Cupids Bakers Dozen Page 5

  Never had she heard of the place, but once she plugged it into her computer, there it was, beautiful, mountains all around. Seemed there was one cabin, and it would be fully stocked and ready for her.

  A little Valentine’s getaway for someone who didn’t have anyone but promised by the time she left the place she’d have her love.

  “Love, who the hell believed this crap?” She smiled and called the number on the paper. Oh, she’d go and prove this place was a fake and do a whole write-up on it. Her boss would love the piece, Valentine’s Hoax. Yep, she could see the story now, and if by any chance it was real, well Zoey would deal with that later.

  She packed the bag that the letter said she was allowed and her laptop. There was no way she’d leave that, even if there wasn’t any Wi-Fi.

  A half hour later, Zoey stared out the plane window, not believing how fast the driver had gotten to her door. He was handsome, that was for sure. Built like a fighter, tall, blond hair with what looked like dark streaks of brown in them, but his eyes were amazing.

  Just staring into them and she swore her panties were wet, and he seemed to know it, too, when he snorted, showing her where the private plane was and guided her to it.

  She shook her head and stared out at the view as the plane descended. How long had she been asleep? Zoey glanced down at her watched and frowned.

  It wasn’t working; it had stopped at nine that morning. “Weird,” she said.

  “Buckle up, Ms. Blue, we are descending and your ride is waiting for you,” her stewardess said, smiling at her.

  “Thank you, for everything, and whoever cooked, tell them the food was amazing.”

  “Why thank you,” the stewardess said, like she had actually cooked the meal, and left, going up to the cockpit and shutting the door when going inside.

  It seemed as if the stewardess was playing double duty helping flying and waiting on her, which Zoey knew too well the double-duty shift since she, too, had it. She took out her wallet, pulling out her picture of her little girl, Fran.

  “Mommy will be home soon, baby,” she promised, kissing the picture before putting it back in her wallet. The father of her daughter, long gone, never came back after she had given him her heart.

  He had been the man that had made her quiver, his loving had been rough but never once did he hurt her. She moaned, remembering Nico’s smell and the way he touched her.

  “Why can’t I get him out of my head?” she whispered as she got up and stretched when the small plane landed. “Well, maybe this trip will help me forget Nico.” Zoey frowned, wondering why she couldn’t even remember his last name. She had wanted to put it on the birth certificate, but for the life of her couldn’t remember it, which really pissed her off.

  A cold wind hit her in the face, and Zoey was brought back to reality. “Dog sled?” she asked, looking behind her, and the stewardess nodded.

  “You’ll be fine. I’ve been on that trip, and it’s amazing; by the way, my name is Morgan. If you need anything, please, don’t hesitate to ask. Griffin and I are your hosts for this trip,” the woman said, looking back at the huge man who wrapped his arms around the woman, kissing her cheek.

  “You remind me of someone,” she sighed. “But he left me a long time ago.”

  “Never give up on dreams, Zoey, they do come true when we least expect them. Go on now, you will be safe. Your bag is already at the cabin waiting for you and lunch is on the stove nice and warm.”

  “You made the food, didn’t you?” she asked, and the woman nodded.

  “I love to cook, so I’m happy you like my cooking.” She leaned down and hugged her. “I have a feeling we are going to be really good friends. Now, go on; your Valentine waits for you.”

  Zoey climbed into the sled, and the man tucked the blankets tight around her. “I almost believe,” she whispered.

  Zoey heard, “Believe,” and swore the winds were talking to her, which was really weird and a good thing for her story. A great starter at least.

  It was stunning—the breathtaking views, the ride on the sleigh and the cabin they now pulled up in front of. Zoey looked up and froze, seeing the gargoyles on the top of the roof. “This is perfect,” she smiled and, for the first time in a long time, relaxed.

