by Tena Stetler
“Because I’d have to tell you everything. I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to forgive my prior life.”
She rose and walked around a bit, then turned back to him. “Stefan, you did what you had to do to survive. How could I blame you for circumstances beyond your control? Did you enjoy your position?”
“No, that’s why I left with Lady Rose’s blessing, which is a very rare situation. Usually, if you defy the Council and ask to leave, you’re released from duty in a pile of ash. Although I am still obligated to her should something extreme happen and she needs my services.” Stefan sat quietly, waiting for Brandy to say something.
Brandy returned to her seat. “Tell me how you met Tristian.”
“It’s a long story. Hannah and Tristian are waiting on us inside.”
“I don’t want any more surprises, so give me the short version.” Brandy insisted.
“Okay. I was assigned to locate the Vampire Council’s stolen Labrys. After a long search, I discovered it within a band of rogue creatures, but there was an innocent involved. After contact with Lady Rose, I discovered that innocent, Angie, was the kidnapped mate of a powerful demon overlord, Bruce. After contact with the overlord, Lady Rose instructed me to stand down and wait for the rescue team headed in my direction. Tristian, Angie’s brother, led the team. We kicked ass that night. Terminated the entire rogue group. Tristian rescued Angie, sending her back through the dream realm where the kidnapping took place. Her essence returned to her body and awaiting mate. End of story.”
“I see. One question, what is a Labrys?” Brandy wanted to know.
“It’s a double-headed, jewel-encrusted magic ax wielded only by vampires of true blood.”
“Oh.” Brandy took a breath, preparing to ask another question, when the door to the house flew open. An unseen force propelled them inside. Stefan suspected Tristian’s magic had a hand in it. They nearly tripped over their luggage sitting inside the entryway.
“Brandy, please don’t be mad,” Hannah said, wringing her hands as her gaze darted from them to the luggage. “Tristian and I would like to get a chance to know Stefan better. You and I have a lot of catching up to do.” She paused, sucking in a breath. “Besides, you both will be safer here than at the motel.” Her hand flew up to cover her mouth, as if she’d said something she shouldn’t, then she waved the same hand in a dismissive fashion. “We’ll explain that situation tomorrow morning. If it’s okay?”
Tristian lounged beside the luggage, one wide shoulder leaning against the wall, his expression dark.
Relaxing her shoulders a bit, Hannah continued. “Realizing your need for privacy, we’ve prepared the bedroom suite on the other side of the house for you. It has a king size bed that should be comfortable for both of you, a small sitting room with fireplace, and its own bathroom. Please stay with us for the rest of your visit.”
Brandy glanced over at Stefan. He nodded slowly. Might as well. Nothing left to hide.
“Okay, we’ll give it a try for a couple of days,” Brandy agreed. “We’ll see how the arrangement works out.”
A smirk curved the corner of his mouth as Tristian snapped his fingers and the luggage disappeared.
Hannah smiled happily and motioned them to follow her up the massive wooden staircase. Their room was huge. In the corner of the room, a fire crackled in the little stone hearth, giving it a warm, cozy feel. There was a comfortable-looking steel-blue-and-cream loveseat and matching rocking chair positioned in front of the fireplace. The bedroom carpet was a frosty gray, butting up to steel-blue tile at the entry to the bathroom. The walk-in shower was bigger than the whole bathroom in his cabin. Stefan touched the cool marble walls, noting the several spray nozzles and a bench running lengthwise.
Hannah opened the linen closet, indicating the towels and extra toiletries. “If you need anything else, let me know.” With a smile and a wave, she bustled out the door, leaving them to settle in.
Pausing for beat, she turned. “We’ll be downstairs for a while longer if you want to talk. Otherwise we’ll see you in the morning.” She reached back and closed the door softly behind her.
“I’d like to go downstairs for a few minutes and say goodnight to Tristian and Sis,” Brandy said, stifling a yawn. “This has been a strange day.”
