When Hell Freezes Over [Werewolves and Wizards of West End 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Jane Jamison

  Not today. I won’t let it get me down today.

  “Why not? I thought all women wanted a family.”

  She laughed, not taking what Bryton had said in the wrong way. “First of all, not all women want children. Contrary to what some people believe, not all of us are born with a maternal instinct. We’d rather have careers than families.” Her decision, however, had nothing to do with a career but the loss of everything else.

  Their disappointment was easy to see in the sudden dullness in their eyes. All at once, she wanted to put the happiness back. “Don’t take this the wrong way by thinking I’m hinting at anything long term here, but I’m not one of those career women. I’d like to have a whole bunch of kids.”

  Taylor leaned closer, took her under the chin, and met her gaze. “Then why do you look sad when you talk about families and kids?”

  She eased his hand away. “No reason. Other than we don’t all get so lucky, you know. First, you have to find love and then be even luckier by having children. Happiness isn’t always in the cards for all of us. Some of us have to take the cards life deals us.”

  “Damn, for a witch, you’re sure negative. I thought witches were a more positive bunch since they can make things happen with a spell or two.”

  “Then you thought wrong.” She arched an eyebrow, bringing back their own words. “We’re just like you plain old humans, remember? We have good days and bad ones. And some of us are cheerful while some of us aren’t.”

  “Then if what you’re saying is true—and I’m sure it is because you’re not the type who’d lie—then we shouldn’t judge people on what they are but instead on who they are.”

  Now Taylor had used her own words against her. Even more to the point, he’d made her feel ashamed. No, she hadn’t actually lied to them, but she had omitted the truth. Still, no one should have to tell everything about themselves. Her health wasn’t any of their business. “I see your point, but—”

  “But you still wouldn’t trust a werewolf?”

  She was about to tell him no when Bryton interrupted.

  “Look, there’s a pod.”

  She was glad for the distraction, glad to focus on something other than witches and werewolves. For once, she wished she were a human with human problems. Following Bryton’s directions, she looked out over the water. At first, she didn’t see anything other than the whitecaps of the frothy sea. Then she saw them. She sat up straighter, trying her best to get a better view

  Curved backs erupted out of the water, flashing their white sides in the sunlight. Some jumped out of the water while others skimmed along the surface. Two, then four, of them appeared then vanished under the blue surface.

  “Have you ever seen an orca, baby?” asked Taylor.

  “No. Other than one time at a huge aquarium. I don’t think they have them there any longer. Besides, this is so much better.”

  “Even though you could see them close up at the aquarium, you still think this is better?”

  “Absolutely. Look at them. They’re so free, so happy, doing whatever they want, together as a family, as though they don’t have a care in the world.” If only she could feel the same way. She’d taken her powers, her spells, and especially her health for granted before meeting the dark magic wizard.

  If only I could cast a spell and go back in time. Her gaze slid to the men. But then I wouldn’t have met these guys.

  She jolted, surprised she’d chosen them over a longer life, even if only for a moment.

  “What cares do you have, sugar? Do you have problems? If so, we can help.”

  She didn’t want to answer Bryton’s question but was touched by his offer to help, even when he didn’t know the depths of her troubles. If she answered him, the way they’d look at her would change. Like the witches in her coven, they’d come to pity her, and pity was the last thing she wanted. “No, not many problems here. Just the usual. Paying the rent, finding a new job. You know.”

  “Yeah, sure. I guess.”

  “So, you have no witch-related problems?” asked Taylor.

  “Why would being a witch cause any problems?” She averted her gaze, emotion clogging her throat. If she was something other than a witch, she might not have met the dark wizard. Clearing her throat, she looked back to the orcas. “What do you two do for a living?”

  “We’re pretty well set with the ranch,” answered Taylor.

  She turned away from the orcas that had moved farther from the shore. “Tell me about your ranch.”

  Taylor’s face brightened, his love for his land showing. “It’s not the biggest and best on the island, even with there not being many ranches here. But it’s all ours. We love working the cattle and even raise a few alpacas.”

