Just hit PUBLISH for "Austin's Mate" - Book One in "Mates Blessed by The Fates" series

Austin's Mate, Book One 

in

"Mates Blessed by The Fates" series

AUSTIN CRANE, wolf shifter
I wasn’t expecting her…
When I left for Vertigo, Colorado, on another routine, demon killing mission, I thought it was going to be easily done, with time to spare for sightseeing and touristy stuff. But it turned out to be the most important trip I’ve ever made, because I got to meet her…

CAMELIA de FONSECA, human psychic
I was dying to meet him in person…
Instinct told me we were meant for each other. And I’m a mere human, I wasn’t going to fight fate – much! Sure, I was to submit eventually, just… not completely. It’s not an all or nothing type of situation, just the mating call. Basically foreplay, right? Oh, the teasing...

WARNING! This story contains explicit sex and erotic scenes, M/F. For adults, 18+ only! 

Happy to have just published my second ebook, which is the first book in my new paranormal series, "Mates Blessed by The Fates". The second book, called "Tyler's Mate" should be published in the first half of October.

Here's an excerpt: 

CHAPTER 1 – AUSTIN

I heard her soft steps before I saw her silhouette. And for me, a wolf shifter – an alpha no less! – to think of someone in “silent steps” terms was pretty rare. But I was, which was surprising, especially considering the time and place. Which begged the question: what was this woman doing out so late?

She also knew how to hide in shadows. In the soft light provided by the full moon, she stepped confidently, purposefully, toward us – five well built males, looking rather intimidating, I might add.

And she, whoever this intriguing woman was, was beautiful. Long, wavy, brown hair showcasing a round, beautiful face with big, green eyes and plump lips. Well defined body, curvy and soft in the right places with slim, long legs clad in very tight jeans. But the small, yet confident smile she gave me the second our eyes met was what made this stranger gorgeous.

She didn’t stop when faced with five adult, hulky guys; she kept walking straight toward us, determination obvious in her posture. It looked like she was on a mission. The welcome committee, I thought sarcastically, yet curious, because she had to work in hospitality, to have that air around her. Normally after such a long ride I wasn’t very chatty, even less so when humans were involved. Nothing personal, but my beast didn’t like confinement and small spaces. But for the incoming beauty I was ready to make an exception.

And when she let out a small, delicate laugh, an amused smile on her face and stepped in front of me, I was ready for more than just that one exception, because, fuck, she was beautiful and there was something about her calling to me.

“Actually,” she said with that sexy, mysterious smile, “I’m Camellia de Fonseca and you’re mine,” she informed me, holding my gaze and shoving her wrist under my nose. “But call me Cam.”

And she was! My mate. Finally, in front of me, my mate.

Not shocking at all! She knew how to make an entrance, I’ll give her that. How was that line for a conversation starter? I’ll answer that question for you: shocking!

Her scent hit me hard, caught me off guard and was threatening to never let go. Not that I ever wanted to be free of it again.  I inhaled deeply once more, and Camellia’s scent sent me in that mating frenzy, shocking the hell out of me, for various reasons. She was right, she was my intended mate. And she was human, which begged some questions: how did she know, without us ever meeting before and hell, she had to know we were wolf shifters and she acted like she was facing some normal, everyday guys.

She chuckled – the nicest sound, music to my very sensitive shifter ears – taking me out of my thoughts by withdrawing her hand. I immediately felt the loss and the distance – even those few extra inches. I wanted the closeness back – and much more – and I’ve known her for less than two minutes. Crazy, right? But this was the supernatural way of things.

I wanted to get close and touch her and hold her and so much more, but her stance didn’t invite to that intimacy level. I could understand that – for now. I didn’t want to scare her away by coming on too strong.

“Cat got your tongues or are you under some sort of silent vows?” she mocked the silence that has descended over my companions and I. “You know, the polite thing to do is to introduce yourself. I know you’re all shifters, the three of you,” she motioned toward my nephews Tyler, Maddox and Reed, “are definitely related, brothers, I’d say and you’re all hot. So, if you’d just give me the names, it’d be great. I can’t call you Hot Stuff 1, Hot Stuff 2 in public. People around tend to respect me for the façade I provide and I want to keep it that way.”

Man, she was a piece of work, but she had all of our attention. Judging by the look on her face, she knew it, too, and I think she was kind of proud of herself for surprising a bunch of shifters. Oh, she had every right to be, too. I wanted to see the faces of the others, but I couldn’t not look at Camellia.

