by Tena Stetler
“Brandy, are you forgetting I’m a vampire? I crave human blood. I’ve just now been able to control my thirst again. It’s uncomfortable for me to be around warm-blooded creatures for a long time. Gryphons fall into that category. It’s not safe. I am dangerous. You know that.”
She felt his gaze on her scars and waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “You won’t hurt us.”
He hissed out a breath. “Meeting your large family would be stressful enough without flying three-thousand miles in a plane full of warm-bloods to do it. I’m not ready for that. May never be…” He trailed off, shaking his head, and strode across the room, reaching for the doorknob.
“You don’t have that much trouble at work,” she pointed out, a slight challenge in her voice.
Stefan whirled around to face her. “That’s different and you know it. I come in when Cody is ready to leave. Rocky or Russ comes in minutes before I leave. Other than that, I’m alone, just the way I like it.”
“What about the baseball game?”
“That was for your benefit.” A sly smile formed on his lips. “It worked didn’t it?”
She grinned mischievously. “You know what I think?” Pulling him to her, wrapping her body around him, she brushed her lips against his and trailed them across his cheek, whispering, “I think my tall, handsome, ultimate predator is afraid to meet my family.”
He shoved his fingers though his hair. “Brandy, don’t joke. You know what I am and what I am capable of.” He turned and paced across the room.
“Yes, and I also know you can control yourself. We’ll hunt often. Believe me, it won’t be a problem,” she said in a soothing voice. “Now, I better call Hannah to come get us. I don’t want to give Ma and Da too long. They’ll call Hannah and poke at her until they find out what she thinks.”
“Do I have a choice?” He shoved his hands in the front pockets of his jeans, resigned to his fate.
“Nope! You said you were ready for all of this. A new beginning I believe you called it.” She smiled radiantly and held out her wrist, watching the sunlight bounce off her bracelet, creating rainbows that danced across the walls of their room.
For a fleeting moment, a little voice in her head asked, was he ready to settle down? Would her family accept him for who and what he was, as she did? She straightened. They had to, so she pushed that annoying voice aside and picked up the phone and touched her sister’s number. “Hannah we’re ready whenever you are. Just so you know, we’ll be staying in the motel at least one more night. See ya soon.” She touched the screen and ended the call.
****
Stefan was thankful to be spending another night at the motel. The constant scent of human blood other than Brandy’s made him extremely uncomfortable. Not to mention the thirst and burning would be difficult in addition to the fact that he didn’t know Hannah. While he’d worked with Tristian once, talked with him at the overlord’s wedding, he wasn’t sure where they stood given the fight with Brandy. Stefan had seen Tristian’s work firsthand. Regardless of Brandy’s positive outlook, things didn’t bode well for him.
“Brandy, we will…”
“Aye, Stefan, we’ll hunt tonight.” Brandy pulled the curtain aside and glanced out the window. “They’re here.”
Tristian pulled into the parking space in front of Brandy and Stefan’s room.
“Let’s go.” Brandy put her arm around Stefan’s waist and gave him a squeeze. “It’s going to be fine.”
Stefan sighed and kissed the top of her head, draping his long arm across her shoulders as they walked out. In the car, she scooted all the way over next to him. After she settled, he slipped his arm around her. Tristian frowned at Stefan again. Yep, Tristian is going to be a problem. When they settled into the backseat, Hannah turned around in her seat so she was facing them.
Hannah’s eyes flew open wide as she caught sight of the bracelet. “Brandy, that’s some bobble.”
“Yes, it signifies a new beginning for us.” Joy bubbled in her laughter and shone in her eyes.
“That’s different, but it is beautiful. Do Ma and Da know about him?” Hannah jerked her head in Stefan’s direction.
“Thanks. Yes, we talked to them this morning,” Brandy said smugly. “Actually, Ma and I had a long talk about him before I returned to the states.”
Tristian turned up the driveway to their home, his face unreadable, but the frown was now a smirk.
