His expression changed from nostalgic to sad. "They don’t want anything to do with me. They blamed me for surviving when the rest of my family died and for continuing to live as a vampire. They feel that I should have walked into the sun the moment I was able. To them I’m the worst kind of traitor.”
I wrapped my arms more tightly around him and felt him lean against me, as he buried his nose in my hair and took a long breath to calm himself. I would have happily stayed like that for hours, but we had to prepare for the meeting. He pulled away and cradled my face in his hands, kissing me gently. The pain in his eyes had touched my heart and I wished that I could help him.
When we broke apart I took his hand and looked around the rest of the room. There was a large brown leather couch in front of the fireplace and two armchairs in a rich brocade fabric that matched perfectly. The walls were decorated with various paintings, some of which looked vaguely familiar. Along the wall was a bar with three tall stools and in the far corner of the room, near a picture window, was a violin and guitar case both leaning up against their own music stands designed for that purpose.
He saw where I was looking. “I’ll play for you sometime. No time tonight.”
He handed me a garment bag and a small shopping bag. “You can use my bedroom to change; second door on the right. There’s a private bathroom attached where you can shower. I’m going to cook for you tonight.” He gave me another sweet kiss on the lips and then pushed me gently toward his room. I passed a doorway with stairs that probably led up to additional bedrooms, and could just see the kitchen at the end of the hallway.
I had to smile when I entered his huge bedroom. It was the perfect retreat for a single man. There was a king-sized bed fit out in burgundy satin sheets, a reading area with two comfortable chairs and an enormous bookcase near a picture window. An antique unit with a stereo and rows and rows of CDs, vinyl albums and even an MP3 player with speakers took up the wall space on the right. The carpeting was a soft deep pile in a very warm brown which felt luxurious under my bare toes. All the wood was rich and dark.
I tried to suck in his delicious scent and thought about what the aroma actually reminded me of. Dark chocolate with a hint of sweet oranges, two of my favorite flavors. His cheetah smelled like the sea, churned up and full of life. I shook my head, laughing, and wondered if Garrett knew that he could bring me to my knees just by standing in front of a fan.
I headed to the shower and it was no surprise to see that it could easily fit three or four people. I glanced at the bathtub on the other side of the room. Same story. I really didn’t want to fantasize about him with other women because I’d get myself all worked up and I needed to keep my cool tonight. He must have had countless lovers.
I showered quickly and concentrated on thinking only happy thoughts.
Wrapped in a large white towel, I mischievously crawled onto the huge bed. It was so soft and luxurious, covered with lots and lots of pillows. I picked one up to bury my face in it and wondered if he’d smell me there when he slept that morning. Sighing, I sat up and opened the shopping bag he’d given me. I was a little embarrassed to find a matching bra and panties in black silk and wondered when he'd shopped for them. Of course they fit perfectly, which made me smile. I guess when he'd carried me naked he must've taken a good look.
In the garment bag were black leather pants, so soft I could sleep in them, and a green silk halter top with a V neck, not too deep, but enough to show a little cleavage, not that I was terribly well-endowed in that department. I stood before the mirror amazed at how I looked. The emerald color suited my skin and hair and brought out my green eyes dramatically. Definitely kick-ass. I applied some makeup and then used the comb and blow dryer sitting on the sink, leaving my hair down. I glanced at myself one last time, took a deep breath and followed the delicious smells toward the kitchen.
Garrett was facing away from me when I entered the room, still in my bare feet. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was so I pressed myself up against his back and wrapped my arms around his waist exclaiming “Food. Now. Please?”
“Hunger reduces you to single syllables? I'll have to remember that. I recommend that you back up slowly unless you want your dinner to decorate your outfit instead of fill your belly.” Backing away obediently, I gave him room to turn and look at me.
His eyes took me in from head to toe making my heart race a little. I so wanted him to like what he saw.
