*
It is not an easy thing to take another’s life, no matter how many crimes they have committed. No matter how many people they have killed. Ridding the world of some small evil does not ensure a good night’s sleep. Neither justice nor vengeance comes with a guarantee that you will not doubt yourself.
What helps is that I know I did what I could for the victims and their families. That I ensured Lukas Morris would never again hurt anyone else.
There wasn’t anything I could do about Sheila Morris. I didn’t like her, but since Lukas was trying to dethrone her, she hadn’t been involved in his little murder escapades. I still didn’t trust her, though. There was something about her that I saw in her brother. Not the insanity bit, as Sheila didn’t seem like a complete whack-job like her brother, but there was a darkness there that I don’t think either of them dealt with in healthy ways. I thought about giving the name to Arthur. That way, he could take her in for questioning. But then I decided that in the future I would keep watch on her myself. If she was innocent, why expose that she’s a lycanthrope? It could potentially ruin her life. I only ruin the lives of those that deserve it, when I’m sure they deserve it.
It was the night of the autumnal equinox, a time to prepare for the cold winter months ahead. I would pay my respects to the waning sunlight and honor the moon lady. Soon, her cold fingers would coax the leaves off the trees. The ground would fall asleep under her cloak of frost.
For tonight, everything was in balance.
Arthur pulled up by the gate. “Nice,” he said. “I’m starting to see what you see in Vampira.” He grinned.
“Arthur,” I unbuckled my seat belt, “shut up.”
I got out of the car. My entire body felt like I’d been hit by a semi truck. It was a dull ache, which was good, because it meant that the damage done to my body was healing properly. Werewolf or no, I was exhausted, but some exhaustions are of the mind rather than the body. I forced myself to keep my carriage straight as I went to the keypad.
Lenorre had saved my life. Rosalin and Carver had helped her, but I knew without a doubt that she had been the mastermind of my rescue.
The gate opened and I stumbled over a rock. It was a small rock, but one of those little jagged rocks that slip beneath your heel. Usually, I’d notice something like that. I cursed under my breath.
I made it as far as the driveway when the front door opened. Lenorre was suddenly beside me, slipping an arm around my waist.
A muscle in my back spasmed. Sometimes, healing so quickly can be uncomfortable.
“You just did it again,” I said.
“Did what?”
“You remember the poof thing we talked about?”
Lenorre shook her head. “I come to help you, and you are more worried about me poofing to your aid than the actual aid itself. Are you truly complaining?” she asked.
I looked up into her misty gray eyes and smiled softly. “No,” I said, “I appreciate the aid, whether you poofed to give it or not.”
The ground moved out from under my feet. Lenorre cradled me in her arms, holding my body against hers.
“I didn’t say you had to carry me.”
She gave a slow blink that showed off the richness of her eyelashes. As if that was her response, she began walking toward the house. I let out a deep breath and relaxed. If she hadn’t saved my life, I would’ve gone apeshit for being picked up without warning, for feeling like I was being coddled like a child.
The Countess of Oklahoma carried me into her home, and I knew she wasn’t coddling me. She held me not because she wanted to bend me to her will or keep me as a pet.
I looked at her and knew that she held me because she cared.
I rested my head against her shoulder and inhaled the sweet scent of cinnamon and cloves and the smell of crisp night air.
“It is like your detective friend said,” she mumbled and I felt her lips moving against the top of my head.
“What is?” My voice was a tired whisper.
“Mmm,” she said, “something about doughnuts.” I looked up into her shining face. The corner of her red mouth twitched.
I gave a short laugh. “That from a woman who could probably pick up a truck and throw it.”
“You are amazingly light compared to a truck.”
“That’s good to know.”
I sank back into the feel of her.
“How did you know?” I asked.
“That you were missing?”
I nodded, not bothering to look at her.
“Rosalin informed me. I told her to search the area. She found your phone.”
“What about Carver?” I asked. “He was my suspect.”
“He offered to help,” Lenorre said. “Mayhap, to prove a point. Who is to know? The fact of the matter is that he did help.”
“True,” I said. “I owe him an apology.”
“You do,” she said at length. “Though I do not blame you.”
