A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance (Demon's Witch Series Book 3)

by Tena Stetler

  “Why didn’t you say so?” Tristian demanded.

  “I tried. You hung up on me. Therefore, I felt an immediate visit was necessary to impress upon you the urgency of the situation. I am still your boss. However, my temper flared. For that I apologize.”

  “Understood,” Tristian said.

  “If we went to Ireland, all of us along with my family residing there could be in danger?” Brandy asked, a crease forming across her forehead.

  Bruce rocked back on his heels and tented his fingers. “It depends on how you want to look at it. The time has come that everyone related to those of us in power need to be aware of the danger. Hannah and Brandy, your family in Ireland must be told one way or the other. Their relationship to you and Tristian is easily traceable.”

  Hannah crossed her arms across her chest and stared at Tristian, an “I told you so” expression on her face.

  “Your choice—either you explain that Tristian is a demon hunter and what is going on in the world by phone, or you make a holiday out of it, telling them in person. As I see it, it’s the only way to keep everyone safe.”

  Stefan moved toward Bruce, extending his hand. “I have a couple of things I’d like to clarify.”

  Bruce tilted his head amicably. “Well, at least someone in this family has manners.” He grasped Stefan’s hand in a strong handshake, squeezing down hard. “Good to see you again.”

  Stefan returned the favor twice as hard. Bruce grinned and released his hand but said nothing.

  “We don’t need to cancel our trip to Ireland. If I understand you correctly, there is no greater risk than here,” Stefan confirmed.

  “Armed with the knowledge of what is going on, that’s exactly right. We have additional eyes and ears in the British Isles now. They haven’t seen or heard any further signs of underworld activity. Should Synn come to us, we’ll be able get a lot more information. By the way, are there any other humans in your family other than Tristian?”

  “No,” Brandy said. “Hannah and I are the only ones in relationships outside our kind.”

  “That’s putting it mildly.” Laughing, Bruce looked from Brandy to Hannah. “You girls really preferred something different, huh?”

  “No more than you apparently did,” Brandy shot back, her eyes blazing with contempt.

  Bruce raised his hands palms out in surrender. “Take it easy—I meant no harm—merely an observation.”

  “Mine too,” Brandy said, smirking.

  “I think preying on a family of gifted gryphons will be difficult. Especially when that includes a vamp with assassin skills and a weapons cache, who doesn’t sleep much, and a powerful warlock in that group. If you really want to go, be careful and keep in touch. Don’t go anywhere alone. There’s safety in numbers. You won’t have the protection of this house, but that’s the only difference. The choice is yours. I believe Tristian will agree with my assessment.”

  “Yeah, knowing what your enemies are up to is a great advantage. I can weave a protection spell for our accommodations while we travel,” Tristian added reluctantly.

  “Then anyone who knows either of you will need to be told you are going on…”

  Tristian interrupted, “That won’t be necessary. Stefan and Brandy are just visiting and have taken leaves of absences from their employment until the first of the year. As far as my connections, I assume you’ll take care of those.” For the first time since Bruce had arrived, Tristian’s voice was civil and his face relaxed as he looked expectantly over at Bruce, who nodded agreeably.

  “Hannah, you’re not friendly with any of your neighbors or people in the town that might notice you are gone? Appearance is everything. It can’t look like you’re running.”

  “Well…actually, there is Jill and her husband, Evan, down the street and Willow’s parents, Birch and Freesia. I work from home or while traveling so no problem from my job. I’ll let them know we’re going to spend Christmas with family overseas.”

  “That’ll work.” Tristian nodded in agreement.

  “Mind if I ask, is it always this tense when you two are in the same room?” Stefan looked from Tristian to Bruce.

  “Only when it’s personal, and this isn’t bad. No blood has been spilled.” Angie smiled. “It used to be a lot worse. Tristian didn’t approve of my choice of mates, and when I married Bruce, it was Tristian’s worst nightmare. You’d think I did it on purpose just to spite him.”

  “You didn’t?” Bruce asked disappointedly, then grinned.

