Chapter Twenty-six
Fifteen minutes later, I was delighted to be pulling into the driveway of Garrett’s lovely Victorian style home. After helping me out of the car, he opened the large front door and waited politely while I entered first. Walking through the foyer, we entered a living room with an enormous fireplace. The mantel was intricately hand-carved in a rich dark wood, so I inspected it more closely. Cheetahs in various poses shared the lovely relief amid a variety of assorted exotic flowers and trees. It was magnificent and I wondered if Garrett had designed it himself. Meaning to ask, I saw him looking up, so I followed his gaze instead.
A painting of a man, a woman, and two children hung above the mantel. The man looked so much like Garrett I knew instantly this was a family portrait. The auburn hair, strong jawline and build were identical to Garrett’s. His father looked extremely serious in the painting, as if he’d refused to smile for the artist, but you could detect tiny laugh lines around his sparkling hazel eyes. The woman was lovely, with wavy dark red hair and Garrett’s sapphire eyes and special smile. His little sister was so sweet, with her mom’s red hair and her dad’s large eyes. She looked around ten years old and was wearing a long smock dress in a pretty print with a matching bow in her hair. Garrett was trying to look serious in the portrait like his dad, but only succeeded in looking worried. He wore an old fashioned long jacket, a long vest, and knickers with hose and seemed to be about fifteen in the painting. His thick hair was pulled back and tied in a ponytail at his neck.
“It was painted in 1790. My father was French and my mother, Irish. They met in Quebec and fell in love instantly. They were passionate and argued about many things, but my sister and I never doubted they loved each other deeply. When the British forced the French Canadians to leave Canada, we settled in Louisiana. Marie mated with a lion shifter and her mate, her children, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren still live there. They’re mostly lions, from what I hear, although I might have one great-nephew who’s a cheetah shifter like me.”
His expression changed from nostalgic to sad. “They don’t want anything to do with me. They blamed me for surviving when the rest of my family died and for continuing to live as a vampire. They told me I should have walked into the sun the moment I was able. To them I’m the worst kind of traitor.”
I wrapped my arms more tightly around him and felt him lean against me, burying his nose in my hair and taking a long calming breath. He’d shared something very personal with me, something still causing him great pain, although it was so many years later. I wanted to comfort him, to heal him, but all I could do was hold him. It didn’t seem enough.
I would have stayed in his arms for hours, but we had to prepare for the meeting. He pulled away and cradled my face in his hands, kissing me gently. The pain in his eyes touched my heart and I wished again I could help him.
When we broke apart I took his hand and looked around the rest of the room. There was a large brown leather couch in front of the fireplace and two armchairs in a rich brocade fabric that matched perfectly. The walls were decorated with various paintings, some of which looked vaguely familiar. Along the wall was a bar with three tall stools and in the far corner of the room, near a picture window, was a violin and guitar case both leaning up against their own music stands designed for that purpose.
He saw where I was looking. “I’ll play for you sometime. No time tonight.”
He handed me a garment bag and a small shopping bag. “You can use my bedroom to change; second door on the right. There’s a private bathroom attached where you can shower. I’m going to cook for you tonight.” He gave me another sweet kiss on the lips, pushing me gently toward his room. I passed a doorway with stairs which probably led up to additional bedrooms, and could just see the kitchen at the end of the hallway.
I had to smile when I entered his huge bedroom. It was the perfect retreat for a single man. A king-sized bed fit out in burgundy satin sheets dominated the room but a reading area with two comfortable chairs and an enormous bookcase near the picture window made the room more homey. An antique unit on the right held an MP3 player and a speaker dock. The carpeting was a deep pile in a very warm brown, luxurious under my bare toes. All the wood was rich with an antique feel, appropriate for my dark angel.
I tried to suck in his delicious scent and thought about what the aroma actually reminded me of. Dark chocolate with a hint of sweet oranges: two of my favorite flavors. His cheetah smelled like the sea, churned up and full of life. I shook my head, laughing, and wondered if Garrett knew he could bring me to my knees just by standing in front of a fan.
Giggling, I headed to the shower and was not surprised to see it could easily fit three or four people. I glanced at the bathtub on the other side of the room. Same story. I really didn’t want to fantasize about him with other women because I’d get myself all worked up and I needed to keep my cool tonight. He must have had countless lovers throughout the decades. How could I ever compete?
I showered quickly and concentrated on thinking only happy thoughts.
Wrapped in a large white towel, I crawled mischievously onto the huge bed. It was so soft and luxurious, covered with lots and lots of pillows. I picked one up and buried my face in it, wondering if he’d smell me there when he slept that morning. Liking the idea, I did the same thing with every pillow on the bed.
When I opened the shopping bag he’d given me, I was a little embarrassed to find a matching bra and panties in black silk and wondered when he’d shopped for them. Of course they fit perfectly, which made me smile. I guess when he’d carried me naked he must’ve gotten a really good look. A devilish part of me enjoyed the idea.