Maddox let out a heartfelt laugh which dissolved the silence threatening to descend over us again. “Maddox,” he said, offering his hand for Camellia to shake it, making me want to attack one of my best friends. A warning growl was threatening to escape my throat.

Yeah, the mating instincts were kicking in fast and wild. This is going to be a bitch, I thought to myself, forcing my body to calm down while I watched the interaction between my mate and Mad. I was ready to kill him and every one of them knew it.

She shook his hand without delay. “Nice to meet you,” my mate smiled politely.

I could tell this was one of Mad’s tests, to see what she was made of – Maddox would know as her mate, I’d never hurt her, but would she be just as straightforward and brave in interacting with the others?

He took a look at me, and gave Camellia his brightest, most charming smile. “Man, if you weren’t Austin’s mate – and by his killer eyes I can tell you are – I’d profess my undying love.”

She matched his smile. Was she deliberately trying to start a fight between me and my nephew? Her smiles were mine! Mine! All mine!

“I don’t know,” Camellia shrugged, “it seems crazy cool now, but after a while, all you’d want to say to me could be summed up in a single word: bitch. That’s what happens with all the people that get to know the real me. I bet you wouldn’t be far behind.”

“You’re very straightforward,” Mad stated diplomatically, meaning he’d paid attention to her honesty.

“Honest, you mean,” she smiled as if it was some kind of private joke. “Well, why hide and play, the truth eventually comes out, so…” she shrugged again.

I could tell she had the respect of all the guys and that was quite a feat. She also had all of us curious as hell and more than a little intrigued about this turn of events. After all, we were in this God forsaken town – if you could call it a town – to investigate some recent, unusual paranormal activity.

Tyler, Reed and Carter introduced themselves, too and I realized we were still outside, with more questions than when we got here, which wasn’t good.

“We’d better continue this meet and greet inside,” Camellia said, before turning around and heading toward the house. “Follow me, please,” she threw over her shoulder. And I wanted to do exactly that: follow her wherever she went, everywhere she went.

That’s when I realized I haven’t said one word to her, haven’t even introduced myself and she didn’t seem bothered by it. Which didn’t sit well with me. Plus, I got the feeling she knew more than she was letting on.

I tightened the hold on my bag and hurried after her, checking her out openly. Her tall figure, long, fitted legs, her round, sexy ass. She was definitely in a good – no, actually great – shape and she had a nice package to prove it. Add the sassy mouth and smartass attitude and she was… damn, one hot chick who was perfect for me, Mother Nature decided it, my body and mind confirmed.

“Keep staring at the ass, by all means, I know it’s one of my greatest assets,” she laughed, having me entirely confused. She hadn’t turn around to catch me checking her out, and I was the only one to have followed her inside, the guys giving us some time alone, probably.

Could she guess my thoughts? But how? She was only human.

Was I that predictable? Maybe.

Were all the guys checking out her ass when she turned around? Yeah, probably, and that was not a good thing to think about, since it had me seeing red and contemplating mass murder of all the guys she’s ever met.

“Guys, come on in, I need to talk to all of you first and then you can give us all the privacy we need, because man, we’ll need it,” she said in a suggestive tone, but without raising her voice and the guys caught on it and were inside very fast.

Huh! A bunch of grown shifters, warriors no less, under one tiny female’s command. My mate was awesome! Unexpected, hot, smart and awesome.

Maddox came in first laughing, having zeroed in on her not so subtle final words, too. Yeah, impossible for me to think of much else after that remark.

I took a look at Cam to find her still smiling, not at all flustered or embarrassed by Mad’s laughing at her innuendo words. Well, since she’d said it, she wasn’t shy, obviously.

“No, I’m not embarrassed,” she turned toward me, “no, I’m not shy and yes, I can read your thoughts,” she told me, that secret smile on her lips, while sinking in an enormous armchair casually. As is she hadn’t shocked me half to death!

Fuck! This just keeps getting better and better. She had me stunned with every new word out of her tempting mouth. I had to make a quick inventory of my thoughts since meeting her before sighing in relief: all good, if a little on the R–rated side.

“You smell human,” Tyler said exactly what I was thinking deep, very deep under my shock. Ty’s never been one to beat around the bush.

“I am human. But by some weird nature distortion, I have some kind of supernatural radar, a gift – or a curse, sometimes – of seeing, premonition related to supernatural events and,” she turned to me, locking our eyes together, “I can read your mind without even trying. This is a new thing, happening for the last two, maybe three weeks.”

