by Avery Gale
To his credit, the cretin whose buddies had tried to mug two wizards appeared to be marginally more intelligent than his pals, who were now little more than dust.
“There’s no reason to whisk me off to your secret lair. I was paid two gold coins to stall you long enough for someone else to show up. They didn’t tell me it would be a kinky witch with a rope fetish.” Brigitte rolled her eyes at the man’s admission. He’d just told the Head of the Council of Magic he’d sold them all out for less than the tip her father left the busty pub waitress.
“You’re a special kind of stupid, aren’t you? Do you even know who you’re talking to?” William shook his head at the man, and with a quick flick of his wrist, a strip of duct tape appeared over the thug’s lips. The man’s eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in anger. “Yeah, that’s going to hurt like hell when the interrogators pull it off. I’ll bet you cry like a toddler, begging for mercy when they start probing around in that pea-sized brain of yours.”
Brigitte bit the inside of her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter at William’s taunting. She wasn’t sure what business he was in, but it was obvious he was no one’s fool. Audric stepped closer to the man and narrowed his eyes, his expression the same one she’d seen him use when dealing with a magical he found particularly offensive.
“Telling us you are useless is not in your best interest. Mr. Fitzpatrick has done you a huge favor. You should be grateful.” Turning to William, he waved his hand in a circle, indicating he was ready to travel. “They ruined a perfectly good drunk. At least two of them got what they deserved. Take us back, and we’ll introduce butt plug over there to the investigators at headquarters. You and I will get some rest, and my lovely daughter can make certain all the Adlers have gathered in Texas.”
“What about Catalina and Cooper?” Gigi wasn’t sure what it was about Catalina Adler, but she was worried about the other woman. They’d shared drinks and swapped stories of their lives a few weeks ago when Gigi was in Austin. Despite the obvious differences in their ages and abilities, Gigi had been surprised by the things they had in common—Cat’s easy acceptance of the strange combination of Brigitte’s position in the magical world and her struggles to fit in with the people around her. Learning Catalina often felt like an outsider in her own family surprised Brigitte and made the other woman seem more vulnerable than she first appeared.
“I’ve already sent them to Adler Oil. They are probably a bit disoriented by the abrupt move, but it was necessary. The dark side tracking us through time changes everything. Let’s go. I want to hand him over to the interrogators as soon as possible, and since a wild night with… oh, hell, never mind.” William’s laugh filled the night, and Gigi shuddered at the thought of knowing anything about her dad’s thwarted sexual encounters.
Magicals were notoriously sexual, and from what she’d learned over the years, their sex drive didn’t fade like their non-magical peers. Gigi and her sister speculated the nons, as they liked to call them, had much shorter lifetimes because they stopped having sexual intercourse as they aged. Spending time hidden in the back corner of the pub, watching her dad and William flirt with every woman in the place, Brigitte assumed they were going to be around for many years to come. Of course, that was contingent upon getting to the bottom of the dark side’s subversive efforts to gain power.
Other members of the Council agreed with Brigitte—the threat was bigger than her dad wanted to admit. From the information she’d pulled together, there were too many accidental deaths associated with the pendants the five Adler mates and Bronx wore. She’d seen all the pieces and knew there was one for each point of the pentagram and hadn’t understood why there were six until she’d seen Bronx and Kenya’s pieces.
It hadn’t been until last night, she’d finally sorted it all out. Finalizing the reconstruction of Lisa Star’s journals provided the final clues she’d needed to solve the puzzle. Brighten Adler’s plan to split the piece Lisa had stolen was brilliant. She’d known their children were fated mates, and the two halves of the final piece would have to be rejoined in order for the fulfillment of the powerful prophecy.
Brigitte’s conversation with Catalina provided more evidence, and their brainstorming session proved how interaction and collaboration yielded more than what any of them could achieve individually. She looked forward to Catalina’s mating—the increase in her magic was going to shock the woman who mistakenly believed her greatest skill was jewelry design. Gigi tried to explain how Cat’s magic was vibrating just beneath the surface, but the other woman waved her off, unconvinced.
