The Alpha's Temporary Mate (Fated Match) (13 page)

“I figured you wouldn’t want wine tonight,” he explained as he poured her a cup.

“Smart man.” Chloe wrapped both hands around the mug and inhaled the earthy aroma, closing her eyes in pleasure.

It was her favorite oolong. That he knew that fact had surprised him. Usually he never noticed such small, personal details. But with Chloe he knew which tea she preferred, what chair she liked to curl up in, what food made her sigh in delight. Necessity might account for learning more in their brief time together than he normally would have, but not for the desire within him to know her. Her likes and dislikes, her motives and fears. He wanted more than just a bedmate.

Which was a damn complication.

A couple more weeks. If they could just survive a little longer then…

Then what? He’d try to date her like a normal man?

The wolf inside him growled. It didn’t want such a temporary arrangement.

Too bad
.
You are not in charge here.

Grabbing his own glass of water, he joined her at the island.

“So,” she started, eying him carefully. “If you’re in a good mood, I have a favor to ask.”

Anything.
“What do you need?”

“It’s a work thing. We’re having a mixer for our members and Vivian wants me to bring you.”

He blinked. “Go to a work event?”

She nodded. “Two of our other high-profile couples are coming, and it would be a coup for the agency if you came, too. I know it’s not really up your alley. But hey, a room full of sexy singles. You might find someone you want to pursue after the mating moon is over.”

He growled, not liking those words at all. “Chloe,” he reproved.

Green eyes flicked up to his before she let out a long sigh. “Sorry,” she said. “I’m on edge.” Rubbing the bridge of her nose she tried again, “Will you come with me? Please? My friends expect me to bring my lover, and if you’re not there it will raise questions I’d really rather avoid answering.”

“This is important to you?”

She nodded. “I love my job and mixers are a great way of bringing people together.”

Yes, thanks to the previous night he understood a little more why she did what she did. Chloe took pride in her work. It was part of who she was. If she was asking for this favor after the awkwardness of last night, then he was sure this was important to her. “I’ll be there.”

Surprise showed on her face when she looked back up at him—surprise that slowly melted into a true smile of pleasure. How could anyone deny her anything when she smiled like that?

Unable to help himself, he reached out to run a finger down her cheek. “There’s much I’d do for you, Chloe, if you’d just ask.”

S
tay with me.
The words were on the tip of her tongue. But of course, that was not the type of request he meant. No, Kieran would want her to ask for sexy times in the shower or bouts of sex in the bedroom.

She looked down at the delicious food she’d barely tasted. “Thanks,” she said. “It will help to have you there.”

Picking at her food, she searched for a way to get back to the easy camaraderie they’d enjoyed before yesterday. For all Kieran’s teasing and taunting, she’d never been this nervous with him before. She wanted to ask what he’d meant about his vow of seduction. She needed to know—if she yielded, would she get more than a couple of nights.

But there was no easy way to frame such a question.

Deciding avoidance was the better part of valor she pushed her half-eaten plate away.

“I’m not very hungry tonight,” she said by way of explanation. “I think I’ll turn in early. I need to research harpy etiquette. I’m signing up a pair tomorrow, and they are not a species you want to annoy.”

“I’ve met a few in my time. Let me know if you need any firsthand accounts.”

“Thanks,” she said, conscious of the fact she would have picked his brain had they had this conversation two days ago.

Hopping off her stool, she headed for the door.

“Oh, Chloe, just a moment.”

She turned to see he’d followed her.

“Did I forget something?”

“Yes.”

Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her tight against his chest and claimed her mouth with his.

Chloe gasped, surprised by the sudden kiss, and he took full advantage of her dropped guard.

He kissed her with a passion that awakened an answering need within her. Even knowing it was a mistake, she twined her arms around his broad shoulders and tilted her head to give him better access.

Together they waltzed backward until she hit the wall. Kieran crowded into her space as his hands slid down her sides to rest on her waist. She wanted more, wanted his hands to run all over her body. His lips slanted across hers, sending all the sensitive nerve endings into overdrive. Rising to her tiptoes, she tried to get closer to him.

Then as suddenly as the kiss started, it was over.

Chloe blinked, her arms still wrapped around him.

“Much better,” he purred.

Ripping herself from his arms, she spun on him. “What the hell was that?”

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and a lazy smile on his lips. “That,” he said, “was on both of our minds.”

“Is this how you seduce your lovers?” she taunted, drawing a hand through her hair as she tried to catch her breath.

