Page 6

Kasen

I drummed my fingers on the coffee shop table, heart pounding. The door chimed. Not him. My eyes darted back to my phone, scrolling mindlessly as I tried to quell the butterflies in my stomach. Was I really doing this? Three dates in one day. Part of me knew this was childish, but I hadn’t been able to stop myself from moving forward with my plan. If for no other reason than I wanted to see what Tempest would do.

The memory of his intense gaze sent a shiver down my spine. I squared my shoulders. No turning back now.

“Kasen?”

I looked up, plastering on a smile. “Jake? Hi!”

He grinned, all boyish charm as he slid into the seat across from me. “Great to finally meet you in person. You look even prettier than your profile pic.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled, heat rising to my cheeks. Yes, I’d found some men to date online. I knew this could go horribly wrong, but that’s why I’d made sure to meet them at a busy location and not let them pick me up. No way I was getting into a car with any of them. I might be a little naive at times, but I wasn’t stupid.

Jake launched into small talk about the unseasonably warm weather. I nodded along, gaze drifting to the entrance every few seconds.

“So, what do you do for work?” Jake asked.

I snapped my attention back to him. “Oh, I’m a receptionist for a dental office. You?”

“Software engineer. Love it, but the hours can be brutal.”

My phone buzzed. I snatched it up, pulse quickening. Just a text from one of my sisters.

“Everything okay?” Jake’s brow furrowed with concern.

“Yeah, sorry. Just… expecting an important call.” The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. “It was just my sister. I can call her back later.”

Jake smiled. “No worries. Hey, want to grab a refill?” He gestured to my nearly empty mug.

“Sure,” I said, forcing enthusiasm into my voice. As Jake headed to the counter, I exhaled slowly. What was I thinking? Tempest probably didn’t care who I dated. Sure, he’d blown up last night, and yet again, he’d let me walk off without coming after me. Every time my mom tried to storm off, Dad would pick her up and carry her off to their room. My sisters and I had learned early on when that happened, we needed to make ourselves scarce.

As Jake returned, a small part of me still hoped to see a furious Tempest burst through that door.

The bell above the door chimed. My heart leapt into my throat as Tempest strode in, his presence electric. The bustling cafe seemed to still, conversations hushing as heads turned. Yeah, everyone noticed when he entered a room. Women fawned over him, and the men wanted to be him.

My breath caught. Tempest’s piercing gaze swept the room, landing on me with laser-like focus. A shiver raced down my spine.

Jake’s voice faded to a distant hum as Tempest approached, each step deliberate. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes… God, his eyes burned with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

“Kasen?” Jake’s concerned tone barely registered. “Are you all right?”

I couldn’t tear my gaze from Tempest as he reached our table. Without a word, he planted himself beside me, radiating raw power. The message was clear: Mine.

My heart thundered. I gripped my mug, knuckles white. “T-Tempest,” I managed. “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d grab some coffee.” His voice was low, dangerous. “Didn’t expect to find… this.”

Jake shifted uncomfortably. “Um, I’m Jake. And you are…”

Tempest’s gaze never left me. “Leaving. With Kasen.”

This was exactly what I’d wanted, wasn’t it? So why did I feel like I’d unleashed something I couldn’t control? And to think this was only step one of my plan for today. What would he be like after he saw me on two more dates?

I swallowed hard, torn between the thrill of Tempest’s possessiveness and an urge to assert my independence. Jake cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable.

“So, uh, Kasen,” he attempted, voice wavering, “you were saying about your work…”

I nearly laughed. Poor guy was trying too hard to ignore the huge biker beside me. I had to give him points for taking it all in stride.

Tempest’s presence loomed larger, his body angled toward me, effectively cutting Jake out. The tension was palpable, snapping in the air between us.

I stood abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. “I’m sorry, Jake. I should go.”

Jake’s bewildered expression tugged at my conscience. “But we just --”

“Thanks for coffee,” I rushed out, grabbing my purse. To Tempest, I hissed, “Outside. Now.”

Without waiting for a response, I strode toward the exit, heart pounding. The cool air hit my flushed cheeks as I stepped onto the sidewalk.

Tempest was right behind me, his hulking frame casting a shadow as he followed me around the corner of the building. I spun to face him, anger and excitement warring inside me.

“What the hell was that?” I demanded.

His eyes narrowed. “Could ask you the same thing. What are you playing at, Kasen?”

“Playing? I’m not playing anything. I’m living my life.”

Tempest took a step closer, looming over me. “With some random asshole?”

“Jake’s not an asshole. He’s nice.” At least, the short time I’d spent with him, he’d seemed nice.

“Nice,” Tempest spat the word like it tasted foul. “You don’t need nice. You need --”

“What?” I challenged, tilting my chin up. “What do I need, Tempest?”

For a moment, I thought he might actually answer. His gaze dropped to my lips, and my breath caught. Then his expression hardened.

“You need to stop this bullshit,” he growled. “No more dates.”

I bristled. “You don’t get to decide that.”

