by Haley Weir
"Oh?"
He nodded with a dimpled smile as his hands cupped her hips. "I'm yours to do with as you please," he replied. "I have just one request..."
She looked up into his gorgeous eyes. "And what is that?"
"A kiss."
"Are you hoping to seduce me with a single kiss?" she chuckled. "What if you turn into a frog or something?"
"A frog?"
"Well, you're already a prince. I don't know how magic works outside of the stories." She held her breath to keep the giggles under control. Caleb leaned his head against her shoulder and snorted. She found the sound adorable coming from such a fierce man. "All right..."
He leaned back and cupped her cheek. "All right?"
She nodded and closed her eyes. Caleb pressed his lips against hers as his arms circled her waist. Rina wrapped her arms around his large shoulders and felt the muscle of his chest against her. Caleb's tongue swiped along the seam of her lips, and Rina moaned into his mouth. He teased her, beckoning her tongue out to play with his as a deep rumble came from his chest. Rina pulled him closer with her legs and felt the hardness of his erection brush her belly.
Fire coursed through her veins and set her soul on fire. Caleb stumbled back with a gasp and looked down at his hip where a brand—much like the one on her neck—appeared vividly. Rina jumped off the counter and pointed to the mark. "Why did it show up only now?"
"I think...I think it's because you've opened yourself up to the bond. Which would mean..."
"That you wanted more than just a casual arrangement with me from the beginning," she snapped. "You lied to me and coerced me into—”
"Nothing. I suspected my mind had changed after Casey gave birth to Sam, but I wasn't sure. And, clearly, I wasn't the only one." Caleb looked at the mark in the mirror and traced it with his finger.
Rina laughed bitterly as she recalled doing the same when hers first showed up. "There's nothing good that can come from us being together."
"Do you think this is a game? Do you think I thought a mate and children were ever in the cards for me? I ran from this place a lot faster than you run from commitment."
"There you go with the hypocrisy again!" Rina tossed her hands up into the air. "And, for your information, you still aren't getting a mate and children because I can't give you what you want."
~*~
Caleb flinched as the door slammed. Every time he thought he had found neutral ground with Rina he was pushed away faster than he could recover. He changed into something more presentable and headed into the hall. Caleb knocked on Seth's door and found his brother looking...normal. Far more ordinary than he expected to find him, at least. Gone was the outgrown hair and long beard.
Seth's hair was cut close to the scalp, and his face was cleanly shaven. He was still thin and pale from being held in the cell, but his wounds had healed. But there was a darkness in Seth's eyes that Caleb wasn't used to. "Don't worry. I have my tongue back."
"I won't ask how you're doing. I know there are wounds that others can't see. Wounds that never quite heal."
Seth scoffed and pulled on his shirt. "Don't compare my situation with your football career, Caleb. I hardly think they're similar."
"I just think—”
"I don't care," Seth barked. "I was tortured for a year and shoved in a dark hole. I was fed scraps from the trash bins and forced to sit in a soiled cell. You were there for...what? Two weeks? I bit off my own tongue and spat it in Madeu's face."
"You did it for the family. I'm grateful, Seth."
"Like I said, I don't care. You came after me to prove yourself in Giddeon's eyes," Seth said accusingly. "Your mate saved our lives. A human with no powers of her own got me out of there while the rest of you were afraid of political backlash." Caleb grabbed Seth's arm and hit the ground hard. A fist collided with his jaw, and he spit blood onto the rug. Seth straightened his clothing and grabbed his phone. "I'm leaving. I have a place to stay in town, and I don't intend to come back until I'm ready. The election for sheriff is in a few months, and I'm hoping this is my year. Tell Giddeon I'll call him when I'm settled."
"Seth..." Caleb climbed to his feet and shook off the punch. "You don't have to go. Come on, Seth. I went after you because you're my brother and I care about what happens to you."
"Madeu is our brother, but I wouldn't lift a finger to save him. We're heirs that share the same sire, but we are anything but family," Seth claimed.