“Interesting,” Carter said.

Understatement of the century, I thought, sarcastically.

Camellia laughed softly and in spite of my shock and disbelief, I offered her a smile. I now knew what her secret smile from earlier meant. And it freaked me out, but it didn’t at the same time. It thrilled me that I was the one to put that amused lights in her eyes.

“I get it, I feel the same,” she mouthed wordlessly.

Damn! My cock twitched at that simple action. It was too erotic, though I had a feeling she hadn’t probably went for that effect.

She giggled. Busted!

“Now I can’t not wonder how are you connected to our arrival here,” Carter mused. It was kind of a leap, but after meeting the beauty in front of me, nothing seemed surreal or out of the question anymore.

“Well,” she took a deep breath, “I made sure you were to come here.”

Every word, more confusing.

“You made sure we were to come here,” Ty stated just as confused as I felt.

“Well, not you, you. Just back up of the supernatural kind. Yes, I… let the lesser demon be spotted and reported last week,” she stated as if talking about weather or work.

Was she kidding? I hoped so.

“And the high level one earlier this week,” she added, in a more subdued voice. Not that it mattered, because…

WHAT THE HELL?

“You let demons be spotted?” Reed asked incredulously. I knew what he felt, but unlike me, he hadn’t lost the ability to speak yet.

My breathing turned erratic. Confusion, fear, anger bubbled inside me.

“Well, it’s not like I let them kill anyone, just… destroy some stuff, you know,” Camellia answered defensively. “I needed the attention and letters demanding it or phone calls from a mere human like myself wouldn’t have worked, would they?” she explained, anger and hurt in her voice, now.

“Cam, babe, no one accused you of anything…” Maddox told her soothingly. “We’re just curious and very puzzled by… Um, what did you mean with ‘I let them’ cause you can’t control demons, can you? It’d be an amazing ability, but I doubt there’s such a gift out there.”

I had to offer a silent prayer of thanks for my family’s presence.

“Well, I meant exactly what I said. I let them get the necessary attention to have some backup sent here, before I destroyed them,” she repeated, as if talking to children.

“Backup,” Carter repeated stunned.

I just kept watching and listening, trying and failing to process all the info exchanged.

“Yes, back up. I can’t keep doing this alone. I’m tired. Working during the day and hunting during the night doesn’t allow much time to recover, you know? I’m not supernatural, as you can see. And I can’t give up my career and work because destroying evil when you’re human, even a gifted one, requires lots of money and rest for my brain and muscles to coordinate. See my dilemma?”

Baffling. I was stunned. And ready to lock her up somewhere safe, away from any dangers in this world.

“How long have you been doing this, Cam?” Mad asked.

“A little over four years now, when somehow a rift’s been opened here,” Camellia answered wearily, but it was a little late for weariness now. “I’ve seen it, moved here and done what my instincts told me to,” she shrugged and looked at each of us.

That was it! She was due for a good spanking and then she was never to be out of my sight.

“Ok,” Reed said angrily, “so you’ve been fighting demons for over four years?” he asked, raising his voice with every word out of his mouth.

“What the hell were you thinking?” I exploded, flooded by worry, concern, anger, protective instincts and the need to spank her ass ASAP at the same time she answered Reed’s question with a rather water–under–the–bridge–it’s–nothing attitude.

“Actually, four years here, over nine years now per total.”

“What the fuck?” Ty boomed, “You’re human!”

“Well, hello there, Buffy,” Mad told her, “Your demon hunting days are OVER!”

Damn straight they were! I’d keep her safe, away from the fight, away from the danger. After I spanked her first – I stood by my earlier idea. My wolf agreed completely.

“I just needed a little help, not some alpha males dictating how to live my life!” she gritted out, now angry, too.

She fixated me with a stare. “You can’t tell me what to do! I might be your intended mate, but I’m not yours to commend or your child to ground and steer one way or another. I’ve been on this way – my way – for a long time without you.” She looked at me down her nose, emerald fires in her eyes, challenging me to say otherwise. “What if I were lying now, or trying to lead you into a trap, using this supernatural connection between us?” she demanded.

You could be anything, short of a damn serial killer, I wouldn’t care. The thought took me by surprise and apparently, it did the same for her, too, if the widening of her eyes and her open mouth were any indication. For the first time since she’d greeted us with a mysterious smile and seductive sway in her hips, she seemed surprised – maybe even shocked – with the turn of events. It was about time she got some of her own treatment!

