Sleeping Phoenix

Chapter 3: I'm Not Running Away, Yet.

Chapter 3

Gareth knew he had shocked her with his declaration, but if he were being honest he wasn’t the one who made all of those promises. His instinct had taken over the moment she attempted to swim away from him. His wolf was having none of that. She would just have to come to grips with the fact that she was stuck with him. That situation was a huge blow to his ego. The woman destined to be his kept running from him. In the past, he had never had problems with the ladies; but he guessed the old adage applied that nothing worth having ever came easy; and Mila, most definitely, was worth having. 

Taking advantage of her shock, Gareth couldn’t resist making good on his promise to worship her. And her pouty lips were begging him to worship them. Mila’s breath hitched a moment before her eyes unconsciously drifted toward his mouth; and when she licked her lips as if she couldn’t wait to taste him there, became his undoing. Framing her face with his hands he leaned into her, hoping beyond hope that she wouldn’t push him away. He wouldn’t lie to himself about how the situation had progressed so far. So, with a lot of self-restraint, he merely touched his forehead to hers telling her without words that if she didn’t push him away soon then her mouth was going to become his. 

He mentally rejoiced when she only seemed to relax further into his arms, and decided to take that as a sign that she wasn’t running, for now, and that she wanted what he was offering. 

Gareth slowly leaned closer until skin found skin with a whispered promise of more. The moment their lips connected it felt like lightning struck him to his soul. The sizzle of electric adrenaline raced through his system that even ten thousand energy drinks couldn’t compare to, and apparently all of his new found adrenaline headed south quick, fast, and in a hurry with just a light touch of lips. 

Gareth fought hard not to scare her away with the undeniable urges to control every aspect of their intimate encounter, but he couldn’t stop with just a tiny peck. Moving his right hand to the nape of her neck he tilted her head back just enough to give him better access to the most delicious lips he had ever tasted. Delicious enough to eat, Gareth thought to himself. The new open position of her mouth practically screamed for him to take the kiss a bit further. He assumed he must have done something right when he nipped at her full bottom lip with his teeth and sucking it completely into his mouth. If her incredibly sexy moans said anything it was that she was enjoying herself just as much as he was.

He ran the tip of his tongue over the seam of her mouth demanding entrance to the well, he knew, held all of his wishes. When she didn’t immediately obey he couldn’t control the fierce growl that punctuated the moment with finality. He feared for a moment that this little foray in the water died a cold hard death when she jumped at his growl. He didn’t want to scare her. That was never his intentions. He was about to say as much when she latched onto him tighter and savagely took his mouth with hers. Gareth, in that moment, truly believed that dreams really came true and he knew he was one lucky bastard to receive such a gift.  

At first, Mila seemed hesitant to move much less respond, but by the way she took from his mouth only confirmed the obvious: she couldn’t resist any longer, because her once still hands found themselves buried in his hair with a grip that told anyone that he wasn’t going anywhere until she said he could. The first taste of her mouth set his taste buds on fire as her own special flavor mixed with his own. It was like ambrosia of the Gods, and he knew that he could get addicted to her in every way. 

Their mouths moved together in desperate sweeps against each other to get closer, taste more of each other, and just absorb the other person into themselves. If he wasn’t mistaken she even began growling right back at him with the same ferocity as his own. How odd for a bird shifter to growl, but growl she did and Gods did it not turn him on even more. With her new found encouragement Gareth let his hands drop to her waist to bring her as close as they could get without dunking each other under the water, but at this point he didn’t think they would have even stopped if they did descend beneath the water. That excited him even more. To make this moment last forever he’d have gladly grew gills to be her air supply. Crazy? Maybe, but his mate seemed to enjoy crazy, so crazy he would be.

~*~         

His taste was setting her taste buds aflame while his touch excited her more than she realized was possible. She would have kissed him there in the water forever if their closeness didn’t keep dunking them under the water. It was then that they realized they couldn’t keep doing what they were doing where they were. 

Gareth chuckled, “This moment would almost be perfect if we were in shallower water.” 

Mila was lost for words; literally it felt as if their kiss had stolen her ability to put words together. So to keep from looking like a complete i***t she stayed silent. That didn’t seem to bother Gareth since he seemed deep in thought anyways. 

“I think the bluff I dived from seems like the most logical choice to swim towards, because the shore on the opposite end is too far to bother,” he suggested. 

Finally finding her words, “You know I could fly us out. It wouldn’t even matter then which way we went,” Mila tossed the idea out there hoping that Gareth would pick it up. 

No such luck, “Not happening,” Gareth replied.

“This is ridiculous,” Mila fairly screamed in frustration, “We are obviously struggling out here in the middle of a huge body of water. I can taste and smell that it’s fresh water and not salt, hell, even a human could make the distinctions I just made. I merely want to fly us up to the top of the cliff.” 

“I already told you it’s not going to happen,” he growled back at her in frustration as he tightened his grip on her arms. 

“Why not? Ten seconds is all that I need to get us out of the water. Do you want to die out here?”

Her anger mounted at his condescending look and tone, “Baby, we’re immortal. Treading water isn’t going to kill us.”

