Sucker Punch: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (First Fangs Club Book 3)

by Painter, Kristen

  “Pierce really knocked it out of the park with that complaint. He’s pretty good at stuff like that.”

  “Yes, he is.” Donna started with that one. It was two pages of very official legalese but still pretty easy to understand. It laid out her complaints in bullet points, citing specific times and dates too.

  Next she read the announcement. It was half a page and as straightforward as could be.

  She liked both of them. But she had a nagging feeling that she needed to let them sit awhile before sending. “I don’t really have any changes to either of them, but I don’t want to send them just yet.”

  “Are you getting nervous?”

  Donna twisted her chair around. “Not nervous, exactly. I don’t know how to describe it except that I just need to let them sit while my brain works. I want to be completely sure that I haven’t missed anything or overlooked something that could change what I’m about to do. Does that make sense?”

  “It makes perfect sense. We’ve done this pretty quickly. There’s no reason not to take a beat and let it settle. Once we hit send, they’re gone, and the deeds are done. You take all the time you need.”

  “Thanks. And thank you for the great work on these.” She glanced at Charlie. “Have you eaten?”

  “I had some fruit salad and a bagel. Rixaline had some cereal.”

  Donna nodded. “She was still eating it. She’s in the living room playing a video game with Lucky.”

  “I didn’t know he could work the controllers.”

  Donna laughed, then shook her head. “What are we going to do with that girl? She can’t live here forever. Is there a vampire foster program?”

  “No, but we might be able to find her a place in a nest. Kind of like a vampire group home.”

  Donna sighed. “I hate for her to think I’m kicking her out, but this was never meant to be a permanent situation.”

  “I completely understand. And I think she will too. She might like being around other vampires more. Especially some closer to her age. As it is, she spends a lot of time alone now. Or with one of us. That can’t be very exciting for a teenager.”

  “Probably not. But she hasn’t complained.”

  “In that regard, she is not a typical teenager. I suppose any life is better than the one she had.”

  “True.” Donna couldn’t imagine life on the run, always being hunted. Except, that would have been her life if she’d tried to get away from Joe on her own. So maybe she did understand a little of what Rixaline had gone through. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to see what’s available. But it’s not a pressing problem either.”

  “She could always move downstairs with us.”

  Donna shook her head. “That’s not really fair to you and Temo.”

  “Wouldn’t bother me. And I don’t think it would bother Temo either. She’s a good kid.”

  “She is.” A new idea came to Donna. “What are the chances the governorship could buy another apartment in this building? If there’s even one for sale.”

  “I can tell you in just a second.” Charlie turned to her computer and started typing. A new website popped up. “There’s a three-bedroom on the sixth floor. A studio on the third. And an executive suite on the eleventh floor. That’s also the most expensive, but it’s the only one that could be linked to our two floors by elevator. If that’s what you were thinking.”

  “What’s an executive suite? And how expensive are we talking?”

  “It’s a three-bedroom, but also has a conference room and office space. Kind of like a mini version of the penthouse. Closer to what we have downstairs, but a little smaller. Price is three point five.”

  “You mean million, right?” What else would it be?

  Charlie laughed. “Yes, I mean million.”

  “Do we have that in the budget?”

  “We do. Are you considering adding that to the governor’s holdings?”

  “I am. Is that crazy?”

  “Not at all. We could use the space.”

  “I know Neo wants to move out of the city.”

  Charlie’s smile was sly and knowing. “You thinking about offering her the space?”

  “Well, not the whole thing. But maybe she and Temo could take it over? Then Rixaline could move downstairs with you.”

  “That would give you and Cammie some more privacy.”

  Donna nodded. “I don’t think my sister is finding the transition all that easy.”

  “I’m sure it’s been tough. She’s probably grieving the loss of the life she’s always known. And until she gets through that, finding happiness in her current reality might be tough. Even though she’s got you close by.”

  “Exactly.”

  “You want me to set up a viewing of the executive suite?”

  “Yes. Tomorrow, if possible.”

  “I’ll send an email right now.” Her smile broadened. “Then Fitzhugh won’t be the only one with three floors.”

  Donna stood up. “I swear that has nothing to do with it.”

  “I know.” Charlie was still chuckling, though.

  “I’m going to get something to eat. Pierce in his room?”

  “No, he and Temo went to play racquetball, but they should be back soon since you have that meeting with Ishalan.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “You got it.”

  Donna went back to the kitchen and cut herself a piece of caramel apple crumb pie. It wasn’t the most nutritious thing to start her day with, but sometimes comfort eating was more important than fiber and vitamins. Besides, it was partially fruit, which was totally healthy.

  As she sat down to eat at the breakfast bar, Cammie came in, dressed head to toe in black except for her chain mail shirt, which seemed to have been turned inside out to hide the Venari cross. She had a leather bag slung over one shoulder, her crossbow on her back, and her sword at her hip. “You’re not going to believe this.”

  Donna’s fork stopped halfway to her mouth. If this was more bad news, she was going to lose it. “I’m almost afraid to ask. What won’t I believe?”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Cammie dropped her bag at her feet. “I answered an ad for a demon removal and got the job. It’s in Queens, so it’s not even that far. And the pay is good. More than enough for first and last month’s deposit on a place.”