At least, it mollified her. A little.

“Wow, that damn mating instinct stuff is so… freakish,” she muttered to herself, sending me into a crazy laughing fit.

“You’ve been killing demons for a decade and you find the mating instinct freakish?” I asked her incredulously.

“Well, yes... And I like to think of my hunting trips as destroying demons, eradicating evil, not killing. That’s not what ladies do,” she informed me.

“This is fucking fantastic,” Maddox laughed. “I feel like I’ve stepped inside a supernatural themed sitcom. Oh, man, your mate is going to give me a heart attack from all this laughing.”

The others chuckled lightly, too, apparently won over by her hard as a rock, cute as a button attitude, and I wanted to kill them all for this. I growled my frustration. I still wasn’t over her… little hobby of “eradicating evil.”

“Speaking of mates…” Camellia trailed of, grabbing my attention again. She turned her gorgeous, assessing eyes on me.

I could feel the urgency in her voice, see the seriousness of the moment written over her superb features. “Yes?” I was almost afraid of her next words.

“I’m going to give it to you straight, no joke, no humor, no negotiation needed or even considered…” she started.

Yes, afraid has been an appropriate choice of feeling on my side to go with her words.

Ty interrupted her speech, discomfort clear. “Maybe we should leave –” only to be interrupted again.

Bossy little thing!

“I’m not done with you yet,” the slip of a woman – my woman – announced. “Just a moment, till I settle this with Austin and we continue our talk to the pressing issue that brought me to let demons be seen around.”

I loved the way my name sounded on her lips. But the reminder of her extra activities sucked the joy out of the moment.

She sighed, and turned to me. “So,” she started in a no nonsense tone, “no negotiation, here are your options: I know who you are, I know we’re meant to be together, but… I’m not mating with you if you’ll try to tell me what to do and how to live my life.” Those were not words I wanted to hear. “I’m human and I’ve survived many supernatural fights, so, I know what I’m doing. If you can get over your gender issues, over the excessively controlling instincts I’m all for it. If you think you can curb your desire to cage me, chose between: a) mating tonight since it’s full moon or b) waiting till the very complicated cluster–fuck of trouble I’ve needed you here for is solved and you can decide then what you want. So?”

Yeah, so… when you’re put on the spot like that, your mind goes blank, not even considering the possibilities. Or at least mine did.

“Maybe –” Carter started.

“Nope, his decision should be the same with or without you in the room. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s not a two faces kind of guy, so, he’ll make the decision now, before we get to the real ugly part.”

Great! She did know me, but she still hit my pride. She was a damn slick fighter. A ruthless, vicious fighter making me think, when we got together she’d fight, viciously so, until she had the last word every time. I was torn between pride for her strength and mourning my certain, if premature, aging process.

“Nope, only when I’m right. I’m not one of those who can’t admit their errors,” Camellia answered my unspoken thought.

“Good to know, but I don’t actually know anything about you,” I answered sarcastically, getting angrier by the second, in spite of the truth of her words. Or maybe because of the truth behind her words. I didn’t know what to do or say. I was at a loss. She had the upper hand here. Actually, she was holding all the cards. “You’ve got me backed against a wall, with my hands tied, wanting me to make a decision knowing nothing?” I asked, anger in my words.

“Not exactly. I can show you whatever you want to know to make that decision. Just the way I got to know you. I know it still wouldn’t be fair because of the lack of time to process everything, but it would be better than diving in blind. However, I won’t let you see what made me ask for help, before you make the decision. Your choice will decide what you get to find out about what’s about to happen,” she answered serenely.

“What does that even mean?” One thing was clear: she knew what she wanted and she went for it – no second thoughts, no hesitation.

“It means whatever your decision, you’ll have all the info to keep all of you safe and keep the city safe, but you won’t get to know everything,” she explained.

“That’s even more confusing,” I murmured exasperated by her riddles.

“Maybe. But I assure you there’s a reason behind my decision and I have every right to do so,” Cam countered. “My life is mine to live, not to be bossed around. My gift is my curse to be shared however I choose, as long as I have a clear conscience that I’ve done my best by the world. And ever since I’ve discovered who I am, what I can do, which are the stakes and which is the price, I’ve always been true to myself. I won’t betray my persona, even for whoever the nature thinks I’m supposed to be with. Wouldn’t you do the same?”