“Oh yes, I think the committee will be in for a very big surprise tonight. You look sophisticated, sexy and powerful; they’ll think twice before messing with you. Do you like the look? “
“It’s amazing, Garrett. Thanks!” I spun around showing him every angle.
He kissed me gently on the lips, but I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer, wanting more. His lips, still nestled against mine, turned up slightly in amusement. but then he responded by deepened the kiss, opening his mouth and exploring mine.
I was a little dizzy when he pulled away. He spoke again as if nothing amazing had happened. “There are shoes. I got several pair. You can pick later. You should eat now. I’m taking a quick shower, but I’ll be back and we’ll talk about what you can expect to happen tonight.“
I sat with a satisfied sigh and savored each bite of steak, baked potato and asparagus, being very careful not to drip anything on my silk blouse. Garrett returned wearing a black suit and a dark gray button down shirt without a tie. He sat in the chair right next to mine sipping on a glass of red wine and leaning back to watch me eat for a few minutes. When I got some of the juice from the steak on my fingers I decided to tease him by licking it off. He shook his head and chuckled.
“Do we know any more about the wolf pack who kidnapped you?”
“A good friend did some investigating. The pack leader of the Pine Ridge Pack was up in arms about my killing those three weres who attacked us, so he hired Miranda to help him capture me. Apparently he’d had a lot of unsavory dealings with her in the past, which upset many of his pack. In fact, my associate told me that most of them seemed relieved that John and his second, Hank, were dead. It appears that only the ones at the lodge were directly involved.
“They could be lying.”
“My associate would know if they were.”
“Another vampire?”
“Definitely not." He laughed. "You'll meet him soon, I'm sure."
He didn’t seem to want to go down that path so I changed the subject. “What’s going to happen tonight?”
“They’ll call you up before the committee and we’ll have to prove that you’re not a dangerous rogue. They won’t dare kill a cheetah who can manipulate the ley lines, but we have to be very careful how we explain your special talents. We don’t want to frighten them, although they've come to respect Rob, Sinc and Kyle. If they see you and Ethan as valuable members of a team formed by Rob to protect them, you’ll be safe.”
I put my fork down, suddenly feeling anxious. He reached out to weave his fingers between mine in support. “I would never let any of them hurt you.” His face was paler than usual and I wondered when he’d fed last. It was only 8:30. We wouldn’t be leaving for another hour.
“Have you eaten, Garrett?”
He grinned. “I’ll have a room full of food.”
“That would be a mistake if you want them to trust us. Why don’t you feed from me?”
“I told you I wouldn’t, but I appreciate the offer, more than you know.” His cool fingers brushed back and forth against my arm and I shivered.
“What about the second part of the mating bond: sharing blood at the same time. We could do that.” I ran my fingers through his hair and then over his ear.
“If I had blood pressure it would be very high right now.” His eyes crinkled at the corners in my favorite way.
“Please Garrett, I’ll feel safer tonight if our bond is stronger.” I lifted my wrist to his mouth and smiled teasingly.
He brought my hand back down to the table and shook
his head. “Jackie, I don’t take the bonding ritual lightly. You grew up as a human so you don’t understand its significance. Claiming you as my mate was partly for your protection. This part is much more meaningful. I don’t feel right about sharing blood with you unless you’re serious about our relationship. It’s not a game, and you were being playful when you offered me your wrist just now. You need to think seriously about what you’re offering, because it'll bring us closer than you can imagine. You'll be giving up some of your privacy by strengthening our mental connection.”
It was clear that for him this was more than the act itself. This was a promise to work together toward something permanent between us. And permanent for a shifter and a vampire was a very long time. I smiled because down to my bones I wanted to give him that promise. There was nothing in my life that I’d ever wanted more than to commit myself to a life with Garrett.
I lifted my wrist again and spoke to him seriously. “I understand what it means and I want this. I’m in love with you,” His eyes widened and I felt a little surprised myself. Blurting out the L word might scare him off, but I hoped that he felt the same way, even if he didn't say it out loud. “I didn’t mean to treat it lightly.”