  Angie raised her hand, threw her weight into it, and swung; Bruce ducked, grabbed her hand, and spun her round to face him, lifting her up off the ground and holding her close to his body as she struggled against him, giggling. She turned her face up toward his; their eyes met. There was so much love reflected in them toward each other. Then he brought his lips down on hers affectionately.

  Stefan considered a cheeky response but was beat to the punch by Tristian.

  He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. “Get a room, guys, or let’s get back to business.”

  She wriggled free of Bruce’s hold, looking at Tristian boldly. “Well, it looks like you have plenty. May we borrow one? A room, I mean.” Angie grinned wickedly as she dodged Tristian’s attempt to cuff her upside the head and leaned back against Bruce as he grabbed Tristian’s wrist in warning.

  Pulling free, Tristian’s eyes narrowed, and Bruce raised his hand in surrender as Angie elbowed him in the ribs.

  “Knock it off, you two. Stefan and Brandy are going to think you’re heathens when, in fact, you’re both professionals just blowing off a little steam out of the public eye.” She smiled sweetly, turning her attention back to her brother. “Please continue.”

  Setting aside their personal differences, they finalized the plans, deciding that Tristian, Hannah, Brandy, and Stefan would fly to Ireland for Christmas. Bruce and Angie would handle things locally, with daily contact reports via phone or fireplace.

  Hannah broke in, yawning wide, “It’s late, guys.” She shot Tristian a warning glance as she said sweetly, “Angie, why don’t you and Bruce stay with us tonight. We can finish this discussion in the morning when we are all fresh.”

  Tristian nodded amicably. “As you noticed, we’ve plenty of room, and security is not an issue.”

  “We’d love to,” Angie said with syrupy sweetness, grinning at her brother. “Tobi and Owen can handle anything that may come up tonight, and the salon is closed tomorrow.”

  “Who?” Brandy tilted her head and cocked a brow quizzically.

  “Tobi and Owen manage The Wycked Hair in D.C. for us. They’re demons but are also trusted friends and allies. Bruce has known them for—” Angie hesitated “—a very long time,” she finished awkwardly, shrugging.

  The scowl on Bruce’s face smoothed out. The corners of his mouth slightly curved as Angie snuggled closer in his arms.

  “You know what?” Brandy, smiling over at Hannah, her eyes sparkling with mischief, said, “It would be nice for all of us to get to know each other. Why don’t you two plan to stay here a few days? Go sightseeing with us.” Her eyes darted back and forth between Angie and Bruce. “It would set the stage for a family get together as we discussed.”

  Stefan turned away to hide a grin he couldn’t keep from forming. Tristian looked less than pleased yet could do nothing about it. Then a thought occurred to Stefan. “That sounds like a fine idea. There seems to be precious little recreation done together as a family.”

  “Shut up, Stefan!” Tristian hissed.

  Stefan shrugged and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets as he walked across the room to look out the window. His back turned, he grinned wide.

  “That’s a wonderful idea,” Angie sang. “Bruce, are you going to call Owen and let him know we will be out of town for a few days, or do you want me to call Tobi? They can open the salon and keep things under control till we get back.”

  “I’ll do it,” Bruce said with a heavy sigh. “I don’t sup
pose there is any way of talking you out of…”

  “Nope! It’s been a long time since we’ve spent time with family. I’m not going to give it up,” Angie said. “Besides, a little R&R is just what you need.”

  “Okay, but I’ll need access to a secure communications line.” Bruce glanced over at Tristian.

  “Got one here you can use.”

  “Usually if I’m gone, you take over, but…a few days shouldn’t matter. I’ll just tell Owen in person and get my laptop.” Bruce stepped outside the house and walked down the driveway to a point where he could use magic and disappeared.

  Hannah looked over at Angie. “Will he be gone long?”

  “I doubt it.” Angie smiled.

  “Good,” Hannah said, turning back to Brandy. “Would you come help me get a room ready for Angie and Bruce?”

  “Sure.” Brandy raised an eyebrow in question.

  “Hey, wait for me. You’re not leaving me down here with them!” Angie jerked her thumb in the men’s direction and bounded up the stairs to catch up with Brandy and Hannah.

  Before the women reached the first landing, the atmosphere snapped, alerting Tristian to magic use, and a few moments later a light knock sounded on the door. Tristian waved his hand and the door opened. Bruce walked through the door and over to the group, laptop in hand.