Wow, demon hunters must do well. Stefan surveyed the house and land it occupied. The home resembled a stone castle less the moat. It sat on a large piece of land overlooking the ocean to the front and bordering a lush forest in the back. Even in the autumn, you could tell the manicured lawn and gardens had been well cared for during the growing season. Stefan leaned over and whispered to Brandy, “You may want to reconsider your choice. You could do a lot better than me. All of our stuff won’t fill up a small moving truck.”
Brandy glared back at him and whispered, “No way. I put too much effort into you. Besides, material things don’t guarantee happiness. You’ve never settled long enough anywhere to accumulate stuff. That could change.” She reached over and caressed his face, brushing her lips over his right in front of her sister and brother-in-law.
Stefan returned the kiss, deepening it, and caressed his hand over her cheek. I could get used to this. Brandy usually was quite reserved. Public displays of affection were not something she engaged in until recently.
“All right, you two give it a rest.” Hannah laughed. She seemed to be warming up to him.
However, Tristian remained aloof. His glances in the rearview mirror alternated between puzzlement and piercing.
Chapter Seventeen
Home Is Where the Heart Is—Sometimes
Tristian let them out in the front and went to park the vehicle. Hannah fished out her keys and unlocked the door. Stefan pulled the heavy wooden door open while the women walked into the foyer. Hannah paused and motioned for them to follow her down a hallway, leading the way to a huge family room.
Light oak paneling covered two of the walls with a smooth stone fireplace spanning the entire third wall. The hearth was set in matching stone. Warm, rich golden hardwoods covered the floor with southwest-design area rugs scattered for accent. The vaulted ceiling had open beams running the entire length of the room, with floor-to-ceiling windows that alternated between multicolored stained glass panels and regular windows.
Hannah sat down on the light-blue fabric couch. The front door groaned open under protest as Tristian returned and joined her on the couch. Brandy pulled Stefan down beside her on a matching love seat, curling herself under his arm, and snuggled into the curve of his body.
When Stefan looked down at her, his heart swelled, and he couldn’t imagine life without her.
Tristian turned slowly to face Brandy and Stefan. “I imagine that Brandy has told you all about us. But our information about you is limited. Except that several months ago, she was here, absolutely inconsolable over the breakup of what I assume was your relationship. I don’t mind telling you that makes you a very unpopular person around here, regardless of previous encounters.”
Stefan met Tristian’s gaze and again shook his head slightly.
“Previous encounters?” Brandy looked from Stefan to Tristian, then to Hannah.
Ignoring Brandy, Tristian continued. “The next thing we know, she calls to tell us that she is coming for a visit and bringing you with her so we can meet you. She indicated you both needed a change of scenery.” Eyes narrowed, he asked, “Are you running from something or someone?”
“Tristian, you don’t know the whole story. Please don’t be rude,” Hannah begged.
“Hannah, Brandy is your younger sister. Don’t we have an obligation to protect her? We don’t know anything about this person—I use the term loosely—she’s involved with.”
Tristian shot Stefan a menacing glance as he shoved up from the couch, pacing the length of the room in front of them. “What we do
know is that he broke her heart a few months ago when she appeared on our door step with unusual wounds that even I had only encountered a few times.
“We nursed her back to health, both mentally and physically, and sent her to Ireland, only to learn that she returned to him” Tristian stopped in front of Stefan, his fists clinched, the veins at his temples bulging. “The type of life we lead requires that we know everything about anyone close to us. They also need to know everything about us. If Brandy, by way of Stefan, brings danger to our doorstep, I need to know. Secrets can get us and anyone we care about killed.”
“Tristian, please” Hannah implored.
“No, Hannah, they need to know that if they decide on an extended visit, their way of life will be affected as well as our own.”
It was apparent Brandy hadn’t counted on this type of confrontation. Nor was she happy that Tristian was laying out exactly what occurred during their separation. Despite Tristian’s unwelcoming manner, Stefan understood exactly where he was coming from.
