Fractured Lives Jenna Castille Book three in the Matched by Magic series. Her heart left reeling from yet another disastrous relationship, Nora Renault yearns for a man who can love her despite her half-breed, fox-shifter and kitsune heritages. But time after time, she ends up alone. Once a single, astral-projecting spy, Alexander Dimorus was slammed with a Fae curse, ripping him into two people. As a result, Lex and Xander can‟t permanently rejoin yet can‟t live apart. Finding a woman willing to deal with their unique condition seems impossible. Only a paranormal matchmaking service like Divine Intervention could put these three together. And this match explodes with love and ecstasy from the first spark. But when long-lost relatives enter the picture, Nora will have to fight to protect herself or be torn from her newfound soulmates forever.
Ellora‟s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
Fractured Lives ISBN 9781419933745 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Fractured Lives Copyright © 2011 Jenna Castille Edited by Ann Leveille Cover art by Syneca Electronic book publication May 2011 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora‟s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora‟s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher‟s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author‟s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author‟s imagination and used fictitiously.
FRACTURED LIVES Jenna Castille
Dedication To my husband and my mom, for the ego boosts and support when I need them. And also to my daughter, for putting up with Mom hogging the computer.
Trademarks Acknowledgment The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: FedEx: Federal Express Corporation Ford Fusion: Ford Motor Company Greyhound: Greyhound Lines, Inc. Splenda: McNeil Nutritionals LLC Limited Liability Company
Jenna Castille
Chapter One Nora‟s dreams haunted her… With utter darkness surrounding her and the tight space hugging her on all sides, Nora should‟ve felt secure. But the jagged sounds of crying and hoarse begging had her delicate ears flicking back and forth. Danger and fear ruffled her fur, her lips peeling away from tiny, sharp teeth. The little white fox kit curled herself into a tighter ball, wrapped her tail beneath her nose and tried to become invisible. Mother had told her to do whatever her big brother Takeshi said. Takeshi said to hide and not make a sound, no matter what happened. Then he left her in the narrow crawlspace he‟d made by prying up the floorboards under the bunk bed. She would be safe here. He promised. Nora heard fierce snarls and wondered if they were shifters. Shifters might find her, no matter how well she was hidden. They were harder to fool than most paras, human or non-human. And Mother said they hunted for her, hated her. Nora mustn‟t get too close to any of them. The little fox didn‟t really understand why they despised her family so much. They were like her and her family. They changed shape too. Takeshi said it was because of Father, because he wasn‟t fox shifter. He was a non-human para and there was a war going on between those of human descent and the paranormals who had never been human. But Nora didn‟t really understand. Changing shape was changing shape. Why did it matter how you did it? Her ears flicked again, now straining to catch a sound, any sound. It was too quiet—practically silent. No more fighting or crashing echoed through her home but where was Takeshi? Then she heard music. Nora loved music, all types. But Mother listened mostly to what she called bluegrass since it reminded her of her childhood, and this was nothing like what Mother listened to. There were no cheerful voices with banjoes and fiddles playing in the background. Instead it was light and lilting, chimes and flutes and some stringed instrument she didn‟t recognize. The smell of a spring breeze oozed through the cracks in the floor, though winter snow covered the ground outside. Her fur stood on end and she curled even tighter. Magic. Strong, strong magic. Stronger than Takeshi. Stronger than Mother. Not normal. Wrong. Otherworldly. Nora‟s nose twitched at a slight musky scent almost covered by the Others‟ smell— Takeshi. He was in the room with the non-human. The young shifter girl flinched as an unfamiliar voice growled above her. “Where is the kit from your mother‟s second litter, the girl who survived?”
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“I don‟t know what you‟re talking about.” Takeshi‟s soft voice sounded fierce and defiant. Nora struggled not to cringe and bump into the wood above her when she heard a sharp strike followed by her brother‟s gasp of pain. “Don‟t lie, boy,” the Other sneered. “A bunk bed—that means two children. Where is the other?” “Why should I tell you? You plan to kill me either way, just like my mother.” Tears rolled down Nora‟s furry cheeks and her nose twitched again, this time against the urge to sniffle. Mother. Not Mother. Who will take care of us with Mother gone? Who will cuddle me and tuck me in at night? Who will sing happy songs and tell stories about life before the war between the paranormal races? Who will tell me all about Father and about the kind of person he was? “We don‟t plan to kill you, boy,” another, female, voice answered. “There were few of your kind left even before the human half-breed scum started massacring the pure para races. You have much of your father in you. We need that kitsune power on our side. If your sister is the same, we need her as well. You‟ll both be taken to Otherworld to be trained, to learn to control your powers.” “And if she isn‟t, if she‟s more shifter than kitsune?” Takeshi whispered, his pain and despair clear in each word he uttered. The Other didn‟t answer. Nora shivered in the heavy silence. “Doesn‟t matter,” Takeshi continued. “Mother sent Nora away to live with other family. She thought it would be safer that way. Guess she was right, even though she expected shifters to attack us, not Fae assassins.” “You‟ll change your mind soon enough, boy,” the male Fae growled. “Your father‟s people will teach you the truth. You‟ll learn your duty to wipe the human half-breed scourge from the earth.” Nora heard the man dragging her brother from the room. The musical sound got louder for a moment, followed by a crackling noise. She stayed very still, waiting for some sign, some signal that they were really gone. She‟d told Takeshi she wouldn‟t leave until he came or she was sure it was safe. Instead, she smelled smoke.
***** Someone pounded on her door. “Lady, checkout was an hour ago. You don‟t leave now, you pay for another day.” Nora jerked awake with a soft cry on her lips and the stinging smell of smoke still lingering in her memory. She looked around, frantically trying to place herself and gather her thoughts as she resisted the urge to rush to the closest small space. As the dream faded, she took in her surroundings—a sterile, no-name hotel room a short walk from the Greyhound station.
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She clenched her eyes shut and took a deep breath. I’m on the run again. That’s right, from my latest bastard of a shifter ex this time, not the Fae. But I’m safe here, safe for now. No need to hide. It will take time for Jake to track me to the other side of the country, especially since I only used cash. And that’s only if he feels that I’m worth chasing. All things considered, I’m probably low on his list of priorities. She blew her hair out of her eyes, staggered to her feet and stumbled to the door. “How much for another day?” she asked through the crack without disengaging the security lock. A woman alone can’t be too careful, especially a woman like me. The man on the other side of the door couldn‟t have possibly looked more bored if he tried. “Thirty-eight after tax.” She reached for her purse and carefully counted her remaining cash. She could manage…barely. She shoved some crumpled bills out the door to have them snatched from her fingers. She quickly closed and locked it again. That taken care of, Nora leaned back and stared at the rumpled bed, the only furniture except for a chest with one broken drawer and a single wobbly chair. This is my life—broken, crumpled, wobbly and rumpled. She ran her fingers through her sleep-tousled hair and sighed. She couldn‟t go on like this. It was pathetic and she had no intention of being pathetic. She owed it to her family to be strong, not to be a victim. She pushed away from the door and walked over to the chest. She glanced down at the unassuming card she‟d dropped there, the card a grim-faced lupin woman had shoved in her hand moments before Nora darted out the bathroom window of her ex‟s home to freedom. DivineIntervention.com. If anyone needed some kind of intervention, it’d be me. Keep to yourself. Keep moving. Try to find another pack but don‟t put to much trust in them. She‟d been living by those words for her entire life. It was time for something more, something permanent. Nora sat on the bed, wrapped her arms around her knees and stared at the inconspicuous white card. Thirty years now she‟d been alone. Even when she hooked up with the latest in a line of loser boyfriends she was still alone. Surely there was someone out there for her. The God and Goddess couldn‟t be as unkind as to leave her mate-less. But could she trust Divine Intervention? If they knew she was a mixed breed, a mixture of human and non-human paranormal stock, would they still be willing to help her? The treaty should protect her but she knew from experience how easy it was to get around the treaty just to hurt her. She had two hundred and twenty dollars left. She had no job. She had nowhere to go. She had no friends she could turn to, not as long as her latest ex might be hunting her. She had nothing left to lose. What was there to even think about? She slipped her shoes back on, grabbed her purse and headed to the Internet cafe she‟d spotted down the street.
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Chapter Two “Oh, Lex, just like that. It‟s so good. Don‟t stop.” The lean blonde dug her long, scarlet nails deep into Lex‟s hair, tugging in time with each lap of his nimble tongue. The bed squeaked and bounced as she twitched, slamming the headboard against the wall. Lex caught her clit between his teeth, holding it gently as he flicked the tip of his tongue over and over the imprisoned flesh. The woman tossed her head, crying out incoherently. Her thighs tightened around his shoulders, forcing him to push them apart. The tips of her red stilettos raked at his lower back. “Shit, yes. I‟m so close—so close.” He felt her leg muscles tremble and strain beneath his fingers. Her breath caught in her throat. He pulled back right before she flew over the edge. She jerked at his hair, the sharp bite of pain forcing his gaze back to her shining blue eyes before she began pouting. “Damn it, Lex. I was almost there.” “Sorry, sweetie.” He flashed his best playful boy-next-door grin, pulling his longish hair free to fall forward to hide his mischievous expression. “I want you to wait for me.” Lex pulled away, rolling off the bed and reaching for his jeans. He fished around for his wallet and pulled out a condom. He let his eyes rove over the bounty lying before him as he rolled it on. The woman gave a predatory smile, spreading her legs farther and reaching down to rub her clit. “I guess you can stop for that. But you better hurry up and come back here to finish what you started or I will.” “We can‟t have that.” Lex crawled forward between her legs. As he settled himself over her, he reached up to wrap her hair around his hands and tilt her face up for him. He devoured her mouth, swallowing her moans. She wrapped her ankles around his lower back, using her heels almost like spurs, and dug her nails into his shoulders. He pushed into her, groaning as he sank all the way in one thrust. She cried out, her voice echoing against the bare walls of the hotel room. Lex eased out of her only to plunge back inside, setting a punishing pace. She clawed at his back, muttering disjointedly as she hung on for the ride. The pressure built higher, an electric ache forming in the small of his back. “Yes, right there. Lex. Lex!” the woman beneath him screamed, biting and ripping at his shoulders as she came apart beneath him. He took that as his signal and let go of his tightly held control, pounding into her two more times before his balls drew up tight. He moaned, gnashing his teeth as he came.
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The woman let go with a sigh, her hands falling lax beside her head. She smiled up at him, eyes shining. “Mind if I stay the night? I don‟t think I can move.” Lex rolled to the side, gasping and trying to catch his own breath. “That‟s fine by me. The room‟s paid for. One person extra sleeping here won‟t bother anyone.” Groaning, he staggered to his feet and made it to the bathroom. By the time he‟d disposed of the condom the woman had snuggled in under the blankets, utterly peaceful and replete. He stood over her with a soft grin. She was pretty and nice. Not the brightest bulb on the tree but she made up for it with one hell of a sex drive. She was completely uninhibited. All in all this could work. He could spend some time with her, just the two of them. She might not be his soulmate any more than he was hers but they could build something enjoyable together, maybe something lasting. Then the urge to sleep washed over him like a tidal wave, dragging him down in the undertow. Without thought he crawled into bed next to her, eyes closing automatically. Shit.
***** Hours later Lex blinked and squinted against the bright morning sunlight streaming through the huge glass door that covered the majority of one wall of the bedroom. A familiar, plush comforter was tucked close around him. The bed felt uncomfortably warm, probably thanks to the large body pressed against his back. Already knowing what he would find, Lex rolled over to face the person sleeping next to him. An identical face framed by slightly longer hair stared back at him, a single eyebrow raised. Lex covered his face with his hands and groaned. “Good morning to you too.” His twin shoved the blankets off his bare chest and scooted up to lean against the headboard. “I take it your latest spell didn‟t work either?” “Shut up, Xander.” Lex sat up, swinging his legs over the side of their bed. He rubbed his face and groaned. It should’ve worked this time. The incantation with the distance I put between us plus the sexual energy I’d worked up should’ve been enough to at least break the tie between us. Instead, it looked like he‟d struck out again. At least he‟d paid for the room ahead of time. He just wished he hadn‟t left the poor woman hanging like he had. He‟d liked her. He felt a tinge of guilt for what she must have thought waking up alone like that. He hated being a bastard, even if he had no control over it. “Why do you still try?” Xander rolled out of his side of the bed, flashing his bare ass without any consideration. He walked across the room completely nude and began sorting through his dresser, pulling out a crisp ironed pair of khakis and a polo shirt.
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“After all this time you should know that unless some helpful faerie comes flittering out of the woodwork, we‟re stuck like this.” Lex stretched his arms over his head before raking his fingers through his hair. “I refuse to give up. I‟m making a life of my own one way or another.” Xander glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. “You must‟ve gotten more than your fair share of our stubbornness.” “Screw you, Xander.” Lex glared at the man who shared his face and his life. “You can‟t tell me you‟re happy trapped like this.” Xander slammed the dresser drawer shut. He spun around, holding his clothes to his chest. “Of course I‟m not happy, you imbecile. I have to listen to your irritating bitching all the time. But I know enough to accept the inevitable.” Lex groaned, falling back on the bed with his hands over his head. He stared up at the ceiling, willing an answer to come to him. “There‟s got to be a way to break this curse.” We don’t give up. I don’t give up, damn it. “If you‟re so certain of that, why did you sign us up for that matchmaking website?” His twin turned back to his dresser, pulling out socks and boxers. “Isn‟t that by definition giving up hope that we‟ll ever find a way to live separate lives?” “No. I consider that hedging my bet.” Lex rolled to his stomach to watch as Xander sorted through the last few items he needed before going to take his shower. God and Goddess but his twin was ruled by routine. He could be so fucking OCD it should be annoying. Still, Lex appreciated the fact it was Xander and not him. I just thank my lucky stars I didn’t end up with that particular personality trait. “Hell, if the witch and satyr would just call us already, I wouldn‟t be so damned desperate about finding a way out of this mess the Fae left us with.” Xander snorted, shooting a sarcastic smirk over his shoulder. He tossed his hair back and raised a single eyebrow again. “You mean you wouldn‟t mind living your whole life with me if we could find someone to share it with us?” “You‟re my other half. I‟m not so stupid that I don‟t realize that it‟ll be uncomfortable without you even if I managed to break a portion of the curse.” Lex pulled the comforter around himself and sat up. He stared at Xander‟s bare back, wondering what was going through his mind. Not that he wouldn‟t find out that night. He‟d know everything his twin thought and did through the entire day as soon as they both fell asleep. But that didn‟t help in moments like this. Xander should understand anyway. He should know exactly the way Lex felt, understand the aching hole that grew in him with each passing year. But for some reason Xander wanted to hear Lex say it. “I just want more. I want to find my soulmate. If she‟s our soulmate instead, I can live with that.” Xander‟s shoulders sagged but he nodded. “I understand. I doubt we‟ll find someone like that even with magical interventions but I understand what you want. But
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in the meantime, can you let go of the desperate spells and side trips? It makes me uncomfortable.” Not wanting to hurt his twin but unable to lie to him either, Lex chose his words carefully. Lex knew he wasn‟t the serious one but that didn‟t mean he couldn‟t be as stubborn as Xander sometimes. “I can‟t promise to stop trying. But I‟ll try to be more considerate of your feelings.” Tossing his long hair over his shoulder, Xander laughed. “Watch that smart mouth of yours. You make me sound like a nagging wife.” “Like I said, I‟ll try…dear.” Lex grinned and prepared to duck. That had to earn something chucked at his head. “Don‟t make me vomit.” Xander looked down his nose a Lex—literally down his nose. He kind of reminded Lex of one of those characters from a period movie, pure Regency England. His next words only served to strengthen the image. “Thank the God and Goddess you ended up with the vile sense of humor. I‟d go insane with inane oneliners going through my head all day long.” Lex snickered. At least if he had to be trapped with someone for the rest of his life, it was someone he could tease without remorse and never be misunderstood, at least not for long. “I live to entertain. Now go take your shower so you‟re not late to the office.” “And what about you?” Waving a careless hand in the air, Lex brushed off Xander‟s concern. “I‟m always late. It goes with the whole artistic temperament. People would think the end of the world was here if I showed up on time.” “Don‟t I know it.” Xander gave a long-suffering sigh and headed toward the bathroom. “Just remember we have to get your designs emailed to the Los Angeles office by noon and you haven‟t given me the last changes.” “No sweat, I won‟t forget. And you know I already put the changes on the office network.” Lex waited for Xander to leave but he stood in front of the open door, waiting. Lex chuckled before giving his twin the promise he wanted. “But I‟ll be there long before noon.” “Right. I can only hope.” The bathroom door closed quietly behind his twin. Lex sat on the bed, unmoving as he thought about how appropriate Xander‟s parting words had been. “That‟s all either one of us can do—hope.”
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Chapter Three Renee and Zachary Satyrine took great pride in their place of business, even if it was more of a calling thrust on them by the God and Goddess than something they would‟ve chosen for themselves. If she and her husband wanted to stay together, they were obligated to help other paranormals, human and non-human, find their soulmates. But it wasn‟t a hardship, not normally. It could be truly satisfying at times, when they helped someone deserving. And if they were going to spend their lives doing it, they might as well do it right. The reception rooms of Divine Intervention projected a feeling of serenity and security, from their dark hardwood floors to the earthy green walls. Zachary hand selected all the furniture for comfort as well as for looks, to be large but not imposing. Clean-cut but comfortable. If anyone knew how to create an emotional response from decor or anything else, it would be her satyr husband. Renee used magic to tuck away the cameras set up for recording interviews so as not to attract attention or distract a client during their rigorous interview process. Not a single knickknack sat in the room without having some greater meaning behind it. Most were selected solely for their calming influences. Yet Nora Renault looked ready to make a dash for the door. Everything about her newest client brought the protective instincts out of Renee. The shifter woman‟s insecurity was obvious, if not all the reasons for her discomfort. Renee decided to do the preliminary interview instead of Zachary. Her husband inspired a lot of different emotions from their female clients but safety didn‟t rank high on the list. Unadulterated lust, yes. Safety? Not so much. Satyrs weren‟t known for their altruism. Nora‟s case challenged Renee. Here sat a beautiful woman left broken and alone by the para wars and their aftermath yet she still struggled to put the pieces of her life back together. The woman could barely sit still in the overstuffed leather chair Zachary bought specially for their clients‟ comfort. Nora kept fidgeting, crossing and uncrossing her legs as she raked her fingers through her mass of red hair. And she never took her eyes off the door for more than a moment. Renee absently touched the scar on her cheek, thinking of everything she‟d lost as well. She could easily have ended up the same as the woman sitting across from her— lost and alone. Scared of her own shadow and just this side of neurotic. But she‟d had friends to help her through her grief. And now she had Zachary.
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Nora needed to find her own Zachary. Someone to stand beside her and fill that void in her life. Someone to help her get beyond the fear and emptiness to start building a life again. But first she had to be comfortable enough to tell Renee about what she expected from Divine Intervention. This called for a gentle approach. “Let‟s try something, shall we?” Nora jerked at the sound of Renee‟s voice, her eyes darting to the door yet again. Renee walked around the desk slowly, careful not to step between Nora and the exit. She strolled over to the small fireplace at the other end of the room and lowered herself to the floor. She arranged her billowy skirt around her crossed legs, thankful Zachary had talked her into that one this morning instead of the pencil-thin number she first tried on. He had ulterior, deliciously lascivious plans for that loose skirt but it worked well for Renee now. She was also glad she‟d gone along with him on the silk rug that lay in front of the fireplace. When she called it a frivolous expense, he‟d whispered what he planned to do to her when he had her spread across it. Renee dropped that argument. Now, it was more comfortable than the hardwood. She beckoned Nora and tapped a spot on the floor in front of her. The woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath before walking over and kneeling down. She pulled her knees tight to her chest but otherwise seemed much more secure and, well, grounded. “I‟ve gone over your file but I always like to talk to my clients as well, to get a clear picture of what they‟re really looking for from Divine Intervention. Since we rely both on technology and magic, I need to get a feel for my clients.” Nora nodded but remained silent. Renee didn‟t interrupt her thoughts. She could feel the power of the other woman‟s emotions like prickles against her skin as her own magic started reacting to Nora. Since taking on this task from the God and Goddess, her magic had become sensitive to extreme emotions. But Renee had learned that some people needed the time to pull their thoughts and desires together into words. “This is so embarrassing. I shouldn‟t need someone else to help me find a mate but I‟m tired—tired of being alone and tired of not being able to find a man who fits me. I haven‟t done a very good job of that by myself. I hate feeling like a stinking failure,” a surprisingly strong and husky voice finally answered. Nora peeked over her knees with large, luminous brown eyes. So much need filled her gaze that Renee‟s heart ached for the young woman. “Why don‟t you tell me about it?” Renee urged, resisting the desire to reach out for the woman‟s hand in comfort. Nora gave a shiver and glanced down but nodded. “There aren‟t many of us left. Foxes, I mean. Shifters survived the wars well overall but foxes aren‟t as strong as the wolves or some of the cats. And there weren‟t as many of us to start with as there were other shifters. I lost my entire den when I was just a kit.”
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A quick image of flying glass and blood ran through Renee‟s mind, memories of her personal losses. “I understand that pain. I lost my parents in battle too. There are no winners in a civil war, only survivors.” Nora took a moment before whispering, “Were you there when it happened?” Renee closed her eyes against the quick jab of pain after all these years. She touched her scarred cheek again. “Yes.” Nora hugged her knees tighter and rocked back and forth ever so slightly. “Me too, at least at the end. Mom had my older brother hide me while she distracted our attackers. They killed everyone but me.” “And your father?” The blood rushed from Nora‟s face. “I don‟t remember much about him, just a few things he taught me and my brother. He died before the last attack. From things my mom and brother said later, I think some type of feline shifter killed him. That‟s why Mom didn‟t have any other protection.” She paused, her pale cheeks suddenly flushing. “But he‟s part of my problem.” And here we go. “What is your problem? Why did you come to us?” The woman flipped her hair over her shoulder, her gaze flashing with a mixture of anger and fear. “You read my answers to your questionnaire, right?” “Yes,” Renee answered, watching Nora as a fine trembling covered her body. “No shifters.” Nora shook her head emphatically. “I can‟t deal with another shifter.” “Is it because they‟re too dominant or do they have trouble because you‟re a fox shifter?” Nora hugged her knees closer, taking control of the shakes. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing. “Little bit of both. I‟ve dated a few. I‟m not even close to Alpha level, so I always end up the submissive in the relationship and the pack. Not strong enough for more, I‟m always on the bottom. And it‟s not a comfortable position to be in.” She gave a dark smirk. “Actually, that position sucks royally when you don‟t have a say in the matter.” Something was missing from her explanation. Nora practically vibrated with the need to talk and she hadn‟t said anything terribly shocking yet. “But you have had relationships with other shifters. Is it only the pack hierarchy that you have a problem with? What goes wrong?” Nora closed her eyes again. A single tear traced a trail down her cheek. “My father,” she whispered against her knees. “Your father. What about him? Did he have some type of bad blood with other shifter communities?” “He wasn‟t shifter.”
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Renee shrugged. Shifters were known to mate with other human paras, especially since their choice of mate was preordained. It was unusual but not unheard of. Still, depending on the breed, it could give Nora some special challenges. “What was he?” Brown eyes filled with more sadness than a woman her age should carry met her own. “He was kitsune.” Japanese fox demon, a non-human para that was still technically a fox shifter—talk about something that could push some serious prejudice buttons. That could be a proverbial land mine. For centuries the paranormal community fought a bitter civil war between human descended and non-human-descended paras. No one remembered who or what started it. But it left deep scars and deeper bigotry. Not to mention, since they‟d been used as shock troops, shifters had the highest casualty rate in every battle. “They couldn‟t get past it?” Renee asked, already knowing the answer but realizing Nora needed to say it. Nora gave a humorless laugh but let go of her knees to sit cross-legged. “The last one called me a half-breed bitch before he started hitting me. He accused me of being a spy during the wars. I was five when the Peace Accords were signed. While I‟m not strong enough to fight back, I am a shifter. I got Mom‟s speed and her size. I managed to squeeze out a bathroom window and hide before he even made it out the door.” Renee didn‟t know what to say to that so she remained silent and let Nora lead the conversation wherever she saw fit. “I don‟t want pity. I need to say that up front.” She locked eyes with Renee, the potent force of her personality finally shining through her fragile shell. “And I don‟t want someone to take care of me. I can take care of my own damn self. I‟ve been doing that for long enough to be used to it. When I try to let someone else take care of me is when I get all screwed up. I don‟t want to be dependent on anyone. But I miss having someone—someone who‟s mine. I don‟t need a new littermate or even a new den. I just need someone to care about me, not for me. That‟s why I‟m here. I don‟t want some quick hook-up that may end up as nothing more than a one-night stand. I‟d go trolling the bars if that was all I was looking for. And my own track record for finding a longterm guy sucks.” “You‟re looking for love, not a quick fix for your life and not a quick, mindless screw.” She nodded, her body finally starting to relax. “Right. More than that though. I want a family. I miss that sense of belonging I had as a kit. I want to feel it again.” Renee smiled. “All right. I‟ve heard enough. I think I can help you.” Nora leaned forward, eyes glittering but this time with anticipation instead of fear. “How soon?” “I can‟t make promises on that. If we have the other half of your match on file right now I‟ll be getting back with you quickly. If not, we‟ll have to wait until he shows up. I don‟t match outside of my client file. It isn‟t always a good idea to match up with someone who isn‟t ready.”
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Her shoulders sagged, her voice holding the faintest hint of melancholy. “So you might never find someone for the likes of me.” Again Renee resisted the urge to lay a comforting hand on her. “I wouldn‟t say that. I have a strong feeling about you. I wouldn‟t be surprised if I have someone already. I will warn you though, while we try to keep client preferences in mind, the God and Goddess have the final say. And they‟ve been known to throw a few surprises at us before. We can‟t choose who matches you ahead of time. It isn‟t really up to us. Are you dead set against shifters?” Nora trembled ever so slightly. “I‟d really rather not. At least, not if he‟s too dominant. No one in the hierarchy. And absolutely no one from the Appalachian pack.” “That‟s where your last ex was from?” Renee guessed as the woman‟s face darkened. “Yeah. I don‟t care if you find me a mega-rich Adonis—I‟m not going there again. But I‟m willing to relocate for my match. Geography doesn‟t mean much to me, I‟ve lived all over the country already. I‟m not dumb and I‟m a hard worker but an orphaned shifter with no pack isn‟t likely to get any help with their education, emotionally or financially. College goes to the back burner when you‟re just trying to survive and make a place for yourself. I don‟t have an occupation to pin me down. And I haven‟t had much luck putting down roots yet.” “I‟ll keep that in mind when I make my petition. We have all your contact information?” The other woman nodded, her long curls falling forward to shield her eyes. “Then I won‟t keep you any longer.” Renee hopped to her feet and held out a hand. “I‟ll contact you as soon as a match is found. Even if it isn‟t immediate, I‟ll call at the end of the week to let you know our progress.” “Thank you,” Nora whispered as she took Renee‟s hand and gained her feet. She glided out of the room without a single sound. The moment their newest charge left, a door hidden in the wall behind Renee opened and Zachary strolled in. “You were listening?” she asked as he stepped up to her back and wrapped his arms around her. “I couldn‟t help it,” he replied, dipping his head to nibble at her neck. “I might feed only from lust but I sense all strong emotions. I haven‟t been around someone in so much pain in a very long time. It wasn‟t something I could ignore.” Renee leaned back and nodded. “She needs us.” “Well, if you‟re really in the mood for a little fox in your bed, I guess I could be persuaded,” he teased, angling her face for a longer kiss. Renee rolled her eyes but gave in to his demand. She licked her lips afterward, savoring the hot autumn flavor he left behind. “You know what I mean.” “Wanna try a reading tonight?” She sighed and pulled out of his arms. “Of course. The sooner the better.”