In the garment bag were black leather pants, so soft I could sleep in them, and a green silk halter top with a V-neck, not too deep, but enough to show a little cleavage. I stood before the mirror amazed at my reflection. The emerald color suited my skin and hair and brought out my green eyes dramatically. Definitely kick-ass. I applied some makeup and used the comb and blow dryer sitting on the sink, leaving my hair down. I glanced at myself one last time, took a deep breath and followed the delicious scents emanating from the kitchen.
When I entered the room, still in my bare feet, Garrett was facing away from me. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was, so I pressed myself up against his back and wrapped my arms around his waist exclaiming “Food. Now. Please?”
“Hunger reduces you to single syllables? I'll have to remember.” I giggled against him. “I recommend you back up slowly unless you want your dinner to decorate your outfit instead of fill your belly.” Backing away obediently, I gave him some room to turn and look at me.
My heart raced. I so wanted him to like what he saw.
His expression broadcast his delight. “Oh yes, I think the council will be in for a very big surprise tonight. You look sophisticated, sexy, and powerful. They’ll think twice before messing with you. Do you like the look?”
“It’s amazing, Garrett. Thank you!” I spun around showing him every angle.
He kissed me gently on the lips, but I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer, wanting more. His lips, still nestled against mine, turned up at the corners.
“Don’t laugh. Just kiss,” I mumbled against his mouth. He responded by deepening the kiss, opening his mouth and exploring mine.
When he nudged us apart, I was dizzy, hot and cold and grinning like a silly girl. He smiled, speaking again in his practical way, as if nothing earth shattering had happened. “There are shoes. I bought several pair. You can pick later.” Shoes. He was talking about shoes. Maybe my kiss didn’t affect him the way his had affected me. I frowned and looked away.
A gentle grasp of my chin turned my face back around, as a stray lock of hair was tucked behind my ear. He spoke softly. “Eat now. I’m taking a quick shower. Then we’ll talk, my sweet cheetah.” He touched my nose, teasing me into smiling back.
I sat with a dreamy sigh and followed his orders, savoring each bi
te of steak, baked potato and asparagus, being very careful not to drip anything on my silk blouse. Fifteen minutes later, Garrett returned wearing a black suit and a dark gray button-down shirt without a tie. He sat in the chair right next to mine sipping on a glass of red wine and leaning back to watch me eat. When I got some of the juice from the steak on my fingers I decided to tease him by licking it off. He shook his head and chuckled. “Focus on the meeting.”
I sighed and swallowed down another bite. “Do we know any more about the wolf pack who kidnapped you?”
“A good friend did some investigating. The pack leader of the Pine Ridge Pack was up in arms about my killing the three wolves who’d attacked us the night before. He hired Miranda to help him capture me. From the evidence gathered, it appears he’d had a lot of unsavory dealings with her in the past, a fact which upset many of his pack members. My associate told me most of the wolves seemed relieved that John and his second, Hank, were dead. Only the wolves at the lodge and the witch, Miranda, were directly involved in my kidnapping.
“They could be lying.”
“He interviewed them in person. He’d know if they were lying.”
“Is he another vampire?”
“Definitely not.” He laughed, his beautiful eyes sparkling. “You’ll meet him soon.”
He didn’t seem to want to go down that path so I changed the subject. “What’s going to happen tonight?”
“The Crescent City Shapeshifter Council is made up of three shifters: Maya, a cheetah, Brad, a leopard, and his mate, Sylvia, a lion. They’ll ask you questions and you’ll have to prove you’re not a loose cannon. Once they find out you’re a cheetah, you should be in the clear, especially since you can already manipulate the ley lines. We will have to be careful how we explain your special talents, but the council members all respect Rob’s skills as a trainer and also his instincts.
I put my fork down, suddenly feeling anxious. He reached over, weaving his fingers between mine in support. “I would never let any of them hurt you.” His face was paler than usual and I wondered when he’d fed last. It was only eight thirty. We wouldn’t be leaving for another hour.
“Have you eaten, Garrett?”
He grinned. “I’ll call a donor after the meeting.”
“Why don’t you feed from me?”
“I told you I wouldn’t, but I appreciate the offer.” His cool fingers brushed back and forth against my arm. My heartbeat quickened.
“What about the second part of the mating bond: sharing blood at the same time. We could share tonight.” I corded my fingers through his hair, then over his ear.
“If I had blood pressure it would be very high right now.” His smile was adorably crooked.
“I’ll feel safer tonight if our bond is stronger.” I lifted my wrist to his mouth and smiled teasingly.
He brought my hand back down to the table and shook his head. “The bonding ritual shouldn’t be taken lightly. This second step is more meaningful. I don’t feel right about sharing blood with you unless you’re serious about our relationship. It’s not a game, and you were being playful when you offered me your wrist just now. Think seriously about what you’re offering, because it will bring us closer than you can imagine.”
It was clear for him this was more than the act itself. This was a promise to work together toward something permanent between us. And permanent for a shifter and a vampire was a very long time. I smiled because down to my bones I wanted to give him that promise. There was nothing in my life I’d ever wanted more.