  “Demon removal? You can do that?”

  “Absolutely. Been doing it for years.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing. But makes sense, I guess. What’s in the bag? Holy water?”

  Cammie arched her brows. “Among other things.”

  “I’m happy you got a job and that it pays well.” Donna was, genuinely. “But I really don’t want you to move out. Please. I know it’s a little crazy here, but things will calm down soon.” She prayed that was true. “And I like having you around. Living in the convent made you pretty inaccessible at times. Maybe that’s selfish of me, but there you are.”

  Cammie leaned against the counter, took the fork out of Donna’s hand, and ate the bite of pie herself. She swallowed with a big smile on her face. “Well, if you’re going to have pie like this around, I guess I could stay for a while.”

  “Yeah?”

  Cammie helped herself to another bite of Donna’s pie. “Yeah. I’ll be back as soon as the job is done. Don’t wait up.”

  “Be safe.”

  “I will.” She picked up her leather bag and turned toward the door.

  “Hey, how are you getting there?”

  “Public transport, why?”

  “You have your driver’s license, right? Take one of the SUVs. Temo can give you the keys.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “I do. If you need a fast getaway, you can’t be waiting for a bus.”

  “If the job goes right, I won’t—”

  “Just take the car.”

  Cammie smiled. “Okay, I will. Thank you.” She shifted directions toward the stairs that led to the apartment below.

  “He
y, tell Temo I’m ready to go when he is.”

  “All right,” Cammie called over her shoulder.

  Donna finished the pie, put the plate and fork in the dishwasher, then went to get her boots and coat.

  By the time she came back out, Temo was in the kitchen. He was scrolling through his phone but looked up when she entered. “We can leave a little early if you want. Sundown is subjective.”

  “Let’s go, then. I’m really itchy to get this done for some reason. I wish I knew what he wants.”

  “I wish I could tell you.”

  Together, they went out to the elevator.

  Donna zipped her coat. “Cammie got the keys from you?”

  “She did.” He made a little face. “You aren’t worried about her side jobs?”

  “In what way?”

  He shrugged as the elevator arrived and they stepped on. “Demon removal sounds kind of dangerous.”

  Donna pushed the button for the lobby. “No argument from me, but she acted like it was just a standard thing. And she’s been a hunter a lot longer than I’ve been a vampire, so who am I to say anything?”

  “I guess so.” He smiled. “I’ve never known a hunter before, but your sister’s pretty cool. And after that display at Fitzhugh’s, I guess I shouldn’t worry.”

  “It’s nice that you do, though. Hey, did Charlie tell you about the memorial service for Artemis?”

  The elevator arrived, and they got off. Temo had already pulled the car up, so it was waiting out front.

  He opened the door for her. “No, what about it?”

  “I’d like to attend.” She smiled. “I’d like for us all to attend.”

  He came around and got behind the wheel. “All of us? Meaning you, me, Charlie, and Pierce?”

  She nodded. “Yep. What do you think? Charlie’s looking into the logistics.”

  “I’m game.” He squinted as he started up the car. “Wait. Is the memorial going to be in New Jersey?”

  “Nope. At her estate in Kansas.”

  “Huh.” He seemed surprised. “All I know about Kansas is that’s where Dorothy and Toto got into trouble.”

  She laughed. “Well, I haven’t been there either, so we’ll have to figure it out together.”

  “You got it.” He glanced over. “Boss, I’d follow you anywhere.”

  “Thanks, Temo.” She wished she could tell him about buying the third apartment, but she didn’t want to get him excited about something that might not happen. Instead, she kept the conversation light, asking him about Neo, which got him talking until they arrived an hour later at Central Park.

  They got out. He locked the car, then joined her on the sidewalk. “Pretty sure I remember how to get to the gate. Do you?”

  “I think so.” Orange and pink streaked the sky, the last vestiges of the setting sun. But it was close enough to sundown that by the time they got to the gate, it would be. “If we can’t find it, you can text him.”

  They started walking. He glanced at her. “Why didn’t you bring your sword?”

  “I have the short blades that came with the jacket. I thought this was a friendly meeting.”

  “It is.” He stared into the woods. “But we’re also going to be right outside of the fae stronghold. You know, the one you set fire to?”

  “Right. Did you bring a weapon?”

  He pulled his coat out to show her the large blade secured to the lining.

  “Good enough. You think Ishalan might try something?”

  “No.” Temo frowned into the distance. “But there’s a lot more fae on the other side of that gate. And no sun to keep them behind it.”

  “Good point. Well, I guess we’ll know how they feel about us soon enough.”

  They continued on, but the Ramble looked different without Jerabeth’s special eyedrops. It seemed calm and serene, even in the growing darkness. Just an ordinary space filled with trees, a little underbrush, and footpaths.

  She kept her voice low. “I’m not so sure we’re going to be able to find the gate now. It all looks so…unmagical.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing.”

  Another minute or two of walking, and things seemed vaguely familiar. “We aren’t far from where the gate should be. In fact, I think it was right over that little rise.”

