Jolie thought about how she’d just treated him. Maybe he had gotten a bad deal by choosing her.
“Oh, yes! Please call him! I miss my big brother, and I can’t wait to see him.”
Jolie reached for her mate, holding her breath. When she called him to her, Jolie was unsure if he would respond. After what had just gone down, there was the possibility that Jacques was still angry at her.
Finally, he answered.
Jolie released the pent up breath when he not only acknowledged her, but willingly agreed to meet her at the fountain.
“He’s coming, Jasmine. Right now, he’s carrying all my packages, so he might be a little slow,” she admitted, laughing.
“I want to surprise him,” Jasmine said, moving back from Jolie. “Shhhhh.”
It didn't take long for Jacques to make his way toward her. Jolie heard his footsteps, and she could tell that he was unaware that they had company. It was very unlike her mate to be caught off guard, and he was in for a surprise.
“Jolie, what’s wrong?” he asked, walking around the statue before coming to a halt. Immediately, Jacques could tell that she wasn’t alone. Old instincts kicked in as he dropped the packages, ready to defend his mate to the death.
There was laughter.
It took seconds to register, but when he realized who was with Jolie, he gave them both that charming smile. “Well, if it isn’t the other most beautiful woman in the world!”
Jasmine launched herself at Jacques, wrapping her legs around his waist as she enthusiastically kissed his face. Her eyes shined with joy as he enfolded her in his arms and kissed her back.
“Jacques, I’ve missed you, big brother!”
“Yes, me too.” He spun her around before delicately placing her on her feet. Already, they’d drawn too much attention. While some would be overlooked, this was definitely a spectacle in the making.
This being Paris, people would still gawk.
Brogan had seen his mate heading toward their woman. So, like a good detective, he went to investigate. Once near, he heard the effervescent giggling and took that moment to steal the spot beside Jolie before anyone else could. Instinctually, he draped his arm across her shoulders.
He couldn’t help but stare at Jacques and the other woman. She was clinging to the vampyre and was indeed gorgeous--not Jolie stunning--but beautiful in her own right. Her hair was much like Jolie’s, artfully styled to cascade down her back in thick ebony waves. It was her eyes which gave it all away. They were the same emerald green and duplicate to Jacques’s.
One thing that Flynn had learned about vampyres was that the pigment missing from their skin tended to shine through in their eyes. The colors were always more vivid than in human eyes. It was the one surefire way you could pick them out.
This was another vampyre, and since Jolie wasn’t upset this woman was kissing Jacques, it meant one thing.
Here was his sister.
A little wave of envy washed over him that he would never have that special bond of a sibling. He couldn’t help it. There was a void from it.
Jacques placed his arm lovingly around the woman as he prepared to introduce her to his and Jolie’s human mate. “Flynn, this is my...”
“Your sister. Yeah, I know. She looks just like you, but more dainty.” He casually laid a kiss on Jolie’s forehead, welcoming her into his body. When she relaxed against him, he sent her peace. There was an immediate release of tension as it began to seep from her into him.
Jacques’s sister stared curiously, taking in the man Jolie was cuddling against. “Jolie? Have you finally mated?” asked Jasmine, looking back and forth between them.
“Yes, Jasmine, I have,” she admitted, smiling excitedly as they waited to drop the bomb. It was the same one which always caught everyone off guard. No matter who they told, everyone was shocked to hear that there were two men in her bed. Why it perplexed them, she didn't know. After all, vampyres liked to cuddle up to as many bodies as possible. Sex was a very good thing.
“Flynn, if you don’t mind me being so forward, may I say that you’re incredibly handsome. I’m impressed.”
Jasmine turned her attention back to Jolie, before mouthing the word ‘HOT’ in French.
Jolie laughed, knowing that her detective had understood what she’d said, since they were sharing gifts. It wasn’t like she could fault her friend. Detective Flynn Brogan was definitely that and so much more. From the dark raven hair, the icy blue eyes, and the tell-tale tan, which screamed human and not vampyre, her mate drew lust from all the women who crossed their path.