“I do, a little,” I said.
“Why?”
“I knew when I met Lukas something was off about him. I just didn’t pay attention to it.”
Lenorre helped me to my feet before opening the door that led to the basement levels. “Mistakes are a part of life,” she said, slipping an arm around my waist as we descended the stairs. “Be grateful your mistake helped you to find and save Henry Walker.”
“I am,” I said, and meant it.
Lenorre laid me down on the bed and I sighed as I sank into the deep silk bedding. I watched her get undressed. She slid into bed next to me and curled her body around mine.
My muscles eased and my skin warmed where her cold body touched it. Ironic, I thought as I drifted to sleep. I would still have to deal with the crazy shit going on in my life. But for now, I was right where I wanted to be.
About the Author
Winter Pennington is an author, poet, artist, and closeted musician. She is an avid practitioner of nature-based spirituality and enjoys spending her spare time studying mythology from around the world. The Celtic path is very close to her heart. She has an uncanny fascination with swords and daggers and a fondness for feeding loud and obnoxious corvids. Winter currently resides in Oklahoma with her partner.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Witch Wolf by Winter Pennington. In a world where vampires have charmed their way into modern society, where werewolves walk the streets with their beasts disguised by human skin, Investigator Kassandra Lyall has a secret of her own to protect: She’s one of them. (978-1-60282-177-4)
Do Not Disturb by Carsen Taite. Ainsley Faraday, a high-powered executive, and rock music celebrity Greer Davis couldn’t be less well suited for one another, and yet they soon discover passion has a way of designing its own future. (978-1-60282-153-8
From This Moment On by PJ Trebelhorn. Devon Conway and Katherine Hunter both lost love and neither believes they will ever find it again—until the moment they meet and everything changes. (978-1- 60282-154-5)
Vapor by Larkin Rose. When erotic romance writer Ashley Vaughn decides to take her research into the bedroom for a night of passion with Victoria Hadley, she discovers that fact is hotter than fiction. (978- 1-60282-155-2)
Wind and Bones by Kristin Marra. Jill O’Hara, award-winning journalist, just wants to settle her deceased father’s affairs and leave Prairie View, Montana, far, far behind—but an old girlfriend, a sexy sheriff, and a dangerous secret keep her down on the ranch. (978-1- 60282-150-7)
Nightshade by Shea Godfrey. The story of a princess, betrothed as a political pawn, who falls for her intended husband’s soldier sister, is a modern-day fairy tale to capture the heart. (978-1-60282-151-4)
Vieux Carré Voodoo by Greg Herren. Popular New Orleans detective Scotty Bradley just can’t stay out of trouble—especially
The Pleasure Set by Lisa Girolami. Laney DeGraff, a successful president of a family-owned bank on Rodeo Drive, finds her comfortable life taking a turn toward danger when There
sa Aguilar, a sleek, sexy lawyer, invites her to join an exclusive, secret group of powerful, alluring women. (978-1-60282-144-6)
A Perfect Match by Erin Dutton. The exciting world of pro golf forms the backdrop for a fast-paced, sexy romance. (978-1-60282-145-3)
Truths by Rebecca S. Buck. Two women separated by two hundred years are connected by fate and love. (978-1-60282-146-0)
Father Knows Best by Lynda Sandoval. High school juniors and best friends Lila Moreno, Meryl Morganstern, and Caressa Thibodoux plan to make the most of the summer before senior year. What they discover that amazing summer about girl power, growing up, and trusting friends and family more than prepares them to tackle that all-important senior year! (978-1-60282-147-7)
In Pursuit of Justice by Radclyffe. In the dynamic double sequel to Shield of Justice and A Matter of Trust, Det. Sgt. Rebecca Frye joins forces with enigmatic computer consultant J.T. Sloan to crack an Internet child pornography ring. (978-1-60282-147-4)
The Midnight Hunt by L.L. Raand. Medic Drake McKennan takes a chance and loses, and her life will never be the same—because when she wakes up after surviving a life-threatening illness, she is no longer human. (978-1-60282-140-8)