“No,” he said, his smile dropping from his face. “This is how I seduce
you.
”

She glanced up at him, hearing the sincerity in his words.

“I don’t like when we’re at odds,” he continued.

“So the plan is to kiss me until I’m comfortable?”

The boyish grin was back. “Did it work?”

To her surprise it had. He’d done what she’d been thinking about all day, and it stabilized her equilibrium. It assured her last night had not destroyed the growing intimacy between them, hadn’t irrevocably altered their relationship.

Her teasing, charming wolf was back.

Biting back her own smile, she closed the distance between them and balanced herself with a hand on his crossed arms. Rising on tiptoe, she stopped when her mouth was a breath away from him.

“Poor wolf,” she whispered. “Wanting what you can’t have.”

She danced away when he tried to reach for her. “Be good,” she chided. “I have work to do.”

Kieran’s warm chuckle followed her as she headed for the door.

“All work and no play makes Chloe a dull girl,” he called.

Might be true
, she thought, her lips curving. Even so, there was no hiding from the fact that in a few days they’d be away from the city and far from any thoughts of work.

Alone in the woods with a tempting werewolf. She wasn’t sure if the thought worried or excited her.

Chapter Thirteen

“W
here’s your wolfish arm candy?” Jessica asked, her arms full of a Fated Match banner.

“He’s meeting me here later,” Chloe said. “He’s been working late these past few days to offset what he’ll miss when we’re away.”

“A retreat to the woods,” the succubus sighed. “Romantic.”

“Need a hand with the banner?”

“Please.”

Holding out her hands, Chloe let her magic flow around the pink and white paper. The banner floated into place over the bar, it’s ties knotting automatically to the ceiling hooks.

“All right?” she asked.

“Looks good.”

Chloe dropped her hands as the banner unfurled to read,
Singles Mixer by Fated Match.

“We’re fully booked. It should be a good night,” Jessica said, glancing at their sign-up sheet. “Kieran’s appearance will help with word of mouth, too. Thanks for roping him into this.”

“Didn’t take much convincing at all.” Indeed, Kieran had tried to be as helpful as possible, even when she made him practice all her friend’s names on endless repeat. He had, for all intents and purposes, been a model boyfriend this week. Though he did make use of any opportunity to pull her close for a kiss or a caress. If she wasn’t careful she’d get used to the happy smiles that greeted her arrival in a room, or the light pecks that accompanied her departure in the mornings.

“Problem,” Tasha said as she walked into the room. “The bartender is out of O neg.”

“Drat,” Jessica murmured. “We’ll have to have someone do a blood run. We’ve got at least ten vamps on the guest list, and that’s the most popular blood type.”

“No worries. I’m calling Melissa right now,” Abbey said, trailing Tasha. “She can grab some on her way over with Tarian.”

“A vamp and a necromancer. I still can’t believe they’re mates,” Tasha said.

“Stranger than a human and a vampire elder?” Abbey teased.

“Or a witch and an alpha wolf?” Jessica put in.

Tasha sighed. “Well, when you put it that way.”

Jessica slung her arm over Chloe’s shoulder. “See? You and your weird relationship are in excellent keeping. Fated Match seems to breed them.”

“If everything is in place I’m going to open the doors. Members will be descending on us any minute,” Abbey said.

True to her prediction, at exactly eight o’clock the first guests arrived. Chloe moved into place by the door, greeting the members as they came in. Usually Vivian handled this particular job but she was running late. Besides, with any luck, Chloe would be in charge of the agency in a few months. She’d be doing this all the time.

The thought brought a real smile to her face. The drama with Kieran sometimes made her lose sight of the bigger picture. She wanted this agency that brought people from all walks of life together. Making families answered a calling within her she couldn’t describe.

Behind her, she could hear her teammates mingling with the singles, easing their way and making appropriate introductions. Supernaturals rarely had evenings like this, where they could be exactly who they were without fear of prying human eyes.

“Chloe, nice to see you again.”

She glanced up at the tall man before her. He stood ramrod straight, his dark hair impeccably styled and his clothes fit to perfection. When he turned his blue gaze to her she shivered, despite the fact she’d met him many times before.

“Lucian,” she said in greeting. “Good of you to come.”

“My mate made it clear if I didn’t, I would be sleeping on the couch for a week,” he said, his lips twisting in amusement. “A wise man does not cross Abbey when she’s focused on a cause.”