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“I figured as much, so I went through the computer matching and pulled all the cards it considered viable.” “Have you removed all the shifters from the bunch?” Zachary pretended to be shocked that she‟d even doubted him but couldn‟t keep his face set so serious. “After listening to her, did you have any doubt? I figured if you couldn‟t pull anyone from what we have, I could always add them later. I have to admit though, the computer listed a few I wouldn‟t have considered.” “Really? Like who?” “Let‟s just see if they pop up. If not, I‟ll let you know.” Renee shrugged but walked to a door at the other side of the room, stepping into her workroom. The smell of burnt incense and the flickering light of white candles soothed her nerves. She moved to the round table covered with a white silk cloth at the center of her workspace. She sat in one of the two seats and waited as Zack went first to a cabinet at the other side of the room, then took the other seat. Closing her eyes, she drew in several deep, cleansing breaths as she reached for her center. She wanted to do well for Nora. The woman deserved a break. Renee just hoped that Nora‟s destined mate had already contacted them. She‟d hate to make the sad-eyed fox woman wait. Zack silently handed her the cards. She took another deep breath and fanned them out in front of her. She emptied her mind of all but the crystal clear image of Nora‟s melancholy face. She ran her fingertips over the cards, waiting for that telltale sensation of tingling heat. When she felt it, she almost gasped at the strength of the pulse. But she didn‟t automatically take the card. She opened her eyes and noted where it was, then closed her eyes again to repeat the process. When she pulled the card out the second time and flipped it over, she couldn‟t help but snicker. Nora would be as safe as could be but she‟d also have her hands full. “So, it was them you meant, huh? Lex and Xander Dimorus.” Zachary gave her a bawdy smile and wink. “Yep. I didn‟t peg her as the two-forone type. And I‟m usually right on about things like that.” “I don‟t think this was quite what she had in mind.” Renee pursed her lips and tapped them with her fingertip as she gave the match more thought. “But if she wants the feeling of caring and security, she couldn‟t do much better than the twins. Working together, they‟re one of the strongest warlocks in the world. If it hadn‟t been for the accident they wouldn‟t have needed our help at all. They‟d be beating potential mates off with a proverbial stick.” “Do you think she‟ll be okay with it?” Zachary asked. Renee shrugged and smiled. “We‟ll just have to see. Obviously the God and Goddess think so. But we‟ll call them first and ask how they want us to approach her.” He snorted, shaking his head. “They‟ll want to tell her themselves. They aren‟t the type to leave that up to the hired help.”
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“Probably,” she replied, blowing out the candles one by one. “But I still want to talk to them. Let them know as much as I can without breaking confidentiality.” “Want to make sure Lex talks to her first so Xander doesn‟t scare her away?” “You know me too well,” she answered as she blew out the last flame.
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Chapter Four Nora shuffled, hands held in front of her, through the mist-filled dreamscape. Sight was impossible, sound muffled. But she could feel the cool, wet air and the stone against her feet. With each step she took, she felt the stone even out then become plush, her feet sinking into carpeting. She stepped slowly, careful not to trip on any unseen obstacles. Then her palms hit warm, bare flesh. She stopped, jerking her hands back. She rubbed her hands against her naked thighs then twisted her fingers together. “Who are you?” “Does it matter?” a deep voice responded. A larger hand took one of hers, soft lips kissing each knuckle one at a time. Blinking, trying to clear her eyes, Nora stepped closer. She tilted her head, struggling to make out more of the shadowy figure. “Do I know you?” “No. But you will.” He ran his fingertips through her thick curls. “I wanted to meet you first.” She reached out to touch his face. She could feel soft skin and supple lips. His silky hair slid thorough her fingers. I should be frightened. Why aren’t I frightened? “Is this a dream?” “Yes, but a good one. I promise.” This time when he took her hand he pressed a kiss to her palm, licking lightly at the center. “If you‟re to be my savior, I wanted to meet you.” She shuddered, her heartbeat increasing—from arousal not fear. “Savior?” “Oh yes, most definitely.” He stepped closer, wrapping one strong arm around her waist and pulling her close. The warmth of his body drove off the slight chill from the surrounding fog yet left her shivering with an electric shot of desire. Nora blinked more but still couldn‟t make out his face through the mist. “Why can‟t I see you?” His voice held a hint of amusement. “I don‟t want you to see me yet. We‟ll see each other soon enough.” “But I thought this was my dream.” Nora pouted, placing one hand against his chest again. “If I want to, I should be able to see you.” “I said this was a dream. I didn‟t say this was your dream.” He took her mouth with his and suddenly sight didn‟t matter to her so much anymore. Not when there was so much to taste, to feel. His tongue slid into her mouth, licking at the roof and exploring every smooth crease. His flavor, thick and spicy, flooded her senses. Nora whimpered as he pulled
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her naked form to rub against his own and devoured her. Time melted as he ravaged her mouth over and over. He pushed her back against a wall she didn‟t remember being there, holding her hands above her head. He nipped at her swollen lower lip, chewing lightly before sucking it into his forgiving mouth. “Wait,” Nora gasped after turning her head and pulling her mouth away. “You don‟t want me to.” The man moved both her wrists to one hand. With the other, he took her thigh and wrapped her leg around his waist. “It‟s a dream, remember? No harm. I only want to know you, find out if you really are the one.” “One what?” she whispered, still avoiding his lips. “Savior, remember?” Nora smirked. “Only my mind would link salvation with sex.” She gasped as he nipped at her throat. “You think too much,” he growled before licking at the tingling spot of skin. “That‟s going to be a problem.” Nora arched her body forward, rubbing her breasts against his chest. Her nipples peaked as they grazed his tight skin. This isn’t real. I can do anything here and I won’t get into trouble. Why not go with it? “I don‟t have a problem if you don‟t.” She could feel him smile against her shoulder. “Going to take advantage of the dream?” he teased. “Try me.” Nora jerked her hands free, grabbing him around the neck. She wrapped both legs around his waist, rubbing her damp pussy against his cock. Not letting him enter her, she slid across his hot flesh over and over. She savored the feel of his heat so close to where she wanted him, where she knew he wanted to be. Yet she was the one in control, teasing and taunting them both. But she needed him, needed him desperately. This was what she had gone to the matchmakers to find. This sensation meant more to her than anything else ever could. It was something a woman never realized was so important until she was denied it for so long. Nora missed this connection, being close to someone else, being one with him. Even just being cuddled so closely felt incredible. Nora stopped moving, holding herself poised over the tip of his cock. She waited, torturing them both, for his reaction. How long would it take him to break? Maybe a minute passed. Maybe an hour. Nora couldn‟t really tell in this land of dreams. But finally he groaned, his fingers digging into her ass with bruising force. A short ledge formed beneath her. He sat her down and reached between them. He ran his fingers over her cunt, rubbing along the slit and dipping in slightly. He brought his fingers to his mouth, licking her juices. “Mmm, nice. A flavor to remember.” Nora whimpered, her aching cunt contracting in empty need.
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He wasted no time in sliding his cock deep inside her, pinching her clit before moving his hand back to her ass. He sighed as he pulled her body close to him. “So good. It‟s been so long.” He held her tight, his head burrowing into her shoulder. Nora felt something wet rolling down her back. Tears? She wrapped her arms around him, holding tight and rocking slightly. When he said he wanted a savior, she hadn‟t realized that he felt as empty and alone as she did. No one should feel so alone. His lips curled up against her skin before he pulled back, out of her embrace. He let go of her ass, hooking his arms under her thighs. He braced himself. Slowly, he eased out of her body. Nora whimpered. She wanted to hold him again, needed to. But she couldn‟t get her arms around him. She had to support herself or fall over. And her own legs blocked her reach. She had no control. When just the tip of his cock still remained inside her, he stopped. He remained perfectly, insanely still. She looked up, maddened by the fact that she still couldn‟t see his face. How can I know what he’s thinking if I can’t even see his face? His grip on her thighs tightened as he eased back in, his cock dragging inside her. “Please,” she whimpered, trying to push forward with the strength of her arms alone. That single word seemed to be the signal he waited for. He increased his pace, switching to a heart-pounding assault. Nora could do little more than angle her body and savor the torment and let him drive her closer and closer to the edge. Her body tightened. Just a little more and she‟d have it. Just a little more. He moved one hand to rub his thumb across her oversensitive clit. Nora‟s head fell back as she screamed her orgasm. Her dream man followed her over the edge with a harsh groan. He kissed her forehead as he pulled out of her, leaving her feeling empty. “Soon. I cannot wait to meet you. Thank the God and Goddess for your existence.” The dreamscape swirled around her, leaving her once again alone.
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Chapter Five The entire room reeked of peanuts, smoke and beer. It should‟ve been repellent but for some reason it held a strange, laid-back appeal. Scuffs and scrapes marred the ancient hardwood floor and the lighting was poor but the Owl‟s Roost Bar and Grill managed to make the battered appearance feel homey as opposed to trashy. Of course that feeling could have been from the familiar sound of bluegrass playing in the background and the friendly laughter echoing from the bar. Nora sat at an empty table strategically set in the back and watched how the one thirty-something waitress worked the small crowd. The black-haired woman zipped around, managing to take care of all the customers. But she could use some help to keep up with the crowd. If all went well and Nora decided to stay in town, maybe she could get a job here. It seemed like a good, respectful clientele with mostly older, workingclass types, and the staff got along well. But she wasn‟t scoping out a new job tonight. That was just a distraction. Checking the bar as a possible place of employment wasn‟t fooling the butterflies zooming around in her stomach. Her flight instinct was in full swing, making it difficult to stay seated in this strange place. Tonight Nora was on the lookout for her match. Renee had called and set up a time and place for a first date. Nora agreed to meet him in his town, a small dot on the map of northern Nevada. But Renee required a public meeting, for safety‟s sake. Not that Nora didn‟t agree with her precaution. Nora reached down to fiddle with the brass cuff encasing her wrist, sending it spinning around her thin arm. Completely unadorned save for the intricate DI scrolling across it, Renee FedEx‟d her the cuff as a way for her match to identify her, as his would help her find him. It shouldn‟t be difficult to find. How many guys in a good ol‟ boy bar wore three-inch-wide brass bracelets? Stirring more Splenda into her iced tea, Nora looked away from the bar as the overall feeling in the room shifted with anticipation. The noise seemed to lessen and all the female eyes flowed to the door when the tiny bell situated above it started to clamor. The waitress fluttered over before the brass bell could stop ringing as two men walked in. Oh my God and Goddess. Men like that were proof of a divinity. No way was the existence of two blond Adonis replicas out in the middle of the desert an accident. Exactly the same height and build, if they weren‟t twins the government must‟ve instituted a secret cloning program at Area 51. The only differences she could see between them were the length of their hair and the way they dressed. The one dressed in a t-shirt and well-worn jeans fixed his hair in a layered, windswept surfer cut. The
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other, dressed in dark slacks and a white, long-sleeved, button-down shirt, had a long mane pulled back in a low tail, looking almost short from the front. Damn nice eye candy to appreciate while I wait for my date. It wasn‟t until the shorter-haired one raised his hand to wave at someone sitting at the bar that Nora caught a glint of bronze at his wrist. Her breath caught in her throat and she felt the blood pool away from her face. No way. No way is that my date. Her mouth went dry and she was on her feet before she thought about it, her flight instinct finally winning out against her conscious drive to stay. This place was too open, too many people. She needed a safer place. Why did she have to sit so damned far from the door? She kept her eyes glued to the man as she threw enough money to cover her drink on the table and started inching her way out. This has to be a cosmic joke. A man looking like that would never want someone like me, at least not for anything past a one-night stand. Surely Divine Intervention can give me a refund or another match. This has to be a mistake. The other twin nudged his brother and gestured to her. She looked down and saw her cuff peeking out of her sleeve. Shit. The man who seemed to be her match locked eyes with her and smiled, wide. Oh wow. He couldn’t be that happy to see someone like me. Could he? Her feet froze to the floor as he kept his eyes fixed on her. He glided across the room before she had a chance to measure the distance to the door and escape. “Hi.” He reached out, his fingers grazing the bronze cuff at her wrist while his eyes sparkled with hope and expectation. “I hope this means you were waiting for me.” Nora‟s knees felt weak. It just wasn‟t fair. Someone who looked as delicious as he did should never be allowed to have a dead sexy voice to go with it. He should have a high-pitch squeak, a lisp, a stutter or something. He shouldn‟t have a deep, almost musical voice. “Should I take that as a yes?” A boyish grin spread across his face, revealing a cute, lickable dimple on his right cheek. Nora nodded, her own voice escaping her. His grin widened to a full-out smile that made the dim room seem somehow brighter. Nora could swear she even heard women sighing on the other side of the bar. “Great!” He took her by the elbow and led her back to her table. “I hope you weren‟t waiting long. I should‟ve realized you might get here early. If I had to come to a town I didn‟t know too well, I‟d definitely get there early to stake out the place, make sure everything was kosher with no unpleasant surprises. Some habits are hard to break, right?” Nora looked back at him, dazed and a little puzzled. It sounded like he was talking about the wars, like he‟d been in them, but they‟d been over since she was so young she
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could barely remember. He didn‟t smell like shifter but he only looked to be in his early thirties like her. If he was mortal. He must have read her look. He leaned down, quite a ways since he had to be around a foot taller than her five foot two inches. But he didn‟t seem to mind as he whispered, “Warlock, if you‟re wondering. I was told you were shifter but not what flavor.” “Fox,” she managed to reply. Way to go. One whole word. He chuckled, reaching out to flick one of her long auburn curls behind her shoulder. “It fits. I bet you get called one foxy lady way too often.” Nora felt a blush rising and fought not to lower her gaze. He wasn‟t a shifter. There was no need for her to play the dominance games. He probably wouldn‟t even understand her impulsive submissive mannerisms. “Not really.” The warlock shook his head in mock disbelief. “Man, you can‟t be traveling in the right circles then. There are obviously too many vision-impaired or the walking selfcentered in your peer group.” Her lips twitched as a quick image of her last ex, a lupin the size of a linebacker even in his human form, flashed though her mind. Self-absorbed was putting it kindly. Overly macho with a dash of overbearing was more like it. But he‟d made her feel safe and cared for, at least in the beginning. She blinked as her date tapped her lightly on the nose. “Ah, I knew if I tried hard enough I‟d get a grin. Before you know it I‟ll sneak a full-fledge smile out of you.” He pulled out her chair with a flourish and gently guided her back down. “By the way, my name is Lex. Lex Dimorus.” “Nora Renault.” “Nora.” He rolled her name in his mouth, almost as though he was tasting it, before he slid into the opposite chair. “A nice, wholesome name. Original. If memory serves me, it means „light‟. Not something you hear often these days but cheery. So, Nora, why were you running for the door? Hopefully I‟m not that scary.” She blinked, overwhelmed by his torrent of words and shocked that he‟d noticed her sneaking out. “I wasn‟t running. I was walking slowly.” He tilted his head, clicking his tongue. “Same difference from my position. What set you off?” Nora picked up her napkin and folded and refolded it, needing something to occupy her hands. “Nerves, why else? I‟ve never done this before. I guess I let it get the best of me.” “I know what you mean.” He rolled his eyes as he put his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “It‟s a first on this end too.”
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No surprise there. The shocking thing is him doing it now. She peeked up at him, still not getting it. Someone like him resorting to a dating service—what was the catch? “Is that why you brought your brother along, to hold your hand?” “Not exactly.” His eyes darted away for a split second, his tightening body language screaming evasion. “I don‟t look like that much of a chicken, do I?” She snickered at his look of mock horror and let the change of subject pass. “A chicken doesn‟t exactly spring to mind.” He gave a long sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. I‟m doing my best to make a good impression. I don‟t want you running back home yet, not until I get a chance with you.” “Oh yeah?” Nora couldn‟t resist rolling her eyes. “I‟m sure all the women run screaming in the other direction from their first look at you.” He chuckled but didn‟t answer as the waitress hurried forward to take their drink orders. “I‟m glad you have a sense of humor. If what Renee said is true, you‟re going to need it.” The little calm she‟d managed to scrape together vanished immediately. She felt herself shrinking in her chair as she let her hair fall forward to block her expression. “Why? What did Renee say to you?” “It‟s not so much what she said to me as what she didn‟t say to you.” His smile faded as he watched her closely. “I don‟t know why you went to Divine Intervention. A shifter really shouldn‟t have much of a problem finding a mate, at least not one as cute as you. But I‟ll leave that alone for now. Why do you think I went to the service?” Nora shook her hair away from her face to get a better look at him. The question shouldn‟t have surprised her but it did. She‟d been so wrapped up in keeping her own secrets it never occurred to her that he might have a deeper story than just a lonely guy looking for a date. She‟d been a little curious but hadn‟t thought there‟d be any sinister reasons behind his need for a matchmaker. While she didn‟t have much room to be judgmental, she hoped it wasn‟t too bad. They didn‟t need two broken people in this relationship. He waved at someone behind her. She looked back to see his twin coming forward. Women‟s gazes followed his walk to their table only to stop at her, questioningly. He stood above her, frowning over her head at his brother. “Have you told her yet?” Lex shook his head. “I‟m getting to it.” His twin snorted but took a seat at their table. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “I told you this was a stupid idea.” “And you had a better one?” Pursed lips and a silent glare were his only answer. “You‟ll have to excuse Mr. Serious here.” Lex waved toward his twin. “I got the sense of humor out of the deal.” Nora didn‟t know what to think. “Sure.”
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Lex gave her a weak grin, not quite as devastating as his smile but knee-melting all the same. “This is Xander, by the way.” Nora held out her hand automatically. Xander stared at it for a moment, long enough for her to wonder if he didn‟t want to touch her. Finally he shook it, the small contact sending a shock of electrical awareness up her arm. She would‟ve gasped if something else hadn‟t frozen any sound on her tongue. His shirtsleeve pulled back slightly. Just enough to reveal the bronze cuff around his wrist. “I guess there‟s a few things we need to discuss,” Lex murmured. Xander pulled his hand back, pushing down his sleeve before crossing his arms. He didn‟t say anything. He didn‟t even look at her. Nora stared at Xander‟s wrist, trying to see through the material. “An explanation would be nice.” “Well, we can‟t go into all the details just yet.” Lex glanced around the room, drawing her attention to the speculative glances the residents were sneaking their way. “Not here anyway. And it‟s a story that might take some time.” “Give me the abridged version.” “Faerie curse,” Xander said, speaking to her for the first time. She watched him, waiting for him to continue. “We‟re a package deal because of it.” Lex shook his head, his hair fluttering around his face. He gave an exasperated sigh. “That‟s Xander for you, short and to the point.” “Someone needs to be.” The look in his twin‟s eyes practically crackled with irritation. Nora stared at the two as they continued to bicker, trying to get her head around what they were saying. Not one but both? Package deal? Can one woman be so lucky? There so has to be a downside to this. “Two for one, huh?” she asked, interrupting their argument. Xander clenched his jaw, leaned back and looked pointedly at his twin. Lex sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, whether we like it or not. We just hope you like it. Divine Intervention was our last chance. You‟d be surprised at how many women find the two of us intimidating.” “Somehow I don‟t think I‟d be all that surprised.” “I told you this wouldn‟t work,” Xander grumbled, pushing his chair away from the table. “Just let the woman go.” Something about the way he dismissed her got under her skin. Nora leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “And just what is it about me that you want to get rid of so much? „Cause you really haven‟t seemed too happy to see me from the start. If you want me gone just let me know. I‟m not putting myself into a situation where I‟m not wanted.” 27
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“You‟re wanted. Believe me you‟re wanted,” Lex hurried to answer, reaching out to take her hand. He sent his own glare at Xander. “I wasn‟t talking to you, Lex.” She turned back to Xander. “The two of you drop this in my lap with no warning only minutes after meeting you. Hell, I haven‟t even finished my first iced tea. And you‟re already trying to shove me out the door. Why?” Xander‟s face tightened and he glanced over at Lex, a beseeching look in his eyes. Lex shook his head and grimaced. “It‟s not you, Nora. He‟s just out of hope.” “Out of hope?” “The Fae curse was during the war,” Xander answered, staring at a spot just over her shoulder. He crossed his arms. His jaw clenched as he forced out his words. “We‟ve been like this for close to forty years now. I‟ve gotten used to the status quo.” Whoa. Nora sat back, stunned. “Forty years?” “Yes, half a century.” Xander‟s eyes narrowed as his grip on his arms tightened. “Imagine looking for someone who has room in her heart for the two of us for that long. You‟ll have to excuse me if I don‟t think it‟s going to be as easy as filling out a form and talking to a satyr.” “I talked to the witch,” Nora answered as she imagined how lonely it must have been for them. She‟d been alone for years but nowhere near fifty. What did that much loneliness do to a person? Xander rolled his eyes. “Witch, satyr. What does it matter? It simply can‟t be this easy.” “So I‟m wasting my time here? I should just leave?” “No!” Lex cried out, clutching her hand even tighter and glaring at Xander. “That‟s not what he means at all. It‟s like you said. He needs time, wants to take things slowly. That‟s all he means.” The pointed look Lex shot Xander made it clear he expected his brother to agree. “If you really want to find a woman to date both of you, and I have to say just from looking at you it couldn‟t be that hard, you need to start with finding someone you‟re both interested in.” She pulled her hand from his grasp. Her chest tightened as she tried not to let her disappointment show. “You might think I‟m a good deal but your brother obviously doesn‟t. So why don‟t we all cut our losses, call the agency and explain that there‟s been a mistake?” “But what if there hasn‟t been a mistake? What if they‟re right?” Lex shot her a beseeching pout through puppy-dog eyes. “Are you willing to give up that easily and throw away a chance at finding your soulmate just because we aren‟t what you expected?” Nora started to speak but stopped as Xander placed a hand on the table. “I‟m not giving up.” He turned toward her. The full power of his bright blue gaze sent chills down her spine. What would it be like to have the attention of a man like him completely focused on her? She could feel the strength of his personality even having
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just met him. That part of Xander scared her but at the same time turned her on. And add his brother on top of it? Damn but these two might just be worth the hassle. They’d make an amazing set of pack mates. But could she risk it when Xander seemed so unsure? His eyes narrowed, locking her with his gaze. “My brother isn‟t the only one attracted to you. Let‟s get that straight now.” He let his eyes rove over her body, leaving Nora shivering under an almost physical caress. “We have similar tastes. I want the opportunity to get to know you.” He smirked slightly, the playful expression making him look even more like his twin. “I want to get to know you in many different ways. Unlike my brother, I simply refuse to take everything on blind faith.” Fair enough. All things considered, despite what these two did to her libido, taking her time was the smartest thing she could do. “So you‟re the cautious, smart twin who planned everything out so you could get away with it.” She turned to Lex. “You were the one who came up with the ideas and charmed your way out of any consequences if you got caught. You two must‟ve been hellions when you were kids.” Instead of the light, teasing feel she was trying for with her comment, this time it was Lex‟s turn to look serious. “Not exactly. But that‟s a story for later, when we know each other better. Now we know you don‟t live in town so where are you staying?” Nora blushed as she thought of the literal flea trap hotel she‟d found. She‟d have to get a flea collar if she stayed there for long. But it was her price—cheap. Still, they didn‟t have to know about it. “I‟ve got a place. You don‟t have to worry.” Lex looked at his brother, who leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed. “Listen,” Lex said, not meeting her gaze. “I don‟t know what your situation is but it‟s kind of our fault you dropped everything to come down here. It doesn‟t seem right that you have to foot the whole bill. We‟ve got a big place. Hell, people around here call it the Twins‟ Compound. There‟s plenty of room. You wouldn‟t even have to be in the same wing as us. You‟re more than welcome to stay with us until you decide what you want to do.” Temptation and fear warred in her heart. Yet another unbelievable offer from these two gorgeous men. And it did seem to come from both of them since Xander hadn‟t said a word in disagreement. But she barely knew them. And she‟d sworn she‟d do things differently this time. She fell in line with strong men too easily and it always ended up a fiasco. Just because she hadn‟t picked these two men herself didn‟t mean this time would automatically be different. “That‟s fine. You don‟t have to worry about me. I‟ll get a little apartment as soon as I get a job here. Seems I‟ll need to put down a few roots to give us a chance to see how this is going to work out. I‟m good.” “Where do you plan on getting that job?” Xander asked. Glancing around again, Nora smiled. “Maybe here or another place like it. Something quick and easy. I‟ve done the waitress thing a few times.” 29
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“There are no other places like here, not in this town.” Xander turned to wave the bartender over to their table. The man shook his head in mock exasperation but grinned as he headed across the room. “Gus, you still looking for someone to help out, with Lainie going out for maternity leave and leaving BJ alone on the evening shift?” “Yeah.” Gus tossed the towel he was still carrying over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. “Only ones asking have been a couple of high schoolers. They can‟t serve alcohol, which makes things difficult.” “Our friend Nora here‟s thinking of moving into town and she‟s got experience. What‟d you think?” The large man looked down at Nora, measuring. “You sure a little thing like you can lug pitchers across the bar over and over again on a long night?” “While dodging stray hands and taking more orders at the same time. I might be small but I‟m stronger than I look,” she replied, not willing to show weakness in front of the dynamic duo. The quick answer apparently pleased Gus, who laughed and clapped a hand against Lex‟s shoulder. “Tell you what. One of the Dimorus brothers speaks up for you, I‟ll give you a shot. Lainie‟s leaving in two weeks. We‟ll call that a trial period for you. How soon can you start?” “How soon do you need me?” The large man nodded, grin spreading wider. “Good answer. Tomorrow night starting at eight. The eight to two shift on Friday is our busiest. The boys from up at the mine like to come down, shoot some pool and drop some cash in the machines or play blackjack in the back. It‟ll give me a good read of what you can handle.” “You‟d be surprised at what I can handle.” The man glanced at the twins and laughed again. “Nope. I don‟t reckon I‟d be overly surprised.” “Lay off, Gus. We‟re still working on charming her.” Lex smirked and shoved the other man‟s hand off his shoulder. “You‟re gonna ruin it.” “Good lord, you mean the girl‟s still got a chance at escape? Then I have to be neighborly and get her gainfully employed.” He winked at her. “Can‟t let you rascals take advantage of a poor, sweet thing like this.” Nora relaxed under the sound of the easy banter. “And who‟s to say I‟m not the one taking advantage?” “There‟s no taking advantage of these two. They‟re too good at watching each other‟s backs.” This time Gus clapped Nora on the shoulder, giving a quick squeeze. “But don‟t you worry. We here at the Owl‟s Roost watch out for our own. You boys better behave.” Lex folded his hands behind his head and leaned back. “What if she doesn‟t want us to?”
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“Then you better make sure you know what she does want.” Gus smiled, dropping his hand from Nora‟s shoulder before she had a chance to stiffen under the contact. “Be looking forward to working with you tomorrow, Miss Nora. Don‟t let these two get you into too much trouble.” She grinned back at the easygoing owner as he walked back to the bar. “Seems like he knows you pretty well.” “It‟s a small town. It‟d seem odd to the norms if we didn‟t socialize.” Lex nodded at a couple walking by and winked at the waitress. “They believe we‟re eccentric and imagine they know about our more private inclinations. But they don‟t know everything.” Nora rolled her eyes. “I wouldn‟t think it.” “But still, Gus and most of the others are almost like family. They‟re good people.” “You know, you didn‟t have to do that, introduce me and practically hand me the job.” Xander spoke up again. “As we said, we owe you something for the inconvenience. If you won‟t let us help you directly, the least we can do is ease the way. It‟s hard for a stranger to make a place for herself in a town this small. Now with Gus on your side, you have a start. What you do with it is entirely up to you.” Not really knowing what to think, Nora let it drop for the moment. She‟d have to talk to him about it later if they made a go of it. She didn‟t want to be walked over or controlled. At least not out of bed. Being controlled in bed with these two might be fun. What am I thinking? Time to go. “Well I think meet and greet time is over.” “We couldn‟t talk you into coming home with us? You know, to have a drink, watch a movie, or even go for a swim? We have an Olympic-sized pool. Tempted?” Nora looked from Lex to Xander and back again. “There‟s a lot of tempting here. But there‟s a lot to think about.” She looked back at Xander. “You‟re right about some things. Slow is good. Probably best, given the situation.” “Then how about we set up a date? Your weekend nights will be taken by the bar, but Gus usually runs things during the weekdays. Why don‟t you come to our home tomorrow afternoon for a barbeque? Bring your swimsuit and we‟ll make a quiet day of it before you go to work. Maybe take time to really talk and get to know each other. Come on, give us a chance.” Nora nodded. “Sounds fair enough.” Lex stood and pulled her chair back for her. When she got to her feet he didn‟t move back. Instead he leaned forward to whisper, “Thank you for giving us a chance. It means a lot to me. But I swore I‟d get the first kiss.” With that moment of warning, his lips brushed softly against hers. Her eyes fluttered closed and the teasing warmth of his mouth urged hers open. Lex caught her groan on his tongue, gently lapping at the soft tissue at the roof of her mouth.