All of Gigi’s prior research was confirmed when she met Catalina. It was the third Adler daughter who was the most like her mother and whose magic would eventually mirror Brighten’s in strength and purpose. Her thoughts were interrupted when William sent the four of them hurtling through time. This trip was shorter, but the effect on their prisoner was devastating.
I am probably enjoying his misery more than I should, but when someone tries to kill my father, I feel entitled to a certain level of giddiness, watching the fool heave in the gutter.
Chapter Eighteen
Bronx stood at the lake’s edge, watching his family confer with Audric, Brigitte, Charlotte, and Amaya. The four of them were huddled a few feet from him, talking quietly. Listening to them debate the best strategy made him smile. Now, he understood why they hadn’t asked William to join them. It seemed the Stafford family was a lot like the Adlers, preferring to hash out their differences in private before bringing in an outsider to put the finishing touches on a plan.
William stood to the side, deep in conversation with Kenya. Watching his mate’s expression for any indication she was distressed by the way the conversation was playing out, Bronx didn’t see anything of concern. Deciding to make certain she was coping, he connected with her telepathically and was pleased when he heard the stream of gratitude moving through her mind. He doubted she would have been as receptive if William had simply shown up and tried to insert himself into her life. It said a lot about Kenya’s connection with Audric that she’d recognized the significance of his blessing.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes down.”
Bronx sighed as he turned around.
“Damn it, Cooper. I don’t know how you manage to do it. Sneaking up on a shifter isn’t easy—or smart.” The man moved like smoke. Bronx had once compared him to a panther, and Catalina laughed. Shrugging her shoulders, she’d confided Cooper moved with even more stealth than Brooklyn. Bronx still found it difficult to believe anyone moved quieter than his younger sister. After years spent breaking into both homes and businesses to retrieve stolen goods for insurance companies, Brooklyn’s skills had landed her on the most-wanted lists in more countries than Bronx could count.
When airports began implementing facial recognition software, Brooklyn relied on her best friend to hack into the systems, allowing her to continue traveling. Luke Grayson was now Brooklyn’s husband, and Dom, his continued adjustments to the government’s facial recognition database the only reason Brooklyn was able to leave their New Mexico home. Brooklyn and Catalina had lived close to each other when they were both based in New York. The two were still close, and Bronx smiled when he saw them standing nearby, their heads together, giggling like schoolgirls.
“Whoever yanked us home has some serious clout. I was ass-deep in a project for your Council of Magic when I saw Catalina walk into the bar where I was meeting a contact. Cam had been tracking her movement, and the last report he’d gotten had her in Europe. I still don’t know how she managed to find me.” Cooper shook his head, and Bronx had to hold back his laughter. Since he knew Audric was the one who’d summoned the two of them back to Texas, there was no question their exit would have been abrupt.
“It was like something out of a movie. There was a strange crackling sound all around us—like the world’s worst case of static electricity. Hell, Catalina’s hair started lifting, and the whole ro
om started spinning. It was like being in a huge fucking washing machine filled with every imaginable color clothing, being washing in hot water. Everything was blurring together. When shit stopped moving, we were in her studio.” Cooper shook his head again, this time, in a desperate attempt to get his bearings. Bronx suspected talking about the experience brought on a renewed sense of disorientation.
“Don’t feel bad. I’m a time traveler, and it still kicks my ass. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s devastating.”
“Is it the same process? Hell, I always wanted to travel by magic and move around in time, but I’m rethinking the whole thing.” Bronx chuckled at Cooper’s comment. Magic was like a lot of things in life—it looked a lot better from the outside. Cooper looked over his shoulder at the sound of a boat motor drawing closer. “Backup?”
“From what I’ve been told, this is the first time the Prairie Winds team and the Council have collaborated on such a large operation.” Bronx knew Cooper would understand the significance. The more nonmagicals involved, the more likely their existence would be threatened by exposure.
