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

by Tena Stetler

  “That’s what I’m asking you.”

  “No, you asked me if I believed in Tiarnan. That answer is yes, as apparently you do too… now.”

  “Oh, it gets better. The faerie king also said”—using his best Irish imitation, he repeated Tiarnan’s words—“it’s you and Brandy that will control the destiny of mankind and magickind alike. ’Tis sorry I am to lay this at your feet, but ’tis what I know.’”

  Brandy took another deep breath and blew it out. “I guess it’s time to call a family meeting and tell all.”

  “I don’t think we’re ready to do that…yet. Let’s wait until after the celebration?”

  “That might be best,” she agreed. “Unless…”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  A Vampire’s Relationship Advice to a Demon Slayer

  Stefan was sitting in the living room watching the gulls dive into the white-capped ocean waves when Brandy danced into the room in her stocking feet. “Ready for the celebration at the pub tonight?”

  She pirouetted through the room, gracefully coming to rest in front of him. Her arms arched behind her in a fluid movement as she bowed down and then dissolved in a fit of giggles. Reaching out, he gathered her into his lap.

  She laid her flushed face against his shoulder, looked up, and sighed. “All our friends and family will be there. Isn’t that wonderful? It’s been so long since I’ve seen the lot of them and been in the mood to party.” She leapt out of his lap.

  He raised a brow, puzzled, and watched her again whirl around the room. “Weren’t you here a few months back?”

  “Yes, but that was different. I had thinking to do and didn’t want to see anyone. I kept to myself, spending time with Ma and Da. Ma helped ease my mind. She listened and said little. When she felt I was ready, she gently suggested that, no matter what had happened, I was still very much in love with you and I’d best be returning to America to try to work things out, or I’d probably regret it. Then she handed me a one-way airline ticket for the next day back to Montana. Ma’s a very wise woman.” She sighed again and wrapped her arms around Stefan’s neck.

  Suddenly, without warning, she was up, yanking him out of the chair and tugging him down the hall toward their room, “Now, let’s get ready. I feel like celebrating! Don’t you?”

  Her exuberance was infectious. “Sure, why not?”

  She spun around, padding quietly into the closet, pulling out a silky bright-green dress and matching shoes, and holding them up for his approval. “What do you think of these?”

  He nodded. “Let’s see them on you.”

  She wriggled out of her jeans and sweatshirt and slipped the holiday dress over her head. Striking a pose, she whirled around so the hem of the dress twirled with her. Stefan enjoyed the view as the frock clung sexily to her curves.

  “Perfect.” He wanted to wrap his arms around her right then and forget the celebration. She was so beautiful and sexy. Knowing she’d have no part of that, he changed into the black jeans and crimson silk shirt she had laid out for him and waited.

  Thankful they had hunted last night, so Stefan’s thirst was controlled. He felt confident to be among her family tonight.

  There was a sharp rap on the door followed by Tristian’s annoyed voice. “Stefan, could I see you for a minute?”

  That man is becoming a real thorn in my side. Crossing the room, Stefan opened the door and stepped out into the hallway to face Tristian. “What’s up?”

  “Do you know what these people are planning?” he hissed. “A celebration. A party tonight. And we are expected to join them. We need to tell these people how much danger they are in, not go to their damn party.” Tristian paced the hallway in front of Stefan, running his hand through his tousled blond hair.

  “Tristian, relax, man. Let Brandy and Hannah’s parents enjoy having the girls home. Get to know your in-laws. That’s mainly why we’re here. There’s plenty of time to tell them.”

  Fuming, Tristian turned to face Stefan. “But this isn’t the way I had it planned.” Then Tristian stopped, noticing that Stefan had changed his clothes. Groaning, Tristian rolled his eyes. “You’re not planning to go along with this. Are you?”

  “Yes, I am, and so are you. Where’s Hannah?”

  “In our room. We…ah…had a slight disagreement. Oh, hell, we had a big fight. She told me to get out and not come back.”

  Shaking his head, Stefan laid a hand on Tristian’s shoulder. “Oh, let me guess, you told her that you weren’t going to the party and neither was she.”