And with those words, it finally hit me. I didn’t know what I’d do in her place, but I wouldn’t be exactly happy to be completely changed and led by someone else.

I won’t lie, I was discriminating thinking women are to listen to their men, and people should do as told by their betters, but this was no ordinary case. Under my control, she’d definitely stop being – that’s what I’d expect if she was a weaker woman: only words, no action. Only verbal support, if even that, and no unwanted comment. But she was far from being weak, mentally or physically – power was practically radiating out of her.

I squeezed my hands into fists. It was a hell of a decision to make. It was in my nature as a supernatural to control and controlling her was even more appealing since I was a born alpha and her mate.

I told her the truth. “I can’t promise I won’t try to control you, it’s who I am. But I’d never force you to do as I want, mate or not.”

“I know.” She gave me a shy smile and more trust than I would’ve expected. It floored me.

I had no bargaining chip. I had no wish to see the woman that was meant to be mine go to fight, even more so knowing I might lose her. I wished I could make the fact that she’s done exactly that for years before meeting me tonight matter. But it didn’t, because my instinct to have her safe – mated to me or not – was too strong.

“Want to know who I am? To know me?” she asked, offering me a hand, uncertainty flashing for the first time in her green eyes.

I got what she was asking. “Not yet.”

I closed my eyes, thinking about it, knowing I could have her, my perfect match.

Not having her wasn’t an option. So… now or later was the only question to contemplate. Taking time to know her was important. But knowing everything and having a little more knowledge might make a difference. And I needed her safe. I needed to know that little extra to make sure she was as safe as she could be.

I had no doubt she wouldn’t let us get into trouble, but she might let herself.

An open communication link to her was the best I could get from the stubborn woman.

I could see her reasoning, but I couldn’t accept it. I even understood why she was laying these cards, both the pride and the need for freedom, but it was one hell of a decision to make when that decision has already been made the second those fucking words of claim have left her pretty lips.

The only problem was actually getting to terms with my decision.

I opened my eyes and her small smile made me sigh in resignation. Or was it defeat? Maybe acceptance? Who knows?

“One hell of a thinking process,” she whispered.

“Dude, things are going to get a hell of a lot more fun around,” Maddox smiled, correctly anticipating my decision.

I didn’t know about the fun part, I was actually thinking in terms of more complicated.

“Definitely complicated,” Cam smiled at me, before turning to Maddox. “But wait till your mate gets in the picture, she’s one hell of a tough bitch and I’m saying this with the utmost respect. She’s something fierce, a storm inside a storm.”

“Ha ha,” Mad said. “I’m not amused, that’s not funny.”

“Maybe to you, but it’s the truth and I’ll be laughing my ass off and teasing you incessantly,” she smiled.

“Isn’t telling going to change stuff?” he asked in a patronizing tone.

“Not when you know how much to tell,” my mate smirked at my nephew. “And I have sharp instincts, trust me.”

“I’ve barely met you, I can’t trust you,” my nephew smiled, but I saw the humor in his words. “But I’m so going to learn to, since you know how to stonewall him,” the twit smirked and pointed at me. Traitor!

I stopped their interaction and their little too cozy for my taste “let’s get to know each other” by raising Cam from the armchair and placing her in my lap after taking her place. It was the first time I touched her and I was sealing our fate. Now it’d be impossible for the both of us to stay away from each other.

“You’re one hell of a stubborn woman,” I growled a little – okay, a lot! – grudgingly.

“Thank you,” she laughed.

“And you’re mine to drive me crazy and disobey from now on,” I continued miserably.

“I might cry, so much romance,” Carter mocked and Mad high fived him. It looked like this pack had more than one comedian.

“Look,” Cam whispered, her eyes fixed on mine, “I know I put you in a corner. But I’ll sweeten the deal: I’ll obey you in the bedroom, I have no problem with that,” she gave me a wicked smile that had my body reacting to her instantly, forgetting why we were in Vertigo and that we’ve only just met.

“I like that,” I told her darkly, unable to stop myself from embracing her closer, tighter, while inhaling deeply all that was Cam. Mine. She was mine. I kissed her neck before nibbling gently on it. I couldn’t help it, the temptation of intimacy, of more, of forever!, was too appealing for me not to.

“TMI, guys,” Mad said as the others groaned or chocked on laughter.

“Show me,” I said to her, holding my hand for her to do her thing or whatever.