I lifted my wrist again and spoke to him seriously. “I understand what it means and I want this. I’m in love with you.” His eyes widened and I felt a little surprised myself. Blurting out the L word might scare him off, but I hoped he felt the same way, even if he didn’t say it out loud. “I didn’t mean to treat it lightly.”
He smiled and lost his worried look. “We’ll exchange a few drops of blood, but I’m not going to feed from your vein. You’re not ready.” The huskier tone of his voice and the sparkle in his eyes were a siren’s call to my body. I leaned closer.
He laughed, grasping both of my hands. “We’ll complete the spoken ritual and I’ll take a small amount of your energy the way I do with my donors.” He fished a thick golden chord from a closet, sitting beside me again. I moved my chair closer to his, then nestled my forehead against his shoulder, lifting my wrist once more to his lips.
Never taking his eyes from mine, he bit into his own wrist, leaving two perfect holes already beading with blood. Before biting into mine, he licked the sensitive skin on the underside of my wrist, numbing it slightly before he bit down deeply, pulling out one long swallow to get the blood flowing. I whimpered with the first pain, but when his saliva mixed with my blood, a warm serenity drifted throughout my body.
He placed our wrists and wounds together, tying them with the soft chord and whispering a few phrases in French. He translated: “Joined in blood, power, and life.” I sighed in pleasure as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled energy very gently from my body.
“I could stay like this forever,” I sent to him, kissing his shoulder and breathing in his intoxicating fragrance. I peeked at his face, waiting for a response. He was watching me carefully with narrowed eyes, probably concerned he’d weaken me too much before the meeting.
“It wouldn’t be wise. You need your strength to deal with Maya.”
“I'm rarely wise.” I yawned.
“Enough, I think.”
The sensation ended as he untied the chord. His skin was no longer pale, however his fangs were still fully out and his eyes swirled with a silver fog. It took a great deal of strength for him to stop taking energy after only a minute. With any other vampire I’d probably be in serious danger right about now.
“Just a drop.” He held his wrist to my lips and brought mine to his. We tasted the other, his blood a familiar friend to my body. When he leaned in and kissed me, the blood on our lips and tongues mingled together. Our minds opened in a sweep of magic, and I felt his love and his desire wash over me as mine must be washing over him.
After too short a time, he pulled away, his voice deeper, “How are you feeling?” He laughed softly at my wide-eyed expression.
“You’re worried about me and ... and I can feel it. As if I’m feeling it myself.” I must have looked a little spacey because he sat and pulled me down into the chair next to him.
“We can still keep our thoughts private, that’s one of the advantages of our shields, but we’ll be more in tune with each other emotionally. At times I’ll know when you’re angry at me and you’ll know when I’m particularly captivated by you.” He ran his knuckles lightly down my cheek.
“And vice versa.” I giggled, a light-headed fool. “Do you feel stronger?”
“Oui, ma jolie Jacqueline. Yes, my lovely Jacqueline.” He seemed to get a kick out of mentally sending me the translation. “Your energy is a potent blend and your blood is more delicious than any other’s.”
He sounded so sexy when he said such sweet things to me. “I don’t speak French but I kind of love it when you do.” I twisted my fingers through his hair.
“My father was born in Paris in 1582 and taught us all to speak Parisian French. Even Aaron. My cousin was at my house more than his own.”
“But you sound like someone raised in California.”
He shrugged. “I always try to fit in. If I ever go back to Louisiana for a visit, I’ll fall into the drawl, I’m sure.”
Gracefully, he moved to the fridge to pour me a glass of orange juice. “Drink this, you’ll feel better.” I drank it down, the rush of sugar relieving some of my shakiness. “The effects of our bond will fade in a few months, unless we share again, or unless we complete the third part of the ritual. The connection between us will help tonight at the meeting. Keep yourself open to me but make sure you’re closed to Maya. She’ll be testing you. Her questioning may become intense.”
“What’s the worst that
can happen tonight?”
He sat next to me again. “You’re an adult. If they judge you to be dangerous, they might issue an order of execution. Or they could mandate special training with Maya. If execution is the decision, I’ll get you out of there and safe, somewhere far away. You have nothing to worry about.” I trusted him completely but I wasn’t an idiot. Being judged by strangers was frightening. Plus I didn’t want to think about having to move away from my new friends and my new life.
He stood, pulling me into his arms. “I’ll protect you with my life. Je t’aime aussi. I love you, also.”
“Je t’aime.” I repeated the words as closely as I could: my new favorite expression.
He smiled. “I think you need shoes, correct?” Garrett walked to the closet and brought out six pairs, diverting me for a few minutes. I picked a pair of black sexy boots, bringing me closer to his 6’ height.
“Are you ready to go?” I nodded even though my stomach was in a knot. He helped me into a green leather jacket that matched my shirt exactly, then took my arm in his and led me to the door. I stole a glance at the house as we pulled away in his car and spun a quick private fantasy of a possible future living with Garrett in his lovely home.
Rebirth - Book 1 Rogues Shifter Series Page 26