For the first time in days, Devin felt confident everything would work out. Molly hadn’t shifted back into her human form yet, but she was interacting more, even responding to their directions, and Lena’s mood had improved significantly since the encounter they’d shared earlier in the day. Yes, they would all need time, but they’d heal and emerge stronger.
He tucked Lena against him and surveyed the packed bar. The Black Widow didn’t have much competition in the area. Even if it had, he was positive the place would still be full of people. The dark-paneled walls combined with minimum lighting—a few wall sconces—instilled an ambience of mystery. There were plenty of corners where lovers could cuddle or booths for groups to socialize.
A mix of local sports memorabilia and images of classic cars—two areas of great interest to the tavern’s founder—decorated the walls. The bar itself gleamed. The highly polished counter never appeared cluttered. Empty glasses were always removed and square napkins trashed. Bottles of liquor—all dusted and organized by popularity—lined the back shelves. Several beer taps offering local brands and the standard domestic offerings served the needs of most customers while microbrews, imports, and mixed drinks satisfied the rest.
Devin surveyed the room and enjoyed the sense of pride settling over him. He turned to Lena to gauge her reaction. “Well? What do you think?”
She nodded. “It’s nice.”
“It’s also mine.”
Her brows rose. “You own a bar?”
“Co-own, but yeah. Just signed the agreement a few weeks back. I can’t say I’ve helped much in the daily operations.” He shrugged. “I guess I’m more of a financial backer, but I hope to get more involved.”
She studied the bar with intense scrutiny. His muscles locked as he waited for her reaction. She faced him, grinning. He released a breath.
“I really like it, Devin. It’s very classy and looks popular. You should be proud.”
He returned the smile. “I am, but this is all Josh’s handiwork. The male’s a stickler for perfection.”
Her smile turned into an amused smirk. “Josh, the guy Megan wanted me to marry and have lots of kids with?”
“Yes. Look, there’s something I need to tell you about Josh. A few weeks ago, I…” The back of his neck itched as embarrassment replaced the sense of pride he’d experienced showing off the bar. He rubbed at the annoying sensation. “Before you came into my life, I had trouble controlling my moods, and I…”
Movement caught Devin’s eye. Josh strode purposely toward them with a wide, welcoming smile on his face. At a little over six feet, Josh was tall, and if the attention he received from the opposite sex was any indication, attractive.
Piercing blue eyes met Devin’s dead-on, a response that had surprised him at first. Although human, Josh was an alpha, not simply a dominant. He greeted his peers as such.
Once Devin nodded, acknowledging him, Josh turned his attention to Lena. Surprise flickering in his eyes, Josh’s gaze settled on the proprietary way Devin held Lena with an arm wrapped around her waist.
One corner of Josh’s mouth quirked higher, and he swept a casual glance over her body. Devin tensed but calmed when the human showed no sign of sexual interest. Curiosity, not lust. Good. Devin wouldn’t have to beat Mira’s beloved human. Again.
“Josh, this is Lena. Lena, Josh.”
“Hi, Lena.”
Lena stared at Josh openmouthed. He knew what stunned her, the ugly scar running down Josh’s cheek.
“Did you get attacked?”
Josh met his gaze. “You could say that.”
Devin’s warning look didn’t faze the human. Josh’s grin widened.
Devin snapped his teeth together. “It’s just a small scratch. No biggie.”
Josh touched his cheek. “Yeah, it adds character.” He focused on Lena and shrugged. “And it’s what I get for irritating Devin.”
She slowly turned her head and stared at him. Anger didn’t hover in her eyes. Neither did disgust. He couldn’t decipher it, but her look pierced him.
“This is what you were talking about, isn’t it?”
Not the scar. Devin had never mentioned it. She was referring to his rage. That was what her expression meant.
“Yes.”
She twined her fingers with his. “It won’t happen again.”
No condemnation or warning tinged her voice. Determination did. She would make sure he never lost control. Her firm grip backed her vow.
“You’re right. I now have a perfect cure for my bad moods.”
She smiled at him, then faced Josh. “The doctors couldn’t help you?”
“It didn’t get tended to quick enough.” Devin cracked his jaw. “If he’d gone to the hospital and gotten stitches, it wouldn’t be as obvious.”
“And I would’ve looked weak for doing so. Nah, I wasn’t doing that.” A shit-eating grin spread over Josh’s face. “Besides, once Mira kissed my boo-boo, it felt so much better.”
Devin growled, mindful to keep the sound low so as not to alert the other humans that there was a predator in their midst. “Are you looking for another beating?”
Josh chuckled. “Just stating the facts.”
“Stay away from Mira.”
Josh stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Why? Because I’m human or because she’ll finally learn what it’s like to be respected by a man instead of being treated like an object?”
“Back off, Josh.”
Lena stepped next to Josh and crossed her arms over her chest. “I think that’s a very good question. Which is it, Devin?”
He glanced between the two humans who were important to him. No matter what answer he gave, he’d anger them. He settled on the truth. “Getting involved with Mira is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Lena tilted her head. “And why is that?”
