“They’ll be okay,” he stated, trying to convince the room.
Now, if he only believed it himself.
It didn't take them long to return.
When they did, Jolie and Jacques looked better. Heading toward the couch and their healing mate, there was even a smile on her face.
“You smell good,” stated Flynn as she approached.
“Yeah, I had to get the blood off me.”
“Mistress, I’ll feed you,” offered Mathew, standing between Jolie and her mate.
“I’m actually good, Mathew,” she admitted. “We fed before we headed to Arian’s house.”
For now, her concern was Flynn.
“Yes, Mistress,” he stated.
The men in her life heard the disappointment in his voice.
“Excuse me,” she said, moving around him.
“Hey, baby,” said Flynn, trying not to be aggravated by the younger vampyre.
“I missed you, handsome,” she said softly, just needing the contact to reassure her that he was safe and healing.
“Come here,” he said, lounging against the arm of the couch. When she made herself comfortable between his legs, resting carefully against his body, they both felt better.
Jacques patted his mate on the shoulder before taking his place not far from Flynn. Like they’d done it before, Flynn moved his legs for Jacques to get comfortable. All three of them were now touching, and for the first time in hours, they were at peace.
‘Thank you for coming home.’
‘You’re welcome, my love. We set Alex free. I couldn’t kill him.’
‘I’m glad.’ Flynn knew she’d die inside if she had to take his life. This was better for her, so it was better for them.
“You should feed,” she said, rubbing against his bare chest. “I can feel your hunger.”
He was aware. Now that Jolie was pressed to his body, he was ravenous.
“I hate to bother you,” stated Viktor. “I know it had to be a bad night, but is everything handled?”
“Arian and Alexzandre have been taken care of like you asked. They’re now out of their misery.”
Which wasn’t exactly a lie…
Alex was free from his shrew of a cheating mate. He was going to lead a far happier life now.
“After I take care of Flynn, I’ll tell you all about it, Viktor.”
He couldn’t help but watch Jolie and her wounded mate unsure what was happening. It appeared like he was about to feed, but how?
“Certainly,” he stated.
Jolie knew they were all watching. It didn't bother her in the least. The distraction would work in their favor. The head of the council wouldn’t ask any more questions.
It was perfect timing.
Flynn was starving. As he prepared to bite down into Jolie’s throat, he blew a silky strand of her hair from her neck.
She shivered at his touch.
Nothing in this world pleased him more.
With his lips, he left a line of kisses as she tipped her head. From his peripheral, Flynn could see their curious stares. He knew what it looked like, and they were about to learn his secret.
Forcing his fangs into his mouth, Flynn pierced her flesh. Jolie let out a little moan as she leaned back against him.
Flynn wrapped his arms around her as he drank.
Everyone stared.
“Well, this is interesting. I see that your other mate is no longer human.” said Viktor, his eyes never leaving the connection of Jolie’s pale flesh and Flynn’s red, tinted lips. “I’ve never seen a human cross this far into our existence. How did this happen?”
Jolie couldn’t speak. The very intimate act was incredibly erotic. Her body ached for his touch. It wasn’t easy not to take this further.
Flynn teased her with his tongue.
It was something she did all the time.
Jacques spoke for them, “He was gravely injured, and we chose not to lose him,” he admitted, taking Jolie’s hand in his.
Flynn finished his feeding, and when he pulled away from her throat, he chased a bead of blood down her shoulder.
“Thank you, baby,” he stated.
Jolie tried to catch her breath. “You’re welcome, my love.”
“This is amazing,” stated Viktor. “I don’t know if I should be wary or thrilled. I didn't think our kind could convert humans like this.”
“We can’t,” she replied. “Death did this, not us.” If he thought he could give his humans this trait--he had another thing coming.
This was a special gift.
“We should discuss business. I want to go to death soon. As you can imagine, I’m tired.”
Yeah, of having to have this discussion…
“Yes, Mistress Jolie. We should,” Viktor stated.
She began, “Arian admitted that she was responsible for the death of the other society.”
“She killed her own kind?”
“Yes. She wanted power. Murder was the easiest way to do it.”
“What of her mate?” asked Viktor.
“I killed him,” said Jacques, not giving Jolie time to lie. “He was innocent, but we completed the job. By now, he should be ash on the carpet.”
“Very good,” Viktor said, leaning back.
“So, you killed her brother, and she’s okay with that?” asked Mordechai.
“It doesn’t matter what my mate thinks. We were given an order by a council. We do our job,” Jacques stated.
“I’m impressed. My son’s a guardian after all, and not some woman’s chew toy.”
Jolie stared at the man as she allowed her eyes to bleed black. “Jacques was never something I used for my own selfish needs. I love him. Without your son, I wouldn’t have survived. If you want, I’ll show you what I do to my ‘chew toys’. It’s not pretty.”
Mordechai threw his head back and roared with laughter. “I now see why my son left us centuries ago. You’re fire and passion in a very pretty package.”
