Love takes wing faster than a Raven in flight.
The Gray Court, Book 6
Amanda Pierson’s long-overdue holiday at the Dunne farm unexpectedly turns into a working vacation when she’s roped into throwing together a last-minute dream wedding for Michaela Exton and Robin Goodfellow. No biggie for one of the best party planners at Fantasy Events, Inc., right?
Right.
A monkey wrench lands with a thud when the groom’s son—who’s been watching her every move—declares they were meant to be together. Raven Goodfellow is everything she doesn’t want in a lover. Brash, bold and goth. Yet there’s something almost…magical about their attraction.
The moment Raven saw Amanda’s picture, he had suspicions. Now that he’s seen her in person, he’s certain. She is his truebond, though it will take a delicate, feather-light touch to bring her into his world.
Love takes wing faster than a bird in flight. But when the Dark Queen sends agents to destroy him, Raven finds himself in a desperate fight to protect all he holds dear…or the Dark Queen may succeed where so many others have failed.
Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, a bachelorette party that ends in jail time, double-dog dares, feathered flirting and wicked intentions.
Never More
Dana Marie Bell
Dedication
To Mom, who encouraged my fascination with reading, even when she didn’t understand what I was reading. Gods and devils, elves and sorcery, space flight and laser beams filled my head. With all those good books in our library, she was lucky I graduated grade school. (Yes, I hid in my closet to read. Who didn’t?)
To Dad, who always reminded us that you “gotta do what you gotta do” to take care of your family before you could play. If he hadn’t, I’d probably be playing Dragon Age right now instead of writing. Say thank you, guys.
And to Dusty, who wriggled in my trap before he finally accepted I wasn’t going anywhere. My evil plan worked. You’re my little puppy now, mated to me for life. Remember what my dad said when he walked me down the aisle: “NO RETURNS.”
Chapter One
Amanda Pierson tapped the papers against the kitchen table, lining them up precisely. “All right.” She eyed the couple across from her, gauging their taste by their clothing and mannerisms to come up with something that would appeal to them both. It was part of her job as a party planner for Fantasy Events, and Amanda was damn good at her job.
But these two? These two were going to give her fits, she just knew it. Why had she allowed Ruby to talk her into taking this job?
Oh, right. Ruby, her BFF since kindergarten, was married to Amanda’s boss, Leo Dunne. Therefore, what Ruby wanted, Leo demanded and Amanda delivered. At least on the party planning front.
Stupid nepotism. The vacation of shopping malls and spa trips she’d envisioned with Ruby was deteriorating into a work trip. Leo so owed her for this one.
Hell, he still owed her for setting up Ruby for one hell of a fall. If Amanda hadn’t literally pushed Ruby into Leo’s arms, they’d both still be silently pining after one another. Once this wedding was done, she planned on cashing in on that favor. Maybe she’d drag Ruby off to Tahiti, just the two of them? Work had been a pain right up until her little vacation, and her ex, the Viking with the tiny spear, couldn’t seem to get it through his thick skull that their relationship was so dead Charon was holding out his hand for his payment to take it down the river Styx.
Shaking her head, Amanda got back down to business. At least these two were amusing, even if she could already tell they’d drive her nuts.
The redheaded groom hovered protectively over his smaller, dark-haired bride, his blue eyes gazing at her adoringly. The brunette was all smiles and bounces, eager to discuss their upcoming wedding.
A wedding that was mere weeks away.
Thanks, Leo. Thanks a lot.
Amanda plastered on her best smile. It was never easy taking over the planning of a wedding. Usually another planner had things in place, people they were used to working with who were aware of the planner’s choices and the bride’s likes and dislikes. Even worse, Amanda was from out of town and didn’t have the contacts another planner would have. But the bride and groom had been planning their wedding on their own and gotten bogged down by work. They needed help, and thanks to Ruby and Leo, Amanda was the one they were turning to. “First things first. Ruby told me who you are, but I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Amanda Pierson, and I’m a party planner with Fantasy Events.” Amanda kept her gaze on the bride, knowing where the real client was. As much as a wedding was a celebration of two people coming together as one, it was really the bride’s day. Most of what was going to happen would come from her first.
