The Alpha's Temporary Mate (Fated Match) (10 page)

“Something like that,” Jenny said.

“It also gives us a chance to socialize,” Sasha said. “Rachel and I are roommates.” She waved to the fourth girl by her side. “But the others don’t cross paths during their normal days.”

“Well then, thanks for letting me drop in on your game. I appreciate it. Kieran has just started introducing me to his pack, and it’s great to meet some people closer to my own age.”

“My mom mentioned you were still in your first century,” Kate said. “That’s kinda amazing. I don’t think I could handle being in a relationship with someone like Kieran. At least, not yet.”

Chloe shrugged. “You never know what you’re really capable of until you get dropped into a situation where you’re forced to handle it.”

Jenny sighed. “But falling for the alpha. How romantic.”

“Like a Cinderella story,” Chloe said. Or it would be, if any part of their ruse were true. “Still, we’re not here to talk about boys. Let’s play some ball.”

The girls nodded, going over their strategy quickly as they moved to meet their opponents who waited in the center of the field.

“Ready?” Kieran asked when they were all in position.

“Ready,” Kate replied.

Chloe blinked and the game was on.

They hadn’t been exaggerating when they said they played rough. In the first few minutes, she caught quiet Sasha elbowing an attacker in the face when he’d tried to take the ball from her. The redheaded boy managed to swoop in when her guard was down and steal the ball. He then proceeded to race across the field at the speed that, while still within the bounds of human capabilities, was at least reminiscent of an Olympian.

Kate was hot on his heels and leaped through the air. Together they slammed into the ground as Rachel streaked by and took possession of the ball.

“I warned you,” a voice whispered in her ear.

Turning, Chloe found Kieran behind her. “Sure you don’t want to switch teams?”

A flick of her fingers had him on the ground again. “Not on your life, wolf.”

Leaving her fake lover behind, she dove into the game.

Though she couldn’t run as fast as her teammates, sending a lick of magic to both feet made her kicks highly accurate. Not to mention she had the agility to dance around the boys as they tried to stop her from reaching her teammates. By the time her team had scored the first goal, the boys had developed a new strategy.

One that left Kieran in charge of blocking her.

Laughter escaped her as she tried to duck around Kieran only to have him wrap an arm around her waist and spin her back.

“No fair,” she cried, feinting left in a move he easily countered.

“Says the woman using magic.”

“Hey, you guys have all the super speed.”

“Come on, Chloe!” Kate shouted as she raced past them headed for the boy’s goal.

“Shoo,” Chloe said, shaking her hands at Kieran. “Shouldn’t you be chasing after the ball?”

“I think my team would vote you are the biggest threat.”

“Little old me?” She dodged right and wiggled her fingers when he lunged for her. A root erupted from the ground to wrap around his ankle as she streaked away. His laughter followed her as she rejoined the game, stealing the ball away and aiming it for Sasha.

As the game wore on, Chloe realized this wasn’t the average human match in more ways than one. The ticking clock had no effect on her teammates. Three hours after the start of the game they still played like they were fresh to the field, whereas her lungs were on fire. More and more she had to rely on magic to outwit her opponents, instead of her own natural abilities.

Kieran in particular showed no signs of tiring.

All that stamina. Think of all the ways one could put it to good use
, her inner voice mused.

“Shut up, brain,” she whispered.

“You’re dragging, witch,” one of the boys, Chad if she remembered correctly, yelled to her.

Calling on the depths of her energy, she raced forward.

“Last goal,” Kieran shouted.

She refused to look at him, knowing the time limit had been set because of her.

The order merely amped up the energy of the others. Blood sprinkled the grass as the younger wolves fought each other for the ball. Determined to help her team, she chased after the others. One wolf lunged himself at her and she flicked her wrist, sending him flying past her as she pressed forward.

“Chloe!” Rachel called, kicking the ball to her.

Dancing around the others, she kept the ball out of the boy’s reach until Kate was open. Aiming carefully, she let the ball fly.

