Letting Go (Another Falls Creek Romance Book 3)

by SF Benson

  She stomps across the hardwood into the kitchen with me in tow. I’ll admit to not having a clue as to what this room needed. Kelsie made sure to update the appliances and create a functional space designed to do one thing—prepare meals.

  Unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I ask, “What’s wrong? Have I missed something?”

  Elsbeth pivots on her sturdy heel and studies my face for a long, uncomfortable minute.

  “Well?”

  “This isn’t a place for a woman,” she states.

  “Excuse me? I’ve done everything to make this a home for Antoinette. Every inch, every surface is wheelchair-accessible.”

  The Red Witch’s head swings side to side. “It doesn’t appeal to a woman. It’s a two-story man cave.”

  Her assessment stings a bit, but this isn’t about my pride. “How do I fix it?”

  Elsbeth leans against the kitchen island, folds her arms over her chest, and taps her chin with a slim, deformed finger. “Give me a few hours. I’ll take care of it all.”

  It would be a lie if I said I was comfortable with that. Rubbing the back of my neck, however, I remember I asked for her help. “Okay. I guess I can take care of stuff out—”

  “No.” The witch pushes off the granite and wood surface. “You need to leave. Go do whatever men do for fun.”

  Leaving her alone in my house doesn’t seem like a good idea.

  “Do you want my help or not?”

  “I do, but—”

  “No buts.” Elsbeth wanders around the kitchen and then stops in front of me with a gleam in her cobalt eyes. “If you’ve changed your mind…” Her hand goes to my cheek. “I could keep you company. Teach you some things. As Falls Creek’s oldest beings, we should be together, don’t you think?”

  Bile creeps up my throat. Just because we’re both older than Methuselah himself doesn’t mean I relish the idea of sleeping with the crypt keeper. Swallowing hard, I say, “I haven’t changed my mind.”

  “Too bad.” Elsbeth’s gaze sweeps over me. “But I’ll still help you by planning the whole evening. Can you cook?”

  “I’m nobody’s chef,” I say.

  She waves her hand in the air. “Never mind. I’ll provide food as well.” Elsbeth brings her palms together beneath her chin. “New idea. You’re spending the night away from here. Go hang out with Cherina or your new vampire friends.”

  “Why?”

  “I need time to plan properly.” The corners of Elsbeth’s eyes crinkle. “Plus, I’d like a good night’s sleep. I’ll come for you when all is ready.”

  My twitching muscles warn me against this course of action, but when it comes to Antoinette, I’m all in.

  After being kicked out of my house, I head over to Balls Up. On the way, I send a text message to Victor. When I open the door to the bar, I find him sitting at a table in the back.

  He lifts a glass of crimson and lowers his chin as I approach. “Is this a social call or business?”

  “A little of both.” I straddle the chair across from him. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a relationship.”

  Victor takes a sip and sets the glass down. “They’re not easy no matter how old you are. I have to say I got lucky with Kelsie. We hit it off right from the start. But that’s what happens with soul mates. Her brother, Cash, found that out.”

  Brady comes over to the table. “Hey, guys. What’s this? Boy’s night out?”

  “Hardly,” Victor says with a brief laugh. “The new Uraeleus is looking for a little relationship advice.”

  The alpha pulls out a chair. “Oh, I want in on this one.”

  Scratching my jaw, I realize I asked for this. Either I accept it or leave and figure it out myself. If I’m going to win Antoinette’s heart, it’s time I let go of my sinful ways, point my feet north, and learn to deal with shit like an honest man.

  “I don’t know the first thing about winning over a woman’s heart,” I confess.

  Brady strokes his beard. “Good luck with that. I still have days when I can’t get through Audra’s thorns.”

  “What was that?” The female in question sidles up to Brady.

  He slips an arm around her waist. “Sugar, I meant no harm. Marc wants advice on females.”

  “And you asked these jerks?” Audra moves out of Brady’s embrace and sits in the last empty chair. “If you want to know about us, ask one of us. Males only think they know females.” She makes a face and sticks her tongue out at the alpha. “So what’s the problem?”