After putting their clothes away, they walked down the right side of the ornately-carved split wooden staircase that opened into the large family room. Stefan ran his hand over the banister and examined intricate carvings on the newel posts. “Wow, there is a lot of Old World craftsmanship in the woodwork of this home.”
Tristian and Hannah sat curled up, arms around each other, beside the crackling fire in the room, talking softly, their heads close together. Tristian glanced up as Stefan and Brandy quietly padded into the room, not changing his intimate position with Hannah, yet his expression was relaxed and inviting.
“The carvings are ancient charms my parents used to protect this house. Join us.” He motioned to a couple of enormous royal-blue velvet pillows lying on the floor next to them. Stefan sank down on one and Brandy wound herself into his lap, relaxing her body into the curve of his. I could definitely get used to this. Brandy is so relaxed and affectionate here.
“I’m glad you decided to join us,” Tristian said slowly. “I appreciate your complete honesty this evening and apologize if my behavior made you uncomfortable. As you know, diplomacy has never been one of my strong suits. Though I am learning.” Tristian smiled at Stefan. “Unfortunately, where my family is involved, I tend to act first and ask questions later.”
“No problem,” Stefan said in a relaxed and friendly manner. “Your concern is understandable. It’s good to have everything out in the open.”
Over the next couple of hours, the conversation revolved around what Stefan and Brandy wanted to do during their visit and how long they were planning to stay.
Tristian asked, “You’re a DJ in Montana now?”
“I am the overnight DJ for Big Fish Radio, a classic rock radio station in Whitefish. I’d worked there for a while before meeting Brandy. During my time at the station, I’ve covered extra shifts and took very little vacation. When I asked for an extended leave, my boss was willing to let me take a couple of months off. An intern will fill in. They’re a great bunch of people.”
Tristian raised one eyebrow questioningly. “You worked among humans on a daily basis?”
“Yeah, sort of. The midnight shift is pretty solitary. The human contact is limited to the guy I come in after and the one who relieves me in the morning.”
“Oh, so they know what you are?” Tristian asked incredulously.
“No, not exactly. My good friend and coworker, Cody, has an idea, but he never pushed the issue. The rest just think I like my privacy because I don’t socialize much. I have made a few good friends and they are very accepting.”
“And the situation with Synn?” Tristian asked again.
Tonight was not the time to discuss it, so Stefan merely said, “Later.”
Tristian raised a brow, then nodded. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Brandy yawned and snuggled into Stefan’s chest. A few minutes later, she dozed off.
Hannah’s lips curved and her expression softened as she watched Brandy, then looked up at Stefan with true compassion. “The situation today has been very hard on her, though she will never admit it.”
“I know,” Stefan whispered, running his hand gently through Brandy’s hair, curling a strand around his finger, then letting it spring free.
“You handled it with grace and dignity.”
“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take her upstairs. Goodnight. It was a pleasure to see you again, Tristian, and meet you, Hannah. See you in the morning.” Stefan stood up in one fluid movement with Brandy in his arms and climbed the stairs to their room.
Quietly, he closed the door with his foot. Stefan stood there, savoring the moment, holding her tightly to his chest.
She stirred, bli
nking open her emerald eyes, brushing her soft warm lips against his jaw, and bit lightly at the side of his neck. “Make love with me tonight. We’ll deal with the other issues when necessary. They’re archaic at best.”
He sensed something inside her change. She seemed more empowered by her decision, knowing it was the right one for her—for them. Brandy had given in to her fiery desire and aching need for him, which had been building for weeks.
His raw nerves jangled. He went hard at the thought of finally running his hands over her luscious curves, feeling her warm naked body under his, taking her completely.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, he lowered her to her feet. She tangled her fingers in his hair, curving her long, lean, sensuous body to his. Need and desire consumed him as her body moved against his.
She traced her full lips with the tip of her tongue and ran her finger along his jawbone, sending jagged shards of lust straight through his loins. He eased her on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of her.
