CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER NINE

“Someone’s not a happy bunny,” said Corbin.

Looking away from the two juveniles who were sparring in the ring of the rec center’s gym, Havana asked, “Huh?”

Corbin tipped his chin toward someone behind her.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw none other than Dieter bearing down on her, his face contorted into an almighty glower. Her devil rumbled an irritable sound and turned away, uninterested. Ordinarily, her pulse would quicken and her stomach would flip at the sight of him. Now? Nothing.

Oh, the guy was still as good-looking as ever—dark, burly, and broad-shouldered with one very fine ass. But this time, her body just didn’t react. Which would have made her smile if it wasn’t for that glower he was wearing.

Dieter stopped at the edge of her personal space, and his dark masculine scent—one that used to stir up her hormones but now had no effect on her—wafted her way, almost overriding the smells of leather, sweat, and the cool air wafting through the open window. He threw up his arms. “What the hell, Havana?”

She blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You haven’t called.” He said it like they usually had long-winded phone conversations every night.

“I haven’t called?”

“I figured you’d keep me in the loop. I’m finding out from others that you tracked one of the guys who tried to kidnap you, that he’d been shot at a motel. And then there’s all this shit about the auctioneer leading you to the dead guy and attempting to make deals. All of which happened a damn week ago, and I’m only hearing of it now.”

If he’d only heard about it recently, he’d obviously been out of contact with his loner buddies—probably because he was hanging out with his girlfriend and her flock. Havana had kept everyone at the center updated, wanting them to understand that this was serious shit and that they shouldn’t forget for a single moment that they needed to be on their guard.

“What difference does it make if you find out from me or someone else?” she asked. “The majority of loners learned of it through word of mouth.”

Dieter’s jaw tightened. “Yeah, but the majority aren’t your friends. We’ve known each other a while.”

“I’ve known a lot of them for a while, having worked here for a whole lot of years.”

“All right, I’ll rephrase. The majority of those loners aren’t both your friends and people you shared your body with.”

Corbin cleared his throat and scratched his nape. “Yeah, I’ll be in the corner helping the fox with the punchbag.” He walked away.

She began, “Dieter, I get that you’re concerned—”

“And yet, no calls.”

Bristling at his tone, she lifted a brow. “Do you make me aware of everything that goes on in your life? Do you give me personal updates? Do you text me little anecdotes? No. Not now, and not in the past. I heard from you when you wanted to fuck—that was it.”

“And now that I’m in a relationship, you’re shutting me out?”

“Shutting you out of what? You don’t seem to be getting the point. We were never people who kept in contact and shared details of each other’s lives, no matter how serious our personal shit was. But even if we were, I’d have eased up on that to make sure Tabitha didn’t get the wrong idea or feel uncomfortable.”

“While I appreciate that, I’d still rather you keep me in the loop, but you don’t seem to think I’m worthy of your time. Yet, you’ll work alongside a pallas cat you were sleeping with. Oh yeah, I heard just now that you and your landlord were kind of cozy at one time. Heard he even has a couple of his enforcers guarding you, even though you two aren’t an item anymore.”

The enforcers had introduced themselves as Deke and Isaiah, and they’d announced that they’d be tailing her for a while. She hadn’t objected, because having extra sets of eyes was never a bad thing. Plus, it would have meant talking to Tate. She’d completely avoided contacting him in the past week, and he’d given her that same courtesy. While she appreciated it, she also missed the shit out of him. And she often stupidly found herself wondering if he’d been spending any time with Ashlynn.

Dieter puffed out a long breath, making a visible effort to calm down. “I’m sorry I’m snapping at you. I just … This shit is fucked up, Havana. I don’t want to one day get a call telling me you’re dead. I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be. I’m no easy target.”

“And you have the pallas cat’s protection, I know,” he clipped. “Can I rely on you to call me if you need help, or is the cat gonna be the one you reach out to?”

“His name is Tate. And you don’t have to say ‘cat’ in the same tone as you would ‘cannibal.’”

“I don’t like any species of feline shifter. You know that. Especially not pallas cats.

I won’t point out all the reasons they’re best to be avoided—you already know them, so it confuses the shit out of me that you got involved with one of those crazies.”

“Like my kind are in a position to judge other species of shifter for being slightly insane. Devils aren’t the most mentally balanced of creatures either.”

Dieter grunted.

“Now you need to butt out of my sex life—who I sleep with isn’t your business. And unless you want my foot lodged up your ass, quit snapping at me.”