“The hell I don’t.” His hand shot out, gripping my arm. Not painfully, but firmly. “You’re coming with me.”

“I have plans,” I protested, even as my body thrilled at his touch. “I’m not your property. You don’t get to decide what I do or who I see.”

I yanked my arm free and went to my car, getting in and speeding away before Tempest could catch up to me. I’d wanted my plan to succeed, but not like this.

* * *

Four hours later, I sat in a dimly lit movie theater, the rom-com on screen a blur of colors and meaningless dialogue. Mark, my second date of the day, munched popcorn beside me, oblivious to my distraction. In his defense, I’d chosen a movie specifically so we wouldn’t have to talk. After all, I wasn’t here because I was interested in really dating him. I felt bad, but at the same time, he probably wasn’t here to find a girlfriend. Like most guys, he was likely just hoping for a hookup.

My mind raced, replaying Tempest’s stormy expression, the possessive fire in his eyes. What was I doing here? This game suddenly felt childish, dangerous.

“You okay?” Mark whispered, leaning close. “You seem a million miles away.”

I forced a smile, guilt gnawing at me. Shit. So he’d noticed after all. “Just… thinking about work. Think I forgot something important before I left yesterday,” I lied, my gaze drawn to the theater entrance. Part of me still half-expected Tempest to appear, to claim me again with that burning intensity.

As the movie droned on, a familiar prickling sensation crawled up the back of my neck. My breath caught. I knew, without turning, he was here.

Slowly, I shifted in my seat, peering over my shoulder. There, a few rows back, sat Tempest. I didn’t know how he’d gotten in without me noticing. His eyes, shining with an intensity that made my insides liquefy, were fixed on me. A shiver raced down my spine.

“Hey,” Mark whispered, his breath warm against my ear. “Want to share some popcorn?”

I nodded absently, not really hearing him. My attention was split, torn between the flickering images on screen and the man who refused to let me go. Tempest’s body coiled with tension even as he sat perfectly still.

“This part’s hilarious.” Mark chuckled, oblivious to the silent drama unfolding around him.

“Mm-hmm,” I mumbled, my heart racing. How had Tempest known where to find me? Sure, I’d hoped he would, but it wasn’t like I’d advertised where I was going. The questions swirled in my mind, but beneath them all, a thrill of excitement pulsed through my veins.

I risked another glance back. Tempest’s eyes hadn’t left me, his gaze a tangible weight on my skin.

“Kasen?” Mark’s voice cut through my thoughts. “You sure you’re okay?”

I turned back to him, forcing a smile. “Yeah, sorry. Just… thought I saw someone I knew.”

As I settled back in my seat, I could still feel Tempest’s eyes burning into me, his possessiveness settling over me. And despite everything, a part of me reveled in it.

The credits rolled. House lights flooded the theater.

Tempest was on his feet in an instant, striding toward the exit. My heart leapt into my throat.

“That was fun,” Mark said, stretching. “Want to grab a coffee?”

I barely heard him. My eyes were locked on Tempest’s retreating back. The pull was magnetic, undeniable.

“I… I’m sorry, Mark. I have to go.” The words tumbled out.

Confusion creased his brow. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just… remembered something urgent.” I was already standing, gathering my purse.

Mark’s disappointment was palpable, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Yeah, I knew it made me a bitch, but I wasn’t ready to admit I’d used him. I hadn’t walked into this even thinking of giving him a chance. Hopefully, he’d find what he was looking for with his next date.

Tempest was disappearing through the doors. I hesitated for a split second. Following him was playing right into his hands. But the alternative -- letting him walk away -- was unbearable.

“Sorry again,” I mumbled to Mark, then bolted.

I’d thought for sure he’d be waiting for me. But when I reached the street, he was nowhere to be found. My heart pounded in my chest, and I couldn’t deny the disappointment I felt right then.

What the hell is wrong with you, Kasen ? I wanted him, but… what? Did I want him to chase me? To force me to admit I needed him?

Or maybe deep down, what I really wanted was for him to act like just about every other Reaper. I wanted to see the caveman side of him. The Tempest who would throw me over his shoulder, tell me I was his, and not give me a choice in the matter.

Yep. It was official. Living with a bunch of alpha-holes had ruined me.

* * *

Three hours later, I sat across from Alex at Bella’s, a cozy Italian place downtown. My third and final date for the day. Warm candlelight flickered, and the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air. It should have been romantic.

Instead, my nerves were frayed. Every chime of the door had me flinching, half-expecting to see Tempest’s hulking frame fill the entrance.

“So, Kasen,” Alex’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “What made you want to work at a dental office??”

I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Oh, um, I just sort of fell into the job. I didn’t really have any experience and they hired me anyway. I’ve been there about four years now.”

Alex nodded, clearly interested. “It’s great to stick with one employer for a while. Looks good on a resume when you’re ready to move on.”

“I’ll probably stay as long as they’ll have me. I enjoy it there.”

As Alex launched into a story about his own work, my eyes drifted to the entrance again. Where was Tempest? The anticipation was killing me, a mix of dread and electric excitement coursing through my veins. He’d followed me to every date today. Was he finally giving up?