Jolie leaned forward again, this time her fangs showing. “I’ll assume you meant that as a compliment, because this very pretty package holds something very dark and lethal underneath those wrappings.”
“Trust me. It was a compliment for both you and my son.”
Jacques answered his father. “I followed her because she owned my heart from the moment I saw her.”
“Love at first sight, Jacques? Do you believe in that sort of romantic fantasy, really?”
“As a matter of fact, I do believe in it. It’s brought all three of us together.”
Flynn watched silently from his position beside them. He, too, believed.
“To be honest, we really believed it was Mistress Jolie’s beauty that lured you away. That’s why I was so angry. I wanted this for you. I wanted my son to get what he deserved in life.”
“I did. I’ve always longed to be right where I am.”
Mordechai stood. “Then I can live out my eternity knowing that you’re happy.”
Jacques was surprised. Who was this man?
“You can, Father.”
Mordechai was pleased. “Come, Morganna. It’s time to return home.”
“If you’re ever in the States, Mordechai, please stop in and visit our home. My mates and I would welcome you with open arms,” Jolie offered.
Jacques stood, mimicking his father’s actions as he helped his own mates to their feet.
“Maybe we will one day.”
Mordechai crossed to Jolie, taking her hands in his. “Be well.” Then he leaned down to give her a kiss on both cheeks.
The second his lips made contact, Jacques and Flynn both growled.
He laughed. “Like father, like son.”
That didn't displease Jacques. It was a long time coming. It had taken seven hundred years to get his father’s approval.
“I love you, Jacques,” said his mother, hugging her only son tight. “You were my treasure then, and you’re my treasure now.”
“I love you
too, Mother.”
When she released him, she nodded at Jolie and Flynn.
“Welcome to our family, Detective,” said Mordechai, as they made their exit.
Jolie turned to Viktor. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”
Everyone in the room looked surprised.
The men in her life knew that Jolie had to be at the end of her wits to walk away.
“You are?”
“Yes. I’m sorry that I’m leaving this mess with Belladonna on your doorstep, but you’ll have to send out your guardians for her. Tonight, I nearly lost my mate.”
Flynn took her hand in his.
“That’s too steep of a cost for me.”
Viktor understood. “I don’t mind handling Belladonna, but must you go? You and your family are welcome in our society anytime. You’re an asset. I wish you’d come home and make us your permanent council.”
Jolie took his outstretched hand. “Thank you, Viktor. That means a great deal to me, but we have lives back in the States and have to get to them. Flynn needs to return to work, and I have a new office to open. Chances are that Belladonna has gone under. We’ve made her life hell.”
“I understand, but if you ever change your mind, please know that we’d welcome you with open arms.”
With that, he left.
Flynn began laughing.
“What?” she asked.
“I’m sorry, but you have to admit this is funny. In two months, we’ve been kicked out of two societies, and we finally find one that wants us, and now we’re willingly walking away. It’s just too ironic.”
Jacques grinned. “Why do it the easy way, Flynn? I’m getting used to people trying to kill me. It keeps me on my toes.”
Jasmine looked mortified. “I seriously hope that you’re kidding.”
It was Jolie’s turn to laugh. “I wish he were. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for us.”
“Don’t worry, Jasmine. We’ve been lucky so far. That’s why Jolie wants to leave before our luck runs out.”
“Will you be back?”
Jolie glanced over at her mates, making the decision then and there. “We will for your wedding, and then most likely not again. This is no longer our home. Paris isn’t where we belong. In all honesty, I have nothing left to come back to, and I would rather make new memories with Jacques and Flynn in our home.”
“What about your brother?”
Jolie said nothing.
“Oh, Jolie, we both know you. You didn't kill him any more, than I’d be able to kill my brother. You let him go.”
Jolie didn’t know what to say, “Jasmine, I…”
“No, better yet, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”
Jolie hugged her friend. “It is for the best, Jasmine, trust me.”
With that, they rose to leave.
Jasmine turned to her brother. “Jacques, please don’t hide from us. The least you could do is call--a girl needs her big brother.” She went to his arms and hugged him. “I love you.”
“I have a feeling that you’ll be well taken care of from now on, and I love you too.” He kissed the tip of her nose and released her to go to William.
The detective grinned. “She will be for the rest of our lives.”
“Good luck! She’s a shrew,” Jacques added, shaking the man’s hand.
“Jacques!”
“What?” He tried looking innocent.
Jasmine hugged Flynn, smiling even more. “Take care of them. I have a feeling that you’re the only sane one in the bunch.”
“I knew I liked you.” said Flynn, grinning wickedly.
“Come on, William. I’ll race you to the car.” Before he could comment, she was off.
“Ha! Little does she know that I have the keys.” As if on cue, they heard the car start up.
He paused.
“Let me guess…vampyres don’t need keys.”
All three shook their heads, trying not to laugh.
“Well hell,” he said, as he left the room.
Jolie returned to draping herself across her mates’ laps. Before long, the three younger vampyres moved closer.
“Mistress?” asked Clariel.
