Fated Treasures

by D T Strange

  Nancy raised a well plucked brown, but responded with nothing more than “Sure, you got it Cam.” The rest of the day went by in a blur and before he was ready for it to end, the day was over. He made his way home, texting his mother as he did and telling her he’d pick her up by five thirty.

  Picking out his dress attire tonight was far easier than last night. At least tonight he knew what he was in for. He was dressed in no time and over at his mother’s. Amazingly, she was on time and ready for him.

  Cam had tried for conversation as he drove them into town, but his mother seemed too nervous to talk much. Once parked, Cam got out, went around to his mother's door and opened it for her. Caitlin gave him a warm smile when he offered her his arm.

  “Allow me to have the honor of escorting you inside and to our table mother.”

  Caitlin placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and slid out of the SUV. Cam could feel her hand tremble a bit as they headed to the restaurant entrance. Tilting his head, he whispered. “You are beautiful mother and if this male Gerri set you up with has half a brain, he’ll think so too. If he has a full brain, he’ll lavish compliments on you all night long.”

  It was Caitlin’s laugh that had heads turning when they stepped inside, which was exactly what Cam had hoped for. The maitre’d turned as well and was smiling at them. “You’re names if you’d please.” Cam nodded to the gentleman, noting that if it hadn’t been for his mother’s laughter, the maitre’d would have probably sounded a bit on the snooty side.

  “My name is Cameron Bishop. The reservation should be for four and was made by Ms. Gerri Wilder”.

  The maitre’d looked over his reservation list and smiled. “Ah yes, we are very fond of Ms. Wilder and were more than happy to arrange for your table tonight. The other two patrons are already here. If you will please, Ramone will guide you to your seats.” Ramone appeared and started to lead them toward a table where a male and a female, presumably, Zeke and Fianna, sat talking. Cam made to follow the waiter, his mother however hadn’t move with him.

  Stopping short, Cam turned to her, and saw something he’d not seen in his mother’s eyes since that day he’d been ten and tried to take his own life. Panic. Sheer panic, filled his strong mother’s eyes and had her trembling like a leaf being blown in a storm. Cam knew he had to help his mother go through with this idea. Because, no matter how whacked it seemed to him, it could mean a chance at happiness for her.

  Caitlin held onto his arm in a death grip. Gently, Cam placed his free hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Come on mom, prince charming awaits your arrival to the ball.” That seemed break through her panic enough to help her relax and even laugh a little. When the waiter once more moved toward the table with its awaiting guests, Cam and his mother followed.

  As they’d neared, Zeke looked up from his conversation with Fianna, his gaze locking onto Cam’s mother. Zeke had quickly stood and held out his hand to Kaitlyn, bowing slightly as he’d introduced himself as Zeke Robertson. That’s all it took. One look and his mother relaxed completely as she moved away from Cam to take the man’s hand. When Zeke had kissed her fingers, Cam had to bite back a growl, along with the urge to step in and protect his family.

  Zeke however, was beaming at his mother and Kaitlyn was doing the same in return. When Cam’s mother had introduced him, Cam shook hands with Zeke, appreciating the males grip. He also scented true adoration coming from Zeke. That was enough to allow Cam and his wolf to relax enough to shift his gaze to Fianna.

  Cam had come along on this double date with the sole intention of humoring his mother. Boredom he’d been sure would prevail over the night for him though. One look at Fianna however, had changed his mind. He was caught by her beauty and felt his scowl slip away.

  His wolf stirred as he caught her scent of sun drenched Earth, leather and Jasmine. Cam continued to let his gaze wander over what he could see of her, his look one of appreciation. When Fianna scowled back at him in return, his lips twitched with a hint of amusement.

  He couldn't help it, she was a looker to be sure, with her long dark hair framing her face. A face that was stunning in its own rights. Smooth, creamy skin, a straight, narrow nose and eyes the rich green of a lush summer meadow the sun was shining down on.

  The longer he studied her, the more his wolf seemed to be clawing at him to get out. What the fuck? His wolf hardly ever wanted anything to do with the women he tended to date. One look at Fianna Arden though and keeping his wolf at bay became as difficult as he imagined it would have been to try and keep him from going after prey.