Wincing, he thrust a hand through his hair. “My insides seize up when you use that alpha tone on me. Look, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have jumped down your throat. Like I said, I just worry about you. But, having not seen you in months, I could have at least said hello first.”

“Uh, yeah, most definitely.”

“Let’s start over. Hey, Havana, good to see you.” He hugged her. “I’ve missed you.”

She hugged him back, happy to find that, hey, she hadn’t actually missed him. More, having him so close didn’t stir her body in the slightest. “No, you haven’t. You’ve been having way too much fun with Tabitha.”

He chuckled. “Plenty of fun,” he agreed. “That doesn’t mean I didn’t miss my devil.”

Irritated, her inner animal chuffed at the possession in his tone.

Dieter broke the hug. “I have to go meet my girl, so I can’t stay. Do me a favor and just keep me updated on what’s happening. Or have Corbin do it.”

Havana nodded, thinking she’d most definitely ask Corbin to pass on the info. “Okay.”

He squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you. Stay safe, and take care of yourself.”

“I will.” Havana watched him walk away and, for the first time in a very long while, it didn’t hurt to see him leave. A sense of peace stole over her as she realized that, huh, she was truly over the man. Which was not only fantastically awesome, it reminded her that although she might be hurting over Tate now, it would eventually pass.

Ignoring the little voice in her head warning her not to be so sure of that, Havana turned back to the juveniles in the ring just in time to see the shorter kid knock the other boy to the floor with a punch to the jaw. The taller kid shook off whatever daze he was in, pushed to his feet, and touched gloves with his opponent. Good.

A lot of people came to the rec center’s gym to learn everything from simple self-defense to more sophisticated martial arts techniques. Even now, it was crowded. Some beat on heavy punching bags while others practiced moves, worked out, shadow-boxed, or hit the pads. The music playing was barely audible over the sounds of trainers barking instructions, fists smashing against leather, people grunting and cursing, and the whirr of skipping ropes.

Anyone was welcome to spar, but not for the purpose of hurting others. It was about applying what you’d been taught from the trainers, learning where you needed to improve, and learning how to fight with controlled anger.

“Aspen, wait!”

Hearing Bailey’s voice, Havana turned to see Aspen striding toward her, her face like thunder, her eyes on the ring.

“I’m next,” Aspen announced. She slipped through the ropes and jumped into the ring. Rolling back her shoulders, she paced and glanced at the females close by, challenging them with her gaze alone.

Yeah, sometimes people also used the ring to vent their frustrations—Corbin allowed it providing no one aimed to injure their opponent. And it appeared that Aspen was looking to do some venting.

“What’s going on?” Havana asked Bailey as the mamba materialized beside her.

“Camden’s boyfriend, Randy, just got in her face talking shit and telling her she’d better find a new apartment soon because he’d be moving in with Camden,” replied Bailey. “Which I highly doubt. Anyway, our girl just stared at him and then walked away like he wasn’t worth her time. It was clear she wanted to lamp him, though.”

“Asshole,” Havana uttered. “Where is he now?”

“He left in a strop when he didn’t get the reaction he wanted. If Camden was gay instead of bi, I doubt any of his boyfriends would have felt so weird about how close he is to Aspen.”

“He might be bi, but he seems to be more drawn to men. He hasn’t been with a woman in years.”

“Or there’s only one woman he wants, but he won’t take the chance of messing up their friendship. Come on, we’ve all sensed a low hum of sexual chemistry simmering between them. Maybe they both want what neither is willing to risk losing their friendship for. Don’t say Aspen would tell us if she cared for him that way. She wouldn’t. She’d hold it in and try to ignore it. It’s hard to voice that you want something if you’re convinced you won’t ever have it.” Bailey gave Havana a meaningful look. “You know that well.”

Havana sighed. “Yes, I do. And you’re right, she’d say nothing.”

It was hard to be sure what Camden felt for Aspen. His possessiveness toward her was almost child-like, sort of like a kid who didn’t want to share his best friend. She mattered to him when very few things did.

Havana was certain of one thing—he’d have a hard time when Aspen found her mate. That kind of bond would make Camden feel threatened, even if what he did feel for her was platonic.

Havana cut her gaze back to the ring. “Oh, someone’s decided to take on Aspen.”

Bailey winced. “Fair play to them. That woman’s a black bear, right?”

“Yep. And I’m guessing she thinks that, being taller and broader, she has the upper hand.”

Bailey snickered. “Aspen will wipe the floor with her.”

That was exactly what Aspen did. She punched, kicked, weaved, dodged, and tossed her opponent around the ring like the sow was a goddamn ragdoll. Done, Aspen left the ring, her face a study in serenity.