The other woman charged toward the goal, ball firmly in control. Chad made a last ditch effort to stop her but it was too late. With a powerful kick from Kate, the ball soared into the net.

Shouts of triumph rose from the women as they gave each other high fives that would have broken a human wrist.

Chloe laughed at their success as she drew in some deep breaths.

“Looks like you won,” Kieran said, jogging up to her side. “This time.”

“Bring it on, wolf. We’ll always take you down.”

His expression was open and happy as he chuckled. “We’ll see about that, witch.”

She wiggled her fingers, but after three hours of being bested by her, he was ready. Wrapping his arms around her, he dragged her to the ground as he fell, rolling so he took the brunt of their impact.

“Cheat.” She laughed as he rolled her back onto the grass, rising over her.

“I told you,” he replied. “I can sense when you use magic. And this game has been a useful training session.”

“Think you’re unraveling all my secrets, hmmm?”

His eyes gentled as he looked down at her. “That would take lifetimes.”

The smile slipped from her face as she stared up at him. A new awareness spiraled through her. One that whispered she was lying under him in a very compromising position.

“I’m not so complicated,” she whispered.

“Oh sweetheart, I beg to differ.” His lips came down on hers.

As always, she melted under his touch. Whereas before he’d kissed her with fiery passion, this time was different. The caress was light, tender. He kissed her as if she were special. Not just another nameless woman in the crowd.

Kieran’s lips slanted over hers, deepening the kiss. Wrapping her arms around him, she was more than willing to give whatever he wanted.

Cheers split the air, and Chloe jerked back. The young wolves howled their approval. Heat flooded her cheeks as she looked back up at Kieran.

“Audience,” she said.

“Lucky for you,” he whispered into her ear. “Someday I’ll get you alone when you have no excuses to make me stop.”

A shiver ran through her. “Not on your life, Clearwater.”

With a grin, he rolled off her and stood. Reaching out, he offered her a hand up.

“Thanks,” she said, brushing off the leaves and grass clinging to her shorts.

Their teammates descended on them with some good-natured teasing. Chloe grinned at the girls as she tried to remember the last time she’d enjoyed an afternoon as much as this one. She had her Fated Match friends, of course, but rarely did she ever let loose so completely. Maybe it was an age thing. Other than the very mortal Abbey, she had no friends under a century, and for the first time she wondered if she was missing out.

“You going to come out next Saturday?” Chad asked her.

“None of us will,” Kate replied for her. “We’ll all be at the retreat. You’re coming, right Chloe?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“Awesome,” one of the boys put in. “We can have a rematch and not have to worry about prying human eyes. We’ll see who wins then.”

“Any time,” she shot back.

“Let me get your number,” Sasha offered. “Then we can meet up during the retreat.”

“Sounds great,” Chloe said.

Phones appeared in hands as numbers were exchanged and saved. She’d even agreed to a coffee date with Sasha and Rachel after the retreat, before she remembered she wouldn’t be around to keep it. As soon as the mating moon was over, she’d have to disappear from this life. Staying friends with Kieran’s pack would pose too many complications.

Her eyes flicked to Kieran’s and she saw the answering resignation in his gaze as he realized the same thing. They were from different worlds. When time was up, she’d have to go back to hers.

Waving good-bye, she headed off with Kieran back to the apartment. They walked in silence until they were far enough away from the other wolves.

“I enjoyed today,” she said to break the silence. “Thank you for suggesting it.”

“You fit in perfectly,” he replied. “They all took to you more quickly than I’d thought.”

She chuckled. “That’s only because they couldn’t believe I had the audacity to stand up to you.”

“Not many do.”

“Your lovers must be able to.”

He glanced down at her before looking away.

“Seriously? What, do you pick them for their ability to stay as far out of your way as possible?”

“Yes.”

