Forgiving Fate: Lupinski Clan Book Three

By Emmy Gatrell

They’re meant to be together, but forbidden to do anything about it...

When Nate Lupinski relinquished his place as clan Alpha to pursue opening a production studio, he never imagined the danger that would follow. But he’s committed to his new work, and so it his human fated mate, Sydney. Or so he thinks...

After three years of working her dream job as a Production Coordinator, Sydney Gray is ready to move on. Her undeniable attraction to her boss and her body’s betrayal anytime he is near is enough to drive her mad, but his constant flaunting of conquests has broken her heart too many times to count.

Now Sydney is ready to move on if Nate won’t open up with her, but if reveals his secret, they could both suffer a fate worse than death.

If you’re a fan of Charlaine Harris, Georgette St. Clair, or Milly Taiden, you’ll love the Lupinski Clan series.

One click today and meet a new breed of book boyfriend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emmy Gatrell
• Release date: Oct 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005431105

Emmy Gatrell

Emmy Gatrell is a Fantasy and Paranormal Romance writer ranging from Sweet (YA/NA) through four-flame +18.She grew up Metro-Detroit and went to Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan before moving to Georgia. After spending more than a decade there with her husband, kids, and dogs. Her family realized Georgia was still too cold, and now live in Costa Rica where it's summer all year and our seasons are; kind of dry, a little rainy, and deluge.Emmy has published the first three of six novels in the Daearen Realm series; Meanmna, Bienn-Theine, and Eitlean, book four is slated for a 2017 release. And she's published the first two novels of her Paranormal Shifter Romance series, The Lupinski Clan; Fate is a Mated Bitch and Forgiving Fate.Emmy’s love of her roots and traveling comes out in her writing as I create a new realm of existence with the Daearen Realms an entirely new breed of Shifter with the Lupinski Clan and whatever she comes up with next.

Book preview

Even though you’re not allowed to read it yet… if ever.

Chapter One ~ Sydney

Three years before the events of Fate is a Mated Bitch.

Let me get that for you, I heard shouted below me.

Rolling my eyes and not bothering to turn around I yelled back, I got it thanks, and continued climbing the stairs. I reached the twenty-foot landing and quickly crossed to the front door. The guy behind me was taking the steps a little faster, and I knew he would insist on helping me again.

I may be petite, but I was a heck of a lot stronger than I looked. It was my first day at this job, and I didn’t want to appear weak. I was also getting desperate and needed this to turn into more than a temp gig before I did something horrible, like move back in with my parents.

Reaching the door, I lifted a knee to hold my milk crate steady with one hand as I opened it with the other. I was ready to hop in front of it to catch it with my ass before it shut again when a giant meaty hand caught the door above my head. The box threw me off balance, and I almost fell over, but another beefy hand reached around my waist, and I was pulled backward into a wall.

I insist you let me help, the Wall said with a chuckle.

Forcefully taking a couple of steps out of his embrace I turned to face my new helpful friend. I had to look up to see his face because he was so tall and when I did, wow, make that holy hell of a hottie helpful new friend. He had brown hair and blue eyes, a short beard over a strong jaw, his nose had a small hoop, and his ear lobes and cartilage were pierced. He had on a black motorcycle jacket over a black tee-shirt, jeans, and shit-kickers. I could have drooled but said, I had the door. But thanks for not letting me hit the ground when you unbalanced me.

You wouldn’t have fallen over if you had let me help you in the first place.

I didn’t need help. He raised an eyebrow, and the left side of his mouth quirked up. Damn that must get him laid a lot. I have to go before I’m late. It’s been real. I turned and headed into the spacious foyer of the run-down century old southern style mansion. I could see the potential, though. It wasn’t dilapidated, just uncared for the last twenty or so years.

Some of the walls needed to be knocked down and replaced, but most of them just needed to be stripped. There was over a hundred years’ worth of paint covering what I knew would be hand carved moldings. They would be worth the effort to uncover them. The black and white checkerboard marble floors were relatively maintained, only a couple of cracked squares here and there, which shouldn’t be a problem to replace considering we were just down the road from Marble, Georgia.

Can I help you with that? came from the back.

I let out a loud sigh, and Wall laughed behind me. No, thank you. I’m here to see Mr. Lupinski.

My new helper was younger good looking middle-aged guy coming in through a side door. He was wearing overalls, covered in paint, and was wiping his hands on a red towel. Wall was still laughing behind me, and the guy narrowed his gaze at him.

Wall immediately quit laughing, stood straighter, and cleared his throat.

Yes, Ms. Gray. I’ve been waiting for you. I glanced down at my watch. I wasn’t late, not sure why he was waiting. I looked up he added, Tomorrow show up early.

Did I get the time wrong? I thought I was early.

The guy smiled, You’re fine today, excellent timing in fact. I meant that whatever time the boss tells you to be here, come in half an hour earlier, you still won’t beat him here, but it’ll give him a better impression of you.

