You wouldn’t want me to kill again, would you?
When we finally pulled our lips apart, I let go of his hair, gently stroked his cheek, and looked lovingly into his eyes. He looked surprised at my last thought, but then as he digested all that had gone through my mind, his eyes told me he understood why I was feeling this way. I had detected subtle changes in him, and was not at all pleased with the way he allowed Veronica to go on the way she had been. And even though I forced myself to appear loving and kind on the outside, he alone knew better. My insides were fuming.
Yes, my husband. This is going to be a very long flight home.
CHAPTER 7
DON’T MESS WITH MY MAN
Boarding the flight to London was much easier than our previous flight was. Extra hands meant no one had to try to balance two babies at once. We settled in quite nicely, and I was relieved that the Bronze Bimbo was seated far enough away that I’d be able to say what was on my mind, once I had the energy to talk. I was emotionally exhausted and fell asleep before the plane was even in the air.
I woke up several hours later to find that Emrys was gone from his seat. It was dark throughout most of the plane, and only a few soft lights were lit to show the way to the restroom. For a brief moment a fleeting thought crossed through my mind and I wondered if Emrys was with Veronica. Before I had the chance to scold myself for such an idiotic thought, I heard soft voices coming from behind me.
I had to get up anyway, and as I made my way back to the restroom, was pleasantly surprised to see my sweet husband sitting next to Gavin. Melinda was nowhere to be seen. Gavin had two bundles on his lap, one pink and one blue. Both of the babies were sound asleep. Emrys was rocking one of the girls to sleep. The men gazed up at me with welcoming grins.
“Good morning, sleepy-head!” Emrys whispered.
“Look at you two,” I whispered, smiling wide. “I bet neither of you ever pictured such a scene in all your years on this earth.”
“Actually, I have,” Gavin said, still grinning. “I just never thought it would happen for me.”
Emrys raised an eyebrow at me. After all, in reality, he had already raised a child himself. It sometimes slipped my mind.
“Where’s Lindy?” I asked. “Is she in the restroom?”
Gavin stopped grinning and his expression turned serious. “No amount of talking could convince her to leave well enough alone,” he began with a scowl. “She’s gone to speak to Ronnie.”
Ronnie? Scrawny Ronnie?
I grimaced, and then sighed.
Great, he’s just as buffaloed as my husband is.
They both appeared surprised by my reaction, but Emrys more so, since he could actually hear my reaction. He gave me one of his please do not start anything looks.
“I tried to stop her,” Gavin said pointedly. “But you know your sister. She has a mind of her own; and once she gets an idea in her head, she has to follow through with it.” Gazing down at the bundles in his arms, he sighed and said, “She’s going to be a great mother.”
I wasn’t quite sure what the connection was, but he seemed to be lost somewhere in baby-land and he never looked up again.
“How long have they been talking?” I asked, rolling my eyes at Emrys.
“About ten minutes,” he said with an imploring look still in his eyes.
I wanted to talk to Emrys, but didn’t want to interrupt this bonding time with Gavin and his babies either. At the same time, now I wanted to know exactly what Lindy was saying to Veronica. Emrys nodded to me, acknowledging my silent request.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” I said, leaning down, kissing Emrys’ cheek. I whispered into his ear, “I’m just going to the bathroom, my dear husband.”
I went to use the restroom and by the time I made my way back, Lindy was next to Gavin, holding her daughter. I paused for a few minutes and just smiled down at the happy family. I put my hand on Lindy’s shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. “Thanks, Sis.”
“They told you where I was?” she asked, giving me her most wicked grin.
“Yes. But you’ll have to fill me in later. I really need to speak to Emrys,” I explained with an understanding wink. “We haven’t had a moment alone together yet.”
“I know.” Melinda chuckled softly. “You passed right out.”
“Talk to you later, Lindy.” I said patting her shoulder.
