TORCH: Underground Encounters 9

by Carlisle, Lisa

His gaze caressed her with its warmth. “I held on to you, Rachel, so that wouldn’t happen. And most of all, to keep you safe.”

  “I don’t know what to say, except thank you.”

  “Think nothing of it.”

  “No, it means a lot to me. The world, in fact.” She had to express how much it meant. How much he meant. “Thank you for not running from me when you learned the secret. For protecting me from the man who’d destroyed my life. For caring about me.”

  His eyes were gentle as he smiled at her. “He’s the one who bit you, isn’t he? The werewolf from last night?”

  “Yes.” She bit her lip and rubbed her toes together. “He figured it out. I feel like such a fool for not doing so myself.”

  “I’m assuming he was in werewolf form the night it happened, so how could you know?”

  She groaned. “True. I don’t know how he even recognized me. I never remember what happens when I shift.”

  “The effect could be different for everyone. After all, it’s an affliction. You weren’t born that way.” His voice was as gentle as his kind eyes.

  “It’s just—I wish I knew. Maybe I could’ve done something sooner, so it didn’t get to that point.”

  “We can’t change what happened.”

  She tipped her head back and blinked. “It’s unthinkable that I could ever cause you harm.”

  “I’m quite resilient, Rachel. I may not be fast, but I have gargoyle strength and a thick hide. I can change at will and fly if need be. Plus, I’m a shifter. If you bite me, it won’t have the same effect as it would on a human.”

  She peered at him. “You wouldn’t be cursed like me?”

  He straightened. “No.”

  “What a relief.” She covered her heart. “I’m so glad you returned when you did.”

  He took her hand and kissed the knuckles. “It was an honor for me to do so.”

  “Really? It was quite a gruesome fight.”

  “I’m a gargoyle, Rachel. We’re the guardians of the earth. And sometimes we feel compelled to protect one person, in particular. We’re drawn to that person because of a bond, a deep connection between them.”

  She peered at him. “You think we have that bond?”

  “I’m certain of it.” With a lopsided smile, he added, “For someone who has been wandering the forests in search of himself, that’s a big realization.”

  She laughed. “What does this mean? You’re like my guardian angel or something like that?”

  “No.” He shook his head and rubbed between his brows. “Perhaps I wasn’t being clear.”

  “It’s probably me. What happened last night is still simmering in my head as I try to make sense of them. Like molecules that bounce off each other. Under the right conditions, they’ll fuse.”

  He took her hand and caressed her palm. “It’s more than just wanting to protect you. That’s instinct, yes. What I feel for you runs deeper than that. When a shifter finds a mate, it changes their world. Priorities become clearer. Love changes everything.”

  “Love? Am I hearing you correctly?”

  “Of course. I love you, Rachel. I came back because I couldn’t go forward without letting you know how I feel. I came back to show you who I really am and to ask if you could accept me, knowing the truth.”

  Her heart burst open as restraints collapsed. A sense of lightness and hope floated within. “Do you still want me after knowing what I am?”

  “Of course. You found the right crew.”

  “How so?”

  “If anyone can empathize with the bitter injustice of being cursed, it’s my brothers and me,” Mattias replied.

  What was he talking about? “Mattias?”

  “We’d spent over a dozen years living under a curse, which was broken earlier this year.”

  “Someone cursed you? How?”

  “A witch in France, someone Lucan had met when they were young, took vengeance upon him when she realized she wanted more from their relationship than he did. She used dark magic to force him to remain in stone, which is one of our gargoyle forms. And she was so vindictive, she lashed out at those around him, namely Danton and me.”

  Emptiness tugged in her ribs. “You were trapped in stone for all that time?”

  “Most of it. Her curse was powerful, but not strong enough to suppress a gargoyle’s instinct to protect others. If we saw someone who needed help, we’d break free to protect them. Then we’d have twenty-four hours before returning to stone. In fact, that’s how Danton met Tracy.”