“I understand your concern, Bronx, but I can assure you, Kent and Kyle only hire people they trust.”
Giving the other man a nod, Bronx wondered how they would ever be able to keep a lid on this. He’d been a businessman long enough to know even the most loyal employee can be enticed to ‘talk out of school,’ as his dad used to say.
“I’m thrilled there are so many people willing to step up. Protecting these women is the only thing that matters.” Turning over his amulet to Brigitte hadn’t been easy, but she and Audric’s argument was solid. Being asked to safeguard something didn’t necessarily mean you were the best one to hold it forever. Oddly enough, it had been the youngest of his siblings who’d convinced him placing the piece in Brigitte’s hands was best.
“Big brother, you did exactly what Mom planned. You kept it safe and found your mate. We both know nothing with our mother was ever done by chance.” Simple words from a woman who held a special piece of all their hearts. The oldest nine Adlers had already been living on their own when they lost their parents, the loss had been heartbreaking, but only Paris lost her home. She’d been in the process of moving to college when she suddenly had no home to return to. Paris had relied on her siblings to stay anchored in the emotional storm.
Israel leaned close to Paris, whispering in her ear. She turned to look at him from where she was standing on the other side of the yard. After a short conversation with her husband and mate, Paris started toward where Bronx and Cooper stood. The irony of his speed demon sister being married to a sheriff still amused Bronx. At six foot seven, Trinity Stone was intimidating by any measure, but his love for Paris was easy to see in his expression anytime they were in the same space.
“I hear you’ve been thinking about me, big brother.” Just a few inches over five feet tall, with long blonde curls and sparkling blue eyes, Paris was beautiful inside and out. Her outside beauty was easy to see, but people who knew her well always commented on the effervescence that seemed to bubble from deep inside her. The little imp elbowed him in the ribs and grinned. “Go ahead. Tell Cooper I’m your favorite sister; he’ll figure it out eventually, anyway.”
“You are impossible and spoiled rotten. Cleveland can’t hold a candle to your penchant for speeding, and it’s true… you are my favorite.” Wrapping his arms around her, Bronx easily lifted Paris off her feet to turn two full circles with her in his embrace, just as he’d been doing since she was old enough to squeal in delight. As soon as he set her back on her feet, Bronx knew he’d made a mistake.
Trinity must have known what was coming because he was already sprinting toward them by the time Bronx set his sister back on her feet. She weaved back and forth, turned a distinct pea green, and slapped her hand over her mouth. Trinity didn’t break his stride, scooping up his wife and sprinting back to the house. They disappeared inside within seconds, and Bronx felt like an ass.
“Probably not the way she’d planned on sharing the news, but effective nonetheless.” Cooper’s chuckle brought Catalina to his side.
“Paris didn’t want to tell anyone until after the ceremony, but Charlotte hugged her and spilled the beans. We all promised to keep her secret until Bronx decided to play spin the sister.”
“Thanks, Cat, like I don’t already feel bad enough. I’ve greeted her like that since she was just a baby. I’d never do anything to hurt her—you, however, are ice dancing your way right to the top of my shit list.” He was pleased to see her eyes alight with mischief as she walked into his arms.
“I’ve missed you, Bronx. You are almost as bad at keeping in touch as I am. We’re a pathetic pair.” She gave him a hug so tight, he felt his breath catch. Damn, he needed to start working out if his petite sister’s hugs made his ribs ache. “Now, tell me how this is going down, and why is Lilly West in a boat with a fucking bazooka?” Cooper moved so fast, Bronx wondered if Catalina had claimed him or if he knew her well enough to anticipate her profanity.