  “Keeps you on your toes, doesn’t she?” Stefan remarked to Bruce, watching with appreciation as the three women ascended the stairs.

  “You have no idea,” Bruce mused, then smiled. “That’s what first attracted me to her.”

  “I’m going to go on up to our room and wait for Brandy. Goodnight, gentlemen.”

  A few minutes later, Angie leaned over the banister and called down, “Bruce, our room is ready. Wait till you see it. Hurry!”

  Bruce nodded to Tristian and took the stairs two at a time to where Angie stood.

  Tristian, still brooding, called up after Bruce, “What about Synn?”

  “If she comes to us, Tobi and Owen can handle her till we get back. They are extraordinarily good at what they do too.” Bruce replied nonchalantly as he joined Angie and they ambled into their room and closed the door.

  ****

  The dawn brought with it a multitude of colors spreading across the bright-blue sky. By late afternoon, the few white, fluffy clouds turned dark and ominous. Sheets of freezing rain pelted the roof of Tristian and Hannah’s home. The storm raged on through the evening. Thunder crashed and lightning crackled as it streaked violently across the night sky. Stefan couldn’t help but wonder if Mother Nature was throwing a temper tantrum, or was it something else? Magic perhaps? He leaned against the counter in the kitchen, observing everyone. Bruce and Tristian eyed the sky pensively. Oblivious to their concern, Brandy and Hannah cheerfully discussed the upcoming trip and the shopping that was necessary before leaving.

  Over the next several days, Stefan watched as the animosity of Bruce and Angie’s arrival gave way to camaraderie and fun while the girls shopped for the trip and the guys talked shop and favorite vacation spots. He was surprised to find out Tristian owned a bungalow and private beach in Hawaii.

  Tristian suggested an impromptu day ski trip, which was the highlight of the week as far as Stefan was concerned. Skiing was a favorite pastime before he was turned. However, the dinners out at the only upscale restaurant in Misty Harbor came in a close second. Not for the food, but kicking back and talking with everyone.

  Stefan couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone to a theater, but he enjoyed the two movies Hannah suggested they see, especially the one about an actual hitman who was an accountant too. It had a great twist he didn’t see coming.

  At the end of the impromptu family reunion, Stefan was sorry to see Bruce and Angie leave. She could be a hoot, and Bruce—he was dignified most of the time but wasn’t above joining in the spirit of fun, especially at someone else’s expense. Stefan chuckled and shook his head. A surprise turn of events, given the start of the visit. While the safety concern was ever present, a good time was had by all. The insight he gained would prove quite useful going forward.

  Stefan’s concern about meeting Brandy’s large family in Ireland intensified as she delighted in telling him there would be a huge celebration. “With all of us home for Christmas, you can bet Ma and Da will throw a grand party.” She flicked her long hair over her shoulder and danced a jig. “Everyone living in our small coastal village off the Celtic Sea will be there. Shaughnessy’s has catered to magickind for as long as I can remember.” Brandy batted her long eyelashes at Stefan, smiling coyly.

  Too soon for his liking, it was time embark on their Ireland adventure.

  Chapter Twenty

  The Emerald Isle’s Tales Await

  The plane’s wheels set down at the Cork Airport just as the fog cleared and the rain gave way to a fine mist. Brandy and Stefan cleared security and customs first, followed by Hannah and Tristian. A small woman with misty green eyes, her short red curls bouncing, rushed up and threw her arms around Brandy, hugging her tightly.

  “I’ve missed you so much.” She kissed Brandy’s cheek, then drew her back, holding her by the shoulders. The woman’s gaze swept over Brandy’s face, taking a long look into her eyes, then glanced over at Stefan. “This is the young lad we discussed months ago?”

  “Aye, Ma, this is Stefan.” Brandy smiled wide and reached out for his hand. “Stefan, this is my ma, Mary Shaughnessy.”

  “Looks like the two of you worked it out. I’m happy for you, darling,” Mary said, patting Brandy on the back lovingly, and reached out to include Stefan in the hug. Leaning over, he put one arm around her while the other still held Brandy’s hand. Mary’s forehead creased with concern for a moment, then, smiling up at him knowingly, she added, “Welcome, Stefan. You be good to our Brandy, or you’ll be answering to her da and me!”