Caleb left Seth alone and went in search of Giddeon. He rubbed his sore jaw as he wandered into the study. Giddeon sat behind his desk and glanced up in a way only Giddeon could manage. It was a combination of the kingly airs he perfected in their youth and the inquisitive nature of an older brother. "What is it now, Caleb?"
"Seth is leaving."
Giddeon stood up quickly. "He can't! If he leaves this castle, he'll be exposed to our enemies. It isn't safe for any of us to go—”
"He doesn't care, Giddeon," he sighed as he plopped into the chair across from the desk. "What more could they do to him? Besides, they've had Seth and I in their clutches and got nothing out of us. You should focus on Balor and Damien."
"Damien?"
"They must have seen him when I was on the island. And we both know that the loyalty of family friends can only go so far," Caleb replied. "If they get him...we're as good as dead."
"I won't insult his friendship with unfounded accusations. You may have your doubts about him after his fight with Rina, but he's my friend and has been for centuries."
"I'm starting to see what my own brothers think of my character," he scoffed. "Seth thinks I'm a heartless bastard, you think I'm petty and that I don't care about our people, and Balor thinks I'm a lowlife mooching off the family fortune."
Giddeon slammed his fists on the desk and glared at Caleb. "I'm sorry your feelings are hurt, but you need to grow up. I'm running a company and a kingdom, if you haven't noticed. We're dealing with a revolt against the crown, and now we find out that the man leading the revolution is our brother."
"It isn't just a revolution, Giddeon. I don't think Madeu is who you think he is. Octavius has poisoned his mind, and he's using him to get the throne for himself."
"You...how do you know that?"
"Because Octavius admitted it. Madeu is still a pawn for more cunning minds. First our father and now Octavius," Caleb told his brother. "I didn't go there with selfish intent, despite what Seth thinks. I went there to save Seth and see what I could learn about the Reckoning. Think about that next time my character is called into question." He stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"I'm glad you tried, Caleb, but don't pretend to be honorable." Giddeon returned to his seat and continued his work as if Caleb wasn't there. Caleb knew he had been excused and took his leave.
"Seth isn't the only one leaving. I'm going to try and make things up with Rina."
Chapter Eleven
Destiny, Alaska
Rina laid in bed with Olivia. They munched on a box of Oreos as they stared out the enormous window of the den. Olivia turned onto her belly and pushed her red curls out of her face. "You mean to tell me that you went all Laura Croft on those guys like a total badass?" The sheer volume of Olivia's voice called Diana into the room.
"All of the cool stuff happens when I'm working."
"Wait...you told her?" Rina hit Olivia with a pillow.
"I had to. I was nearly killed by a bunch of bear dudes!"
Diana shrugged like she was unfazed by it all. "Giddeon sort of gave himself away with the movie script. I admire him for wanting to tackle the modern world to provide for his people. I don't know how he gets any sleep with a new baby and running the agency on top of everything else."
"All of them could use a vacation," Olivia added. "I saw Seth coming into town. He looks like he's been through hell and—from what you've told me—I'd say he has. God, could you imagine?"
"I don't have to imagine; I was there." Rina felt her eyes burn from unshed
tears. "That place was terrible. Caleb and Seth were beaten and practically starved."
"You're lucky to be alive."
"I didn't care about myself. All I cared about was getting them out of there alive, even if it killed me." She closed the cookie package and swiped the wine bottle from Olivia. "Seeing Caleb like that was hard. He's so strong and proud, but they had broken something in him."
"What are you going to do about the mate thing?"
"I like Caleb, but he's just like all the other guys. He wants things I can't give him," Rina explained. "It's easier not choking on the false dreams that they want to shove down my throat."
"A lot of people can't have kids, Rina. That doesn't mean you can't find love and happiness with someone. You could certainly do worse than Caleb Black."
"You guys don't understand," Rina argued. "You've never had to watch a man lose hope for the future because you told him you're infertile. I have! And Caleb isn't just a random guy; he's a prince. His sole purpose is to secure the continuation of their bloodline."
Diana grabbed the cookies and kicked her feet up. "Maybe. But didn't you two make a perfect match through the agency? I don't think Caleb wants children."
