Only Skin Deep: Paranormal MMM Romance, page 17
Ash knelt beside him. “I won’t lose you. It would break me, Luca.”
Luca had been ignoring the fact that full depletion could kill him. He needed a bit of magic remaining to live. Not enough to do cast spells, but a glimmer to keep his body going. If he kept pushing, he might use up what little he needed to survive.
Good thing Ash was there to stop him from self-harm.
“I’m supposed to help Colby in the studio tonight,” Luca said. “Now I can’t.”
“You can still help him,” Ash said. “Just not in the same way you did before. You can do it the old-fashioned way. With sweat and practice.”
“Ugh,” Luca said. “Sounds horrible.”
Ash chuckled.
Luca shook his head. “I wasn’t able to save her, Ash.”
“No, but you gave her a decade more than she’d expected. She got her affairs in order, spent time with her kids and grandkids. Saw them grow into young adults. You gave her an amazing gift, Luca. Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah, but what if I can’t save Colby, either?”
“Solstice is coming… and the entire coven will be there with you. By then, you should have your power back.”
“Maybe.”
“You will,” Ash said. “I know it.” He cocked his head to the side. “As long as you stop using it for a while.”
“Yes, sir.” Luca laid his head on Ash’s strong shoulder. “I promise.”
A knock sounded at the door. Ash withdrew from Luca and crossed the space, opening it just a crack. When he opened it wider, Luca eyed Cassius on the other side, grim.
“Ash, you need to contact the council. That’s two mates cursed. I don’t want to wait for a third before we call it a pattern.”
“I’ll send a missive as soon as I can. Were you able to catch up with your human?” Ash asked.
Cassius growled. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Is he safe?”
Cassius sighed, pegging Ash with a glare. “Hopefully.”
“Anything we can do?”
Cassius shook his head. “Focus on your own situation for now. I’ll manage this.”
Luca shook his head. Cassius was quick to jump in to save everyone else, but when it came to his own problems, he was notoriously secretive.
Cassius gave a curt nod and strode off down the hall. Ash closed the door and turned to Luca.
Luca cringed. “Have fun with that. I know how much you love reaching out to the Celestial Council.”
“Says the man who suggested I be the liaison,” Ash grumbled.
Luca chuckled, guilty as charged.
“Are you going to be okay for a bit while I go send a message?”
“Yeah,” Luca whispered. “I’m okay.”
Ash lowered his head, slanting his lips over Luca’s. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Ash grinned wanly. “We can head over to Colby’s once I’m done. Just give me about thirty.”
Chapter
Twelve
When he heard the door to his studio open, Colby glanced over one shoulder. Luca ambled in, and with one look, Colby knew something was off. The glint wasn’t there in Luca’s eye—and he missed it terribly. His chest tightened, the need to console the man driving him. Ignoring the sensation, Colby placed the mugs he’d been moving down for more space and turned to face Luca. He offered a smile, but didn’t get one in return. “A-okay?”
Luca smiled wanly. “Yeah.”
Colby searched Luca’s face, sensing the lie, but the man looked away before he could be sure. He said that he was okay. It’s not your place to dig. You don’t have that kind of relationship.
But it has to start somewhere, doesn’t it?
Colby bristled at the thought. While the attraction and lust he experienced when they were around was difficult to handle, it didn’t mean they were… mates. Fate didn’t involve itself in the love lives of mortal men.
But then, Luca and Ash weren’t exactly mortal men, either. Were they mortal? Did they have the same life spans as a human? There were too many questions and not enough answers. Their mere existence caused his brain to shut down logical thought… in more than one way.
“I might have bad news.”
“Oh?” Colby asked.
“I promised Ash I wouldn’t use my magic until it was replenished. I can still be your hands, just not sure what will happen when we try.”
Was that the reason for the downtrodden vibe? Had he and Ash argued?
Disappointment hit first, but he realized Ash was right for demanding it. Luca needed to regain his strength. Especially after witnessing what good it could do. “Do you have any skills at pottery?”
