Shifters Forever Worlds Epic Collection Volume 3

by Elle Thorne

  Circe nodded. “Maybe.” She turned to Marco. “What do you think?”

  “I think that’s as good an idea as any. At some point of time, then it can be turned over to the elementals, even.”

  “Yeah, I agree.” Circe traced a pattern on the table. “Albani does too.”

  “I’m sorry,” Symone interjected. “Albani?”

  “Circe’s elemental,” Marco explained.

  “Got it.” Symone rose to her feet. “That’s all I had. Just wanted to share the good news. And thank you both for everything you’ve done.”

  “Wait.” Marco stood. “What about your job? Your position with the Circle?”

  “Oh, my position would remain the same.” Symone paused. “If I wanted it. But I think I’d like to take some time away. Turn the reins over to someone else and pursue a different path, for a while, anyway.”

  Circe hugged her. “Thank you. From me and Albani and everyone. And good luck.”

  “You’re welcome.” Symone made her way to the door, and just like that, she was gone.

  Circe turned to Marco, her brow raised. “You missed your chance.”

  He exhaled. “The timing wasn’t right.”

  Circe rolled her eyes.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Symone spread the towel then sank into the sand on the island’s private beach. The same beach where she’d first seen Marco.

  A reluctant smile came to her face at the memory of that day. The way he’d created the rainstorm that brought out the very worst in Brigitte. She rolled over onto her stomach and let the rays warm her fatigued body. Nearby, Max frolicked, chasing the gulls and the waves that made their way to the shoreline.

  She closed her eyes, thinking that a nap would be the best thing for her. She was beyond wiped out. It had been a long three days, trying to put together a case to present to the Circle of Witches, praying they’d see it the way she had. She was spent, emotionally and physically.

  Plus, there was a little something else that bothered her. Marco. He would be leaving now that the short vacation was over and he wasn’t needed to serve as a witness…

  She sighed. She shouldn’t have let herself fall for him. How could she have done that?

  Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

  It’s not like she’d even known him that long. How did she fall for him so fast? She’d lay awake at nights thinking—another reason she was so damned tired—about Marco, and how her feelings had gotten to this point, and so quickly. It had to be the stress of the situation. It brought them closer, and it must have made her feel things that weren’t real.

  But they feel real. Very real.

  With yet another sigh, she rolled over and sat up, tucking her legs against her body and putting her chin on knees. She watched wave after wave, and wondered what she would do with herself now that she was leaving the Witches’ Circle.

  She could visit her mother.

  The faint sound of crunching in the sand came from behind her.

  “Had enough, boy?” she asked Max.

  “Enough what?” Marco’s deep—and too sexy—voice came from behind her.

  She snapped her head around and watched him approach. Shirtless, in swimming trunks, carrying a beach towel, he could have walked right off the set of a sexiest man photo shoot.

  Hoping her hunger for him didn’t show in her face, she turned around and lowered her head. “I thought you were Max.”

  “No problem. Mind sharing your beach?”

  “Not technically mine,” she responded.

  “Not technically an answer.”

  “You’re right. I don’t mind sharing.”

  He laid his towel out next to hers. “Thought a bit of sun and maybe a swim sounded perfect. Guess I wasn’t the only one.”

  She met his gaze, lost in the depths of those dark eyes. “I’d thought I could nap, but no luck.”

  His brow rose. “Couldn’t sleep?”

  She gave a half-shrug. As though she could share her feelings with him. Not a chance. “Restless, I suppose.”

  “You’ve been through a lot. Lots of changes. Including your decision to leave the Circle. That’s a big step.” His tone was sincere, questioning, and something else. Something she couldn’t put her finger on. “What will you do, now that you won’t have the responsibilities of the Circle.” He let out a low, self-deprecating laugh. “Not that I know what kinds of duties you had.”

  She looked at him, thinking how much she’d miss that crooked smile that he sometimes had when he wasn’t sure about things. How do you miss someone you’ve not even known a week? Had it been a week? It felt like a lifetime.

  He cleared his throat, and she realized she’d been lost in her meandering thoughts. “Sorry. What?”

  He picked up a handful of sand, let it sift through his fingers slowly. Finally, he said, “Were you relieved when Quake took Orimith out?”

  She cocked her head. “I can’t lie. I was. I am. I’ve borne the guilt of Donald’s death for so long. But now I know it wasn’t me. It was circumstance. And a wicked individual.”

  “Donald meant a lot to you, didn’t he?”

  She locked gazes with him. “Not in the way you mean.” Then she looked down unable to bear the intensity in his eyes.

  Many moments passed, many moments of silence, then he said, “In what way then?”

  She raised her head. His face was closer. So close that the stubble coming in was evident. His full lips, sculpted cheekbones, chiseled jawline.

  “He was more like a brother, truth be told.” Her own voice was breathless, catching her off guard. His closeness unnerved her. Her, a woman not prone to this behavior.

  And yet, she still couldn’t tear her eyes from his. Nor could she pull away as his head lowered, as his breath mingled with hers. His head dropped, and her lips parted as if they were controlled by another force, as though she were far above and watching. She closed her eyes as his tongue slipped into her mouth, sending tendrils of sensations surging throughout her body as it danced with hers. His mouth took her captive, claiming her completely until she was panting.