Alex’s voice faded into background noise as I scanned the restaurant for the hundredth time. The waiter approached, notepad in hand.

“Are you ready to order?” he asked.

I nodded absently, barely glancing at the menu. “Chicken parmesan, please.”

“And for you, sir?” the waiter turned to Alex.

As Alex deliberated over pasta choices, the bell above the door chimed. My head snapped up, heart racing, but it was just an elderly couple. I exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves. The waiter walked off, leaving me and Alex alone once more.

“Kasen?” Alex’s concerned voice broke through my thoughts. “Is everything okay? You seem… distracted.”

I forced a smile, hating how transparent I was being. “Sorry, I’m fine. Just… a little tired. It’s been a hectic day.”

Alex’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure? We can call it a night if you’re not feeling up to this.”

“No!” I said, too quickly. “No, really, I’m good. Tell me more about your job.”

As Alex resumed talking, our food arrived. The aroma of melted cheese and marinara sauce filled the air, but my appetite had vanished. I picked at my chicken, my stomach in knots.

Then I felt it. A shift in the air, the hair on my arms standing up from the crackle of electricity. A feeling I’d come to associate with Tempest being nearby. I didn’t need to look to know. He’d arrived.

His presence filled the room, demanding attention without a word. I turned, our eyes locking across the crowded restaurant. His eyes were burning with a mix of anger and something else -- something that made my breath hitch.

He strode toward us, his gait purposeful, shoulders tense. In seconds, he was beside our table, looming over us like a storm cloud.

Alex looked up, confusion evident on his face. “Can we help you?”

Tempest ignored him, his gaze fixed solely on me. “Kasen,” he growled, my name a command on his lips.

I swallowed hard, torn between defiance and the urge to follow him out of there immediately. “Tempest,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing here?”

Alex’s eyes darted between Tempest and me, his discomfort palpable. He shifted in his seat, the scrape of chair legs against tile cutting through the tension.

“I… uh, is everything okay?” Alex asked, his voice wavering as he started to stand.

The thrill of excitement coursing through me warred with embarrassment. My cheeks burned as I stood abruptly, nearly knocking over my water glass.

“I’m sorry, Alex. I have to go,” I blurted, grabbing my purse. “Thanks for dinner.”

Without waiting for a response, I brushed past Tempest, the heat of his body sending a shiver down my spine. I burst through the restaurant doors, gulping in the cool night air.

Heavy footsteps followed. Had I finally pushed him to the breaking point? I was equal parts excited and terrified.

“What the hell are you playing at, Kasen?” Tempest’s voice was low, dangerous.

I whirled to face him. “Me? You’re the one crashing my dates!”

His eyes flashed. “Dates. Plural. That’s the third guy today.”

“That’s right,” I shot back, chin lifted in defiance. “Got a problem with that?”

Tempest stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “You know damn well I do.”

My heart raced, anger and desire tangling in my chest. “Why? It didn’t seem like you were interested. If you were, you would have…”

“Would have what?”

I remained silent, and he growled, closing the distance between us.

I backed up, my shoulders hitting the brick wall. Tempest planted his hands on either side of my head, caging me in.

“Tempest,” I breathed, my resolve wavering.

His eyes burned into mine, emotions I couldn’t decipher swirling in their depths. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me.

Instead, he pushed away, running a hand through his hair. “This isn’t over,” he said, voice rough with frustration.

I watched him stalk away, my body trembling from the encounter. What the hell had I gotten myself into? And why was he leaving? I’d thought for sure something would happen this time.

I took a shaky breath and pushed off the wall, my legs unsteady as I started walking. The cool night air did little to calm the fire Tempest had ignited in me. My mind raced, replaying every heated glance, every terse word.

“Damnit,” I muttered. I’d wanted his attention, but this… this was like playing with dynamite.

A low rumble of voices caught my attention. I glanced over my shoulder, spotting Bull and Wire leaning against their bikes across the street. They weren’t even trying to be subtle. Bull’s eyes met mine, his expression a mixture of amusement and concern. He nudged Wire, who looked up from his phone.

“You good, little one?” Bull called out.

I forced a smile. “Just peachy.”

Wire snorted. “Yeah, looked real peaceful back there.”

My cheeks burned. “You saw that?”

“Honey, the whole damn town probably saw that.” Bull chuckled.

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “Great. Just great.”

“Your old man’s going to love this,” Wire said, earning an elbow from Bull.

I dropped my hands, fear replacing embarrassment. “You can’t tell my dad!”

Bull’s expression softened. “Not our place to tell, darlin’. But you might want to sort this out before it explodes in everyone’s faces.”

I nodded, my throat tight. As I turned to leave, Wire called out, “For what it’s worth, I’ve never seen Tempest this worked up over anyone.”

Their knowing laughter followed me as I hurried away, my heart pounding with a mix of dread and exhilaration. Whatever storm was brewing between Tempest and me, it was clear I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed.