by Brenda Trim
“That’s good because Pepper is a pain in my rear,” he replied, filtering his true feelings about the gnome that swore fealty to the little princess. What Rami really wanted to say was the little fucker was a huge pain in the ass and needed the shit beat out of him.
“Aw, don’t say that. Pepper is my friend, Rami,” she said with a pout.
Rami decided to take the high road so he didn’t upset Izzy any further. “You know, Iz, I wish I had your ability. Then, I could stay in bed all day and eat to my heart’s content and never get up, except to pee,” Rami said and she giggled.
He wondered if she created the objects from nothing or if she simply transported them from another place.
He remembered a conversation with the Rowan triplets. They were the High Priestesses, ruling the witches of the realm. From what Pema and her sisters explained, magic couldn’t create something that didn’t exist, but normal rules didn’t apply to Izzy. She was Goddess-touched.
“Dat’s cheating, silly. The Goddess says not to use my power dat much. Someting about it attracting the bad demons,” Izzy murmured as she picked up a flower-shaped sugar cookie and took a large bite.
Rami took a sip of his tea and realized it wasn’t tea at all. “Chocolate milk. I wasn’t expecting that,” he teased with a wink, making Izzy giggle. “Does your mommy and daddy know about what the Goddess told you?”
Izzy stood up and danced to her dresser and grabbed her tiara and ran back to his side. “Yep. I told them. Put this on pease,” she told him and held out the silver headpiece.
He expected it to be plastic and was surprised to feel the weight. Knowing the wealth of the Tarakesh family, Rami would bet it was pure silver and that the sparkling stones were actual diamonds. It pissed him off that the vampire gave Elsie everything he couldn’t.
Rami put the tiara on and cocked his head so the crown tilted. “What am I doing wrong? It won’t stay in place. Is my head too big?”
Izzy fell into a fit of giggles and laughed so hard, Rami was helpless not to join her. Her sweet laughter was contagious. He reached out and tickled her tummy then rolled to the floor, taking her with him. He continued to tickle her until she begged for mercy.
Sitting cross-legged on a plush area rug, Izzie crawled into Rami’s lap.
“Can you put it on me?” Izzy asked, grabbing the tiara from the floor. “I’m not posed to wear it, but if you’re here then I can.”
“Are you sure you should be putting this on? I won’t get in trouble with your mommy, will I?” Rami asked with an exaggerated expression of fright on his face.
“Of tourse not. Mama loves you. She won’t be mad, and I won’t wear it out of my room. She says it’s too much and I don’t need to wear it, but she’s wrong. I need my sparklies,” Izzy admitted as she placed it in Rami’s palm.
Rami’s throat constricted at hearing her words. If only what she said was true. Elsie no longer loved him. She was hopelessly devoted to Zander.
It’s for the best, get over it.
He avoided Elsie and Zander as much as possible because the knife remained buried in his chest. It ached and twisted at the oddest moments, stealing his breath. He no longer held any romantic notions of love and loyalty. Izzy was his only source of true happiness. How ironic considering she was the result of his greatest heartache.
When he looked at the vampire princess, he saw Zander but when she opened her mouth and talked, she was one hundred percent Elsie. Izzy shared her mother’s same stubborn determination. Even at a young age, the little girl did what she saw fit, regardless of the outcome. Once they realized that, Izzy’s family focused on teaching her good from bad, and safety from danger. It was the only way to protect her.
While Izzy shared so much of her mother’s personality, she was also very different from Elsie. Izzy’s taste in clothing and jewelry was extravagant and bold. Elsie was the total opposite and Rami appreciated that Elsie remained simple and classic, despite being filthy rich. Some might think Izzy was spoiled rotten but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. She possessed a heart of gold in her tiny body.
Izzy didn’t hesitate to protect those she loved and Rami acknowledged there were no limits to her capability. He was certain she would accomplish big things in her life, and was blessed to be given a front row seat.
“Like this?” he asked as he gently put the crown on Izzy’s head until the attached comb caught in her hair, and the tiara stayed in place.