  Nodding, Tristian brought his arms up from his sides palms up and then let them drop. “What was I supposed to do?”

  “First off, you’re not running the show here. This is Brandy and Hannah’s time to enjoy their family and introduce us. You didn’t allow Hannah a big wedding, as I believe is the custom in Irish families. Then, on top of that, you wouldn’t allow her to tell her parents she was married.”

  Tristian’s thunderous expression changed little, though he acknowledged Stefan’s observations with a curt nod.

  “Yet they welcomed you into their home and family like a son. Now you refuse to go to the celebration thrown in our honor. It’s Christmas time, man.” Stefan stared incredulously for a beat. “On top of that, you tell Hannah she can’t go either. Do you know what she is capable of in a fit of anger?”

  “What do you mean? She’s pretty even-tempered most of the time,” Tristian claimed proudly. “With a few exceptions,” he admitted.

  “Oh, come on. You saw my scars. You know exactly what I mean. Sounds like you have finally pushed Hannah to the breaking point. If you want to keep her, you need to make some drastic changes and quickly. That’s what I think.”

  Brandy opened the door and peeked out. “Tristian, what are you doing standing there in just your jeans?” Laughing, she stepped toward him and ran her index finger down his bare chest. “You’ve a handsome enough chest, nice muscles, but Stefan’s, well, now, puts yours to shame. Run along and get changed. We’re all to be at the pub in a bit of a while.”

  Tristian shifted from one foot to the other, glowering at her.

  Stefan put his arm around Brandy, pulling her close, and kissed her soundly. He glanced at the warlock, then cleared his throat. “Brandy…Tristian has a slight problem.” Stefan couldn’t help grinning at the situation, angling his face away so Tristian couldn’t see it. “Hannah threw him out of the room for being his usual charming self.”

  “Well, for heaven’s sake, what’d you do?” she asked, hands on her hips, eyes narrowed. “Oh, never mind. I can guess.” With a twitch of hip, Brandy flounced down the hallway toward Hannah’s room. “I’ll be right back,” she called over her shoulder.

  In a couple of quick strides, Stefan caught up with her. Reaching around her waist, he spun her around. “Do you think intervening is a good idea? Maybe we should let them work it out for themselves, as we’ve done.”

  She stood in the middle of the hallway, frowning. Turning, she glanced back at Tristian, then to Stefan. “Hmmm, maybe.”

  “The upcoming months aren’t going to be easy on anyone. They need to rebuild a relationship on mutual respect and common ground. From what I’ve seen, Tristian calls the shots and expects Hannah to follow. I think that is about to change. For a healthy relationship, it needs to do just that,” Stefan said softly.

  Brandy’s brows shot up in surprise, then her face softened. “Stefan, when did you get so smart?”

  Smiling, he took her hand, walking back toward Tristian. “You were strong when I needed you to be. I was there when you needed me. We’ve learned the hard way what it takes to make a relationship work, and we’re better for it. Now Tristian and Hannah have to learn the same thing, or—” he hesitated, considered, then continued “—go their separate ways for a time.”

  Chewing on her bottom lip, worry creased her forehead, and she nodded, “You’re right. But I suspect this whole situation is pushing Tristian to his limit.”

 
“Better they work it out now rather than later when it could cost us all.” Returning to where Tristian still stood, looking miserable, Brandy gave him a pat on the arm, then walked into her room, leaving Stefan to deal with him.

  “Tristian, from what you’ve told me, you’re way off base. Compromise is the basis of a good solid relationship. You can’t always have your way, just as Hannah can’t either. You need to reach an agreement that both can live with. Explain the reasons for your actions, then listen to her. Don’t just tell her the way it will be. Communicate.”

  “Keeping everyone safe is my job. If I explained every little action before I took it… it could be fatal,” Tristian hissed, crossing his arms across his chest, his gray-blue eyes dark and foreboding.

  “And there lies your problem. This is personal, not professional. If you want to keep her, it’s time you did. Family is very important to her.”

  “I am well aware of that. But I’m only thinking of her safety.” He paused. “Hell, the safety of everyone here.”