“Feel better?” Havana asked her.

The bearcat smiled. “Yeah. Hey, you two up for going to see a movie this weekend?”

“Sure.”

“I’m game,” said Bailey.

“Super. Well, see you later.” Aspen gave them a little wave and walked off.

Havana looked at Bailey. “I envy her ability to literally work off her emotions until she’s right back to cool and composed.”

“It’s like her superpower.” Bailey grinned, adding, “Mine is to cause bloodshed and mayhem.”

“Only you would be so proud of it.”

Bailey’s face suddenly brightened considerably, and she did a little clap. “Ho, ho, ho, Ginny’s back. How exciting.”

Havana threw her a pained look. “Bailey, maybe you could skip tormenting her this one time.”

“I could.” Bailey skipped toward Ginny.

Shaking her head, Havana turned back to the ring.

Walking down the stairs from his father’s apartment to the shop floor, Tate briefly waved at Ingrid, who was deep in conversation with some customers. He was making his way down one of the slim aisles when a familiar female walked through the front door. Tate cursed beneath his breath, and his cat snapped his teeth.

“You really should have refused to allow her to return to our pride,” Luke muttered, standing close behind him with Farrell.

“If I’d known she planned to be a pain in my ass, I would’ve,” said Tate.

Ashlynn made a beeline for him. “I’ve been looking for you.” She did a double-take at the sight of a rather creepy looking doll sitting on a wooden cabinet on their left. The shop sold everything from oil paintings and statues to tribal masks and china cups. Some items were featured on display tables while others hung on walls or were positioned around the store.

She swiftly switched her attention back to Tate. “I was hoping I’d find you here.” She studied his face and bit her lower lip. “You’re still mad.”

“What do you think?” he clipped, keeping his voice low so as not to draw the attention of Ingrid’s customers. They were at the other side of the shop, but there wasn’t much noise to override voices—only the ticking of clocks and the very old song playing low in the background.

“Tate—”

“I’ve made it clear that I want nothing to do with you. Yet, you showed up at my home last night wearing nothing but a coat and a pair of high heels.” She’d seemed sincerely shocked when Tate turned her away, which he absolutely did not get.

She winced, her cheeks heating. “Not my finest moment. I cringe every time I think about it. Look, I’d had a few drinks—”

“I’m not interested in why you did it. The fact is that it never should have happened, and it had better not happen again.”

“I just wanted us to talk.”

“You often show up at people’s homes naked to ‘talk?’”

Her blush deepened. “No. I was fully dressed last time I went to your house, remember? You wouldn’t let me in then either.”

“I can’t understand why that surprises you. I’ve given you no reason whatsoever to think I’d welcome you into my home. Being turned away the first time didn’t make you reluctant to try again?”

“No, because we need to talk.”

“I told you before, I’m not interested in having any such ‘talk.’ It’s not a complicated concept.”

She took a steadying breath. “Look, you have every right to be so furious with me for leaving you—”

“I’m not furious. I was once, but not now. I can see why you chose to go to Koby. It’s not something I’d have done if the situation was reversed, because I’d made a commitment to you. But I do understand why you went to him. There was no sense in holding onto my anger, so I let it go. That said, I have no inclination to ‘talk’ with you, have dinner with you, or anything else.”

“You have no idea how much I regret what I did,” she said, her expression one of distress. “I wasn’t thinking clearly, Tate. I just heard that he was in pain and all alone. Every primal instinct I had pushed me to go to him. It was like a compulsion. It fogged my mind. I acted purely on instinct, not on good sense.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore. It hasn’t mattered for a long time.”

“You loved me. You could love me again.”

“You killed whatever I felt for you. And, in doing so, you killed the possibility of me ever feeling those things for you again.”

Her face fell. “You don’t know that. Not for sure. We could get back what we had.”

His brows snapped together. “Why would I want it back?”

“We were good together.”

“And then we weren’t. You asked me to move out. I gave you what you wanted. I left, I didn’t interfere when you went to Koby. Now it’s your turn to give me what I want—stay out of my face, get on with your life, and leave me to live mine in peace.”

He skirted around her, stalked out of the shop … and almost crashed into his sister, which almost led to his bodyguards crashing into him.

Elle rocked back on her heels. “Whoa, bro, what’s the rush? You okay?”

Tate flexed his fingers. “Yeah.” He heard the doorbell chime behind him. Ashlynn’s scent reached him just as Elle’s face hardened.