  “How do I win over Antoinette?” I ask.

  Audra stares into the distance for a moment. “She needs to see you’re genuine. Be honest. Let her see how much you care for her.”

  I lean forward along with the other two males at the table. “How?”

  She cuts her eyes over to Brady. “A grand gesture always works for me.”

  “Roses again?” the male alpha asks.

  Audra gives him a grin followed by a subtle wink. “That won’t get you out of the den.”

  Victor lets loose with a loud laugh. Thankfully, there aren’t any humans around at the moment.

  “I wouldn’t laugh so loud if I were you,” Audra starts. “Rumor has it the last shipment of blood roses almost had you resting in a coffin.”

  The young vampire’s face pales a bit, but he keeps quiet.

  “Here’s what you need to know, Marc,” Audra says to me. “Females, whether human or otherwise, like a little ingenuity. Flowers only go so far. It’s how you deliver your words. It’s your mannerism. Treat her like she’s the most special being on Earth.”

  I’ve existed long enough that I should be familiar with the proper way to romance a woman. Sadly, I wasn’t the type of man to bend his knee and profess love. I was the asshole who left a woman standing in the rain after a thorough fucking. The jerk who wouldn’t be bothered to give roses or dine by candlelight. Honestly, I have no idea what I should do with Antoinette.

  Audra taps my hand, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Marc, just think of what matters the most to her. If you connect with that idea, you’ll connect with her heart.”

  Ballet. It’s the one thing that matters most to Antoinette. It’s the one thing she misses more than anything. I might have stumbled onto something.

  Victor was good enough to drop me off at Cherina’s. She’s closing up business for the day when I knock on the door.

  She greets me with a huge smile. “Good to see you, Marcus. What brings you around?”

  “I need your help.”

  Cherina steps away from the door. “Have you had dinner yet?”

  “No.”

  “You can help me,” she says and saunters down the hall.

  An hour later, Cherina and I enjoy coffee and remnants of a chocolate cake in her sitting room. Dinner wasn’t too bad—chicken parmigiana with pasta and a salad—even with my help. To be honest, I only tossed the salad and poured the wine.

  “Let me get this straight.” Cherina’s hands grip the sides of her cup. “Elsbeth is giving your house a feminine makeover?”

  “Yeah. I asked her for advice with Antoinette.” Shoveling more cake in my mouth, I talk around the portion. “Elsbeth wanted to see my house. When she saw it, she said it needed work.”

  Cherina stifles a laugh. “But she kicked you out to do it? That’s funny.”

  “Not from where I sit.” I finish off the cake and set the fork and plate on the table.

  She holds up a hand. “Okay. I’m sorry for laughing. Back to your idea.”

  “Antoinette’s whole identity is tied to ballet. Before the accident, she was on her way to Paris to dance with some big name company. Audra Nevers said I needed a grand gesture.” So did Elsbeth.

  “I agree.” Cherina places her cup on the side table and leans forward. “What if you were able to recreate Paris for her? Maybe even give her ballet for one night?”

  “What do you mean?”

  A smile tugs at Cherina’s lips. “I happen
to know a few of the supernaturals dancing with the Greater Niagara Ballet Company. What’s her favorite performance?”

  Creases carve into my forehead. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

  “Seriously, Marcus? You claim to have feelings for this girl, but you don’t know even the simple things about her.” Cherina’s gaze momentarily flicks to the ceiling. She takes a deep breath and says, “How about Swan Lake?”

  “What are you thinking, Cherina?”

  “Imagine this… A night at the Palladium spent watching a ballet performance. After the show, you return to your home for a gourmet Parisian dinner complete with the atmosphere.”

  “Seems like a dream. I wouldn’t know how to pull it off.”

  Cherina sits up tall and claps her hands together. The smile that started minutes ago spreads across her face. “Even better… What if I brought Paris here? There are places on Crucifix Island…” Excitement seeps into her voice. “Oh yes! Let me do this for you. I’ll take care of everything on my end. I’ll need two days to pull it off.”