  “Are you?” Shrugging, Stefan walked back into Brandy’s room. “I gotta finish getting ready. Brandy and I are going to enjoy ourselves tonight. I hope to see you and Hannah there.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  A Vampire in the Family Celebration

  A fresh evergreen wreath with pinecones and red berries hung on the outside door. Stefan enjoyed the pine scent, then yanked open the heavy wooden door. Laughter and music spilled out from the pub and nearly sent them reeling back out the door. Brandy ducked under his arm, and he followed her into the pub. Bright multicolored twinkle lights hung around the room, tied in the corners with large green and red bows. A few patrons were gathered around the tree at the end of the bar, hanging ornaments, stringing popcorn, and singing carols.

  The polished dark wood floor gleamed. Worn brown leather booths were arranged around the walls. Tables and chairs were scattered around the pub. It was standing room only. The aroma of mulligan stew wafted through the air, mixed with holiday evergreens and a yeasty scent. Pleasant, he imagined, by human standards.

  Across the room, behind the massive oak bar, Tim stood busily pulling pints and talking with customers. Working the other end of the bar was a younger man with dark-red hair and a quick smile. Tim turned to drop coins into the till. He glanced up at the mirrored wall behind the bar. A wide array of vials of mysterious steaming liquids and more familiar bottles of liquor stood neatly arranged on glass shelving. A wide smile spread across Tim’s face. At the same time, the young man at the other end of the bar threw up the pass-through and shoved his way through the crowd to them. Grabbing Brandy up in a bear hug, the man said excitedly, “Welcome home, darling.” Then he held her back from him a bit. “You look radiant.”

  “Aw, Gavin, it’s great to see you too. Now quit creating a scene and put me down.” She hugged him tight, then wriggled a bit, placing a loud smacking kiss on his cheek.

  Setting her back on her feet, he turned to Stefan. “You must be the reason for my sister’s radiance.” He grasped Stefan’s hand firmly. “Gavin Shaughnessy is me name. Sorry I didn’t get by the house earlier. I was away scouting out entertainment for the celebration. Had to make sure they were good as people claimed.” He polished his fingers on his shirt and grinned. “They’re great! Wait till you hear ’em.”

  Brandy narrowed her eyes. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  Stefan reached out and shook his hand. “Stefan Talltree, and I’d like to think I am the reason.” He winked at Brandy. She sent him a saucy smile and nodded.

  Gavin’s eyes sharpened. “Have a care with her, or you’ll be answering to me.” He put his other arm around Stefan and, much to his surprise, gave him a quick hug. “Welcome, Stefan. Me sister is a bit of work, she is, so you’ll have your hands full.”

  “Don’t I know it.” Stefan grinned back at him, pulling Brandy against him. “But she’s worth it.”

  Gavin jumped up on a chair and let loose an ear-splitting whistle. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”

  It grew quiet. Even the band paused between songs. Stefan shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, glancing around the room. The last thing he needed was to be the center of attention. Brandy laughed and tossed her long, curly hair back and grabbed hold of his hand.

  Gavin motioned to them with a sweep of his hand. “’Tis a sad day for all you single lads. Me sister Brandy here is no longer available. She has taken up with this here Yank, Stefan. Help me give him a fine Irish welcome.” Gavin hopped to the floor and turned to his sister.

  A loud cheer erupted from the crowd, and the band struck up a lively tune. Gavin swung Brandy into a quick step dance, their legs flying. The faster the music, the faster their feet flew. As the crowd yelled for more, Stefan leaned back, relaxing against the bar, watching the most important person in his life. What a concept—one he never thought possible after being turned. Yet here he was, watching other young men in the crowd gaze at her eagerly, then glance sideways at him with envy.

  “Brandy and her sister used to be the national step dancing champions,” Tim said proudly, then asked, glancing over the crowd, “Where’s Hannah and Tristian?”

  “They had a few things to work out but should be along shortly,” Stefan assured him and fervently hoped that would be the case.

  Bouncing over, Brandy twirled around once, then fell into Stefan’s arms. Looking up at him, she giggled breathlessly. “I’d forgotten just how much fun being here with family and friends could be.”