“I’m Michaela Exton, and this is my fiancé, Robin Goodfellow.” Michaela held out her hand and Amanda shook it, as well as Robin’s. “We’re really excited to have you help us with this. Ruby told us you are the best of the best.”
“Leo’s recommendation was also stellar,” Robin added. It was the first words she’d heard from the man since she got here. His voice was smooth, with a tinge of humor to it. “He’s very well respected amongst his peers.”
Leo Dunne was CEO of Fantasy Events. He was looking to expand beyond D.C. and into the national arena. Why he’d chosen to start in Omaha, Amanda didn’t know, but she was ready to ask for a transfer just so she could see her BFF Ruby more often. Amanda missed her more and more with each passing day.
This could be the opportunity she’d been looking for. If she could pull this off, maybe Leo would approve a transfer. Amanda straightened her shoulders, ready for the party-planning battle of her life. “I’m glad my boss is pleased with me.” Amanda winked. “Now, I’d like to show you some pictures of weddings I’ve done in the past. That will give me an idea of what you like and what you don’t.” She put the binder on the table, watching Michaela’s reactions as she went through it. She seemed especially drawn to the more fairytale-style weddings. Robin watched, smiling whenever Michaela cooed.
When Michaela reached the end of the binder, Amanda pulled out her notepad. “Okay. Let’s get started. Ruby says you’ve already got your guest list and invitations.”
“We do.” Michaela pressed one into her hands. Done on white vellum with gold lettering, it fit Michaela perfectly down to the scrolling font.
“And the caterer and cake?”
Michaela shook her head. “Nope. Or my dress. Or the bridesmaids’ dresses.”
Amanda hid her wince. Getting a decent dress took months, but she didn’t have that kind of time. Hopefully the gods of good weddings were smiling on Michaela, because it was going to take a miracle to get the dresses on time. “That’s going to be difficult, but we’ll figure it out.”
Robin’s eyes flashed, and she could have sworn they turned green for just a second. “Worry not, my dear. It will be taken care of.”
Michaela grinned up at her flamboyant boyfriend. Really, who dressed like that other than cosplayers? The man wore a dark purple shirt buttoned all the way up. Over that was a notched lapel leather vest in black, with bright silver buttons. His pants were tight leather biker pants in the same black, with silver runes running down the outside seams. On his feet were dark purple boots with black heels. At his waist was a thick, matching purple leather belt with silver grommets. The belt buckle was in the shape of a tricolor triskelion. The bottom two spirals were white and black enamel, but the upper spiral, the one above them both, was done in pure, shining silver, the arms of the spiral reaching down to touch the white and
the black, blending into them. His long red hair was held back with a clasp in the shape of that same triskelion, colors and all. On his wrist was a bright silver cuff with an emerald-cut amethyst in the center.
On the other hand, Michaela was dressed much more simply. She had her dark hair up in a bouncy ponytail. Her long-sleeved T-shirt was plain and black. Her pants were large-print plaid in black and white, and her feet were bare. She wore a moonstone pendant, and on her finger was a ring with the same kind of runes that were on Robin’s pants.
“So, you know someone who can cater on such short notice?” Amanda held her pen poised over her paper. She’d already noted that they needed to make a trip into Omaha for the dresses. If Robin had a line on a caterer, that would make her day.
“Unfortunately no, but I have the utmost confidence in you.” Robin winked at her, and Amanda found herself charmed despite herself.
Amanda wrote “caterer” on her to-do list. If luck was on her side, the venue they chose would have a caterer they could use. “Entertainment?”
“We know some, um, singers who will be willing to show up.” Michaela laughed at Robin’s wince. “I was thinking of Osmond and Dayton, love.”
Robin immediately relaxed. “Ah. An excellent choice.”