The curiosity on her face demanded an answer. Too bad it wasn’t one she’d like hearing.
He slid his attention to Josh. “What happens if you fall in love with her? Are you going to marry her?” Devin lifted a brow. “Come on. Fifty years from now when you’re old and wrinkled, Mira will still look the same. And when you die, her heart will break. Is that what you want?”
“No, that’s not what I want. But don’t you think she deserves a little happiness?”
“Sure, I do, but it won’t be with you.” Devin shook his head. “How many times do I have to say it? You cannot break the rules of the heavens.”
Josh stepped even closer until they were inches apart. “I like breaking rules, Devin. Been doing it all my life.”
“Yeah, well this one’ll just kill you. You’re not the first human male to try. The gods have spoken.”
“Your gods aren’t mine. I don’t care what they’ve decreed. I’ll make my own rules.”
Lena stepped between them and shoved with a hand at both of their chests. She wasn’t strong enough to move either of them but they both backed up.
She settled her annoyed gaze on him. “Enough. I came here to eat, not watch two stubborn men fight.”
“Oh, I like her,” the familiar voice of his twin exclaimed.
Devin turned and opened his arms. Mira wrapped hers around him. He rested his cheek over her head. “Hey, love.”
Mira gave him one last squeeze before separating them and stepping closer to Josh. She smiled—a shy smile—not a look he’d ever seen his sister wear except around the human.
Devin wasn’t an expert on relationships—look at how he’d screwed things up with Lena—but Mira acted as if the sun and moon revolved around Josh.
Something would have to be done about her infatuation before it turned deadly. He just didn’t know what. Trying to keep them apart had only made their attraction grow.
“Hi, Josh. You look nice tonight,” Mira purred.
Josh twirled a lock of her hair but kept an appropriate distance from her. After the many arguments he’d gotten into with Devin, he knew better. “You too, Mira. I’m glad you could come out tonight.”
With Josh’s attention centered on her, Mira beamed. She inched closer so her side touched his. Devin pushed back his anger. He didn’t want to start a fight with Josh in front of Lena. Besides, the arguments didn’t do any good. Josh wouldn’t accept the fact that he could never be with Mira. Biology and the gods’ mandate prevented it.
Mira inspected Lena head to toe, focusing on Devin’s arm wrapped around her. Mira’s brows pinched. She inhaled deeply, lips parted, then flicked her gaze to him.
“You’re together?”
“Yes.” He tucked Lena closer and gave his twin a warning look. It didn’t deter her.
Mira glanced at Lena. Devin couldn’t see her expression but Lena’s raised brow and straightened shoulders suggested it wasn’t a welcoming one. No doubt his mate was ready to defend him. Or stake her claim.
“You’re lovers?” Mira asked Lena.
“I’m moving in with Devin.”
Lena hadn’t acknowledged their bond, but he wasn’t surprised. He’d told her he wanted to announce it.
Mira tilted her head and studied Lena for a long moment. “I must say I’m surprised he chose to get involved with you. Not only are you human, but you’re so…fragile and small.”
“Lena’s fearless and brave. Strength in a compact, beautiful package,” Devin added before Lena opened her mouth. Mira wasn’t much better around humans than he was, but he was learning. She would too.
Mira lifted her gaze to his and held it for a long moment before Josh stepped between them, effectively stopping the battle of wills. Mira sensed Devin was hiding something where Lena was concerned. Devin could see it in Mira’s eyes. She knew him too well to blindly believe he’d simply decided to make Lena his live-in lover.
Mira had been his confidant and conscience for too long. She knew his yearnings and his doubts. They were the same ones that had plagued him after mating Lena. That his damaged soul would hurt her. That no female should have to share his crazed cats. Most importantly, that he didn’t deserve peace. Lena had eradicated every one of those beliefs.
“Let’s go sit and have a drink.” Josh’s fingertips touched Mira’s arm lightly before he motioned them toward the booth in the back corner of the main bar.
Devin urged Lena to slide in and sat next to her, tucking her into his side. Josh scooted next to Mira and leaned forward, elbows on the tabletop. “Megan wants to know why she can’t see her sister. I’m running out of excuses.”
“I’ll come over and talk to her. Maybe she can get through to Molly.” Because if she couldn’t, Devin was going to beseech Molly to shift and help her sister because nobody else could. It wasn’t a lie, either. Megan did need help. Instead of being born with a Royal feline ancestor as Molly had been, Megan was partially linked to the ancestor of a single shifter wolf pack. Devin suspected the species difference was the cause of her problems.
“I can’t wait to meet Megan.” Lena smiled but her grin drooped a moment later. “Molly often talked about her and the hospital they’d lived in.”
Josh sat up straighter. “Did she talk about the woman who smuggled them out of that place?”
“Nurse Ryanne?” Lena nodded. “Yes, but the details haven’t helped locate her. Molly wants her found. She loves her.”