“I just saw her over in the corner. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

The ancient vampire’s gaze was already locked on his errant lover. “Thank you,” he said to her without glancing in her direction.

Chloe watched him move toward his mate as if he couldn’t stand to be away from her for another second. What would it feel like, she wondered, to be that drawn to another? She spent her days waxing poetic about the mating process, but she had no firsthand experience. Abbey looked at Lucian as if there were no one else in the room. When the two of them touched, she could almost feel the love vibrating between them. She wanted that for herself.

Though when she pictured her future mate, he only wore one face.

“Deep thoughts?”

Two words, and her body leaped to life. Turning, she found her own date standing by her side. His eyes were focused on her, humor in their amber depths.

“Just thinking,” she said to Kieran.

“About mates.”

He said the words easily, in no way looking like a man about to bolt for the hills. What a difference a few weeks made.

“Yes.”

He nodded, moving closer to her. “Well, since this evening is about romance, we should make a good show of it. Kiss me, witchling.”

People were moving past them, guests she should be greeting, but she couldn’t muster the will to care.

Grabbing his lapels, she pulled him down. Her lips pressed against his in a kiss that was far more decent than she wanted it to be. But they were in public and eyes were on them.

He wrapped one hand around her waist, the other cupping her cheek as he returned the caress. His lips were soft against hers, the touch gentle. It was a kiss that had less to do with passion than it did with companionship. A hello between lovers.

When he drew back, his gaze was locked on hers.

Drawing in a shaky breath, she told herself the kiss hadn’t affected her. It didn’t matter at all that he’d kissed her as if she were important to him.

As if she was special.

“What do you want me to do?” he asked her, his voice soft.

Take me to bed.
“Ah.” She swallowed. “Stand here with me while I welcome people. Our were clients will be thrilled to see you.”

“As you wish.” His expression clearly said he’d heard the words she hadn’t voiced. Still, he moved into position by her side, smiling at the people who came through the doors.

Just as anticipated, the gossip about both Lucian and Kieran being present spread throughout the bar. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Abbey and her mate holding court in the corner while most of the single werewolves were eying Kieran.

“You have fans,” she whispered to her partner.

“I didn’t notice,” he replied, equally soft. “I have eyes only for you.”

She snorted at the old line, but even so, warmth spread through her chest. No doubt a month ago he’d be prowling through the bar looking for his next conquest.

White-blonde hair flashed across her vision, heralding Vivian’s arrival.

“Kieran,” she said, shaking his hand. “Good of you to come.”

“Always happy to help, Vivian,” he replied.

Vivian’s cool stare flicked to her. “Look who I found outside.” She gestured to the couple by her side. “I heard there was a blood shortage.”

“I brought all I could,” said her friend as she entered. “I hope it’s enough.”

Chloe accepted the bag from her and glanced inside to see a number of containers of blood. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Melissa.” She passed the package to Vivian who strode toward the fridge behind the bar.

The red-haired vampire grinned. “Looks like a good turnout.”

“Your presence helps with that,” said Chloe.

Melissa’s amusement didn’t fade. “They just want to see how a necromancer and vampire survive without killing each other.”

“Very happily,” her companion said, wrapping his arms around his mate’s waist.

“Tarian.” Chloe greeted him with a smile. “Fair warning, Lucian is in the corner.”

The necromancer frowned. “So much for a relaxing evening.”

Melissa elbowed him in the stomach. “Be polite to my father.”

Tarian rolled his eyes before holding his hand out to Kieran. “I hear you’re the Clearwater alpha. Welcome to the club.”

“Club?” Kieran said, returning the handshake.

“Men who love Fated Match girls,” he clarified. “I met my mate the first time I stepped foot in that agency.”

It’s true. Chloe had been there when Melissa and Tarian had first met. For a brief moment she’d considered vying for the necromancer’s attention, but it had been clear from the very first that he had eyes only for Melissa.

She glanced at the man by her side, wishing their story had been similar.

“I hear Jessica got to meet your boyfriend properly,” Melissa whispered to her, moving closer to her side. “Unfair friend favoritism.”

“I’m sure Abbey filled you in,” she whispered back. “We’re very new to the public scene.”

Melissa nodded. “I also heard he’s whisking you away to a pack retreat. When you’re back I insist on a dinner. I’m sure Abbey is just waiting to hear all the details, too.”

Chloe smiled at her friend. “Absolutely,” she said, wondering if it was a promise she’d be able to keep. If Kieran ever wanted a serious relationship, she’d be proud to introduce him to her friends.