Just before I turned back to the aisle, I caught the overpowering, alluring scent of blood. I spotted two empty containers standing on the tray by Gavin’s seat, and at that exact moment my sharp teeth made their familiar clicking appearance. Lindy’s head jerked up at me when she heard the sound.
“Go to your seat, Elizabeth,” she whispered. “I’m sure your husband has ordered you a lovely drink by now.”
I nodded my head and rushed back toward my seat. A few steps down the aisle I looked up and saw Veronica heading in my direction. I wondered if she had stopped to chat with Emrys, and my imagination took off for a second or two. I pictured her standing over him, leaning down on purpose so he’d get a good, close look at her cleavage. I imagined her batting her eyelashes, fawning over him like a common floozy. I had no proof of her acting like this at all, and yet found myself getting angry just remembering how she had acted back at the airport. By the time we met and had to step sideways to allow one another to pass, I was flaming irate. At the same time I realized that my fangs were still quite visible, but my common sense flew right out the window. I gave her the most evil, sinister sneer I could muster up and allowed her to see my teeth. I knew it was wrong, but I didn’t care. She needed to be put in her place, to understand what she was up against, and she needed to know that he was mine. The look on my face said, don’t mess with me - but especially - don’t mess with my man!
The intimidated look on her face was classic: fear mingled with respect. I wondered if it was just the sight of my fangs, or something Lindy had said to her. Regardless of which unpleasant situation filled her with this newfound deference, I was pleased to see it had finally dawned on her that she needed to be more careful around me. I couldn’t wait to hear Lindy’s take on it, and find out what she’d said. Veronica carefully edged past me, and then she hightailed down the aisle, never looking back.
By the time I arrived at our seats, Emrys had a tall glass of Ambrosia waiting for me. I sat down and grabbed up the glass without saying a word. I drank down half of the sweet nectar before coming up for air. It was refreshingly delicious, and my teeth retracted while I drank.
“That was completely uncalled for, Elizabeth.” Emrys scolded, shaking his head. “Why would you do such a thing?”
“What? Was this your glass?” I asked frowning, holding it up. I licked my lips and said, “I’m sorry, Emrys.”
“I think you know that is not what I was referring to, my dear wife.” He sounded somewhat condescending, and at first I felt angry, but then realized he meant my meeting Veronica with very visible fangs.
“Oh, that,” I said, trying to look meek. “I know. It was a gut-instinct response.” I examined his face to see if I could read his reaction. He tried to hide a grin, pursing his lips in an attempt to stay angry with me. All he’d managed to do was show me he was only slightly annoyed with my inability to control myself, but I did understand his concern. We certainly couldn’t let anyone see such a blatant display in public.
“But, everyone around the area was asleep,” I reasoned.
“Do you think scaring Veronica will change anything?” he asked, sounding cranky.
I nodded. “If she knows what’s good for her, she will continue to be scared of me,” I snarled.
At that exact moment, Veronica passed our seats. I chuckled aloud when she moved even faster after hearing me. “Good. I’m glad she heard that too.”
Emrys sighed, shaking his head.
“Well, my dear husband. I didn’t see you doing anything to deter her. And I think you rather enjoyed all of her attention. Not that I blame you, she is
a very pretty girl. But there’s no way in hell I’m going to stand by and watch some floozy flirt with my husband - and not react.”
“Elizabeth,” he started.
“No,” I interrupted, “let me finish. Just because I know that you would never, ever fall into her trap, doesn’t make it right that she’s so blatantly obvious about her intentions. I trust you completely, Emrys.” I gazed into his eyes and continued. “But she has to show some respect for who you are, and by association, who I am. Can you imagine if she flirted with you in front of the rest of the family? Or if anyone else acted like that in our home? You would never allow it, and you know that I’m right.”
I swallowed the rest of my drink, placed the glass down on the tray and crossed my arms over my chest. “Aren’t I?”
Emrys brushed his hair back over his shoulder and turned to me. “You are correct. By not saying anything to her, I allowed Veronica to think her actions were acceptable. And I would never allow anyone to act as she does in our home. But in her defense, she did put herself in harm’s way for us, Elizabeth.” Lowering his voice, he added, “She was stabbed by the Venator!”
