by Creator
“I’ll bring a small desk and work table in first thing Monday.”
She nodded and began looking through the various piles of paper work. She frowned as she tried to figure out the different forms he had strewn about the place. It looked mostly like invoices, job bids, and contracts. Those would be easy to sort. With a shrug, she figured anything else she could set aside and ask Connor about at a later time.
“Do you have a pen and paper I could use to make my list?” she asked without looking up from her task.
He grabbed a notepad and pen from his desk and handed them to her. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he kissed the top of her head.
“Thanks for coming in to help me.”
She smiled, accepting the items. “You’re paying me for my help. And remember, hands to yourself.”
He chuckled and retreated behind his desk, figuring that was the only way he wouldn’t touch her every second of the day. Anytime he was near her, he wanted to hold her. Having her on the job site with him was going to be a unique form of torture, but at least he wouldn’t have to worry about the sorcerer disappearing with her again.
Sitting down, he tried to focus on his budget reports again, but his eyes kept drifting to Aislinn. After fifteen minutes of being unable to work, he grabbed his hard hat and headed for the door.
“I’m just going to be outside checking on the guys. I’ll be back shortly.”
She smiled and nodded before returning to her piles of papers.
Connor let his gaze drift down her body one last time before disappearing through the door. As he stepped out into the sunshine, he took a deep breath. Work was about to get a lot more interesting with Aislinn around.
An hour later, Aislinn had a list of the supplies she would need in order to not only organize Connor, but keep him that way. She’d also notated the items that were running low, like pencils and staples. In the end, instead of separating out the different types of documents, she’d decided to use a file folder for each company Connor dealt with and have folders with multiple tabs for the different items. It seemed the most efficient way of getting things in order, even if the folders did cost a small fortune.
Connor still hadn’t returned and she wasn’t sure what to do with her time. She spotted a hard hat hanging on the wall and thought about putting it on and looking for him. Glancing at the clock, she decided to give him another fifteen minutes before she searched for him.
She hesitantly walked behind his desk and sat in his chair, feeling a little out of place, like she was trespassing. Pulling up his computer, she didn’t look at the document that came up, but went straight to the games folder. A game of solitaire was just the thing to pass the time. She opened the game and soon became lost in the aggravation of trying to best the computer, so focused, in fact, that she didn’t hear the door open.
“Well, what do we have here?” a male voice said, sending chills down her spine.
She looked up and her eyes widened. The man was tall, but not as tall as Connor. Where her mate was lean and muscled, this man was thick and fat, apparently enjoying an excess of food and drink. She shrunk into the chair and hoped he would go away. Instead, he came closer, an oily smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes that she didn’t trust.
“So who are you, sweet thing?”
“Aislinn,” she answered softly.
“And just what are you doing in the boss’s chair?”
“Playing a game.”
His smile widened and his eyes darkened, frightening her even more.
“I bet I know a better game we could play.”
Aislinn was about to try out her new-found powers when Connor stepped into the trailer. He took one look at her terrified face and narrowed his eyes on the construction worker.
“Something I can help you with, Charlie?”
He flicked a glance over his shoulder at Connor. “Just introducing myself to the little lady here.”
Connor walked past him to stand behind Aislinn and laid a proprietary hand on her shoulder. “She looked a little scared for an introduction.”
The man eyed him with interest, but backed up a step, realizing there was something going on between the woman and his boss. He held up a hand.
“No harm intended. Just thought we could have some fun, but I see she’s already taken.”
Connor fought back a growl. “Yes, she is.” With a tight smile, he said, “Charlie, this is my fiancé Asilinn. Sweetheart, this is Charlie, one of the men on the construction crew.”
Charlie’s eyebrows lifted at the word fiancé and he backed up even further. “Well, it seems congratulations are in order. I hadn’t heard that you were getting married.”
“Make sure everyone else knows.”
Charlie nodded, understanding the underlined meaning. Aislinn was Connor’s and anyone who didn’t know or remember that would pay the price. The boss man was fair and no one wanted to jeopardize their job over a woman.
“I’ll do that. I was just coming in to let you know that the men on the east side are going to take a break.”
“Thanks. Be sure to get something cool to drink before getting back to work.”
Charlie nodded again and backed out of the door, his eyes flicking over to Aislinn once more. This time the darkness was held at bay and he seemed like an ordinary guy.
After the man left, Aislinn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The tension in her shoulders eased and she leaned her head back, closing her eyes.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“I’m sorry I left you alone. I should have taken you around and introduced you to everyone before disappearing on you.”
She shook her head. “It’s okay, Connor. I’m fine.”
He growled. “No, you’re not. You were terrified when I came in.”
“He’s just a big guy,” she hedged, not wanting to get the man in trouble for something that may very well have been her overactive imagination. And yet, she’d seen darkness in him. Another ability perhaps, to see the good or evil within someone?
“I think it was something more than that, but I’ll let the matter lie for now.”
