The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire Series Boxed Set

by A. K. Michaels

  Suddenly Peri’s nervousness was clear for everyone present to see and feel, their enhanced abilities picking up on it easily. Josef placed a hand at the base of her back, gently urging her on while trying to stem the nerves that were whirling around inside her.

  “I’ve never even been in somewhere like this, far less stayed,” Peri whispered as if she was afraid to speak in a normal voice.

  “It’s the same as everywhere else, just costs a little more, don’t worry, little Witch.”

  She turned and looked up into his face, her eyes wide, anxiety clear in them. He could also see tight little lines around her eyes, as if she was extremely fatigued. Strange, he thought, he would need to keep a close eye on her.

  Sommerville continued on towards a staircase just as grand as the rest of the interior, walking up the middle without even checking to see if they followed. Of course they did, and the stairs were wide enough for the three of them to walk up together, Donovan following behind.

  At the top they turned left, heading down towards the very end of the hallway to a set of large double doors. Sommerville opened one of the doors, then stood back, allowing them to enter first. Gabe and Peri appeared rooted to the plush carpet, again their heads swiveled and their eyes widened in wonder. Josef smiled, this suite never failed to impress even the most jaded of millionaires. To hide his amusement and give Gabe and Peri a chance to take in their surroundings, he turned to the manager. Sommerville held a very old, ornate brass key in his hand. He passed it to Josef.

  “This is your room key, if there’s anything you require, just call down and we will endeavor to carry out your wishes. The restaurant is on the ground floor, turn right at the bottom of the staircase and carry on until the end...”

  Josef stepped forward, took the key and cut him off. “It’s quite alright, Sommerville, I’ve stayed here in the past, I know my way around.”

  “Of course, my apologies, I’ll leave you to get settled.”

  Sommerville backed out of the room and closed the door. As soon as he did Peri let out a long sigh, as if she had been holding her breath. Gabe moved closer. “Hey, what’s up?” he asked, concern in his voice.

  “Nothing, I just don’t feel comfortable here, I don’t belong in a place like this...”

  Josef moved fast, so fast she wasn’t even aware of any movement, pulling her towards him and holding her secure in his arms. “Don’t say that, don’t ever say that, Peri. You are worth ten of him! Don’t ever think you don’t belong anywhere!”

  There was silence after his outburst, even Gabe stood staring, this was so out of character for the cool, calm Josef. He found he was a little shocked at himself, the depth of feeling he felt hearing his little Witch talk so. Anger literally engulfed him when he heard the words leave her mouth. She was far more worthy of being here than most of the other guests that paid the exorbitant rates.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to raise my voice.” He spoke quietly this time, not wanting to seem even more out of character than he had already.

  “I sometimes feel that people look down on me, ya know? I feel awkward, it’s hard to explain...”

  This time it was Gabe who interrupted. “I know what you mean, babe, I do. When I was with Josef in the beginning, I felt like that, but you’ll soon realize you are worth more than any of them, trust me on that.”

  “Really?” Peri asked, and everyone turned at the noise from the other side of the room.

  The loud snarl had erupted from Donovan’s throat. He looked as if he was ready to rip someone apart, his eyes on the door that Sommerville had just left through.

  “Easy, big guy,” Gabe said quietly, understanding why the large Vampire was annoyed. It had been Sommerville’s snooty manner that made Peri doubt herself, even if it wasn’t intended.

  “Your room is over there, ours is on this side, please put our luggage there.” Josef’s tone was one that would brook no argument from anyone, and Donovan moved, placing their suitcases into the room at the other end of the large lounge.

  “Come and sit down, you look tired.” Josef led Peri to a sumptuous sofa, one of several set around a central rug, which looked Persian, and sat her down.

  “I am kinda tired,” she sighed, kicking off her sandals and pulling her legs up under her.

  “I’m going to check on my emails and then we’ll get ready and go down to eat.”

  Josef moved to their room, retrieved his laptop from his suitcase, and took it to the desk set up in a corner of the room, plugging into the mains and starting it up.

