Free Dark Tremor (Mated by Magic #2) by Stella Marie Alden, Chantel Seabrook Page A

that…cat? We can’t keep it here.”
    Terra visibly paled and held Pumpkin close.
    “The cat stays,” Jace said, firmly. “I’d appreciate it if you could call down to the front desk and have them send one of their workers to get food and litter. If there’s an issue, remind them of what the Fialko’s add to their bottom line.”
    Nose scrunched, Nicole gave a small nod and withdrew to another room.
    “Thank you,” Terra said softly.
    He gave a small nod. Of course the cat stayed. He hadn’t saved the damn thing to have it carted off to the pound. Plus, he knew how much the fur ball meant to her.
    Josh looked between them, brows raised, and downed his drink.
    “Don’t.” Jace warned, knowing where his brother’s mind was headed. “We need to focus on what’s important, making sure that Mic Luggerio doesn’t get his hands on Terra or that turquoise.”
    “We need to call Jack. Let him know what’s going on.” Josh reached into his jean’s pocket and pulled out his cell.
    Nodding, Jace paced, then stared down at the fountain below. “We’re going to need him, and any other men we can spare if it comes down to a fight.”
    “We don’t have time for that.” Terra stood abruptly, and her cat jumped off her lap. “Mic will already have his men sweeping the mine. If he hasn’t found it yet, he will soon.”
    “You saw what he’s capable of. There’s no way I can beat him.” Jace’s heart went into his throat at the panic in her eyes. Would that he could be all that she needed.
    “What do you suggest?” The phone already to his ear, Josh glanced up.
    “We wait for Jack and the others to arrive.”
    “It’ll be too late,” Terra insisted. “I can fight him. I know I can. If you help, then–”
    “No.” A headache began to form right behind Jace’s eyes.
    “You?” Josh’s brows shot up. 
    She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Then the baby blues opened, laced with steel and grit. “Mic is my father. I inherited his powers. I might not be as trained as him, but with the pieces of dark turquoise, I’m sure I can beat him.”
    “No.” What part of that is she not getting?
    “It’s not your choice.” She crossed her arms over her chest and the cheap coffee pot rattled on the plastic holder.
    That little trick had lost its potency. “While you’re under my protection it is.”
    “I don’t need you or your protection. All this”–she waved her arms in the air–“is because of you anyways. If you’d just minded your damn business and stayed off my land, none of this would have happened.”
    He covered the distance between them, finger pointed.
    “Bullshit. You were pawning pieces of dark turquoise at a dive shop. How long do you think it would have taken Mic to track you down? And let’s not forget the fact that your little boyfriend has been working behind your back. Who’s to say he wasn’t the one that led your dear old daddy straight to your door.”
    The color drained from Terra’s face and he immediately regretted his words and posture. He took a step back.
    “Wait.” She touched his arm.
    His frustrated cock jumped to attention at the sudden contact. Heat zipped and sizzled between them, and he swore the heat in the room elevated ten degrees.
    “No more touching,” he said, tearing his arm away from her.
    At that, Josh choked on his drink, then laughed.
    Jace glared.
    Seemingly oblivious to his brother’s response, Terra pouted with little fists clenched. “I knew I shouldn’t have come here with you.”
    “And where else would you go?” Jace demanded.
    “Anywhere but here.” She scooped the cat up, then stormed towards the door.
    “The minute you walk out of here, Mic’s men will be on you like flies on shit.”
    She ignored him, clicked the bolt, and turned the handle.
    “Goddamnit, Terra, wait.” He crossed the room, reached over her shoulder and held the door shut. His chest brushed against her back. Every neuron in his body sparked at her