He smiled and lost his worried look. “I'm not going to drink from you. I only use that for healing purposes or when a couple want to experience... Well it can be extremely intimate." The huskier tone of his voice and the sparkle in his eyes made me lean in a little closer.
He laughed, grasping both of my hands. "We'll complete the simple ritual, then I'll take energy the way I do with my donors Perhaps afterward, we can share blood in a more basic way." He got up and fished a thick golden chord from a closet, then sat down beside me again. I moved my chair closer to his, then leaned against him and lifted my wrist once more to his lips.
Never taking his eyes from mine, he bit into his own wrist and then immediately licked the sensitive skin on the underside of my wrist and bit down deeply, pulling out one long swallow to get the blood flowing. I whimpered with the first pain, but then his saliva mixed with my blood, causing me to feel warm and serene. He placed our wrists and wounds together, tying them with the soft chord and whispering a few phrases in French.
He translated: Joined in blood, joined in power, joined in life.
I found myself leaning against him as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled energy very gently from my body. "I could stay like this forever,” I sent to him, as I nestled against his shoulder, breathing in his intoxicating fragrance. I peeked up, looking for his reaction. He was watching me carefully with narrowed eyes, probably concerned that he’d weaken me too much before the meeting.
"It wouldn't be wise."
"I'm not always wise." I yawned.
"Enough, I think."
The sensation ended as he untied the chord. His skin was warm and no longer pale, however his fangs were still fully out and his eyes swirled with a silver fog. It took a great deal of strength for him to stop taking energy after only a minute, more than most vampires probably possessed. I could see the strain in his wrinkled brow and I knew that with any other vampire I'd be in serious danger right about now.
"Just a drop." He held his wrist to my lips and I licked it as he licked mine, then he stood and pulled me up to stand facing him. When he leaned in and kissed me deeply, the blood on our lips and tongues mingled together. Our minds opened to each other in a sweep of magic and I felt his love and his desire wash over me as mine washed over him.
After too short a time, he pulled away and said, his voice a little husky, “How are you feeling? “He laughed softly at my wide eyed expression.
“You're worried about me and...and I can feel it. Like I'm feeling it myself." I must have looked a little spacey because he sat and pulled me down into the chair next to him.
“This isn't a game, my love. We can still keep our thoughts private, however, we’ll be more in tune with each other emotionally. In other words, I’ll know when you’re angry at me and you’ll know when I’m particularly captivated by you.” He ran his knuckles lightly down my cheek.
“And vice versa," I giggled. I was definitely feeling a little light-headed. “Do you feel stronger?” I asked.
“Oui, ma jolie Jacqueline. Yes, my lovely Jacqueline” He got a kick out of mentally sending me the translation. “Your energy is a potent blend and your blood is delicious.”
He sounded so sexy. “I don’t speak French but I kind of love it when you do.” I twisted my fingers through his thick hair.
“I’ll teach you if you like. My father was born in Paris in 1582 and spoke French and English. His family settled in Quebec in 1615. He and his brothers actually fought with the Americans against the British during the war, that’s why I think of myself as a child of the revolution. We all moved to Louisiana around 1830.”
“You sound like someone raised in California.”
“I always try to fit in wherever I’m living. If I ever go back to Louisiana for a visit, I’ll fall into the drawl, I’m sure.” He smiled as he’d said the last bit with a lazy southern accent that reminded me of gentle breezes and magnolia trees.
Gracefully, he moved to the fridge to pour me a glass of orange juice. “Drink this, you’ll feel better.” I drank it down and felt the rush of sugar relieve some of my shakiness. “The effects of our bond will fade in a few months, unless we share again, or unless we complete the third part of the ritual. The connection between us will help tonight at the meeting. Keep yourself open to me but make sure you’re closed to everyone else. Maya will be testing you. Her questioning may be intense.”
