Page 7 of Don't Tempt Me (Nora Jacobs 4)

Apparently Underworld istheplace to spend New Year’s Eve if you’re of the supernatural variety. I’ve never seen the club busier. By the time we’re ready to leave, my feet hurt and my head is pounding.

I slip into the back seat of Terrance’s Cadillac before Rook can make me take shotgun. He’s much bigger, and I always feel guilty when he crams into the back just for me. “Tonight was brutal.” I groan. My joints pop and crack, voicing their complaints just as loudly. “I need some Advil, some chamomile tea, and a soak in a hot bath.” I lean my head back against the seat and let my eyes drift closed. “With bubbles. Yeah. I need bubbles.”

The two men in the front seats chuckle, and then the car falls quiet. I’m sure they’re both just as exhausted as I am. About halfway home, I finally break the silence. “Is he behind us?”

I crack my eyes open just in time to catch Terrance’s nod in the rearview mirror. “He’s back there.”

I sigh.

Charlie ended up going home after we bonded, and packed an overnight bag. We all decided it was best he stay the night in the den tonight so that we can explain what happened to the others and he can meet everyone as soon as possible. Can’t have him wandering around the den as a stranger. The guys would most likely kill first and ask questions later.

“I’m really sorry.”

I’m not sure why I keep apologizing. Terrance has told me repeatedly that it wasn’t my fault. Sure enough, he launches into another lecture. “Fey instincts are just that, Nora—instincts.”

“I get that, but did the instincts kick in because he’s my mate and we’re supposed to be together, or did they kick in because I lost control of my power and accidentally claimed him? Because it sure felt like the latter.”

Rook grunts and shifts in his seat so that he can see me over his shoulder. “If that’s the case, does that mean you’re going to start claiming mates every time you lose control of your power? How many more men am I going to have to share you with?”

“I think the real question,” Terrance says, “is why did you lose control of your power?”

Rook frowns. “Why even use it in the first place?”

“I—” My cheeks heat up. “He asked me to.”

Terrance’s eyes narrow, and Rook’s pop wide. “Heaskedyou to?” Rook repeats.

I shrug, squirming under their scrutiny. “I guess it feels good—like true love—and the guy’s a cupid. He was curious.”

“So you did it?”Rook says, aghast.

He turns even more around in his chair, glowering at me like I’m a moron. I glare right back. I do feel like an idiot for causing the trouble, but I truly didn’t do it on purpose, and I don’t like the accusation in his tone.

“Of course I didn’t just do it!” I snap. “I’m not stupid.”

We pull up to the den and I jump out of the car, slamming my door. Rook scrambles out of the car behind me. “Nora, I didn’t say you were stupid.”

I throw the door open and stomp down the stairs. “I wouldn’t just use my song for the hell of it. Especially not in front of people. Not on purpose. I triednotto use it. But once the idea was planted in my head, I couldn’t resist. My body craved using the power, and my power craved being unleashed.”

When I reach the bottom of the stairs, Oliver is sitting on the couch, rubbing sleep from his eyes. His favorite Zelda hoodie is rumpled, and the side of his face is red as if he’s been passed out on the couch for a while. Damn, he’s adorable. “Everything okay?” he asks, sleepiness turning to concern as he takes in the tension between Rook and me.

I hang up my coat and sigh. “Fine. Sort of.” I hang my scarf and rub my aching head. “It’s complicated.”

Before I can go to Oliver, Rook pulls me to his chest. “I’m sorry,” he says, squeezing me tightly to him. “I know you wouldn’t risk yourself on purpose. I’m just having a hard time with this situation.”

“And I’m not?” I scoff, but I melt against his chest at the same time. “You’re not the one with a new mate.”

Rook rubs his hand in circles on my back. I want to stay mad at him because I need a way to vent my frustrations, but he’s making it difficult. “He may not be my mate,” Rook says softly, “but he is my new clan brother. And he’s one more man that I’m going to have to share your affection with.”

I slide my arms around his waist and bury my face between his pecs. “I’m sorry.” I groan. “You’re right. This isn’t easy on any of us. Let’s just forget the how and why and deal with the here and now. What’s done is done. All we can do is accept it and make the best of things.”

Rook holds me a moment longer until Oliver says, “New mate?”

Rook lets me go with a grunt and hangs up his coat. Oliver reaches out to me. I place my hand in his. He steps up to my side and laces our fingers together, but he won’t kiss me in front of Rook. We all understand the struggle it is for Rook to accept this relationship, and the guys respect that. Well, Oliver and Parker do. Illren, not so much. He uses any opportunity he can to touch me even though we aren’t in a relationship. He doesn’t respectmyboundaries, much less Rook’s.

I squeeze Oliver’s hand and wave toward the man who’s just come down the stairs behind Terrance. “Oliver, meet Charlie. He’s…um…”

Charlie steps forward, holding out a hand to Oliver. “I’m Nora’s new mate. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

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