  “What do I do?”

  “Provide a limo to accommodate Antoinette’s wheelchair. Plus, you’ll need a tuxedo. Victor can help you.” Cherina stands and starts pacing the floor. “Talk to Kelsie about a dress for Antoinette. Oh… Find out if Antoinette has any food allergies.”

  Cherina’s enthusiasm is catching. I tip my head back with a grin on my face. “Anything else?”

  “I think that’s it.” She stops in her tracks. “Do you think Antoinette will like it?”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I say, “Let’s hope so. I can’t think of anything better.”

  “Good.” Cherina heads for the door. “You’re welcome to stay in the guest room. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

  “Where are you going?” I ask, pushing to my feet.

  “I have to start making preparations. Everything isn’t hocus-pocus, Marcus.”

  After Cherina leaves, I get Victor on the phone and fill him in on what’s being planned. He’ll come by early to take me to a store for a tuxedo. After our discussion, I ask to speak to Kelsie.

  “Marc? Victor said you wanted to talk to me.”

  I sigh. “If you don’t mind, Kelsie, I need help getting a dress for Antoinette.”

  “What’s the occasion?”

  “I’m taking her to a ballet performance followed by dinner.”

  “Do you know her size?”

  “No, I don’t. Is it something I should know?”

  Kelsie laughs. “No, but it’s helpful if you do. We might be the same size though. I have plenty of dresses appropriate for after-five events. Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll go see Antoinette tomorrow and bring a few outfits. If nothing works, I can always call my mom and have her bring something over. Will that help?”

  “That would be perfect. Thank you.”

  “When is the big event?”

  “In two days.”

  Two days before I know whether the woman I’m infatuated with will give me a second chance at love.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Antoinette

  It’s early when Mom comes to my room with a stranger—a drop-dead gorgeous female with long black hair, pale skin, and smoky gray eyes. The girl, dressed in a black sweater dress and high-heeled boots, carries a garment bag over one skinny arm and a duffel bag in her hand.

  “Toni, this is Kelsie Martin. She said you two went to Falls Creek High together.” Mom’s eyebrows touch as her lips press into a thin line.

  Tapping my fingers against the chair arm, I give the visitor the once-over. First off, she’s not human. Second, I’m certain we never attended school at the same time which makes me wonder why she’s here.

  “It’s okay, Mom.” Thankfully, I’m dressed for company. “Come on in…Kelsie, right? What homeroom were you in?”

  As my mother plods down the hall, Kelsie places the bags at the foot of my bed and smiles. “You don’t have to pretend. We’ve never met.”

  “No joke,” I say sarcastically. Early morning pain robs me of the ability to be patient. Lifting my eyebrow, I flip the switch on my new wheelchair and turn toward her. “Okay, who are you, and why are you here?”

  “I believe you met my fiancé, Victor.”

  My mouth forms a small O. Is this going to be a regular thing in my life—unexpected visits from members of Falls Creek’s underbelly? “Are you a vampire too?”

  “Only half of me.” Kindness rings in her soft voice. “The other half is succubus.”

  Of course, she’d have to be something I’ve never heard of. “What’s that?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about.” Kelsie unzips the garment bag. “Antoinette, I’m not here to hurt you. Think of me as a friend. Someone who’s also friends with Marcus.”

  “Marc and I know each other.” Cautiously, I add, “But that doesn’t tell me why you’re here or what the bags are for.”

  Kelsie stops fussing with the zipper. “Marcus has planned a special night out for you. He asked me to help you find a dress for the occasion.”

  “That’s what’s in the bag?”

  “Yes. We’ll pick out your garment and whatever else you need today. Tomorrow, I’ll come back and do your hair and make up.” The hybrid holds still and eyes me for a moment as the charming smile slides from her full lips. “Can I continue, or shall I leave?”

  I asked Marc for time, not promising him anything, and then he pulls a stunt like this. Honestly, I should be upset about this, but I’m not. It’s actually a nice gesture. Curiosity, once again, tugs at me. Pushing aside my foul attitude, I try to be more polite. “So what did you bring?”