“She was?” I said, stunned. “And she still helped you get away from them?” A shudder rippled through me as I thought about the Hunters and how much they hated us, and apparently, Veronica too. “What else happened?”
“The bald one is dead,” he whispered. “But do not say anything to anyone. Gavin feels it could cause problems for us in the future.”
“Gavin killed him?” I asked under my breath. “And you decided to offer her an escape by allowing her to come home with us?”
“In actuality, she asked us. The Venators revealed who we were in front of Veronica, and then she asked to be turned in payment for helping us.”
“Who will turn her?” I asked, feeling anxious. It was already too late to take the question back. He knew I was worried that he’d want to do it.
“She will be a donor for two years before we make that decision. She understands it is a trial, and she must be welcomed by the rest of the family as well.
“I see.” I nodded, thinking about it. But I was still pleased with myself that I’d put Veronica in her place. Two years was a long time to watch someone flirt with your husband. I didn’t want to see it even for two minutes. And besides, they really didn’t know anything about this Bimbo.
“But, you were wrong a moment ago,” Emrys said, looking into my eyes and shaking his head. He completely changed the subject when he whispered, “Gavin did not kill the Hunter.”
I stared at him, wide-eyed and greatly surprised. Pointing at him, and without saying a word, I asked if he had done it – killed the Venator. He gave me an almost imperceptible nod.
I was shocked at first, until he explained that it was only in self-defense. I tried not to think about it, but my thoughts always got away from me. I wondered if perhaps part of Veronica’s obvious enchantment with my husband was that he’d saved her, more or less. But then I realized it was probably more his good looks and his endearing charm that won her over. Emrys did not respond to my musings, and when I glanced back at him, he had his eyes closed. I wasn’t sure if he’d fallen asleep, or was deep in thought himself about having to kill a human.
I heard one of the babies whimpering, and just as quickly the crying stopped. I was grateful that Veronica had helped them. Lindy would be lost without Gavin, and of course, I wouldn’t want to exist without Emrys.
He suddenly grabbed me and pulled me onto his lap. “I do not want to exist without you either, my love. I never stopped thinking about you the entire time we were apart.” He took my chin and just before leaning in, he murmured, “I would love to kiss you.” His kisses were sweet and tender and he wrapped his arms around me holding me close to his body. His embrace was so warm and comforting; it instantly made me feel reassured.
I nuzzled my face into his neck, inhaling his wonderful smoky-musky scent. I touched his cheek and felt the irresistible scratchiness of his whiskers. I ran my fingers through his silky hair. He caressed my back and my neck, and each time his fingers touched the spot where his sign had been placed, I felt a tiny spark. I was his and he was mine. Forever.
“I love you, Elizabeth,” he breathed into my hair. “You know you have nothing to worry about.”
Glancing up, I said, “I love you too, Emrys. And I know.”
I was mesmerized as he gazed deep into my eyes and whispered, “For all eternity.”
* * *
A few hours later, Emrys did fall asleep and I strolled back to see if Lindy needed any help. I took the empty aisle seat next to her and smiled as she fed one of the girls. The other two babies were sound asleep in their car seats. I glanced at Gavin and hoped he was really asleep too. Raising her daughter up to burp her, Lindy turned and grinned at me.
“You can’t stand not knowing,” she said with a soft chuckle.
Gavin stirred for a moment, but never opened up his eyes.
I nodded. “You should have seen Veronica’s face when I bumped into her on my way back to my seat! Remember what happened just before I left you?”
Lindy looked confused at first, but then remembered. “Oh, you mean when your thirst was so apparent?” she asked with a startled look.
I gave her a wide, toothy grin and said, “Yep.”
“You didn’t!” she said, half-laughing.
“Oh, yes! I certainly did!” I raised an eyebrow and snickered. “Why not? She’s got to understand her place!”