“I’m going to go say hello to my father,” Melissa said. Glancing at the man behind her, she asked, “Coming? Or are you going to hide at the bar and pretend you haven’t noticed him?”

“Where you go, I go,” he replied, bending down to press a kiss to her cheek.

“So we’re invited to a dinner?” Kieran asked as the other couple walked off.

Chloe glanced up at him. “After the moon. Don’t worry about it.”

“They seemed like a nice pair. I’ll look forward to it.” He turned to smile at an incoming wolf, who stared at him like she’d just seen a movie star.

Chloe stared at her date, her jaw nearly dropping. Had he casually referred to the possibility of them staying together beyond their deal?

Could he want her for longer than the charade?

Hope fanned brighter within her. The moon was fast approaching. Maybe she didn’t need to dread its arrival as much as she had been.

I
t turned out Kieran was a natural at the matchmaking game. Vivian had relieved them of doorman duty, wanting the latest feather in her cap to mingle with the crowd and talk up the services. Chloe had thought that a tall order, considering Kieran hadn’t officially used any program at Fated Match, but the wolf had been a good sport. He was charming as he conversed with the singles in the bar, encouraging them to extend their contracts and suggesting introductions to other supernaturals milling about.

Chloe sat on a barstool watching him work his magic. He might be an investment guru, but she’d bet the beer in her hand at least one of the pairs he’d introduced would be calling her up tomorrow to schedule official dates.

“He’s doing well,” Vivian said, appearing by her side.

“Who would have thought.”

The siren plucked the beer from her hand and took a sip before passing it back. “Tomorrow you leave for the woods.”

“Yep. We’re almost there.”

“Still planning a big break up after the moon has waned?”

She hesitated, not knowing how to reply.

Vivian sighed. “That’s what I thought. Didn’t heed my advice, did you?”

“Abbey and Melissa beat the odds,” she replied. “Maybe I am one in a million, too.”

The look the siren leveled at her was equal parts pity and disbelief.

“Shut up,” she said, taking another sip. “I can hope if I want to.”

“Yes, you can,” Vivian replied. “I’ve got you on the schedule the Monday after the moon. Let me know if you need more time.”

To cry my heart out?
she wondered, looking at her flawless boss. The other woman obviously thought she was headed for disappointment.

“Thank you,” she forced herself to say.

Kieran caught her eye as he threaded his way toward them. “Your mixer appears to be a success, Vivian,” he said when he reached them.

“Yes,” she replied. “Thank you for your appearance. You’ve helped us enroll quite the numbers this week.”

“I’m glad this worked out for all of us.”

Vivian’s eyes flicked to her before she smiled once more. “As am I.” Inclining her head, the siren drifted off into the crowd.

Kieran leaned against the bar next to her. “I can see why you like this job,” he said. “Spotting the similarities between people and setting them on paths to each other is oddly satisfying.”

She clasped his arm. “We do these mixers a few times a year, and it always results in some great matches. Supernaturals simply don’t have many chances to mingle with their own kind. Two mates can be living in the same city, sometimes on the same block, and never meet one another.”

“You’re doing good work,” he said, patting her hand.

She nodded, watching the crowd. “Kieran?”

“Hmm?” He looked down at her.

“The dinner with Melissa. Did you mean it?”

Understanding lit in his gaze. A soft smile curved his lips as he reached out to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear.

“I like your world,” he said. “Seeing what you do, how you bring these people together. You give them a chance at happiness. Maybe I want the same opportunity.”

The din around them ensured semi-privacy, even from those with acute hearing, so she didn’t have to censor her words. “You want me beyond the mating moon?”

“My wolf does.”

It was a non-answer, and they both knew it.

“What about the man?” she said.

He blew out a long breath. “He does, too.”

A smile started to tug at her lips, but he caught her hand, shaking his head. “I still don’t know what I can offer you, Chloe. I’m not sure I can ever be what you want.”

The words had an ominous ring she wanted to ignore. “Time,” she replied. “All I want right now is time.”

His eyes gentled as he raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss into her palm. “Being with you isn’t like being with anyone else.”

Even Lisette?
The words hung on the tip of her tongue. But Kieran’s expression was open and happy. She didn’t want to dredge up painful memories.

“Me too,” she replied instead. “You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.”

He leaned close until his lips brushed her ear. “Just think of how good the sex will be.”

With faux outrage she pushed him back, only to realize he was laughing. Though she’d heard the sound before, it still brought an answering smile to her lips.