“First of all, don’t talk to me like I’m a crazy person or like I lack any sort of sense. Secondly, we can very much die we’re just lucky enough to come back to life,” she snapped. 

“Ok I’ll bite. Let’s say I do let you fly us out, what’s to stop you from flying away again as soon as you dropped me off?” 

“I promise not to,” she answered back. She was kind of annoyed that he pretty much guessed what she was thinking about doing, but she believed that once a promise was made it was supposed to be a promise kept. So if he agreed then she couldn’t just leave him behind. On the other hand if he didn’t take her up on it then no such promise would have to be kept. Things were almost looking up if he did what she expected him to do. 

“Deal,” Gareth announced. No such luck then, Mila thought to herself. “Can you shift in the water?” 

“I guess I’ll find out.” Taking a deep breath Mila concentrated on shifting and was only vaguely aware that the water around them began to bubble up. She got so caught up in the shift she forgot to temper her flames that sky-rocketed the water temperature up several notches. Gareth’s hiss of pain told her the water had gotten too hot for him so she pushed the shift faster. In record time she had shifted and lifted Gareth from the water and deposited him on top of the drop-off. “Are you alright?” Mila asked as soon as she shifted back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t anticipate the water getting that hot, but I’m immune to extreme heat so I wouldn’t have realized anyways.” 

“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. It’ll heal in a couple of minutes,” he replied. It took Mila a moment to get her brain functioning enough to nod at his comment. The most undeniably delicious male stood in front of her in nothing more than his skin and she couldn’t make herself look away. Her greedy eyes took in every inch she could see and nothing disappointed. Gareth didn’t seem to notice her invasive perusal, luckily. Beautifully carved muscles, tanned skin, broad shoulders, and lean hips rounded out all that was Gareth. She wanted to lick every last sparkling droplet of water from his body. He managed to immobilize her with nothing more than just standing there. Even his toes made her stomach do flips. 

Mila purposefully avoided a certain private area that she knew could do wondrous things to her, but to look would be to lose control and she was already embarrassing herself enough for one day. Serena, the amazing woman she was, gave all the Sisters the gift of clothing regeneration. Whatever the shifter is wearing, and then destroys, during a shift will be regenerated once the shifter shifts back. Mila didn’t think she would have been strong enough to resist had her clothes not been restored. 

From what she could tell some spots from the hot water had begun to blister, but there were only three pretty bad spots that looked like that. Everywhere else just looked really red. It didn’t lessen her guilt any knowing that though. Gareth gave her a puzzled look at her unharmed clothes but must have decided to ignore it. “We need to get back to the pack house,” Gareth informed her still standing there in his naked glory, obviously ignorant of the internal struggle she was waging because of him.

Mila shook herself from her lust filled haze enough to ask, “Pack house? I didn’t say I was going to any pack house.” 

“You’re right you didn’t, but let’s think about this logically. You promised, essentially, not to ditch me after we got out of the water. Well, we’re out of the water and you can’t get rid of me. So what are our options? Staying here until we both die of stubbornness? That’s crazy. You don’t know where you are and I’m almost positive that, even though you’ve been ‘asleep’ for over two hundred years, you’re tired, hungry, and wanting a bath. Am I right?” 

Mila couldn’t deny that and she wasn’t in the business of lying so it seemed easier just to stay silent. The glare she knew was on her face, she was sure, spoke volumes enough. 

“From your silence I’ll take that as a yes. The pack house is where you’ll find all of those things plus a change of clothes.”

He had a point. She didn’t want to concede but knew she had to. She would give her right arm for a warm bath and bed to fall into. The long day and new time was catching up with her. The point of exhaustion was upon her and knew the fall out was inevitable. “How do I know you won’t just kill me when you finally get me back to your home?” She knew the question was absurd, because even though a lot had gone down in a short time she still found herself trusting him. But she could admit to herself that if he had wanted to kill her he would have done it already and not worried about carrying her to a “Healer” when he thought that she was sick. 

By the indulgent look on his face he was thinking the same thing and said, “I promise not to,” echoing back her words from earlier.

~*~

Gareth didn’t realize he was holding his breath until she finally assented with, “Very well.” She couldn’t understand just how excited he was to have her in his home, their home, finally. He wanted so badly for her to love the pack as much as he did. But he had to contain his excitement so that he wouldn’t spook her into changing her mind. He had high hopes for the future though. He pretended not to notice her staring and damn that was hard, pun intended. She liked what she saw and from her scent she was also highly aroused. He’d take aroused. It’s not undying devotion only a mate could provide, but it was a start.  

So in a calm voice he said, “Alright. In the interest of time would you permit me to carry you home on my back . . . in wolf form?” This part might be a deal breaker, because not every woman is down for the dog side of things when it’s all said and done. Most of the women he’d been with loved the man, or at least lusted after the man, but hated the wolf. It made no sense to him, but he came to realize it was just something he’d have to deal with. Having s*x outside of his own species brought on frustrations since they didn’t always understand a werewolf’s ways. It always happened that way since he wasn’t into sleeping with others of his pack. He didn’t want the complication of jealous lovers tainting his relationship with his eventual mate and he couldn’t have been happier about that decision now that he did have his mate. It was one less complication in a long line of complications they faced at that moment. 