  Rachel blinked. This was amazing. If she hadn’t seen him in that alternate form last night, she wouldn’t have believed it.

  “I can’t believe this, Mattias. Here I am feeling sorry for myself for changing one night a month, but you—you were trapped for years!”

  He took a deep breath and exhaled with a whoosh. “I’m free now. And oddly, that’s part of the reason why I’ve felt so lost since the curse was broken.”

  The haunted glimmer in his eyes tugged at her soul. “Oh, goodness. I can’t imagine.”

  “I’d spent all those years dreaming of freedom, but then once I finally had it, I thought there had to be something more. I needed to do something with my life. Have a reason for living. If not, what difference did it make whether I was man or stone?”

  “Oh, Mattias, you have so much to offer. I’ve never met anyone so remarkable. So considerate. What you did for me last night was more than I could ever expect from anyone.”

  He implored her with a deep, soulful gaze. “Because you’re the one, Rachel. My purpose. My love. My fate.”

  Both of her hands fluttered to her cheeks. “I’m in awe. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Don’t say anything right now. You’ve been through a lot.”

  She nodded, thankful for the time to mull it over. But, what more did she have to think about? She’d fallen for him a long time ago. All her fears vanished when he didn’t reject her on learning her secret. He accepted her for who she was. He was everything she needed, yet didn’t know she’d lacked.

  She’d lost control last night, her greatest fear. And still, he wanted her. In fact, he’d held on to her in her wild rage, as powerful as a mountain being battered by a storm. Letting go wasn’t as devastating with him at her side. She could trust him even with her darkest secret.

  “I don’t need more time.”

  “Rachel?”

  “I want to give us a chance. See where this goes.”

  When he smiled, his entire face beamed. He opened his arms to her, and she rushed in.

  After he covered her face with kisses, she pulled back and sighed. “Never would I have thought that I’d end up cursed by a werewolf. And beyond that, meeting a man who is a shifter.” She peered at him. “Does this mean you’re not human at all?”

  “When I’m in human form, I’m essentially human.”

  “But quite larger.”

  “And stronger, too.”

  She let out a short laugh. “Before this happened, I decided I had to let you know about my big, bad, furry secret. It looks like the universe wanted it to come out in a much more dramatic way.”

  He laughed. “It was a Supermoon last night. The universe must have wanted an impressive show.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “I’d also decided I had to confide in you about who I really am. It had been driving me crazy knowing you were keeping secrets, but I was being a hypocrite for doing the same. I think the universe is trying to tell us something else.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “To be honest with each other. No more secrets.”

  A true partnership. She covered her heart. “Right. We need to trust each other.”

  “I already do.” He took her hand and caressed her palm. “I don’t want to scare you off, Rachel, but you’re my mate. I know that with every molecule of my being. Maybe they’re fused or what—I don’t know how you explained it. What it means in the shifter world is a lot. To me, it means eve
rything.”

  So many emotional reactions tugged at her. She squeezed back tears of joy and released a breathy laugh. “You can’t scare me off after what I saw last night. Although, I have to admit, your gargoyle form is terrifying.”

  “That’s the point.” He grinned. “If our appearance doesn’t scare off the bad guys, some brute force behind our intimidating forms will.”

  “True.” She ran her fingers over his cheek. It was so soft in comparison to what had appeared so tough and leathery last night. “I prefer touching you in this form.”

  “Touch all you want. In any form at any time. I’m yours, Rachel, if you’ll have me.”

  She stared into the deep, imploring eyes of her lover, finding all the love, compassion, and acceptance she could ever hope for. “Yes. And I’m yours. Always.”

  Epilogue

  Three months later

  Mattias flew to Vamps to prepare for the night. Autumn had fallen over New England, beginning its show for the season. Leaves the colors of fiery sunsets peeked through the greenery below. The moon would return in full force tomorrow.