Please say yes… please say yes. Heat filled Colby’s face as he realized he didn’t want the man to leave. Secretly, he’d loved being so close to Luca the last time they’d worked together.
“Not a one,” Luca said, grinning. A hint of the glint and fire returned, but it was woefully lacking in Colby’s opinion. “Although magic imprints memories occasionally. I’ve remembered skills after a spell, but it might not last long. Memories fade, as do the talents.” He picked up a finished mug and surveyed the painted surface. “I’ve got a little of Cassius’ juice left over. Too bad I can’t use it.”
The remembered feeling of Luca seated behind him sent a shiver up his spine. Colby wanted that nearness again. Hungered for it. It had been the reason he’d shown up at Enchanted Ink earlier in the day, if he was honest with himself. Ash had smuggled him in to watch Luca in action, and he’d found it fascinating.
Luca was an incredible artist—but was that another gift magic gave him, or was it true talent? Either way, witnessing the witch bring that man from the edge of death in a matter of hours, knowing that he’d received the same focus and care, had been eye-opening, to say the least. Luca had poured himself into Colby.
Given all.
And here I am, disappointed he can’t use his magic a little more.
“Ash is worried about you. You need to save your magic for moments like earlier. If these demons keep hurting folks, they’ll need you to bring them back from the brink. Like you did today.” He paused. “Like you did for me.”
Luca met his gaze.
“I’ve never… thanked you for that.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Luca murmured. “Especially given the fact you’re not whole. Not yet, anyway.”
“I’d be dead without your intervention. That deserves thanks.” A shiver crossed over his flesh, the swirling of the scars seeming stronger. “Thank you.”
Luca nodded, the shine returning to his eyes. He closed the gap between them, and Colby fought the urge to back away. He wasn’t afraid of Luca. He was afraid of what he might do to Luca. Like pin him down and have a wicked afternoon.
“Mind if I peek at your tattoo? See if it needs a refresh?”
“You can’t use your magic.”
Luca tugged at the hem of Colby’s t-shirt. “Maybe not, but Cassius can help me once he’s back to normal.” He tugged a bit more. “Can I have a look?”
Colby lifted his arms and allowed Luca to pull his shirt up. He spun to turn his back to Luca, since most of the tattoo was there. Luca trailed the tips of his fingers over the swirls of the tattoo, and the whisper of a caress zipped straight to his cock. A moan rose in his throat. He bit his inner cheek to prevent it from ripping from his lips. Oh, dear god, please stop touching me before I make a fool of myself right here and now.
Luca drew his shirt down, and Colby breathed easier. “It’s a bit faded, but not as bad as I’d feared. I’ll have to see if Cassius can help us in a few days. Once he’s refilled his tank.”
Colby spun, and the witch’s fingertips caressed his cheek by accident. He gazed at Luca, inches away from the man. Luca’s body heat warmed Colby, chasing away the chills his presence caused. He lifted his hand, cupping Colby’s cheek.
When Colby didn’t pull away, Luca lowered his head.
Colby closed his eyes, wanting another kiss.
Needing another kiss.
Yet Luca backed away.
What? He opened his eyes and blinked before searching Luca’s face, noting a sense of sorrow in the man’s eyes. “There’s something off with you tonight. The vibe is weird.”
“Because I wouldn’t kiss you?”
“Who said I wanted to be kissed?”
Luca scoffed. “I could clearly tell you wanted to be kissed.”
“No, I didn’t,” Colby snapped.
Luca chuckled, but the humor didn’t go to his eyes. “Fine. You didn’t.” He glanced away, lowering his hand. Colby immediately missed the warmth of Luca’s hand. “We working, or what?”
Colby dragged his gaze away, embarrassed. “If you don’t want to be here, you don’t have to be here.”
“I want to be here, Colby.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “It’s been a shitty day. I wanted to see you… and hopefully improve it. Can we not do this?”
“Can we not do what?”