“Language, Princess.” The swat he’d given her lifted Cat to her toes, and the glare she gave him earned her a second strike. “If you think I’ll be lenient because you are surrounded by family, you’ve made a grave error in judgment.” Bronx bit his lip to keep from laughing at the phony look of contrition on Cat’s face. Cooper was the only man Catalina ever submitted to, and he earned every moment of it. “Lilly may appear to be a wild card, but I assure you the woman is a crack shot. In addition, anyone who knows her would tell you there wasn’t a chance in hell she was going to be left out of an operation less than a mile from her house.”
“Are Dean and Del with her?” It was probably a given, but Bronx wasn’t going to make any assumptions when it came to Kenya’s safety.
“Oh, yeah. They know their lovely wife all too well. She’s trigger happy on a normal day, and with the overabundance of adrenaline floating around… well, let’s just say, Del and Dean know Lilly better than she knows herself. I’m sure they hope to keep her from making an impetuous decision. Realistically? I’d say their odds aren’t great, but time will tell.” Cooper’s grin was so wide, Bronx figured even the non-shifters among them would be able to see it in the moonlight.
Catalina felt some of the tension drain from her muscles as she let herself relax when Bronx walked away. She was relieved when he’d excused himself to speak with Kenya before the ceremony started. Cat wasn’t sure why her family suddenly made her uncomfortable… maybe it was because she was feeling the pressure of being the only one of ten who hadn’t been able to commit to the man everyone believed was her mate. Damn it all to dancing dots, why had she been flying all over Europe looking for Cooper if she wasn’t ready to make their relationship official?
When she shook her head, Cooper pulled her back against his chest wrapping his arms around her anchoring her in place. “What are you thinking about, Princess?”
“Wondering what the people in the bar thought when we disappeared in a colorful swirl of light.” She felt his chest vibrate, his low laughter sending a warm rush of air over the shell of her ear. They’d both been exhausted after the unconventional trip; falling into bed had won out of sex, but now that she’d had a good night’s sleep, her priorities were shifting quickly in the other direction.
“Interesting. Your answer was awfully vanilla, considering the way your body is reacting to my touch.” She was wearing a dress Cooper bought for her before he’d left on his latest mission. She’d found it along with flowers and a hand-written note when she’d returned to her suite after a long night spent holed up in the workroom at the back of her store.
Save the dress… it’s special, and I’m looking forward to being with you the first time you wear it. Don’t forget to miss me… Love, C
It didn’t take her long to figure out what was special about the dress when he helped her slip it on this evening. The entire garment was held together with hidden snaps. She’d been looking at the
cloth-covered closures when he’d brushed his lips over the sensitive skin at the base of her neck.
“They are covered to muffle the sound of them being opened and closed in public.”
Another reason he’d made certain she wasn’t wearing panties or a bra. She wasn’t busty, so bras weren’t something she cared much about, but panties? That was a different story. The dress hit several inches above her knees, which meant the lightweight, flowing fabric was moving around a lot in the Texas breeze.
“I think you are remembering what I said about this dress and wondering when I’m going to show you why I bought a garment I knew would make you question my sanity.”
“I don’t think you are insane. Arrogant, yes. Dominant, that’s a given. A good choice as a personal shopper? That one doesn’t look promising… Hell, now that I think about it, Dom seems questionable, too. Lots of chatter and not much delivery.” Catalina knew she’d just thrown down a gauntlet, but desperate times called for desperate measures. She hadn’t seen Cooper in weeks, and since no other man held any appeal, she was suffering from a lack of the physical and emotional release only a half dozen orgasms provided.
“Talk to me, Princess. Tell me what we’re watching. I’ll be able to gauge how you’re feeling about everything, so I won’t ask those questions.” Oh yeah, she could just imagine how he was going to monitor her reactions. Before she could respond, she felt the first snap release and his calloused palm slide over the hypersensitive skin above her mound.
“What will I find when my fingers slide further south, Princess? Are those smooth folds of yours slick with need?” His hand caressed her without moving, and she fought the need to wiggle enough to encourage his exploration. “Don’t think I didn’t recognize the challenge you just issued, Cat. I think you’ve missed lying over my knee?”
Had she ever.