She blinked at the response. “Then what’s the point?” As soon as the naive words were out, she wanted to take them back. “Right,” she muttered. “Sex. Duh.” She rolled her shoulders back and told herself to toughen up. “Well, don’t worry. Another couple weeks and you’ll be back to your carefree bachelor ways.”

“And you’ll go back to Fated Match.”

“Yep. Exactly. Easy peasy.” She’d forget about him and his built-in family. She’d stop dreaming about his kisses. Stop getting lost in a fantasy life she’d never have. Easy freaking peasy.

“As fun as today was, we should probably try to avoid mixing our worlds unnecessarily.”

Pain stabbed through her. Keeping her expression serene, she forced herself to breathe past the hurt that again accompanied the reminder she wouldn’t be welcome in his life after the full moon waned. “Right,” she agreed. “We should have thought about that before coming out today.” She didn’t need yet another prompt that her only value was as a disposable commodity.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Yes. But I just wanted…”

When he trailed off she shot him a questioning look. “What?”

“You were sad,” he said as if that were an explanation.

“So?”

He glanced her way. “So I wanted to see you smile.”

Not mine, not mine, not mine,
she forced her heart to remember. Because if he were hers, those words would have made her love him.

“Thanks for the thought,” she said, her throat uncharacteristically tight. “I appreciate it. I had a blast today.”

“And the news will travel to their parents and their friends. It won’t be a complete waste.”

She looked away, the barb finding a home. “I know you’re a busy man. I’m sorry I took up your time. Not that it was my idea, I’d like it noted.”

He stopped, catching her arm to slow her as well. “I misspoke.”

“But you’re not wrong.” She caught his hand. “Really, thank you for today. And I know I won’t be able to contact those kids again after we go our separate ways. It will be easier, I think, if we remember that going forward. I don’t want to make relationships that will hurt to leave behind.”

Like the one growing with you.

She would never say those words, but still, they hung in the air between them.

His gaze dropped to her lips as she tried to think of anything to say to break the intimacy she’d unintentionally created. One arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her up against his hard chest.

“This is what I’m talking about,” she whispered, pressing her palms against his muscles despite herself.

“You want distance.”

“Yes.”
No.
Too bad she had no intention of letting her emotions rule her.

“Are you sure?” His head dropped until his mouth was a breath away from hers. It would be so easy to close that distance and lose herself in his arms. There were no witnesses this time. No one needed to know about her momentary weakness.

Her legs trembled before she locked her spine and stepped back, batting away his arms.

She ran a hand through her curls as she walked forward.
Focus,
she thought.
Think of Fated Match and not tangled sheets.

“Since we were talking about exposure, there’s one more hoop we have to jump through.”

He fell into step beside her, slightly too close for comfort. “Which is?”

“My best friend wants to have dinner with us tomorrow, to vet you and make sure you’re good enough for me.”

He arched a brow.

“She’s another woman who won’t be impressed by the size of your bank account. You have been warned.”

“All right. Let’s go out to meet her. We can use it as more evidence of our public relationships. Two birds, one stone.”

“I made reservations at Celeste’s so there should be an audience. You’ll have to make a good impression. Jessica is protective and if she gets a whiff that this is a fake relationship she will eat both of us alive.”

“I can be charming when I want to be.”

“Good,” Chloe said. “Remember that tomorrow when you meet her.”

When she introduced the man who melted her with his kisses to a gorgeous sex demon. Her step faltered, and for the first time, she wondered if more was at stake tomorrow evening than merely keeping their cover.

Chapter Ten

“C
hloe, we need to leave.”

“Be down in a minute,” she called through the open door. Running back to the mirror, she twirled around to inspect the black slacks and red blouse she was currently wearing. It looked nice and professional.

And boring.

Swearing under her breath, she pulled the shirt over her head and tossed it into the closet. She never took so long to think about what to wear to meet Jessica. The succubus had been her best friend for years, knew all the secrets she shared with no one else. Had Kieran been her real boyfriend, she would have looked forward to introducing him to one of the most important people in her life.