He respected the guy for wanting to protect his family from what Tristian perceived as a threat. It was reasonable to advise them of the threat that he brought to the equation. Tristian’s eyes lingered on the scars visible above Stefan’s collar.
Emotionally, Brandy was in no condition to explain anything. Tristian had opened old wounds that she hadn’t dealt with.
Stefan stood up, voice calm and body relaxed. “Hannah, Tristian is right. You both deserve to know the truth. Brandy and I had a rough time, but that’s over. We’re working out our differences and nothing is going to come between us again.” He looked at Hannah, then to Tristian, before continuing. “You have been brutally honest with me and I respect that. I’ll return the favor. I am a vampire. With Brandy’s help, I’ve changed my ways so I am—for the most part—not a danger to warm-bloods.” Stefan glanced at Tristian, watching for a reaction while hoping that Tristian would keep their secret a little while longer. Tristian was one hell of an actor. Stefan had to give him that.
Walking over to the window, Stefan looked out for a moment, hands behind his back, then turned to face them. “After quite a while together, a couple of months ago our world got as bad as it could possibly get. We made terrible mistakes. The scars Brandy bears I am responsible for, as I’m sure, Tristian, you have already figured out. I imagine that you figured that Brandy is responsible for the scars that I bear. Though superficial, they’re grim reminders of things that we’ll never let happen again.”
Staring directly at Tristian, Stefan continued in a calm, serious tone. “As far as our way of life being affected by associating with you two, if it’s what Brandy wants, I will gladly make whatever adjustments are necessary to make her happy.”
Tristian nodded thoughtfully.
“I understand why you don’t like me. For Brandy’s sake, I ask that you at least get to know me before you pass further judgment. Now, if you will excuse me, I really need to take care of some necessary activities of being a vampire.” I’ve gotta get out of here and sate my thirst.
“Fine, but I would like a few words in private, Stefan.” Tristian motioned for Stefan to follow him.
Stefan stood rooted to the spot.
“It’ll only take a minute.” Tristian walked out of the room, through the glass doors, and onto the back porch. After Stefan stepped onto the porch, still within sight and hearing of Brandy, Tristian shut the doors firmly behind them, and he moved away from the girls’ prying eyes, indicating Stefan do the same.
Stefan stepped to the side and opened his mouth to speak.
Tristian held his finger to his lips and whispered, “In a minute.” He continued to watch and listen through the glass.
Getting quickly to her feet, Brandy started to follow the men.
Without a word, Hannah put a hand on Brandy’s arm and said firmly, “Don’t. Let them work it out. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Brandy pushed Hannah’s hand away. “But you don’t understand.”
“Oh, little sister, it’s you who doesn’t understand. Just let them be. Let’s go check the kitchen and see if there is any wine left. Otherwise we’ll have to go down to the wine cellar.” Hannah gave her a little shove toward the kitchen.
****
“Okay, Stefan, what the hell is going on here?” Tristian clasped his hand and shook it vigorously. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”
“Not bad. You know I left the Vampire Council’s employment.”
Tristian nodded. “You told me when I saw you at the wedding. Was there a problem? Most vampires don’t leave the Council and live to tell about it, especially in your position.”
“I just wasn’t cut out to live that life. Lady Rose was unusually understanding about my leaving. She stood by our agreement when I first joined the Council and allowed me a semi-permanent sabbatical unless dire circumstances require my return. So far that’s not been the case.”
“It went down as you expected. You simply walked away? Unscathed?” Tristian’s brows rose nearly to his forehead.
“Yep, I moved to Montana where I’m the overnight DJ in a little radio station,” Stefan said proudly. “I’m sure Lady Rose still discreetly keeps tabs on me. Apparently I haven’t done anything to draw her ire.”
“You’re kidding me.” Tristian roared with laughter but quickly covered his mouth, not wanting to attract the girls’ attention. “You went from the Vampire Council’s assassin to a midnight DJ working among warm-bloods at a radio station? That must have been quite a trick.”