Awe, he’s sweet. I’d like to give him the best impression of me and my work ethic, so how early would I have to come in to beat him here?

Wall grunted, Impossible.

The guy smiled wider and said, He gets in between five forty-five and six a.m. every day.

I’ll be in tomorrow at five thirty then, thanks . . . um.

Guy shoved his towel into his back pocket and put his hand out, Abe.

Abe? It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for thinking of me and the opportunity. I won’t let Mr. Lupinski down.

I know. He gave me a sly grin. Damn that must get him laid a lot too. What the hell kind of photography and film studio is this?

You’re giving her the opportunity? Wall stepped next to me with his arms crossed over his chest. Since when does the Be— boss allow for anyone else to do the hiring.

Since your brother ran the last assistant off in tears, he’s decided he could do it all himself. He’s too stubborn for reason. I made the call.

I feel sorry for you old man. He’s not going to be happy.

Old? Who do you think you’re talking to?

A dead uncle.

I have a feeling Ms. Gray here is exactly what the business needs. He’ll be fine.

I’m not worried about him. Wall glanced at me and then back to Abe.

My focus had been ping-ponging between the two of them. Abe was going to speak again, but I stepped between them. Hold up just a minute. What’s going on? Doesn’t he know I’m coming?

Abe appeared remorseful for the first time in the conversation. He opened his mouth and made a small sound when a loud crash came from the back of the building. A howl like scream followed it, then a slew of curse words that would make my grandmother blush, and that’s saying something.

God-dammit! Motherfucking son of a god-damned goat girl and lobster boy hybrid! Shit! Fuck me! Something big hit the outside wall near the door, and all the windows on the first floor rattled.

My jaw dropped opened as I stared at the little bits of plaster raining down from the ceiling. Wall was shaking his head and barely holding it together, and Abe was horrified.

See, just in time, Abe tried to laugh as he said it but was failing miserably.

Wall lost it and burst out laughing, She’s so out of here. What were you thinking? Someone like her couldn’t handle him.

Someone like me? Like me? Bitch, please. I’m from Detroit.

Wall ceased laughing and sounded confused when he asked, What does that mean?

It means, I’m not afraid of anything, and I’m a hell of a lot stronger than I look. I thrust my milk crate into his hands. You wanted to help, help. Take that to where ever my desk is; I’m sure Abe can tell you where to shove it. Abe chuckled behind me, and I turned around to face him. I think you were right. It sounds like I’m just in time. Another howl-like scream echoed outside the building. Motherfucking son of a god-damned goat girl and lobster boy hybrid! Fuck me! I need this job.

Let me go and introduce myself to the big bad wolf, I laughed, but neither of them did so I started walking.

Wait! Abe caught my arm. Let Walter go back first; he needs to talk to his brother. His eyes shifted to Wall standing behind me.

I cleared my throat and ended up coughing to keep from laughing. I turned back to take the box from Wall—Walter who asked, What?

Nothing. I giggled and shook my head to stop myself from saying more. It didn’t work. Anyone ever call you Wall?

No.

Oh, I love it when I’m the first at something.

Wall crossed his arms over his chest and stared at me. "You’re terribly cheeky. You understand this is a family business, right?"

"I understand that you need me or the Conner Hotel and Suites shoot will fall through. As well as the Keltoi-Miller wedding next month. Has anyone filled out the correct forms from the county to get the permits required for an event that size in a public venue? Or contacted the police department for extra security? Wall’s eyebrows went up, and I grunted. Do you understand that it’s rather insulting that you are so surprised that I would know that? I’m not sure what other coordinators you’ve worked with, but I always come prepared." Something hit the wall again. God, I hope I don’t regret running out the fucking door right now. Talk to him. It sounds like every second you waste insulting me is two hours’ worth of clean up. Go stop the temper tantrum so I can get to work.

Wall waited a moment before he quirked his lip again. You know, Abe, I think she is exactly what he needs. What the family . . . business needs. I’ll have him ready to meet you in ten, get settled.

Yes, sir. I stood up straighter and looked him in the eye. He didn’t look away, and neither did I. It was like we were in a staring contest. Only this staring contest I could feel. It started as a tingle and then there was increasing pressure on my head. I fought the force for as long as I could, but it grew to the point where it physically pushed my head down breaking my gaze with his. What the fuck?

As soon as I broke, he muttered, Huh, interesting. Then more loudly, I’ll settle him down. He patted my shoulder and the pressure disappeared so I could look up again. He had a big smile on his face, You’ll be all right, just hold your ground with him. He’s a stubborn ass.

Abe muttered, You have no idea. Walter talk to him. He’s made some firm decisions that affect you.

Wall’s face fell, He didn’t.

Abe shook his head and nodded towards the door he had come in. Go on. You should hear this from him. Wall immediately turned and stomped out the door.

Sounds like I need to wish him good luck.

Just family stuff, nothing to do with the business, don’t worry about it. Let’s get you settled. Abe took the crate from me and headed towards the back of the house.

