Flame and Ink: An Anthology

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  “You guys need time to go on dates,” Jordan said as Cameron made gagging sounds.

  Matt laughed and picked the boy up over his head and held him upside down. “What’s with the gagging, dude?”

  Cameron laughed and tried to wiggle free. Of course, Brayden had to come over and tickle him, just to make sure the kid knew who was boss. As Matt moved so he wouldn’t take a foot to the chin, he was afraid Cameron might end up being boss, after all.

  “I give! I give!” Cameron giggled. “I don’t want to hear about Mom and Dad kissing and stuff.”

  Matt’s gaze met Brayden’s at the word Dad.

  Yeah, that was awesome to hear.

  “Have fun tonight, you two,” Matt said as his brother and his new wife left the house.

  He held Cameron over his shoulder and Jordan rolled her eyes.

  “Hey,” Matt said. “I’m teaching the kid manners.”

  “Sure, hon, whatever you say.”

  He took Cameron out to the back to play catch, and Jordan followed. As the sun shone and the sound of a child’s laughter filled the air, Matt had to stand back and take a deep breath. This was it.

  This was what he wanted.

  He looked into Jordan’s eyes, and she smiled back.

  “Soon, Matt. Soon.”

  He froze. “How soon, Jordan?”

  She just winked and shook her head.

  Was she? Could she be?

  At Home with Cupid

  A Holiday, Montana Short Story

  Author Note: This is a Holiday Montana short story set after the events of Dream of Ivory (Holiday, Montana Book 5). It’s based on Abigail and Tyler from Finding Abigail (Holiday, Montana Book 3). You don’t have to read the books before you read this one, as it really only spoils the fact that Abby and Tyler are married and since it’s a romance, that’s not too much of a spoiler!

  “I’m not doing it, Abigail. I won’t.” Tyler Cooper raised his chin, showing he meant what he said. “I don’t care what you say. You’re not taking me there. No matter what reasoning you have, no matter what incentives you give me, I’m not going.”

  Eric, his two-year-old, took that moment to vomit on Tyler’s shoes.

  “Oh, he—ck.” He risked a glance at his wife—at his almost-curse—then picked up his pale son gently. “What’s wrong, buddy?”

  “It was probably the candy you gave him when your brothers were over to watch the game,” Abigail said lightly, worry on her face as she powdered their daughter’s tiny butt. “Eric, honey, let Daddy take care of you for a bit. Mommy will be right back to hold you if you want.”

  Tears streamed down Eric’s face, and Tyler brought his son to his chest, the surprisingly heavy weight familiar.

  “I’m sorry, buddy. Come on. Let’s get you all cleaned up.”

  After bath time with a two-year-old, Tyler was soaked, sore, and empty-handed, as Eric had gone directly into Abigail’s arms as soon as he could. Couldn’t blame the kid, really. He cleaned up the mess, ran a hand through his hair, and then changed into dry clothes.

  Thus ended a usual day in the Cooper household.

  It never failed to surprise him how much his life had changed in less than three years. Before, he’d been the bachelor and had never wanted to settle down. Now he was a father of two kids and married to his best friend—who also happened to be sexy as hell.

  He looked into the nursery where Abigail was rocking Beth in her arms and smiled. Yes, still sexy, even with shadows under her eyes from lack of sleep. He knew he wore the same shadows, as he never let her get up without him. He also worked odd hours as sheriff of Holiday, Montana, so the aches and pains of getting older seemed to get worse as the months passed.

  When Abigail gave him a small smile, he walked into the room, picked up a sleeping Beth, and put her in her crib. He tucked the blanket around her and ran his large hand over her little head.

  Yeah, he was a sucker for his little girl, but that shouldn’t have been surprising.

  He took Abigail’s hand and led her to the living room without speaking. When he forced her to sit on the couch and then knelt between her legs, she frowned up at him.