  It was like one of those love stories in those books she read. “Maybe I’ll have my Valentine after all.” Zoey loved gargoyles and the other creatures that roamed Earth but never actually met any. “But maybe my luck is changing,” she whispered and glanced all around her, turning in a circle. “I’ll have to create a story for Fran about this place,” she whispered and smiled, stepping inside. “I’ve gone to heaven, damn.” She turned, taking in everything when Zoey noticed someone in the kitchen, his back to her.

  “Am I in the wrong cabin.” She turned to see her guide, but he had already left, shutting the door.

  “No, it seems we are to both be here,” the voice Zoey hadn’t heard in over two years said.

  “Nico,” she whispered and watched as he turned and leaned against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest.

  “Hello, Zoey, you look good enough to eat,” he growled, knowing that excited her, but instead, she was fuming.

  She grabbed the vase near her and flung it at him. “You mother fucking asshole,” Zoey laughed, stomping toward another vase, ready to pitch it at his head when he rushed her, sending both of them backward onto the floor.

  He took the brunt of the fall as she landed on top of him. At first, she glared at him and he glared right back.

  “Let me go,” she growled.

  “No, we’ll get this settled before we move from this spot,” he said and tightened his hold on her.

  “There is nothing to get settled; you didn’t want me. I get it, but I would have appreciated a way to get hold of you or don’t you want to know your own daughter?” she snapped.

  “What? That is not possible. We can only have boys, who else have you been with?” he growled.

  The hurt must have shown on her face, because he reached up and cupped her cheeks. “Oh my, you really mean I have a daughter?” he asked, stunned.

  She jumped off of him and moved closer to the fireplace, throwing her jacket off since it was obvious Zoey wasn’t going anywhere soon.

  “Answer me, Zoey.” He came up behind her.

  “Yes, you have a daughter; no, I haven’t been with a damn single person since you left.” She turned and slapped him across the face.

  Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I tried once, but every time he touched me, all I saw was you. The way you held me when I was upset, the long nights of you fucking me ‘til I couldn’t stand and the early morning loving like I was someone who you cared for, but we both know that isn’t true, don’t we?” she asked, moving to walk around him, but he wrapped his arms around her and pinched her ass.

  “What the hell?” She rubbed her butt and kicked him in the leg. “That fucking hurt, asshole,” she growled.

  He had the audacity to actually laugh. “I’m afraid that wasn’t me. Eros, I have enough here to deal with but come next week; I swear I’m stringing you up,” he growled and rubbed his arm.”

  “Eros like in the god of love?” she snorted. “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

  “No, he’s behind you,” Nico stated, and she spun, almost tripping, but Nico steadied her, slipping in behind her.

  The man nodded to her, but told Nico, “Well, we had to do something; you don’t want your daughter to grow up without you. Plus, we both know she’s your mate, so stop playing around and tell her the truth so you two can get down to what you do best, fucking.”

  “I swear...” Nico pushed her to the side and lunged for the man who seemed to disappear.

  She had seen enough; Zoey grabbed her coat and headed outside for some fresh air. A good walk to clear her head was what she needed.

  For one, Zoey knew that Nico was back in her life for good now, but would it be for Fran or did he actually want her too?

  Wh
en she had landed on him, the hardness of his cock had not surprised her. They both loved wrestling and fucking.

  “Not expected. Strong. A girl!” A whisper turned into what seemed to be a windstorm. Blinding snow circled her in what was the weirdest thing Zoey had ever seen.

  “You will do well in the royal family. You have a spine of steel and won’t take Nico’s crap, but yet, your love is fierce. Yes, she is a perfect match, and she has given us hope for the future. We have a girl, for the first time in so long.”

  “Okay, now, I know I’m losing my mind; the wind is actually talking to me,” she muttered.

  “Not wind, the elders of our kind. You have been tested to see if you are my true mate,” Nico stated behind her.

  “What are you...” she turned and stared at the gargoyle in front of her. “Really?” she managed to squeak.