  He gathered her in, wrapping one arm around her waist and raising the other to cup her chin in his hand. Tilting her chin up as he kept his eyes on hers, he brought his mouth down over hers, hot, hard, and proprietary. She’s mine.

  Brandy melted against him as he tightened his arm around her, and the rest of the world ceased to exist. Gradually they became aware of their surroundings again as cheers rose from the crowd, and from across the room a voice called, “That’s the way, laddie.”

  Brandy, not missing a beat, grinned at Stefan. “You’ve got to learn to step dance.” Her green eyes bright with mischief and her cheeks flushed with excitement, she sprang back to her feet, dragging him out onto the dance floor. The crowd parted and fanned out, clearing plenty of room.

  Once on the floor, Brandy instructed, “The first thing to remember is that at all times during the dance your arms must be straight and held down by your sides, like this.” She demonstrated, tugging his arms down to his sides.

  “Nice,” she cooed encouragingly.

  Talking as she demonstrated the steps slowly. After a couple of poorly executed tries, he finally got his feet untangled and slowly followed her lead.

  “Great job. Now let’s speed it up a bit.” She looked over at the band and winked. The band played the tune faster; still he followed her steps quite well.

  “Okay, now the hops.” Demonstrating the action as she spoke. “Your turn.” Grinning, she bowed slightly, extending her arm toward him, enjoying his discomfort just a bit. He glanced to the bar at Tim and Mary, getting only a wink and a nod of encouragement.

  “Now let’s add the side step. It’s a hop or a jump, moving your leading foot to the side, like this.”

  Beginning to see the rhythm of the dance, he caught on quickly. The band took advantage and played the tune to tempo. Brandy executed the steps first; he followed—a kind of dueling dance. Brandy was much better at it, but in the end, he managed to complete a tune without falling on his face and without further embarrassment. He considered that a great accomplishment.

  When it was over, the crowd clapped and shouted words of encouragement for him and praise to Brandy. Her face flushing bright red with excitement, she threw her arms around his neck, rewarding him with a warm kiss, and, between breathing in big gulps of air, said, “You’re a natural, you are. What fun.”

  Grasping her arms, he spun her around once. “Yes, it was. I can’t believe that you wrangled me into that, and in front of strangers.”


  On the upside, he’d never seen Brandy so happy and carefree. As they wound their way through the crowd back to the bar, he spotted Tristian, arm around Hannah, standing against the wall beside the door. By Tristian’s smug smile and amused expression, it was apparent he’d seen the spectacle and probably figured it served Stefan right.

  Suddenly, a large burly man with bright-red hair reached a hand out of the crowd, catching Brandy by the arm. “Dance with me, darling. We’ll show him”—he flicked his thumb toward Stefan—“how it’s done.”

  “Kevin, I really don’t…” Brandy began too late as he had already whisked her back onto the dance floor.

  Stefan started after them, but Gavin put a hand on his shoulder and guided him back toward the bar. “Brandy can handle him.”

  Jealousy swelled up inside Stefan, and he didn’t care for it one bit. Ruthlessly shoving the feeling aside, he leaned against the bar, hand grasping the edge, knuckles turning white. Gavin returned to his duties pulling pints.

  Tim reached over and laid a hand on Stefan’s shoulder, leaning on the bar. “Let Kevin have his dance, then go on over and rescue her. They were involved before she left Ireland. Brandy went her own way partly to get away from him, is me thinking. Kevin never got over her.” Tim grimaced. “I don’t think he was here when Gavin made the announcement that she was taken. Don’t be too hard on the lad.”

  “Sure,” Stefan said, grudgingly forcing an understanding smile. Feelings churning inside him were anything but understanding. He wanted to rip the bastard’s head off.

  Tristian and Hannah finally made their way to the bar. Tim leaned over the bar and kissed Hannah on the cheek. “Well now, it’s about time the two of you showed up. You just missed Brandy and Stefan’s dance.”

  “Nope, that we didn’t.” Hannah’s eyes sparkled. “Saw it all, we did.” She grinned from ear to ear.

  Tristian, shaking his head and trying to keep a smirk off his face, finally asked, “How’d you let her force you into that?”