"He told me his mind changed after Casey had the baby," she grumbled. "One look at his nephew probably put a lot of things into perspective."
"But magic is real, Rina. Don't you think being Caleb's mate means something?" Diana glanced up like a meerkat sensing a predator. "Speaking of Caleb—I think he's here."
"What?" Rina bounded to her feet and slid across the floor in her socks. Sure enough, there was a knock on the door. Olivia pushed her aside and allowed Caleb into the cabin. He set down his bags beside the door. "You're staying?" she asked.
"Diana invited me to stay."
Rina whirled around and glared at Diana, who ignored her. Caleb lowered his voice and leaned down into her personal space. "You ran before we finished talking. And I don't want you to think that I have expectations of you. All I ask is that we keep our minds open to the possibilities."
"Possibilities? Caleb, I made myself very clear. We're attracted to each other, but I can't give you what you want—”
"You don't know what I want. Stop thinking for both of us when I'm perfectly capable of thinking for myself," he whispered. Caleb brushed his thumb against her lip and stared into her eyes. "I told you that I'm yours, Rina. No matter what that means for you."
Rina gawked as he pulled away and wandered over to their little pillow fort on the floor. He removed his boots and jacket before lying down. Rina watched as he fit himself into her life without an ounce of hesitation. He joked with Olivia and shared stories with Diana. All while wearing a smile on his face. There was so much charismatic charm and ease in the way he conducted himself. Rina sat on the couch and tucked her legs under.
"So, how does it feel to turn into a bear?" Olivia asked.
"Well, there are two types of shifters in our Sleuth. My brothers and I are Alphas because we are descendants of gods. Our power comes from the magic of our bloodline," he explained. "But our people are different. In the times of the ancient kings, they worshiped us as protectors and the gods blessed them with a beast form. One that can only be summoned by their king."
"That's why the Reckoning seem human. They aren't part of the Sleuth and they don't worship the old gods." The words left Rina's mouth before she realized it. "I just mean that they must feel abandoned. Envy is a human sin, right? They want what you have—what they were denied for so long."
Caleb turned towards Rina. "I think you're right. I know what it feels like to be an outsider, to feel unwelcome in a world that I fought and bled for. I'm not human. I was born this way, but they were given a gift by the gods, and my father took it away. He abandoned them."
Olivia's jaw went slack as she crawled towards Caleb. "Which god did you descend from? This...this is amazing! Do you have any idea how cool this is?" Rina watched her friend collapse onto the pillows.
Caleb seemed to take it in stride. "It feels good to be able to talk about these things. But, to answer your question, I don't remember. It's been so long since I've spoken our language that I wouldn't even know what it translates to. I'm sure there's a painting or something in the palace or in one of the temples."
~*~
He knew Rina was watching him with a hawk-like intensity. Caleb genuinely enjoyed Olivia and Diana's company. The jokes flowed easily enough between the three of them. Rina spoke up from time to time, but she mostly listened. Caleb was tired of her sulking and dragged her onto the floor beside him.
He grazed his hands along the spot he knew was the most ticklish, and she erupted into a bout of hearty laughter. Rina kicked and squirmed, but Caleb didn't let up. She rolled onto her side and thumped him on the shoulder. "Enough!" she pleaded. Rina swatted at his arms until Caleb pinned her down. He kissed her cheek and pushed a cookie past her lips.
"So, Diana, I hear you are immortalizing my family in a script. How's that going?"
"Giddeon is consulting, but it's good to know you guys aren't just stuffy royals in bear costumes. You're different than he is. You don't take yourself too seriously," Diana replied. "I dig it."
"Thanks, I guess." Caleb winked at Rina and pulled her against his side. She stiffened for a moment before she relaxed into his hold. Olivia slithered upstairs, and Diana followed with her laptop in tow. Once they were alone, Caleb felt as if he could finally breathe. Just having her in his arms soothed the anger and bitterness that had lingered after his talk with his brothers. "Seth thinks you're a saint, by the way."
"I'm an angel, but I wouldn't call myself a saint."