  “I’m gonna shower and change, don’t think my jeans will go down well in the restaurant here,” Gabe quipped over his shoulder as he left them.

  “Is there a dress code? I haven’t brought anything too fancy, just a few simple dresses,” Peri asked worriedly, she didn’t want to embarrass Josef.

  “You would never do that, wear what you want, and if the Wolf wants to wear his jeans, he can,” Josef answered distractedly as he now scanned his emails.

  One from Ronan jumped out at him, headed ‘Found them.’ As he opened it and read through he smiled. Good, now he could ask him to deal with this sect, and Peri didn’t need to know anything about it. Firing off a quick reply, he hit send and relaxed. Ronan would deal with this business in his own inimitable way.

  He also noticed an email from the FBI agent and replied to it immediately. Although they couldn’t physically go to the Jones’ home to interview them this evening, he could ask for an item of the baby’s to be brought here. That was all Peri needed to perform a locator spell.

  He wouldn’t say anything to her just yet, he would wait and see if the agent did as he requested first. Sending the mail, he shut down his laptop and turned to see Peri curled up in the corner of the sofa, sound asleep.

  Chapter 9

  Josef sat watching his little mate asleep on the sofa, again. That was the second time she had fallen over into sleep that day. He frowned, wondering why Peri was so tired. Was it just the pregnancy? He pulled his phone out and moved to the bedroom, where Gabe was just appearing from the attached bath, a towel around his waist, another in his hands drying his hair.

  Josef located the number he wanted and dialed, two rings, then an automated message, saying the office was closed but in an emergency to dial this number. Josef listened and memorized the number before hanging up and dialing it. He listened impatiently as it rang at least six times before being answered.

  “Yes?”

  “Doctor Allen? It’s about Peri, I’m a little concerned. She’s been sleeping a lot today and is once again sound asleep. Is this normal?” Josef asked into the phone, his tone a little sharp and commanding.

  “Oh, hello, Peri, ah yes, the Witch and Wolf pregnancy – correct?” Doctor Allen’s tone was businesslike as he spoke.

  “Yes,” was all that Josef replied.

  “Well, of course, every pregnancy differs, and I understand she’s been under a lot of stress recently. Or at least that was my assumption. If that is true then yes, her body could be reacting to that stress and a Witch and Wolf pregnancy can be somewhat...difficult.”

  “What? What did you just say? Difficult how? And why was this information not given to us today, doctor!” Josef’s tone hardened as he spoke until it was like ice at the end.

  Gabe’s head shot up, watching, and now listening in with his Wolf hearing. What was wrong with Peri?

  “Well, I was going to wait until the next appointment, but a Witch and Wolf pregnancy has its own unique difficulties. Both are magical creatures and sometimes that magic can...clash is the only word for it. One magic fighting for dominance over the other, and if the child is a male that fight can become more...assertive is the word I would use. The mother is not usually in any danger, but it can take a toll on her, hence she may be fatigued, more so than a usual pregnancy. This is something that is commonplace in this type of pregnancy and nothing to be
come alarmed about. So just keep a close eye on her, and if you think the need arises, come back and see me sooner than the next appointment.”

  The doctor’s tone was calm, although his words had both Josef and Gabe worrying greatly for their little mate. After everything she had gone through, this was the last thing she needed. A warring child inside her womb.

  “I think we’ll come in and see you anyway, we are out of town just now, but will be back in a few days. We’ll come straight to your office, please avail yourself to see us when we arrive.”

  Josef spat out the command and hung up, turning his attention to Gabe, who now sat on the end of the bed, worry etched on his face.

  “She’ll be okay, we’ll make sure of it, Wolf.” Josef reassured his friend, feeling the chaos that was his mind at that moment.

  “She has to be, she just has to be. Fuck, this is my fault! I should’ve thought to use a fucking condom at the beginning. She’s gone through too much lately, Jo, she can’t stand this, too!”

