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| The Promise
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
When Mates Collide | A Need To Help
“Yes, perfect!!” Elliott yelled. “This is exactly what I’m talkin’ about!” Standing under a sign that read Hotties Coffee, the redhead barista opposite him laughed and handed him his usual triple espresso from across the counter. “Every day is almost like your first time.” He pointed at the drink, completely missing the gleam of longing she barely hid behind teenage eyes. Boyish enthusiasm coming from a devilishly handsome man in a snug, exquisitely tailored black suit was truly disarming. “Have you tasted this stuff? It’s addictive, almost like a good night's sleep in a paper cup.” Breathing in the steam and bitter smell, he shook his head like it was too hard to believe something that delicious could be real. He gave her a wink and stepped back from the wood-paneled counter. “See you tomorrow, Tory.” “Bye Elliott.” Since it was almost 5:00 p.m. the place was packed with suits, those of War ll Street traders. He was not one, but he did work as an architect there Downtown–also kn
When Mates Collide | Sore Loser
“I’ve tried all the coffee in the area but they can’t hold a candle up to this,” Elliott said to the woman, a warm smile on his face. “I think it’s the candle to this,” the woman replied with a smile of her own, her eyes still stuck to the expresso machine. “Oh, that sounds right!” he chuckled. “Where’d that saying come from, I wonder?” Then, lowering his voice, he added, “Don’t they know people want coffee at night? Who closes at 5:00 p.m.?” She nodded but kept her attention on the beans poured into the machine, the soymilk steamed, and the cup lying on the counter. Keeping his body facing slightly away so he didn’t seem like he was coming onto her, he gently persisted, “When you’re out at a restaurant at night don’t they always ask if you want coffee with your dessert? The answer is always…” “Yes,” she smiled. Good. He was getting somewhere.“Exactly! It’s always yes.” He downed his cup. It was a bitch to make espresso last even when there were three shots of it. He called over,
When Mates Collide | Loneliness
The bruised-up woman was a block away by the time Elliott found her. The woman sure could walk fast. He jogged up to join her, matching her pace. “Hey, you forgot this.” He handed her a plastic cap to cover the paper cup. She glanced at it with a disturbed look as she took it from him. "I heard what you said to that woman. Why’d you say I got this from softball?” “Well, where did you get it from?” He dodged a woman walking her dog and downed the last of his new espresso. She didn’t lose a step. "I...I was mugged." He tossed his empty cup into a nearly full public trashcan. "That’s awful. Did it happen down here? What streets should I avoid?" She glanced over and caught the smile in his eyes. She half-chuckled. "I don't think someone like you has to worry." “Yeah? You think I could take ‘em?” He comically stood up straighter and bulked up his shoulders like a bodybuilder. She grinned and shook her head, slowing her pace to normal. “You’re very strange, you know that?” “Yeah, I
When Mates Collide | A Walking Bitter Icicle
Glancing around the court which was also like her second home, Joan sighed and rested on the edge of a desk. She'd won the case. Won what was her client right and did it just as effortlessly as she always did. Yet, here she was feeling depressed. This wasn’t like her. It nagged at her that something had to change. She was only thirty and she was already losing her love for the chase? That couldn’t be! She was a driven go-getter who prided herself on doing more and winning more than any of the attorneys at the firm she worked at, especially Patrick, her only competition for becoming a junior partner. Standing up, Joan walked towards the heavy double doors that headed down the long stairs. She'll walk home today, she decided. It was what she needed to clear my head. And then she’ll run a hot bath, light a shit-ton of candles, and put on her soul playlist. Maybe she'll even go to bed early for once, and hopefully catch a much-needed sleep. "Ms. Henry!" A female voice called out from
When Mates Collide | The Accidental Meet Up
“What was the case about?” Elliott couldn't help but ask as he cocked his head to the side and crossed his arms, motioning to her briefcase, he added, “That’s a nice one.” She glanced at it. “Thanks. My dad gave it to me when I finished law school. He was an attorney too, but he died when I was sixteen.” Her eyes flickered. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Elliott said, gently. She gave a little shrug. “It was a long time ago, but on days like this…I wish he knew I followed in his footsteps. It’d be nice to see his face in the back of the room, watching as I argue against...” Shaking it off, she forced a smile. “The case? It was another big company trying to screw over an employee so they could be richer than they already are. I’ll never understand why people can’t look out for each other anymore.” He wanted to tell her about what he and his packmates did, how they help the less privileged, and the urge hit him hard but he stopped himself and frowned at the bizarreness of such an impossible impul
When Mates Collide | Unhindered By The Fear Of Being Caught
At the wedding, Joan had used her interest in meeting her best friend’s new man to cover up the fact that she wanted to know more about Elliott., which was not an easy thing to do when Elliott’s mere presence in the room had caused her mind to stray and her ears to listen to everything he said. More than once she’d had to ask Bonnie, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”Elliott was extroverted, extremely confident, ridiculously charming, and had a smile that could make your panties slide off even when you were still wearing your pants. He was trouble and unfortunately for her, trouble was something she loved. But then, breakfast had come to an end and he had just waved her goodbye without asking for her phone number. There and then, she decided to forget him completely. And then…BAM. There he was walking right up to her on the day she’d won a case she’d worked over a year on. She couldn’t help but wonder if this was the universe's way of offering her a present as she took in his fantastic