  How strange for him to have moved on from Vamps, and then ending up back there in a different role. Yet, it all seemed as if it was meant to be that way. He’d found a calling—this position gave him an outlet to pursue his love of music as well as satisfy his need to protect his mate.

  His mate.

  Never would he have thought he’d find one, let alone one who was a human cursed to become a supe once a month. She’d managed to keep the transition under control with the witch’s potion, but still, there was no cure yet for her ailment. Yet, they faced it together each month.

  After he headed inside the club, he found Maya in the office they shared. She rose from the desk chair, revealing her rounded belly. Since the baby was due in only a few short months, she only came in once or twice a week now.

  They greeted each other, and then she moved to business matters. “I meant to ask you—can you confirm that the Velvet Cocks will be playing next weekend?”

  The band was one of the club favorites. Regulars often asked when the local band would return.

  “Already done,” he said. “I spoke to Nico yesterday.”

  “Thanks.” She covered her forehead. “Ah, you told me this yesterday. I remember now. I’m telling you pregnancy brain is actually a thing.” She lowered her hand. “I’m so grateful that you’re here, Mattias. Tristan and I both are so happy with how you’ve been keeping things running smoothly.”

  “My pleasure. I’m glad to help out however I can. By the way, I booked a new act for next month. I heard a buzz about them. Different. And pretty outrageous.”

  Maya smiled. “Sounds perfect.” She grabbed her coat. “I’m going to get out of here and get some rest.”

  He smiled. “Everything’s under control here. Have a good night.”

  Darla would be by later to drop off the potion. He told Rachel he’d take care of it. After he finished his shift, he flew to her house—no, their house. He’d moved in soon after the incident with the werewolf.

  She was in bed, but stirred when he entered the bedroom.

  “I have it.” He raised the bag with the potion.

  She sat up. “What a relief. Thank you. How can I repay you?”

  “You don’t ever have to repay me with anything. I love you and am happy to do things for you.”

  She rewarded him with a loving smile that made her chest tighten. Now he understood what his brothers had meant about finding their mates. Having her in his life meant everything to him.

  Her smile turned coquettish. “I was planning on offering up sexual favors. Are they not enticing?”

  He laughed. “Everything about you is enticing.” Then he stripped and joined her in their bed. Kissing her soft shoulder and down along her collarbone, he then teased, “You’re right—payment is due.”

  They didn’t get much sleep that night, but woke later the next morning to make up for it.

  As the hours passed, she paced. The moon began to take its hold.

  “Don’t worry, Rach. We have a plan. It’s worked out well so far.”

  She bestowed a grateful smile. “You’re right. Walk with me?”

  “Of course.” Before she locked herself in the basement, she liked to trek outdoors. Nature soothed the roughest edges of the influence of the moon.

  They’d ventured out to a hiking trail through the woods, and he took her hand. “Are you happy?”

  Beams of sunlight filtered through the foliage above, highlighting the brightness of her smile. Her lips were shiny from a pink gloss and her eyes were bright. Was this the same wary woman he’d first spotted at Vamps? In her jeans and pink hoodie, she appeared as relaxed as a college student on summer break.

  “I couldn’t be any happier.”

  “Same with me. I’d spent much time exploring wildlife like this alone, but it’s much nicer with your company.” The scents and sounds of the forest soothed him, but not like the presence of the woman at his side. Finding his mate and knowing she loved him in return fulfilled him with a purpose he’d lacked.

  “Good, because you’re stuck with me.” She squeezed his hand. “I like being back to a routine. That’s comforting to a control freak like me.” She laughed.

  “You don’t seem too rigid,” he noted.

  “That’s because I’ve relaxed a bit now that I’ve found you.”

  “I didn’t realize I could have that effect on you.”

  “Oh, you do, indeed. I can’t tell you how much of a comfort it is having you with me. The anxiety that typically swells in me like a mushroom cloud isn’t as pronounced.” She gave him a saucy smile and winked. “And the sex isn’t bad either.”