  “What is it?” she asked then ran a hand over his face. He could feel her fingers through his beard and he inwardly cursed.

  “I should shave,” he said, mostly to himself.

  She cupped his face and forced him to move closer to her. “What’s wrong, Tyler?”

  “I’m sorry I acted like a child earlier. I mean, I acted younger than Eric.” He let his hands run up her legs to land on her hips, just needing to touch her.

  “I wanted to take you shopping, Tyler. I know you hate it, but we really need to get Christmas presents for all the Coopers and mini-Coopers.”

  He cracked a grin at the nickname for the next generation of Coopers. “Can’t we do it online?” he pleaded.

  “I did some online, but come on, Tyler. I don’t want to lose some of that feeling we get when we find something for the kids. I want to smile and remember where I bought it, and then remember how Eric and Beth looked when they opened their gifts. I know they’re young now and won’t remember, but I want to remember.”

  He closed his eyes and leaned forward. She caught him and ran a hand down his back. He itched where he knew his wings were hidden, and she scratched both areas without even asking.

  Yes, this was his wife, love, and best friend. She knew everything about him and loved it all.

  He couldn’t imagine his life without her.

  “Fine, I’ll go shopping,” he grumbled.

  Abigail laughed and forced his gaze to hers. “Jackson and Honor are going to watch the kids overnight after we shop,” she said, her eyes darkening. “We’ll have to do the same for them the next week, but we’ll have a whole night to ourselves.”

  Tyler grinned. “Oh, yeah? Want to practice to make sure we aren’t rusty when the time comes?”

  Abigail opened her mouth to speak but closed it when a yell rang out.

  “Mommy!”

  Eric ran into the room, naked, and way too full of energy since they’d put him to bed less than an hour ago.

  “Where did you put your clothes, buddy?” Tyler sighed as he stood, bringing Abigail up with him.

  “No jammies! I’m nakey!” Eric ran around the house screaming, and Tyler winced again as Beth started crying from her nursery.

  “I’ll take a raincheck on that practice, my Cupid,” Abigail whispered, and Tyler groaned. “I’ll take the streaker, you take Beth.”

  Tyler pulled his wife into his arms and crushed his mouth to hers. “Deal, my Abigail.”

  She blinked up at him and grinned. “I like the way you think, Tyler Cooper.”

  It was just another night at home with his family, but honestly, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

  A Wedding with Wings

  A Dante’s Circle Short Story

  Author Note: This is a bonus scene about Lily and Shade’s wedding. It didn’t fit into any of the following Dante’s Circle novels, but I really enjoyed going back to visit Lily and Shade. The book takes place shortly after the end of Dust of My Wings (Dante’s Circle Book 1) and before the events of Her Warriors’ Three Wishes (Dante’s Circle Book 2)

  Why couldn’t things just happen right the first time? Oh, yeah, because she was Lily, and things were never perfect until she checked them over like twenty times. It’s what made her…her.

  Well, at least part of her. The other traits that made her who she was were a little less OCD and a whole lot more…magical.

  Those parts of her had to do with the whole brownie thing. Who knew she’d actually enjoy being a paranormal creature of the night?

  Were brownies really creatures of the night? It wasn’t as if there were movies about them stalking their prey. And if they were in the movies, they were more like Dobby from Harry Potter, or some random sprite-looking thing without a nose. She was one of the more obscure species. And Hollywood didn’t make any relevant mov
ies about being a brownie. Too bad, since she thought it was pretty cool—if she did say so herself. Oh, and the part that wasn’t about who she had become had everything to do with her other half, rather than who she had been. The whole marrying the love of her life who happened to be a centuries old angel?

  Totally amazing and unexpected.

  Her body warmed at the thought of Shade.

  Her true half.

  The groom of the wedding she wasn’t sure was going to happen.

  Darn it.

  Why had she even thought she could do all of this? Her head hurt, and she wanted to take a step back and run away from it all. Only she couldn’t. Not really. Damn it.