When Mates Collide | The Decision
Elliott looked up at Nate just in time to collect the offered glass when it came. But then, his eyebrows rose in curiosity when he noticed Nate's attire. “You’re dressed in sweats.” Nate sat in the leather chair opposite and leaned back in his wrinkly white t-shirt, spreading his legs wide, one bare foot thrown on the coffee table. His thick dark hair was a mess and his green eyes were filled with interest in what was going on with his friend. “Well, that's because Bonnie made me wear it. She met with a potential new client in the morning and insisted I went with her to handle the fallout since I keep her up all night.” Elliott nodded with his forehead all bunched up. “Of course you did. You always do” Nate stared at him, momentarily startled. “Has it been that bad?” Elliott’s smile flashed. “Eleven times. Eleven???” Nate frowned. “Eleven times what?” His eyes widened. “You’ve been counting?” “Dude,” Elliott chuckled as he raised the glass to his lips. “Like I can help it. You k
When Mates Collide | Pack Bond
After the toast, Nate held out his hand for the glass. Elliott accepted the silent offer of a refill and watched as his best friend since eighteen walked to the bar they bought together. It was the first thing they’d gotten after the renovation was complete. They didn’t have it built in because they’d agreed there was always a chance they’d move the room around when inspiration hit. He and his three pack mates were constantly reading books about other architects, standing respectfully on the shoulders of those who’d come before them by learning everything they could from their legacies. They borrowed ideas and made them their own as all artists did in the exploration of their voice. So knowing they might reconfigure the furniture, they’d embedded into the bottom of the bar wheels you couldn’t see without crawling on the ground to look. You’d never guess it wasn’t permanent. Nothing ever is, is it? Elliott couldn't help but wonder to himself. “I know what you’re thinking.” Elliott g
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When Mates Collide | Control Yourself
But then he heard someone behind him in the doorway and he spun around to see Linda standing there with her suitcase in one hand, her light blue coat in the other, keys jingling as she nervously fiddled. She asked, quietly “Are you okay?” the rain pattering loudly behind her. With all the self-discipline he could barely muster, he struggled against his wolf and cracked his neck as he gave a very curt nod and grated through gritted teeth, “My…friend…seems to have left.” “You need a ride somewhere?” Danny blinked to the ground and then back to her. He grimaced and commanded his wolf to calm the fuck down. Gasping for air, he said, “Excuse me a moment. Please, don’t leave.” He walked to the bathroom and shut the door, splashing water on his face. The cold baptism he coupled with direct and soothing, silent mantras. I’ve got this. I can do this. Control. Control yourself. Let her go. She had to leave. Let her go. You are stronger than this. Afraid he’d lose his ride out of here, he q
When Mates Collide | Disappearing Act
He listened at the door to make sure what he heard wasn’t some kinky, consensual sex play. It wasn’t. He stepped back, looked left and right for anyone watching. No one was around. He closed his eyes and listened for heartbeats in nearby cars. The lot was empty of human beings. He focused on the door and took a single step back. Cracking his neck, his eyes began to glow and with all his supernatural strength he shot out a powerful kick. The door split in two, splintering at the hinges. A disgusting sight waited for him inside. The dead-eyed employee of the motel had a woman of at least sixty against the wall. At the explosion, they both looked toward the door. Her eyes were wide with terror and shock, his narrowed in irritation at the interruption. Her suitcase lay on its side on the ground like she’d tried to throw it at him, the contents splayed on shag carpet. The attacker had a bite mark in his arm, but now was pinning hers. Her polyester pants were down around only one ankle and
When Mates Collide | Unaffected By Her Vulnerability
Danny collapsed on top of her trembling body, panting as Kat held him close. She kissed his neck, lacing her fingers into his damp hair. But without a word he got up and pulled out, leaping off the bed like she was contagious. He strode swiftly to the bathroom, slammed the door and then had the audacity on top of everything, to fucking lock it. On shaking elbows, she rose up and stared at the door. The shower came on, muffled through the walls. She blinked at the sound, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Oh my God,” she whispered, stunned and terribly hurt. Getting up, she slowly paced the room. Her shirt was broken, as were her bra and panties. Only her jeans were intact so she put them on, went to his suitcase and pulled out one of his t-shirts, a black one she would no doubt swim in. Slipping it over her bedhead, she grabbed a pair of his dress socks and put them on, too. As she tugged on her sneakers, the shower turned off. She froze then ran for the door, swooping down to
When Mates Collide | She Knows Why