He laid his cold hands on either side of her beautiful face, enjoying its warmth, looking deep into her bright-green eyes, and whispered, “Are you sure? What about…”
She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Shhhh.” Then she nodded, murmuring, “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.” Her lips were warm and sweet on his as he swept her away with the dreamy intimacy of a kiss.
Sliding her blouse off her soft shoulders, his lips followed the smooth curve. His hands slowly explored the soft lines of her waist and hips as his mouth followed.
Heat flashed into her as she moaned, and her eye lids fluttered closed. When he caressed her skin, her heart raced. He felt her desire, and they both wanted more, wanted it all.
“No, don’t close them. I want to watch how my touch makes you feel.” His gaze still holding hers, with one hand he yanked his shirt over his head and flung it to the floor.
Brandy slid her hands down the side his neck and over his wide shoulders, her fingers lightly exploring the muscles across his back. Finally, she reached down, unfastening his jeans and sliding them onto the floor with her foot. He stepped out of them. Her gaze lingered over his powerful naked body as if she were seeing it for the first time.
He unhooked her pants, letting them pool at her feet. “Step out of those, beautiful,” he whispered, then he kicked them out of the way.
Easing her back onto the bed, she gasped as he lowered his body over hers, then rolled to the side and lay beside her. Propped on one elbow, he slid a hand between her thighs, caressing, exploring, easing a finger into her.
She thrust up against him. “Stefan, please…I want…I need you inside me,” she urged, reaching for him, guiding him to her, feeling his moist tip at her opening. Yet he held himself back.
She was so tight, there was no way she was ready to accept him. “Not yet. I want to know every part of you. I want to taste all of you.” He continued running his hand over her smooth Irish-cream skin.
When he placed his mouth over her breast and curled his finger into that sweet spot deep inside her, a shiver ripped through her. Heart jolted and pulse pounded as she slid off the edge and cried out his name. Then she was pliant, like melted wax at the base of a candle. He continued to caress her, drawing out her pleasure until the last shudders faded away.
Moving his hand to the small of her back, he held her against him and pushed his erection between her legs, and, rubbing it gently against her until she spread her legs wider for him, he slid his hand between her legs and his fingers into the heat, exploring, stroking, and arousing her again. When he slid farther down, wedging his shoulders between her thighs, she opened for him. Sweet.
Brandy writhed underneath him, moaning, and thrust her hips up toward his talented mouth. “Stefan, now, please. I can’t stand anymore,” she pleaded.
“With pleasure.” He moved over her and slipped slowly into her tight, pulsing center, finally filling her.
Joined now, he moved with long slow strokes that pleased and pleasured. She arched up against him, wrapping her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into her as she stretched to accommodate him. She tensed and pulsed around him. She bit her lip to keep from screaming as she soared to a shuddering peak for the second time. The corners of his mouth curved in a satisfied smile.
Riding the wild passion radiating from the soft core of her body, he still held on and held on until her breath came in long surrendering moans, then buried his face in her wonderfully tangled hair, groaning as he shoved deep inside her, allowing release. Finally, he laid his cheek against her warm breast, snaking his tongue out to caress her rosy nipple as he lay spread over her moist, warm body, still enjoying the afterglow.
Peace and contentment washed over them before he rolled on his side and nestled her head in his shoulder. His arms wrapped securely around her, she succumbed to sleep. Beside her, he watched her full lips pucker, then relax into a smile as though pleased with her dreams. He fervently hoped she wouldn’t regret this in the morning.
****
As the first bright-orange rays of sunrise entered their room through the panoramic windows, he enjoyed the way she snuggled against him with their legs intertwined, then considered last night. It was the best night of his existence. Brandy had slept tucked in the crook of his arm. She seemed so at peace here. He wasn’t sure whether the change of their relationship or the brutally honest exchange last night was responsible, but he was sure this was how life should be.
Brandy opened her eyes and looked deep into his, sharing such unconditional affection that the passionate feelings, still smoldering from last night, stirred, threatening to ignite.
She murmured, “You are so right,” responding to his thoughts. Her warm, sweet lips caressed his bare chest and continued up his neck as her body slid closer into his. As the sun’s rays warmed their entwined bodies, he slid between her legs again.