  “Yes, ma’am, there’s no doubt about that,” Stefan said cheerfully.

  Hannah, followed by a hesitant Tristian, joined the group. Mary turned and reached out for her oldest daughter. “Hannah, it’s been too long. I’m so glad to see you.” She shifted, giving Tristian an appraising look. “This must be your young man…uh…husband.” She wrapped an arm around his waist. “Welcome to our family.”

  “I missed you too, Ma. Yes, this is Tristian,” Hannah said as she patted his shoulder encouragingly and kissed his cheek.

  “I hope you don’t mind.” Mary beamed. “We’ve planned a Ceilidh at the pub in honor of your wedding, Hannah, and Brandy’s return with her young man.”

  “Gee, now there’s a surprise.” Brandy laughed, shooting Stefan an “I told you so” look.

  He merely smiled at her, sending a thought. I hope we get to hunt before the celebration. Fourteen hours on the plane and a warm reception by your parents have sorely tested my restraint.

  Of course, she responded in kind. Can’t have you feeding off the townspeople. Her lips twitched at his scowl.

  A tall man with a stocky build, sandy-colored hair graying at the temples, and bright-green eyes waited patiently. “Me girl, I’m so glad to see ya.” He wrapped his arms around Brandy, lifting her off the ground in a strong bear hug, and swung her around in a circle like she was a rag doll. When he put her back on her feet, he held her by the shoulders and studied her face. “You look a lot happier than the last time we saw you. There’s a twinkle in your eye I haven’t seen before.”

  He reached over with one hand and clasped Stefan’s shoulder, giving it a little shake as he grinned. “You put that twinkle in me Brandy’s eyes?”

  “Aww, Da.” Brandy beamed and turned. “Stefan, this is my da, Tim Shaughnessy.”

  Raising a brow, Stefan said, “I hope so, sir.”

  Tim’s smile reached into his eyes and he had an easy manner about him, a born publican. Brandy could never tell exactly what her da was thinking.

  “Da and Ma own the Shaughnessy’s Pub in our small fishing village. The pub has been passed down from father to son
for generations, like the magic concoctions served alongside the pints of ale.”

  “How far from here to your home?” Stefan asked, his forehead creased.

  “Our home and the pub are in Ballycotton in the county of Cork, Ireland.” Brandy said proudly, her Irish lilt becoming more prominent.

  “Approximately forty-six kilometers, right?” Tristian glanced at Hannah, who nodded.

  Tim released Brandy and Stefan, then strode over, hand extended, to Tristian. “You must be Hannah’s young man.”

  Tristian shook Tim’s extended hand and smiled, “Yes, I’m Hannah’s husband, Tristian.”

  Tim narrowed his eyes at Tristian. “Aye…you ran off and secretly married me girl. Then waited damn near to a year before you two owned up to it.” He shifted his scrutinizing gaze to Hannah, but his lips gave way to a grin again. “Well then, you’re here now, aren’t ya? You’ll be paying the consequences for that behavior.” He thumped Tristian on the back, then let out a hardy laugh, eyes dancing. “Me girls both brought home Yanks.” Tim shook his head.

  Mary sent him a warning glance. He shrugged. “Well, they did.”

  Tristian grimaced and glanced over to Stefan.

  Stefan immediately put both hands up, palms forward, and mouthed, “You’re on your own.” He turned back to Mary. “Brandy and I will meet you at your home or the pub after we have checked into our hotel and freshened up. Where could we rent a car?”

  “Oh no, you’ll not be staying in a hotel,” Mary and Tim said simultaneously. Mary shook her head and waved a finger in front of their faces. “You’ll be staying with us. We’ve plenty of room.”

  “Ma, it’s probably better if we stay in a hotel. Stefan and I don’t…”

  “Ma, Tristian and I have reservations too, so…”

  Mary interrupted. “Nonsense. Your father and I won’t hear of it.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “Whatever is making you four uncomfortable, we won’t let it matter. Now come on. Get your luggage loaded, and we’ll head for home.”