“Argue.”
Colby took a beat, breathing through the snappy comeback swirling on his tongue. It was then that he saw a misery in Luca’s eyes that screamed for solace.
“You saved a man’s life today. You seemed in good spirits when I left.”
“I received some bad news soon after you left.”
Waves of grief radiated from Luca. Colby reached for a piece of clay he’d prepared to temper the need to hug the man. He didn’t want to appear an unfeeling asshole, but he also didn’t want to appear too eager, especially after being denied a kiss. The balancing act was growing harder each time he was in their presence. He placed the clay on the wheel before glancing up again. “Anything you want to talk about?”
“No,” Luca murmured. “I just want to sit here with you and work, if that’s okay?”
“It’s okay.” Colby took his seat behind the wheel and slid a stool close behind him before silently urging Luca onto it.
Luca strolled closer and then lifted his leg to straddle the stool behind Colby. He was a big guy—his presence dwarfed Colby. Luca’s warmth and scent swirled about, ticking his nose. He wrapped his long arms around Colby’s sides and lifted palms up.
“Use me.”
Visions of using the man came to mind, but there was no clay involved in those scenarios. Another moan rose… but he failed to stop it fast enough. It came out as a strangled groan.
Luca leaned closer, his lips a fraction of an inch from Colby’s ear. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” he muttered before lying to cover his shame. “The scars hurt sometimes.”
“I put in a numbing spell in with your tattoo. They shouldn’t be causing you much pain at this point,” Luca said. He brushed the tip of his nose against Colby’s ear.
“Stiffness,” Colby mumbled, pulling away from the tender touch.
“Oh, I have that problem, too,” Luca whispered. “But only when I’m around you and Ash.”
Colby’s eyes fluttered closed. His libido kicked into high gear, his cock thickening more. Adjusting himself on the stool, he struggled to find a comfortable position. Colby reopened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was the sliver of mirror across from him. His gaze met Luca’s there just before the man kissed a heated path down his neck.
He gasped at the fiery touch, only to realize that it was only occurring in the mirror. Not real life. Spinning his head, he was soon eye to eye with Luca—who wasn’t kissing him. “You’re not supposed to be using your magic.”
“I’m not,” Luca murmured, one brow rising.
“What do you call that?” he demanded, pointing at the mirror.
“What do I call what?” Luca asked.
Colby spun to see nothing but the two of them at the wheel, not touching, reflected. “Stop messing with my head.”
“I did nothing of the sort.”
“You were kissing me. In the mirror, but not in real life.”
“Which upsets you more? Seeing it. Or not being the one kissed?”
Colby jumped to his feet, unsteady on his feet with Luca so close behind him. The witch helped secure him before he spun to glare. “You’re not supposed to be using your magic.”
Luca lifted both hands. “I did not put any magic on that mirror or do anything else which would’ve caused anything to appear. I swear it on my life.”
“Then how did it happen?”
“Maybe you saw something you wanted.”
Colby scoffed.
“Seriously. Have you never felt something in your life that was… supernatural? A sense, a knowing, an unusual ability?”
There had been times he’d sensed things he shouldn’t have. His mom seemed to have done the same regularly, so he’d assumed it was in his DNA. “I’m not like you or Ash.”
“I’m not saying you are—but it’s believed that most human mates have at least a drop of witch blood in their veins. Many humans within our coven have extrasensory abilities. Divination. Extraordinary luck. I mean, look at Daniel. He can see demons.”
“Are you saying he’s a mate?”
“Who knows? What I do know is that he’s of your blood. If he has this ability, you might have something within you as well.” Luca cast a look about the studio. “Perhaps it’s your art. That could be where your magic resides. Either way—there’s a chance you have a little magic within you, mate.”
I’m not your mate.
The denial was on the tip of his tongue. He’d refused to consider the idea that fate had bound him to these men, but the more time he spent in their presence, the more they felt right. He missed them when they were gone. Literally ached to be closer. He hungered for their touch.