  “Really? Alpacas. I’ve never seen one.”

  “Then we’ll have to take you out to our place and let you get your fill of them.”

  Taylor’s promise meant the world to her, but she wasn’t sure she should encourage their interest in her. “Maybe. Tell me more.”

  Bryton took it up, his own love for his home making his voice even deeper, filled with emotion. “It’s a good life. We wake up and take care of chores. In the evening, we either go into town to the Hair of the Dog or we stick to home and relax on the porch with a cold beer.”

  “You live a simple life.” Oh, how she envied them. Sitting together on the porch and sharing a drink after a long day of work sounded blissful.

  “We live a good life. Whether it’s simple or not depends on your perspective.” Taylor lay down, putting his hands behind his head. “I’d say our life isn’t simple at all. It’s full of new experiences every day. Maybe we’re better than other folks at noticing things around us and appreciating them.”

  She felt the tug on her arm and, without thinking, let him pull her down with him. “I see what you mean.”

  “This is a great intellectual discussion, but let’s not get too deep.” Bryton lay down next to her, his hand supporting his head. He skimmed his other hand along her arm. “But talking about noticing things, we’ve sure noticed you, sugar, and we sure appreciate you, too.”

  She giggled. “Is that so? What about me do you appreciate?”

  “Your mouth for one.” He kissed her, softly at first then growing harder, more insistent.

  She let herself go, pushing aside the worry that always seemed present. Her hand snaked around his shoulder, giving him encouragement to keep kissing her.

  He broke the kiss sooner than she liked, but perhaps it was because of Taylor. Taylor rolled onto his side and put his lips to her. His kiss wasn’t gentle. Instead, it was urgent and needy, his tongue slipping into her mouth, his teeth tugging on her lower lip. He moaned, the sound guttural and filled with a craving that matched her own.

  Today was all she’d been promised. Today was all she’d expect.

  She kissed him back, putting every ounce of need into it. He moved closer and pulled her closer, her chest pressing against his. Bryton’s hand trailed along her hip then down her leg as she rolled to face Taylor.

  To be fully alive required her to be active in her life. They were giving her a chance to find happiness, however fleeting, and she’d take it. She tugged at Taylor’s shirt, pulling it out of his waistband.

  “Are you sure, sugar? We might not be able to stop,” warned Bryton.

  Her answer came easily enough. Slipping her hand behind her, she grabbed Bryton’s shirt and pulled.

  Take it off, she told him silently.

  There on top of the cliff with the breeze flowing over them, the scent of the ocean surrounding her and the orcas playing in the water, she made her choice. She’d have the men and throw caution away for a tomorrow that might never come.

  A growl startled her, breaking apart her desire. She was up and on her feet fast and facing the dark wolf. “A werewolf.” It wasn’t any regular wolf. Not as large as he was. The human intelligence behind the eyes was proof of the man dwelling inside the wolf.

  Tayl
or and Bryton jumped to their feet, but they didn’t seem alarmed. “Take it easy, baby.”

  “Not on your life. I don’t trust werewolves in their human forms. I’m sure as hell not going to trust one as a wolf.” She stood her ground, ready to use her powers. “Get out of here, you beast. Now!”

  The wolf didn’t move, confusing her. Most wolves wouldn’t attack, even if they were unaware that she was a witch. This one, however, stood his ground.

  “Leave him alone. He’s not bothering anyone.”

  He was bothering her. Not only was he a predator but he’d interrupted their time together. Precious time she’d never get back. Enjoyable time she might never have another chance to experience.

  “Get out of here now.” Anger and frustration welled inside her. She lifted her arms, ready to chant. She wouldn’t kill the animal, but she’d make him get the hell out and leave them alone.

  “Hang on. Don’t go casting a spell on him,” urged Taylor. “I told you about knowing a few shifters in the area. This is one of them.”

  “So he’s a friend of yours?” Her attention flicked to the horses that were strangely calm with the beast around. Were the horses on the island used to seeing werewolves?