She nodded and wiggled the computer mouse, pulling her game back up. “I hope you don’t mind, but I borrowed your computer while you were gone.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “No, I don’t mind. I have nothing to hide from you, Aislinn.”
She smiled up at him. “I know, but I didn’t want to mess with your computer when you had work stuff pulled up. I was just too bored waiting for you and temptation won out.”
“Speaking of temptation,” he murmured before lowering his head and kissing her softly.
Aislinn curled her hand around the back of his neck, his kisses always left her humming and wanting more.
When he pulled back, he smiled. “Ready to go?”
She nodded and stood, ready to follow him anywhere. She wasn’t sure how to convince Connor she was ready for the next step in their relationship, but she was determined it would happen that night.
She slipped her hand into his, picked up her purse, and followed him out of the office. With a smile on her face, she wondered if her magick could do the same things as Eric’s. Maybe, just maybe, she could create something like he had done that morning with her green dress. She’d seen the appreciative look in Connor’s eyes and she wanted to see it again.
Chapter Thirteen
Later that night, Aislinn paced the bedroom. Connor had kissed her on the cheek after dinner and said he needed to take care of a few things, and then he’d run out of the house like his tail was on fire.
Shaking her head, she blew out a frustrated breath. Why was he playing hard to get? She knew he wanted her, it was evident in the way he watched her, touched her… and yet he didn’t claim her.
She kicked a pile of laundry in frustration and heard a chuckle behind her. Spinning around, she saw it was the sorcerer and narrowed her eyes.
“Now what? Is there a puppy being
kicked somewhere you need to show me?”
He smirked, knowing her anger wasn’t directed at him but at her mate. Crossing his arms, he strolled over to her.
“It seems you have a bit of a temper.”
She froze and looked at him, stunned. “You’re right. I always did, but then…”
“Then your husband beat it out of you?”
She nodded, surprised to discover she had been acting more and more like her old self. It was thrilling!
“You know, I suspect your husband is the reason the werewolf hasn’t claimed you.” He glanced at her ring. “Well, in a more werewolf type of way.”
“What do you mean?”
“Technically, you’re still married, as far as he’s concerned. You’d be dead if you were in the other world, but that doesn’t matter to Connor. To him, you and Hugh are still connected, and it’s stopping him from acting on his urges.”
She frowned and her heart sank. “I can’t do anything about Hugh, so how am I supposed to convince Connor I belong to him?”
With a wicked grin, the sorcerer raked his eyes over her body. Aislinn felt her skin humming and looked down. Surprised, she now found herself draped in a gauzy nightgown with a halter style top and long skirt that touched the tops of her feet, a slit in each side running up to her hips. In the
light, it left little to the imagination. Noticing the look in the sorcerer’s eyes, she blushed and crossed her arms over her chest.
“So this nightgown will change his mind?”
“It would certainly change mine,” he murmured, his eyes burning with desire. It was obviously time for him to find a woman.
Her blush deepened and she took a step back. “Thanks.”
He nodded and looked around the room. Grinning, he waved his hand and dimmed the lights. Candles appeared on the dresser and the air was scented with jasmine and honeysuckle.
Aislinn looked around in amazement. “I know what you can do, but I’m always stunned when I see the proof of your magick.”
“Our magick.”
“So, I can do things like this too?”
“With some practice.”
She nodded; at least one of her questions had been answered.
Eric looked toward the door with narrowed eyes. “I think it’s time for me to leave. Your mate isn’t too happy with me right now and he’ll be here any second.”
“Will you be back soon?”
“Yes. There’s still much for you to learn about your abilities. Try not to get into trouble.”
She looked affronted. “And just why would you think I’d get into trouble?”
“I saw you earlier, in Connor’s office. If that guy hadn’t backed down, you would have blasted him just like the child molester from earlier in the day. Except this time you would have known what you were doing and the blast would have been far more powerful.”
She bit her lip. “I’m guessing that wouldn’t have been a good thing.”
“I noticed you didn’t tell your mate about what happened during our morning trip. If you’re trying to keep your magick a secret, it’s best not to use it around him or his work place.”
“I understand. It’s not that I want to keep anything from him, but… I just don’t understand my powers yet. How can I explain to him something I don’t even get?”
Eric stepped closer and hugged her briefly. “It will get better. I promise.”
She gave him a hesitant smile and returned the hug. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done. I wouldn’t have made it without you.”
With a smile, Eric vanished, leaving her alone in the room. A moment later, she heard the front door open and close. She heard Connor’s footsteps in the living room and then the kitchen. Listening intently, she heard the refrigerator open, clinking, and then heard it close.
With a frown, Aislinn eyed the closed bedroom door. What was he doing? Stealthily, she crept to the door and slowly opened it. She peered out into the hall and caught a glimpse of Connor sitting in his recliner, drinking a beer.