  Strong arms wrapped around her, and she sank into Shade’s hold. He smelled of chocolate and sin and all kinds of goodness.

  And he was hers.

  At least in every sense of the word except legally.

  Why was that piece of paper so important to her? She already had everything she wanted with this man, yet she needed to be called his wife … what was wrong with her?

  Shade kissed her brow and rocked into her. She loved when he was hard for her…which seemed to be often. Yay, paranormal stamina.

  “What’s making you think so much, my Lily?” he asked as he kissed up her neck and nibbled on her ear.

  She shivered and sank into him. “I’m not thinking about anything but you at the moment.”

  He growled and spun her around so he faced her. He looked down at her, and she gazed up at his fractured ice-blue eyes under the slash of black brows, falling into their intensity. God, he was beautiful.

  Those strong cheekbones, that light brown skin. He’d left his hair down so it brushed his shoulders and framed his face. He looked like a dangerous angel that could lead her into the most delicious of sin. Good thing he happened to be one.

  “You’re lying, my Lily. Is it the wedding? I know you wanted everything to be perfect, but I just want you by my side. That’s all I need.”

  Lily closed her eyes, unable to show him the shame that probably hid within them. “I know that. We’re just having a small wedding. I don’t want any more than that. But I had thought my father…” Her voice broke off and she leaned into Shade’s hold, her ear against his chest, his heartbeat calming her.

  Shade’s hold tightened and he cursed. “I hate the way he’s hurting you. I would take care of him for you, but I don’t think that’s what you want.”

  She gave a dry laugh, though she knew he wasn’t joking. He was a warrior through and through. The wings didn’t make him any less fierce, no less a battle captain. “No, I don’t want you to take care of him, whatever that means.” Oh, she knew what he meant. “I just thought he’d be here for the wedding. I wanted him to give me away.”

  “He’s a fool for ignoring you.”

  “He told me he had a new family and he didn’t have time to go back to the past. What kind of man says that, Shade?”

  Even saying the words hurt her. Why did she give a man she hardly knew so much power to cause pain?

  Shade cupped her face and kissed her gently, his lips soft. She wanted to pull him down and let him love her, let him take away the memories, but that wasn’t what she needed.

  No, she needed to move on.

  “I’m your family now, my Lily. Your friends are your family. They’ll take care of you.”

  “The wedding is tomorrow, and I’m freaking out like a beastly bride. I don’t like it, Shade.”

  Shade kissed her again, smiling this time. “If you weren’t freaking out about something, I’d be worried. I love my OCD bride-to-be.”

  Her heart warmed and she hugged him again. “I love you, too, my angel.”

  ****

  Shade ran a hand through his hair, wishing he’d had a drink or something before this. Why was he so nervous? He was a warrior angel; he should be fine with anything that came his way.

  Of course, he hadn’t been expecting the bundle of nervous energy that was his Lily. He’d fallen for those big green eyes the moment he’d met her.

  Damn, he loved her.

  This was their wedding day. At any moment, his Lily would walk to him, and he’d hold his true half in his arms.

  Though he wished Ambrose was there. But alas, the council hadn’t let his best friend come, stating that Ambrose was needed up in the angel realm to deal with the aftermath of the betrayal.

  Ambrose had tried to come anyway and had been punished for it.

  Shade had wanted to retaliate, but Ambrose had sent a gift and his good wishes, knowing there wasn’t anything else that could be done. Shade hadn’t thought Ambrose would want to be near Jamie anyway. The two of them held a volatile connection that Shade didn’t quite understand.

  But that was neither here nor there.

  No, this was his wedding—their wedding. The only people in attendance were Lily’s six girlfriends, each a family member in their own right, holding a key to their future.

  And, of course, Dante, the dragon shifter who owned the bar where everything her world had changed. Where the lightning had struck and she’d found her fate.

  The damn dragon was even going to give Lily away because her bastard of a father hadn’t wanted to come.