She touched her head carefully and jumped up exclaiming, “Yes,” then rushed to the mirror on her closet door. She swished her pretty blue dress back and forth and smiled wide. “Tank you, Rami. Want more milk?”
“No thank you but I must say, this pie is delicious. Tastes just like your mom’s.”
She giggled. “I know. She made dat this morning. I know you love it best.”
That answered his earlier thought on whether she conjured images or moved them from place to place.
“Yes, I do. But, let’s save some for Orlando. He likes it, too. How’s Donovan?” he asked, referring to the young cambion that was Izzy’s favorite playmate.
Izzy’s smile disappeared and she rushed back to his lap where she curled up and snuggled close.
“What’s wrong, Cupcake?” Rami asked as he brushed her long locks from her face.
“I’m scared for Donny. I seen bad things happen to him,” Izzy said in a small voice and her bottom lip quivered.
The hair on the back of Rami’s neck prickled and stood on end. Elsie had premonitions and he wondered if Izzy shared the same affliction.
When he was married to Elsie, he had dismissed her ‘feelings’, calling her paranoid. After he became an angel, Rami discovered life was far more complex and dangerous than he ever imagined. There were monsters that went bump in the night and when bad things happened, there was sometimes evil behind it.
One of his biggest regrets was that he hadn’t apologized to Elsie. He should’ve believed in her when he had the chance. Maybe things would’ve played out differently for them.
“What did you see?” Rami asked curiously.
“I saw a bad demon and dey stole Donovan. He was mad and fighting and kicking, but he couldn’t escape. There were bars and he was bleeding. It scared me. I don’t want him to die,” Izzy admitted and when she looked up at him, her big blue eyes filled with tears.
“Did you see where they were? Can you tell when this is going to happen?” he asked, trying to hold his eagerness back.
If she could give him an idea where to start his search, he could find Crocell and stop her. Then he’d prove to Camael he could do his fucking job plus the job of the warriors.
“Oooo, your eyes are bright red. Like pretty lights,” Izzy observed and placed one finger under his left eye.
Rami’s anger got the better of him and his eyes took on an otherworldly glow. He was different than the supernaturals whose eyes glowed when they were aroused. He remembered when he discovered that little gem of information.
It was when he was staying at Zeum and Elsie rushed into Izzy’s nursery one night when she heard her daughter crying. Rami was cradling Izzy when Elsie barreled through the doorway, her skin flushed and her eyes glowing brightly. It didn’t take a fucking genius to know what her and Zander were doing in the next room.
Rami had no idea if angel’s eyes glowed when aroused. He hadn’t been aroused since the day he was thrust back into Elsie’s life. Life was a bitch sometimes.
Shaking off his ruminations, Rami focused on Izzy and murmured, “Do you know where they were?”
“No. Donny was mad and his beast was coming out. All I saw were trees. Can you protect him, too? Be his Guardian Angel? We can share you,” Izzy pleaded. He saw the hope in her eyes over the prospect and he hated to be the one to crush that wish.
“No, sweetie. It doesn’t work that way. I don’t have a connection with Donovan, and I can’t make one, but I promise to search for the demon and stop her before she gets to him,” Rami v
owed.
“It’s not a her though.”
“What do you mean? The new demons are females with blue wings. Did you see their wings, Iz?”
“No. I don’t tink they have wings. I need him to be safe,” Izzy demanded.
“I will find them, Cupcake. You can count on me,” Rami vowed.
This was the reason he became an Angel of Retribution and he refused to fail this little girl.
Chapter Twelve
Breslin stood at her refrigerator, searching for something to eat. She didn’t know why she was looking because she wasn’t hungry. She was on edge. Her nerves were a jittery mess and she hoped a snack would calm her emotions. She scanned her shelves, trying to decide what to grab.
Apple? No.
Cheese and crackers? No.
Chocolate truffle? Ooh, maybe.