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Arms wrapping around his shoulders, Nora fell into the kiss. The spicy taste of his mouth swamped her senses. The teasing nips of his teeth on her full lower lip followed by a quick, soothing swipe of his tongue set her heart racing. She wanted nothing more than to make a place for herself and crawl inside of him. If it weren‟t for his desperate grip around her, she would‟ve fallen to the floor and dragged him with her. As it was she completely lost herself in the moment. In the end it was the hoots and claps from the other people in the bar that finally brought her to her senses. She shoved Lex back and put trembling fingers to her lips. Dear God and Goddess, what was that all about? She felt herself folding, her shoulders hunching forward protectively. But when she glanced up at Lex he seemed as shaken as she was. “Now that you‟ve both put on that wonderful show for us, I suggest we take our leave.” Xander placed a strangely comforting arm around Nora‟s shoulders. “We‟ll give you a ride to your hotel.” Eyes still locked on Lex, Nora nodded. She let his twin guide her from the bar, refusing to make eye contact with the still-laughing patrons. Great, and now I’ll be working here. Looks like I’ll be doing a lot of hand slapping my first night on. She risked another quick look at Lex. He still seemed as shocked by the incident as she was. But that didn‟t stop him from giving her a cocky grin and wink. A nod and a shaky smile were the best she could manage in response. Just what have I gotten myself into this time?
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Chapter Six Under the bright glow of the morning sun a light fog began to dissipate from around the grand kitsune palace in Otherworld. Like a glittering present, inch by inch the vapor unwrapped itself from the massive structure. First the topmost tower of the highest pagoda peeked through, its bright red-painted wood gleaming in the early sunlight. Slowly the mist swirled around the lower levels, revealing one beautifully decorated story at a time. Black tile gleamed on slanted roofs and ornate gold-inlayed shutters sparkled. Takeshi stood leaning against one of the large wooden pillars lining the entranceway, gazing out into the distance. The land stretching out in front of him radiated a deceiving calm. Rolling green hills with ancient oriental trees covering every inch soothed the eyes. The sound of gently flowing water delighted the ears. Unfortunately Takeshi knew this heart-warming land was nothing more than a glorified prison. He slid his hands into the sleeves of his red silk haori to ward off the chill but he made no move to enter the palace. Something was happening, something bad. He could feel it in his bones. They had visitors to the palace and his uncle would tell him nothing of them, completely cutting him off, still not trusting him. Normally his uncle couldn‟t resist bragging about those who came to curry his favor. The fact that he didn‟t this time made Takeshi wonder what he was hiding. His uncle had good reason not to trust him. So Takeshi had to take his own measures to gather information, forcing him to stand outside on a chilly morning waiting for word. The sound of wings reverberating in the distance brought his head up and to the side. A speck of black circled the main pagoda before diving toward him. As the crow swooped down, its shape shimmered and grew to expand from one foot to nearly six feet in height. A black-winged man, with hair as jet as Takeshi‟s was white, dropped to stand in front of him. Takeshi didn‟t blink as Shou stepped forward. “Well?” Takeshi asked as his friend‟s wings folded back and shimmered out of existence, becoming one with the family crest on the back of his blue haori. “You were right.” Shou tightened his sash as he walked over to lean on the pillar next to Takeshi‟s. “Something is happening.” “Who was our distinguished visitor?” “The Queen of the Fae.” His friend sneered in disgust, apparently having no love for the ruler of the Fae. “It seems that she had a plan for reigniting the wars but it fell
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through. Now she‟s attempting to pull her old power base together, starting with Yoichi-sama.” Takeshi was appalled. Hadn‟t they lost enough of their people already? Hadn‟t enough lives been destroyed? “Perfect, just what Uncle would love, starting the wars again. But that won‟t happen anytime soon. I‟ve read the Accords. There is no room for interpretation. If Uncle or any other ranking member of a paranormal race breaks the treaty, they and any who support them will be summarily executed.” Shou nodded in agreement but his solemn expression didn‟t change. Takeshi tilted his head as he considered his somber friend‟s even more serious than normal face. “What else aren‟t you telling me?” His friend looked up at the palace for a moment and then waved toward the outlying gardens. Takeshi didn‟t question as he followed Shou down the carefully tended, stone-lined path. They walked in silence for several minutes until they reached a secluded bench set beneath a pair of giant ginkgo trees, their fan-shaped leaves blocking out the morning sun. The two men took a moment to stare out over a serene, koi-filled pond. “What did you hear that you haven‟t told me?” Shou sighed, leaning back and propping his hand behind his neck to look at the sky. He shook his head, his long black hair falling around his shoulders. “You kitsune are so different from us tengu. We crows don‟t worry so much about bloodline purity. If we are attracted to a woman, we take her. It doesn‟t matter to us if she is mortal or not, or if she is human-born or not. Our personal honor and those we call our family are the only truly important things in our world, things to be protected at all costs. The sole reason we involved ourselves in the wars was because of our debts to other yokai tribes, not because of any false ideals about racial supremacy.” “I wish my people thought the same.” Takeshi reached up to touch the long streak of red hair that marked him as a half-breed as it stood out in the midst of his mane of white. “Things would have been very different for my parents if father had been a crow demon instead of fox.” Keeping his eyes to the sky, Shou sighed again. “Do you know about Yoichi-sama‟s breeding program?” Takeshi‟s stomach twisted at the mere mention of it. The thought of what Yoichi had tried to do still brought the taste of bile to the back of his throat. “Some. Uncle tried to gather up as many female kitsune as he could from the mortal realm before the Accords went into effect. According to what I‟ve been told, it didn‟t work well. The females he found married within the clan but few kits have been born.” Shou‟s face turned even grimmer. “From what I overheard today, that isn‟t entirely true.” “What part?” “Most of it.” Finally Shou looked directly into Takeshi‟s eyes. His expression was filled with righteous anger, the likes of which Takeshi had never seen. “The women he 34
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found who were full-bloods married as he told you. That much was true. But the other women, the half-bloods, didn‟t fare as well.” There were others? Takeshi remained silent, letting his friend tell him what he‟d discovered in his own time. Shou seemed upset enough as it was. “According to what I heard, Yoichi has an area set up away from the main palace,” Shou said, grimacing, his eyes dropping to where his hands lay clenched in his lap. “He keeps the half-breed women he found there, imprisoned.” Takeshi‟s stomach clenched. Prisoners? God and Goddess, Uncle is a bastard but surely he isn’t that evil. “And that isn‟t the worst thing.” Shou shoved his hands into the sleeves of his haori but Takeshi doubted the gesture was the result of the brisk morning air. “He keeps them there as breeders. He lets those he trusts have them whenever they wish and keeps any kits born of the unions there in isolation as well. He said that it was his way of trying to increase the kitsune population.” Nora. Takeshi‟s eyes widened and his hands shook. What about Nora? Before he could ask, his friend rushed on. His words poured out as though if he paused for a moment he wouldn‟t be able to continue. “The Fae queen knew all about it, of course. Her people helped him round the kitsune up and bring them here in the first place. You should remember that, as you were one of those taken during that time. But she brought Yoichi-sama news to use as a bribe for his help in her schemes.” “What news?” Takeshi whispered, his mind still reeling with horrible possibilities. Prisoners and breeding camps—what could be worse than what he‟d already been told? “Queen Odelina told Yoichi the location of your sister.” Takeshi gripped his friend‟s shoulder, panic destroying any semblance of his normally cool demeanor. His heart felt as though it would burst from his chest at the slightest movement. He couldn‟t have heard right, he just couldn‟t have. “Nora? They‟ve found Nora?” “Yes.” Shou didn‟t take offense, merely shrugged off his grip. “She never left America. She‟s in some small town in the northern part of Nevada.” A small smile briefly curled Takeshi‟s lips at the news. Nora’s alive and well. Slowly his grin faded as reality set in. But for how long? “How did they find her?” “She seems to have met up with a couple of warlocks that the Fae queen has taken an interest in. The queen spotted her when she was having drinks with them at some bar.” “And the queen told Uncle?” “Unfortunately. But on the bright side, it will be some time before he tries to spirit her away. We have time to plan what to do next.” Takeshi faced his oldest friend, head tilted. “We?” Shou shot him a disgruntled look. “Of course, we. You are my friend, as close as a brother. She is your sister. That makes her my family and my responsibility as much as 35
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she is yours. Not to mention there is no love lost between Yoichi-sama and my people. After what I found out today, my people will be hard-pressed to show him any political support. If I have the opportunity to foil one of his plans and a defensible reason to do so, you don‟t expect me to just sit by and wait? I am a warrior, born and bred. Tengu do not simply wait for the fight to come to them. I am honor-bound to aid you and I will do so.” Takeshi clasped his friend‟s shoulder again. This time he wasn‟t shrugged off. “And I am glad to have you by my side to help me with my plot. I‟m afraid before this is over, I will need your support. While I hope it will not come to a fight, I fear that is exactly where this will lead.” I didn’t come here and survive the last few decades sucking up to my bastard of an uncle just to lose my sister to Yoichi’s breeder program. I didn’t put up with the abuse he called training for nothing. My family will be safe. I will do whatever I have to in order to keep the promise I made to Mother and Father. He looked out onto the perfectly manicured Zen garden, every inch carefully controlled to the point of being just this side of unnatural. Takeshi had much to think about but one thing was certain. He would protect his sister. If it came down to it, he would lay down his life to do so.
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Chapter Seven For the first time in weeks Nora slept soundly. No nightmares haunted her that night and no waking up every hour or two with her heart racing. She didn‟t know when nightmares became such a common part of her sleeping life but it‟d been long enough that their absences felt something close to miraculous. But in the bright light of day, she looked around her pitiful excuse for a motel room and decided then and there to find a small apartment or room to rent as soon as she got her first paycheck. With the possibility of being settled in one place for the first time in years, she wanted a home of her own that she could feel pride in. She hadn‟t needed to see the look on the twins‟ faces to realize the motel was a dump. But it was a little early to worry about that. Today she had other plans. She had a date with not one but two incredibly hot men. And they mentioned swimsuits. She didn‟t have any swimsuits. Living paycheck to paycheck, often on the run, she didn‟t see the need for such a luxury. A few pairs of jeans and t-shirts along with a single black skirt and white blouse made up the sum total of her wardrobe. The kinds of places she ended up staying didn‟t tend to have pools and if the motel did claim one, she certainly wouldn‟t set foot in the grimy excuse for water. So why bother wasting space in her duffle bag? She picked up her purse and carefully counted her money again. If she could keep it under twenty-five dollars, she‟d be okay. Thankfully she‟d entered that video game dance contest before she left Vegas. It was only a couple hundred bucks from a bar near the college but the money should hold out until she got paid. If things got truly tight, maybe Gus would give her a slight advance or the tips would be good enough to tide her over. Nora shook her head. Enough for that later. Now she had a couple of hours to find something to wear and get ready. Xander said he‟d be picking her up about noon. Walking the half mile to the town‟s main street, Nora let the quiet thoroughfare soothe her. With no rabid hustle and bustle, it reminded her a little of the small Appalachian town her ex called home. But with the brown mountains in the distance instead of an overpowering green closing in around her she felt more comfortable—less claustrophobic. Of course the trapped feeling she‟d had in the past was probably more due to her ex than the closeness of the mountains. But the two were intertwined in her mind now. She liked the aura of this place, even though people kept giving her that who-areyou look as they passed. Even that was comforting. These people knew one another. She had a feeling if a stranger threatened one of their own, there‟d be hell to pay. She
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liked that. Someday soon she hoped to be a part of that belonging, to feel that protection applied to her. The main street was lined with small shops, mostly the essentials. A hardware store sat next to a gas station that had a small, packed casino near the grocery area. A bookstore nestled next to an antique store, and on the corner was a dollar store with sundresses and sunscreen displayed in the window. With luck they‟d have swimsuits, probably cheaper than she‟d hoped for. Inside, it didn‟t take her long to find what she needed. The selection wasn‟t much but several suits were less than ten dollars. She took a couple to a corner of the store that had a curtain pinned up to use as a changing room. She flinched at the size that fit her. Okay, so most women want to lose some weight but this is ridiculous. People are going to start wondering if I have an eating disorder. I can practically see my collarbone. But hey, I’ll be working in a bar. Surely they’ll let me eat there, maybe take something leftover home for later. I’ve got to stop running on adrenaline or I’m going to look like a zombie instead of a shifter. She put her clothes back on and headed for the register. Her nose twitched as a new, musky scent filled the air. Her body stiffened, heart stuttering. Not here. There can’t be another shifter here. The town’s too small for a pack. As she started to put down the suit, Nora‟s eyes darted around the store to all the possible exits, cursing herself. She usually had possible escapes scoped out the minute she entered a place. She‟d allowed the peacefulness of the town lull her and she‟d let her guard down. “You‟re Nora, right?” She gasped, heart leaping to her throat as she spun around to face the threat. A familiar woman with a long black braid stepped back, holding her hands in the air. She reeked of shifter. “Whoa, sorry. I didn‟t mean to startle you.” The woman stood completely still, unnaturally so. No human could be so perfectly still, without so much as a fidget. “I guess having a stranger call out your name like that must‟ve been a little weird but trust me, I‟m so not a stalker.” Nora clutched the swimsuit to her chest. She kept her eyes locked on the woman, waiting for the slightest sign of imminent attack. “Who are you?” Slowly the woman put down her hands, propping them on her ample hips. She flashed a tentative smile, brown eyes twinkling. “I‟m BJ, the waitress at the Owl‟s Roost. Gus told me last night that he thought he‟d give you a try as a fill-in. I got to say I‟m happy to hear the news. While the extra hours and extra cash would be nice, I wasn‟t looking forward to handling the weekend crowd by myself.” “BJ?” “Yeah, short for Bertha Jane.” The woman chuckled, rocking back on her heels. “But call me that and I‟ll have to do bodily harm.”
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Nora loosened her death grip on her bathing suit. She looked around, making certain that the two of them were the only ones close by before whispering, “What are you?” BJ grinned, eyes flashing. “Shifter, like you. Feline actually. I‟m a jaguar part of the time. And you?” “Fox.” Nodding, BJ folded her hands behind her back. “That explains the skittish routine. Don‟t worry. The only hunting I do is for the damn jackrabbits that keep trying to decimate my garden. As long as you don‟t steal my tomatoes, we‟re all good.” “Are you the only other shifter here or are there more?” That wouldn’t be good. In a town this small, that wouldn’t be good at all. “It‟s just you and me. That‟s why I couldn‟t wait to meet you. It gets a little lonely sometimes. To be honest, there aren‟t any other paras in town at all except for the twins.” Nora felt the tension ease from her body. Good, just her. BJ seems nice enough, friendly enough. She shouldn’t be a threat. BJ‟s grin was almost as infectious as Lex‟s had been. She tilted her head, eyeing Nora in a way that reminded her of a playful kitten eyeing a grasshopper, curious and quivering with anticipation. “Going over to their place soon?” “Huh?” She pointed at the suit still clutched to Nora‟s chest. “They‟re about the only ones in town with a pool. So unless you plan on sunbathing or splashing around in the river outside of town, I‟d say you‟re going over to the twins‟ place.” Nora nodded. BJ whistled and shook her head. “Sweetie, those two boys will eat you alive, but in a good way. What‟s the story?” Her palms went cold then sweaty. When was the last time she‟d talked to another woman, especially a shifter, without fearing retaliation from others and guarding her every word? “I, uh…” BJ didn‟t seem to notice Nora‟s nerves—or if she did, she chose to completely ignore them. She took Nora by the elbow and led her toward the cashier. “Tell you what, I‟ll treat you to some coffee at the donut shop across the street and we can talk.” “Talk?” For a moment BJ‟s smile fell, leaving behind a look of loss and longing. “I‟ll be straight with you, Nora. I‟m kind of hoping you plan on staying around. I haven‟t talked to another shifter in years. I‟d like us to be friends. It‟d be nice, you know?” A friend. How long has it been since I had a friend? If I’m going to try to make a life for myself here, settle down and all, I’ll need a friend. Nora gave BJ a tentative smile. This was a feeling she could certainly understand. “Okay. I can‟t promise to be good at the whole friend thing but coffee sounds good.” 39
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BJ didn‟t give Nora a second to change her mind. She patted Nora‟s arm and dragged her toward the register. “Coffee it is. I‟ll even pop for a donut if you give me twin updates. Those two magic-flingers are scorching.” Nora couldn‟t help but giggle as she paid at the register and tucked her bag under her arm. The bubbly spirit filling her was unfamiliar but oh so good. “They‟re definitely hot, I‟ll give you that. But I don‟t have much to tell yet. Today‟s my first real date with them. I just met them yesterday in the bar.” “Really? That was fast work even for those two.” BJ hustled Nora across the street to a little shop, grabbing coffee and donuts while leaving Nora to stake out one of the few tables. She sat down, took a sip and started the friendly interrogation. “What brings you to our bustling metropolis? We don‟t get new people often. If you weren‟t born and trapped here like me, you don‟t move here. What‟s your excuse? You‟re not working at the mine. You don‟t look like one of those urban escapees, people who‟ve completely had it with city life. Are you a hider? Hopefully you‟re not hiding from the cops, because I got to say you don‟t look like you could handle life on the lam.” “No, no police. I‟m just trying to start over.” Nora stared down at her coffee cup, rolling it between her palms. “You know, make a place for myself.” Knowing eyes locked on Nora‟s face, BJ nodded. “Bad breakup, right?” The automatic lies sat on the tip of Nora‟s tongue, ones that came so easily she was almost embarrassed. But she didn‟t want to start off like that. She didn‟t have anyone to protect, no threats hanging over her head. The only things at risk were her ego, her pride. If she really wanted a new life, it had to start somewhere. A real friend like BJ seemed like a nonjudgmental place to start. “Several, actually. The last one was just the worst.” “Abusive?” Her stomach knotted and her mouth went dry. She licked her lips and nodded. “Thought so, with you being so skittish.” BJ leaned back in her chair, rocking it on its back legs. “My money‟s on a shifter. I‟d like to think lupin since they can be so set in their ways and so territorial but he could‟ve been feline.” “Lupin.” Nora closed her eyes, imagining him again as he‟d been when she‟d first seen him. “Jack was the pack Alpha and built like a linebacker. He made me feel safe, until he got ugly.” “You think he‟ll be looking for you?” Nora shook her head. “I don‟t think I meant enough to him for him to come after me. Not that I plan on making it easy for him if he did. If I ran into him, he‟d take the time to kick my ass but he wouldn‟t go out of his way to find me. It‟s just that after so long, it‟s hard to stop running.” “So why here? What made you stop in Rylee, Nevada, home of nothing much?” Nora blushed and fiddled with her coffee cup again.
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“Come on now. You‟ve already said the cops aren‟t after you or your bastard of an ex, notice how I‟m already coming to your defense. So what is it?” “It‟s just kind of embarrassing.” BJ arched her eyebrows and waited. “Online dating, okay?” Nora glanced up at BJ, waiting for laughter that didn‟t come. “I went on an online matchmaking site and they set me up with the twins. I thought this seemed like a good enough place to stop for a while and maybe things will work out on the relationship side too.” “You went to a matchmaker and they set you up with the twins. Both of them?” “Yeah.” BJ finally grinned again. “Kinky. Twincest. I‟d heard rumors about them but I didn‟t believe them.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked at Nora with renewed interest. “And I wouldn‟t have pegged you for the type either. Are you going through with it?” “I don‟t know. I just met them.” And while they look great I’m afraid that they might be too much to handle. “But the service I went to uses magic along with the usual computer dating questions and interviews. They seemed like they knew what they were doing. And it‟s supposed to be a matchmaking service, not just blind dates. I wanted to give it a try.” “Sounds like you‟re trying to talk yourself into it. But hey, I say go for it. While there are rumors going around about the two of them doing everything—and I mean everything—together, you won‟t hear a bad word said about the twins. Seems like a safe bet. And I‟ll get to hear everything about it at work. And don‟t think that I won‟t be expecting a referral to that dating service of yours if this does work well.” Nora blinked. When was the last time another woman had been so accepting of her? Even pack women seemed standoffish with a lesser shifter like herself. “What makes you so sure I‟ll tell you everything?” “We‟re friends now, right?” BJ‟s joyful aura was so infectious that Nora felt almost as playful. “I‟ll share stories about my misspent youth in return. I‟ve got great stories. I spent quite a bit of time trying to live up to my feline reputation—you know, catting around. We can meet at my place after work, drink beers or margaritas, eat brownies, talk about guys and share dating horror stories.” Nora grinned. “Are you inviting me to a sleepover at your place?” She just couldn‟t resist teasing, as the idea actually did sound good to her. “Really? Will we paint each other‟s toenails and have a pillow fight? I never got to do any of that before.” “Whatever floats your boat.” Trust in baby steps—you’ve got to start somewhere. “You know what? I think I just might take you up on that.” “Sweet.”
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Glancing at the clock above the small jukebox in one corner of the shop, Nora sighed. She took one last bite of donut and one last drink of coffee. “I wish I could stay and talk but I‟ve got a date to get ready for.” “Is Lex or Xander picking you up?” “Xander.” Nora scooted her chair back and grabbed her shopping bag from the floor. BJ snagged her purse. “Then you don‟t want to be late. He‟s the punctual twin. If it was Lex picking you up, you‟d have an extra ten to fifteen minutes.” For a moment Nora felt a quick stab of…something. Was she jealous? “You really do know a lot about them.” BJ didn‟t seem to notice Nora‟s concern, or at least didn‟t mention it. “It‟s a small town. I work in the main place for socializing. I know a lot about everyone. And when I figured out they were paranormal, I paid closer attention.” “I can understand that.” Nora let go of the tension that had begun building in her shoulders, choosing to make a joke as opposed to getting defensive. “For a minute there I was afraid they might have fallen into those catting around times you mentioned.” “Nah, I never dated the twins. I know a few girls who have but not me.” “A few girls?” “Small town, remember? But nothing serious. I don‟t know exactly what‟s up with those two but the twins haven‟t really been all that serious about any townies.” She gave Nora a quick, playful grin and a wink. “Guess they decided they needed to import fresh blood before getting serious.” I hope you’re right. Because I have a strange feeling I could get serious about those two way too easily.
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Chapter Eight Love at first sight—Nora had never believed in it until now. Xander‟s car was a thing of beauty with its dark leather and wooden interior. His satellite radio filled the small space with soft orchestral music. Nora sighed as she sank down into the embrace of the plush seat. It was just so comfortable, so soothing. But she should have expected it. Xander wasn‟t exactly the four-wheel drive truck type. She couldn‟t see him with anything less than the best, most image-conscious choice. Not that she blamed him. If she could afford luxury she‟d take advantage of it in a heartbeat. He grinned down at her fingers unconsciously petting the upholstery. “I never thought I‟d be jealous of my car.” Nora jerked her hand back and rubbed it against her jeans. “Sorry. I like textures.” “Never apologize for something like that.” Xander‟s voice held a hint of laughter, the kind linked to male ego. With that little bit of sparkle in his eyes, he looked more like his brother, if that was even possible. “I don‟t know a man on this Earth who would have a problem with a woman who likes to touch.” Nora felt her face heat. She ducked her head, letting her curls fall forward to hide her face. She didn‟t see him move, jerking when he reached over and patted her knee. He put his hand back on the wheel. “I‟m sorry. I didn‟t mean to embarrass or startle you.” She peeked up and saw him glance at her, his expression almost sad. “And I know I didn‟t make the best of impressions the last time we met. It‟s why I volunteered to pick you up today. Why don‟t we start over?” I came here to see if Divine Intervention had found me a mate. Okay, I didn’t expect there to be two of them and I certainly didn’t expect them to be blond gods. But how much of a coward would I be if I didn’t give them a chance? “All right.” A massive smile lit up Xander‟s face, making him again seem more like his brother, more playful. His grin wasn‟t as infectious as Lex‟s but something about it warmed a corner of Nora‟s heart. She felt like she‟d been given a rare treat, something to be treasured. “How about some question and answer?” He kept his eyes on the road but Nora had a feeling that he was aware of every look that crossed her face. “We have twenty minutes until we reach our house. I‟ll answer anything you ask in those twenty minutes.” “What if you don‟t want to answer?” He drummed his finger on the wheel as he thought about it. “Give me five „no comments‟. Does that sound fair?”
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Almost too fair. So what’s the catch? “And if you want to ask me questions?” “I have many things I want to ask you but I think that should wait until Lex is there too. That way you won‟t have to answer twice.” “I guess that‟s fine.” She sat back, staring out at the semi-barren land whizzing by. Okay, anything I want to know. That leaves a lot of room. She glanced back at Xander. His hair was pulled back in a long ponytail again. His clothes were professional casual, very upscale. He had a bit of an Alpha vibe going, even if he wasn‟t a shifter. He had power but what kind exactly? “Let‟s start easy. What do you and your brother do for a living?” “First I guess I should make it clear that we don‟t really need to work. We made quite a bit of money for ourselves during the wars…” His voice trailed off for a moment as he gazed forward. A shadow passed over his face but he shook it off quickly. “Now we own an architectural firm based out of L.A. I handle the business details from here, flying back to the city when I have to. Lex is the actual designer, handling the bigger projects as well as smaller ones that interest him. He planned our entire home.” Sounded interesting but something in the answer puzzled her. “You made money during the wars? The treaty was signed nearly thirty years ago. How old are you two and were you involved in the Para Wars?” His eyes darkened again as he stared straight ahead. For a moment she thought he‟d use one of his “no comments”. Instead he took a deep breath before answering, “We‟re warlocks. You know that already. We live nearly as long as a shifter, aging similarly. Lex and I are in our sixties, not as young as you but close enough. And we were in the Wars.” Her heart skipped a beat. The wars had been vicious, leaving the populations on both sides cut to nearly a quarter of their previous strength. While she still had to deal with the prejudice left behind, Nora thanked her lucky stars she‟d been so young when the wars ended. Still she hated thinking of either of the twins putting themselves into such danger. “Did you fight on the frontlines?” He shook his head but sadness hardened his expression. “Not directly, no. We spied on the enemy.” The twins were spies? That doesn’t add up. No way are they inconspicuous. I can’t see how they could possibly blend in with their surroundings. You’d have to be blind to miss them. “How? Did you go behind enemy lines or did you find people willing to betray the other side?” “You could say we were behind enemy lines.” He paused again. He pursed his lips and his brow wrinkled in heavy thought. “Actually, how we did it is closely tied to the curse that was placed on us. I‟d rather wait for Lex before I go into all of that.” “No comment for now, huh?” “Just for now.” Curiosity clawed at Nora but he had the right not to answer. She couldn‟t wait to get the two of them together and pick their brains. Somehow she knew they would tell
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her anything she wanted to know as long as she asked them when they were together. “All right, that‟s one of your five. What do you like to do when you‟re not working?” His expression eased as he spoke. “I swim. I read. I also like to cook. I‟m quite good for an amateur. I took classes. You‟ll see what I mean at lunch.” He glanced over at Nora, seemingly surprised. “You know, I expected more.” She straightened in her seat as her old insecurities raised their ugly heads. “What do you mean more?” He shrugged. “I mean I expected more from your questions. You can ask anything and you spend most of your time asking about my work and hobbies. While I appreciate the interest, I know there‟s something else you want to ask. It‟s what everyone wants to know when they get one of us alone. Go ahead and ask. We should get it out of the way and clear the air.” Nora bowed her head again, twisting her hands in her lap. She knew what he meant. I can’t look him in the eyes and ask this. “You and Lex, just how close are you two? Why did Divine Intervention match both of you with me?” He smiled, nodding. “That‟s the one I was expecting. I‟ll answer most of it but some of the things you‟ll need to know, Lex will want to help explain.” A muscle in Xander‟s jaw flexed and he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel again. “First, contrary to popular belief, we aren‟t involved with each other. So if you thought you‟d be watching kinky twin sex, you‟re out of luck.” “Good.” Nora‟s shoulders relaxed when she realized the question hadn‟t upset him. “That actually bothered me a little.” “Creepy, huh?” Xander‟s words held a hint of disappointment, as though he expected to be looked down on. She felt she had a bit more in common with him than she‟d first thought. “No, more like I wouldn‟t know where I fit into the equation. I‟m still not certain of that but at least I know I‟ll have a place. But without getting into the gory details, what is it with you two? You obviously have some sort of kink going. Do you like to share, watch each other or what?” “It‟s not a matter of liking to share or anything else. It‟s more that we don‟t have a choice in the matter.” He sounded defeated, something she wouldn‟t have thought of him but a feeling she was more than familiar with. “The curse prevents us from living separately. And, for various reasons, we tend to be attracted to the same women. It makes life difficult.” Afraid that she was starting to hurt his feelings, Nora decided not to press about that. Still, she was curious as to what led them to use the same service she‟d gone to. “I‟ll take your word for it. So you went to Divine Intervention to find a woman who could live with both of you?” “Actually, Lex went.”