Lindy sighed. “Well, after your little display and everything I told her, I’ll be surprised if she tries any more flirting.”
Touching her knee, I said, “Tell me what you said to her, Sis.”
Melinda looked thoughtful as she patted her daughter’s back. She licked her lips and turned to me, but the tickled look she had on her face didn’t quite match her words.
“I pretty much just told her to back off. That she had no idea who Emrys was and certainly did not understand the hierarchy of our society.”
“That’s it?” I asked with a smirk.
“I also explained to her about the Signatus, and the Veinvedia.” Lindy shrugged.
“Well that’s just ducky.” Still using a sarcastic tone, I added, “Now she knows Emrys and I will be together forever. But that doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll stop flirting!”
“I don’t think she’ll give you any trouble, Lizzy.” Lindy shook her head and gave me a confident grin.
“And why is that?”
Melinda looked me in the eye and with an amused but very casual tone, she whispered, “I also told her how you single-handedly killed the rogue vampire.”
Our laughter woke Gavin. He glanced around half-dazed and put a hand on Lindy’s shoulder.
“I assume you informed your sister about your little chat with Veronica?” he asked sleepily, covering his mouth to yawn.
“I did indeed,” Lindy chuckled.
Shaking my head, I said, “Thanks, Sis. You’re the best!” I smiled all the way back to my seat.
The rest of our flight was mostly quiet, except for several times when one of the triplets let out a squeal or a whimper. Melinda never let them cry for more than a few minutes. But the best part about the peace and quiet was the fact that I never once saw Veronica again. Not until we landed.
* * *
After piling everything into the trunk of the limo, Royal greeted us with a happy smile, even taking a few moments to check out the babies. Gavin introduced Veronica to Royal, and she immediately asked if she could sit up front with him. He looked puzzled at first, but after spotting Emrys’ slight nod, he reluctantly agreed.
I sensed our collective sighs as our vehicle rushed toward Ravenswynd. It was good to be home, and away from the Hunters. And it would be great to see everyone and get back into our regular routine. Although, from here on out, Melinda and Gavin’s routines would be ruled by the newest members of our little family. I glanced at Lindy as she kept up her never
-ending vigil of mothering her babies.
Perhaps she would finally quit mothering me now!
Emrys gave a light-hearted snort and took my hand in his. His electric warmth was so irresistible; it pulled my attention away from anything else going on within the vehicle. He leaned over and planted a kiss on my lips. Lindy was far too busy to make any snide remarks this time…and I was relieved to see her stress level had finally lowered. When I glanced back at my sister, she smiled at me. I knew at once, she was letting me know how happy she was.
Finally spotting the archway with the raven sculpture on top, I relaxed even more. Home at last. The unloading of the bags and baby things went much quicker after Kelsey and Fiona came out to help. And once we all entered the foyer, introductions were made, much attention was paid to the babies, especially by Priscilla, and I noticed that Kelsey gave me a quick quizzical expression. I wondered if she had noticed the way I so blatantly ignored our newest human, or if she’d seen Veronica climb out of the front seat. Either way, it was sure to be a good conversation once we had a moment to chat.
After the foyer cleared out, Emrys gave Priscilla instructions regarding Veronica. She was to bunk in with Heather for now, until there was time to figure out where to put her and what her chores would be. I found myself gloating at the surprised look on Veronica’s face. I supposed she had assumed her life here would be nothing but leisure, but she just found out how wrong she had been. Not that anyone was ever treated badly or given too much work to do, but all the humans were expected to contribute to the daily care and upkeep of our estate in addition to donating their blood. I had to stifle a grin when I realized that Emrys’ decision to put Veronica with Heather was more for my benefit than anyone else. Heather was sure to tell Veronica about her brush with death in the garden the day my thirst nearly got out of hand. But truth be told - Scrawny Ronnie’s scent did nothing for me. I imagined that if ever I felt the temptation to slaughter her, it would be because she messed with my man. I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 82