  He threw his head back and laughed. “You are amazing; come here,” he growled, wrapping his stone-like arms around her and pulling her into his body. “Really, you are mine now, Zoey. There is no going back.” He lifted her up in his arms, moving back toward the cabin.

  “Wait, I have to know. Why did you leave me?” she asked when he stepped into the heated cabin, slamming the door behind her.

  “Because I was a fool and didn’t believe you would accept me for what I am,” he said, lowering her feet to the floor.

  She backed away from him; his words hurt. “I would have been there for you, Nico. I gave you my heart and everything with it. I showed you parts of me that no one has seen, and I was lost when you disappeared.” Zoey glanced over her shoulder, looking at the Nico she had fallen in love with, was still in love with. “If it wasn’t for our daughter...” Her hands trembled at her sides, and then, he was there.

  “I’m sorry; I can’t say it enough.” His words matching the grief she saw in his eyes.

  “I so long for your touches.” Zoey ran her hand through his hair and turned fully facing him. “Am I finally yours, Nico, or are you going to run again?” she asked, and in Nico’s fashion, the man shredded her clothes, leaving her standing there naked.

  He walked around her, touching her here and there. “You have kept yourself bare for me, yes?” he asked, and she trembled, hearing the voice that always made her want to serve him in any way possible.

  “Yes, sir,” she whispered, his hands gripping her ass cheeks and squeezing.

  “I’ve missed fucking this ass, but first, I have to be inside you now.” He surrounded her body and guided her to the couch, bending her over the arm of it. “Spread them, Zoey, and get ready, because this is going to get rough. I’m taking what is mine, claiming it, branding it and loving it.” He growled and Zoey could feel the wetness rolling down her legs.

  “Oh yeah, you are ready for me, my Valentine.” He smacked her ass at the same time thrusting into her from behind.

  “Mine; god, I’ve missed you,” he shouted, slapping her other cheek before covering her body again.

  Nico brushed her hair away from her neck and bit down on her shoulder, as he did all the time, but this time, his bite broke the skin.

  His fangs sank in and held her still, the pain was sharp, but soon, it faded away to be replaced by the pleasure he gave her. Nico’s slid two of his fingers over her clit, rubbing it.

  “Come,” he mumbled around her skin and pinched her nub. She bucked, but he held her down, his seed pouring into her. It was as if they had never separated.

  Zoey was home where she belonged, under him, on top of him, beside him and loving him.

  He released her neck; her arms were shaking as he placed a kiss on the spot where his fangs were. “We have company coming. Seems my brother just found out I have a little girl.” He grumbled and slapped her ass when he pulled out. Your clothes are in the bedroom; go on while I clean this up,” he said.

  She took two steps and turned to look back at him. Her breath caught and tears filled her eyes. “Don’t ever leave me, Nico,” she whispered.

  “He can’t; I made sure of that, plus he’s boned to you now,” the same voice as before said and Nico snarled.

  “Get the hell out of here and quit watching, damn it. And, you, go get dressed,” he ordered, and she laughed, running into the bedroom, hearing him complain about a peeping love god.

  She pumped her fist into the air; Zoey had her Valentine and there was no way she was letting go.

  * * * *

  Eros laughed and flashed back to his desk, going to his list. It had taken two days for that one; he only had three more days to finish his list, which was going to be fun.

  Who next? He glanced down at the list and moaned at the woman’s name and knew who her mate was; Breann Pearl was about to meet her solider, and he wouldn’t be happy, well not at first, at least.

  * * * *

  Two weeks of mandatory Furlough Love for each man who serves one year of continuous service.

  Breann Pearl’s Story

  Breann Pearl groaned, seeing the release of men coming out of the base in Fort Jackson. She knew these men were different, and Breann had heard the stories of the sex these men were looking for.

  Even a brothel had been set up just for the base, and it was legal now. Others her friends called them; some of the locals were just stupid calling them names and such.