His sister’s gaze tracked Ashlynn as the woman hurried away. “Is the bitch bothering you?”

“You could say that,” he replied, ushering his sister to the side so she wouldn’t be jostled by pedestrians. “I don’t remember her having selective hearing, but she seems to have it now.”

“It’s not that she’s hearing only what she wants to hear,” said Luke. “She’s keeping up the pressure because she’s determined to hear what she wants to hear, which is that you’ll take her back.”

“That’ll never happen,” said Tate.

“We know that,” Elle assured him. “Most of the pride knows that. Some are hoping you’ll give her another shot, though heaven knows why. It would be the last thing she deserves.” Elle cocked her head. “You look tired, bro.”

He was tired. Tired of dealing with Ashlynn. Tired of his efforts to find Gideon York getting him nowhere. Tired of being unable to unearth any info about the auctions. More, he was tired of fighting the urge to go see a certain devil shifter. “I’ve got a lot going on right now.”

“You also look sexually frustrated—it’s written all over you. I’d point out that many of the single females in our pride would be more than happen to help you out with that, but I don’t think I’m wrong in sensing that the only female you want to sexually tangle with right now is Havana. You talked to her lately?”

His chest squeezed just hearing her name. He couldn’t go a single day without thinking of her. The seemingly relentless urge to brand her was still his constant companion. Sometimes, it rode him so hard he almost shook with it. And the idea that she was somewhere out there trying to move on from him … yeah, he just hated it, even though he knew this was the way it had to be.

The time they’d spent apart hadn’t eased his cat’s obsession with her. The feline was pissed at Tate. Although Havana was the one who ended the fling, his cat wasn’t upset with her at all. No, the feline didn’t find it an excuse as to why Tate wouldn’t go to her, because the cat knew him inside out; knew that Tate never let anyone else dictate his actions. The way his cat saw it, Tate was the one keeping him away from what he wanted most.

Maybe her now being strictly off-limits was what kept the feline so fascinated with her. Whatever the case, Tate was having no luck forcing his cat to move the fuck on. But since Tate himself wasn’t doing much better at that, he wasn’t in a position to judge.

“No, I haven’t,” he finally replied. “She wants what I can’t give her, so …”

“Would it really be so bad to give it to her?”

No, it wouldn’t. Tate wasn’t keen on relationships, but he liked Havana enough that he’d be interested in seeing if they could build something good. The problem was … “My cat would hurt her. Not physically, but emotionally.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. This could be the one time he truly is interested in a female on more than one level.”

Tate snorted. “I’ve had that thought several times with other women, Elle. It was never the case then. I can’t risk that it isn’t the case now, because I’ve already hurt Havana without meaning to. I won’t do something knowing I could hurt her again.”

“So you’ve cut contact with her?”

“Yes.”

“And how’s that working out for you?”

It wasn’t working for him at all. He missed her voice, her smile, her scent, her laugh. And he couldn’t get the last memory he had of her out of his mind—the sad look on her face as she’d told him to take care of himself before heading into her apartment building. Fuck. He’d done that. He’d made her feel that way. He’d put that look there. The knowledge gutted him.

Luke put a hand on Tate’s shoulder. “So your plan is to grow old and die alone?”

Tate blinked. “What?”

“If this is going to be your knee-jerk response to women wanting more from you, how do you ever expect to eventually commit to one?” asked Luke. “If you’re waiting for your true mate, fine, but there’s no saying you’ll recognize her instantly. Oh look, there’s Damian.”

Tate tipped his chin at their youngest brother, who was walking along the opposite side of the street with a friend. Damian waved at them.

Elle perched a hand on her hip. “Look at him strolling around like he’s a normal person and not the son of Satan. He blends well—I’ll give him that.”

Tate sighed. “Do you think you’ll ever reach a mental place where you no longer feel compelled to brand our baby brother the Antichrist?”

She raised her hands. “I’m just calling the situation as I see it. But hey, if you want to convince yourself that Damian is a mere mortal, feel free to do so. I won’t live in denial, Tate. Not even for you. His destiny is to bring forth the apocalypse and destroy us all. And I’m not gonna keep quiet about it.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed. I guess it’s a good thing Damian loves you despite that.”

“He’s incapable of love. He feels only hatred and a thirst to kill.”

Tate shook his head, at a loss. “If you say so.”

“I do. Now go wind down, relax, and shake off everything that has you so angry.”

There was really only one thing that would relax him right now. Only one thing that would help ease the restlessness plaguing him. But he wouldn’t do it. Wouldn’t seek Havana out. But even as he told himself that, he headed right for her building.