  Cam knew his look was more wolf than man, but he found himself agreeing with his wolf. Fianna was someone they both seemed to want and that made her dangerous territory. Still he liked that she'd shown him just what she thought of his blatantly predatory gaze upon her.

  When Zeke suggested they all sit down and order food and more drinks, Cam almost growled at him. He was far too in charge and assured of himself for Cam's liking. His focus was drawn from Zeke when his mother lightly touched his arm. Cam scented her irritation at him and suddenly he felt like a cad. Giving a tight nod, he moved to hold his mother's chair, but Zeke had beaten him to it. Feeling a little of balance here, he took his own seat next to Fianna.

  That’s when things got really intense. He didn't know how the hell he was going to be able to talk normally to Fianna when she'd managed to beguile his wolf to the point of the beast wanting to rub up against her, marking her as theirs with his scent.

  Cam swallowed hard wondering where the hell had that desire come from? He hadn’t even said one word to her, let along touched Fianna and his wolf wanted to mark her with his scent? NO way was that happening.

  Never before had he dreaded a night out with a beautiful woman as he suddenly was dreading this one. What for fucks sake had his mother gotten them into he wondered as he placed his drink order then reached for a menu to hide his discomfort. Still, Cam kept glancing out the corner of his eye at Fianna and liking what he saw entirely too much. She had the looks he was attracted to.

  As Cam turned a page of his menu, he caught sight of Fianna’s deepening frown and that had him smirking. Maybe he should try to see if a little fun could be had from this blind date instead of dreading it. After all, what did his wolf truly know? It’s not like Fianna is a shifter and he’d found his mate. Nope and that decided it for him. He’d play this out and maybe, if he played his cards right, they’d end up enjoying more than just dinner together.

  Seven

  Edited Nerves of...Jello?

  Cameron Bishop was sitting entirely too close to. That was Fi’s first impression when he took the seat next to her. She was suddenly surrounded by the scent of pines, earth and something completely wild that she couldn’t put her finger on. The minute their eyes met she had seen the predatory look of a wolf. Well she was no man’s, or wolf’s, prey.

  “It's nice to meet you Fianna.” He had leaned close to her, his shoulder touching hers as he put his napkin in his lap.

  Fi’s mouth suddenly felt dry, as if she hadn’t drunk water in weeks, and her throat tightened to the point it was hard to swallow. The table seemed too small suddenly and Cameron Bishop seemed far too large and imposing. She opened her mouth to respond, then closed it, cleared her throat and tried again. “It's nice to meet you as well, Cameron.” She knew she sounded stiff and uncomfortable, but she seemed to have lost the ability to speak like a normal person.

  “Call me Cam.” She turned her head slightly, any more and their heads would have bumped into each other and gave him a nod.

  “It’s nice to meet you Cam. You can call me Fi.”

  Forcing a smile, Fi turned her head and picked up her glass of beer and took a long drink, managing to look everywhere except at Cameron. She wondered, for the millionth time, why she let Gerri talk her into a date for research. Really, she probably had enough to write up something conclusive on the woman. There was no reason for her to be here. In fact, since they
hadn’t even ordered dinner yet, she could pull her phone out, make an excuse that she’d gotten an urgent message and hightail it out of there.

  “Is everyone ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?”

  The sound of the waiter’s voice had Fi’s head snapping up, her eyes wide. Like it or not, she was stuck now and in this for the long haul. Looking through the menu, she saw the burgers and her mouth started to water. Her hand dropped to her thigh and how form-fitting her dress was. If she ate like she usually did the seams on the dress will burst. Ignoring the growling of her stomach she turned the salad section.

  “You’re not one of those women who order a salad on a date even though they’re starving are you?”

  Cam’s voice was warm and low, and she could feel his breath against her ear. Turning her head slightly she gave him a defiant look then turned to speak to the waiter. “I’ll take the cheeseburger, medium, with bacon and BBQ sauce.” She handed him the menu. “I’ll have the French fries as my side and another beer please.”