  Josef moved over to Gabe, placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. “She’ll be fine, we’ll take her to see the doctor as soon as we get back. You heard him, his tone didn’t speak of someone overly concerned, we’ll look after her and make sure all is well.”

  Gabe nodded his head, as if trying to convince himself that their little Witch would, indeed, be okay.

  “We don’t need to worry her just now, we’ll talk to her tomorrow, or the day after. Okay?” Josef looked down at his friend, who had a shell-shocked look on his face.

  “If you think that’s best,” was all Gabe said as he got up, moved to the bedroom door and had a quick look over at Peri, still asleep on the sofa.

  “I think so, she doesn’t need to start worrying unnecessarily, let’s get her awake and showered.”

  Josef moved into the lounge and stopped, seeing Donovan stood watching Peri. It was obvious that he had overheard the conversation and his features were set like stone as he watched Peri sleeping. Josef was well aware of the feelings of protectiveness that Peri elicited in males, and it wasn’t the first time that Donovan had shown such an interest. He found it rather strange, Donovan being one of the hardest, deadliest Vampires he knew.

  Mentally shaking himself, Josef padded across the plush carpet, sat down next to Peri, and shook her gently. “Peri, come on, time for a shower and then we’ll eat.”

  Peri opened her eyes, looking a little confused as she realized she wasn’t at home. “Oh jeez, did I fall asleep again, what’s going on with me today?”

  Josef didn’t answer, just helped her up, taking her back to their room. Gabe was dressing as they entered, pulling on a pair of dress trousers over his thick, muscular thighs. She smiled as she saw him. “Now there’s something that’ll wake a girl up,” she laughed as Gabe struggled into the pants.

  “Hell, wish I could wear my jeans.” Gabe swore and she laughed, a high, tinkling sound that had both of the men smiling.

  “You may wear your jeans if you wish, Wolf,” Josef said as he led Peri to the bath. “Want to shower with me, little Witch?”

  “Hell yeah,” she giggled and moved on inside the luxurious bathroom.

  Gabe thought about joining them, decided against it. Not because he didn’t want to, he did, but he didn’t want to tire Peri out any more. So he tore off the pants and pulled out a pair of fresh jeans, feeling much better when he had them on, and went through to the lounge to pour himself a very large whisky.

  Josef and Peri appeared about forty minutes later, his little mate dressed in a simple shift dress, a dark green color that almost matched her eyes, with silver strappy sandals on her feet and the minimum of makeup. He fought to control himself at the sight of her, almost winning, but still finding himself with a semi-erect cock in his jeans. He shuffled around in his seat to ease the pressure and smiled at her. “You look stunning, babe, really gorgeous...as always.”

  “Oh shush, it’s just a simple dress.” She spoke with a redness overtaking her face, still uncomfortable at taking compliments.

  “Donovan,” Josef summoned as Gabe arose and together the trio headed out the door. The large Vampire joined them, walking a few paces behind, always watching for trouble, always alert.

  Josef didn’t think they would run into any trouble here, but you never could tell, so having Donovan on high alert was always comforting when Peri was with them.

  They made their way down to the restaurant, Sommerville nowhere in sight. There was, however, an imposing maître d’ at the entrance and Josef frowned. If this man in any way made Peri feel uncomfortable, he wasn’t quite sure what his reaction would be.

  As they approached the man turned, saw them, and a wide, friendly smile crossed his face. “Hello, welcome to our restaurant, now what will it be? Do you prefer a quiet, private table? Or would you like to be in the middle of all the hubbub?”

  The man spoke as he made eye contact with each of them, staying a moment or two longer on Peri’s before moving on. His relaxed and friendly manner was in stark contrast to the snooty Sommerville.

  “Peri?” Josef turned, letting her decide.

  “Quiet and private I think,” she said quietly, though there was a small smile on her face, and she seemed far more relaxed than she had earlier.

  “Very well, then that’s what the pretty lady shall have, follow me.”