By the look on Mila’s face she didn’t seem turned off by the idea, which was a relief; but she didn’t seem entirely convinced either. “I won’t bite,” he joked with a smile hoping to lighten the mood. Honestly, he was only half-joking considering there were numerous spots on her body that he’d love to nibble on at the moment. The reminder only made the situation awkward by the sudden lift of the man downstairs.   

“As you wish,” she agreed. “I can’t promise that I won’t bite though.” That comment had Gareth stumbling around in more ways than one. He saw her cheeky grin and smiled back. She was joking with him, and it felt great. It felt natural. 

“I can’t say that I’d object sweetheart, if you did.” Her chuckle at his response made his canine counterpart preen with pride that they could make their mate laugh. “However,” he laughed too, “I think we should wait until we get home to start biting each other.” He couldn’t help but love her blush at his outrageous comment. 

~*~

The moment wasn’t lost on Mila when Gareth said, “. . . until WE get home.” She’d love to think that it was as easy as that. Just wake up two hundred years in the future and automatically have a new home. The only problem she had was she already had a home, and she had no idea how it fared. In the life of an immortal two hundred years was but a blink of an eye, but the physical world around them was a different story. She couldn’t help wondering what became of her island home, and if what Serena told her was in fact true. Just remembering it all hurt too much to deal with so she shoved it to the back of her mind into the tiny box she created, marked “For Later Review”. Unfortunately, the way the day was progressing that tiny box was becoming less tiny and more on the not so tiny side. Her weariness and heartache must have shown on her face, because Gareth wrapped her in his arms and simply held her. 

“Hey, why so sad,” he whispered into her hair above her ear.

A shiver of intense awareness shot through her system at his closeness and her heart melted a little at his worried tone. She was willing to admit she liked the idea of having someone care for her when it seemed she was destined to be alone. However, that tiny box in the back of her mind grew just a little more when she realized the box wanted to open and make her accept a certain truth she was not going to acknowledge. Not yet, she conceded to herself and the annoyingly persistent box. “No reason, the day is merely catching up with me,” Mila replied. She could sense that he didn’t quite believe her, but luckily he didn’t push the issue. 

“Alright let’s get to the pack house. Step back,” he said. To Mila it seemed more of an order. She had never given shifting much thought, but to watch another species transform into their inner animal was magnificent. She wasn’t sure if it was Gareth that she found magnificent or the act of shifting itself, but to watch his beautiful body morph, stretch, and rearrange into another being was breathtaking. And speaking of breathtaking, his wolf defied all logic of elegance and splendor. He was sleek and . . . regal. There really was no other way to describe him. 

His figure oozed control and bled Alpha. Even Mila’s phoenix stood up and took notice of his animalistic prowess. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t a wolf, well not technically; however, any shifter would have been able to sense his strength and command. His figure was big and imposing. She felt small next to him. But Mila couldn’t remember a time that she felt so safe. The fact that she was in the company of a wolf the size of a horse didn’t seem to matter. She realized that it should, considering his teeth could be used as a dagger if one were inclined to use teeth as weapons. The thought brought a small smile to her face. 

She knew she was staring but, in all honesty, she didn’t know that she could disengage her eyes for a single moment. She could almost envy this man-beast’s ability to be such a gorgeous creature. Mila snapped out of her reverie when Gareth nudged her arm carefully with his muzzle and whined low in his throat almost as if he were worried that she feared him. If the look in the deep brown eyes of his wolf said anything it was that he did in fact worry. Mila couldn’t allow him to think she feared him. It felt really important to show him that she could handle this side of him. Again that tiny box grew a little more. Slowly, she lifted her hand to the soft fur of his muzzle. She didn’t move her hand at first, content to just touch him. Her hand had a mind of it’s own and eventually drifted up to the top of his head then around to cup his equivalent of a cheek. 

“You are beautiful,” she whispered more to herself than to the huge wolf standing in front of her with the look of hopefulness in his chocolate brown eyes. She argued with herself that it really wasn’t her fault that she was enjoying this so much, she just couldn’t help it. At least that was the excuse she kept using. The excitement in his eyes made her giddy and happy that she could help him even the slightest bit. 

He nipped at her neck making Mila giggle and squirm away from the ticklish feeling. Then he walked around to her back and bumped her with his head. She turned around and found him lying on the ground waiting for her to climb on his back. She hesitated then, as crazy as that would seem, considering she’d just petted the big black wolf; but stiffened her spine and made what could have been a life changing decision. She hiked up her tattered skirts, swung her leg over his back, and allowed him to carry her off into the distance to an unknown destination. She could only hope she didn’t make the wrong decision. However, she found she really loved the feel of the wind whipping through her hair and realized it almost felt like flying, but she knew that nothing could compare to that. 

~*~

Darius managed to get the box and get back to the Pack House in record time. “I need help bringing in the box from the car,” he told a couple of guys that were standing outside the front entrance. They didn’t hesitate to help him. They knew whose car he drove. They also knew if the Alpha even thought they were being disobedient, there’d be hell to pay. Altogether, they lifted the box out of the SUV and carried it toward the pack house. 

When he walked in the front door carrying the big, and heavy, box with his pack mates Daric was there to meet him, “We need to talk. NOW!” Darius had never heard his brother sound so harsh. He knew he was in for it. 

“Take this into the Alpha’s library. I’ll catch up,” he told the guys then followed his brother into the nearest room. When he rounded the corner and stepped into the room he didn’t have time to dodge the blow aimed right at his face. Darius went down hard. Yeah his brother was definitely mad, he thought to himself. “Feel better,” he asked out loud as he got to his knees. 

“f**k no! I’m livid. For some reason all of your messes become my problems and I’m done!”

“Hey I didn’t tell you to do any of the stuff that you did. You made your own decisions,” Darius began but was stopped by another fist square in the nose.

“You didn’t have to. I’m your brother and it’s my job to have your back, but it doesn’t seem to matter to you that all the s**t that you’re pulling could get me banished or killed. Take some f*****g responsibility man, and grow up. I know it’s useless to tell you anything, because whatever I, or anyone else, says it just gets tossed out as junk mail in your brain. So listen and listen good this time, the next time you find yourself in a bind do NOT call me. Fix your problems yourself.” After Daric’s rant he stomped out of the room, out of the house, and slammed the door for good measure. Darius was a little worried he might have gone too far, but not worried enough to actually chase after him and apologize right now. Darius knew when not to press his luck, sometimes. Two sucker punches was enough for one day.  

After picking himself up off the floor Darius made his way to the main room of the house. “Has Taffeta arrived yet?” He asked whoever was close enough to hear. He was hoping to smooth things out with his Alpha and possibly help his brother get out of deep water. He could see how Daric might blame him so he took it as a chance to have his brother’s back. 

“She just arrived,” a feminine voice chimed in from the door that could only be the head witch of the local coven. She was of average height and weight, but what made her stand out was her naturally vibrant orange hair and all the freckles dotting her alabaster skin. She was dressed in typical jeans and t-shirt that suggested anything, but being busy; because if he knew anything about witches, they didn't go anywhere under-dressed unless they have to. “What could the Big Bad Wolf possibly want? I was sort of busy before one of his little lackeys ordered me down here.” 

“Sorry Taf, but it’s an honest emergency,” Darius answered in what he hoped was a charming demeanor or at least charming enough not to get his ass cursed.

“This had better be good. I have pressing coven business that needs tending to, yesterday. Not that simple little dogs would understand.” Taffeta retorted. “And don’t call me Taf. You don’t know me well enough to give me nicknames. If you insist on addressing me call me Coven Leader. Now go fetch Gareth. That task you should excel at.” Darius knew when he was being dismissed, but it rankled to have to take orders from a witch. 

“I’m sorry, but he’s not here to go and fetch,” he answered using the same inflection she did on the word fetch.

“Then why am I even here?”

“He’s coming. He’s just not here yet.” 

“I wasn’t made the Coven Leader for Gareth’s sole use. I have other responsibilities to take care of. How long is this going to take?”

“Not too much longer.” Hopefully. 

~*~

After three hours of hard riding they seemed to have arrived at their destination. From everything that Mila spied on their journey, more and more questions mounted. This was an odd and confusing time, that much she had gathered. As they approached the huge gated house the ground became more apparent to her. There appeared to be a black river running straight through the land. She was about to warn Gareth he was going to fall in when his paw stepped into the mysterious river and she realized it was solid. But if she thought that was strange then the sight of odd looking horseless carriages, or what she would assume as carriages, were sitting in front of the house really had her baffled. The house glowed inside brighter then any candle could produce. There were so many questions that needed answering. 

Mila could sense wolves all over the place standing sentinel over the property. Gareth was, obviously, nothing if not thorough when it came to the protection of his pack. She could respect that, because maybe if she and her sisters had been more thorough then that night wouldn’t have ended the way it did. At the threat of tears she quickly smothered the anguish she felt building in her trying to be let free. She didn’t have time for the emotion or the energy. 

They were granted instant access to the house and Gareth trotted right up to the front door and lowered his body to let her off his back. As soon as she descended to the ground Gareth immediately shifted back. He took her by the hand, surprisingly, and lead her into the house. 

She couldn’t help but feel some trepidation at entering into an unknown place. She hesitated on that last step that would have her entering into the stately home. The house was big, definitely, but there was a lived in feeling to the place. The nerves dissipated a little at the welcoming feeling but she wasn’t sure if the look was merely a façade for something horrible inside. She didn’t think he had some long drawn out nefarious plan, but events from her past have made her cautious. If he did have something planned she certainly wanted to be ready. 

She jumped at his touch on her chin. After diverting her sight from the house to him he assured, “Don’t be scared. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, will happen to you while I’m here.” Oddly enough, she believed him. It shocked her that he could read her so easily. That was something she would have to work on. She didn’t want him knowing her every intention. 

“What gave me away?” 

He didn’t even pretend to be confused by her question, “Your eyes. They change color with your many emotions.Your beautiful jade eyes went dull for a second and I figured it was one of three things sickness, pain, or fear. We’ve already established you’re not sick,” he smiled down at her like their visit to the “Healer” was an inside joke that they shared, “I would have noticed if you were injured. So that leaves fear. Don’t be scared sweetheart. Like I said, nothing bad will happen to you while I’m here, and that’s a promise.” That silly little box in her head was starting to knock at her consciousness so she pushed it even farther down. She didn’t want to be thrilled by his proclamation of safety, but she was and it worried her. 

She gave in and took that last step inside of the house staying firmly behind Gareth on the way in. They were met at the door by a really tall and ruggedly handsome man. By the looks of the greeting Gareth received from the man, they were close. Clothes were presented to him from a passing servant that Gareth immediately donned.

“Where have you been Gareth? You took off in the middle of the picnic with the pack and never came back.” The man asked. 

“I got caught up,” Gareth admitted. 

“With what,” Bowe asked. 

~*~

Gareth looked beside him to introduce his mate to his Beta when he noticed she wasn’t there. Looking behind him he found her leaning against the door frame with a deceptive nonchalance. She was definitely casing the place and making herself aware of her surroundings, thoroughly. She certainly didn’t trust easy that was for sure. Who was he to blame her though? It’s been a REALLY long day for them both. 

“Look can we take this conversation to my office? It’s kind of a crazy and long story,” Gareth muttered to his Beta as he turned back around. 

“Sure,” Bowe shrugged and led the way to his office oblivious to the woman following behind him. Once they reached the room Bowe said with his back still to Gareth, “Ok now tell me the story.” 

“I thought I was Alpha,” Gareth commented. Finding it humorous that Bowe was that unaware.

“You are, and the best. But I really would like to know what has you so shook up,” Bowe told him as he turned around to face them both. “Who’s this,” he pointed and asked in true confusion, “Where did she come from?”

Gareth honestly didn’t even know he looked shook up, he guessed he should just chalk it up to it being one hell of a day. Gareth carefully and thoroughly went through everything that had happened since he’d gone M.I.A. that afternoon on the pack. The story certainly left Bowe speechless, for a while. Of course he left out the part explaining what Mila really was to him. He hadn’t said it out loud, yet, but he was almost positive she had an inkling. 

Bowe filled in the blanks in his story, like the part where Mila was his mate. It was obvious by the way Bowe was regarding her. He didn’t particularly like him regarding her at all and made that clear with a sharp growl in his direction. That only earned him a chuckle. The bastard knew exactly what he was doing. “Two hundred years, huh? Wow. Talk about getting your beauty sleep,” he said to Mila with a wink. Gareth practically ground his molars to dust when he saw his mate blush and bite her bottom lip at his Beta’s comment. She was his and he would obviously have to explain that to Bowe later. 

Gareth was a little worried how Mila was processing all of this. She had been silent the whole time they had been speaking so he had no idea where her mind was. She refused the seat he offered her when they started their conversation, because she seemed intent on investigating everything in his office. He would have laughed at her twitchy behavior if she didn’t seem a hairs breadth away from freaking out every time she picked up something she couldn’t immediately figure out. 

He supposed she reached her limit when the phone rang. He wasn’t sure how she got her hands on the bronze statue of his ancestor’s wolf so fast; but with what seemed like super speed she had a hold on the statue, managed to demolish not only the phone, but his whole desk with one downward swing, and all by only the second ring. The room went silent for what felt like hours as he watched Mila slowly back up from the c*****e and place the statue gingerly back in it’s original place. When she turned back around to face him all he got was, “My apologies?” She didn’t make a statement. She formed the two little words into a question as if she wasn’t quite sure if that was the proper reaction. After another couple minutes she broke the silence with one statement that was punctuated with an indignant huff, “I don’t know what that demonic tool from Hell was, but it deserved to be destroyed.” She crossed her arms over her chest for emphasis and raised a pert brow as if she was daring him to argue that point with her. 

Bowe bursted with laughter so hard tears came to his eyes before Gareth could even reply. “That. Was. Priceless,” he bellowed. “Baby girl, I couldn’t agree more. I personally hate phones.” The statement was obviously lost on Mila because her face had confused written all over it. “They are the biggest nuisance on the planet. Especially, when people never stop blowing the thing up.” Gareth hid a chuckle behind a cough at Mila’s downright petulant look of confusion. One more word out of Bowe and Gareth was sure that his Beta would be experiencing the same fate as his phone. Smashed in by a statue. Gareth made his way around his demolished desk towards Mila. Distance from her was no longer an option.  

“Easy, love,” Gareth crooned to Mila as he took her in his arms to comfort her. She had begun to shake, whether it was from fear or anger he didn’t know, but he just couldn’t have that. He would not have her terrified of being inside his home, their home. 

To his utter relief the shaking stopped the moment she was wrapped up in his arms and the feeling of accomplishing something profound came flooding back. 

“There’s nothing easy about this I’m afraid,” Mila muttered.

“I can imagine,” he whispered back. “If you’re confused about something then just ask.”

“Are you guys having a moment,” Bowe asked jokingly. “Should I leave?” Gareth always appreciated Bowe’s levity. He had a natural talent for lightening anyone’s mood. “Ew are you guys going to,” he paused for effect before whispering, “kiss?” Until he said stupid s**t like that and it made Gareth wonder why he made him his Beta at all.

“Dude this moment, you commented on, is being murdered the more you speak. Shut it!” Gareth warned and then whispered very loudly over Mila’s head, “Don’t ruin it I think she likes me.” Mila started laughing at their antics and he was glad he could at least make all of this a little better. 