  Turning to Cam she gave him a smug look. “I’ve never been one of those women with anything.”

  His laugh was deep and rich, much like his voice, warming her like a glass of good bourbon on a cold, snowy day and almost as intoxicating. Turning she smiled, her first real one of the night, and found herself relaxing.

  “So, Fianna what do you do?” Fi looked across the table at Cam’s mother seeing how flushed her cheeks looked and the smile on her face. Whatever Zeke was doing, he needed to keep it up. She seemed to be glowing.

  “I’m a freelance writer. I travel the world researching different legends and lore, then write articles in both print and online magazines if I can. I’ve written two books on the subject. I also look for magical objects, mostly for museums, and some private parties.”

  “Like Lara Croft?”

  Fi turned to Cam, the corner of her lips turned up. “Sort of. However, I’m not quite as flexible as Lara Croft seems to be.” His expression matched hers, mischief lighting his eyes.

  The waiter chose that moment to bring them another round of drinks, cutting off anything that Cam was about to say. That was a good thing in Fi’s mind because she had been on the verge of flirting and she did not flirt. Flirting would indicate an interest in Cam beyond her research and that could spell a complication in her life. Fi didn’t need any complications just now. She didn’t have the time for any.

  Cam’s mother turned back to Zeke and Fi sat there watching them a minute. She didn’t think either of them could smile any wider than they already were. It warmed her heart to see that. Fi had seen the apprehension in the older woman’s eyes until Zeke had turned on the charm. Now the two of them were totally engrossed in each other after Caitlin’s question to her.

  From the corner of Fi’s eye, she noticed how Cam also took a moment to watch his mother and Zeke interacting, his jaw clenching and his lips pressed together. His eyes narrowed when Zeke touched Cam’s mother’s hand when he spoke. Amused, she took a drink of her beer. This could be an interesting night.

  Leaning close to Cameron she whispered. “They seem to be having a really good time don’t they.”

  “As opposed to us?” Tiny little pinpricks of energy seemed to dance along her skin when she heard his voice in her ear, his warm breath on her hair. Sure, the words had seemed a bit gruff, still she barely stopped herself from shivering from the sensation, almost holding her breath to stop herself.

  At his question she felt her cheeks warm and she looked sideways at him. Again, he’d leaned close enough to her that if she turned her head, their lips would meet. “I didn’t say that.”

  She straightened and grabbed her beer, taking a long drink. She could feel how his eyes stayed upon her. “Are you a woman who always says what she means Anna?” She didn’t miss how he’d strayed from both Fi and Fianna, going to a far less used nickname instead.

  Cam had straightened more in his chair, no longer leaning close to her as he took a drink of his own beer. She considered his question a moment before putting her beer down and nodded. “I am. I feel it's a lot simpler if you say what you mean rather than letting others interpret what they think you meant.

  Eight

  Tabletop Banter

  Cam’s laugh rolled up and out of him like a wave cresting up onto the shore. Deep and full, catching the attention of not only his mother and Zeke, but those from the other tables around them. Even with several pairs of eyes upon him, Cam kept his gaze locked on Fianna.

  “Even when someone says what they mean, others tend to interpret how they want to. Causing mayhem in the process. Still, it’s refreshing to find someone who’s not afraid to speak her mind honestly and openly. It means there’s less bullshit to have to wade through over all.”

  Fianna’s brows rocketed up even as her lips curved into a smile that took his breath away. Or maybe it was the sucker punch his mother hit him with that stole his breath. “Cameron Trenton Bishop! Apologize right now to Fianna for cursing at the table!”

  Cam felt his face flush at his mother’s rebuke for the use of offensive language, but when Fianna literally bit her lower lip to keep from obviously laughing, that heat moved from his face to his nether regions. Damn the woman was sexy.

  “My apologies Anna and to you as well mother. Still, you have to agree that having someone actually be open and honest is damned refreshing.”