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“You were against it?” Nora grimaced at the needy tone in her voice. Strong, remember? You are not a victim and you don’t need to have anyone to complete you. But it hurt to think that Xander hadn‟t wanted to find her. Xander reached out and ran the back of his hand along her cheek, almost petting her. “It wasn‟t that I was against it. It was that I didn‟t want to get my hopes up.” Thinking of her own rotten luck with men, Nora could sympathize. She patted his knee. He reached down and held her hand against him for a moment. They drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Xander turned off the main road and headed down a long, tree-lined drive. A sprawling ranch house spread out before them, not another home in sight. Xander pulled up to the door, easing the car to a stop. He quickly hopped out and walked around to open her door. He took her hand to help her to her feet. “Welcome to Casa Dimorus, affectionately called the Twins‟ Compound by the locals. We‟ll be spending the afternoon out back in the cabana by the pool.” Nora stepped out of the car and turned completely around to take it all in. “How much of this is yours? I can‟t see another house.” “We own eight acres and our nearest neighbor is government land.” Pride filled Xander‟s voice as he stepped back and surveyed his surroundings. “There‟s nobody around but us for miles. It makes it easier when we feel like doing castings and spells without anyone else watching.” Grinning, Nora couldn‟t help but tease this more serious twin. “If you need to run around naked chanting in tongues, you don‟t have to worry about being dragged off to the loony bin?” A quick grin curled the edges of Xander‟s mouth, warming something deep inside Nora. “Exactly. Also there‟d be plenty of room for a small lady fox to run around and stretch her legs. I‟m sure we have some small animals to hunt as well.” Before Nora could reply to the tempting image, the door was flung open and Lex leapt out. Laughing, he grabbed her by the waist and swung her around in a circle, startling a gasp from her. “You‟re finally here.” He kissed her on both cheeks before sitting her back on her feet. “I thought you‟d never get here.” “We‟re right on time and you know it.” Xander reached out to pull her gently from her brother‟s grip, helping steady her. “If you‟d picked her up, you‟d still be on the road right now.” “Yes but I‟d be with her instead of watching whatever it is you have in the oven.” Lex winked at her. “Believe me, you‟d be way more interesting.” “I should hope so. I‟d hate to think I‟m more boring than watching an oven.” Xander stepped between them, stooping and cupping her chin at the same time. He tipped her face up to place a quick, warm kiss of his own on her cheek. He smiled down into her startled eyes. “You think that until you taste what‟s in that oven. I‟ll have you know I made my special chocolate decadence soufflé for dessert tonight.”
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Lex‟s eyes widened. He clapped his hands, hopping lightly on his toes. “That‟s what‟s in there. I could smell the chocolate but if I‟d known what it was I would‟ve eaten it by now.” He leaned close to Nora and whispered, “It‟ll go to his head to hear it but that thing is damn near orgasmic. It‟s practically legendary in these parts.” “You better not have opened my barbeque either.” Xander smiled at Nora, brushing his thumb across her lower lip. “If you ruined my ribs there‟ll be no chocolate for you.” Fisted hands on both hips, Lex glared down at the two of them. “Now that was uncalled for, completely uncalled for.” “You‟re a brat and you know it. If I didn‟t threaten you periodically you‟d be out of control.” Xander turned and walked to the door. He paused for a moment. “Or at least more out of control than you already are.” Nora couldn‟t help it. Laughter burst out of her. She wrapped her arms around her stomach, bending over as tears filled her eyes. It felt so good to let go. God and Goddess, it had been too long since she laughed like this. “Are you all right?” Lex peered down, worry wrinkling his brow. She took a deep breath, wiping the tears away with the back of one hand. “Your poor mother. She must‟ve had one hell of a time keeping up with the two of you.” Neither twin spoke for a moment. Xander turned back to the two of them and gave Lex a pointed look. “Not exactly but that‟s a story for later. Lex, why don‟t you show Nora to one of the bathrooms so she can change into her suit while I check on the food?” “Take her to a room to get her naked.” Lex gave Nora a playful leer with wiggling eyebrows, a lascivious look that heated her blood at the same time as it made her want to break out in giggles again. “Now that‟s my kind of job.” “Treat her well or answer to me,” Xander growled over his shoulder before he left them standing in the yard. Lex gave a sharp whistle as he rocked back on his heels. He stared at the door, still hanging open, before facing Nora to shake his head in disbelief. “Now that‟s something I didn‟t expect to see.” “What?” “Xander going all protective on me over you and so soon.” He laughed, taking her hand and dragging her into the house. “He‟s feeling possessive. It‟s a good sign, a very good sign.” “I‟ll take your word for it,” Nora muttered as she followed the more vivacious twin into their home. How could a man feel possessive but still want to share a woman? The twins‟ home was more impressive inside than outside. With vaulted ceilings, warm colors and interesting nooks filled with an impressive collection of pottery and crystals, Lex and Xander‟s home soothed the soul. That was the only way Nora could describe the design, soothing. Even the large guest bathroom Lex took her to seemed to be keyed to a calming vibe, done completely in the mellow colors of the tropics.
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But even so, she didn‟t dawdle or snoop around, as tempting as it was. She was looking forward to spending more time with the twins. Once in the black one-piece that sported cut-outs that made it almost look like a bikini, she followed the smell of barbequing meat to the back of the house. When Xander said they‟d be eating in the cabana by the pool, he‟d been guilty of an incredible understatement. The pool stretched out like a tropical lagoon, lined with smooth stones ending in a six-foot waterfall. The entire patio was covered by decadent silk curtains. Pillows and lounge chairs dotted the area, with wooden tables of various shapes and sizes spread throughout. It felt like she‟d stepped into something out of the Arabian Nights. Maybe a harem outfit would‟ve been more appropriate than the swimsuit. Of course, if there was going to be a harem here, with the numbers being what they were, it‟d be a male harem. Mmm, nice mental image there—me with my own male harem, all the men looking like the twins. I’ll have to keep that in mind for my dreams tonight. As she stepped out, Xander looked up from a massive stainless steel barbeque that lined one side of the patio, melding seamlessly into an equally huge bar. He‟d changed clothes as well, with a short white robe tied over his bare, tanned chest. From where she stood she could see a hint of a pair of bright blue board shorts. His eyes glittered in appreciation as she moved closer. He gave her an entirely male leer. “Very nice suit, modest yet flattering. You look absolutely stunning.” Nora looked down and flicked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Thank you.” “You‟re very welcome.” Again, his eyes showed nothing but appreciation. “A woman as lovely as you should always be told how beautiful she looks.” Nora managed a timid smile. Lex might be the more playful flirt of the two but Xander is pretty damn smooth himself. Hearing a splash, she turned to watch Lex heft himself out of the pool. All those tight, tanned muscles with water sliding across them robbed Nora of any response she might have had to Xander‟s compliment. Grinning with every step, Lex swaggered toward her, his own board shorts threatening to sag down that last wonderful inch to give her a surprise show. “If you could only see the look on your face.” “It probably matches the look on yours when you saw her walk out here.” Xander nodded at Nora. She grinned and watched as he poured more sauce on the ribs. “Hey now, let me have my moment to bask in the female interest before trying to deflate my ego.” Lex leaned a hip against the wood of the bar. “I mean, this whole thing would be pointless if she didn‟t find us attractive.” Nora clutched her hands behind her back and bit her bottom lip. Why would they settle for me? Her eyes went down again, looking at her bare toes as they curled against the concrete. “That goes both ways, you know,” she murmured under her breath.
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Lex cupped her chin and tipped her head back up. “I know it goes both ways. I also know that both Xander and I find you attractive. You‟re the one we don‟t know about.” She glanced at Xander. He smiled and nodded. Nora rocked back on her heels but smiled back. “You‟ve got to be kidding. Who wouldn‟t find you two attractive?” Xander gave her a wink and turned back to his barbeque, pulling a thermometer out of the meat. “Then I‟m not being too hopeful to think that you are willing to give both of us, even my rascal twin, a chance with you?” “I wouldn‟t be here if I weren‟t.” Lex looped his arm around her shoulders and guided her to a shaded table already heaping with bowls of food. He pulled out a chair and helped her into a seat. “Then why don‟t we talk about everything, put all our cards on the table, while we eat?” She turned away from his hopeful gaze to watch Xander carrying a sumptuous rack of ribs to the table. He served her, offering different bowls with everything from potato chips to bruschetta. When her plate was filled and she took the first sip of her homemade lemonade, the silence began to bother her. That‟s when she realized they were waiting for her. She looked back and forth between identical faces with identically hopeful expressions. “Who goes first?” “Our story will take some time.” Lex paused for a moment to devour a rib, putting it down completely cleaned. He licked every smear of sauce from his fingertips. “Why don‟t you begin by telling us what your deep, dark secret is? Then Xander will tell you our little faerie tale. He got all the storytelling skills.” Xander glared at his brother but Nora just nodded. It was time to start with a clean slate. So many of her past problems came from holding tightly to her secrets. “That‟s fair enough. If I‟d been honest at the onset of some of my other relationships, things probably wouldn‟t have gone downhill quite so badly.” “Your previous lovers didn‟t take well to whatever it is that you‟re running from?” Xander reached over to pat her gently on the knee before reaching for a bowl for seconds. “No, not really. And who says I‟m running from anything?” The twins each tilted their heads and gave her a simple, no-bullshit gaze. Nora hadn‟t really thought about it that way before but they had a point. “Okay, maybe I am running. A little. But I like to think I‟m running to something, not away.” “To what?” Lex asked this time. “Home, a family.” Nora picked up a fork and tried a bite of food to stall for time while she thought things through. She had no idea what she ate. “I guess I‟m trying to find what I lost during the wars. I‟m the only one left.” “So the Otherworlders, the non-human born paranormals, killed your parents?” Xander left his hand on her knee this time. She could actually feel him projecting
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comfort through his palms, a little warlock trick she hadn‟t expected him to feel comfortable doing to her so soon but one she welcomed. “Actually both sides did, from what I understand and remember.” Again she used the massive amount of food on her plate to stall for time. Her appetite was fleeting but she could still move food around her plate with her fork as she contemplated her past. “That‟s my problem. I‟m a half-breed shifter. I‟m half fox shifter but my father was a full-blooded Japanese fox demon. He was a six-tailed kitsune.” Xander let out a soft whistle. “Six hundred years old or strong enough for the celestial fox to gift him with extra tails. Either way, he would‟ve been quite powerful. His children would‟ve inherited quite a bit of strength.” “I guess.” Nora shrugged, staring down at her lap, no longer even pretending to eat. “No one was around to teach me by the time I was old enough to train. My brother Takeshi would‟ve done that but he was taken during the final years of the war when I was five.” Lex reached out to smooth one of her curls behind her ear. “That must have been difficult for you. And I see where you had trouble with your lovers when they found out. You‟ve dated shifters primarily?” Nora twisted her hands in her lap. “Yes, lupins for the most part. I felt comfortable around them. I understood how their community worked. I just don‟t fit into it.” “You don‟t have to worry about that with us.” Xander gave Lex a pointed look. “We don‟t blame others for things that happened before they were even grown up, especially things they aren‟t responsible for in the first place. Every paranormal alive, human and non-human, suffered losses and pain. At this point blame is a waste of time.” Nora gave a tremulous smile. He sounded sincere. Maybe they had a chance after all. She picked up a rib and started to nibble at it. Before she knew it the bone was picked clean. “So that‟s my story, short if not so sweet. What‟s this epic tale you two keep hinting at?” Lex stared at her as she licked each of her fingers clean. When she raised a brow, he cleared his throat. “Xander, I think you should take this.” The other twin nodded, taking a drink of lemonade before beginning. “As this is, in a way, a faerie tale, let‟s start with a once upon a time.” Nora ignored the food again, leaning forward to listen to the story. “Once upon a time there was a very powerful, if young, warlock. He felt passionate about the survival of his race, even if he didn‟t believe in the war that threatened his people. So he did what he did best. He used his skills to spy on the enemy. His greatest skill was the use of astral projection. While sleeping he could separate his spirit from his body and allow it to roam free. In this way, he would infiltrate enemy meetings, find out where the next attack would occur and tell his people so that they could evacuate. He did extremely well during his decade of service, saving countless lives. Until one day he spied on the wrong meeting.” 50
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Lex scooted his chair so that he could put his arm around Nora‟s shoulders. Xander nodded to his twin before continuing. “Instead of slipping in to get information from the usual gathering low-level generals, his spirit wandered in on a meeting of the highest level. Among the dignitaries the Queen of all Fae, Odelina herself, presided over the meeting. She, being one of the strongest magick wielders on the non-human side, saw through the warlock‟s trick. But, as the Queen of the Fae, she didn‟t believe in an easy kill. It was much more fun to torture and torment the enemy, striking fear in the hearts of all who came into contact with her wrath.” Pausing, Xander stared off into space, his face expressionless. “She told the warlock that if he was so fond of pulling himself into two pieces, perhaps she should make it permanent. At first the warlock didn‟t understand the nature of the curse. As always, his astral body simply rejoined his sleeping, physical self. But upon waking, he truly understood. When he awoke, he split in two.” Nora blinked, looking first at Xander then at Lex. For the first time she understood where their strange story was going. Lex held her more tightly as Xander continued. “Alexander Dimorus suddenly found himself literally becoming two people. Lex and I took our names by splitting his. But just turning us into two people wasn‟t enough for the Queen of the Fae. That would be too simple. When we sleep, we rejoin again. We become one person, sharing all our memories and experiences, only to be pulled apart when we awake. If one of us leaves, whoever falls asleep first will drag the other into slumber as well, that other twin‟s body joining in the place of the first to sleep.” Xander looked over at the wide-eyed Nora. “As you can imagine, it‟s put quite a damper on our romantic life.” “Romantic life, hell. Our sex life can be a real bitch.” Lex scooted even closer. Now Nora didn‟t know if it was to keep her next to him or to comfort himself. “You can‟t fall asleep with a woman. You don‟t know if you‟ll wake up in the same bed or if you‟ll wake up with your „brother‟ right next to you with her.” Nora shook her head in amazement. She didn‟t know what she‟d been expecting but it certainly hadn‟t been that. “Whoa, that‟s some story.” A muscle in Xander‟s jaw jumped as he clenched his teeth. For once Lex wouldn‟t meet her gaze. They’re actually scared. They’re afraid of what I’ll think. Me, the stinking half-breed who doesn’t know her place. Who’d have thought? Xander stood. “I‟ll go get the dessert. Lex, help me clean up the dishes.” “But—” Nora started, staring up at both twins as they began gathering plates. “No, take your time and let all the information settle before you say anything.” Xander gave her a beseeching look. “Please.” Nora watched as the twins went back into the house. Okay, so their curse was a little weird. The whole sharing memories while they were asleep must be
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uncomfortable at times, especially when it came to dating. If one of the two had a girlfriend but not the other, how would it feel to share memories of every intimate moment? And if they had been the same person at one time, they would be attracted to the same women. I wonder how many times they’ve tried to have something resembling a normal relationship only to have it fall apart around them. If the sheepish looks Lex is sending me as he comes back with clean plates is any indication, it must be countless. Lex slid a small plate and fork in front of her, still not meeting her eyes. “Before Xander gets here and clouds your mind with chocolate, what‟s your gut response? If it‟s negative I‟d like a heads-up. Xander will need some support.” “Just Xander?” Lex finally met her gaze. After a moment, finding something hopeful in her expression, he gave her a weak smile. “Me too. I started this whole fiasco. If it blows up in my face, I just want to take the brunt of the explosion.” “Well, so far no explosion here. But I reserve the right to combust at a later date.” His eyes glittered as Lex‟s smile spread. “Combust, huh? I have absolutely no problem with you combusting later. I have high hopes for being present for the flames.” “Flirting already?” Xander‟s voice startled Nora. She hadn‟t heard him walk up behind her. She should have at least smelled the cocoa decadence he was carrying. “In this situation, the fact that I can still flirt with her and not send her running for the door is a good thing. Right?” As he slipped a large scoop of mouthwatering goodness in front of her, Xander shot her a shy smile. “I hope you‟re right.”
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Chapter Nine Nora sat with her feet in the pool, staring up at the clouds while the twins cleaned up. She still had a couple of hours before she needed to go back to the motel and get ready for her first night on the job and she had so much to consider. This would be a difficult relationship, with trials that most people would never even imagine. There would be jealousy, there had to be. People on the outside would look down on her and on the twins. The para community was open-minded when it came to different types of matings but the humans that made up the town might not be that accepting. Still, did that even matter? She already had plenty of secrets she kept from the humans so why should Nora care what they thought? And the guys really didn‟t care about her heritage. She‟d never run into that before and it was worth more than she could even have imagined. There had to be other tolerant paranormals out there but she rarely took the chance of coming clean about her background. When she did, it hadn‟t turned out well for her. Of course, she had to consider the über-alpha type of guys she‟d dated. Yes, they were wrong for how they‟d treated her. The violence was on them. But since there had been more than one, she had to take her share of the blame for the mistakes as well. But that was the past. It needed to stay in the past. Now there were the twins who weren‟t really twins—two people who might come to love her as well as accept her. “You‟re thinking too hard.” Lex dove into the water next to her without the slightest splash. His arms cut through the water as he swam up to brace himself on the poolside beside her. Nora kicked her feet, sending waves lapping around his well-defined chest. “I don‟t know what you‟re talking about.” “Bullshit.” He bobbed under, popping back up and slicking his hair away from his face. “You‟re thinking about whether Xander and I are worth the trouble. You‟re thinking about past mistakes. You‟re thinking too damn much if you ask me. You need to relax and just go with the flow for a while. Neither Xander nor I plan on rushing you. Flirt with you and make out with you whenever possible but we won‟t rush you. So take it easy and enjoy our company.” Nora jerked as another presence loomed over her. Xander grimaced but sat down beside her, dangling his feet into the water. “Surely we don‟t make you feel threatened?” “Sorry, old habit.” Nora sat still for a moment. Lex propped his head on folded arms, looking up at her as he floated easily in the water. Xander leaned back and stared at the sky. Nora let the peaceful silence soothe her frayed nerves. “Go with the flow. That sounds really good.” 53
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Lex‟s laughter rang out over the water. “I think we could make you feel really good if you are willing to go with the flow.” Not giving her time to overthink, Lex slid between her legs, using her thighs to brace himself. He lifted out of the water to claim her mouth. Lex licked at her lips until she couldn‟t help but open to his eager exploration. Instead of sealing her lips with his, Lex lapped at the inside of her mouth, the tantalizing slide igniting her own hunger. His greedy tongue slid across the roof of her mouth, wringing needy whimpers from deep inside Nora‟s throat as chills shot down her spine. Lex‟s playful thrusts encouraged Nora to lean in and take what she wanted. And she wanted, she wanted badly. But when her tongue tried to tangle with his, he pulled back. Her tongue followed, trying to capture him as she leaned forward. But another set of arms wrapped around her, pulling Nora back against a sun-warmed chest. Hot breath beneath her ear sent liquid shivers down her body as Xander tightened his embrace. “Shh. Stay right here. Let us do all the work. Let us show you that we‟re worth the risks. Enjoy.” Nora moaned as Xander nibbled on her neck, sparking a low, heavy flame that arrowed down, leaving her feeling empty and wanting. Her eyes fell closed as Lex finally took her mouth with complete abandon. Nora felt her control shatter under the sensual, insatiable onslaught. Lex‟s tongue plunged and plundered. His taste exploded in her mouth, a rich, spicy flavor. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and sink her nails into Lex‟s shoulders and pull him to her. But Xander kept her held tightly in place. Four hands explored her every curve—two warm and dry, two cold and wet. The contrast left her nearly breathless in anticipation. Where would they touch next? Whose fingers were sliding beneath the top of her suit to cup her breasts? Who cupped her and pulled at her nipples, scraping a nail across the tips? She didn‟t even struggle as they peeled her swimsuit from her body. Instead she wiggled and arched, helping them as much as possible. Suddenly Lex pulled away from her. She opened her eyes only to see the world spin around her as Xander lifted her into his arms. He carried her to a lounge chair, laying her to bask in the warm sunlight. The innate sense of modesty that seemed to have disappeared along with her control came back with a vengeance. She was lying there in broad daylight, completely nude while the twins were both still dressed…and staring. They were staring at her. Nora‟s hands flew up to cover herself from the men‟s gazes. Xander knelt down and took one of her hands. He placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. “Please don‟t cover yourself. You have no reason to feel the least bit ashamed.”
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Her other hand was pulled away from her body as Lex mirrored Xander‟s actions her other side. “Remember, this is all about you. We aren‟t going to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable. We only want to bring you pleasure.” “Look at you two,” Nora managed to whisper. “How could any woman not feel intimidated?” “You‟re not just any woman.” Lex leaned over to give her lips a soft kiss. “You‟re our woman.” Xander ran his thumb over her bottom lip, pulling her mouth open before he took his kiss. He lapped and nibbled before plunging his tongue inside for a quick taste. Again Nora lost herself as hands and mouths worshipped her body. The two seemed determined to prove to her that they would do whatever they could to make her feel not just the pleasure they could bring her but how important she could be to them. Little by little, she started to feel differences in their touches. Lex‟s mischievousness came out in his caresses, flipping back and forth from just shy of a tickle to something with the edge of erotic pain. His fingers lightly ran over her stomach, sending her muscles twitching. Then his teeth would bite at the tip of her nipple, a blissful agony that sent her whole body writhing. Xander‟s touch was more methodical to the point of being maddening. He left not a single inch of Nora‟s skin untested, unexplored. He discovered and tormented each and every one of her hot buttons. He found that spot on the back of her neck that made her bones melt when nipped. He seemed to savor how she shivered when someone licked the dip between her collarbones. Put the two of them together and they turned her inside out. Nora‟s body blazed under their carnal assault. She squirmed beneath them, yearning to be closer, wanting so much more. She reached out with both hands, her fingers digging into each of their hair to hold them tightly to her. They groaned in unison, both men pushing up against her palms. She ran her nails through their hair, the sound of their purrs making her burn even hotter. Then two hands cupped her slick, aching cunt. Fingers parted her and dipped in to flick her clit. That tiny bundle of nerves seemed to tighten, bringing her to the teethgnashing edge. One long finger sank deep inside her as other clever digits plucked her clit mercilessly. Nora was thankful for the two pairs of hands to hold her down as her orgasm crashed over her. She arched and shook, threatening to roll off the lounge chair. Both men petted her until her body stopped shivering. She glanced down at the men, both with their cocks tenting their shorts. “What about you?”
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“This whole afternoon was meant for you.” Xander slicked her hair back from her face and kissed her forehead. “I think we can both hold out until you‟re certain that you want us.” Lex grimaced and adjusted himself. “It won‟t be comfortable but no one‟s died from terminal horniness yet.” His grimace turned into a playful smirk followed by a wink. “Just remember our sacrifice in the future.” Nora couldn‟t help but laugh.
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Chapter Ten Nora flipped the security lock on the door of her motel room and leaned back against it with a sigh. Even working an eight-hour shift at the bar hadn‟t been enough to clear her mind or stop her body from buzzing. She was in so deep. How can I be expected to resist the twins? How could any woman stand up to the two of them and remain sane? Do I even want to resist? She toed off her black flats and took the four steps forward to collapse on her bed. So tired. I just need sleep. Everything will make sense after I get some sleep. Curling into a little ball, Nora didn‟t even bother to pull the blanket over herself. A foggy smoke filled Nora‟s dreams. Her dream-self braced for a return to her mother‟s death or the return of her mist-hidden lover. Strangely she felt more aware of her surroundings than normal. But as the smoke cleared, she found herself standing in an unfamiliar room. At least she thought she should call it a room, even though it lacked walls. Blank space spread out as far as the eye could see. Yet, grouped in front of her was a set of bookshelves lining a fireplace, flames dancing merrily but without sound. Two overstuffed chairs faced each other across a solid oak coffee table and the back of a large couch blocked the rest from her view. As she stepped around the couch, she stared down at a familiar-looking man, very familiar. But the more she tried to grasp who he was, the more difficult it became. Was he her dream lover or someone else, someone she knew in real life? She realized that she knew this man and knew him well, but her dream consciousness was having a difficult time grasping what was right there in front of her. The man‟s long form was stretched across the couch, feet propped across one arm. His head lay on the other, a pillow peeking out from under his neatly clipped blond head. He held a book in his hands but no matter how hard she tried to focus on it, Nora couldn‟t make out the title. The more she concentrated the blurrier it got. “What are you reading?” she finally asked. “I‟m not reading, not really. I‟m just catching up on what we‟ve been doing all day.” The man reached over for what smelled like a cup of coffee. He took a sip without ever glancing up, put down the cup and then turned a page on his book. Feeling a little like Alice in Wonderland talking to the Hatter, Nora walked around the table and sat down in one of the chairs. She waited, watching, until the man looked up at her. “What?” he asked, a single eyebrow rising.
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She glanced pointedly around at her surroundings, a serene den in the middle of literal nothingness. “Where am I? How did I get here? Is this a dream? If it is a dream, how do I know it‟s a dream?” The man sighed, putting down his book and sitting up. “You are in the Dreaming, which means this is a dream. But it‟s my dream. Normally I would have to bring you here myself, giving me control over what you did or saw while here. I‟m not entirely certain how you got here this time, though I‟d bet it has something to do with your kitsune heritage. Only a few beings can travel the Dreaming consciously, the kitsune is one of those races. As you‟re only in your thirties, I‟m surprised you‟re able to travel dreams but your shifter half must be accelerating your kitsune development somehow without you realizing it.” While she‟d had suspicions about this man‟s connection to her dream lover, staring into his so familiar blue eyes Nora suddenly understood exactly who the man was. “Alexander Dimorus.” The man smiled Lex‟s infectious grin. “Did you have any doubt? I thought you knew us fairly well now. At least that‟s what I‟ve been getting from our memories of today.” Nora blushed. “Is that what you were „reading‟ in that book?” He shrugged but the sensual sparkle in his eyes as he looked at Nora answered her unspoken question. “Sometimes I read, sometimes I imagine up a big screen TV. But I always run over both sets of my memories at night. I know that Lex and Xander told you that they share memories and body when they sleep. That‟s when I wake up in the Dreaming.” “So when they wake up they‟ll remember all this?” Nora waved her hand around at his sanctuary. “Somewhat but not as well as I remember what they did. My part might seem more of a dream to them than reality but this is where their memories merge.” Tilting his head, Alexander‟s gaze roved over Nora from head to toe. “You‟re even more beautiful than we remember. I haven‟t had company here in my humble home before but I have to say that I‟m glad my first visitor is you. Still, you must be more careful next time. You don‟t want to wander through the Dreaming randomly. Most of those who have the ability to walk dreams aren‟t friendly to outsiders.” Nora twisted her hands together and looked away from him. She wasn‟t certain how she felt about this turn of events. “You‟re assuming I‟ll come back.” “Once a person travels the Dreaming consciously, it becomes difficult not to return.” Alexander leaned forward, taking Nora‟s hand palm up in his own and rubbing her cold fingers. “Here, let me give you something.” When he moved back into his seat, Nora looked down to find a pendant clutched in her hand. A perfect silver circle with etching at the edges, it had a large white stone in the center surrounded by smaller purple stones.