I began to follow when I heard another crash, then howl, then the sound of growling. Abe was still walking. I glanced at the front door, then the plaster that was still raining down from the last crash. I could make a run for it, leave my stuff and say screw it. No, you’re not a coward. Let’s go. Put one foot in front of the other. I began to follow Abe and ignored whatever was going on outside.

Chapter Two ~ Nate

The back door slammed before Walt shouted, What the hell do you think you’re doing?

Grabbing another box of twinkle lights, I threw them at the house in his general direction. Argh!

He ducked even though my aim was way off. You better calm down, there’s a human in the house.

I glanced at my twin and then down at my body. Shit. I was in my original form. I had grown two feet taller, and my muscle mass increased; all of my clothes were in tatters. My best friend, Miles, said I looked like Bigfoot when I was like this, and he was right. I forced my claws to retract into my hands and canines into my gums. I shook a couple of times to let go of the frustration that felt like a film covering my body. I shrank back into myself, closed my eyes, and took a couple of deep breaths before addressing my twin.

Why is there a human in the house? Did you bring your latest conquest?

Walter was in my face roaring before I blinked. His teeth elongated and his eyes shined bright blue. I felt the weight of his stare that only made what I had to say and do easier. I demonstrated by lowering my gaze and submitting.

No, Walter stumbled back.

I looked up in time to watch his change almost magically disappear until his face was a mirror image of my own.

Come on. I nodded toward the barn and walked in silence into it.

Walt shut the door behind him, leaned back on it and crossed his arms, What the fuck are you thinking?

I had to smile, he growled, and I put up a hand to stop him from going all Alpha on me. You knew this was coming.

No, I didn’t.

Yes, you did.

Why would I know this was coming?

You took over the Beta position—

I did not take it over. I’ve been the interim Beta; it wasn’t supposed to be forever. You were meant to come back from school and take it back.

That was ten years ago.

You’ve been busy. I just raised my eyebrows at him, and he huffed. You were supposed to take it back.

But I didn’t, and I think every shifter within the clan is happy about that. I wasn’t meant to be Alpha; you are.

That’s not how this works. You’re the oldest—

By five minutes—

—You can shift into the most forms—

I saw your new ink. Without thinking, his hand covered his heart. You know what the cross means.

Walt nodded, "That I have the ability to shift into any form."

"And that you are the next Alpha; only dad has that tattoo, and his is fading."

What if I don’t want to be Alpha?

It’s all you’ve ever wanted.

He sighed and pushed off the door, crossed the room and grabbed two chairs off a stack setting them down in the middle of the barn. He straddled his and waved me over. I spun mine and sat backward on it like he did. "It is all I ever wanted, but still, a little in shock you submitted."

It was time. I’ve felt and been affected by your power for years, Walt.

Really? Why didn’t you tell me?

"You weren’t ready to know. But I can’t fight it anymore, and I don’t want to. It’s time for you to step up and take what’s yours. I’m going to be too busy to keep pretending that I’m preparing to take over the clan. I eyed the room. Fucking hell, I’m never going to meet my deadline. Are we done? I have to get back to work if Lupinski Productions is going to be successful."

Uncle Abe hired you a new assistant.

He did what?

Walt shrugged, He said you were too stubborn to do it yourself which is true.

Is that the human in the house? Walt nodded. "The last assistant I had was a lioness, and she couldn’t handle it.

Katti’s a cougar, Walt said snidely.

Same difference.

Who thought she could tempt you into mating her.

I don’t need a mate. I don’t want a mate. I don’t have time for a mate. Haven’t I made that clear at every council meeting?

Since when does the council listen?

You’re on the council.

Since when do I listen? Walt raised his hands.

We run the damn thing and are in charge of the entire clan. You’d think that counted for something.

It does, we’d all be mated by now if it didn’t. Only Ja’Lyn has gotten trapped so far.

I need an assistant, not a mate.

Maybe that’s why Abe called in a human. Any available female within the clan considers you prime mate material and a piece of man candy to boot. I heard there’s even a Facebook group dedicated to you.

Did you just say man candy?

Shanna, that cheetah I went out with a couple of times told me about it. A human is probably exactly what you need. Sydney, I like her. She didn’t put up with my shit for a second and held out longer than you did under my weight. He tilted his head, I think she might be perfect for you. He appeared deep in thought, what a joke. Wait!

I know that look. You just put that thought back where you found it. You know the rules. When I do mate, I have to mate for the ‘good of the clan’ just like you. I’ve never dated a human and never will, it’s not fair to use them like that. I know not everyone has that hang-up…but I do.

I stood and put my chair back on the stack. You just keep doing what you’ve been doing, and we’ll call you by the right title from now on. Walt stood, and I put his chair back. And I will concentrate on this— I waved around the barn filled with props, lighting, camera gear, tracks, dollies, everything we needed to make this work. "—this will help bring our clan back from extinction, this will help all others function in today’s society. We don’t need to be in the shadows anymore. We can have businesses and advertise on traditional media with no fear of accidentally showing our