  “Yes. He is.” Bryton tossed a look in Taylor’s direction. “In fact—”

  The wolf growled, interrupting Bryton. Snarling, he backed up several feet. With a swish of his tail, he disappeared into the surrounding foliage.

  What had she been thinking? They were friends with shifters. That alone should’ve kept her away from them. Glaring, she stalked toward her horse.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She shoved Taylor’s hands away. “I can get on the damn horse by myself.”

  “What the hell’s the matter, sugar?” Bryton was on the other side of the horse, the reins in his hands.

  “This was a mistake.”

  “But why? How was it a mistake?”

  She fought back tears. No way would she let them see how weak she was. “It just was.” She held out her hand, palm up. “Please give me the reins.”

  “Hang on while we get mounted.” Taylor hurriedly swung into the saddle. “You shouldn’t go back on your own. You don’t know the way.” His smile was teasing. “Besides, you’re a really lousy rider.”

  She gritted her teeth, unable to answer. It didn’t matter that he’d spoken the truth.

  Bryton ran back and snatched up the blanket before getting on his horse. “Don’t let the wolf ruin the day, sugar. Or ruin what’s happening between us.”

  She met his gaze, saw the confusion and yearning there, and hated saying what she had no choice but to say. “There’s nothing happening between us, and there never will be. Now take me back to Reagan’s.”

  * * * *

  Shelby motioned for Reagan not to refill her glass. She’d already had more than she usually drank.

  “Aw, don’t stop now.” Reagan held up the half-empty bottle. “I don’t want to leave wine sitting overnight. You know it never tastes as good a day later.”

  “Fine. Top mine off. I’m sorry to say so, but you’re a bad influence on me, Reagan Legacy.”

  Reagan plopped onto the couch beside her. “No apologies needed. I’ve heard the same many times before.” She grinned and took a healthy drink. “So, go on. Tell me more.”

  Shelby had already told her about going to the cliff with the men. She’d just gotten to the part where they’d started kissing. “It was really nice. I was completely relaxed for the first time in a long while.”

  “Relaxed sounds okay. And then what happened?” Reagan gave her a look. “I know there’s more to the story than what you’ve told me. Where was J.B., anyway?”

  “J.B?”

  “My cousin J.B. Legacy co-owns the ranch with them. You haven’t met him yet?” She settled back, a frown marring her perfect forehead. “Really? That’s weird. The three of them usually hang out together. I’m sure he was at the bar the night you met them. Maybe he was busy dancing with someone else.”

  “Beats me. As far as today, though, he wasn’t around.”

  “Weird. But keep on going. What did you three do on the cliff besides watch whales?”

  Shelby reconsidered the idea of telling her friend. She might’ve kept it to herself if it weren’t for the fact that she was dying to ask Reagan about them. “We kissed.”

  “Now we’re talking.” Reagan refilled her glass then topped Shelby’s off even though she didn’t need it. “Go on. What was it like?”

  “What was it like? It was like a kiss.”

  “Bullshit. Did you kiss both of them?”

  “Yes.”

  “And were they both good kissers? I’ve always kind of figured they would be.”

  “So you’ve never kissed them?”

  Reagan shook her head. “Nope. I’m not sure why either, considering how hot they are.” She scooted closer. “Did the kissing lead to more?”

  “More as in what?” Shelby tried to pretend as though she didn’t know exactly what Reagan meant.

  “As if you don’t know. Have you fucked them yet?”

  “Damn, Reagan, just come right out and ask, why don’t you?” Maybe she should’ve been embarrassed, but she wasn’t.

  “Well, have you?” A smug expression stole over Reagan’s face. “It wouldn’t be the first time the cliff has seen some action.”

  “Seriously? Like who?”

  “Oh no you don’t. You’re not changing the subject. You wouldn’t know them anyway. Now answer the question.”

  “I hate to burst your bubble, but no.”

  “Aw, shoot. Why the hell not?”