She placed her hand over mine and her lips landed on my cheek in a sweet kiss. I loved the intimacy of that small gesture. But… More. My wolf and human side both demanded it.

And she showed me: her past, her present, her thoughts, her dreams, her fears and hopes. It was like a movie, but with lots of comments on each sequence.

She let me see inside of her in a way I don’t think I’d have the courage to freely let someone see inside of me. She let herself be seen completely, vulnerable, which made her probably the strongest person I knew. Odd, but that’s what it felt like.

With every new memory, with every fact I learned, I just admired her a little more. With every fight I could see through her eyes and the ingenuity she needed to pull off some of the killings, I learned where her fight was coming from.

I also learned she definitely was a fan of “Buffy.” That made me smile.

<What? She was definitely a good model of strength and I stole some techniques from her,> she whispered in my mind, proving again she was damn special.

I smiled.

<Don’t laugh, or I’ll let the guys know you’re a huge Dr. WHO fan,> she grinned back with mischief.

All too soon I was left with a lot of memories to make sense of and the feeling of loss as she severed our mental connection. I had to have that back. Soon. As soon as possible.

I laced our fingers together. <Thank you.> I wanted her to know I knew she didn’t need to do that and I appreciated it.

“ – very curious what he’s seeing right now. I wonder if she could do the same for us,” Carter, always with his mysteries asked.

“I wish I knew if she showed him any naked snippets of her sexy body,” Mad whispered back, dragging a growl from me.

“What,” he demanded, “it’s a legit curiosity. Your girl’s not shy. I just want to know how bold she is.”

If he wanted to test my patience, he was pushing me fast toward the limit. I needed her closer, to concentrate on her instead of ways of rearranging Mad’s face. She didn’t seem to mind it.

“Ok,” Cam interrupted us. “Now for the needing you here part. There are these rifts – ”

“Uh,” Mad interrupted excitedly, “Dr. WHO reference. I think he’s a fan but he won’t admit it,” he said, pointing at me, waiting for Cam’s reply.

She took a page from my book and kept silent for a few seconds, dismissing the question. “Now, I’ve seen some major activity from three points simultaneously. Obviously, I can’t be in every location at the same time. That’s why I needed reinforcements. High level demons, about five or six in each place will make their way out. One of the points is here, the other two are close by, but I’ve never felt demonic activity in either one of them before. I can’t explain it, but I’ve researched and documented it. I’ve mapped each town, marked the specific locations, so there’ll be no time wasted on searching. If we wait for them and take them by surprise, it should be easy. I can take one point –”

“We,” I stressed out. “Two of us in every location. Smooth and easy.”

Man, it hurt not saying to her “you’re not getting close to any of those locations, you’re staying cuffed to my bed till the fight’s over,” but I did it. With some damage only to my tightly clenched teeth and my pride.

The guys were laughing out loud at my expense. They knew it cost me and they found my giving in funny.

“Wow,” Tyler managed through his fit, “look at you, all for women’s rights and equality…” And that sent them in another laughing fit.

I turned and faced her. <Please tell me I’ll get a chance for payback.>

<Relax,> she whispered in my mind, with undisguised humor, <I’m the easy going one. You’ll nearly faint with laughter when Tyler’s time comes. Soon. Really soon.>

That had me in a better mood. Not that much that I’d get over my demanding attitude, but better. Knowing Ty would have his chance at happiness and I’ll have my turn laughing through it was good.

“So,” Reed, the most serious in our party asked, “when is this going to happen?” All business.

“Saturday evening, a little after eight,” my beauty answered.

Ah, it made sense. And it went right on with our precisely timed presence here. Two days from now. Talk about short notice!

“Well,” Mad grinned like the fool that he was, “we’ve been notified. We’ll meet tomorrow and discuss details, strategize and share funny, embarrassing family stories. You better go now, take advantage of that beautiful moon and all,” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“So romantic,” Cam mocked, “I bet women swoon as soon as you open your mouth.”

“Anything that gets you laid,” he answered without blinking or remorse, shrugging nonchalantly.

I could see they were going to tie a special kind of friendship, which made me glad but had me envious, too. I really couldn’t explain it.

“Ok, you’re right. On the first matter, anyway,” Camellia sighed.

She sat still holding my hand. “Ready to go to my place?”

I was ready. More than ready, in fact.

In answer, I touched my lips to hers. “Lead the way, Cam.”