  He laughed. “I thought that was the only reason you kept me around.”

  “In the beginning, maybe. That’s before I discovered you’re the most remarkable person I’ve ever met.”

  Her words warmed him, filling his chest with lightness. “And you’ve provided a comfort to me like I’ve never known. The salve that healed my wounded soul.”

  “Oh.” She covered her heart. “It tears me up whenever I think of how lost you must have felt when you were out wandering, searching for something in the woods.”

  “It was meant to be.” He stepped closer and wrapped her in his arms. “Because that search led me to discover what I’d been looking for, but never realized. You.”

  Two hours later, they’d entered the basement.

  “Are you ready for your underground encounter?” Kelly smirked from the top of the stairs.

  “Ha ha,” Rachel replied. “Yes, I have everything I need down here with me.” She turned to face Mattias. “Everyone I need.”

  Kelly nodded. “See you in the morning.” She locked the basement door.

  While Rachel drank the potion, he played music from her phone through the speakers they’d set up down there. He’d carried more furniture and a small fridge down to make their monthly retreats more comfortable. He also made sure he had a journal and pen down here in case he came up with any lyrics. Bits had been coming to him more and more. Inspired by his muse, all had a romantic flavor.

  He put on a classical playlist. Music was powerful. It could play on emotions, stir up as well as calm.

  She reached beneath the bed and pulled out a large, odd-shaped, wrapped object. “I bought you something. It’s a small way to say thanks.”

  “What is this?”

  “Open it and see!” She squirmed with excitement.

  He removed the silver wrapping paper to reveal a guitar case. “Rachel…” When he opened the case, he admired a dark red acoustic guitar.

  “It’s—it’s beautiful.” He pulled it out and strummed the strings.

  She touched his shoulder. “I thought you’d like to try something else to unleash all that creative talent just bursting to get out of you. And I hate taking you from the piano.”

  He’d been learning to play courtesy of weekly pia
no lessons and videos on the Internet.

  His heart thumped as he ran his fingers along the length. “Thank you. It’s the most considerate thing anyone has ever done for me.” He strummed the strings again. “There’s something I haven’t told you.”

  “Uh-oh. More supernatural secrets?”

  “No.” He laughed. “When I was out west in the forests, I heard the faint sound of a song. To me, it was your song.”

  “I have a song?”

  “Yes. The one you hum when you’re happy. Other parts of the song came to me, like it was the start of something more. Something like this.” He strummed the strings again. “Obviously, I don’t know how to play yet. But I can hear it in my head.”

  “One day, you’ll be able to play it,” she encouraged.

  “Yes. You see, it’s you and me, Rachel. Apart we might exist okay. But together, we can be so much more.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “Yes. I know what you mean.”

  She rolled her neck, closing her eyes and releasing a low moan. “It’s getting to me.”

  The moon’s effect was growing, stirring her sensuality.

  “I’m here for you.”

  “You don’t mind?” When she opened her eyes, they were hooded with desire.

  “How could I mind the woman I love wanting me?”

  She smiled “Then, maybe after you play the guitar, you can play me?”

  He winked. “Oh, that’s coming. We have all night.”

  It didn’t take long for the mood to shift. As the moon rose, she responded to its wild calling. Her skin appeared flushed, breath ragged. She stripped down to her bra and panties, a matching black lace set that made him salivate.

  She turned to him with a lustful look. “I can’t wait much longer. I want you, Mattias.”

  As she prowled over to him, a low growl vibrated in his throat. Inches away, she peered at him from under hooded lids. He ran his fingers over her soft shoulder.

  She slid her body against his like a feline marking her territory. “Need you now.”

  He ran his fingers over her cheeks. “Do with me what you’d like.” Then he lowered his head and kissed her. When he pulled back, he said, “Rachel. You’re the one for me. The only one. I want to pledge myself to you, taking the gargoyle oath. Will you be my mate?”