She grabbed the foil-wrapped delicacy and twisted the ends. Popping the white chocolate into her mouth, Breslin enjoyed the burst of creamy goodness. She loved gourmet chocolate almost as much as she loved cheesecake.
Unfortunately, the heavenly treat did nothing to ease her anxiety.
Had she made the biggest mistake of her life, asking Rhett to move in with her? The male had squashed her heart like a pestering bug. Could she trust him not to repeat it? She wanted to believe he’d changed, but she wasn’t certain.
At least having him close, she could feed more often. Her body quickly recovered after taking his blood a few times. The mere thought had her gums tingling and she knew she would need to feed again soon.
Breslin hated that she was so dependent on the male. Damsel in distress didn’t suit her. She called the shots, not the other way around. And yet, here she was, sitting around waiting on him. Anger, hot and unyielding, coursed through her veins. This was not how she envisioned life after finding her Fated Mate.
Her mate was supposed to complete her. Make all her fears and uncertainties disappear. Ha, what a joke. Rhett only added to her insecurities.
She grabbed another truffle and slammed the refrigerator door. The last thing she needed was to overindulge on the calorie-loaded dessert. Not that supernaturals were prone to weight gain. Their metabolism was off the charts and they were healthy and fit, but too much of the sugary substance gave her a stomachache.
Maybe she should hit the training room for a quick workout before Rhett arrived. That would ease not only the stress, but her pent-up lust. Breslin’s mate mark flared to life, reminding her she needed to complete the mating. Fat chance of that happening anytime soon. She wasn’t about to plan a ceremony with a male that might leave her standing at the altar because he needed to go on another walkabout.
A soft rap at her door startled her out of her contemplation.
“Come in,” she called and her gut twisted.
The door swung open and she watched Rhett swagger into her suite of rooms. The male left her breathless every time she saw him. Goddess, he was sexy. Her eyes trailed from head to toe, taking in every inch. Her core clenched with need at the sight.
“Hey, Flame,” he husked and walked to her, setting his small suitcase on the floor by her feet.
“Did you have any problems getting inside the gate?” she asked, aware that Rhett wasn’t the most welcomed visitor at Zeum.
“Uh, not too bad. Nate had a couple jabs but I expected that. I passed Zander, too. You might want to check me for holes after the death glare I received,” Rhett commented as he wrapped arms around her waist and pulled her flush against his torso.
“Doona pay him any attention. I talked with him and Kyran a bit ago. I’ll get with Bhric when he gets back. They know I’ve asked you to move in,” she explained.
“I’m well-aware that I need to prove myself to your family and friends. I can’t expect them to go back to the way things were so easily. Having said that, they are not my priority. You are,” he admitted as his hands roamed her back.
She wanted to melt into him and get lost in his arms, but she knew that was a bad idea. They needed to discuss some things. She stepped out of his embrace and walked to the nearby sofa.
“I’m surprised you have just the one bag. Is that all of your things?” she asked as she took a seat.
Rhett followed her lead and sat beside her. “You’d be surprised how much is in there, but yes, that’s it. When you travel as much as I have, you learn to keep it light,” he replied and reached over to caress her cheek.
Heat blazed where he touched and she leaned into his palm. She craved his hands all over her body. His simple stroke left her burning with need. She met his gaze and watched flames dance in his orange eyes. It was hypnotic.
He leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “Do you need my blood?” he whispered in her ear as he kissed a trail along her sensitive flesh.
“Aye,” she panted.
“Take what you need, my love,” he murmured and tilted his head in offer.
She felt his fire ignite, reminding her of what happened outside the restaurant. Shaking off her desires, she put a hand to his chest.
“We need to talk. You need to explain what happened earlier. I havena seen you like that before,” she stated.
“I’d rather give you what you need. Let’s forget about that and focus on the now,” he coaxed and scooted closer.
“Nay, Rhett. I canna forget. It scared the shite oot of me. It felt like you were slipping away. Why?” she demanded.