  A loud bark from nearby had them pulling away while a golden flash of color appeared in the depths of his eyes. A cold canine nose pressed against her cheek. She giggled and pushed Max away.

  Max barked happily.

  Marco had a smile on his face.

  “What?” she gave a mock grimace.

  He raised his shoulders. “Perfect timing, Max. Not.”

  Max barked in reply.

  “Does Max like to swim?” Marco asked her.

  “Hasn’t since a ray tagged him once. A few months back.”

  “Excellent.” Marco jumped to his feet and held a hand out, helping her up. “Let’s get in the water.”

  They sprinted toward the waves.

  Max ran in circles around them, barking his protestations while they splashed their way to water that was above their midriffs.

  Out of breath, she stumbled in the water.

  Marco wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling. “Too forward?”

  God, no he wasn’t too forward. She looked in his eyes, saw the sincerity of his question. “Can I be honest?”

  He nodded, planting a kiss on her nose.

  “If you were any other man, you would be put in your place.”

  “Oh, I recall what that feels like. I won’t press my luck.”

  On the shore, Max barked his irritation at being left out of the picture.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Marco tuned out Max and studied Symone. Looked deeply into her eyes. He took her chin between his fingers and kept it hostage. Not that she seemed unwilling. Far from it.

  “Think this is real?” he asked her then wondered why he even let that thought slip out. Or even seep into his consciousness. Probably because he hadn’t had a real relationship. Not really.

  Thanks for that, Jaron.

  He could imagine Jaron’s smile, pearly in his dark face as he tilted hi
s head back and released a smile. He missed his old friend. Almost an alter-ego, actually. Not anymore, Marco was flying solo now.

  And he didn’t mind it. Enjoyed it, really, except for the whole missing-Jaron thing.

  Symone’s gaze was intense as she studied him. She hadn’t answered yet. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Jaron, and how weird it is not having him around.”

  “Oh, yeah—” She gave a slight smirk. “It seems you owe me some stories…”

  “Not a chance.” He brought her face closer and leaned in, taking her lips, claiming her mouth. Their kiss lasted only moments, but it almost felt like an eternity. He pulled away. “That part of my past is beyond irrelevant.”

  “I like hearing that,” her voice was a low, husky whisper.

  “Know what I’d like hearing?”

  She looked at him, a question in her eyes.

  “The answer to my question.”

  She paused, a confused expression on her face until awareness took over. “You mean about it being real?”

  He nodded. That was exactly what he meant. Because, the emotions he was feeling were overwhelming, to say the least.

  “I don’t have much experience with relationships…”

  “Likewise.”

  She blew out a breath. “But I know my feelings are real.” This time she studied him as though waiting for something. Anything.

  “As are mine. And I’d like to explore them.” Of course, he didn’t tell her of the other things he’d like to explore. Damn it. He was thankful for the water. At least it would hide that part.

  “I’d like to explore them too.”

  “Hey, lovebirds!” came a voice from the shore.

  He turned his head, looked then turned back to Symone. “Jenner?”

  She shook her head. “Cedric.”

  “Maybe one day I’ll be able to tell without actually having to smell them.”

  Symone gave him a weird look. “What?”

  “They have different scents.” He pointed to his nose. “My panther, super shifter nose here. I can tell them apart when I’m close enough to discern their scent.”

  “Gotcha.” She tilted her head. “Do I have a particular scent?”

  “Do you ever.” He winked. “And it’s pretty damned pleasant.”

  “Hey!” Cedric’s tone was more insistent. “Get out here. I need to talk to you two.”

  Seconds later, they’d joined her brother on the shore.

  Cedric arched a brow.

  “Not a word,” Symone cautioned him.

  “Your secret’s safe with me, Noni.”

  Marco couldn’t stop from making a small sound of amusement at her nickname. He’d have to tease her later. “What’s up, Cedric?”

  “Circle wanted to make you an offer, Marco.”

  Marco offered Symone a towel. “Do tell.” Then wrapped one around his shoulders. “Do I need to see them or…”

  “No. They’ve told me to pass the message on, since—” He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Since Symone’s abdicated her position, they’ve asked me and Jenner to be interim heads.”

  Marco watched Symone, to see if she was disappointed or at all regretted her decision. This mattered to him because if she did, he wasn’t sure how that would figure into their taking things to another level.

  “The Circle made a wise choice, Cedric.” Symone hugged her brother.

  He was relieved to see she seemed proud of her brothers and not the least bit bothered.

  “What’s the message?” Okay, maybe patience wasn’t necessarily Marco’s strong suit.

  “The Circle would like to find out if you’re interested in being a liaison.”

  Symone pulled her wet hair off her shoulders and put it back. “Liaison for what?” Then she turned to Marco. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to butt in.”

  “S’okay. That’s the exact question I was going to ask.”

  “Well, seems the Circle met with Alara and Jaron, talked to them about their goals, etcetera. Long story, short. They feel it would be helpful to have someone who’s gone through the process—”

  “Whoa.” Marco pulled him up short. “What process?”