  “Some of my favorite dresses,” Kelsie announces, flashing me a toothy grin. “I’m sure one of them will be perfect for an evening out.”

  An evening out requires some sort of ritzy dress? How is it possible for a girl who looks no older than seventeen to own such things? “You don’t look old enough to have those type of dresses. What are you? A senior?”

  “No.” Kelsie pulls out a black dress with a full skirt and short sleeves. She holds it up for me before draping it over the edge of the bed. “I graduated high school last year.”

  “Oh.” I consider the next garment Kelsie removes from the black bag—a lacy, long-sleeved dress. Neither outfit impresses me. Maybe if I knew what activities Marc had in mind, the choice would be easier. “Where is Marc taking me?”

  “He said it was a surprise.” She removes another short, black lace dress. This one has shiny black beads mixed in with the pattern along with bell-shaped sleeves. “This one hangs off the shoulders. Between you and me it’s my all-time favorite. Victor likes it too.”

  The dress is stunning and very sexy. I can see why Kelsie and her boyfriend like it. “I couldn’t wear it. Let’s find something else.”

  “If you like it, it’s yours.” She places the dress next to me. “I have another one just like it at home.”

  “Go out a lot?” I ask. Although Victor didn’t strike me as the type, Kelsie must be a party girl to own so many special dresses.

  Kelsie perches herself on the edge of my bed. “Not really. But as a succubus I’m expected to be able to entertain from time to time.”

  The way she says entertain sends a tendril of fear down my spine. A small voice of wisdom advices against asking what she means by it though.

  She smooths her hand down the dress. “I just love black. Nearly everything I own is black.” Kelsie opens the duffel bag and removes a pair of black pumps with a low heel. “I’m guessing we’re the same dress size, but I had to pick these up. None of my shoes would work for you.”

  After seeing the stilettos Kelsie’s wearing, I agree with her decision. Balancing in my toe shoes is easy. If I place a pair of stilts on my feet, get ready to watch me fall.

  “So you’re wearing my favorite dress and the shoes?”

  I nod despite the fact I’m unsure about this night out. Frankly, it’s pointless. As long as I’m stuck in a whee
lchair, how can I hope for anything more than Marc’s friendship?

  Mohawk’s Pass, New York

  Uraeleus

  Victor drove me to a tuxedo rental shop in the next town over, Mohawk’s Pass—home to Samson’s den of bear shifters. The shop owner, one of Samson’s relatives, is supposed to be good at providing last minute suits. Unfortunately, after trying on countless suits, I find nothing appealing. Most of what’s available makes me look like I should be saying my vows or headed to the opera.

  Finally, the rotund owner comes from the back with a suit that stands out—a burgundy and black textured jacket with a stand-up collar and covered buttons on either side of the opening. He holds it out for me to try on. It’s a perfect fit.

  “What do you think, Victor?” I ask, running a hand over the matching brocade vest.

  “Not bad.” The young vamp goes to a rack of black trousers. “Pair it with these and…” He goes over to a display with crisp white shirts and ties. Victor removes a black silk, cravat-style tie. “You want this tie and a shirt.”

  I lift an eyebrow. This kid is known for wearing T-shirts and jeans. His idea of getting dressed up includes adding a leather jacket. What does he know about fashion?

  “You sure about this? I don’t want Antoinette laughing at—”

  “Won’t happen.” He looks at my boot-covered feet. “Unless you wear those. We need to get you a pair of shoes.”

  The owner grins. “I have just the thing. Have a seat, and I’ll fetch them.”

  We take a seat just as Victor’s phone pings. He peers at the screen. “It’s a message from Kels. Antoinette’s all set. She picked out a great dress, and the shoes Kels purchased fit perfectly.”

  Letting go of the breath I didn’t know I held, I say, “That’s good news, but I haven’t heard from Cherina. Plus, I’ve no idea what Elsbeth is up to.”

  “Relax, Old Man. Everything is going according to plan. Cherina sent me a text this morning. She’s almost ready on her end. Did you arrange a limo?”