Brogan snorted and patted the bench beside him. He was more than willing to have two beautiful vampyres flank him. “I see who got the brains in the Degaul family,” he said, winking at Jacques, trying to tease him like always.
It was Jacques’s turn to laugh, and he couldn’t help but be overcome with joy, knowing his other mate would accept his family so easily. Normally, Flynn was suspicious of vampyres. Now…not so much.
This man was a constant surprise.
Jasmine accepted the invitation and sat, putting her arm through his as she smiled wickedly. “I have to say that I’m in shock, Flynn. Jolie always refused to take a mate, and it was really irritating. Some of us thought she just couldn’t find a man as beautiful as she, but I see that was her plan all along. It’s obvious that she was waiting for you.” She rested her head on his shoulder and winked at her brother. “I can’t wait to tell everyone we know that she found a very sexy human,” she admitted, almost purring.
“Yeah, I am nothing more than sexy arm candy,” he stated, enjoying the attention. He couldn’t help but be glad to see that Jolie was herself again.
“I’ve been betrayed by my own sister. Who would believe this?” replied Jacques, trying to feign hurt even though the smile kept appearing and his eyes sparkled wickedly.
Flynn jumped in to rescue his friend. “Well, Jasmine, to tell you the truth, I didn’t start as her mate. Jolie had already mated by the time I rolled around, but she couldn’t resist my charm and made me the final addition,” he said, setting it up. “Jolie already had vampyre arm candy.”
Jacques lifted an eyebrow. He couldn’t help enjoy the little game he and Flynn played back and forth to best each other. It was a comfortable camaraderie--one he had grown to love and look forward to daily. Too many thought he was serious and took little time to see below the surface to the man who loved humor.
Jasmine glanced at Jolie. “How many mates do you have?” she asked, confused at the prospect that there would be more than one.
Jolie held up two fingers and flashed her most salacious smile. When that wasn’t enough of a clue, she moved toward Jacques’s side and wrapped an arm around his waist, grinning even more wickedly. “Your brother was my first one,” she said, laughing as Jacques swept her off her feet and kissed her deeply.
“No! You’re not serious! You have to be kidding me!” she said, waiting for the punchline. “You finally not only took a mate, but you let my dear brother break you down? You mated with your reprobate guardian?”
“Yes,” all three said together, as Jacques placed Jolie back on her feet.
“Jacques, I’m so happy for you!” She ran to him, throwing her body into his arms again, catching Jolie between them.
There was laughter, and it reminded Jolie of their early years when they were just starting out.
“Mon Dieu! Mother and father will be amazed to hear how this ended. You always did chase after Jolie, but none of us thought she’d cave. We just figured she had enough sense to ignore you like all the other women did.”
Jolie held Jacques at arm’s length for a very good reason, and that reason was haunting her nightly trips to death.
Goethe.
Jacques laughed, “I’ll have you know, Jasmine, that I had my choice of quite a few vampyres, but you always want the one who says no. I’ve finally worn her down. I have to admit that it was my strategy all along. It only took centurie
s, but as you see, it has finally worked in my favor.”
Jasmine released them and returned to Flynn’s side. “I could tell you some interesting stories about these two, and their troublesome adventures.”
“I’m all ears,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows as he leaned close as if they would share a secret.
Jacques cleared his throat and gave his sister a menacing look. “Don’t do it, Jasmine, and, Flynn, stop flirting with my sister. It’s kind of… creepy.”
Jolie and Brogan both laughed at his expression when he used the word. It was so unlike him. In fact, it was part of the detective’s vocabulary repertoire. Again, the lines were being blurred.
“Ohhhh, is he still trying to intimidate people? How do you tolerate his dominating behavior, Jolie?” she asked with mock fear, until she stuck her tongue out at him.