Michaela pretended to flip back her hair. “Of course.”
Robin chuckled. “Of course.”
“We’ll need more than live singers,” Amanda noted. “Did you want a band or a DJ?” Either was doable depending on the budget.
Amanda watched the pair exchange a long look. “Good question,” Michaela said softly.
“A DJ would work.” Robin stroked his chin. “I believe your adoptive father may have someone we can use.”
“Who?”
“Normally I would ask Red, but I believe Kael might be willing to do this service for us.”
Michaela’s happy grin and little chair dance had Robin laughing. “Yes! I haven’t seen Kael in ages!”
“All righty then.” She put a check mark next to DJ. “So that’s catering, dresses, venue and cake on my side. You have live entertainment and DJ covered.”
“And you’ll need to handle the décor,” Michaela added. “Including the florist.”
Wonderful. Amanda made a note of those as well. She’d need to check the rental places for décor. The florist would need time to order the flowers for the centerpieces and the bouquet. “The officiate?” When Michaela looked at her blankly, Amanda amended her words. “Who is marrying you, a judge or a priest?”
“Oberon.” Robin’s tone was firm. “No one else will do.”
“Agreed,” Michaela said soothingly.
Amanda looked at the list. It was pretty daunting. Even though this wasn’t the height of wedding season, most venues booked up months in advance. “It’s going to take some work, but I’ll find you a venue if I have to build one by hand.”
“We know a glass artist who might be willing to do some small pieces for décor.” Robin glanced toward the back door. “In fact, he lives here with his ma—wife, Akane.”
“You mean Shane Joloun Dunne?” Amanda knew of the man who’d been kidnapped from the Dunne farm. The eldest son of the Dunne family was a famous glass artist. “That would be awesome.” She made a note next to décor to talk to Shane. “What about your attire?” She looked at Robin, aware the man probably had definite ideas on what he would, and would not, wear at his wedding.
“My groomsmen and I are in talks. Leave that to me.” Robin sighed. “One is being…intractable about color.”
Amanda’s brows rose. “Color?”
He nodded sadly. “Alas, he lacks it.”
Oh. That would probably be a huge sin in the eyes of someone like Robin. From the descriptions Ruby had given her of her new friends, Robin had always featured as a man who loved his colorful clothing.
“All right then.” Amanda put the pen down. “About the theme of your wedding. Am I right in thinking you prefer a fairytale sort of vibe?”
Michaela nodded so eagerly her head should have rolled off. “Yes, please.”
“With a touch of princess, yes, my dear?” Robin kissed the top of Michaela’s head as she rolled her eyes at him. “You know, I believe a tiara would look stunning on you.”
She patted Robin’s hand. “You think anything looks stunning on me. Including SpongeBob scrubs.”
“The wedding will be a nighttime formal event,” Robin continued. “A number of prestigious guests will be present.”
That made finding a venue harder. “Hmm. I don’t know if we’ll be able to find a venue in time that suits your needs.” She tapped her pen on the paper. “I’ll get started on that right away. It’s going to be the most difficult part of this.”
“You’ll do it. I believe in you.” Michaela captured Amanda’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Ruby and Leo told us how good you are. If anyone can pull this off it’s you.”
“Agreed.” Robin looked at Amanda as if she could march right out there, hammer in hand, and create the perfect venue overnight. “Besides, I have it on very good authority that we’ll be getting to know you much better in the future.”
Amanda frowned. “Huh?”
Robin laughed and patted Michaela’s hand. “I leave you two to it, my dear.” He kissed her cheek and sauntered out of the room. Amanda did her best not to stare at his ass on the way out, but damn. Michaela was a lucky woman. There was nothing feminine about Robin’s frame despite the long hair and somewhat archaic ways. Robin reminded Amanda of a tamed Regency rake.
“So.” Michaela cupped her chin in her hand. “Wanna go out tonight?”
Amanda blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You’re Ruby’s friend, and Robin considers the Dunnes family. So, that means we’re going to be friends.”