  “Um…” Shelby waited long enough that Reagan guessed.

  “You were going to, weren’t you?”

  “Well…”

  “Oh, my word, you were. But something stopped you, didn’t it? What was it? Did they get kinky or freaky? Is one or both of them uncircumcised?”

  “Reagan, stop. It was none of those things.”

  “Then why didn’t you partake of those perfect packages?” quipped Reagan. Her eyes grew round. “Oh hell. Someone interrupted you before you could do the dirty deed. I’m right, aren’t I?”

  “Yes. You’re right. Sort of.”

  “Was it J.B?”

  “I don’t know who it was. We weren’t introduced.”

  Reagan tilted her head, confused. “Really? Were you trying too hard to get your clothes back on? Is that why the guys didn’t introduce you?”

  “No. They didn’t introduce me because they were too busy stopping me from putting a spell on the werewolf.”

  “Oh.” Reagan sat back, taking a moment to recover. “There was a werewolf on the cliff? And he stopped you guys from having sex?”

  “We were, um, busy, and then I heard a growl. As soon as I saw the shifter, I got to my feet and started to cast a spell. Taylor and Bryton stopped me. They said it was a friend of theirs.”

  “It probably was.”

  “I’m sure it was.” Shelby dragged in a long breath. “So it’s actually a good thing that we didn’t get any farther than we did. I’m not sure I want anything to do with men who have shifters as friends.”

  “What? Seriously? Why the hell not?”

  “I’m damn serious.”

  “I know you don’t like shifters, but I didn’t know you hated them. Or that you’d let one come between you and men you could really like.”

  “I don’t hate shifters.”

  “Obviously you do or you wouldn’t have reacted the way you did. The wolf didn’t try to attack you, did it?”

  “No. At least, I don’t think so. Maybe I noticed him before he had a chance.”

  “Then why cast a spell on it if he wasn’t going to hurt you?” Reagan set her glass down and paced to the other side of the room before turning back. “Don’t you get it, Shelby? Shifter, witches, wizards, humans. We’re all the same. We all want to be loved and have a family. We all want to live in peace. Isn’t it bad eno
ugh that people want to hunt us down, kill us, then mount us on their walls?”

  At first, Shelby wasn’t sure she’d heard Reagan correctly. “What do you mean by us? I thought you were human. You are, aren’t you? You’re human.” She set her own glass down and got to her feet. Was it possible? How had she missed the signs? The tilt of the head when asking a question. The way Reagan had eaten most of her meals undercooked. Maybe she hadn’t wanted to believe that her new friend was anything other than human.

  “Reagan, are you a shifter?

  Chapter Five

  Shelby knew the answer in the lift of Reagan’s chin. “Hell’s bells, you are, aren’t you? You’re a werewolf.”

  “Yes. I’m a werewolf. But it doesn’t change who I am as a person.”

  The two of them stared at each other as though seeing the other for the first time. Emotions ranging from anger to confusion, from fear to pain raced through Shelby. The first friend she’d made in a long time was a shifter.

  “You should’ve told me,” she whispered.

  “Why?” Reagan came closer. “Why should I have told you? So you could decide if you wanted to be friends with a shifter? Would you, Shelby? Would you have wanted to be my friend if you’d known?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  Reagan jerked back as though Shelby had struck her. “You didn’t tell me you’re a witch. Miranda told me, but don’t you think you should have mentioned it? Why should I tell you what I am, but you don’t have to tell me? Why is it okay for you to prejudge me?”

  “Miranda shouldn’t have said anything. She promised she wouldn’t.”

  “What Miranda did or didn’t do isn’t the issue. Don’t you think I should’ve known you were a witch when I invited you to stay with me? Or does it only work the other way round? Everyone has to tell you what they are, but you can keep all the secrets you want.”

  Shelby snatched her glass up and took a long drink. There was still one secret Reagan didn’t know. “I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry.” Yet was she? If given another chance, would she tell Reagan? Would she tell her she was a witch? Would she tell her she was dying, too?