~*~

“What does the term, ‘Dude,’ mean,” Mila asked. Mildly curious at his odd terminology.

“It’s a way people address each other when they either don’t know a person’s name or they consider them a friend and don’t feel the need to call them by their name,” Gareth replied hoping he made even a modicum of sense. He’s never really had to explain the term “dude” before. 

“Why wouldn’t someone be addressed by their given name? That seems a funny way of speaking to a friend. And why would it be used toward strangers as well? If it is a friendly term then should it not be considered an endearment for those you consider a friend? Or is it considered more of a greeting? And if so, why hasn’t anyone greeted me as such? Is it just a male action?”

At Mila’s rapid fire questions Gareth was at a loss for answers. “Umm.”

“What he means to say is the term, ‘dude’, is just something the average person today says or calls each other. I’m sure there is a better way to explain this we’re just not the ones to ask. Google it,” Bowe chimed in. 

“Google,” Mila questioned. 

“That’s a whole other matter that I will explain. We’ll just discuss it all later,” Gareth gave by way of an answer. “Are you hungry? I could get your room set up and a change of clothes for you.” 

Mila stepped back from Gareth and smirked, “I would like that. Thank you.”

“I’ll go let some people know to get things ready,” Bowe offered. “Everyone is going to be so excited for our Alpha,” he chuckled. Without a backwards glance Bowe exited Gareth’s office. 

“Why would everyone be excited for you,” Mila asked Gareth. She could tell he was trying to come up with a logical explanation for his Beta’s comment but was falling short. What Mila wondered was why he needed to think about it at all? Shouldn’t he already know why? 

“Umm, well,” he started with a scratch of his head. When his eyes looked everywhere except at her, Mila knew it had something to do with the stranger in their midst. “I rarely have guests as . . . unique as you are,” he explained. The word “unique” Mila knew, she just didn’t understand how it applied to her. Unless he meant he’s never entertained a Phoenix before.

“Unique? As in what exactly?” It really wasn’t that important to her that she know, but she kind of enjoyed making him nervous. It didn’t seem like he experienced that feeling very often. Plus, she’d be lying if she didn’t admit that she liked learning things about him; which, at the moment, was very little. However, the information she did know she liked and that scared her. With everything going on she should not be worrying over a man. Any man, even one as delicious as the Alpha. 

“Well, I — uh,” Gareth stammered but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Mila hid her smile behind her hand when she watched Gareth visibly exhale with relief. “I’ll get that,” he said as he darted to the door. 

A beautiful young woman entered, head bowed out of respect for Gareth, and announced, “Everything is set up and ready for the Lu —”

“Sarah,” Gareth practically yelled causing the poor girl to nearly jump out of her skin. “Thank you, I’ll take Mila up.” It seemed Gareth couldn’t get the girl out of the room fast enough as he waved her away back through the door. What was it that made this man so eager to cut off so many sentences? What could she have possibly been about to call her that was so horrible it would warrant that kind of a reaction? 

“Do you make it a habit to interrupt everyone or just those addressing me,” Mila wondered  out loud. 

“Neither, I was just trying to hurry up the pleasantries,” he gave by way of an explanation. “I’ll show you to your room.” 

“Excuse me, Alpha,” Sarah interjected. Apparently she hadn’t left like he wanted her to. “You’re needed in the library. I was sent to assist our,” she paused looking expectantly at Gareth who gave a firm shake of his head before continuing, “guest.”

“No,” Gareth ordered.

“Alpha, she’s been waiting and she’s not happy,” Sarah argued. 

“She? Oh! I completely forgot.” Turning to Mila he said, “I’m sorry I have to take this meeting. Sarah will show you to your room and I’ll see you in a little while.” Gareth went to leave but turned back right before he exited the room to say, “Don’t leave.”

With an annoyed huff Mila replied, “I believe we have already agreed that I will not be running away.” With a firm shake of his head Gareth strolled out of the room just as Mila also said to herself, “Yet.” 

“Follow me,” the girl named Sarah chimed in. She was a very pretty girl with long blonde hair and pixie features. She was about Mila’s height which put her in the “closer to the ground than to the sky” group at a bit over five feet.

Mila followed her out of the office and up two flights of stairs before proceeding further into the house. The parts of the house that she had seen so far, to say the least, were amazing. It was a perfect balance of elegance, but without seeming gaudy. It was welcoming rather than stoic and cold like so many large homes become. Old paintings hung from the walls to give it a touch of added beauty while other little homey touches littered every available space. As she ventured on with Sarah, Mila noticed that not one single candle could be found, but the hall was perfectly lit by strange floating orbs in the ceiling. Perhaps it’s all made by magic? These were strange times indeed she thought to herself. 

The room she was staying in was undeniably masculine, to say the least. Broad swords and knives decorated one wall, another was nothing but bookshelves from floor to ceiling with only a little room left on the shelves, and the earth tones all over the room screamed outdoorsman. An enormous floor to ceiling window took up most of the east wall that showed a perfect view of rolling hills and mountains. She had to admit that she loved the room. 