  The maître d’ turned and took them inside the restaurant, which was fairly busy with many tables full. There was a piano in the corner where a young woman sat playing softly, ‘lounge musak’ would best describe the tinkling tune. They walked on to the opposite side of the room to a booth set into a corner.

  It was a semi-circle with a large table and enough space for at least eight people. Good, because the three men took up quite a bit of space by themselves. Peri was sandwiched between her men, as usual, and Donovan sat at the very edge of one side of the booth, still on alert.

  “Do you ever relax?” she asked, and he shook his head, still watching for any threat.

  “Well, I think you can relax tonight, don’t you think, Josef?”

  Josef turned to look at her, then at Donovan, who was now watching him, waiting to see how he would answer, a slight smirk on his face.

  “Donovan is on duty, Peri. As long as you are in his vicinity he will be vigilant, watchful, and on duty.”

  “Oh pooh, that sucks.” She stuck her tongue out and the three men started to laugh, even Donovan. It was obvious he tried not to, but he lost control and joined in...much to the chagrin of Peri.

  Peri looked between the three powerful men she sat with, frowning at their laughter before her own laughter broke free. Several of the other guests turned to look their way, but soon looked away when they saw the men and their obvious power, each one looking more dangerous than the next.

  A waiter appeared with menus, which he handed out with a slight smile. “I’ll give you a few minutes to decide and then I’ll be back for your orders.”

  As he turned to leave the wine waiter arrived and made as if to hand the wine list out, Josef stopped him, ordering a favorite wine of his. He then turned to his mate. “What would you like? I’m sure they do a non-alcoholic wine if you would like that?”

  Peri shook her head. “No, I’ll have a diet soda, anything will do.”

  “I’ll have a beer,” Gabe put in, not in the mood for wine. He wanted a nice long glass of something to go with his food.

  The young man nodded, turned, and left them alone to ponder the menu. Only Gabe and Peri looked at it, though, as Donovan’s eyes still roved over the room, making sure all was safe. Josef sat watching Peri, her teeth catching her bottom lip as she read the menu.

  “I just want something plain, this stuff is all fancy with sauces and such, do you think they’ll do me plain grilled chicken with some veg on the side?”

  “They’ll do whatever you want, if that’s what you would lik
e then that’s what you shall have,” Josef said quietly, still staring at her. She was looking radiant tonight, if a little tired around the eyes.

  “I want a steak – a huge steak and everything with it.” Gabe placed his menu on the table, his mind made up.

  “Of course you do,” was all that Josef said, knowing the Wolf’s penchant for red meat.

  The waiter re-appeared, and although his eyebrows raised fractionally when only two meals were ordered, he quickly hid his surprise well. When Josef ordered Peri’s food, the young man also took it in stride, writing it down on his pad as if it were no trouble at all.

  The wine was quickly delivered, together with a diet cola for Peri and a glass of beer for Gabe. Josef savored his wine as much as Gabe savored his food, he even gave Donovan a glass.

  Gabe took a large drink of his beer before putting it down and taking one of Peri’s hands in his.

  “You sure you’re okay? You still look tired to me, babe.”

  “I am still tired, hopefully I’ll feel better tomorrow. We can have an early night.” She was looking up into his face with a slight blush on her face, her pupils dilated slightly.

  “Hell yeah,” Gabe snorted, moving to place a kiss on her lips gently before moving slightly away.

  Josef found himself almost hard at her words, her meaning very clear. “Yes, an early night sounds just what we need, and we’ll not be carrying things on for half the night, Wolf. Peri does need rest.”

  “Josef!” Peri exclaimed. Jeez, Donovan was sitting right there.

  “What? We’re mated, do you think Donovan wasn’t aware of your meaning, little Witch?” Josef stared into those deep green orbs and saw her pupils dilate further.

  “Uhm, well, I kinda hoped he didn’t,” she said very quietly, sneaking a peek at the forbidding looking guard.

  He didn’t turn to look in their direction, still watching everything that was going on around them with alert eyes. She did see a slight twitch of his lips though, and her face turned bright red.