Instead she was trying to find an outfit that could outdo a sex demon.

“This is useless,” she grumbled as she pulled on a different blue shirt. This one was far more form fitting and boasted a deep V that accentuated her cleavage. Twisting before the mirror she nodded her approval. Better. Still, something was missing.

“Hair,” she said, waving a hand before her face. Her clipped-up, sleek hairdo disappeared, replaced by bouncing curls that cascaded over her shoulders. Definitely sexier.

Deciding she was as ready as she’d ever be, Chloe grabbed her purse from the bed and rushed downstairs.

Kieran was pacing before the door, looking perfect as always, this time in a charcoal suit. He looked up as she reached the ground level, and the appreciation in his gaze chased away some of her nerves.

“Wow,” he said.

Chloe tucked a curl behind her ear. “Jessica will expect me to make an effort,” she said. “Since you are the first guy I’ve taken the time to introduce her to in ages.”

It was as good an excuse as any for why she’d felt the uncharacteristic need to compete against a succubus. Kieran wouldn’t let any attraction he had for her friend show, but she was still introducing him to the exact type of woman he preferred. Jessica was, of course, every man’s fantasy.

“Well, you look amazing,” he said, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her temple. “We need to rush, though, if we’re going to make our reservation.”

Chloe let him usher her out of the apartment, trying not to think too deeply about the small touches and caresses he’d been showering on her since the soccer game. He’d said she needed to get used to him touching her more intimately before they showed up at the retreat on Friday. His people would expect them to be a lovey-dovey couple, and for that, she had to be comfortable being close to him.

But every time his lips brushed against her skin she had to stop herself from stepping closer, from pressing their bodies together and lifting her face for a kiss she knew he’d give her.

“Jon is waiting,” Kieran told her as he guided her out of the building toward his town car. He kept a hand on the small of her back as they walked and the thin material of her shirt was no match for the heat radiating from his palm.

Ignore it,
Chloe scolded herself.
Focus on surviving the night.

“Hello, Jon,” she said as she reached the waiting driver.

“Miss.” He inclined his head as he held the door of the car open for her.

As gracefully as she could, she slid into the seat and shimmied over to make room for Kieran.

The spacious backseat didn’t feel small until Kieran took his place. When Jon shut the door behind him, Chloe was acutely aware of the intimacy the dark space created, especially with the divider up.

“So tell me about your friend,” Kieran said as the car pulled out into traffic. “What do I need to know?”

“I met Jessica soon after I started at Fated Match. We hired her to man the front desk.”

“An old friend then.”

“My oldest,” she replied. Technically she’d known Vivian longer but she wasn’t sure anyone called the siren a friend. “Jessica is older than me, of course. She’s far better at using her gifts than I am.”

“Which are?”

“Men,” she answered drily. “She’s an expert on reading men so whatever you do, don’t give her any reason to be suspicious.”

“I will act thoroughly in love with you,” he replied, looking out the window.

Staring at his profile, Chloe wished she were with a man who didn’t have to “act.” She was barely a century old. Far too young to be thinking about forever. But this time with Kieran was making her realize she liked coming home to another person. She enjoyed hanging out with him in the kitchen while he cooked, or in the living room where they’d watch a movie in companionable silence. After decades of being alone, she liked having someone else she could depend on.

Maybe that was the problem. She might be young, but she’d never had the life others her age had. They’d been part of families, covens, or packs. They’d had people to turn to for support.

But she never had. Oh, she’d had friends and lovers she cared for. None of the men in her bed had ever made her feel like she wanted a life with them. They’d been a way to push back the loneliness, and she’d never heard any complaints, but now she wanted more. She wanted…a partner.

A mate.

“Damn,” she breathed before she realized she’d said the word aloud.

Though the sound had been the slightest whisper, Kieran heard.

“What?” he asked, turning to her.

“Nothing,” she said quickly. Too quickly. “Just thinking.”

“About what?”

“Not your business.” She turned to look out the window. “We should be there in a few minutes.”