“It was tough at first. But I couldn’t continue the murder for hire. There was a difference of opinion within the Council. I was caught in the middle. Some of the vampires on the Council were issuing contracts without proof of wrongdoing. It was political and ugly.”
Tristian’s eyes rounded in surprise. “I thought Lady Rose was a strong and fair leader.”
“She is, but others wanted to undermine her leadership. They were in the minority but caused a serious rift. After I left, it’s my understanding that she and the majority of the Council tore the throats out and burned those refusing to follow the rules. Peace was restored. The human body count dropped dramatically.”
“Wow, I didn’t hear about that, only there was some kind of disagreement in the vampire realms,” Tristian said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Now, what are you hiding from Brandy?”
“Not hiding. Omitting. She doesn’t know I was an assassin. Thanks for covering for me. You’re a damn good actor.”
“And you are seriously involved with my sister-in-law. You need to straighten it out now, or I will,” Tristian said firmly, glancing back inside in an effort to locate the girls.
“Agreed.”
****
Stefan strode into the room with Tristian trailing behind.
Brandy met Stefan as he entered the room, wrapped her arms around him, and glanced from Hannah to Tristian. “We’ll be back in a few hours to continue this discussion.” She turned toward Hannah, her face lined with concern. “Please don’t tell Ma and Da anything that would upset them. I realize the brutal truth was necessary between the four of us, but not for them…not yet.”
The muscle in Hannah’s jaw twitched, but she nodded in agreement.
Stefan and Brandy walked past her sister and brother-in-law, then into the deep forest behind the house, traveling several miles to hunt. After Stefan sated his thirst and Brandy’s hunger, they headed back.
She touched his arm. “Stefan, I was so proud of the way you handled that situation at the house. Tristian caught me completely off guard, and I was at a loss. Sorry it was left all to you.”
“That’s okay.” He patted her hand, leaving his laid over hers. “It was apparent he opened wounds that you weren’t prepared to discuss. I figured it was only fair to take responsibility and clear the air. Tristian had every right to say what he did. His only interest is to protect you. From his point of view, I’m a danger to your well-being. Hopefully, h
e will reconsider that position eventually.”
“If he doesn’t, it will be his loss. I know Hannah will accept you,” she said determinedly, tiliting her head up, a mischievous smile spread across her face. “There’s always the rest of my family in Ireland.”
Approaching the house, Stefan stopped. It was now or face her while Tristian did. “Before we make any other plans, there is something I need to tell you.” Stefan intertwined his fingers with hers, holding on tight, motioning to the bench on the patio.
“What is it?” She glanced at their hands as the tips of her fingers turned purple. “Stefan, please loosen your grip just a bit.”
“What—oh—sorry.” He loosened his grip slightly, rubbing her fingers to restore the blood flow. “I…uh…well. Aww hell.” Stefan ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Before taking the job as a DJ…” He paused for a beat, swallowed hard. “I worked for the Vampire Council. I was discovered trespassing on their territory. The Council didn’t take kindly to a lone vampire with little training and even less control complicating the difficult peace they were trying to forge between themselves and the humans. Captured and beaten into submission, I was given a choice by Lady Rose, head of the Council—death or join her clan and work for the Council. It was a no-brainer. She assigned a mentor to me since my sire had abandoned me. Which, if you were wondering, was Serena.”
Brandy nodded, caressing his arm with her hand.
“The mentor was an elder of the vampire hierarchy and served as the Council’s assassin. As his apprentice, I learned quickly what he expected. I excelled in my position, earning the trust and respect of the vampire community. I took assignments on my own. On one of those missions, I met Tristian.” Stefan paused to gauge Brandy’s reaction.
Brandy sat with a hand covering her mouth, listening. Now her eyes met his and she folded her hands in her lap. “You know Tristian. Why didn’t you tell me?”