Trevor is taking great care of me, and spoiling me rotten.”
“Aye, taking care of you is my job. I’m not spoiling, I’m showering you with love.”
She grinned over at him. “An obscene amount of it.”
“You, my dear, are worth every ounce and more.”
Mike laughed and grabbed his guitar before going to the door.
Gwen followed. “They’re cute.”
“He makes her happy.” He looked over. “Like you make me happy. Thank you for last night, for this, for making sure I’m safe when I know there are more exciting assignments.”
“Oh, I severely doubt that. I’m really not looking forward to normal duty.”
“You’ll be sent away at times, won’t you?”
“Not often. My area is Seattle. I’m kept busy there, but when I am away, I’ll stay in contact.”
“Promise?”
She nodded.
Jordan and Doug pulled up as they got to the door. Mike waved before disappearing inside with Roxy, Trevor and Gwen behind him.
* * * *
The vibration in her pocket jolted Gwen out of the fantasy starring Mike rocking her world. Blushing, she pulled her eyes from him to check the text that came in.
It was Preston. We’re bringing lunch, and an update. You all still at the mill?
We’re here. I’m starved. Everyone else is too.
See you shortly.
Trevor gave her an arched brow. “What’s up?” he asked softly.
“The guys are delivering food.”
“What guys?”
“My bosses.” She rolled her eyes. “They’re good friends. I guess they have some news”
“I see. Any clue what?”
She shook her head. “They’d let me know if they found Coltrain. I’m not sure what’s going on.” And she hated not knowing.
Soon after, the door opened, and in came Robert and Preston with bags of Chinese food. Robert’s head was cocked as he watched the band and nearly ran into Preston.
Preston was nodding in time to the music, until Roxy called for them to stop.
Roxy gave the new arrivals a huge smile. “Perfect timing. You have no idea how hungry I am.”
Robert smiled. “We need to borrow Gwen a moment, but we brought everyone something to eat.”
Mike’s head snapped over as he set his guitar in the stand. “Everything okay?”
Preston nodded. “It is. We’ll be back in a few.”
His head dipped in a nod, but he caught Gwen’s hand before she could move toward the door. “Don’t be long.”
“Won’t be. Just right outside.” She tiptoed up to brush a kiss over his lips before backing toward the door.
She stepped outside and waited for Preston and Robert.
As soon as the door shut, Preston said, “We can’t find him. No one can. We’ve seen his scouts, but that’s it. There’s no trace of the bastard. The assholes we’ve caught destroyed their phones before being taken in for questioning. They aren’t talking either. We haven’t cracked whatever spell has been keeping their lips locked.”
Gwen frowned, rubbing her arm. “Wait. If he was married to Josephine, he probably learned a few hypnosis tricks. Have you tried breaking a possible trance?”
Robert shook his head. “Didn’t even think of that.”
“You would have. Eventually.”
“There’s more,” Robert added, then filled her in on the few details about the scouts they did have.
* * * *
Mike watched Roxy head to the restroom and so he wandered toward the window at the side of the building. He had a bad feeling about whatever Robert and Preston were sharing with Gwen, but he wasn’t exactly sure why.
It wasn’t jealousy. He’d come to the conclusion that what he shared with Gwen was more real than either of them had felt. There was a connection he’d never experienced, a craving that was never satisfied. She felt it too.
Doug was watching everyone with blatant curiosity. Clearly he sensed something was up, but every time it looked like he was about to say something, he changed his mind and clamped his mouth shut.
At the edge of the trees, Mike saw a flash of blonde hair. Then a scream jolted him right back to the night Amanda left him. Before he could think, he was on his way out the back door, running for the woods.
He heard a commotion behind him, but was so focused on the woman running toward him, he didn’t pay any attention. Before he made it across the meadow, he stopped in his tracks as horror set in.
The girl coming his way looked a lot like Amanda, but it wasn’t her. She wasn’t even alive. Her eyes were glazed over, not really seeing as she ran toward him. Her skin was d
eathly gray. And the smell.
When he turned to go back inside, he felt something sharp stab his neck. He reached up and pulled the object free. His knees gave out as he stared at the dart. Then he was falling as the world slid into darkness.
* * * *
Gwen rubbed at her temples, trying to figure out what Cole could be up to with that many scouts. Eleven in custody, and they knew there were more. One of them was a vampire who was deep under Cole’s spell.
“How did Cole even find out about Mike in the first place?” she asked.
Robert frowned. “Mike’s father knew Coltrain. He’d heard that Roxy and Mike were in Seattle, and paid him a visit to do some digging. That’s when Coltrain started looking into the pair.”
A woman’s scream snapped their heads up. Gwen ran inside. She found everyone rushing for the back door, but Mike was nowhere to be seen.
Roxy turned, touched Doug’s shoulder, and he fell.
Trevor caught him with a look in his mate’s direction but Roxy grunted and slipped through the door.
Robert touched Gwen’s shoulder and they were outside, but couldn’t see anything beyond the heavy mist.
“He’s gone,” Roxy cried. “What the fuck happened?”
Gwen looked down and saw the folded white piece of paper. There was a smear of blood and her name in Coltrain’s handwriting. She recognized it from their days at the academy.
Holding her breath, she crouched to wave a hand over the note. There was no magic attached to the piece of paper.
Didn’t stop Preston from shouting, “Don’t touch it, Gwen!” as he closed the distance.
She didn’t heed the warning. Swiping the paper up, she unfolded it to find:
You couldn’t have loved him anyway.
Don’t bother looking for us.
Accepting Fate Page 18