The focal point, however, was the massive bed in the middle of the room. Four people could sleep comfortably on that bed with room to spare. It made Mila wonder why anyone would need such a big bed, and unpleasant thoughts of Gareth and other women in a bed that size together rolled around in her head. She didn’t quite know how to feel about those pesky thoughts. Happy certainly wasn’t on the list, that was for sure. That little box in the back of her mind went tap, tap, tap, “listen to me,” at her thoughts that were pure insanity. 

“Bathroom is right through here,” Sarah pointed at a closed door towards the back of the room before guiding Mila in that direction. Bathroom was another new term, but she could deduce what it was. The huge bathing tub, at least what she assumed was a tub for bathing, let her know what this rooms function was. However, everything else in the room was a mystery. Mila attempted to puzzle out exactly what each item did but all she managed to do was break what Sarah called a blowdryer after the thing attacked her with burning hot air. More like dragon breath from Hell! “Would you like some help getting a shower,” Sarah offered after a while. 

Mila considered the question for a couple of seconds and then asked, “What is a shower?”

Good-naturedly Sarah laughed and went to turn on the so called shower. Mila found that she really enjoyed this showering thing. The water came out instantly hot and seemed to never run out. She could really get used to this new and strange time. Especially the beautifully scented soaps and creams Sarah gave her to wash her hair with. She would have loved nothing more than to luxuriate in the shower forever but by the way her fingers were wrinkled she knew it was time to get out.      

~*~

Before Gareth even got to the door of the library he could hear Taffeta yelling at the top of her lungs. He knew all too well how hot Taffeta’s temper could flare. He’d been on the receiving end more times than he could count. Not to mention, she’d been like an aunt to him all of his life. Gareth wasn’t all that surprised that she was screaming at all. A shifters hearing is leaps and bounds better than almost any other being in the world, except the Fey. Apparently, those pointed ears are good for something. A fey warrior could hear a pin drop twenty miles out if he concentrated enough. However, Gareth wouldn’t have even needed super hearing to know Taffeta was pissed and, obviously, screaming out her frustrations on whoever was in the room with her. 

“I’ve been here almost three f*****g hours,” Taffeta screamed at Darius. “I’m about two seconds away from blowing this piece of s**t compound off the face of the Earth.”

“Now, now Taf don’t get your panties in a wad.” Darius attempted to placate the witch, but his efforts were obviously failing. They were too wrapped up in their argument to even notice Gareth entering the room. 

“Call me Taf one more f*****g time and I will turn your brains to mush,” she stabbed her finger in Darius’ chest to punctuate her words. “Or at least whatever is left in that skull of yours to turn into mush. This is so typical of you DOGS! Doing whatever the hell you want to do and never asking permission!” 

“Typical witch, bitching and moaning about everything,” Darius yelled back. Clearly, his patience had reached it’s limit. “What bothers you more? The fact that you’re being held here or is it just your mercenary soul yelling at you for not collecting payment upfront?” 

Taffeta’s outraged gasp was Gareth’s cue to break up the argument. Just as the door swung all the way open Gareth saw Darius go flying across the room and into a bookshelf, taking out every shelf on his way down. Gareth shook his head in annoyance, “Darius, you should know better than to insult the witch like that.” It was such a rookie move. Everyone knows you never call the witches mercenaries. Somehow, that’s offensive to them, even though it’s completely accurate. 

“Put a muzzle on the puppy or he’s going to lose his tongue next,” Taffeta hissed. 

“That’ll be all Darius, thanks,” Gareth commented as Darius dug his way out of the shelf debris and books. Gareth could hear him grumbling and growling out his indignation all the way to the front door. That toss across the room must have really stung his pride. “Was that show of force really necessary? You know he’s practically a pup still.” 

“That’s no excuse Gareth! He should know better than to f**k with a witch of my standing.” 

“As always, you are right,” Gareth said with a grin. He was in too good of a mood to be insulted.

With a look of suspicion Taffeta circled around him glancing up and down, “Something’s up with you,” she said. “Your aura is brighter than usual and it’s pulsing. If I didn’t know any better I would think,” she trailed off. 

“You would think what,” Gareth said with another grin. 

She stared at him hard for another moment in silence then slapped him in the arm, “You found your mate! Son of a b***h, took you long enough. Let me guess,” she contemplated out loud. 

“We both know that is an unnecessary statement. You don’t need to guess. Your job is to know all of these things,” Gareth chuckled. 

“I’m only precognitively inclined, not definitively precognitive. It comes and goes and I can’t control when it happens. But that’s neither here nor there, she’s a . . . fey?” When Gareth gave a shake of his head to tell her she was wrong she hastily said, “No, no, no, don’t tell me. She’s not a wolf. I do know that.” 

“If you are not fully precognitive, or whatever nonsense you just said, then how could you know that?” 

“Because, Gareth, I knew the moment you were born your mate would be of another species. However, she would understand your species as if it were her own. That’s all I got,” she answered. 

“Why didn’t you tell me that?” Gareth growled. “I could’ve used that information. Maybe I would have found her sooner.” Although, considering where she had been for the past two hundred years that was doubtful. It still rankled, though. 