“Yes?”
“Will we really be leaving tomorrow?”
“And never returning?” finished Trina.
Jolie stared into their vibrant blue eyes. “We’re not coming back, but that doesn’t mean you can’t return on holiday and fall in love with Paris.”
They didn't look convinced.
“Yes, Mistress.”
“Really, it’s okay to be happy here. I was once too. Now, I’m happy at home with all of you. You’re my family. That’s where I want to be.”
“You miss Balzac?” Trina asked.
Flynn couldn’t help himself. “Yeah, like a bad case of syphilis.”
Jacques snickered.
“Yes, I even miss him. That’s why we’re leaving tonight when we wake. I’ll have Chloe find someone to pack up the house, our things, and have everything shipped.”
“We can do it, Mistress,” the women said at the same time.
“That’s very sweet of you both, but it’s a long flight home. You three need to go to death and rest.”
Both women hugged her tightly. “We’re glad you came back safe, Mistress.”
Jolie reciprocated and was tugged down to Trina’s lips so she could whisper in her ear. When she was done speaking, Jolie patted her on the cheek. “I think that would be fine.”
“Flynn?” asked Trina.
“Yeah, sunshine?” he answered. Finally, they dropped the ‘master’ crap. It was about damn time.
“We’re glad you came home safe too,” Clariel said, right before they both hugged him.
He welcomed their embrace. “How could I not make it home to all these beautiful women?”
They giggled.
“Oh, and I’m not taking you shopping before we leave,” he teased. “Nice try.”
They both pouted, but then bounced away, holding hands.
She gave her mate a kiss. “You’re a big softie.”
He lifted a brow. “That’s not something you tell a man, baby. Trust me.”
Jacques laughed. “Apparently, I need to work so much harder for the affection of the women in this house. I used to be the suave one, but I think I’ve been dethroned.”
“I’ll hug you and giggle if you want, Master,” offered Mathew, trying not to smile.
Brogan snorted. “There you go. See? You’re loved.”
Jacques couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s okay, Mathew, but thank you for the offer.”
“Mistress?” he asked.
“Yes?”
“I know you want us to go to death, but it’s my last night to paint in Paris. Can I stay up a while?”
How could she say no?
“Okay, but only until dawn. Then you need to get some rest. The flight will be brutal if you’re exhausted.”
“I can do that.”
With that, he was gone.
“I can’t wait to get into bed,” Flynn offered. “This has been one hell of a day.”
“Speaking of bed,” Jolie began, grabbing each of their asses. “I might be able to help relax you.”
“I’m really tense.”
Jacques rolled his eyes. “By tense, do you mean horny? I think that might be a better word for it.”
“Don’t judge, or I won’t share the girl.”
Jolie laughed.
“Behave, men, or I won’t share what’s under this dress.”
They stopped and looked down at her ass.
“We’ll be good,” they said in unison.
Jolie laughed. “Yes, I bet you will be. I can’t wait to see just how good.”
Jolie ran for their room, two predators on her tail.
Now this was the Paris she wanted to remember.
CHAPTER twenty-eight
Monday Mid-Morning
Mathew crept into their quarters, moving silently towa
rd their bed. There was this feeling of something bad brewing, and he just needed to check on Jolie. Granted, he knew she was safe between her two mates, but still… What if she needed him?
“Mathew, are you okay?” Brogan asked sleepily, glancing over at him. “You need to be more careful coming in here. Next time, announce yourself. I could have shot you,” he said, yawning.
“Sorry, Master. I just wanted to check on the three of you. I feel off,” he admitted. “I’m still not done painting. Can I stay up longer?” he asked.
Flynn hesitated.
What was the harm?
“Okay, but you need to sleep sometime today. Promise me you will, or Jolie will have both our asses,” he teased. “I don’t know about you, but I like mine right where it is.”
Mathew’s smile was strained.
He needed to get out of the room, and soon. His senses were going haywire from the scent of sex and blood. It was obvious that the mistress and masters had been rolling around.
They were lucky.
“I promise I will, Master.”
“Go, but if you tell her I let you disobey her order, I’ll kick your ass.” He heard Mathew snort as he moved across the room.
“Good night, Flynn, and thank you.”
But he didn't hear him.
The man was already deep asleep.
* * * H a r c o u r t e * * *
Jenna Montclair sat outside the house and waited for the perfect moment.
When the garage door opened and one car left, she knew this plan was going to work.
It was destined to.
Carelessly, the driver never looked back as the door began its slow descent.
Jenna knew it was now or never, so she sprinted to the doorway and slid underneath into the safety of the house.
She was in!
The filthy vampyres were incredibly lackadaisical when it came to their safety. That’s why they were easy to kill.
Now, she’d take them out.
It was time to start taking her revenge for her cheating husband’s death. She had appointed herself the new Montclair family hunter, and she had a job to do.
Since her husband had gone down in the line of duty, she’d be the one picking up the slack.
It was slaughter time.
Dangerous Misery (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 3) Page 44