Chapter Eighteen
A Demon Slayer’s Home Is Not a Vampire’s Happy Place
Much later, they reluctantly got out of bed, showered, dressed, and walked down the stairs. Before Brandy brought up the Christmas trip to Ireland, Stefan needed answers.
What danger was Tristian alluding to last night? Why were they safer here than in the motel? How could their coming to Maine change their lives as well as Tristian and Hannah’s?
Last night, he’d answered all of Tristian’s questions; today, it was his turn.
“Good morning!” Hannah sang out brightly as their footsteps clicked on the landing. “We’re in the kitchen. Come join us.”
Entering the kitchen, the aroma of coffee, bacon, eggs, sausage, and pancakes filled the air. Human food…how could it smell so good yet taste disgusting? But Stefan hid his reaction. Brandy loved bacon and eggs, and that was what her sister was putting on their plates. Stefan looked at Brandy, slightly shaking his head. He just couldn’t pretend to enjoy that this morning.
“Uh…Hannah…Stefan doesn’t eat food like this. Sorry.” Brandy grimaced.
“Oh, that’s okay. I wasn’t sure.” She picked up the plate in front of him and handed it to Brandy. Then she turned to Stefan. “Do you mind if I ask what you do eat?”
“I don’t mind, but you might.” He winked at her. “It really isn’t a topic for your breakfast table. How about we save that for after breakfast?”
“Brandy taught you alternatives to human blood, right?” Hannah’s lips pursed and her forehead wrinkled in concern as she rubbed the side of her neck. “I never found the practice attractive, but Brandy did. She always liked to explore the wild side.”
“Yes.” He smiled, hoping to alleviate her fears.
“Okay.” Hannah breathed a sigh of relief as her lips formed a slight smile. “So, did you two sleep well? Was the room to your liking?”
“The room is fantastic. I slept like a baby. But Stefan doesn’t require much sleep,” Brandy said in between bites of egg and bacon. “Pass the plate of pancakes, please.” She took a sip of orange juice, stuck
her fork in the stack of pancakes, and shoveled two onto her plate.
“It was a wonderful room to watch Brandy sleep in though!” He grinned, glancing at Brandy. “Watching the moon float across the sky and stars fade as the warm orange glow of the sun spread across the horizon was awesome. I may have napped some in between,” he admitted.
“What do you mean you ‘napped some’?”
“He’s a vampire, Hannah. He doesn’t require sleep like mortals.” Frustration seeped into Tristian’s voice. “In fact, he should be sleeping now. If I remember right, he has some kind of enchantment to allow him to walk in daylight.”
“Oh, I didn’t know.” Hannah’s face blushed crimson.
Glancing over at Tristian, Stefan fingered the gold serpentine chain around his neck. “Got time for questions? Or would you rather wait till you are finished eating?”
“Now’s fine. Go right ahead.” Tristian took a sip of his coffee, put it back on the saucer, and picked up his fork, sliding it under a piece of egg.
“Last night Hannah said it would be safer for us to stay here than at the motel. Why?”
Sighing heavily, Tristian shot a strained glance over at Hannah and stabbed his fork into a piece of bacon with more force than necessary. “Because in my profession, as in your prior profession, I make deadly enemies. There are strong protection spells around our home, making it impenetrable by anyone or anything. My parents originally cast them to protect our family. I’ve tweaked the spells as time went on, adding to the strength.” Taking a bite of bacon from his fork, he chewed thoughtfully.
Stefan nodded in understanding.
“The motel isn’t safe for you.” Tristian shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “You’re better off staying here since being associated with us may alter your lives irrevocably. It’s possible they may have been already.” He popped the last piece of bacon in his mouth and washed it down with a gulp of coffee.
Considering he was not the only one with secrets, Stefan asked, “Why will our lives be altered? What do you mean ‘may have been already’? Are we in danger just being around you? I thought that was my claim to fame.”