  “The parting-ways-with-an-elemental process,” Cedric clarified.

  “Gotcha. Thanks. So, how would I be helpful?”

  “You could assist with those who have elementals and who are transitioning out. The role’s not completely clear, they said. There’s no job description.” Cedric smiled at that, then shrugged. “If you’re interested. I’m not sure I’m the most eloquent of emissaries they could have sent to offer you the position.” Then as an afterthought almost, he added, “It’s a paid position.”

  Marco looked at Symone, then turned back to Cedric. “I’d like a little bit of time to think about it.” And to talk to Symone, he thought, but didn’t say.

  “They want to make the offer themselves, so…” Cedric shrugged. “Think you can pretend I only mentioned the meeting part? And put on a performance when you hear about the offer?”

  “Sure.” Marco laughed.

  Symone shook her head. “I hope the Circle knows what sort of a rebel they brought in to run things down here.”

  Cedric raised a brow. “Oh, you broke no rules, huh?”

  Symone turned her attention to the sand, one toe making patterns in it.

  Marco smiled at the siblings’ exchange. It reminded him too much of his relationship with his own sisters.

  Marco had thanked Cedric and seen him on his way. Now he was walking through the forest with Symone, accompanied by an exuberant and enthusiastic Max.

  “So where is this place of yours, if you don’t stay at the villa? And why don’t you? Stay at the villa, I mean.”

  She shrugged, the gesture elegant and bringing attention to the back of her neck as he followed behind her on the single-file-path through the forest, up the mountain.

  “I prefer not to be in a gaggle of people at times. Many times.” She turned back to give a look. “I suppose I’m more of the solitary type.”

  He hoped that wasn’t supposed to be some sort of a warning. “I’ll try not to encroach on your alone time too much.”

  She turned around completely. “I didn’t mean it quite like that. I just—” Another shrug. “Too many siblings.”

  “Try having someone living in your head all the time. All your life.”

  “Touché. Point made.” She laughed, an exuberant sound that was contagious. “I’m lucky I didn’t have to deal with that, I suppose.” Symone turned and began the trek again.

  “What do you think about Cedric’s—well, the Circle’s, actually—offer?”

  “What do I think of it?” she asked over her shoulder. “In what way would it matter what I thought of it?”

  He took her arm and spun her around, then pressed the both of them against a palm tree. “Because I plan to spend a lot of time with you, going forward, woman.”

  She laughed softly. “Is that a question?”

  “I’m hoping it’s more like one of those rhetorical questions. You know, I guess the kind where the answer’s obvious?” He kissed her lips tenderly. “And in this case, that obvious answer should be a yes.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him back. “It is a yes. But I had hoped to travel. Some.”

  “Where to?”

  “No laughing. No judging.”

  “Cross my heart.” He leaned back and made the symbol over his chest.

  “I’d like to see Bear Canyon Valley.”

  “Cool place.” He could get onboard with that.

  “I’d like to meet Mae.”

  “Cool lady.”

  “And I’d like to meet Lucia. And learn more about Quake.”

  “I have a feeling he doesn’t want people to get to know more about him.”

  She nodded. “I get the same feeling. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to.”

  Shit. This woman would get him into all kinds of trouble,
he could see that. At the same time, he couldn’t imagine anything else he’d rather do than be with her, getting into and out of trouble. “Bear Canyon Valley, it is. Maybe you’ll get to meet Griz.”

  “Griz? Is that like…” She made a face. “I don’t even want to know what that could be. It sounds like a pet’s name. Or a bear’s name.”

  He laughed, the sound breaking the silence in the forest. Max barked as though he wanted to be in the merriment as well.

  “No. Griz is far from anyone’s pet. But he is a grizzly bear shifter. One of legendary status, it seems, though he doesn’t brag on himself. And like Quake, he doesn’t like to impart much information about himself.”

  “Ohhh, sounds perfectly mysterious. I’ll need a tour guide.” She trailed her finger along his jawline. “I’m taking applications.”

  He raised a brow and pressed her harder against the tree. “I hope you’re only taking one application,” he informed her as he leaned in, his lips seeking hers.

  “Only one.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  A bark pulled Symone from a deep sleep. She nuzzled the warm pillow next to her.

  Wait. What? Warm? Pillow?

  Not soft enough to be a pillow. Not furry enough to be Max. Her eyes flew open.

  There, next to her, sitting on her bed, a hard thigh against her cheek, was a gorgeous man. That’s a sight she didn’t see often. Actually, ever, it seemed.

  Symone pulled back and studied him. “Marco.” She gave him a sleepy smile. “Hold on. What are you doing here?”

  He’d spent the last two nights on her couch, insisting that he wanted to be a gentleman and not rush anything until she was ready. Symone would have argued the point—and God knew, her body wanted her to argue the point—but she didn’t.

  Every evening, she’d lain in her bed wondering why she’d let him take the lead on that. Then again, she appreciated a guy that didn’t immediately try to get in her pants. Though if there was a guy she’d gladly—

  She pushed that thought away.

  “Hey, sleepyhead.” He pushed a lock of her hair off her cheek. “You were talking in your sleep.”