"I'd call you a temptress," Caleb snickered. He kissed her shoulder and felt her shiver. "We need to talk about some things, Rina. Running and hiding isn't going to solve our issues."
"Let's start by forgetting the marks on our skin and just...taking a deep breath for once. I'm tired of running in circles and having these conversations." She trailed her hand along the open collar of his shirt. Rina plucked open the top button and flattened her palm against his chest.
"Then, how about a date?"
"You're not serious." Rina tugged her bottom lip between her teeth, and Caleb felt the urge to kiss her again. Her eyes flickered up to his, and Rina frowned. "You...really? Haven't we proven that our dates end in disaster?"
"We can start over. Pretend like we don't know each other and give this another try." Caleb knew he was asking a lot. In truth, he wasn't sure if he deserved a second chance with Rina. He wasn't surprised that she was so confused. He was confused himself. Life had changed for him the second he realized he wanted to start thinking about his future—a future with Rina if fate had its way.
"I guess there's no harm in trying. After all, this is my life now. Wolves, bears, magic...I might as well get used to it." Rina's hand clenched into a fist. "It hurts you, doesn't it? When you change?"
Shame burned in the back of his throat. Caleb rubbed his eyes with the heel of his palm and sighed. "The wars I fought for my father wounded me. Football worsened my injuries until I was broken inside. Shifting does cause me pain. It's agony."
"Then why do it?"
"Stopping would mean denying a part of me that is crucial. It would be like asking a human to stop breathing."
"So, there's no separation between the man and the bear?"
Caleb shook his head with a yawn. "We adapted to survive with the passage of time, but the heart you feel beating against your fist belongs to a bear. It's who I am." He stroked her cheek and watched the wheels turn in her head. The brilliance of his mate never failed to impress him. Caleb sat up with a start. Mate. It was strange and yet liberating to apply such a taboo word to Rina. Commitment terrified him more than anything. Forever was a long time in the lifespan of a shifter. He ran his fingers through his hair and banished the thoughts from his mind. Caleb refused to give his heart to Rina until he was certain he could have hers in return.
"What is it?"
she asked.
"Nothing. Just a thought I had...don't worry." Caleb reclined back on the pillows and held Rina once again. She rested her chin on his chest and unbuttoned his shirt entirely. Her hand spread across his abdomen, and a flicker of interest sparked in her eyes.
Caleb's hand flexed against her side as she explored his body with wicked curiosity. "We said we were starting over, Rina. This feels like—” He hissed as she toyed with his right nipple. Her lips touched the center of his chest, and his back arched off the pillows.
"Stop thinking," she whispered. Her tongue flicked out and left a wet trail from one side of his chest to the other. Caleb gripped a handful of pillow beneath him and submitted. Nails scraped lightly down his torso, causing him to shiver from head to toe. Rina seemed to revel in his responses.
"You're a tease."
"Maybe. But you like it," she chuckled lightly as her hand slipped between them and brushed his erection. Sex seemed the only way Rina knew how to communicate her feelings. Caleb knew it wasn't healthy for her to use it as a shield, to build a wall of lust between them, but there was a vulnerability to Rina that he was helpless to deny. A softness entered her mischievous gaze, and he got the impression that she wanted to please him. Caleb gripped her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
She hesitated. "Honestly? I'm afraid. I keep thinking I'll wake up in that cell if I fall asleep. But I'm not so scared with you near me. I guess I just need to feel something other than sadness or anger right now."
He cupped her cheek and pulled her in for a quick peck on the lips. "Just tonight, Rina. After that, I want to get to know you. We'll go on dates and talk on the phone like normal people."
She flinched but bobbed her head in response. Caleb wanted to remove the fear in her eyes, so he leaned forward and claimed her mouth in a kiss that took his breath away. The slow slide of her tongue against his caused his body to tingle. Arousal shot down to his groin and his member jumped against her hand. Rina moaned quietly and rubbed circles into the sensitive head until a wet patch appeared on his trousers. Caleb shifted his hips to feel more friction. He moved his hands to her hair and rolled on top of her.