Dark Fates (A Paranormal Anthology)(72)

Cora hated being around the sentries and enforcers for one reason. They always spoke to each other in their heads—especially when around the “civilians” of the Pack. It was annoying as hell and always left her feeling as if they were talking about her.

In this case, her secret was being passed around like a new toy, and she was pissed off. She fisted her hands at her sides and glared at Ana. “I can’t work with you.”

Alec stood from his seat, but Ana held up her hand. “She does have bite.” Sighing, she walked toward the door. “Come, Cora. I want to talk with you in private.”

Cora’s heart pounded, and her sudden spike of bravery turned into dread. Ana may have been raised by the enemy, but she was still part of the leopard Alpha family. Disrespecting her was viewed as an insult.

Torin stepped in front of Cora, his arms crossed as he spoke to Ana. “She’s not going alone.”

Ana shrugged. “Then come with her.”

Torin twisted to face her and held out a hand. Cora blew out a breath in frustration. Oh, hell, when would she learn to control her temper? She pushed pass Torin and followed Ana out into the hallway.

Once the three of them were outside the room and the door was closed, Cora glared at both of them. “I don’t like to be talked about while I’m in the room.” She faced Ana, annoyance rising again, making her braver than usual. “You have no right telling him anything I shared with Gina.”

Torin stiffened. “Then it’s true? You can’t shift?”

Cora dropped her shoulders and leaned against the wall. “Haven’t been able to since my parents died.”

“Have you tried?” Ana asked, drawing Cora’s attention again.

Tears blurred her vision, and her nose tingled. “Many times. My wolf doesn’t want to. She doesn’t talk to me.” Taking a breath to swallow her tears, she studied Ana for a moment.

“I’m sorry.” Ana frowned. “But Torin has to know. He is your mate, and your wolf is so sad and broken. He could help….”

“How do you know the state of my wolf?”

Ana looked away. She took so long to speak Cora thought the leopard wouldn’t answer. “You know, or at least Torin does, I can control the elements. What most don’t realize is I can connect with all five elements.”

Torin stepped closer to Ana as if trying to crowd her in a show of dominance. “What’s the fifth element?”

“Spirit. I can’t control anyone’s free will or his or her mind. I can sense their spirits, especially shifters’ animal spirits. I know Torin’s wolf is stronger than most and likes to be upfront with everything he does. Luna allows her wolf to the surface more than she should. Jared….” She shuddered. “Let’s say that is one angry jaguar. And Cora’s wolf is disconnected from the Pack. She’s depressed and suffocating herself.”

Cora hugged her waist, trying so hard to ignore Torin’s body heat as he closed the small distance between them. He kissed her temple and said, “Let me in, Cora. Please don’t shut me out.”

Her heart ached, and she was tired. Tired of fighting this alone. Tired of being alone.

“I’ll try.” Straightening, she lifted her chin. “Come on, we have a security system to plan and implement.”

Ana smiled and drew Cora into a hug. “It’s a pleasure to work for you. Your design is brilliant.”

A lump formed in Cora’s throat. “Oh, stop kissing up to the boss.”

“I have to get my brownie points in somehow.” Ana released her and laughed.

Feeling a little better, Cora turned toward the door, only to have Torin gently grip her elbow, stopping her. “I have to meet with Hayden and Luna. I’ll be back this afternoon.”

The silver in his eyes darkened slightly, sending a jolt of desire through her. What was she doing? Pushing him away and running from fate did nothing except drive a wedge between them. And if this male was the only one to get her wolf to react, then the woman needed to open up and let him in.

Rising to her toes, she kissed him softly on the lips. “I’m not doing anything tonight.”

He snaked an arm around her, pulling her flesh against his hard body. “Yes, you are. You’re having dinner with me.”

“Hmm…let me think about it.”

He bit her ear, stirring the hot desire in her belly and making her ache deep in the nether regions. “Behave, Cora, or I’ll have to punish you.”

Ana cleared her throat. “I totally get the whole mating dance thing. But we have work to do.”

Embarrassed and a bit giddy, Cora pushed out of Torin arms. “I’ll see you later.”

He growled before he turned to leave. Cora sighed. “He is one intense male.”

****

Torin entered Hayden’s home, not expecting to see Christa, the twins—Brenna and Bryce, and Luna there. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”

Luna looked up from her book. “Hi, dear. Have a seat.”

Uh-oh. When Luna used pleasantries with him—like she did with her natural-born sons—he was trouble. Or had done something to annoy her. He couldn’t think of anything he’d done lately to annoy her.

He paced to the sofa and bent to hug her and kiss her cheek. “Morning, Mama.”