It did?
“So I want you to come out with us tonight for my bachelorette party.”
“I don’t know about that.” Amanda laughed uncomfortably. “I’m working for you.” And for Leo, but she didn’t say that. It might make Michaela feel bad.
“Please?” Michaela folded her hands together and begged. “Pretty please?” She bit her lip. “It would mean a lot to me. Besides, Ruby’s going.”
Ugh. How could Amanda say no? It was exactly what she’d wanted, to do something with Ruby. “All right. If it means that much to you, I’m in.”
“Yay!” Michaela hopped up and grabbed her arm. “C’mon, we have to get ready!”
“We do?”
“The girls are already doing their hair and makeup. I don’t want to miss the fun!”
Amanda allowed herself to be tugged after the enthusiastic Michaela. Oh, Ruby. What the hell have you gotten me into this time?
“Robin had better not be making me wear a colored tux,” Raven muttered into his cell phone as he made his way up the front porch of the Dunne farmhouse. Technically he was there to celebrate the marriage of Michaela and Robin, but unfortunately, he wasn’t just here for a happy family party.
Hell, he should be so lucky. They’d gotten word that the Dark Queen was once again nosing around the Dunne farm, only this time she wasn’t looking for the Child of Dunne. She was looking for her errant knight, the one fae she’d trusted to never betray her. Namely himself, Lord Raven Goodfellow, née MacSweeney, late of the Black Court and current errand boy of Prince Robin Goodfellow, his father.
The man with the inexplicable taste in outdated clothes.
While Raven thought his father’s quirky attire suited him, Raven felt awkward in anything other than black or, at best, dark charcoal. Perhaps it was the raven in him that made him so picky about it, but the few times his father tried to “fix him” had ended in Raven turning all of his father’s clothes black in retaliation. They’d come to a mutual agreement not to fuck with each other’s wardrobes after that, but Raven was certain all be
ts were off when it came to the Hob’s wedding day.
“You won’t burst into flames if color touches your skin, bruh.”
Raven rolled his eyes at Li’s comment. “Fuck you, asshole. You’ll be stuck in the same damn tux, you know.”
“I’m not the best man, remember? You’ll be the one sporting pastels, not me.” Li cackled as Raven grumbled under his breath. “You’ll look so sweet in baby blue. The thought just brings happy tears to my eyes.”
It was hard to stay angry at Li, aka Big Red. The gremlin had found Amanda Pierson for him, the woman who’d begun haunting every sleeping moment Raven had managed to find in the last week. Still, the thought of a baby blue tux made Raven want to hurl. “I’m pretty sure I can arrange for an unfortunate tux mauling if that happens.”
Li made a rude noise, like a cross between a fart and a raspberry. “Tell me about the hot chicks at the farm, okay? I’m looking for something a little homegrown, ya know?”
“Says the head techno-geek.”
“Hey, now. Have you ever watched Dukes of Hazzard? Mm-mm. I’d love to get me some of that.”
“See, I always knew you were like that. Which one did you want, Luke or Bo?”
Li snorted in amusement. “Boss Hogg.”
Raven burst into laughter.
“What? I like a little jiggle in my wiggle, you know what I mean?”
Raven had to grab onto the porch railing. He could just picture Li’s demonic grin. “I had no idea Boss Hogg was a bottom.”
“Shows what you know. I bet Roscoe P. Coltrane was one hell of a secret top.”
Raven shuddered. “And thank you for giving me that image. I’ll be going now. I have to break out the brain bleach.”
Li chuckled. “I’ll see you in a few days, dude. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Li’s voice, a light tenor in his Seeming, deepened into the more familiar tones of Big Red, the name he was known by amongst Oberon’s Blades. “At least not in public.”
“I look forward to seeing you again.” And strangely enough, he did. Raven didn’t have many friends, but in the short time he’d known Li they’d become close. Closer than Raven had ever felt toward his brothers and sisters, that was certain.
Never More: The Gray Court, Book 6 Page 1