“What’s the worst that can happen tonight?”
He sat down next to me again. “You're an adult, If they judge you to be dangerous, they might issue an order of execution. Or they could mandate special training with Maya. If execution is the decision, I’ll get you out of there and safe, somewhere far away. You have nothing to worry about.” I trusted him completely but I was still worried. I didn’t want to think about having to move away from my new friends and my new life.
He stood up, pulling me with him, and held me close. “I’ll find us somewhere safe and I’ll stay there with you, until you send me away.” There was a sweet vulnerability in his eyes that made me love him even more.
“I’ll never ask you to leave.” He didn’t look totally convinced.
“I’ll protect you with my life. Je t’aime aussi. I love you, too.”
"Je t'aime." I repeated. My new favorite expression.
He smiled. “I think you need shoes, correct?” Garrett walked to the closet and brought out six pairs which diverted me for a few minutes. I picked a pair of black sexy boots which brought me just about even with his 6’ height.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked. I nodded, but my stomach was in a knot. He helped me into a green leather jacket that matched my shirt exactly, then he took my arm in his and led me to the door. I stole a glance at the house as we pulled away and spun a quick fantasy of my future there with Garrett.
Chapter Twenty-seven
The scene was right out of “The Crucible”, only set in a modern courtroom. In the center at a long table sat three judges: a woman with long wavy brown hair, hazel eyes and full lips, a man with short, spiky black hair, dark eyes and a muscular build and another woman with light blonde hair cut short in layers, large green eyes and high cheekbones; obviously this was Maya. They all looked to be in their early twenties, but I knew better. Garrett and Rob sat at a table facing the council with empty seats between them. To their right at a second table sat the three bears; Smokey, Yogi and Baloo…..er….Anton, Jim and Phillip. The courtroom was full of spectators.
Garrett and Rob had decided that the team should walk in together as a show of power and support, so we strolled down the aisle to take our seats in the front row on the left. We made quite a picture, all of us decked out in leather and jewel tones. We definitely looked like a team that people should think twice about messing with.
I caught Kyle looking at my wrist. Our eyes met and I could see his disapproval and disgust.
“Kyle, this isn’t the time.” I warned him.
“I didn’t say anything, did I? Jackie, this is Peter Bain. Peter, Jackie Crawford.” He indicated the young man sitting next to him who smiled and stuck out his hand.
“Hi Jackie, it’s nice to meet you.” He was tall, slim, dark skinned, handsome and smelled like cedar. I liked him instantly.
“It's nice to meet you too, Peter.” I smiled back as I shook his hand.
“Kyle tells me you’re a cheetah. I hope you decide to stick around and become part of Garrett’s team. Crescent City can use your special abilities.”
I looked at Garrett who was talking quietly to Rob and flashed on how we’d grown closer than ever.“I have no plans to leave, Peter. Have there been problems lately?” Garrett hadn't told me much about the work the team would be doing.
“We’ve had some incidents with a couple of blood witches and we always have to deal with the odd werewolf showing up trying to drag off one of our women.”
“Freakin’ wolves behave like they’re living in the dark ages.” Kyle interjected, looking angry as usual.
Peter gave Kyle’s hand a squeeze. “Only a couple of local packs are giving us trouble. The rest are fine. And then Eleanor’s nest has been causing problems: particularly Lily and Antoine.”
Kyle gave Peter a harsh look just as the man in the center stood to speak, “Quiet please. The council has called you here to discuss the fate of Ethan Hamilton and Jacqueline Crawford. We've approved Garrett Cuvier and Robert Valerio to speak on behalf of the two shifters. I’d also like to point out that Sinc Blakefield and Kyle Daro, who joined us nine years ago, were instructed by Rob and Garrett and have shown themselves to be responsible and reliable members of the community. Jackie and Ethan, would you please sit at the table?”
Rebirth (Rogues Shifter Series) Page 16