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“The moonstone and amethysts will help guide and protect you in the Dreaming. The writing at the edge is a spell that will always lead you to my home.” Nora wrapped her fingers around the amulet, feeling it pulse softly in her grasp. “Thank you.” “No need. We want to keep you safe. You‟re special to us.” Alexander tilted his head, gazing at her intently again. “What?” Nora flicked a curl behind her ear, nerves fraying under his scrutiny. “If you‟re coming into your kitsune powers, you really need to be careful.” “Huh?” He scooted farther back and crossed his arms as he considered her. “At first I couldn‟t understand how anyone with kitsune blood could let themselves be abused by anyone.” When she flinched, he leaned over and gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “I don‟t mean it like that. It‟s only, the kitsune are a strong people. They are a type of demon and their magickal powers are immense. Even though you‟re young, if you knew how to control your kitsune skills you would be more than able to defend yourself.” “Really?” Nora looked up at him with greater interest. Why hadn‟t the twins mentioned this? Alexander grinned. “Xander would‟ve mentioned it to you eventually. I have Lex‟s impulsiveness along with Xander‟s thoughtfulness, or they have mine. Either way, I‟m more likely to rush into things, though with more forethought. Anyway, back to my point. If you are coming into your powers, you need to begin training.” “How?” Nora asked, intrigued by the idea but uncertain as to how she was expected to be able to do it. “My brother was supposed to help me but he‟s not exactly available anymore.” “True, but I know we have books in our library that could help you get started. I was the human paranormals‟ best spy. I have plenty of information on creatures from the other side. Just ask Lex or Xander and you will have complete access to all the research I managed to collect over the years.” “I could be strong? I have magick?” The thought was so alien after so many years of cowering and depending on others that Nora could scarcely believe it. But it was so very tempting a thought. Alexander walked up to her chair and kneeled in front of her, placing his hands on her knees. “Strength isn‟t just about magick or muscles. You are strong. You‟ve survived on your own for years. Yes, you‟ve had some bumps along the road but you‟re here and you‟re still very much your own woman. The fact that you have a better way of defending yourself doesn‟t change that fact. It only supports it.” Nora‟s heart gave a little lurch as she stared down into his bright blue gaze. She could feel herself falling a little more for Alexander/Lex/Xander. He or they, it didn‟t
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really matter. Dimorus made her feel something that she‟d yearned for more than she‟d ever imagined. Hope. “I want that,” she whispered. “I want to know everything that I am.” “Good, I like knowing that you accept yourself. It makes it more likely that you‟ll accept us.” He patted her knee and gave her a wink. “Now, you should go back to your regular dreamland. Get some rest. If you want, visit me tomorrow night and tell me what you‟ve learned.” “You expect me to rush out and start poring over your books already?” Alexander stood just enough to lean forward, nose to nose with her. “I think I‟m beginning to know you that well.” Then he took her mouth in a deep kiss, the taste and intensity of which reminded her so much of Lex while the thoroughness reeked of Xander. At the same time, a shadow of her dream-lover tickled the edge of her awareness. As Alexander Dimorus pulled away she felt a twinge of disappointment. “Now, off you go.” With that, Nora lost her awareness, sinking into a sweet dream.
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Chapter Eleven Takeshi strode down the long corridor to the main meeting room. His uncle had requested his presence and that could not be good. He bowed his head to several highranking kitsune heading in the other direction, careful to keep his eyes lowered. His own position wasn‟t fixed so it was best to show a certain amount of deference to all. His father, Ritsua, had been very important in the political structure until he abdicated in order to marry his mother. As such, Takeshi should have ranked just as highly. Unfortunately, as a half-breed he was rarely acknowledged so highly, if at all. He had learned the hard way over the years to be very careful about how he approached and interacted with others of his kind. A pair of guards in full ceremonial regalia flanked a huge set of double doors made from ornately carved wood. As Takeshi approached they pulled the doors open and bowed in perfect unison. The room he entered was completely bare save for the large red pillars that lined the walls leading to a raised platform with a massive black and gold throne. His uncle Yoichi sat on the throne, looking very like the emperor he believed himself to be. His kimono was of the purest white silk with delicate golden designs embroidered throughout. His gleaming black hair, falling far below his waist, was brushed to a fine sheen. Takeshi always wondered about the pride his uncle showed in the care of his hair. As the highest ranking kitsune, he should have pure white hair like his own father had possessed. But Takeshi wasn‟t fool enough to put the question to his uncle directly. That would be a quick way to lose his head, as would staring at the three concubines kneeling at his uncle‟s feet. Three delicate beauties, one with gray hair and two with black, all worn loose and flowing like his uncle‟s. Takeshi struggled to keep his face impassive as the gray-haired woman reached for his uncle, parting his kimono. She flipped her hair back from her face, allowing a perfect view as her small hands pulled out Yoichi‟s heavy cock. Her tongue licked at the engorged, almost purple head. She lapped and lapped, her hands rubbing up and down. Then she opened wide, her head dipping as she took him deep into her mouth. This wasn‟t the first time Takeshi had been forced to watch such a scene. He‟d always thought that the women sought out his uncle voluntarily, looking for power and influence. Now he wondered if they were a part of his uncle‟s breeding program. As soon as he reached the bottom step Takeshi fell to his knees, placing his forehead on the floor with both hands palm-down beside it. He closed his ears to the sound of wet sucking and lapping punctuated by the occasional feminine gasp for breath. “I have come as you have requested, Uncle. Of what service might I be?” 61
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He stayed still, head still to the floor, waiting for Yoichi to reply. He wondered how long his uncle would keep him in this position. The record was for a full hour, while his uncle finished his tea service. Several minutes passed, but nowhere near an hour, before his uncle spoke. “Rise, boy.” Takeshi moved to kneel with his hands placed calmly on his lap. He didn‟t come to his feet. The one time he‟d made that mistake when his uncle bid him to rise he‟d been whipped in the public courtyard and then left locked in his room for three days without food. He‟d only turned fourteen when it happened. He knew now not to stand and not to speak until his uncle gave permission or asked a direct question. Yoichi‟s face remained expressionless, barely moving as he spoke. “I am certain you have heard that we had an emissary visit us.” Takeshi didn‟t verbally answer, instead inclining his head in agreement. His eyes barely flickered as the gray-haired woman at Yoichi‟s feet let her kimono fall from her shoulders, exposing delicate breasts. The other two women put their hands on her back to support her. Takeshi idly wondered if that support was more emotional than physical. “They brought news that I need to ponder.” Yoichi‟s eyes narrowed, his head tilting ever so slightly as he looked down his nose at Takeshi. He reached down, digging his fingers into the woman‟s hair and forcing her down further on his fat cock. Takeshi strove not to flinch at the sound of her gagging. Yoichi grunted, reminding Takeshi of a pig more than a fox. He pushed the woman away, tucking his now limp cock back inside his clothes. “In the meantime I must make certain that I have strong, loyal followers kept close to my side.” And you have no idea whether I fall into either category. He watched as the other two women helped their gray-haired companion back to her knees, leaving her top hanging around her waist. After a short pause Takeshi risked a comment. He was careful to mention his relationship and to keep his tone as ingratiating as possible though it nearly turned his stomach. “What would you have of me, Uncle? How can I be of service to you and to our people?” Yoichi inclined his head in recognition of the respect in Takeshi‟s tone. “Your tutors and trainers tell me that you have grown both strong and wise in the years you have been allowed to stay with us in the palace.” “I strive only to be of use.” I have to be careful here. You must believe those words at all cost. For the first time, his uncle smiled. It wasn‟t a pleasant expression. “Good. That is very good. I need for you to continue with your training, both magickal and tactical. Become a strong weapon for the good of the kitsune race. I believe we may need that strength soon.”
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Again mindful of the risk he took asking any questions, Takeshi pushed for whatever information he could get, even if it was likely to be lies. “Has there been a threat made against our people, Uncle?” “Our people are always under threat.” Yoichi clenched the arms of his throne and leaned forward. The concubines parted, giving him room. His eyes glowed with suppressed foxfire. “Never forget that. Others are covetous of our position and our possessions. We must protect what is ours. Even half-breeds such as yourself must be made strong to be used for defense.” “I will dedicate more time to my training.” “Do so.” His uncle sat back again, staring down in obvious disgust. “You will never be as strong as your father, not with your baseborn shifter blood. Yet you should be able to become a great warrior for our people. I have already told your military trainer that you will be spending all of your waking hours for the foreseeable future working with him on improving your skills. You will report to him first thing in the morning.” And that way I shall be suitably busy while you set whatever plans you have in motion. We’ll just have to see about that. “As you wish, Uncle.” Takeshi bowed again, forehead to floor. Again several minutes passed before his uncle spoke. “You may leave.” Rising to his feet in a single graceful and well-practiced motion, Takeshi bowed low. He then turned and walked out of the room, guards closing and barring the door behind him. He turned as though going to his room but made a swift movement out a small side door reserved for servants. Shou waited in the shadows just outside the door. “What did His Greatness want with you?” Takeshi moved to stand by his friend, covered in darkness. “He‟s assigned me to an endless round of physical training with one of his pets. It seems he wants to make certain that I‟m not only kept busy but am too exhausted to think about anything else.” “He‟s suspicious of you, even after all these decades of rushing to his every whim?” “Uncle suspects everyone of ulterior motives, especially those who have every reason to dislike him.” Takeshi slid his hands into his sleeves. “But this means I will need your help.” “Anything.” Takeshi looked up at the darkening sky, wondering for a moment if Nora was settling in for a peaceful sleep. “I need you to watch over my sister. Yoichi will make a move soon to reclaim her. If not to use in his breeding program, she‟d make too good a knife to hold at my throat. Nora needs to be protected.” Shou bowed his head, yet not as a sign of subservience. Takeshi could trust Shou to help him with anything but as a comrade not a servant. “Consider it done.”
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Takeshi clasped his friend‟s shoulder. “Thank you. Realize that you are the only one I would ever trust to do this for me.” Shou nodded, bowing slightly again. “I know, my friend. I will watch over your sister as though she was a member of my own family. You have my word of honor on it. No harm shall come to her while I am there.” “I am counting on that.”
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Chapter Twelve The air vibrated with a feeling of expectancy. Whether it was a positive or negative change in the wind remained to be seen. Lex and Xander stood on their porch waiting the arrival of a neat little Ford Fusion barreling down their drive. Their wards had flared earlier, alerting them to the approach of a non-human paranormal. But their defensive spells hadn‟t kicked in, which meant that their unexpected guest didn‟t mean them any harm. Still, it was best to be prepared. The car rocked to a stop and a lean, dark-haired man hopped out. He moved in front of his car with an innate grace but didn‟t step toward them. He waited patiently until Lex and Xander acknowledged him, slicking a lock of his waist-long hair behind a sharply pointed ear. Lex‟s eyes narrowed as he took in the telling feature, every fiber of his being screaming to prepare for battle. But he took his cue from his more impassive twin and asked, “What do you want here, Fae creature?” “Elf to be precise.” The man stepped forward. His movements were perfectly controlled while he kept both hands lax but visible at his side. “I mean no harm to you or yours, you have my solemn oath. I‟m here only to bring you information.” Lex‟s eyes narrowed at the elf‟s approach. He moved into a protective position in front of his twin. He was better at quick magick but with a little time Xander could be lethal. Lex prepared to give him that time. “Information?” Xander slid around Lex, putting a restraining hand on his more impulsive twin‟s shoulder. “And who would want to give us information and why? You‟ll have to excuse us if we are distrustful of any free advice from one of your kind.” “I get that.” The elf stopped just outside of their second set of warding energies, eyeing the two visible anchor stones. His lips twisted slightly. “I hate playing messenger boy almost as much as I dislike the idea that I might be thought of as expendable.” “By whom?” Lex had a difficult time believing any paranormal could be considered expendable. The elf shook himself and smirked. With an exaggerated flourish, he waved his right hand and sank into a low bow. “I am Aindreas. The Alpha of the Greater Las Vegas Pack and his mate send you their greetings.” “You mean Garrick Rhine?” Lex shrugged off Xander‟s hand. He knew Garrick. He‟d designed the main pack hall in Las Vegas several years ago, not long after Garrick
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took on the role of pack Alpha. But they hadn‟t kept in touch and he couldn‟t think of any reason for the lupin to contact him now. “Yes.” The elf remained in his bowed position but peeked up at the twins with twinkling eyes. “His mate‟s brother recently joined the pack under a plea for sanctuary, bringing disturbing news from the other side of the veil. Garrick has been doing what he can to warn those who were mentioned by name.” Xander‟s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned. “Mentioned how?” Playfulness vanishing from his expression, Aindreas straightened with a grimace. “Not in a good way. Look, it was a long drive. I won‟t ask to come inside and I don‟t expect a warm greeting. But do you mind if I have a seat on your porch? This might take a while and I‟d rather be as comfortable as possible.” Lex looked at Xander. He couldn‟t see the harm and was beginning to trust the elf at his word. If Xander was okay with it, Lex would go along. “We have your word that you won‟t cast any spells while you are within our wards?” his twin asked. Placing his hand on his heart, Aindreas swore, “My word of honor, I will cast no spells beyond my personal glamour as long as I am within thirty miles of your town‟s limits.” Xander nodded and gestured to the short row of rockers sitting neatly by the front door. “In that case, please have a seat.” “Thank you. I‟ll try to make this brief.” The elf stretched with a mighty groan before plopping down in one of the sturdy wooden rocking chairs. “Did you guys have to live so far out in the boonies? You couldn‟t live somewhere that had an airport or something?” Lex stepped around and took a rocker to one side of Aindreas as his twin took the other. “I thought your kind weren‟t keen on planes?” “Oh, the longer you live with the mortals, the more of an immunity you develop to their tech. I‟ve been living in banishment for several centuries, long enough to be able to take smaller doses of iron and steel. I don‟t enjoy flying, and no way would you catch me trying something as long as a transatlantic flight, but a short jaunt would be a hell of a lot more comfortable than a five-hour drive.” “You‟re one of the Fae who were banished before the start of the Wars?” Lex kept his eyes glued to their guest, looking for the slightest hint of deception. “Yeah. Tried to stay out of politics and pointless battles for the most part.” Aindreas sighed, rocking back and forth as he stared off into the horizon. “I‟d still be staying out of things if Faolan hadn‟t asked me to do this for him as a favor.” “Faolan?” “The Vegas Alpha is mated to Faolan, son of Queen Odelina.” Lex felt his stomach drop at the mention of that name. He looked over at Xander, who‟d gone terribly still.
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Aindreas watch their reactions and shook his head. “I heard you‟d run afoul of her during the wars. That‟s why I‟m here.” “You‟ll have to excuse me if I still don‟t understand. Why should our past with the Fae queen bring you here?” Xander asked. Lex sat back, forcing his hands to stay relaxed as he gathered his magick in preparation for any betrayal on the part of the elf. “Faolan‟s brother and niece are living in Vegas under asylum with the pack there after running afoul of Her Majesty.” Aindreas stretched his legs out, propping his arms behind his head. He continued staring out at the afternoon sky. “Having been a liaison between the Fae Council and Her Majesty, Teague has been giving Garrick information about things he knows Queen Odelina is planning. That‟s why I‟m here. He recognized the name Dimorus and felt obliged to pass some of the info along.” “I can understand that.” Xander‟s voice reeked of calm as he projected the picture of reasonableness. But Lex caught his meaningful glance that said otherwise before he continued. “So what‟s the message?” Finally Aindreas turned to face Xander. “Odelina knows where you are. She also seems to have an eye on whomever it is you‟re dating. We know she‟s trying to find a way around the Accords and is also doing what she can to gain like-minded allies.” Feeling a quick stab of panic, Lex glanced over at Xander to see if he was as worried. Xander‟s unnatural stillness reeked of worry. Expressionless, Xander stared at the elf for a moment before standing. “Please excuse use, Aindreas, but I would like to speak with my twin privately for a moment.” The elf waved his hand and started rocking again. Lex followed Xander to the kitchen in the back of the house. Xander sat at a small wooden table in their breakfast nook. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples for a moment before speaking. “Even with elfish hearing being as good as we both remember, we should be able to talk here without being overheard or wasting the energy it would take to cast a silence spell.” Lex took his own chair, not at all happy with his twin‟s reaction. The cool-headed one shouldn‟t look so…off kilter. “What do you think?” “First, what‟s your gut telling you?” Clenching his jaw, Lex closed his eyes as he tried to get a handle on what his intuition was telling him. “This isn‟t good. I‟m not sure why but my instincts are screaming at me to be careful.” He paused for a moment, trying to nail it down. “I believe the elf but more importantly I trust Garrick Rhine. He‟s the upstanding type and he‟s levelheaded. He wouldn‟t be warning us if he didn‟t have a damn good reason to be worried. I just don‟t know what we should do about it.” Xander nodded, staring down at his gripped hands resting on the table. “I was afraid you‟d agree with me. I have business in L.A. anyway. I‟ll arrange for a quick layover in Vegas and speak with Mr. Rhine.”
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“So we take this seriously?” Like I even have to ask the question. Still, Lex waited for Xander‟s answer. “We have the beginnings of a family to protect now.” When Xander met Lex‟s gaze, his eyes practically glowed with repressed emotion. “If it were just the two of us, I‟d say we keep our heads down and out of the line of fire. To hell with everything else, we paid our dues in the last war. But we have Nora to think about. She‟ll be caught in the middle of any paranormal conflicts. If we want to protect her, we need to be proactive and make what allies we can. With Rhine‟s mate being Fae, he seems to be an openminded place to start.” “Not to mention his pack would be the strongest strike force we have on this side of the veil.” While the situation had his fight instincts screaming, Lex felt relieved now that they had an immediate plan of action. “Okay, you‟re better with the diplomatic shit. You go to Vegas. I‟ll stay here and keep an eye on Nora. She‟s going to want to stay by herself. She doesn‟t trust us enough yet to let me move her in here. But we‟ll need to make sure she‟s safe, especially if the queen bitch of the Fae suspects how much she means to us.” With a nod, Xander stood and clasped Lex‟s shoulder. “I‟ll leave the elf to you. I‟ve got travel plans to make.”
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Chapter Thirteen The Friday night crowd at the Owl‟s Roost was insane, nothing like Nora expected from her previous evening of work here. She honestly didn‟t think the town had that many people living nearby. But not only did they have the normal group of miners out for a good time after payday but according to BJ several out-of-towners had stopped in on their way to a massive weeklong antique car festival being held in Reno. The tips were fantastic. Nora would have enough after tonight for the first month‟s rent for the one-bedroom apartment she‟d found not four blocks away. She could be out of that creepy motel by the end of the week. She should be ecstatic for the busy night. If only the drunk bastards weren‟t so grabby. No one had actually touched her yet but if things kept up she might break an ankle avoiding the inevitable. She never thought she‟d be so thankful for the natural grace her shifter blood gave her. She danced between several tables and stepped beside a panting BJ at the bar. Nora plopped her drink platter on the counter and wiped a bit of sweat from her brow. The amulet she‟d woken with gripped in her hands slipped out of her shirt, clanging against an empty pitcher. She ran her fingers over the edge before tucking it back out of the way. “I need two more pitchers of beer and a hot tea and water.” Brushing a flyaway piece of black hair back into her French braid, BJ snickered. “A hot tea and water? Who the hell in this crowd ordered that?” Nora tossed her head toward the back of the bar. “Dark, brooding and handsome in the corner.” BJ whistled as she looked over Nora‟s shoulder at the shadowy figure sitting back and watching the ruckus around him. “Damn, why couldn‟t he sit at one of my tables? You don‟t see something that fine too often. With you taken, him being at your table is a waste of opportunity. You wouldn‟t be willing to switch with me?” “Are you kidding?” Nora smirked at her new friend, who couldn‟t seem to pull her eyes away from Nora‟s customer. “Asian hottie is the only guy in here who hasn‟t tried to grab my ass in the last hour. I don‟t care if he ends up tipping like crap. I‟m keeping him.” “Careful or I‟ll tell the twins on you.” BJ hefted a platter loaded with chilled glasses and three pitchers onto her shoulder. “Again, he hasn‟t tried to molest me.” Nora shrugged and grabbed her own platter, now filled nearly as heavily as BJ‟s. Having shifter strength was a definite plus in the service industry. “I doubt Xander or Lex would get pissed with him considering that.” BJ pouted a little, making Nora giggle as she slid through the masses to drop off the pitchers before scooting toward the man in question. In a quick move, no wasted
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motion, she placed the cup and small metal pot of hot water on the table along with a basket of tea packets to choose from and the glass of water with lemon. “Here you go, sir. Would you like to order anything else?” The man stared at her for a moment, long enough that she wondered if his English might not be so good. “Is there anything you recommend?” His voice was deep and heavily accented but also very polite and respectful. Nora enjoyed the change from the demanding tone of most of her customers. She put her tray under one arm as she gave his request more thought than she would‟ve normally. “If you‟re hungry, I‟d go for the steak. I don‟t know what Gus does to it but his steak melts in your mouth. If you want something lighter and like spicy, he does an amazing jerk chicken salad.” The man tilted his head as he pondered his choices. “I think the steak, rare, with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.” “You‟ve got it.” Nora slipped away into the crowd, never noticing how the black-haired man‟s eyes followed her every movement, noting each man who dared to harass her. BJ sidled up to Nora, bumping her with a hip as Nora called out the food order to Gus. “So, the twins coming in tonight?” Smiling, Nora started picking up more glasses and another pitcher to put on her platter. “Lex said he‟d be picking me up after closing. Xander‟s out of town for business.” “Will you be spending the night?” BJ wiggled her eyebrows. Nora flicked her towel at BJ and shook her head. “I wasn‟t planning on it. Lex just didn‟t like the thought of me walking back to the motel after midnight.” “Right, like the man isn‟t going to try to talk you into bed with him, especially with Xander gone. He‟s sure to act like he‟s feeling all lonely and needing company.” After placing her hands on her hips, BJ curled her lips in a playful half-smile. “I may not have ever slept with him but Lex doesn‟t look like the type to waste a great opportunity. Brother out of town, girlfriend tired and maybe in need of a little babying. Perfect seduction setup if you ask me.” Nora laughed, pushing at BJ‟s shoulder. “Maybe. I‟ll just have to see if I feel like letting him seduce me.” BJ gave her a high five. “You go, girl.” The rest of the night flew by in a blur of beer, smoke and heavy platters. When the door finally closed behind the last customer, the Asian man, Nora flopped into the closest chair. Her entire body felt like a car crash victim. “God and Goddess, I feel like my feet are going to climb up my body and strangle me for mistreating them.” Rolling her head as she crossed the bar, BJ gave her a commiserating look. “A good sturdy pair of shoes with superior arches—that should be your first purchase if you plan on working here for long.”
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“You don‟t have to tell me twice.” Nora raised her arms over her head and groaned. “I‟m just glad I don‟t have to close tonight. That‟s all you, BJ. I‟m grabbing my purse and getting out of here.” “Yeah, yeah. Abandon your new friend for the prospect of some great sex. I see where I rate.” Nora raised a single eyebrow since it hurt to move just about everything else. “First I‟m not sure if I‟m going to jump into bed with anyone tonight. I doubt I have the energy left. But even if I was going to, can you actually say you‟d stick around if you were me?” BJ grabbed a towel and started wiping down tables. “You forget. I‟ve had years to ogle the twins. No way in hell would I be sitting around a dump like this with one of those two waiting for me. I don‟t care how much my muscles ached. I‟m sure Lex could make it feel all better.” “As long as we‟re straight about our priorities.” Throwing the towel over her shoulder, BJ stood with her hands on her hips and gave Nora a playful grin. “Go meet your new guy. Have fun or get some rest. Just remember, same time, same place and, regrettably, same crowd tomorrow.” “I‟ll be here with better shoes on.” Nora grabbed her purse and stepped outside to wait for Lex before she felt too guilty about leaving all the cleanup to BJ. Actually she was surprised Lex hadn‟t shown up yet but remembered the comments from both Xander and BJ about his habitual lateness. She‟d give him ten or fifteen minutes then start walking. Of course if she had to walk she‟d be sure to give him hell for standing her up. Either way, she almost looked forward to it. She‟d never been with someone she knew she could get mad at and yell at and he would still be there after the fight. And he wouldn‟t hurt her. She knew that neither Lex nor Xander would ever hurt her. It was a nice feeling. So she stood outside the bar, shuffling her weight from one foot to another and looking out onto the peaceful night. Even though the small town still had lights on, they were few enough to allow the stars to shine down. She took a deep breath of the cool night air and thought about how easy it was to just become a part of the town. It felt so right. She never saw the hands reaching out for her from the darkness. Her mouth covered, someone picked her up off her feet and carried her behind the building and just inside the deepest shadows. She bit at the hand over her lips and struggled to free an arm. The smell of old beer and human sweat filled her nostrils, making her gag. “Now, now, sweetheart. Don‟t struggle. I just want to talk to you, nothing else. Too many people in the bar to talk with, ya know. I couldn‟t believe it when I saw my friend Jack‟s old girl in there. Does he know where you are, little one? He‟s not the type to lose track of things that belong to him.” 71
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Nora managed to sink her teeth into her assailant‟s palm. “Bitch!” You don’t know the half of it, asshole. She sneered, her teeth changing into a row of sharp little canines. It was one thing when her bastard shifter ex-boyfriend abused her. He was stronger than she was and she knew it. This human friend of his wasn‟t. Just as she was about to turn and teach the man that she wasn‟t about to put up with being hurt by anyone anymore, the stranger gave a strangled gasp and practically flew away from her. Nora looked up, expecting to see Gus or Lex standing over the fallen man. Instead it was the Asian man who‟d been so polite when she waited on him. “You do not treat women this way, human—especially not this woman.” The Asian man‟s face could‟ve been carved from stone. Danger and restrained violence rolled off him in waves. “You will leave this town immediately and tell any with interest that she is well-protected. If I see you again, I will rid this world of your unsightly presence.” The human scrambled back, staggered to his feet and ran for a waiting pickup truck. Turning with a polite smile once more sliding into place, the Asian offered Nora a hand for support. “Are you unharmed?” To avoid his gesture, Nora dusted her hands against her thighs, surprised to see them shaking. She hadn‟t felt scared during the attack. For once she‟d only felt angry. But she didn‟t feel so steady now. To hide the trembling, she bent to scoop up her purse. “Yes, I‟m fine.” The man dropped his hand and nodded. “Good. I would not see you harmed.” Suddenly something he‟d said clicked in her mind. She eyed the man, slowly stepping away from him and back toward the front of the building. Crap. “You called him „human‟. Why?” The man‟s smile never shifted as he inclined his head. “Because that is what he is.” “What else could he be?” “What else indeed.” The man didn‟t make any move to close the distance she managed to put between them. Instead he placed a hand to his chest and bowed a little. “I am called Shou. I will be here if you have a need.” “What do you mean?” Nora took another step back, placing herself clearly in the halo of a streetlight. She flashed back to what Alexander told her and wished she‟d had a chance to start researching her kitsune heritage. Extra magick backing her up right then would‟ve been nice. “Only what I said.” He cocked his head slightly as if listening for something far away. “I believe one of your men is coming. I suggest you tell him what happened and stay with him for the night. You would be safer that way.” “Safer from what, attacks from more drunken humans?” 72
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Shou shook his head. “No, there are far worse things out there than humans. You should know this better than any.” As a car came to a stop in front of the bar, the mysterious Asian man stepped deeper into the shadows. “Remember to call if you need me. Speak my name and I will come to you on the wind.” “Nora?” Turning at the concern in Lex‟s voice, Nora missed Shou‟s disappearance. But something told her she wouldn‟t have seen him leave even if she‟d been staring right at him. What in the hell is going on?