“Oh, I know! She’s a demoness!” Gareth just glowered at her. He knew she was just being a typical witch and withholding information just because she could. “No? Hmm, this is tricky. I give up. Honestly, it would just be easier if I met her.” 

“Not happening,” Gareth stated flatly. 

“You’re mad because I didn't tell you about your mate being other aren't you. In my defense, my visions are like wishes on birthday candles. If I tell they won’t come true, and I could tell you would be truly happy with her. So I kept it to myself.”

“It’s not about that, completely. She doesn’t know yet and I want to keep it that way until she’s in this for the long haul.”

“That is poorly thought out, if you ask me,” Taffeta retorted. 

“Well, I didn’t ask so it doesn’t matter.”

“Fine! Keep her hidden and don’t listen to me,” she said tossing her hands up by her head. “Speaking of me, though, if I wasn’t brought in to be introduced then why was I f*****g dragged in here and held against my will?”

Gareth couldn’t help but roll his eyes at that bullshit. Nothing could hold her if she didn’t want to be held. She chooses whether to stay or leave. “My you have a flair for the dramatics,” he said with a shake of his head.  

“Yeah, yeah. So why was I dragged in here?” 

“Well, things didn’t start off all that great between us and at one point I thought I was going to need your services in finding her.”

“Wow, day one and you’re already f*****g misplacing her. That’s f*****g rough. You figured that s**t out though I’m assuming?” 

“Drisela came to visit didn’t she,” Gareth asked with a chuckle that got an eye roll from Taffeta. “You know, maybe she’s right, maybe you should cut out the foul language. It can’t be very professional when you’re on a job,” he joked. 

“Yes, she f*****g came in to check up on MY coven, as if we’re the ones who need to be monitored. She may be my mother, and my boss, but I’m getting really tired of her s**t,” she ranted. “She acts as if we don’t all know she f****d the Demon King of Reyce and then turned around and f****d his son too. We’re on the brink of war with the assholes, and her solution is to wring out a few orgasms. And if THAT isn’t bad enough, apparently she's pregnant without a clue in the world as to which demon is the father. But in her crazy ass mind correcting my foul language is important.” 

“Things still not looking up with Aerbrook? I thought that was figured out,” Gareth asked. The last he heard the Fire Demon King was willing to negotiate with the witches over the release of certain precious metals that both parties wanted, and needed for various reasons.  

“That’s the thing, it was figured out. I had a personal f*****g hand in solving THAT issue. Until she f****d the King AND the Prince while she was supposed to be doing her job. All she had to do was show up, play nice, go along with a few formalities, and then bring home the bacon. But, no! As usual, Drisela f*****g Wesson does what she wants and who she wants without thought to the consequences. Apparently, they take that as a sign of hostility or something to that effect. According to them, she was purposefully trying to cause dissension in the royal family, in order to drive a wedge in between father and heir, so that she could destroy the kingdom from the inside.”

“Wow, was she actually trying to do that,” he asked. Drisela was certifiably crazy, so he wouldn’t be that surprised if that was her plan all along. 

“No, she was just being an irresponsible f*****g slut, as usual. Why do you think I have so many siblings? She can’t keep it in her pants, and a curse of the witch is to be extremely fertile. It’s in our nature. You know this.”

Gareth couldn’t help but laugh when he was around her. She cussed like a sailor, but she didn’t mince words and told you exactly what was on her mind. She also didn’t shy away from the truth. No matter how harsh the truth may be, Taffeta was going to keep it real no matter what. You had to respect her for it, because you always knew where you stood with her. 

“I wouldn’t call being fertile a curse, but to each it’s own. I do need a favor though,” he commented. 

“Oh you and werewolves with your fertility s**t. I forget you guys would breed like rabbits if you could. Being all, 99 kids and counting. What’s the favor?”

Gareth explained everything that happened with Monica earlier in the day. “So if you could remove the mystical promise and call her on her s**t, that’d be great,” he smirked. 

“Fine, but it’ll cost you. You’re so lucky your mom is my best friend. No one else gets this much attention from me,” she stated with a shake of her head as if she were being put out.

“When does it not cost me,” he chuckled refusing to acknowledge the attention part. She may have acted put out, but he knew she did it all out of love. “Go ahead do what you need to do.” 

Taking his arm in her hands Taffeta closed her eyes, placed her hand over his, took a deep breath, and then began chanting indistinguishable words. He felt the brush of magic on his arm as she slowly withdrew her hand from his; as if, she were physically drawing the magic out of him. He knew the moment the promise dissipated because it felt like his soul lost ten pounds. “Ok, the promise should be removed, but I’ll need some other supplies to finish the job.” 

Gareth quirked his brow at the should part. “Should?” 

“Hey very few things are definite in this world. Besides, if she really is a con artist then the rebounded charm should take effect immediately. You’ll get your true answer then,” she sniped back. “Send payment to the usual place, and I’ll finish the job. Is there any other way I may serve you your highness,” she asked sarcastically. 

“No, that should be it,” he answered with a smile.  

“In that case, I’m gone. I do have a life that does NOT involve serving you. Coven business is no joke, you know. Call me when you finally grow a pair and confess the truth to the poor girl. Ciao!” And as if she’d never been there at all, she was gone with a flick of her wrist, disappearing from the room.