Jolie touched her mate’s cheek. “It must be true love, even on bad days.” When he rubbed his chin against her palm and rested a kiss there, Jolie knew he understood the small apology.
“My Flynn is the same way. They understand and get me, and for that, I’m truly grateful.”
Flynn winked, signaling that he, too, got the apology. It didn't mean they weren’t going to dig into her issues, but it bought her a little more time.
It was all she could ask for at that moment.
Jasmine laughed. “I can see that.” She stilled, as if something finally occurred to her. Immediately, her face went blank.
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Then…
“Will you come home to see our parents, Jacques?” she asked.
Brogan didn’t know what the tension was about, but he clearly felt anxiety, anger, and even fear from out of nowhere. All three vampyres reacted to the simple question--one that seemed very normal when you went home. In fact, he wished he could take them home to meet his parents. It would be the first thing on his list.
“No. I’m not going there, Jasmine. You know that.”
“Jacques, please. They would love to see you again, despite the past. One of you has to bend a little.”
“It’s not happening, Jasmine. You know what our father said to me. If I disobeyed him and left to become Jolie’s guardian, then I wasn’t to return. So, as he instructed, I won’t be stepping foot in his home. I’m officially dead to the Degaul society, and that’s okay by me.”
Despite his words, they both felt his pain. It radiated through his voice and clearly showed on his face. The betrayal of his parents had wounded his heart.
Jasmine sighed, quickly changing the subject. This should be a happy moment, and instead, it was making everyone uncomfortable. “Jolie, we’re having a council meeting tomorrow evening. Will you come?”
“I don’t know, Jasmine. I’ve been very unlucky with societies as of late.”
Brogan snorted. “Unlucky? That’s one hell of an understatement, baby.”
Jacques said nothing. Lately, societies and councils had left a bad taste in his mouth too.
“Please join us. We’re in the midst of a crisis. Something terrible is going on in the city,” she offered, lowering her voice so only they would hear.
Jolie was curious. “A crisis?” She was unsure if the woman was just exaggerating to get her to attend, or if there was really an issue. Curiosity made her want to know more, despite the looks from her two mates warning against it.
“Oui! Someone is hunting the vampyres in the city again. The hunters have returned, and the societies are scrambling to find them before more are slaughtered.”
“They have returned?” asked Jolie. “How many have been killed?”
Jasmine closed her eyes before taking a deep breath. She had been witness to the evidence of the hunters herself, and it still haunted her.
Jolie took her hand in support.
“An entire society was destroyed during daylight. We lost almost twenty.”
“My God! That’s horrible!” whispered Jolie in shock. Twenty of their people wiped from existence was a travesty. Already, their numbers were dwindling, and they couldn’t afford the loss.
“Everyone is panicking, and the societies are going into lock down. No one feels safe anymore. It’s just like it used to be.”
Jolie began pacing. It was something that helped her work out things in her mind. This was a tough one. If she helped the other societies, she could very well bring the hunters to her doorstep. Yet, if she didn’t assist, they could still be at risk.
Shit!
What was she supposed to do? This was a very bad situation all around. Just being there put them at risk. What had she done bringing her family there?
“Please, Jolie! Come and hear what the societies have to say. They’ll welcome you with open arms. The Harcourte family was always an added strength and asset during the dark times. Please think about it. That’s all I’m asking.”
Jolie patted Jasmine’s cheek in affection. “I have to discuss it with my mates, and then we’ll decide. Can I call you later and give you our decision?”
Jasmine was a little taken back that Jolie had to ask the men for permission. That wasn’t like her, but then again, people changed.
Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a pen and paper. She scribbled down her cell number and the location of the society meeting before handing it to Jolie.
“I completely understand,” she said solemnly. “I won’t tell anyone about you being here, just in case you decide not to join us.” She stood and hugged Jolie fiercely. “I’ve missed you, my friend.”
“I feel the same, Jasmine.”
