Free GettingLuckyinGalway by Allie Standifer Page B

taking care of herself.” What Roark
didn’t say or possibly couldn’t admit was he felt Calder, was somehow connected
to her. Knew within his heart of hearts she was okay. While he didn’t know
exactly what was happening, Roark did know he wanted Calder nowhere near this
invisible tormentor.
    He’d been on his way back from town, bouquets of flowers in
one hand and four dozen humongous, thick steaks in the other, determined to
speak his mind once and for all to the blessing Fate had chosen for him. Even
dropping to his knees in apology had been one scenario to run through his mind.
    Now instead of making up to his lovely, lusciously curvy
mate, Roark found himself tossed into a dimensional portal. Nob, for all his oh
so humble ways, would pay for this one when they finally got out. Roark would
introduce the brownie’s favorite iron beaters to the garbage disposal, just see
if he didn’t.
    However now was not the time or place to venture into
revenge fantasies. Not when this invisible voice kept taunting him, the words
stabbing deeply into emotions Roark would have sworn he didn’t have.
    Concentrate on Calder, he reminded himself. She’s the
important one here.
    To keep her safe he would deflect the taunts and absorb the
insults without a flinch. Because if what his mystery guest said were true,
then Calder had someone else out there ready or more than capable of filling
her life with the happiness she deserved.
    After spending last night in her arms, well, part of last night,
Roark knew he’d never find another woman who would challenge him as much as his
shifter. Too bad his entire experience with relationships involved his
domineering mother and omega father. They’d spent the last few centuries doing
everything possible to make their spouse’s life miserable. Why in the name of
all that glitters would he want the same torture for himself?
    Then Calder appeared in his life, brighter and more
desirable than the largest pot of gold. She tempted him with her laughter, her
bright new look on life, everything about Calder appealed to the man he kept so
carefully buried beneath layers of vanity and selfishness.
    “She left because you told her to take a piss on a rock. Not
the most romantic of proposals, lad. It’s no wonder she’s thinking of ways, of
magics to break the bond between you both.”
    Fed up, scared for Calder even if his mind knew she was
safe—pissed, but safe—Roark’s patience ran out. “Show yourself or fuck off.
I’ve things to do and I’ll not be wasting any more time with you.”
    “There’s the spine I’ve heard rumors about.” Something about
the mysterious visitor’s tone struck a memory with Roark, but the feeling faded
before he could grasp it. “Tell me something, Roark, if you know the mistakes
your parents have made of their lives, their marriage, why do you think you’ll
be doomed to repeat the mistakes?”
    “Shit, get out of my head,” he demanded, feeling naked down
to his very weary soul. “You know nothing.”
    “True, I know little about you as a person, but as a mate I
can pretty well predict all your patterns.”
    “Ah then,” Roark made a vague gesture in the air, “tell me,
oh wise and full-of-shite being. Tell me what my next move will be, and while
you’re at it, mind telling me the lotto numbers as well? Could use a bit of
coin.” Actually he didn’t need the money. As a leprechaun Roark had access to
all the money he could ever need.
    What he didn’t need was a goody-goody invisible biddy
meddling in his business. Because Calder was his business. He might not know
everything about her, but she intrigued him. Her quick wit, sassy mouth and
mouthwatering curves were lacking in so many modern women.
    “Spoiled brat,” the other male complained in a good-natured
tone. “I’m not some bleedin’ mysterious eight-ball, here for your amusement.”
The sound of a deep sigh filled the air between them. “What do you think will
happen if you open