“So does Megan.” Josh traced a watermark on the table. “Does Molly ever talk about what happened to them while they lived there?”
Lena squeezed Devin’s hand under the table. Offering comfort or taking it, he couldn’t be sure. “They weren’t hurt, if that’s what you’re asking. They were just segregated from everyone except Ryanne. She tutored them, cared for them, and played with them. She was their only connection to humanity.”
“She did a fine job too if Megan is any indicator. She’s a great kid.” Josh’s pride was easy to pick up on. After Josh’s brother was killed, he’d become Megan’s guardian, and he treated her as if she was his child.
“Megan’s a sweetheart, that’s for sure, but she also has a dominant streak.” Yeah, Devin was proud of the little girl too. Everyone in the pride had become wrapped around her little finger.
“Molly’s the same, loving and protective.” Lena’s proud grin drooped. “And once she shifts, it’ll be fun to watch them together.”
Silence descended at the reminder of Molly’s situation.
Finally, Mira turned to Lena. “You’re more than just Devin’s lover, aren’t you?”
Lena peeked at him. He nodded. There was no point in delaying the conversation. The stubborn look on Mira’s face warned she wouldn’t back off until she had answers.
She faced Mira. “Yes, I’m his mate.”
“His”—Mira shifted her gaze from Lena to him—“mate?”
The bar wasn’t the right place to discussion the events leading up to his decision. Then again, maybe it was the perfect spot. Mira likely wouldn’t cause a scene.
“Lena is my true mate. I mated her to save her life, and we plan to soul-bond.”
Instead of stirring Mira’s bad memories, longing showed on her face. She cut a quick glance at Josh before meeting Lena’s gaze.
“That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.” Mira flashed an overly bright smile. “When will we be having your mating celebration?”
Lena didn’t respond. She studied the water-stained table as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.
Devin cleared his throat. “Soon. I want us to have one of those weddings like Jazz and Rafe had. The party afterward was fun, and Lena will look lovely in a white gown.”
“Then we should start planning now. Weddings take time to arrange. Nobody in the family expected Devin to take a mate. Our friends from around the world will want to celebrate.” Mira covered Lena’s hand on the table. “I can help.”
Lena pulled her hand free. “There will be no wedding.”
“Why is that?” Mira asked.
“Because unless Molly returns to us fully, I have no family to sit on my side of the church. And my friends? They’re not welcome in this world, not fully. I have nobody. Do you understand? Nobody.” Lena shoved at him to get out. He did and took her hand.
An apology simmered in Mira’s eyes, easy enough to see even with her contacts. He inclined his head and followed Lena out the back door.
Crowding her against the wall, he sifted his fingers into her hair and cradled her head. “Mira didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I know that. I’m just having a really hard time trying to think about the future when I have nobody to share it with.”
“You have me.”
“I do, and I’m grateful for that.” She pressed a hand to her chest, right over her heart. “And I know this is depression. My guilt is eating away at me. For everyone’s sake, I need to let it go or accept it. I’m just finding it hard to do. My mind keeps drifting to the what-ifs and the shoulda-coulda-wouldas. I know they’re not healthy thoughts. I’m trying to ignore them and think positive.” She rested her cheek against his chest. “But I suck at it. I’m pathetic.”
“No, you’re not. It’s natural.”
“That’s what I keep telling myself. It’s not helping.”
“Then let me help you.” He tipped up her chin. “Soul-bond with me tonight. Once I can move freely in your soul, I can ease you better. You won’t be alone, and you’ll be able to draw on my strength or seek comfort from me with only a thought.”
They’d already discussed the process. She knew he’d be inflicting a mortal wound, but her trust in him was solid. He didn’t worry she’d fight him when the time came.
“Tonight? But we’ve only arrived today.”
“I don’t want to wait. It’s killing me to watch you suffer when I know I could bear your pain. I want to shield you from every horror, but without access to your soul, all I have to offer are words and my embrace.”
“Yes. Tie us together, Devin.” She snuggled against him. “But I’m not agreeing because I want your help. I’ll eventually beat this pain. I want to bond with you because I don’t want to exist without you. Not even for another night.”
A weight lifted from his shoulders. He kissed her, showing her with each sweep of his tongue how much her words meant to him. Her sigh wrapped around him, and her grip on him tightened.
He savored the moment, but eagerness rushed up. He couldn’t wait to bind them completely. Even the act itself didn’t dim his excitement. Lena trusted him with her life. That was the kind of devotion that males craved.
With one last brush of his lips to hers, he broke their kiss. “Then we’ll tell the others we’re leaving.”
“Aren’t more of your friends coming, though? It’d be rude to just up and leave.”
“They’ll understand.”
He led her to the door. She stopped him with a slight tug on his arm. He glanced at her.
“I’d like to meet Rafe’s human mate.” She licked her lips. “So I know what to expect.”
Rafe and Jazz’s mating hadn’t been ideal, but the process was the same—painful, frightening, and thrilling at the same time.
Devin inclined his head. “Then you will.”