“Chloe—”

“Stop,” she said in a low voice. “You have your secrets. Let me have mine.”

She concentrated on the world outside her window and not the werewolf at her back. Talking wouldn’t help. Not when her realization was still so raw. All she wanted was to leave Kieran behind and turn to her best friend to help unravel her thoughts. Jessica was twice her age and showed no signs of wanting to settle down. Surely she could help talk Chloe out of this.

But she couldn’t ask for advice when she was supposed to appear to be exactly what she wanted to talk about—a woman seriously courting a mate.

Thankfully, the car slowed to a halt before Kieran could ask any more questions she didn’t want to answer.

“We’re here,” she said, pushing from the car before Jon could come around to open her door.

W
hat was that about?
Kieran curled his fingers into a fist. When he’d turned to her for a split second he’d seen a look on her face that had been heartbreaking. Something about the way she stared at him had been so…lost. Sad. Chloe should never look that way. She should be smiling and happy, carefree in the way he’d always admired about her.

But her easy grins were growing less and less frequent around him. Was it something he was doing? Something that was taking the joy out of her eyes?

His wolf snarled at the thought. Once again his attention was wounding his companion. This was why simple relationships were better. Then there could be no chance of his cursed affection hurting anyone who mattered.

And for better or for worse, Chloe mattered.

There was no chance to ask her more questions, not that she looked in the mood to talk. Especially since she was already halfway up the restaurant’s stairs and he hadn’t even left the car.

“I’ll call when we need a pick up,” he said to Jon before leaping from the car.

It took him no time at all to catch up to her, though when he put his hand on the small of her back he felt her flinch.

What the hell had he done?

“Your table is this way,” the maître d’ said, leading them into the posh restaurant. Soft light lit the spacious room. Dark wood tables with creamy tablecloths filled the space. Wicker ornamental trees decorated the walls with white fairy lights woven through each. The effect created an ethereal forest without compromising on taste. He could see why she would like a place like this.

The maître d’ stopped at a table set for three and held out a chair for Chloe.

“Thank you,” she said as she slid into her seat.

Kieran took his place and waved the maître d’ off. “We’re waiting for one more,” he said in explanation.

Alone, he watched her pick up the menu and start perusing her options, pointedly ignoring him.

“Is there anything I should avoid doing when your friend arrives?” he asked, hoping to prompt his date into conversation.

“Don’t flirt with her and we’ll be fine.”

His brows rose at the snippy comment.

Chloe sighed and set down her menu. “I’m sorry,” she said. “That was rude.”

“Are you feeling all right?” he asked, watching her rub the top of her nose. “We can reschedule if you want to.”

“No, better to get this over with. Jessica will wonder if I cancel at the last moment.”

Right now, he didn’t give a damn what the faceless Jessica thought. All he could focus on was the unhappiness of the woman before him.

Her predecessors had never made him care in such a way. If they’d been having a bad day, they hid it so he wouldn’t be bothered. After all, their relationship hadn’t been about feelings. He’d always appreciated the pretense, not wanting to be bothered with the daily goings on of their lives. It was just another way of keeping his distance, ensuring no one got close enough to make him care.

Ensuring he never made another mistake like he had with Lisette.

He’d been happy in his superficial world until his little witch had come crashing into it, determined to tear down his walls regardless of whether she had the right.

And despite his best efforts, he cared. More than he should. Seeing her sad unsettled something within him that he hadn’t felt since Lisette.

Apprehension snaked through him. He was on dangerous ground.

Chloe glanced up at him with her bright green gaze. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, rolling her shoulders back as a smile slid onto her face. “I don’t want to ruin the evening. Tonight will be fun.”

With anyone else he would have accepted the obviously fake words. But with Chloe it worried him that her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“We can go,” he repeated. “I care about you more than making an impression on your friend.”

She blinked, the faux smile slipping. “This impression is important to our game.”