  “Looks like we have another round of men coming in. You going to the bar tonight?” her friend Amy asked, and Breann shrugged.

  “Who knows? I have three files to go through, plus I’m not putting myself out there. If you want to fuck for two weeks, go for it, but I want a man to love me when he screws my brains out.” She wiggled her eyebrows, and Amy laughed.

  “You’ll never know if you stay at home,” she said.

  “Fine, get out of here and let me finish my work before my boss fires me. I’ll meet you at Mickey’s when I’m done. But I can’t promise I’m staying, and if you stand me up, I’m going to make sure your mom knows about that senior trip,” she grumbled and waved her friend off, getting back to work.

  Four hours later, Breann stood and stretched. She had texted Amy to tell her she was on her way to meet her at Mickey’s.

  “You going out tonight,” her boss, Mrs. Fasher, asked.

  “Yeah, since it’s Friday, I’m meeting Amy, need to unwind.” She grabbed her coat and purse heading toward the door.

  “Just be careful. I hear a new batch of those men came in. I don’t want my best accountant being accosted by one of them. God knows where they’ve been,” the old bitty said, and once more, Breann wanted to quit right then and there. But she knew there was no way, just not yet.

  The door closed behind her, and she waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting in Mickey’s. That is when she noticed the man at the bar watching her and Amy at the same time.

  She shook off the cold weather and made her way toward the table Amy sat at, ignoring the man that watched her move across the room.

  “Did you see that guy at the bar? He hasn’t taken his eyes off of you.” Her friend smiled and grabbed her arm when she sat down.

  “Relax; it’s most likely because it’s fresh meat. Did you order our drinks, because I could use one,” she grumbled.

  “What did the old bitty do now?” Amy asked, frowning. “I don’t know why you stay there.”

  “Because it’s good money and I want my own home, somewhere permanent,” she told her friend who reached over and hugged her.

  “I know, but at least you’ve got your own apartment and don’t have to deal with those assholes anymore. But it looks like the man isn’t going to wait,” she said, nodding to the gentleman that made his way to their table.

  He had black hair with strips of red in it, his eyes almost seemed to glow and his walk, well, wasn’t a walk, it was more a stalking.

  “Damn, he’s taller than I thought he was,” Amy whispered. “I’ll go find out where our drinks are,” she said, standing and nodding to the man as he approached.

  Breann was so going to kill her
best friend, leaving her there alone.

  “Hi, I’m sorry about intruding, but I had to see.” He put his drink down and held out his hand. “Please, I need to know,” the man asked.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said and put her hand into his to shake, Breann thought, but that is not what he had in mind.

  He pulled her up into his arms, where he proceeded to bury his nose into her neck, sniffing her.

  “Um, excuse me, is there something wrong?” She tried to step back, but he wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding onto her.

  “So long,” he whispered into her neck. “Sorry, give me a minute and I’ll explain.” Slowly, he stepped back. “Please, sit and I’ll try to explain.”

  The man turned one of their chairs around and straddled it but not before he moved it really close to her chair.

  “You know I’m different?” he asked, and she nodded when her drink was put in front of her.

  Amy sat down next to her. “We know there are a number of you here. But your actions have drawn attention to us,” she said, and for the first time, Breann noticed a number of men were staring at them.

  “Great, just great,” she mumbled. “And I wanted a quiet evening.”

  The man turned slowly, seeing what Breann did and growled. “There is no reason to be staring,” he stated, his voice just above a whisper, but every single one of the men nodded and returned to what they were doing. “I’m sorry. They were worried about me. I’m their commanding officer.” He smiled. “And I haven’t even introduced myself. My name is Raul Kinnon.” He took the last gulp of his drink and set the glass down before once more turning his gaze on her.

  “My people or my kind have one mate, and when we find them, there are no others. We can usually tell by their scent and a few other things.”

  She took a big gulp of her whiskey and coke before his words registered. “Mate, me?” Breann squeaked, looking at him.