Rhett sighed and leaned forward, his head resting in his palms. He sat quietly for a few minutes then answered. “I’m not sure. That’s never happened to me before.”
Breslin wasn’t sure what to make of that. Rhett was over a thousand years old. She couldn’t imagine there was much he hadn’t experienced at least one time in his life.
“I’ve heard fire demons are unpredictable when it comes to rage. Was it that?” she asked and leaned forward to meet his gaze.
“Yes. My inner beast has remained in check all my life. I’ve always controlled my fire…until tonight. When that fucking shifter staked a claim on you, I lost it. The beast broke free and wanted to destroy everything. That’s all I can tell you,” he said and reached over to grab her hand.
“Bre, it was you that brought me back. I could feel you battling the demon for my fire. I was lucky. Typically, once the beast has control, it’s hard to cage them.”
“So, are you saying you need me as much as I need you?” she asked with a slight grin.
She wished that were true. Unfortunately, the mating compulsion wreaked far greater havoc on Breslin than any fire demon did on Rhett.
“Yes, and no, Flame. The way I see it, it’s your fault he escaped. Flaunting that jackass in front of me. If you ever pull a stunt like that again,” he growled.
“My fault? Doona blame me. You brought this whole mess on yourself!” she snapped and Rhett burst into laughter.
“Ah, my beautifully wicked Flame,” he cooed and pulled her to him, laying back on the sofa.
Instantly, heat sparked between them. She loved the feel of her fire calling to his.
“Ugh, you jackarse,” she quipped and tried to sit up but he held her tight.
“Don’t fight it. You know it feels too good. Just be,” he encouraged as he grabbed her wrists and pinned them behind her back.
Breslin was trapped but not entirely. She was strong enough to break free of his hold if she wanted.
“‘Tis your problem, demon. Everything is aboot the moment with you. But what happens when the moment ends and you want something else?” she said teasingly, even though she meant every word.
Rhett released her wrists and cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“Gods, I hate what I did to you. I’m so very sorry for putting doubt in your mind. If I could have a do-over, I’d change so many things, but that isn’t an option. I promise you this. No matter how long it takes, I’m going to prove how much you mean to me. Just don’t write me off, Flame. Can you give me that much?” he asked as his thumbs caressed her flesh.
* * *
“I promise that I’ll give this a second chance, Rhett. Doona disappoint me,” Breslin replied.
Rhett could see the hurt in her eyes. He wished he weren’t responsible for putting it there. There was a wall between them and he hoped he could tear it down before it was too late.
“Och, doona tell me you caved, puthair,” intruded a familiar voice.
Rhett and Breslin turned their heads to see Bhric standing in the doorway.
“Come in, brathair,” Breslin cried out as she climbed off Rhett and sat cross-legged on the sofa.
Rhett sat up and swung his legs to the floor, resting his arm along the back of the sofa. Bhric took a seat in the adjacent chair, his eyes pinned on Rhett.
“Doona give him the evil eye. I asked him to move back in. How did it go with the humans?” Breslin asked as she straightened her t-shirt.
“It’s all taken care of. And, I doubt you’ll be hearing from your shifter friend after tonight,” Bhric said with a laugh.
“If that fucker so much as texts you,” Rhett barked, and his beast rattled its cage. The fire in his veins gained momentum and his vision wavered.
Breslin rubbed circles on his thigh and Rhett took several deep breaths. It calmed the worst of his anger to where he could focus. Realization dawned. His demon was awake and could easily take control if Rhett wasn’t careful.
“Thank you for handling that,” Rhett said to Bhric, rubbing his chin.
“Look. I doona know where this is going with the two of you, but Bre’s happiness is all that matters to me. Treat her right or you’ll be answering to me, demon. Got it?” Bhric snarled.
“Understood,” Rhett replied and met Bhric’s stern gaze.
“Good. Now, I’m going to get cleaned up before my mate gets home from the hospital. I borrowed some metal handcuffs from Kyran and thought I’d test her abilities on escaping them,” Bhric said and smiled.