Doesn’t matter.
The words were on the tip of his tongue before he called them back. What was he doing? She was right. Keeping up appearances was more important than either of their personal feelings.

Chloe looked over his shoulder and a resigned expression crossed her face. “Besides,” she said, “Jessica’s here.”

Turning in his chair, Kieran glanced behind him…

And saw a cover model striding toward them.

The woman was tall, with wicked curves clothed in a skintight gold dress. Black tresses were pinned away from her flawless porcelain face, and stunning blue eyes locked with his.

Kieran didn’t need to check to know every male in the restaurant watched Jessica’s approach. She moved with confidence, despite the high stilettos on her feet. The woman managed to look dangerous and sexy all at once. As she grew closer he shook his head to clear it. Ogling over another woman in front of Chloe was not an option.

But when he looked back at his date, he realized she’d been very aware of his reaction.

“Jessie,” she greeted, rising to hug the model. “Right on time.”

“I couldn’t wait to meet your man,” Jessica replied, in a throaty voice made to whisper dirty words.

What is going on with me?
Kieran frowned. He appreciated gorgeous women as much as the next man, but Jessica wasn’t the one he wanted to go home with.

The two women took their seats, as he tried to figure out what was happening. Compared to Jessica, Chloe’s brand of beauty couldn’t compete, yet when he looked at the witch, warmth spiraled through him. She might not be as flashy, but she was beautiful in her own right. He loved the way her lips curled when she looked at him and thought he didn’t notice. Or the tiny lines that furrowed her brow when she thought too hard. Or the way her fingers danced when she wasn’t paying attention, as if they ached to do a little magic.

Glancing at Jessica, the warmth inside him disappeared. The woman might be breathtaking but she couldn’t hold a candle to his witch. So why did she cause such a reaction in him?

Jessica held his gaze, her eyes filled with some knowledge he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

“Kieran,” she purred. “A pleasure to meet you.” She leaned toward him, giving him a view of the swell of her breasts.

“Any friend of Chloe’s is a friend of mine,” he replied, concentrating on controlling the desire pulsing through him. He didn’t want this woman. His wolf whined and paced within him. Neither of them understood what was happening.

Until everything clicked into place.

Chloe had said Jessica knew men. Jessica, a woman made so flawlessly perfect no man could resist her. One who inspired dark, sexy fantasies in every male she met.

“Succubus,” he said.

Chloe blinked while Jessica leaned back, a satisfied smile on her lips.

“Guilty,” she said.

“Turn off your charms, or it will be a lot less nice to meet you.”

Her smile turned into a grin, and immediately the desire pulsing through him dissipated. She was still stunning, but he didn’t feel any need to reach for her. Turning his gaze to Chloe brought the heat pounding back.

“Not many men can resist my lure,” Jessica said, placing her napkin in her lap. “You must really love Chloe.”

Chloe’s gaze shifted to her empty plate.

“I know what I want,” Kieran said, his eyes on his pretend mate. “And no offense, Jessica, but you’re not it.”

“Of that I’m very glad.” She held out her hand to him. “It really is nice to meet you now that I know you care about Chloe.”

“So I’ve passed the first test, hmm?” he said as he took her hand.

“Yes, but don’t worry. I have many more.”

He returned her smile, not minding that she was protective of Chloe.

“What are the specials tonight?” she asked as she reached for her menu.

With a grin, Kieran waved over their waiter. He might be in for a long night.

C
hloe watched her dining companions with bemusement. When she’d first seen Jessica she’d wanted to sink into the floor. The succubus had pulled out all the stops tonight, making Chloe’s efforts to clean up seem like a child trying to imitate her mother with smeared makeup and too-big high heels. Jessica could be drop dead gorgeous when she wanted to be—after all, it was a survival tactic—but in the work place she usually toned down her gifts. Dressing in purposefully baggy clothes with little makeup helped her do her job without every male she interviewed falling for her. In fact, it had been a while since she’d seen her friend in all her sex demon glory.