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Chapter Fourteen “Xander‟s going to kick my ass when he gets back. I can‟t believe I put you in that much danger.” Lex sounded like a broken record. He hadn‟t stopped blaming himself for her attack since he‟d first shown up. Frankly it was beginning to get annoying. “I swear to the God and Goddess, I will never be late again. I won‟t let anything happen to you because of my stupidity.” Nora rolled her eyes behind his back but a corner of her heart was warmed by the fact that he cared so much. “It‟s all right. I‟m fine. Nothing happened. Even if something did, it certainly wouldn‟t be because you were a few minutes late. Stop with the blaming already.” “I don‟t care.” He took her hand, stopping her as she would‟ve opened the car door. He held that hand tightly, rubbing and clutching it. “If some stranger hadn‟t been there, something could’ve happened to you.” “I would‟ve taken care of myself. I‟m a shifter. I‟m not a complete weakling. I think I can handle one human.” “I know that but accidents happen. Still, thank you for agreeing to stay here tonight. If I‟d had to take you home, I don‟t think I‟d have gotten any sleep.” Lex seemed like he wanted to say more but changed his mind. Instead he slid out of the car and hurried around to open her door, helping her to her feet. He put her hand on his elbow and guided her to his front door, treating her so delicately that she felt like spun glass. Nora knew that she was acting as though she was letting him get away with something by talking her into coming the his house with him instead of the motel but that wasn‟t the reason. I’m the one who’s not sleeping tonight if I’m alone in that dirty little room. And when Xander gets back I’ll talk to him about his library and the kitsune research. She followed Lex into the living room, sitting down on an oversized couch while he lit the gas fireplace. It wasn‟t cold at all but Nora wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. Why was she so shaken? She‟d actually been about to stand up for herself for once. Why was she feeling so…freaked-out now? Lex didn‟t say anything. He just went to another room and came back with a blanket. He sat next to her, pulling her close as he wrapped the blanket around both of them. “Shh,” he whispered into her hair, “you‟re safe here with me.” Nora nodded, snuggling closer. She closed her eyes and let the warmth of his presence soothe her. Lex placed soft kisses down her neck and shoulder as he rubbed her arms. Slowly the shivers faded, leaving a trail of comfort and contentment in their wake.
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She peeked up at him over the edge of the blanket she‟d pulled over half her face. “Do you really want to make it up to me?” Lex pulled back, his hand dipping under the blanket and cupping her chin to reveal her face. He kissed her softly. “Whatever you want.” Nora smirked, pulling away and plopping her legs across his lap. “You could rub my feet. They‟re killing me after the night I had.” Laughing, Lex pulled her black sneakers off. “You‟ve got it. One patented Lex Dimorus calf and foot rub coming up.” Starting just below the knee, he took one leg and squeezed his way down her calf muscle. Nora signed, sinking deeper into the couch and letting him have his way with her. He pinched and rubbed her ankle, moving her foot back, forth, and around. Then he moved down to her foot, pushing his thumb into her arch in circles and pulling a groan of pleasure from her. He treated her other leg to the same careful attention. Nora started to doze under his caress. It was only when he slid out from under her legs that she woke. She grabbed his arm, pulling him back down to her. “Don‟t leave.” Lex patted her hand. “I won‟t if you don‟t want me to. But how about we go to the guest room? You can stretch out there and we can watch some TV until you go to sleep. I‟ll even bring you some bedtime snacks. Xander left some great leftovers.” Nora nodded, letting go of his arm long enough to get to her feet. She followed him to the kitchen, helping him choose what sweet and savory tidbits to add to the massive tray he compiled. She opened the doors for him as he carried the tray to a room farther back in his house than she‟d explored before. The room had a single dresser with a large flat screen TV on it and a king-sized bed. It also had a bistro table sitting under a huge window, two chairs neatly scooted in. Lex put the food down on the dresser, moved the chairs to the side and dragged the table next to the bed. He then put the tray on the table. “There, that should do it.” He stood, dusting his hands together as her looked at his handiwork. “This way you can curl up on the bed, watch TV and eat without any problems.” Nora hopped on the bed, giving it a test bounce. “You‟re not leaving me alone yet, right?” Lex eyed her as she blew a curl out of her face. “You‟re so tiny you look like a kid about to have a slumber party using her parents‟ bed.” He smirked as she stuck her tongue out at him. “I guess watching one movie with you wouldn‟t hurt. But I‟m out of here the second you doze off. You don‟t need to see the curse in action yet.” It took Nora a second to understand what he was saying. What would it be like knowing as soon as you fall asleep your entire existence changed? “I get it. You plan on sleeping first, so Xander will join you here.” She laughed as she stretched out on her stomach with her head at the foot of the bed. He needs to understand that the curse doesn’t
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bother me the way he’s afraid it will, especially since I’ve already met with Alexander. “I guess that cuts down on travel costs. I wonder what Homeland Security thinks of all those one-way plane tickets.” “Like we don‟t know people at Homeland Security.” Lex kept his worry-filled eyes locked on her. “You don‟t think we paranormals like to keep our hands in politics and the military. It‟s more of a necessity. If it‟s an institution that might become suspicious of us, we‟re already there.” “I never really thought about it actually.” Nora crossed her ankles, swinging her feet back and forth. “I‟ve been too busy working on the whole survive-one-day-at-atime thing to pay attention to the outside world. But it makes sense.” Lex lay down next to her, reaching over her back to snag the remote. He flicked through the channels as Nora settled in, laying her cheek on her hands. She watched him as he surfed. Pausing for a moment, he looked down at her grinning face. “What?” Nora couldn‟t resist snickering. “It doesn‟t matter what the species, a man with a remote control simply can‟t stay tuned to one channel unless it involves sports.” “Are you making fun of me?” “Yes.” She rolled over on her back, sitting up slightly on her elbows. He looked so good lying beside her, yummy even. “Here you are, in bed with a woman who you say you want, but all you do is flip through the channels. I am definitely entitled…no, I‟m required to make fun of you.” Lex snorted, not putting down the remote. “You‟re just trying to use me to distract yourself. If I thought for one minute that you were serious I‟d be all over you. You‟re just trying to keep from going to sleep or thinking about what happened tonight.” Oh yeah? So what if I want a distraction. I also want you. What’s wrong with getting both? She smiled to herself as she watched his profile. She started fingering the top button of her blouse. “I bet I can get you to change your mind.” One by one she unbuttoned the top four buttons of her blouse. Eyes locked to the screen, he either didn‟t notice what she was doing or he was ignoring her. Either option wasn‟t acceptable. She rolled to her side, reaching out to cup his chin in the palm of her hand. She took a deep breath. She wanted this. She really did. For once she wanted to just do what she felt like without dwelling on the consequences. Without a word, she sat up and kissed him. She nibbled at his full bottom lip, running her tongue over the delicate flesh just inside. When he didn‟t respond she clamped her teeth around that lower lip and pulled slightly, growling. That was all it took. Lex groaned, dropping the remote and sliding his fingers through her curls. He tilted her head, his tongue sliding over hers as he sought entrance to her mouth. He ate her lips, teeth joining tongue in play. She loved every possessive second.
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Her arms wrapped around him, pulling him close. He rolled her over him, settling her on top of his chest. He tore his mouth free. “Are you sure about this? I can stop now. Can‟t guarantee I can later. Please, tell me.” “Want you. Need you now. I don‟t want to think. I need to feel.” Lex rolled her under him, reaching for the buttons on her shirt. For a split second she wished she‟d worn something a little sexier than her white cotton bra and boy shorts. But considering how quickly he was tearing her clothes off her, she guessed it didn‟t really matter. As soon as he managed to open the front clasp to free her breasts his lips closed over a nipple. She gasped, hands falling by her head as she arched upward. He held both breasts gently as his tongue teased the tip of one, barely touching. Then he sucked deep, his fingers digging into her flesh. Just as the sensation threatened to cross from pleasure to pain he pulled back. His tongue lapped at that nipple before switching to the other, his fingers massaging her flesh. When she couldn‟t take the light pressure his teeth nipped at the crest of her nipple. Over and over he continued to switch between tormenting her flesh and worshiping every inch of her breasts. His hands moved down to pet her, the feel of his fingers on her skin sending shivers throughout her body. Lex fingered the button at the top of her skirt, flipping it open and pulling down the zipper in a single movement. He pulled back from her just long enough to pull her skirt and panties down at once then lowered her back to the bed. He licked a path from her chest down her stomach. She twitched as he kissed the vulnerable flesh. A grin slid over her face as he licked her ticklish navel. He held her down when she would‟ve twisted away from his exploration. She held her breath as she waited for him to reach her aching pussy. Instead he surprised her by scooting down and taking one calf in his hand. He nibbled, kissed and licked the flesh of her thigh. His fingers and mouth paid lavish attention to the back of her knee, an area she‟d never even known was that sensitive and needy. He massaged her aching calf before placing a single kiss on the very top of her twitching foot. Then he switched legs and started all over again. Nora‟s head tossed against the mattress as tears came to her eyes. Her body was about to implode and he still wouldn‟t pay attention to the part that screamed for him. She throbbed with need, so wet she‟d have been embarrassed if she wasn‟t half out of her mind already. And the bastard was still fully dressed. When he reached her other foot he gave it the same kiss. He then let go of her and moved back off the bed.
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Nora managed to prop herself up on her elbows so she could watch him undress. As on edge as she was, there was no way she‟d be missing this show. And Lex seemed to revel in the attention. He pulled his t-shirt over his hair, breaking eye contact with her for only the split second that the material blocked his view. He reached down to play with the button on his fly, smirking at her as he eased it through the hole. Ever so slowly, shimmying slightly to music only he could hear, he eased the denim down his hips and to the floor. With a practiced kick he sent the jeans flying to the other side of the room. He then stood in his full glory. Damn bastard went commando. Her mouth went dry as he reached down and gave a single tug to his fully erect cock. He wasn‟t massive but there was enough of him that Nora knew she‟d be feeling it in the morning if he was as thorough with the main event as he was for the opening act. God and Goddess, but she couldn‟t wait for the main event. Watching her trembling body carefully, he walked over to where he‟d kicked his jeans. He reached into the back pocket and pulled out a familiar foil packet. With protection in hand, he crawled back onto the bed. He knelt at her side, his cock inches from her face. He took her hand and placed the condom in her palm. “Last chance. It might kill me to leave now but I‟ll feel horrible in the morning if I don‟t give you one last chance. If you want to continue, get me ready. If not, I‟ll leave now.” Nora licked her dry lips. Her fingers curled around the condom. He remained still, eyes watching her every move for a hint at what her decision would be. She rolled to her side, facing him. She took his cock in her hand, her thumb wiping up a tiny pearl of precum at the tip. She locked eyes with him as she licked it off her skin. His eyes widened and his Adam‟s apple bobbed as he swallowed. But his eyes darkened as she put the condom down by his knee. She didn‟t give him time to move away. She didn‟t want him to leave. She just wanted more of a taste of him before latex blocked the unique flavor. She braced one hand on his hip, preventing him from crawling away. The other hand she used to angle his cock for her mouth. There was no teasing, no licking or nibbling. She wanted the weight of his cock in her mouth. She wanted to be filled with his taste. She took him deep, his spongy head glancing off the back of her throat. She sucked hard, her cheeks hollowing with the strength of her suction. His rich, salty taste rolled over her tongue. He cried out, his hands digging into her scalp not for control but for support as he leaned over her.
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Slowly she pulled back, making every last second count as her tongue flicked back and forth. She had to stop now since she didn‟t want him to lose it and he felt close, so hard and hot in her mouth. When he was completely out, she reached over for the condom. “Damn, girl.” Lex groaned, sinking down with hands limp at his side. “Warn me next time. Almost killed me there.” Nora grinned as she ripped through the foil and took his cock in hand again. “It was my turn. Can‟t let you have all the fun.” Lex gave a weak laugh that turned into a gasp as she rolled the condom in place and shoved him on his back. Crawling up his body, she took his head in her hands and nipped at his lower lip again. “My turn.” She reached back and took his cock. Rising up on her knees, she angled him against her cunt before lowering herself. In a fluid motion, she completely impaled herself. So full. It feels so damn good to be so full. She didn‟t move, eyes closed as she savored the moment of connection. But Lex had other plans. He took her hips in his large hands and moved her, forcing her to ride him hard. She giggled at his loss of control, knowing that she did this to him. But she took the hint. She didn‟t want to leave him needing. Pulling his hands from her and holding them tight, she set a fast pace. He started talking, muttering random-sounding words peppered with curses. She gasped as she felt her body tighten. He pulled one hand free to reach between their bodies and give her clit the attention it had screamed for this entire time. One touch to that sensitive bud set her flying, orgasm racking her body. As her pace became ragged and her legs clenched around him, Lex arched into her. He howled beneath her, the sound rivaling that of any wolf. He held her down as he jerked and quivered. Finally he pulled her down against his chest, hugging her tight. He kissed her neck and cheeks. He rubbed her back. He didn‟t let her move away. When he reached down to ease out of her, Nora whimpered at the removal of contact. She didn‟t want to move. She didn‟t want to let go of him. “Sorry, love, but I‟ve got to get rid of this.” “I know.” She pouted as she rolled off him. “But I don‟t have to like it.” He leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead before rolling out of bed. “I‟ll be back. I promised to hold you until you sleep. Then I have to leave.” Nora felt a blush blooming across her cheeks. After what they‟d just done, she couldn‟t believe that a little extra attention could embarrass her. “You don‟t have to.” “I do. But I‟ll be right down the hall if you need anything, anything at all. I‟ll even leave the door open and the light on.” 79
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Nora waved a hand at him, hoping he didn‟t notice her red cheeks. “Go on. You don‟t have to come back and snuggle me to sleep. After that, I doubt I have the energy to keep my eyes open, much less actually think and worry. You go to your room and sleep your twin back into town.” Lex looked down it her, his expression almost disappointed. “If you‟re sure?” “I‟m sure. Now scoot.” Lex left her alone in her room. She understood that he didn‟t want her to freak out seeing the whole magick curse thing but his departure did sting. Before she fell asleep, Nora couldn‟t help but wonder about what she‟d done and what the ramifications would be for the three of them. Xander. What is Xander going to think? God and Goddess I hope I didn’t just screw everything up.
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Chapter Fifteen The Dreaming swirled around her in a kaleidoscope of color as something tugged Nora past her normal nocturnal haunts. She glanced down at her chest. The amulet around her neck glowed and pulsated. She smiled as the strange den materialized around her, Alexander stretched out on the couch again. As she stood over him, he put his book down on his chest and gave her a lascivious grin. “I have to say, after what just happened with Lex, I expected to see you sooner.” Nora blinked and blushed. “You know, you didn‟t have to bring that up.” Alexander‟s eyes roved her body, his grin widening into a full-scale smile. “Just because it was Lex that you slept with doesn‟t mean it wasn‟t also me. And Xander for that matter.” Nora shrugged, trying not to let the idea of both him and Xander knowing exactly what she‟d done with Lex bother her. God and Goddess, she hoped it was all right with Xander. She hated the thought of hurting him. Alexander reached up and tapped her on the nose. “None of that. No guilt allowed in the Dreaming. Did my amulet bring you here randomly or is there something you want to talk to me about?” Rocking back on her heels, Nora felt awkward. She needed help but wasn‟t used to asking for it. She fingered the amulet absently as she tried to put her thoughts into words. “I haven‟t had a chance to speak to Xander about borrowing any books. I was wondering if you could tell me what you know about the kitsune. Give me a head start.” Alexander smirked, running his fingers through his hair. “Like subliminal studying, you want to learn in your sleep.” He flung his book on the coffee table before sitting up and gesturing her to have a seat. “That‟s fine. I‟ve already finished catching up for the day. What do you want to know?” “What kind of powers do the kitsune have?” Nora settled in beside him. “Besides the whole dream-traveling thing and shape-shifting?” “That‟s difficult to say and I‟ve been searching the Dreaming for information since we met. Their powers are numerous, depending on each kitsune‟s own skill level. I‟m still not entirely clear on how they develop each power. Shifting is the most common. They also use illusions, illusions that seem real. They control foxfire, either through their tails or breath or the palm of their hands. They also each have a white ball that they are incredibly protective of, though I‟m not certain what it is or why they have it.” He tilted his head as he looked at her. “Do you have one?”
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Nora shrugged. “Not that I‟ve noticed.” “Maybe it‟s connected to the development of kitsune powers.” He eyed her closely as though searching for some clue in her expression. “I‟ve never heard of a kitsune that didn‟t have a kitsune ball.” “Then maybe I‟m more shifter than kitsune.” Nora felt surprise at the quick stab of pain that thought brought her. When did being part kitsune mean anything more to her than a point of fear and insecurity, something to be ashamed of? Alexander took her hands in his, rubbing warmth back into her icy fingers. “You‟ll never know until you give it a chance. Have you tried meditation? It might help you get in touch with that part of yourself. Warlocks use it to help focus powers all the time.” “No, can‟t say I have.” She chuckled at the thought of what her last ex would‟ve thought if he‟d walked in on her doing something so New Age. Talk about a shock to his redneck mentality. “It‟s not exactly the type of thing someone like me has had the time or opportunity to learn.” Alexander pulled her to her feet. “No time like the present to learn. You‟re already in a dream state. That should make it all the easier to learn.” As he stepped into the center of the room, it seemed to melt around them, reminding her of a Dali painting. As reality shifted back into place Nora found herself standing in the middle of a padded floor. A waterfall covered the only wall, the soothing sound surrounding her. A dim light brightened the area without any discernable source. A few pillows dotted the floor but no real furniture could be seen. “Simple but effective.” Alexander let her go and took a step back to give her room. “Now, lie down on your back and close your eyes. I‟ll lead you through this first round of meditation. Next time, try it on your own in the waking world.” Nora eyed him skeptically but sat down and stretched out on the floor. She closed her eyes and waited. She trusted him. He was trying to help her. Why did she feel so jittery? “Relax.” Alexander‟s deep voice soothed her frayed nerves. “There‟s no need to stress out about anything here. This is the Dreaming, not real life. And I control this corner of Dreaming completely. It is my place, my home. No one will ever be able to harm you here. So just listen to the sound of my voice and relax. Take a slow, deep breath and let your mind and body fall still.” Consciously easing her stiff muscles, Nora took that breath. She concentrated on the sound of trickling water as she tried to calm her mind. She‟d never considered how much her thoughts darted around until she tried to control them. “Nice,” Alexander encouraged. “Now imagine a warm, glowing shell of light surrounding your body in its protective embrace. Once you have that, focus it on your feet, feeling the warmth relax each and every muscle and joint from your ankle down.” Pulling her attention from the water, Nora pictured a golden shell of light surrounding her, cocooning her. Slowly she focused it on her feet, envisioning a comforting heat gathering there. She distantly noticed the dull ache from work but as 82
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the light sank into her skin that feeling faded away. Without prompting she let the light move up her legs, her muscles melting under the imagined warmth. The light moved up her thighs to her lower back, easing into her spine. It flowed further up as it wrapped around her chest, meeting at her neck. She let her jaw go lax and her tongue fall back in her mouth. She almost groaned as it soothed her temples and flowed into her scalp. “Good.” Alexander‟s voice seemed distant, an afterthought. “Let the light slide through your body like a wave. When you feel comfortable, focus it all into the palm of your hand. Imagine a solid, white ball forming in that palm—your kitsune ball. Let your fingers wrap around the solid weight of it.” Nora took a deep breath, letting the current of the light move down her right arm to focus on her hand. The skin of her palm blazed with heat but didn‟t hurt. Slowly, she felt a mass coalescing. Her fingers curled around a solid object. “Now, whenever you‟re ready, you can open your eyes.” Blinking, Nora let her eyes adjust to the dim light. She rolled her head and arched her back slightly, easing back to herself. As she rolled up to a sitting position she noticed her hand still clenched at her side. Alexander, sitting next to her, reached out an arm to support her back. “So, are you going to see what you have there?” She brought her hand up slowly, almost afraid to see what was or wasn‟t in it, afraid to get her hopes up. Her fingers parted to reveal a small pearl-white ball not quite two inches around. It didn‟t glow. It didn‟t pulse with magickal energies. It didn‟t scream strength or power. But as she looked down at the small orb, her heart raced. This was important. This was a part of her. This was hers and no one else‟s. “As I told you, all kitsune have a kitsune ball.” Alexander wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “You are kitsune.” “If I keep up the meditating, I should be able to get more powers?” Alexander shrugged. “I‟m not certain. Again, how kitsune gain powers isn‟t clear. But it couldn‟t hurt.” Nora held tightly to the ball and nodded. “Fair enough.” Sliding his fingers through her hair as he cuddled her into his side, Alexander gave a sad smile. “It‟s nearly dawn.” Nora turned, her mouth seeking his. She sank into his embrace as his tongue stroked hers in a familiar rhythm. God and Goddess, he tastes just like Lex and Xander— almost addictive. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her tight to his body. He placed more soft kisses on her temples and eyes. “Stay a little longer, please. I‟d forgotten how much I could…enjoy…company.”
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Sighing, Nora snuggled closer. “And just how are you planning on enjoying my company? Because I haven‟t forgotten that half of you is Lex and I know exactly what he‟s like now.” That familiar, boyish leer spread across Alexander‟s face. “Are you accusing me of only having sex on my mind? You should know Lex better than that. He likes sex. He‟s especially attracted to you. But that isn‟t all that‟s on his mind anymore than it‟s all that‟s on Xander or my own mind.” Nora cupped his chin in her hand, angling his mouth back to hers. “True, but are you saying that isn‟t what you want?” “It‟s not all I want. But I know you‟re still insecure about this, especially about Xander. So I wonder why you‟d be interested.” “I am still worrying about Xander but I just want to live for the now, at least here in the Dreaming.” “Because this is a dream it‟s all right?” Her heart twisted at the disappointment coating his reply. She wrapped her arms around him and placed her head against his chest. “Because this isn‟t entirely a dream and it‟s still you it‟s all right.” Something clicked in the back of her mind, connections she couldn‟t believe she hadn‟t made before. “And it‟s not like this is the first time we‟ve done this, is it, Mr. Dream Lover? You couldn‟t let the twins meet me first, huh?” Alexander smirked, nodding. He pushed her back, staring deep into her eyes as though trying to read the truth of her words. He must have liked what he saw. He pulled her into his embrace again, his mouth slamming down on hers. As she lay back down on the mat floor with Alexander above her, Nora closed her eyes and held on for the ride. He did taste like both Xander and Lex—a heady combination of spice and male. She whimpered as his tongue stroked hers, rough and enticing. She was spinning out of control, the entire world whipping and swirling around her. As impossible as it seemed, she knew that the surroundings bent to match her emotions and sensations. This was the Dreaming and anything was possible. As her body sank deep into a plush surface, Nora opened her eyes. The room had changed yet again. The entire floor stretched out as far as the eye could see as a white, fluffy mattress. Sheer red and blue curtains hung down from whatever qualified as sky in the Dreaming as there was no visible ceiling. Nora braced herself on her elbows and watched as Alexander waved his hand over her buttons, which vanished one by one. “Is this your bedroom?” “For you, for tonight, it is.” He ran his hands across her top, the warmth of his palms sinking through the cloth. “I have no bedroom. I don‟t sleep. I become Xander and Lex.”
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After watching her shirt melt away beneath his touch, Nora dragged her fingers through Alexander‟s shaggy hair. “Do they remember this? Do Lex and Xander remember being you?” “Like it‟s a dream. They have a sense of it, a sense that it is real in some way.” He stared down at her bared breasts, reaching out to run a single finger over the delicate flesh. “Lex and Xander don‟t remember what has happened to me as I remember what has happened to them.” “Too bad,” she whispered against his mouth. She didn‟t want to give him enough time to feel any sense of loss. She didn‟t want to hurt him. Nora cared for Alexander Dimorus, whatever form he or they took. Alexander pulled her arms out from under her and pushed her back down. He held her hands above her head for a moment before sliding his own down her arms to her sides, sending little tremors throughout her body. His mouth followed his fingers as he explored her. He nibbled his way to her breasts, biting lightly at one tip then switching to suckle the other. Nora bucked and gasped at the pressure. It was almost too much sensation, shooting straight to tighten her cunt. Just as she started to plead with him to stop, he switched to laving her breasts gently before suckling. As he paid homage to her breasts, Alexander‟s hands smoothed over her pants. Once and then twice he petted her and suddenly Nora felt skin on skin with no cloth between. He pulled away from her tingling nipples as he slid one thigh between her legs, parting them. “It‟s times like these that I truly love the Dreaming.” She arched against his knee, savoring the feel of his flesh gliding against her needy cunt. “I can definitely see the advantages.” “You haven‟t seen anything yet.” The mattress beneath her began caressing her back. Dozens of tongues and fingers feathered against her skin, causing her to gasp and twitch. Alexander‟s eyes glittered as he watched her writhe beneath the onslaught. Every time one of her hot buttons was touched, like the base of her neck, it seemed those fingers and tongues instinctively latched on to it. Her nerve endings flared, sending jolts straight down to her cunt. Pleasure and torment became one. “God and Goddess, Alexander. Do something.” She arched but the mattress came with her, refusing to stop its erotic attack. “I thought I was doing something. Do you want more?” He had the gall to smirk down at her. “You need to be specific.” Nora‟s eyes rolled back in her head as something teased the crease of her ass. Pushing against her anus, it opened her slightly, not quite entering but almost. That taunting edge felt so good but a little frightening and taboo at the same time. “Touch me. I want you. I want to feel you.”
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“I should make you tell me exactly how to touch you.” “Please don‟t.” Alexander leaned forward, covering her body with his solid warmth. Pushing her back down on the mattress, he slipped his fingers down to her waiting cunt. He plucked lightly at her aching clit, causing her thighs to tremble. “Is this what you wanted?” Tears sprang in her eyes and her toes curled. She yanked her hands free from the mattress and clawed down his back. “Yes, yes, that‟s what I want. But more. Please more.” While the fingers and tongues at her back continued their teasing, Alexander sucked her breasts and rubbed her clit in unison. She felt so needy, so achy, so empty. If he doesn’t do anything about this soon, I will. Nora reached down and took his cock in her hand. He pulled off her breast and gasped as she ran her thumb around the velvety cap. She wrapped her ankles around his waist and guided him into her slick cunt. Her inner muscles clung to him as she slammed her heels into his lower back. Finally he got the hint. Or maybe he was simply finished playing with her. Alexander pulled out of her slowly but slammed back in at a maddening pace. Her breath caught in her throat. She tossed her head back and forth. She held on for dear life, leaving long scratch marks down his back. But it felt so good. He felt so good. As her climax crashed down on her, she could barely think. Every cell in her body screamed that something important had just happened. Maybe because this was the Dreaming, she couldn‟t really get a hand on what her instincts were telling her. But she did know one thing for certain. Alexander both shook her world and built a new foundation for it at the same time. Unfortunately, it didn‟t seem she would have much time to adjust to this new turn of events. She could feel the real world pulling at her, guiding her back to reality. She wiggled to get Alexander‟s attention. He groaned, burrowing into her chest and holding tight. When he finally met her gaze, he gave her a slightly sad smile. “Nothing ever lasts long here in the Dreaming, no matter how wonderful it is. But at least we can repeat it whenever we wish.” He sealed his wish with a soft kiss. “I‟ll visit again,” she sighed as their lips parted. The warm smile Alexander gave her burrowed deep into her heart. “That‟s a promise I will hold you to.”