Long Shot by D. Jackson Leigh. Love isn’t safe, which is exactly why equine veterinarian Tory Greyson wants no part of it—until Leah Montgomery and a horse that won’t give up convince her otherwise. (978-1-60282-141-5)
In Medias Res by Yolanda Wallace. Sydney has forgotten her entire life, and the one woman who holds the key to her memory, and her heart, doesn’t want to be found. (978-1-60282-142-2)
Awakening to Sunlight by Lindsey Stone. Neither Judith or Lizzy is looking for companionship, and certainly not love—but when their lives become entangled, they discover both. (978-1-60282-143-9)
Fever by VK Powell. Hired gun Zakaria Chambers is hired to provide a simple escort service to philanthropist Sara Ambrosini, but nothing is as simple as it seems, especially love. (978-1-60282-135-4)
High Risk by JLee Meyer. Can actress Kate Hoffman really risk all she’s worked for to take a chance on love? Or is it already too late? (978-1-60282-136-1)
Missing Lynx by Kim Baldwin and Xenia Alexiou. On the trail of a notorious serial killer, Elite Operative Lynx’s growing attraction to a mysterious mercenary could be her path to love—or to death. (978-1- 60282-137-8)
Spanking New by Clifford Henderson. A poignant, hilarious, unforgettable look at life, love, gender, and the essence of what makes us who we are. (978-1-60282-138-5)
Magic of the Heart by C.J. Harte. CEO Susan Hettinger and wild, impulsive rock star M.J. Carson couldn’t be more different if they tried—but opposites attract in ways neither woman can resist. (978-1- 60282-131-6)
Ambereye by Gill McKnight. Jolie Garoul is falling in love with her assistant. The big problem is, Jolie is a werewolf. (978-1-60282-132-3)
Collision Course by C.P. Rowlands. Tragedy leaves Brie O’Malley and Jordan Carter fearful and alone. Can they find the courage to take a second chance on love? (978-1-60282-133-0)
Mephisto Aria by Justine Saracen. Opera singer Katherina Marov’s destiny may be to repeat the mistakes of her father when she becomes involved in a dangerous love affair. (978-1-60282-134-7
Battle Scars by Meghan O’Brien. Returning Iraq war veteran Ray McKenna struggles with the battle scars that can only be healed by love. (978-1-60282-129-3)
Chaps by Jove Belle. Eden Metcalf wants nothing more than to flee from her troubled past and travel the open road—until she runs into rancher Brandi Cornwell. (978-1-60282-127-9)
Lightbearer by John Caruso. Lucifer dares to question the premise of creation itself and reveals that sin may be all that stands between us and living hell. (978-1-60282-130-9)
The Seeker by Ronica Black. FBI profiler Kennedy Scott battles ghosts from her past, deadly obsession, and the evil that haunts her. (978-1- 60282-128-6)
Power Play by Julie Cannon. Businesswomen Tate Monroe and Victoria Sosa are at odds in the boardroom, but not in the bedroom. (978-1-60282-125-5)
The Remarkable Journey of Miss Tranby Quirke by Elizabeth Ridley. When love enters Tranby’s life in the form of a beautiful nineteen-year-old student, Lysette McDonald, she embarks on the most remarkable journey of all. (978-1-60282-126-2)
Returning Tides by Radclyffe. Insurance investigator Ashley Walker faces more than a dangerous opponent when she returns to the town, and the woman, she left behind. (978-1-60282-123-1)
Veritas by Anne Laughlin. When the hallowed halls of academia become the stage for murder, newly appointed Dean Beth Ellis’s search for the truth leads her to unexpected discoveries about her own heart. (978-1-60282-124-8)
The Pleasure Planner by Larkin Rose. Pleasure purveyor Bree Hendricks treats love like a commodity until Logan Delaney makes Bree the client in her own game. (978-1-60282-121-7)
everafter by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam. Valentine Darrow is bitten by a vampire on her way to propose to her lover Alexa Newland, and their lives and love are placed in mortal jeopardy. (978-1-60282-119-4)
Summer Winds by Andrews & Austin. When Maggie Turner hires a ranch hand to help work her thousand acres, she never expects to be attracted to the very young, very female Cash Tate. (978-1-60282- 120-0)
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