  But in reality, the fact that Dante was going to do it made perfect sense. He was the first paranormal she’d ever met. He’d been the one to hold the seven women together when their worlds had fallen apart. He was the one who had been struck as well that night but had only thought of Lily and her friends, not his own secrets. Their new family was made up of hope and a future, not blood.

  What more could they need?

  The women gasped, and Shade looked up.

  His heart stopped beating.

  Then his heart beat only for her.

  His Lily.

  She wore a strapless dress that flowed to the floor, tightening in at the waist and framing her ample breasts. Breasts he’d be able to taste later.

  But that wasn’t what made her glow.

  No, she’d come in her brownie form—no human glamour. Her skin gold, covered with translucent dust, and perfect.

  She smiled, her eyes bright.

  He let out a breath then pushed at his wings, letting them unfold through the two slits in the back of his jacket. He spread them, the black-and-blue-tipped feathers dark against the sunlight.

  Lily threw her head back and laughed, the happiness within showing him the path he would soon take.

  This was his Lily. His future.

  He couldn’t wait to make her round with his child.

  Dante approached and removed Lily's hand from his arm, presenting her to Shade. Shade gave a nod to the dragon with the pierced brow and blue-streaked black hair long enough to brush the floor. Dante smiled and went to sit with the women, careful not to sit next to Nadie.

  Lily reached for Shade, and his hands shook.

  This was his Lily. His future.

  “We come together today to join two souls in a state of reality where the strength comes from the person within, not the strength of their sword,” the minister—a tiger shifter—began.

  “I love you,” Shade mouthed.

  “I love you, too,” she mouthed back.

  This was his future, their future. Though the lightning had changed everything when it struck, he’d take it again to have her.

  There was nothing better in the world than this.

  Nothing.

  The Meeting

  A Dante’s Circle Short Story

  Author Note: This is a Dante’s Circle short story about Bailin, Jamie, and Ambrose from Her Warriors’ Three Wishes (Dante’s Circle Book 2). This takes place sometime after that book. There are a lot of spoilers in here for the book since a major part of the series is figuring out what the women turn into.

  “I’m not ready,” Jamie said with a sigh.

  Balin, her demon mate and lover, wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned back into his hold.

  “Jamie, darling. You�
��re never going to feel ready. That’s what we’re here for.”

  She turned so she faced him, looking into his black eyes bright with red flecks. He didn’t have his glamour on, so she could see the horns that curled over the crown of his head, making him look dangerous…hers.

  “They’re my parents, Balin,” she said simply.

  That was the crux of it. She was about to introduce her parents to Balin and Ambrose.

  Yes. She had two men. Two mates. Balin and Ambrose not only loved her with every breath they had in their bodies, but they also loved each other, with just as much intensity. As her friend Faith would say, she was one lucky bitch.

  Her parents, though, weren’t in the know.

  Oh, yes, she’d talked to them on the phone, explaining to her mother that she had met someone—or two. Both her mother and father had thought it was a joke. Who in their right mind in this day and age would sleep with and keep two men?

  It was taboo.

  And she loved it.

  Her mother had thought it was a crazy story from one of the romance novels Jamie loved to read.

  Not so much.

  It was Jamie’s life.

  Jamie had spilled everything she could…just not the whole paranormal thing. She hadn’t mentioned that Balin was a centuries-old demon, and that Ambrose was a five-thousand-year-old warrior angel.

  Oh, and she didn’t mention that she, herself, had turned into a paranormal creature, as well; or that she would live well beyond her parents and everything she’d once known.

  No. That hadn’t come up.

  She needed to get through the whole triad thing first.

  Something that she had a feeling would break her once she met with her parents.

  Her parents had said that they’d meet Ambrose and Balin because they loved Jamie. Jamie knew it was because they were ready to tear her away from them and keep her away from the dangerous cult they thought she’d joined or something.