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Chapter Sixteen Nora gave a huge sigh as she stood outside her motel room the next evening, not bothering to fish her key from her purse. She stared blankly down at the small white ball in her hand as though it held the answer to all her questions. She‟d slipped out of Lex and Xander‟s place before they woke up that morning, leaving a note to say she would be apartment shopping during the day and working that night. She also wrote that Lex shouldn‟t worry, that she‟d have Gus bring her back after work. He‟d called the bar that evening before her shift started, asking if she was okay. She lied. What could she say, that the more she thought about it, the more terrified she became about hurting Xander? She didn‟t know what Xander could possibly think of her sleeping with Lex without even considering his feelings. It wasn‟t that she liked Lex better than Xander, not at all. Now she also had the whole Alexander and kitsune issues to add to her list of worries. It was too much to handle. Everything was just all jumbled up in her head. She really didn‟t know what to think and needed time by herself to recoup. She was scared of going back to the twins because she knew Xander was there and didn‟t know what to say to him. She shook her head as she finally got out her key and opened the door. Standing out in the hallway wasn‟t going to solve anything. Maybe she‟d try meditating. Clear her mind and reach for more kitsune powers. Kill two birds with one stone. She stepped into the darkened room, flipping the light switch as she dropped her purse and key on the small dresser. A slight movement brought her eyes to the chair sitting next to the window. A man sat there, a strange man. Not just strange as in a stranger but strange as in weird. He looked Asian, especially wearing the kimono, but had hair an odd mixture of gray and blond. And he was in her motel room. Her locked motel room. He remained sitting, looking out the window, not acknowledging her presence. She started edging back toward the door. “I would not try that if I were you.” The man never glanced in her direction. “You will not make it.” She licked her lips and went over her options. “I‟ll scream fire. The walls in this place are paper thin. People will come running.” The man gave a negligent snort. “A herd of baseborn humans coming to the rescue? It almost wouldn‟t be worth the effort to kill them. Almost. For their sake, I suggest you keep quiet.”
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Shit. She dropped her purse and slipped her kitsune ball into her pocket, freeing her hands. “So you‟re not human I take it?” The man snorted again, turning to face her. “Is your blood so diluted that you cannot tell that much?” She closed her eyes and sniffed the air. The smell of a spring breeze filled with a hint of cherry blossoms teased her nose. He didn‟t smell of this world. Her mouth went dry as a dark smile spread over the man‟s face. “I see you are beginning to understand. I suggest you come with me without a struggle. I do not want to hurt you, damaging a woman of my kind would not be honorable. But I have been ordered to bring you back with me.” “Back where?” “To Otherworld. The kitsune race needs all its women to make certain our race survives.” He leered, eyes roving her body, paying close attention to the opening of her blouse. “You will be well cared for.” Nora spun on her heels, pulling the door open seconds before changing. As the man grabbed for her, a tiny white fox dashed outside. She could hear the man cursing as he gave chase. She might not know how to use her kitsune power but she was very familiar with her shifted form. She was a quick and agile animal, well-practiced at the art of evasion. She used her small size, darting through the tiniest openings possible, trying to lose him before reaching open land. Unfortunately, the man anticipated this. Her sensitive ears didn‟t hear him thundering after her, so she risked a glance over her shoulder. A larger gray fox was racing close at her heels. Nora could feel the panic building as her breathing grew labored. She couldn‟t keep up the pace for long. If she didn‟t lose him soon she‟d be in deep shit. Suddenly teeth closed around the scruff of her neck. She let out a yip as the larger fox gave her a quick shake before tossing her to the ground. As she tried to gain her feet, the fox shimmered back into a man and grabbed her. “That is quite enough. No more running. You are coming with me.” Nora went limp in his hands, her heart raced. God and Goddess, this can’t be happening. Not now, not when my life is finally starting to come together. What will Lex and Xander think when I disappear? Even if I could tell Alexander, he said Lex and Xander didn’t get his memories the same way he got theirs. They’ll think I ran from them. Lex will blame himself. I can’t let that happen. But what can I do? “I would let her go now if I were you. If you don‟t, you will lose that hand.” The man dropped Nora to the ground, spinning to face his adversary, a ball of flame already glowing in his hand. Shou, the man from the bar, faced him. Wearing black jeans and a dark blue t-shirt, he should‟ve looked strange brandishing what looked to be a samurai sword. But he seemed so natural with it in his hands.
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“What are you doing here, tengu?” Her attacker sneered in contempt but didn‟t look as assured as he had before. “Does his lordship Yoichi know that you are here?” Raising a single brow, Shou adjusted his grip on his sword and stepped between Nora and the other kitsune. “Do I look like one of his idiotic followers, kitsune?” “Then why are you here?” The attacker kept his flame glowing in his hand but held still. “This is none of your business. You have no reason to stop me.” Shou kept his eyes locked with the other man‟s, never glancing at Nora as she shimmered back to her human form and scrambled backward on her hands and knees. “You threaten a part of my family. I am well within my rights to challenge you.” “Your family? She is a fox, not a crow. You have no connection to this woman.” Raising his sword above his head, Shou prepared to strike. “She is the sister of my blood brother. As such, you threaten my sister. Fight or die, kitsune.” The man flung his flame at Shou‟s head. He then took the opportunity to draw a shorter version of the sword Shou wielded. The two slashed at each other, neither man showing weakness. Nora held her breath as she scooted back from the combatants. If she tried to help Shou she would be more likely to distract him than anything. Her best bet was to stay out of his way and hope that he was as good as he seemed. The sound of metal rang out as sword met sword time and time again. Their movements looked more like a complicated but well-rehearsed dance than an all-out battle to the death. Then, in a move too quick to see with the eye, Shou ducked down and slashed up at the same instant. The other man gave a short gasp and dropped his sword. He had a moment to reach up for the deep, bleeding gash in his neck before he fell to the ground. Shou pulled out a piece of cloth, flipping it open with a quick flick of his wrist and cleaned the blade of his sword. Then with another flick, it disappeared. He stepped forward, over the body, and offered Nora his hand. Her fingers shook as she allowed him to help her to her feet. She studiously avoided looking at the body of the man who‟d tried to take her, instead focusing on Shou‟s face. “Who are you?” “Shou.” Clutching his arm, Nora shook her head. “No, you know what I mean. He called you a tengu. That‟s a Japanese crow demon, a warrior type of yokai. And you mentioned knowing my brother. Is that true? Do you know Takeshi? Is he still alive?” Shou gently removed her hand from his arm. He stepped back and bowed. “I am Shou. I am a tengu. And yes, your brother lives in Otherworld. He knew that you would be in danger from those who sought to take you so many years ago. He was unable to come himself to protect you, at least not without giving his enemies the reason they need to end his life. And so he asked that I should come to watch over you.”
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Nora didn‟t know what to say, what to think. Her brother was alive. After all these years of wondering, she finally knew that he was alive. But he was in danger and so was she. One thing at a time. Concentrate on immediate needs first. “Why did that man come to take me?” Disgust shadowed Shou‟s face. “The present leader of the kitsune, your uncle Yoichi, is trying to increase the population. Your people were decimated in the wars, leaving few pureblood and fewer half-breeds such as yourself. Yoichi has gathered as many of the half-breed women as he can to use to increase the population. That along with the fact that you would make a great hostage against your brother‟s continued good behavior makes you a target.” Great, more troubles. Just what I need. “They‟ll keep coming for me, won‟t they?” Shou nodded, his expression a picture of sympathy “For a time, until your brother and his supporters can put an end to Yoichi‟s machinations. In the meantime, I will be near. But I would suggest you take better precautions.” “Such as?” For a moment Shou looked uncomfortable. He no longer looked directly at her, focusing over her shoulder instead. “I do not know how well your relationship with the warlocks is working but I have looked closely at the home of the Dimorus twins. It is heavily charmed. Its protections should be enough to keep you safe, at least when you sleep. You will be quite vulnerable during your sleep, as many kitsune have power over dreams.” Nora fingered the amulet at her neck, even more thankful for Alexander‟s foresight. But she understood that she needed a safe place even with his magical protection. “That will put them in danger. You can‟t expect me to do that.” “Do you think they would rather not be told of your need?” Shou met her gaze again but not in an accusatory manner. He seemed honestly curious about her answer. “Are they the kind of men who would hide when someone they cared for needed their help? Or are they the kind of men who would be insulted, angry even, that a woman they loved would not even bother to tell them that she was in danger?” Nora hated the way he put that. I barely know the man. Where does he get off being so damn right? “You have a point. They would want to know.” “Then I will escort you there now.” She nodded. Having all her guardians in one place made sense. “You‟ll be staying too.” “No, but I will be near if you need me.” For the first time, Shou gave her what seemed to be a genuine smile. “But if you are as stubborn as your brother, I‟d better make certain you actually get to the Dimoruses‟ home. Otherwise, I have no doubt that the minute I left you alone would be the same minute you came up with a reason not to do as I ask.”
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“So you‟re not so much escorting me there for my safety as you‟re making sure I don‟t make a break for it.” “Running would do you no good. Now that they have found you, there will be no way of losing them. The kitsune are excellent hunters and Yoichi has allies who are even better.” “You say that my brother is trying to fight against my uncle?” “He does what he can.” Shou stopped for a moment before continuing, as though uncertain whether or not he should say more. “Yoichi is the one who ordered your mother‟s death and your brother‟s abduction. It was pure luck that you weren‟t taken as well. That is how serious the situation is. Your brother will be able to do what he must to protect your people from Yoichi‟s continued dominance if he doesn‟t have to worry about your safety. As it is, the fact that you have been found and are in danger has moved up your brother‟s timetable. So please, do as I ask. Tell the warlocks what is happening and stay with them. Protect yourself so your brother will not have to.” Takeshi needs to know that I’m safe. That sounds so much like the big brother I remember. “Okay. I‟ll do as you ask. But I expect to be kept in the loop here. I‟ve spent decades not knowing what the hell was happening to Takeshi. Now that I‟m involved I expect someone to tell me what‟s happening.” “I will keep you informed whenever possible.” “Not good enough.” Nora folded her arms and glared up at him. Now realizing that Shou was firmly on her side, she refused to be intimidated by him. “How will I know if something happens to you and my brother? Let‟s say you‟ll speak with me at least once a week. If you don‟t, then I‟ll assume something happened, something bad. That will be my warning to either run or hunker down. Does that sound fair enough to you?” Shou tilted his head to stare down at her as he contemplated her suggestion. “That seems to be a wise suggestion. Though there may be times when I won‟t be able to speak to you personally. But I will be certain to contact you. Now, shall we go?” “Lead on.”
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Chapter Seventeen Shou dropped Nora off in front of the twins‟ home—literally. He sprouted giant black wings from his back, scooped her up in his arms and flew her to the Dimoruses‟ home. If she hadn‟t been so frightened she‟d have been impressed. It was late, very late. She didn‟t know what Lex‟s and Xander‟s reactions were going to be. Hell, if tonight hadn‟t turned into a complete fuckup she wouldn‟t have come back for a couple of days at least. She‟d have given herself time to work up her courage to face Xander. As it was, her palms were sweating as she pushed the doorbell. She expected a long wait. She didn‟t get one. Lex yanked open the door, staring down at her with obvious relief. “Thank the God and Goddess. We tried calling your room but there was no answer. Gus said he‟d dropped you off a while ago at the motel. Xander was just getting ready to go down there to make sure everything was okay. We didn‟t know if you were hurt or if you weren‟t talking to us. Now here you are.” He paused, mid-babble, to look over her shoulder. “How did you get here?” “A new friend brought me.” She couldn‟t help but stare at her feet as she spoke. She just couldn‟t make herself look him in the eye yet. “I need to talk to you and Xander about something, if you‟re willing to listen to me.” “Of course we‟re willing to listen to you.” He took her hands, squeezing tightly. “After freaking out like this over you, you think we don‟t care enough to listen to anything you want to tell us?” Nora gave a weak smile, letting Lex put his arm around her and lead her into the house. Oh, how she wanted to just stand there with his arms around her, comforting her. She needed to feel that contact, to help steady her shaky world. But first she had to speak to Xander, to make sure they were all still okay. As though her thoughts were enough to conjure him, Xander appeared at her side. He pried Lex‟s arm from her, hugging her. She nearly cried as he kissed the crown of her head. “You worried me. I thought this oaf had scared you away. I should never have let him near you alone.” “That‟s what I was afraid of,” Nora couldn‟t help but mutter. Xander pulled back to look at her expression. “What are you talking about?” Nora blinked at the look of gentle bemusement on his face. No accusation. No hurt. “You‟re not mad.” “About what?” Lex chuckled from their side. “I think she‟s afraid you‟re angry that she had sex with me first.”
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Xander shrugged. “I figured you would be first. Women tend to find me intimidating. And I certainly didn‟t think she‟d be ready to jump in bed with both of us at once.” “You hear that?” Lex gave her a conspiratorial wink. “I think he‟s accusing me of being easy. Was I that easy?” “Yes,” Nora answered without a second thought. But she laid her head against Xander‟s chest as relief washed over her in waves. He wasn‟t upset, not at all. She‟d been worried for nothing. “Well, now that that‟s all cleared up, why don‟t you tell us why you‟re here?” Nora pulled back from Xander‟s chest to look at Lex. He crossed his arms and gave her a selfdeprecating grin. “Not that we‟re not incredibly happy to see you but I doubt you‟d be showing up on our doorstep at three o‟clock in the morning just to clear the air.” Nora shook her head and pushed away from the security of Xander‟s arms. “I need to talk to you.” “Uh oh.” Lex shot his twin a worried glance. “With a woman, no conversation starting with those words ever turns out good.” “For once in our lives, would you please shut up, Lex?” Xander took her hand and led her to the couch. He helped her ease down then sat with his knees angled toward her. He didn‟t speak to Lex, just tossed his head in the direction of the nearby chair. Once Lex sat down Xander took both of Nora‟s hands in his. “I‟m certain that you have something serious to speak with us about. But first, I do want you to understand that what you did with Lex doesn‟t bother me. I hope to be on a more intimate receiving end of your touch soon enough but I‟m not jealous. If you did something and I didn‟t know about it, that would make me jealous. But there‟s nothing that you can do with Lex or myself that the other won‟t know about by the next morning. So never feel guilty about what you do with us together or separately.” He smiled as he brought her hands up to his mouth for a kiss. “I‟m looking forward to giving Lex something to wish he‟d been there to experience personally.” “So we are okay?” “Of course.” “Good. I‟d hate to ask you for help if we weren‟t.” Nora took her hands from Xander‟s and motioned Lex to join them on the couch. Lex hopped up and snuggled into the small space on the other side of her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Xander moved closer, placing his hands on her knees. Nora closed her eyes for a moment and let their presence soothe her. Then she laughed. “Okay, I know that you guys must realize that touching for comfort is important to most shifters. I appreciate it. But you don‟t need to feel like you have to be on top of me whenever I‟m acting insecure.”
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“But we like being on top of you.” Lex leaned in to nibble on her earlobe. “You should know that I love having you under me.” Xander shot his twin a heated look. “She wants to talk to us. Seduction can wait.” “But I‟m not as single-minded as you are. I‟m great at multitasking.” “Lex,” Xander growled. But Nora put a single finger across Xander‟s lips. “It‟s all right. I understand what he‟s doing. I‟m upset and he‟s trying to distract me. It‟s not working but the thought is appreciated.” “If you want, I can work harder on distracting you.” Lex wiggled his eyebrows. Nora patted Lex‟s cheek. “I‟ll keep that in mind for later. But I need to talk with you now.” The men sat silently, waiting for her to continue. She took a deep breath. She had no control over how they would respond to what she said and delaying it wasn‟t going to help anyone. “Something happened to me tonight. I‟m being hunted.” At those few words, even Lex lost all hint of playfulness from his expression. “What do you mean by hunted?” His eyes narrowed. “Is it one of your exes? If it is, I know some rather nasty curses I could throw on a renegade shifter.” “No, not my exes. My family.” The men, her men, sat perfectly still as she told them everything that had happened that night and what Shou had told her. She also brought up her meetings with Alexander, not certain how much they knew about what happened to them in the Dreaming. As soon as the last word fell from her mouth, Xander jumped to his feet. “Lex, you check the computerized security. Turn on everything and make certain the entire system is operational. I‟ll see to strengthening the wards for tonight. Tomorrow I‟ll see about expanding its parameters and you can research everything you can find out about the powers of the kitsune and the tengu.” Lex took off into the depths of the massive house. Xander stooped down to kiss her lightly on the lips, lingering to press his forehead against hers. “Stay here for the moment. Watch TV, have a drink, whatever you need. As soon as we are certain that the house is secure for the night, we‟ll come back and help you get situated in a room. One of us will go back to the motel for your things in the morning.” Nora couldn‟t help but feel guilty for bringing all this down on the two of them. “You‟re okay with me staying here? I know I‟m bringing trouble to you and I‟m not used to other people willingly helping me like this.” “We‟re hoping that you might just be our soulmate. How could we do anything other than help you?” He gave her an encouraging smile before heading out of the room in a different direction from the one his twin took. 94
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Nora sat in the empty room, alone with her thoughts. She felt so tired, drained. But the thought of sleep just sent her heart racing again. Reaching for the remote on the coffee table, she turned on the flat screen that hung above the fireplace. She lay down on the couch, dragged the throw off the back to tuck around herself and started channel surfing. Before she knew it the clicker fell from her hands as she dozed off.
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Chapter Eighteen Xander stared down at Nora, amazed that she could actually look so peaceful after so much had happened. How could anyone want to hurt her? She was so tiny, so cute. The thought of anyone laying his hands on her in violence made his own hands tremble with blazing energy and the need to do something, anything, to protect her. He‟d thought that any threat to her would come from that pack she used to live with. He‟d prepared for the possibility of an attack of some sort from that direction. He hadn‟t expected anyone from Otherworld to come for her. It was too difficult. Thanks to the Cross Para Accords, travel between worlds was limited. Every magic user had worked together, including himself and Lex, to create a potent limiting spell. All of the great leaders on either side were completely sealed into their respective worlds. All other creatures, once they crossed the border, would be drained of the majority of their powers for the duration of their stay. It made the trip uncomfortable enough that most wouldn‟t risk it for any petty business and none would stay for a long period of time. If any violence was perpetrated on a creature from the opposing side, a massive curse would kick in which would also trigger a cross-species investigation. Unfortunately, people like Nora fell in between the cracks of that particular curse. She belonged to both sides and so wasn‟t protected from either. Her boyfriends could beat her. Her relatives could hurt her all they wanted. If they were leaders, like her uncle, they could just send others down to do their dirty work. He and Lex were her only defense. It made Xander sick to think of what would‟ve happened to her if she didn‟t have the two of them. Who knew how long her friend‟s brother would or could stand for her? They had to plan. But not tonight. He couldn‟t bear the thought of leaving her alone tonight, not after how close they‟d come to losing her and never even realizing what had happened. Lex stepped up next to him, leaning close to whisper in his ear. “We should move her to the guest room. She can‟t be comfortable sleeping there.” “Is all the security up and running?” “Tighter than Fort Knox. No one‟s coming anywhere near us tonight without some warning.” Xander nodded. “Good. You get the doors open and turn down the bed. I‟ll carry her.” “Want a chance to get your hands on her now?” “More like I need to prove to myself that she‟s actually here and all right.”
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His twin smirked. “Keep telling yourself that. You know how great she feels against our skin. I‟m looking forward to falling asleep all snuggled up against her.” That stopped Xander mid-stoop. He looked up at his twin in disbelief. “You want to sleep with her, not just have sex? Do you think she‟s ready for that?” “I think she‟s made of stronger stuff than that, stronger than she thinks she is. Maybe we shouldn‟t be treating her like delicate china and start treating her like the woman she is, a woman who‟s survived on her own for the last few decades.” Xander slid his arms under her back and knees, cradling her overly thin body. So tiny. So delicate. But a survivor, stronger than she looks, Lex is right about that. But will she be strong enough for us? She might be if we can just keep those outside from harming her. From turning her into some broodmare or a political hostage. Not on my watch. Nora murmured in her sleep, snuggling against his chest. He couldn‟t help but place a soft kiss on the top of her head. Lex had the bed ready and Xander eased her down on the soft mattress. As he reached for the blankets to tuck her in, her hand grabbed his. He stared down into sparkling eyes the color of warm milk chocolate. “You‟re not thinking of putting me down like a five-year-old in need of a nap and leaving, are you?” “That wasn‟t quite the image I had in mind but I thought you needed your sleep.” “What I need is to know that we‟re still all good. That you‟re still thinking of us as a unit. I need to know that I haven‟t screwed everything up.” She pursed her lips, wrinkles marring her brow. “I hate always feeling like I‟m screwing things up.” His heart twisted at her words. He glanced over at Lex. “Do you want one of us to leave?” “Absolutely not.” She scooted up on her elbows. “I want both of you. I don‟t know how to make it any clearer than that.” Xander jerked as Lex stepped around him. He sat on the edge of the bed, taking Nora‟s hand and kissing her palm. Xander felt his blood heating as identical eyes stared, pleading, into his own. “Please, Xander, don‟t overthink it. Don‟t worry about tomorrow. Don‟t talk yourself out of it. Just come over here and take what you want, what we both want.” Lex leaned down to kiss Nora‟s perfect cupid‟s bow mouth, her tongue coming out to tangle with his as they parted. “Give us what all three of us want.” Lex wove his fingers through her hair, tilting Nora‟s face up and away from his own. Xander staggered forward those last two steps, falling to his knees by the bed. His hands went to her shoulders, pulling her to him. He groaned as her lips closed over his own. Heaven—pure honey-flavored heaven. It’s even better than what I remember from Lex’s time with her. God and Goddess, her flavor is seduction incarnate.
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Xander‟s tongue dove in to plunder that taste, to steal as much as he could and imprint it in his own memories. He wanted this moment to last forever but if it didn‟t he‟d make certain he‟d be able to pull it forth to savor whenever he needed. He look his time, luring her deeper into his mouth, letting her explore every nook and cranny as he stroked his tongue over hers. Slowly he set up a smooth rhythm. He swallowed her whimper as she wrapped her arms around him and dug her fingers into his shoulders. The bed shifted and Xander opened his eyes for a moment, just long enough to see that Lex had moved to her back to support her. Then Xander closed his eyes again. Nora struggled slightly in his embrace. He pulled back to nibble at her lips and let her catch her breath. But it was difficult to give her even that second. She tasted so perfect, felt so perfect, was so perfect. She was his soulmate. Xander knew this, felt it throbbing like fire in his very bones. For once, Lex had been right. Only when his knees started aching from his awkward position kneeling on the floor did Xander finally pull back from the kiss. He watched as Lex ran his hands up and down her arms, soothing her. Nora blinked several times, her eyes glassy and unfocused. He watched as realization lit those eyes, the knowledge that he wasn‟t moving to kiss her again. She whined, reaching out to bring him back to her. Xander stood and took a single step back. A look of horror crossed Lex‟s face, his fingers tightening on Nora‟s shoulders. But Xander didn‟t leave. He had no intention of leaving, not when he finally had Nora where he wanted her so desperately. His fingers glided down the buttons on his shirt, peeling off the restraining fabric. Nora‟s eyes lit with desire while Lex shot him a relieved smile. Kicking off his shoes as he moved forward, Xander crawled back onto the bed. He took one of Nora‟s hands and pressed it against his heart. “I love the feel of your touch. I want more of it.” Nora licked her swollen lips. She reached out to run both her hands across his bare chest. Xander shivered, his muscles rippling under her caress. He gasped in pleasure, crawling closer to Nora. She moved forward and kissed the side of his neck. Xander arched toward her with a growl. She nibbled and sucked down the column of his neck. She flicked her tongue across one of his nipples and then moved quickly to nip at the other. God and Goddess, that feels so very good. She shifted and pushed at his chest, forcing him to lie under her. He let her take that control, the control she needed. Not that he minded. He liked a woman who knew what she wanted and was willing to take it from him. So he relaxed his arms at his sides and let her do with him as she desired.
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His head fell to the side as she kneeled over him, letting her long red curls brush across his skin like plumes of fire, setting his skin ablaze. Before his eyes fluttered shut he saw Lex kneeling to the side, pulling his t-shirt over his head as he watched Nora torment his twin. With his eyes closed, Xander‟s entire being focused on the pleasure of Nora‟s every caress. He jerked under the wet lash of her tongue as it slid down his sides. He groaned, back arching, as she sucked on the tender flesh of the insides of his elbows. He shook as she let her fingers dip under the waistband of his pants only to run back up to massage his upper arms. As she slid her body up his to suck on his earlobe, he realized she‟d taken off her own shirt. Xander‟s eyes flew open and his arms came around to push her back far enough for him to see. Though she could use a few more good meals, she seemed to have gained some weight since he‟d seen her in her bathing suit. It had only been a week but Gus knew how to cook and wouldn‟t be able to keep from trying to fatten up his waiflike waitress. The few new pounds looked good on her, beginning to fill out all the right places. Her pert, cherry-red nipples, begging to be tasted, topped ample breasts. He couldn‟t resist rubbing them, pulling at them. She gave a little cry, pushing into his hands as her eyes clenched. He pinched a little harder. She rubbed against him, her head tossing. The image of her red curls dancing around her pale shoulders burned itself into his mind. Then a second set of tanned hands joined his on her pale skin. Her brown eyes fluttered open as Lex rose up behind her to nip at her neck. “Are you sure you can handle both of us?” Xander ran his hand down her stomach. A quick flick and he had the button of her skirt undone. “You can say no.” Lex covered Xander‟s hand with his own, pushing it away as he slid Nora‟s zipper down. “We prefer you didn‟t but it‟s your call.” “My call.” Nora moved Lex‟s hand to her mouth, sucking on his fingers while locking eyes with Xander. “I think I already made my call.”
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Chapter Nineteen If these two guys don’t do something soon, anything, I’m going to freaking implode. Nora curled her fingers into claws, raking them down Xander‟s chest. He gasped and bucked beneath her, the brief pressure of his body rubbing against her clit almost bringing tears to her eyes. Damn it, two guys here and nobody’s fucking me yet. That’s wrong, so wrong. She yanked at the button and zipper on Xander‟s pants, hoping somebody would get a clue already. Coordination wasn‟t happening anytime soon. No way would she be able to get his damn pants off without somebody‟s help or cooperation. Lex lifted her as Xander arched and shimmied in a truly yummy way until his pants were at his ankles. With a lascivious grin that rivaled his twin‟s, Xander kicked them across the room. He lay back on the bed, both hands behind his head. In the meantime Lex pulled her skirt the rest of the way off and eased Nora back down on Xander. He stepped away from her but Nora didn‟t spare a glance over her shoulder, not with Xander spread out before her in all his naked glory. She deserved a moment to drool and she trusted Lex was stripping as well. Nora wasted no time. She licked her way down Xander‟s tight body, her hands already heading south to wrap around his cock and cup his balls. She loved the feel of that soft, delicate skin stretched over pulsing, hot flesh. She smiled to herself as she watched his eyes roll back in his head. Oh yeah, this is what I wanted. When she lapped her way past his navel, she avoided his cock. She sucked at the tender strip of flesh just above it, reveling in the way his cock twitched in one hand as his balls drew up tight in the palm of her other hand. She did that to him. She held his pleasure under her control. She scooted back a bit more and ran her tongue over the spongy head, savoring the flavor of his precum. He tasted so much like Lex but just the slightest bit different at the same time. The flavor brought a pleased mew rumbling up the back of her throat. He growled, his pelvis pushing up as he tried to drive deeper into her mouth. Nora opened wider to accommodate him, swallowing slightly as he hit her soft palate. Desperate fingers sank into her hair and pulled her head back. “Naughty, naughty girl,” a voice behind her taunted. “None of that yet. He doesn‟t get to come until I get some of you too. That just isn‟t fair.” Nora looked over her shoulder at Lex, pouting at his interference. “You got me all to yourself last time. I don‟t see how this isn‟t fair.”