  Caitlin rolled her eyes and sighed before shaking her head and smiling. Zeke was outright chuckling and just like that, all sense of tension had fled the table. As much as Cam wanted to know more about Fianna, he decided it was high time he sized Zeke up. After all, from how his mother was responding to the man, Cam was starting to get worried just where this date would go for the two of them.

  “So, Zeke, what is it that you do for a living. I mean, we have less limber than Lara Croft over here and by the way, I’m reserving judgement on just how less limber until I’ve seen for myself.” Cam had looked to Fianna when he’d said the last part, flashing her a devilish grin before looking back to Zeke.

  “Then there’s my mother whom I heard tell you she’s an editor for a local publishing company, but who are you?”

  Zeke took a drink from his beer, seeming to study Cam over the rim of his glass. He was willing to bet Zeke was a good thirty years older than himself and if his casual attitude and carefree scent was any indication, he had little to hide.

  “I like you Cam, but more importantly, I’m really liking your mother. So, I won’t take your question and the underlying sizing me up attitude as a challenge. Fi here isn’t the only one that can be honest and open.”

  Cam had the dignity to smirk and duck his head in acknowledgement to being called out by Zeke. So far Cam hadn’t sensed any dishonesty from Zeke either. Which had him listening with an open mind as Zeke continued.

  “I was to my pack, what you and your mother are to yours. Keeper of my pack’s talisman, fables and lore. More than that though, I am a historian of paranormal cultures. So to say I’m very interested in hearing more about what Fianna does would be an understatement.”

  And just like that, Zeke had managed to get the bullseye off himself and onto Fianna. Cam had to give the male kudos for being real damn smooth. The thing was, Cam was glad Zeke had turned the conversation back to Fianna because he wanted to know more about her as well.

  Cam tapped a finger on his thigh while thoughts of his own position as legend keeper and the missing talisman stones rolled through his mind. Could it be coincidence that just yesterday, Merrick told him about one of the stones being bought off the black market and now, he sat here with two people that dealt with items much like the stones? Could either Fianna or Zeke know anything about the missing talisman stones?

  They chatted a few minutes more, Fianna answering questions Zeke and Cam’s mother peppered her with about her personal life. All ones she seemed reserved about answering but answer she did. As she talked, Cam decided to ask Fianna and Zeke about the
stones, but in an oblique way. He waited for her to finish answering Zeke’s last question, then asked his own.

  “I have a question but it’s not just for Fianna, it’s for you as well Zeke. Since both of you are fairly knowledgeable in rare artifacts and the such, I was wondering if either of you have heard of the Clocha Cosanta?” The words stones of protection rolled off his tongue in perfect Gaelic. He watched for any telltale signs from either of them but saw no recognition.

  He was saved from explaining his question by the arrival of dinner. They all dug into their meals with a hearty gusto and Cam noted that Fianna hadn’t been kidding. She really wasn’t one of those gal’s who had to cut everything up into dainty, bite size pieces, putting them delicately into her mouth, chewing until it was over chewed, before swallowing it down almost gentile like.

  Nope, Fianna took her burger, oozing with BBQ sauce in hand, bit into it with relish and chomped it down bite after what he assumed was, delicious bite. She’d alternate with taking drinks of beer and eating fries dipped in fry sauce until, in no time flat, her plate was clean. Cam found he was a little bit in awe and definitely edging into lust.

  His own meal of scampi seared sea scallops on a bed of wild rice with baby red and yellow potatoes and butter roasted asparagus was long gone. Although, truth be told, he couldn’t have said if it had tasted all that good or not. He’d been too focused on Fianna as she wolfed down her meal while thinking too damn many inappropriate thoughts of what he’d rather be watching that sexy mouth of hers do to and with him.

  Her scent of sun drenched dirt and warm cinnamon had grown richer as she’d relaxed and yeah, he was picking up on some underlying desire coming from her as well. That wasn’t the only lust he was scenting from the table, but he wasn’t willing to truly let himself comprehend or accept anything other than what he was feeling himself and scenting from Fianna. It would have been too damn… Cam shuddered, not letting the thought complete itself. Cam leaned in closer, whispering to Fi.