Was he also seeing things in mirrors? Seeing what he wanted to happen?
Highly improbable. “If… if one was to accept this whole mate bullshit…”
One corner of Luca’s lips curled up. “Yeah?”
“What happens?”
“You’ll be brought into the coven.”
“And?”
Luca rubbed his hands down his thighs, drawing Colby’s attention to the thick imprint of a hard cock against the denim he wore. When he lifted his gaze, he recognized heat in Luca’s eyes.
“I think you understand what happens, Colby.”
“In all honesty, I’m not sure I do.” They were a witch and a shifter. What if things were… different? What if sex… was difficult? They appeared human on the outside, but what did he know?
Luca’s smile faded. “Are you a virgin?”
Heat permeated Colby’s face. “No. I’m not a virgin.”
“Ever been with another man?”
“I’m pan, so both men and women, cis and trans.” He cocked his head to the side. “That’s not what I meant. I know sex. With humans. You're not human. One of you might have a tentacle instead of a cock. Or two cocks. Or… who knows?”
A tremor raced up his spine. A tentacle? Of course, his mind went there. He had stumbled across tentacle porn on Tumblr before the adult content purge and found a kink he hadn’t expected. He’d gone down rabbit holes on Twitter and Patreon, gobbling up tentacle fanfic, which had led to reading a bunch of other stuff he’d never expected liking.
“Would you like me to have a tentacle?” Luca asked, grinning.
Heat filled Colby’s cheeks. “No!” Yes. Oh, dear god, does he have one?
“It can be arranged, you know. After I get my magic back.” Luca waved his fingers around. “All manner of tentacles, if that’s your thing.”
Colby swayed a bit at the thought. He reached for the counter near him. “I didn’t say I wanted you to have a tentacle. I just wanted to ask… if you’re human in that regard.”
Luca smiled again. “Yes, we are human—unless we use magic to alter something. Which can be fun occasionally. As far as what would happen between us if you accepted our mating, our bond ultimately requires an intimate connection. Flesh-to-flesh. Sexual Magic.”
Colby barked with laughter. “Sexual magic? Didn’t Marvin Gaye sing that?”
“He sang ‘Sexual Healing.’ Which is a real thing, too. Sex with Ash has helped replenish my magic more times than I can count.”
“Then perhaps you should try that now.” Colby noted the somewhat leering look he got in reply. “With him.”
“I already have.”
Colby frowned. “It didn’t work?”
“A little, but it wasn’t much help this time.”
“Why not this time?”
Luca’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. “I don’t know.” His gaze narrowed, and he grew still. “Maybe it didn’t work as well because he’s no longer my only mate.” He scoffed, glancing at the wall past Colby’s head. “Well, shit. I didn’t understand why it didn’t work and now it makes perfect sense.” Luca’s gaze fell on his. “He’s one of two.”
“Don’t assume I’m going to fall into bed with you just to recharge your battery.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, a pain lanced his chest. Luca had given much of himself to save Colby. Giving something back to help the man seemed only fair.
“I didn’t ask you to.”
“There was an implication in the air.”
Luca laughed. “Oh?”
“Yeah,” Colby spat.
Luca shook his head. “I expect nothing from you. Do I want it? Absolutely. But only when it’s freely given and desired. You don’t owe me anything.”
“I do. I very much do.”
Luca held his gaze, heat there.
“If… I were to… help. In that regard. Help you heal with…”
“Fucking,” Luca supplied.
“Yeah,” Colby whispered. “Could I do that… without agreeing to the rest?”
“The rest?”
“Being your and Ash’s mate. Because I’m not.” The last bit was more for him than anyone else. A reminder not to fall over the edge into the abyss.
A smile curled the edges of Luca’s lips. “Are you trying to tell me you’ve got the hots for us?"
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” Colby replied, face on fire. “You need this… sexual healing, right?”
“I’m not interested.”
Colby laughed. “You’ve been coming on strong since day one and you’d turn me away when I give in?”