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“But we‟re both here this time. You can‟t ignore me completely.” Lex nipped at her earlobe and nibbled down her neck. Nimble fingers plucked at her nipples, dragging a whimper from her. “That isn‟t fair.” “Fuck fair,” Xander snarled, glaring up at both of them. “Somebody better do something quick or I might have to kill you both for stalling. You‟re moving past fair play and into cruel and unusual as far as I‟m concerned.” I did this to him. He’s on edge for me—because of me. God and Goddess, is there any more powerful aphrodisiac than knowing that? “If we‟re going any farther, I think somebody needs to get protection.” Before the words were completely out of her mouth Lex hopped up and went to the dresser. He pulled a row of condoms out of the bottom drawer, dropping the foil ribbon beside Xander on the bed. Eyeing the length of the packet, Nora raised a single brow. Lex shrugged, not even pretending to be repentant at the sheer number. “After last time I thought I should be better prepared. I was lucky I had anything in my pocket that night. So I might have stashed supplies in the most obvious rooms.” “Obvious?” Nora couldn‟t help but ask. The possibilities boggled the mind. Finally Lex had the grace to look sheepish, though it was obviously false modesty. “You know—here, in the living room, the den, our room, the cabana, the kitchen…” “The kitchen? I can understand the romantic options of the other rooms but the kitchen?” “Hey, you never know when I might want something a little more exotic for breakfast.” Xander reached up and grabbed Nora by the hair, dragging her down and taking her mouth in a rough kiss. “Can we debate this later? I need you now.” Nora reached over and ripped a condom from the row. She licked Xander‟s cock from root to head, savoring his needy gasp. Letting her tongue blaze the path for her fingers, she slipped the latex in place. Lex helped her rise over Xander. She reached down to position him and slid down his length. Fuck, so full. He feels so good. She stayed there for a moment, gathering the energy to ride him when all she wanted to do was enjoy the feeling of him lodged there forever. Xander didn‟t seem in such a hurry either now that they were joined. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her down against his chest. A rip sounded behind her. Nora glanced over her shoulder to see Lex smoothing on a condom as well. Seeing her eyes locked on his cock, he gave himself a quick pump and wagged his eyebrows at her. “You did say you wanted both of us. I thought we‟d give you both of us at once.”
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Lex crawled forward on the bed between his twin‟s legs, stalking her. He licked his way up her bare back, biting firmly at the base of her neck. As the sensation sent sparks running down her body, she clenched around Xander. Xander cried out, digging his fingers into her ass and arching up into her. His breath tickled her ear and neck as Lex whispered, “Please say you want this. I‟ll make sure it‟s good for you. I prepared for all contingencies.” He shook the bottle of lube he‟d kept in hand and out of her sight. “Please.” She couldn‟t find her voice. With Xander still firmly wedged inside her and Lex chewing on her ear Nora could barely think straight. So she did the only thing she could do. She nodded. Xander, still clutching her ass, pulled her cheeks apart. Lex poured a generous amount of lube in his palm, warming it before reaching for her. She felt his fingers circling her rosette, which clenched against the invasion in spite of herself. “Shh, trust me.” Lex kissed her lower back. His fingertips circled her quivering opening over and over. “It will be okay. Hell, it‟ll be better than okay. Just relax and let me do all the work.” His fingers dipped inside her for a moment, spreading the thick fluid to ease the way. Nora flinched, expecting pain. But while the pressure felt awkward, Lex was true to his word. It didn‟t really hurt…not yet anyway. When Lex lay across her back, Nora couldn‟t help but stiffen. She was already so full with Xander. How could she possibly take Lex too? It just had to be too much for one woman to handle. Xander took her face in his hands, smoothing her hair back to look her in the eyes. “Don‟t think. Just relax. We won‟t hurt you. We‟d never hurt you. You‟re our soulmate. You belong with us so we could never harm you.” Her body melted at the sincerity of his words. Soulmate. That was what Divine Intervention claimed to be able to find. My soulmate, lifemate. The one, or ones, that I belong with. Nora closed her eyes and let her entire body relax. With a slow, relentless push, Lex slid inside her. For a moment her heart skipped a beat. It would be too much. But Lex pushed on without pause. He didn‟t stop until she felt his balls slap against her ass. Lex shoved her hair to the side and kissed the back of her neck. “Feels good. So good.” “It would feel better if someone started to move.” Nora wiggled a bit, testing the feeling of both men in her at once. It was on the edge of painful but not quite. Still there was no way she was in control of this ride anymore. She was completely at the mercy of her men. Strangely, the thought no longer frightened her. “I don‟t think I can handle it alone.”
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Xander braced his hands on her hips, moving her up and forward. As he pushed her back down, Lex moved out. They set up a perfectly coordinated pace, one in and one out, that slowly solidified. She lost all track of time. All that existed were the incredible feelings shooting through her body. Pain and pleasure merged as her connection with these two men built. As they brought her higher and higher, she knew she was babbling, incoherent curses falling from her lips. But she couldn‟t stop. She couldn‟t think. She just wanted, needed. Her body felt like a bubble growing larger and larger, threatening to burst at any moment and tear her whole life asunder. And then the world exploded around her. She screamed her orgasm, clawing at Xander‟s chest as she fought not to lose herself to the pleasure. Lex groaned behind her before biting her on the shoulder. He convulsed against her back, holding her up against him, and his hips pushed her hard against Xander. Xander‟s eyes widened, his mouth dropping open in a silent cry. His fingers dug into her hips, leaving bruises that she would marvel over in the morning. He jerked and twisted as he lost himself. Finally all three fell into a sweaty pile of satiated flesh. All Nora could think was that she was finally home. Home. The part of her that was shifter understood this time what her instincts had tried to tell her after making love to Alexander in the Dreaming. Her fox had found her mates.
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Chapter Twenty Nora woke with a start, heart racing at the edge of panic. Something tickled at the back of her mind, pushing her out of bed. It wasn‟t a nightmare exactly. It wasn‟t a trip in the Dreaming either. But when she closed her eyes she kept seeing her brother. He stood in the distance, his hair much longer than she remembered him keeping it, wearing a red and black kimono. It seemed like he was trying to tell her something but she couldn‟t hear him. Damn, even after that sexual marathon it didn‟t look like sleep was going to come easy. A full moon glowed through the open curtains, filling the room with a dim light. She looked to her side at the single man curled up next to her, sleeping peacefully. In the Dreaming she hadn‟t taken the time to really look at him, compare him to the twins. Alexander looked exactly like Lex and Xander but more so. His hair fell somewhere between the two men‟s in length but was the same golden shade. His nude form was just as muscular as the twins‟ but lacked the scratch marks Nora had left on them. He seemed so peaceful that it was hard to imagine him being ripped into two people each morning. How did that feel? Were they hurt when it happened or did they just wake up separate with only the vague, dream-memories of being one person? She ran a single finger down his cheek. He murmured in his sleep and turned in to the caress. Nora knew it bothered the twins that this happened to them each night but with a little warning it wasn‟t shocking, especially now that she‟d met Alexander in the Dreaming. Granted, she didn‟t actually see them combining, having dozed off first. And she wouldn‟t mind sleeping with both of them wrapped around her, a Nora sandwich. Still, Alexander Dimorus was both Lex and Xander. If she could live with the two of them, she could live with three. But right now she didn‟t want to wake him…them…whatever. Alexander needed his time to process what they‟d been doing all day. She slid out of the bed and tiptoed across the room. She let her hand glide over the emerald green silk robe carefully folded on the dresser. One of her men had been confident she‟d be back, most likely Lex. But she couldn‟t muster the energy to be irritated. If anything she was grateful that he‟d considered her feelings. It was nice to have something other than the clothes she came in to wear. Tomorrow she‟d pick up her things from the motel and bring them back. She wasn‟t stupid enough to put her pride above her safety.
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After her run-in with the kitsune, moving into an apartment alone would be as idiotic as returning to the motel alone. Nora didn‟t think of herself as the brightest bulb on the tree but she didn‟t count herself among the too-dumb-to-live crowd. She‟d take the twins up on their offer to stay with them. She opened a huge set of French doors and stepped out into the pool area. She took one of the lounge chairs, tucking the edges of the robe around her legs and staring up at the sky. Takeshi is alive. How about that? I’m actually not alone in the world. I wonder if the stars look the same in Otherworld as they do here. I wonder if he likes to gaze at them like he did when he was here. He used to show me all the constellations and tell me stories about them. He’s alive. Nora smiled softly to herself, letting her eyes close and a deep sleep claim her. Maybe she‟d have a happy dream about her family for once, with good news being at the forefront of her thoughts for once. That would be a nice change. As she slid back into sleep, she couldn‟t see the change coming over her. A red glow surrounded her, seeping into her body until it seemed she was made entirely of light. The tengu who guarded her could only watch from the other side of the Dimoruses‟ wards. There was nothing he could do to stop what was happening. Even if he was there standing beside her he wouldn‟t be able to stop it. He had no power or control over dreams. As Nora‟s dream became more physical, as old magick claimed it, Shou could do nothing. As her form began to shimmer and slowly vanish, the crow demon did the one thing he could do. In an explosion of black feathers, he went back to Otherworld to report to her brother.
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Chapter Twenty-One Home for Alexander Dimorus was the Dreaming, an endless, limitless world under his control. After all these years he no longer minded the solitude. Here he could be one person. Here he could relive moments of his life as both Lex and Xander. Here he could feel the emotions developing between himself and Nora. And now she could visit him. The one negative, the loneliness, was averted. The fox woman fit him so well. She was kind, stronger than she believed, a little shy. The type of woman who could be family. He could see the home she was making in his own life, in his heart. It didn‟t matter if he was one person or two. She belonged with him. And so, in this little bit of the Dreaming that he‟d made into a home for himself, Alexander pulled out the memories of his time with her and let them play out in front of him, reliving each moment from the perspective of either Lex or Xander. As Xander, the anticipation of being inside her nearly stopped his heart. His chest clenched at the sight of Nora above him, riding him. The feeling of her warm, succulent cunt clenching him was the closest thing to paradise that he could imagine. But knowing she trusted him enough to see this side of her made him feel all the more connected to her. Then there was Lex. Lex knew how wonderful making love to Nora felt. He knew that she could be everything to them, own their hearts. So he also felt a world-shaking fear. At first he worried that she wouldn‟t accept the two of them. Then he worried that he wouldn‟t be able to make it enjoyable for Nora; nothing like a little performance anxiety to put an edge on the sex. But once he eased inside her he couldn‟t string any thoughts together. Everything became feeling—her ass quivering around him, the tightness of her channel with Xander inside her, her body heaving beneath him. Alexander let himself absorb all those sensations and all the emotions tied to them. He wallowed in the underlying love. So when a ripple in his little world formed, disturbing his serenity, he was quick to turn on it. An unfamiliar presence warped his world. Alien things did not belong in his Dreaming. This was the only place he could claim complete dominion. And yet a strange man stood in the middle of his world, a man with stark white hair broken only by a single swath of red, wearing a black kimono covered by a red jacket. The Dreaming swirled around him, his power bringing a prickling to the back of Alexander‟s neck. But something about the man‟s aura seemed familiar. As he stepped forward Alexander saw worry, not aggression, etched deeply in the man‟s face. “You are Dimorus?”
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Though the intruder didn‟t seem at all threatening, that didn‟t mean that he could be trusted. Alexander stood to face him, already gathering his protective magick around himself. “Who else could I be? How did you get in here? This is my Dreaming. No other creature should be able to cross my barriers.” The man tossed his hair over his shoulder and gave Alexander‟s domain a negligent wave. “Kitsune have supreme control over the Dreaming. It is one of our basic powers, though normally restricted to those much older than myself.” “Kitsune?” Alexander eyed him carefully, looking for any hint of threat as he fed power into his wards. If the kitsune meant harm to his new family, Alexander would make certain he didn‟t leave the Dreaming alive. “You‟re here for Nora. Well, let me tell you, you will not get her. I will fight to my dying breath to protect her, here or in the real world.” Instead of fear or even anger, the man showed only relief in response to Alexander‟s threat. “I am counting on that.” He placed a hand on his heart and bowed at the waist. “I am Takeshi Renault, Nora‟s elder brother.” Alexander dropped his wards in shock. “The one who was taken to Otherworld?” Takeshi nodded, stepping farther into Alexander‟s den. “The Fae took me and brought me to my uncle. But that story is for another time. I‟m here to warn you.” “About what?” “Nora is in danger.” He held his hand up when Alexander started to interrupt. “My comrade, Shou, came to tell me that Nora has been physically pulled into the Dreaming. Considering the wards your other selves put up in the real world, my uncle Yoichi is the only kitsune strong enough to do that. I believe he is using the Dreaming as a loophole to avoid breaking the Accords. By taking her in there, he can avoid the curse guarding the barrier between the mortal realm and Otherworld.” Panic sent a taste of bile to the back of Alexander‟s mouth. “Nora‟s been taken?” The world began to shimmer around them, becoming slightly transparent. Takeshi grabbed Alexander‟s arm. “No, don‟t wake yet. If you wake we won‟t be able to help her.” “What do you mean?” Alexander asked but he concentrated on maintaining a grip on the Dreaming, letting his world settle and solidify around them. “I told you, she‟s been taken into the Dreaming.” Takeshi dropped his arm and stepped back. “I wouldn‟t be wasting time here if that weren‟t the case. She hasn‟t crossed over to Otherworld yet. If we can get to her before Yoichi has a chance to bring her over the barrier, it will be much easier.” “So why are you here wasting your time? Why aren‟t you there helping your sister?” Takeshi‟s eyes narrowed and his lips drew out into a fine line. While his arms lay relaxed at his sides, his fists clenched and unclenched. “I am not strong enough to defeat my uncle alone. I have been trying to gain the power to take him out with a
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direct assault for years and I‟m not there yet. As long as he half-expects an attack from me, there is no way I can challenge him. I need your help.” “My help. That‟s why you‟re here?” “That and I want to know the man or men that my sister is in love with.” Takeshi gave Alexander a sad smile. “I have to say, I am jealous of you. I haven‟t seen my sister since she was five years old. But without your help, I might never see her…at least not alive.” “Tell me what you need me to do.”
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Chapter Twenty-Two Nora fought to restrain the panic threatening to claw its way out of her throat in a primal scream. Panic was a useless and dangerous emotion. It never helped anything. It just prevented her from dealing with whatever situation she got herself into. Instead she needed to keep a cool head and figure out how to help herself. She couldn‟t tell where she was. Everything seemed fuzzy around the edges, misty. It looked like a room but she couldn‟t even judge how large or small it was. All she could see was the unrelenting white wall she faced. It reminded her of the Dreaming but this wasn‟t Alexander‟s home. There was no warmth here, no sense of security. Of course her position didn‟t exactly inspire confidence, not tied to a wooden chair like she was. The only piece of furniture in the entire room and she had to be tied to it. Everything else was bare floor and silk wall hangings. She jerked when she heard a sliding sound behind her, like a screen being opened, and the sound of approaching footsteps. Keeping calm as her kidnapper approached her was the hardest thing she‟d ever done. A man with straight black hair hanging past his waist walked in front of her, his wooden sandals clicking against the bamboo floor. Her mouth went dry. She eyed his ceremonial kimono, hoping his dress didn‟t mean what she thought it meant. He stood looking down on her in silence for several minutes, minutes that made her heart pound in her chest as she imagined what he meant to do to her. “Do you know who I am, child?” His voice was calm and deep but it did nothing to make her feel better. She licked her dry lips and cleared her throat before managing to speak. “My uncle?” The man gave a brisk nod, his face completely void of expression. “Correct. I am your uncle, Yoichi-san. Do you know why you are here?” “I can‟t say that I do.” Or at least I really hope that I can’t. She twisted her hands against her bindings, testing their strength. The rough rope tore at her skin. “I‟m also not exactly sure where here is. This isn‟t how I pictured Otherworld. I always thought it‟d be more colorful.” Her uncle ignored the slightly sarcastic tone to her voice. “This is the Dreaming, a realm that we kitsune are destined from birth to rule.” He eyed her critically before giving a disgruntled sigh. “But perhaps you are not kitsune enough to realize this. I had higher hopes of you than that, considering the power your brother wields. But it seems that he is the only one to take after my brother.”
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And it’s probably best you keep thinking that for now. “The Dreaming? That sounds very interesting, Uncle. But can I ask why I‟m tied to a chair?” Yoichi‟s expression darkened, causing Nora to wonder if doing anything but answering questions was a good idea. “I cannot trust you, niece. Until I can and until I can safely move you to Otherworld where you belong, I plan on keeping you restrained. It is for your own good. I wouldn‟t want you to wander around the Dreaming and lose yourself.” Right, I think the first part of his answer was more truthful. “But I promise to stay here.” She pulled lightly at the ropes again. “This isn‟t exactly comfortable.” “I am sorry to say that your comfort is not my concern. You will stay here until I come for you.” He stepped almost out of her line of sight before looking back over his shoulder at her. “And I will come for you.” Nora shivered. Okay, I can’t be here when he comes back. She held her breath until she heard the screen slide open and close. The soft snick of a lock latching caused her to flinch. She then hopped a little, testing the strength of the chair. Unfortunately, sturdy was the one word she could use to describe it. She pulled with all her strength at the ropes holding her hands together at the back of the chair. The fibers bit deeper into her skin but still didn‟t give way in the slightest. Shit. There’s got to be something I can do. I can’t shift in this position, not without breaking or dislocating something. But I might have to do just that if I can’t figure out anything better. If only this damn amulet of Alexander’s could call him to me as well as it works to direct me through the Dreaming. The Dreaming. Kitsune can control the Dreaming, just like Alexander did. He could change an entire room. Surely I can change one little rope. Nora closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to try to relax. She focused on the cocoon of light, like Alexander had guided her though when he taught her to meditate. But instead of focusing it on her hand to try to find her kitsune ball, she focused it on the ropes around her wrists. She imagined them becoming lighter, thinner. She flexed and twisted her wrists as the ropes seemed to turn almost spongy. Slowly, they stretched enough for her to slide her hands through. It might not be as flashy as Alexander morphing an entire room but it worked. It took her some time but she managed to untie her ankles. Rubbing her rope-burned wrists, Nora surveyed the room. With no windows and only one door, it didn‟t take much to figure out how she was going to get out. She placed her hand on the locked screen, closed her eyes and concentrated again. Manipulating the world was easier this time. Maybe it was because she wasn‟t changing an object, just moving it. She heard the snick of the lock and slid the door open. She peered down the empty hallway, holding her breath. Again she had no choice for direction. To the left she could see the dead end. The passage to the right turned again after about ten feet. 110
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Again and again she turned—right, left, left and right, every turn winding her nerves tighter and tighter. Little by little she started to hear voices. She clung to the wall and eased forward. “I did not expect to see you here, nephew,” her captor sneered. “I beg pardon, Uncle,” a deep voice replied. Nephew? “Do you really? Why are you not training as I ordered you?” “I was training, Uncle, when I was told that you had found my sister. In my impulsive anxiousness, I rushed here to see her for myself. I have not seen my little sister in many years. I apologize for my impetuous actions.” Peeking around the corner, Nora watched as her uncle Yoichi sneered down at her brother, who knelt with his forehead to the floor. She wished Takeshi would look up. She wanted to see his face. Mother had always said that Takeshi looked like Father. Nora wondered what that meant. Before Takeshi raised his head, the wall behind her uncle shimmered. Alexander stepped out, hands held palms forward. A huge sphere of light snapped out, spreading into a golden net that surrounded Yoichi. Takeshi leapt to his feet, a fiery orb cupped in his own hand. As the net settled on Yoichi, Takeshi threw the orb. Yoichi ducked and spun, dragging the net down with him. In a flash of lightning and fire the net exploded outward. “You little half-breed bastard. You dare raise your hands against me?” Yoichi stood much taller than before. Fox ears capped his head and six thick tails waved behind him. His eyes glowed as he glared at Takeshi. He held his hand up, a massive fireball forming in his palm. Alexander chanted, fingers twisting into intricate signs. Yoichi waved his free hand in Alexander‟s direction. Her lover flew off his feet and into the wall on the other side of the room with a sickening thud, falling to a crumpled heap. Nora bit her clenched fist as she watched. Alexander wasn‟t moving. Could a person die in the Dreaming? And Yoichi began throwing fireball after fireball at Takeshi. Her brother, his own fox ears showing and three tails flicking at his back, managed to shield himself but was driven to his knees. “You think you can rise against me? You think that one warlock will be enough to help you kill me? Your father was a six tail and he couldn‟t take me.” Yoichi loomed over Takeshi, both hands raised over his head to hold a massive fireball. Takeshi dropped his wards, his hands joining in front of his chest to form his own ball. Looking at the two, Nora knew Takeshi would not win. Fear, Nora knew well. She understood that moment of heart-stopping clarity when every nerve in her body fired. She was well-acquainted with the metallic taste that seemed to swell her tongue. She was used to the feeling of imminent flight. But the emotion setting her blood aflame this time was one she wasn‟t as familiar with.
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Rage. Unmitigated rage. Heat flared at the base of her spine, forcing a cross between a growl and a gasp from her lips. Something similar to her shifting magic filled her veins. She looked down at her hands, sharp claws at the tips of her fingers. A sudden shift of weight threw her off balance. Glancing behind her, she saw three tails whipping about in agitation. Kitsune. She was kitsune. She didn‟t have to stand back and watch the people she cared about being flambéed in front of her. She wouldn’t stand back anymore. She refused. Focusing all the fear she‟d ever experienced and all the anger crashing through her now, Nora created her own foxfire. She stepped out of the shadowy hallway and met her brother‟s eyes. Emotions she didn‟t recognize coiled in her heart as she saw the acceptance in Takeshi‟s gaze. Then, almost as one, she threw her flames at Yoichi‟s back and her brother aimed for his heart. The two balls of fire blazed bright as they collided inside of Yoichi. He screamed as the flames engulfed him. But he was still able to fling his final ball of foxfire at Takeshi. “Takeshi,” Nora whispered, eyes clenched against the sight of her brother‟s death. Two sets of arms wrapped around her, not an uncommon feeling these days. But one set of arms seemed…different from the other. She opened her eyes. Alexander and Takeshi held her. “That was insane,” Alexander whispered against her hair as he pressed against her back. Takeshi tipped her chin up so she would meet his gaze. “The sight of you standing there almost stopped my heart, little sister. You‟re not allowed to be so reckless, remember? Mother would come back from the grave just to curse me if anything happened to you and I didn‟t stop it.” Nora wrapped one arm around her brother and one around Alexander. She could feel the tears flowing down her cheeks as she stared at them both—her family. “It wouldn‟t have mattered. If I‟d lost either of you, nothing would‟ve mattered.” She kissed both men, her brother on the cheek and Alexander in a deep, tongue-dueling claim. She only pulled away when her brother cleared his throat. He gave Alexander a mock glare. “If I wasn‟t already certain that you, in all your forms, are her mate, I would have to kill you now. So consider this your warning. Hurt her and I will burn you alive.” Alexander laughed. “I don‟t believe you‟ll have the chance. If I, Lex or Xander hurt her in any way, I doubt Nora will leave you anything to deal with.” Stepping away from the men, Nora put both hands on her hips and glared up at them. “You got that right. And both of you better remember it. Now how about we get out of here? The smell‟s making me nauseous.”
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Takeshi bowed. “Your wish is my command, little sister.” With a wave of his hand, the world shifted. Nora looked around at Alexander‟s den. Fire crackled in the hearth and three steaming cups of coffee waited on the table. Home. She was in her second home with her family. All of her family. Sometimes, life deals you a good hand.
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Epilogue Nora swallowed, trying to wet her dry throat. It felt like it was made of sand while her palms wouldn‟t stop sweating. And she couldn‟t wipe them on her thighs. She didn‟t want to do anything to ruin the white silk she was wearing. “You look beautiful, little sister. Mother would be proud.” She turned to face the man standing in the doorway. Her brother smiled at her, looking very different but handsome in his black tux. “I‟m just glad you could make it.” “Nothing could keep me away from my only sister‟s wedding.” He pulled the veil from its box and helped Nora arrange it on her long, loose curls. “I can‟t say I would‟ve chosen the two men outside for you but they seem to fit.” “They need me.” Nora felt a warm glow settle in her chest as she said those words. “I just wish I could marry them both, not just Xander.” “If you spoke to the elf‟s friend, I‟m sure you could find a cure for the curse.” When she‟d first heard about Aindreas, Faolan and Garrick‟s offer of an alliance, Nora had considered bringing that very idea up to the twins. But she quickly shook it from her mind. She loved her men, all three of them. She‟d hate to lose Xander and Lex. And Alexander seemed happy enough in his home in the Dreaming, as long as she visited him every night. She‟d gone from a woman who trusted few people and stuck to herself for the most part to a woman who was never alone, not even when she slept. She had people who cared for her. She had a place where she belonged. And she had friends, lots and lots of friends if the crowd waiting outside was any indication. Glancing out the window to the tented back patio, she marveled at the crowd—and the strange weather. “Is there anything somebody can do about the rain? I mean, I love the fact that it‟s sunny on my wedding day but the fact that it‟s raining too is a little weird even for me.” Her brother chuckled. “You‟ll have a rainbow on your wedding day and you‟re complaining.” “I‟m not complaining.” “Not exactly,” he teased, handing her a bouquet of traditional red roses. “I‟m sorry to say the weather can‟t be changed and it‟s entirely your fault.” “My fault?” “Some legends say that when the weather is both sunny and rainy at the same time that a kitsune is getting married.” He tugged on one of her curls, much like he did when she was a child. “You‟re the kitsune, so it‟s your responsibility.”
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“I‟m never going to learn all these fox demon rules, am I?” she asked, still blushing about an incident at work the week before. It seemed that mirrors showed her ears and tails now even when she was in human form, much to BJ‟s amusement. She‟d been the one to get the twins to track down the poor human woman who‟d seen Nora in the bathroom mirror as she‟d washed her hands. Thankfully, being warlocks, her lovers were quite skillful at memory tampering. Still, BJ had taken to calling her Foxy Woman all the time now. “You‟ll get used to it. And you‟ll have me to help you. Now we‟d better get out there. I‟m sure you‟ve got a couple of impatient men waiting for you.” Takeshi offered her his arm. Sliding her arm through his, Nora adjusted her flowers and smiled. “Lead on. Now that you‟ve found me, it‟s time to give me away.” As Takeshi lead her down the rose petal-covered aisle, her eyes locked on her men waiting at the end. While Xander was the one officially marrying her, Lex stood beside him as his best man. From the moment she stood at the front of all her friends, the rest of the ceremony became a blur of images. BJ nudged her when it was her time to speak since she was paying too much attention to her men and not the justice of the peace. Lex fumbled the ring, nearly dropping it. Xander kissed her deeply, with Lex laughing behind them. Finally the reception began. Most of the human guests, with the exception of Gus and a few others, left after the service with a gentle magickal nudge from her husbands. She finally got to meet Garrick Rhine and Faolan Sidhe in person. Had she met either one a few weeks earlier, their dominant presences would have sent her running. As it was, she managed to greet them without stuttering and while maintaining eye contact. An important thing since it seemed that they would be close allies in the coming days. Both Renee and Zachary gave her hugs and well wishes. Actually, Lex kept glaring at the satyr as he gave her a nearly bone-crunching hug. But Nora understood the sentiment. The matchmakers seemed genuinely happy that their handiwork had turned out so well for her. BJ kept trying to flirt with Shou. The somber man ignored her obvious attempts but Nora couldn‟t help noticing how his attention rarely strayed from her feline friend. Aindreas watched her brother in a similar fashion, making Nora wonder if she should warn the oblivious Takeshi. But she was still learning about her brother. She didn‟t know for certain that he wouldn‟t welcome the elf‟s attention. Plus, she didn‟t want to ruin what time she had with her brother inviting any conflicts. Takeshi would be leaving with Shou soon to fully investigate and end the kitsune breeding program. There was no telling when she‟d see either man again. Her family had grown far larger than she‟d had the right to hope and she reveled in that fact. It included people from many different races and walks of life. But they were hers now.
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And she planned on enjoying the warm feeling that fact created in her heart for as long as the God and Goddess allowed. The End
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About the Author It‟s always the quiet ones… Mild-mannered Jenna Castille lives a rather normal life with her husband and daughter in Las Vegas. Only her husband and closest friends know about the twists and turns her imagination takes. She‟s loved fantasy and horror stories since childhood. Then she discovered romance and Romantica. As a writer, she never could figure out which genre she liked better, so she decided to throw them all in a pot to see what came out. Her husband still shakes his head every time she describes one of her plots, but he‟s always more than willing to help with any “hands on” research she might require. And her friends love to read her stories. They tell her that at least now they understand the glassy stares and all the mumbling to herself. Happily, they don‟t have to worry about her anymore. Being a writer is much better than being committed. Jenna welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Jenna Castille Magic of Three Matched by Magic 1: Spells at Midnight Matched by Magic 2: Faerie Bound Power of Three
Print books by Jenna Castille Magic of Three Tantalizing Treats anthology
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