He released her, glanced to the guy behind the gun-proof glass watching the scene with interest. “Come on,” Danny grumbled, reaching for his suitcase. The fact that he held the door again was a miracle but that’s just what he did. She hesitated. He cocked his chin as if to say, Well, what are you waiting for? “You never cease to amaze me,” she snarled at him, walking cautiously past like he might slam it on her if she wasn’t careful. As soon as they were outside, he led the way with the self-confidence of someone who knew she would follow. “Why am I staying here with you? Am I a glutton for punishment or what?” Under the minimal shelter of an insufficient awning they made their way to Room 7, millions of drops hitting them from the left. Without finesse he jammed the key in the lock and again held open the door for her. “Since when are you a gentleman?” “I’ve always been a gentleman. Have you really forgotten that?” She shrugged and walked inside, looking around the original décor
When Mates Collide | Rain Can't Touch An Angel
“Wish I had a towel,” she smiled. He stared at her until it faded away. “What are you doing up here? Is this your car?” “It’s my parent’s car, which you would know if you’d ever come over to their home. And I’m going to MarhVelly.” She paused at his expression. “What? Why the face?” Danny stared at her. There’s no fucking way. He pushed wet hair away from his forehead and asked in a very low voice, “Why are you going to MarhVelly, Kat?” Flustered she blinked back to the road. “Lobster. I’ve never had it there, and I’ve always wanted to.” Pointing ahead, she glanced over to him, “Oh no, looks like an accident.” He turned and saw ominous lights of both fire engines and police cars spinning through the storm. He and Kat were quiet as they waited to see how bad the damage was. A car was turned over, the driver nowhere to be seen. Probably already taken away by a speeding ambulance. Two more driverless cars lay on one another in the fast lane. A tow truck was busy pulling the upturned
When Mates Collide | Take Me To Church
“Okay, I can handle this,” he said, under his breath, not believing it. As though on dramatic cue, lightning illuminated the heavens followed instantly by powerful claps of thunder. In heavy undulating sheets, the rain exploded from the darkness, assaulting his Audi A4 Sedan. With every curse word he could think of he searched for the windshield wipers. He hit the turn signal, accidentally turned off the lights and put them back on, and hit the cruise control. “For what I paid for this piece of shit, the wipers should be zipping on their own at the first drop of rain.” Finally, the wipers moved and he cranked them up full gear. Exhaling, he sat back, gripping the wheel. “If Eli could see me now. He’d never let me live this ineptitude down.” For two miles he drove fairly quickly despite the storm until suddenly red taillights illuminated the darkness. Stopped traffic. “SHIT!” He slammed the brakes and hydroplaned to a diagonal stop, narrowly missing the rear end of a Subaru. Panting,
When Mates Collide | Mother Nature
“It’s called conversation. Someday you’ll learn how to participate in one. The car is there. Gas it up before you bring it back. And remember to let Jonathan put the gas in. A man wants to be the man,” Marcy replied. “You think so, eh?" Kat paused near their coat rack filled with scarves and coats. Quite a few hats were hung on the rungs as well, each assigned to at least one memory, not all of them good. “I’m going over to get the car now. Is Dad there?” “Your father is sitting across from me. So no.” “Since when do you and Dad have lunch together?” She frowned at all of it. It seemed like every inch was seeped in memories. Breaking up sucks so badly. “What’s going on?” “Your mother and I are getting to know one another again!” Henry Zane called out, loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to make an undignified scene. Kat stared into her parent’s past, at the infidelities on both their parts, the fights, the estrangements. “Is this true, Mom?” “Oh, it’s Mom now, is it?” h
When Mates Collide | Hard As A Rock
As soon as he hit send, Danny jumped up and headed for the bathroom easily the size of a small Crossia studio. He hadn’t held back when he’d renovated this unit. After the Co-op approved him, he’d gutted the place to match his taste. Everything elegant. Shining. Black or charcoal grey, with the ceilings white for an added feeling of space. His bathroom had two showerheads with room for four people, not two. There was a separate, Jacuzzi bathtub. If he and his wolf friends were going to live like humans, they should live like the best of them, since by default werewolves were superior already. Not that human beings would see it that way. He ran the water extra hot and stripped off his clothes, kicking the annoyingly tight shoes aside with extra gusto. As soon as the scalding water hit his sore back, he sighed long and loud. Then he turned and got a surprise. It felt a little better than he thought it would. He glanced down. “What the fuck?” He was hard as a rock. Now that he was payi
When Mates Collide | Prized Possessions
This was her chance to make a run for it…or to commit to him for good. He was a good man. Such a good man. Her family loved him, probably more than she did. He’d make an okay father except for the probability that he’d not teach them anything new. He’d probably just make carbon copies of him, a man designed by the term “normal.” For God’s sake, Don’t Rock the Boat was one of his favorite things to say whenever Kat had a contrary opinion she meant to voice among their judgmental social circles. “Well, Kat. What is it?” Her body was as tense as though she were about to cage-dive with Great Whites. She closed her eyes begging for the answer from her angels, or anyone who could tell her that she should follow her heart. The room was so quiet. She held her breath, waiting. A small voice inside of her whispered, You know what you have to do, and suddenly she inhaled. “Kat, you’re scaring me.” Meeting his frightened brown eyes, she shook her head with sadness. “I’m sorry, Joe. I can’t ma