  He nodded. “It was.”

  They kept going, down the little dip in the path, then back up and over the mound.

  The only thing there was a bench. A homeless person had made a bed there, covering themselves in newspaper.

  Donna sighed. “It’s not here. You’re going to have to text him that we need to meet somewhere else. Or he’ll have to come find us.”

  He pulled his phone out. “On it.”

  She kept looking at the homeless person. “Do you have a blanket in the car, Temo? Or an extra coat? It’s going to be another cold night.” She’d give them her coat, but it was the custom leather one lined with lead, and she wasn’t sure what the magic would do if someone besides her put it on. “Maybe I could get them a hotel room.”

  While Temo texted, she approached the bench. “Sir? Or ma’am? Can I help you in some—”

  The person sat up, throwing off the newspapers.

  It was Ishalan. He grinned wildly, like he’d just made the best joke in the world.

  She frowned at him. “Was that supposed to be funny?”

  Temo put his phone away. “Yeah, man, not cool.”

  “Relax. It wasn’t supposed to be anything but self-defense. I had to be sure you’d come without an army.”

  “Why would I bring an army? I haven’t done anything to hurt you. Although I’m thinking about popping you in the mouth for your little stunt.” She jerked her thumb at Temo. “Or maybe I’ll get him to stomp his foot.”

  “Now, now, Governor.” He got off the bench and stood up, brushing himself off. He was dressed in a sweeping velvet cloak with fine leather knee boots worked in all shades of teal and purple and fastened with bronze fittings. Sparkling silver chains hung from both ear tips. He looked oddly royal. Had he spent the money she’d given him on clothes? Or had he found a new position in the fae regime?

  He could have set it all on fire for as much as she cared. “I see you’ve recovered from your injuries.”

  His expression turned serious. “Not entirely, but I am much better. For that, I owe you. I fear I would have been left to die had you not intervened.”

  In hindsight, she wasn’t sure that was true. “What about all the fae who agreed with you? Who didn’t approve of Dredward’s ways? I know there were some who surrendered at the raid. Wouldn’t they have saved you?”

  “Perhaps, but I fear they would have been too worried about outing themselves as my sympathizers. It’s one thing to give up. It’s another to side with an infidel. Even with Dredward dispatched.” He bowed. “Something else I am indebted to you for.”

  “He killed my queen. He gave me no choice.”

  Temo moved closer beside her, but in her peripheral vision, she could see he wasn’t watching Ishalan so much as scanning the woods around them. Always on guard. Always protecting her.

  Ishalan looked genuinely sympathetic. “I am sorry for Artemis’s death. That was unfortunate.”

  “That seems like an understatement.” But she wasn’t here for small talk about the past. “Why did you ask to meet me?”

  “I have a proposal for you. A peace treaty.”

  “You and I are already at peace, Ishalan. So as much as I appreciate the thought, I don’t really understand the point of it.”

  “I’m offering you an official peace treaty. Granted, it would only be between the vampires you govern and the fae in my district, but it would be a start.”

  She shook her head. “So it’s broader than just us, which is great, but how can you guarantee a thing like that with everything that just went down?” Then the answer hit her, as plain as the fancy clothes he was wearing. “Are you working for the new king? Or queen?”

&nbs
p; His smile was broad and toothy with a kind of smugness that made her feel like the punchline of a joke. “My darling Governor, I am the new king.”

  She blinked hard, unsure how he’d gone from outcast to king. “You are?”

  Temo’s mouth was open.

  Ishalan nodded slowly. “Yes. I was Dredward’s brother, after all. Had I killed him, that would have disqualified me, but you took care of that. As I said, I owe you.”

  “Then you really can offer us a peace treaty.” What an amazing thing that would be. No vampire would have to fear the fae again. Not in her area, anyway. Although, getting her side to abide by that might be a little trickier. Still worth the effort, though. Peace would be a very good thing. She stuck her hand out. “Obviously, there are details to be worked out, but I accept.”

  He laughed. “You don’t know my terms yet.”

  She dropped her hand. “What are they? I’m sure we can reach an agreement.”

  “I’m so glad you feel that way.” He laced his fingers together in front of him. “There are some minor things to be worked out, such as vampires being willing to donate blood and—”

  “Donate? In what way?”

  “The same way humans donate to you.”

  “We use blood banks. A lot of humans don’t know they’re donating to vampires. Do the fae need vampire blood to live?”

  His mouth narrowed to a thin line. “Do you need chocolate or wine to survive?”

  “No.”

  “How would you feel if you had to give those things up for the rest of your immortal life?”

  She answered honestly. “Cranky.”

  “It’s a bit of the same thing with us. Although vampire blood is slightly more essential. Thankfully for your kind, we can survive on small quantities. A pint might last me two weeks. We’re just asking that some provisions be made. If the fae have to go without, the treaty will not last. I can assure you.”

  “I can’t promise you that will happen without speaking to my constituency as a whole.” Could she do that? Charlie would know, but Donna assumed it was possible. There had to be a way to get a message out to everyone she served.

  “I understand. This may take a few days.”

  “What else do you want? You said minor things, which implies there might be a major one.”