With that, she kissed her on both cheeks, and then turned to her brother. “I’m glad to see you, Jacques, and I love you. I’m happy that you and Jolie had the common sense to finally mate. You can tell that you both were meant to be together.”
She turned toward Flynn and held out her hand. “It was an absolute pleasure to meet you. Please take care of my brother and Jolie.”
“I absolutely will. They’re my priority,” he replied.
She leaned down and kissed him on the cheeks. “Au revoir.” With that, she turned and walked down the street, disappearing into the crowd of shoppers.
“Wow, another society gathering,” Flynn remarked warily. “Are we really contemplating this after the last one?”
Jolie sighed, taking a seat beside him on the bench. She stared down at the paper in her hands, but still didn't answer him.
When Jacques joined them, taking her free fingers in his, he could feel all the conflicting emotions in her.
Jolie was genuinely torn.
“It is up to you, mon amour,” Jacques offered, already well aware that she was waiting for his input.
“Yes,” she said, feeling the weight of responsibility and obligations crush down on her. Had it been any other society of vampyres, she would have said no, but the Paris vampyre community accepted her right after she escaped Goethe. Again, there he was, popping up in her reality.
Was that why the dreams had pulled her back?
Was this the message that Death wanted her to understand?
Did all of this have to do with her buried past?
“I say we vote. We’ll be the ones who have to deal with the outcome, so it’s only fair,” said Flynn. He could feel her hesitation over what to do, and he needed to lighten her burden. Whether he liked it or not, he was willing to follow his family into hell and back.
Jolie lifted a brow, amused at his suggestion. “Oh, we’re a democracy now, are we?” She tried to keep all humor from her voice. “Last I looked, I was primus and the one responsible for this family.”
“Uh, then what are we? Do you really think we’re just your sexy, male, play things?” asked Flynn, lifting an eyebrow, and then wiggling them salaciously. “Then again, if it’s play time, sign me up.”
“Arm candy, one and two,” added Jacques joining in the teasing.
Jolie couldn’t help it. She had to laugh. “No, you’re definitely not my play things, despite h
ow much you want to be, Flynn. You’re my mates and are correct. If I expect you to help me defend our family, then I also have to allow you to be equal.” She paused before continuing, “Although, I do have time for some arm candy…”
“You're funny,” he said growling, but then smiled at his victory. His Jolie already looked a bit happier. Whatever was eating at her seemed to be on the back burner…for now. “Okay, let’s vote.”
They looked at each other, giving their human the first choice.
“I vote an emphatic, hell no. We’re going to get buried neck deep in trouble if we go. Plus, I’d like to point out that we’re on vacation, and it’s a much needed one. We’re not supposed to get shot, stabbed, killed, betrayed, or hunted while enjoying ourselves.”
Jolie grinned, not the least bit surprised that he’d gone with a big fat negative. Glancing over, she nodded toward her other mate. “Jacques, my love?”
“I say we go. We don’t know how long we’ll be here, and we may need allies with the Chloe/Vanth situation. Plus, it’s always a tactical error to not know what’s happening in your surroundings. To keep us safe, we need to be aware.”
Jolie sighed. Of course, she was going to end up the deciding vote. The men she loved were always going to fall on opposite sides of the spectrum--like day and night.
“I say we go tomorrow night and listen. We won’t promise anything, but we’ll have to make a decision at some point. This council holds a special place in my heart. When I was first starting out, they took Jacques and myself in. We owe them an open mind, if nothing more.”
Flynn nodded. “Okay, baby. If it means this much to you, I don’t mind.” He was just grateful that he was able to add his opinion. After running into the last set of vampyres, Flynn realized that they weren’t all as willing to be so open.
He was grateful Jolie was.
“Besides, they may not want me near them now that I carry Death’s mark. It tends to freak out the undead, as we’ve already learned from the last council.”
Dangerous Misery (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 3) Page 3