She narrowed her eyes and suppressed a growl of frustration. She had expected Hugh to act like this, but Connor? The thought of her mate hiding behind a bottle of beer infuriated her.
Holding her head high and throwing back her shoulders, she opened the door and walked into the living room. When she stood beside Connor’s chair, she folded her arms over her chest.
“Connor, are you coming to bed?”
He looked up at her and choked on a swallow of beer. Gasping for air, he let his eyes drift over her. “What are you wearing?”
“A nightgown.”
He gave her a heated look. “That isn’t a nightgown.”
“Then what would you call it?”
“Torture.”
She smiled. Good, she thought. She trailed a hand over his shoulder and down his bicep, and felt a tremor run through him. She felt in control for the first time in ages, and she loved it. Knowing that she had so much power over him delighted her. Just knowing that Connor wouldn’t hurt her like Hugh had, was enough to make her feel safe and courageous. Courageous enough to slip into his lap and loop her arms around his neck, making sure her nightgown draped her body in such a way that one leg was exposed.
“Connor, aren’t you ready for bed?”
He stared at her, his eyes trying to see into her soul. It was obvious she was up to something, but he wasn’t sure what it was. Her nightgown was designed for seduction, but Aislinn wouldn’t do that – would she?
“I’ll be there in a minute.”
Her eyes travelled over his face. Staring into his eyes, she realized he was filled with light. So I really can see if a person is good or evil. Interesting, she thought. Such a gift would have come in handy when she married Hugh. She would have been able to see from the beginning how rotten he was. It gave her even more confidence and she leaned forward to gently press her lips to his.
After a moment’s hesitation, Connor set his beer down and burrowed his fingers into her hair. He kissed her with greedy lips, wanting to devour her. His tongue slipped between her lips, tasting, savoring, wanting to drown himself in her. Her body pressing against his was enough to drive him mad, but her kisses were the killing blow. His wall of resistance crumbled and he knew that he would do whatever she asked.
She broke the kiss and smiled. “Take me to bed, Connor. I want you to make love to me.”
His lungs seized in his chest and he felt lightheaded. He’d never wanted anything so much in his life. He stood, holding her in his arms, and carried her to the bedroom.
Tossing her down on the bed, Connor gazed her with a hungry expression, no longer able to hide his desire. He’d wanted her from the moment she had landed in his arms, and having held back for so long he felt his inner wolf howling to be let loose. Not wanting to scare her, he was determined to be gentle.
Connor pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor before covering her body with his. The heat of her body and her lush curves were enough to drive him mad with desire, making it hard to hold back. Gently, he kissed her neck, feeling her pulse beat wildly under her skin. His blood pounded with the knowledge that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
His hand trailed down her side to her hip, eliciting a soft gasp from her. He tenderly kissed her, wanting her to understand how much she meant to him. Finding his mate had been a gift, and Aislinn was the best mate he could have ever asked for, fitting him perfectly in every way.
When he looked into her eyes, he was surprised to see not only passion blazing in their depths, but also trust. It humbled him that she had faith in him after all she had been through.
Rolling to his side, he pulled her close. He fingered the long, silky strands of her hair. As her small hands explored his chest, he felt his heart beat erratically under her palms and marveled at how different it was to lie with Aislinn than it had been with any other woman. Knowing she was his, and only his, made the experience magickal.
Claiming her lips onc
e more, he buried his hands in her hair and molded her body to his, wanting to brand her as his own. With agile fingers, he untied the top of her nightgown. As he began to part the material, he heard the front door of the house open and slam shut.
With a curse, he jumped up, all of his senses on alert. When he realized it was his cousin, he gave a deep growl.
“Dammit, what the hell does he want?”
Aislinn quickly tied her nightgown again and stood beside him. “What does who want?”
“Gabriel. Wait here, I’ll be back in a minute.” Assuming I don’t murder my cousin, he thought grimly.
Chapter Fourteen
Connor stalked toward Gabriel with narrowed eyes.
“I realize you have a key to the house, but I’d prefer you not use it on a whim.”
Gabriel grinned at him. “Interrupting something, am I?”
With a silent curse, Connor crossed his arms and stared at his cousin, his jaw squared in determination. It was going to be a short conversation, even if it meant bodily throwing Gabriel out of the house. He jerked his head toward the living room; once there he flopped down in a chair.
“So, what do you want?”
Gabriel stifled his amusement and sat on the sofa facing his cousin. “Cassie has done some digging on parallel universes, and also on the sorcerer.”
Connor leaned forward, bracing his arms on his legs. “And?”
“We have no idea how to travel from our plane of existence to the one Aislinn came from. But, we do think we can summon the wizard, or sorcerer, or whatever you want to call him.”
Connor grimaced. “He’s here all the damn time. I don’t think calling him will do you much good.”
Gabriel looked intrigued. “Here, as in he comes to your house?”
“He likes appearing to Aislinn when I’m not around. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he does it just to irritate me.”