MatingCall by BA Tortuga Read Free Book Online

boot nudged his leg. “Yeah. Hey, she’s coming
off the dance floor.”
    Sure enough, Mike was leading her off and she was chuckling,
cheeks flushed.
    His body tried hard to surge up and go knock her date down.
He managed not to do that or wolf out. She sat at the table again, looking at
them, then away when the human’s hand covered hers.
    Oh. He gripped Shaw’s leg, just wanting to howl. This had to
end soon or he’d switch to real drinks.
    * * * * *
    “ Honey, are you okay?”
    It was all Steph could do not to burst into tears. Mike was
being so dear, so kind, but they were looking at her and she could just scream
with it. “Yes. Yes.”
    “Are they…I mean…” Mike stopped, chuckled. “I’m guessing
they’re a…a…they. Yeah?”
    Steph nodded, her cheeks heating. “Yeah.”
    Goddess above and below, this was deeply fucked up.
    “And you and them?” He raised a brow, but it wasn’t as if he
was judging or offended or anything. Just curious.
    She shrugged. “We’ve been friends a long time, but…they need
something I don’t have.”
    Like a tail.
    “Ah. Well, I’m sorry. If this is too awkward, we could go
get a bite to eat or go have a quiet drink at a restaurant or something. I’ll
stop short at inviting myself back to your place.” He grinned, his dimple
showing.
    “I…”
    Jordan stood, flexed and he made her mouth dry. Still. And
then there was Shaw, staring at her as though he was so lost. He looked so damn
sad. As if he had a right to. It made her crazy.
    “It’s okay. If you want me to just take you home and try
again on Saturday, I can do that. Wendy says you like sushi. I know this great
place.”
    “I love sushi.” She focused on Mike, honestly smiled. He was
a good man. Solid. Sure. Decent. Blond and buff and the pure American boy.
    He deserved her attention.
    He covered her hand with his completely, squeezing. “I get
it, huh? We’ll hit the road now and I’ll pick you up for lunch Saturday,
without those two in tow.”
    “Thank you, Mike. You’ve been nicer than I deserve.”
    “Nonsense.” He rose, helping her up. “You seem like a great
lady, Stephanie. If nothing else, we can hang out, be friends. If something
else happens, that’s awesome too.”
    She went up on tiptoe, kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Mike.”
    How dear. How…
    Jordan was right there in front of them, vibrating so hard
she listened to see if there was an earthquake or something. “Can we talk to
you, just for a minute?”
    “No.” She turned on them, wanting to smack him in the nose.
“Mike is taking me home and you are going away.”
    Shaw made a soft, hurt sound. “Please? Let us apologize,
Steph.”
    “Just stop, boys, okay?” She took Shaw’s hand. “Go find who
you need, hmm? Let it happen. You can’t fight fate.”
    Or magick.
    “We’re not.” Jordan was trying, she could tell. He wasn’t
glaring at Mike or growling. “That’s what we need to talk to you about.”
    “Call me. I’ll talk to you on the phone, okay?”
    “No—” Now Jordan was starting to growl.
    Mike puffed up, stepping in front of her, but Shaw pulled
Jordan away. “We’ll call tonight. I—we need to talk.”
    “Okay. Call.” She took Mike’s arm, offered him another fake
smile. “Let’s get out of here, man. Grab a quick burger.”
    “Sure.” Mike gave the boys warning looks. “Her best friend
happens to be a cop that I have on speed dial. Be good.”
    Jordan made this crazy-assed sound, but she turned away when
Mike steered her toward the door. Her heart hurt.
    Her head hurt.
    Everything hurt.
    This just sucked.
    She sent a quick prayer to Artemis for strength, to Demeter
for peace.
    Even with the warm presence of Mike at her side and her not
having to look at the two men she’d thought of as hers anymore, she thought she
might need both. A lot of both. Really soon.
    * * * * *
    They
didn’t call. Shaw knew he’d promised to call, but they’d gone back to Steph’s
house instead and