“That’s good to know. I wish others of your kind had the same opinion on the matter. It would make my job easier,” James said.
“I’d feel safer,” Larry mumbled.
Greg breathed in a calming breath. With Alexi no longer in question of committing a crime, he hoped the detectives would finally stop showing up at her home, especially when he was in the middle of making love to her. He’d very much like to return to the matter, especially since his cock still had life in it.
“Now that you have a suspect and DNA evidence that proves Ms. Cartwright is not your murderer, is she cleared to go about as normal?” Greg asked, hoping the men would leave soon, very soon and stop bothering them.
“Yes,” James answered. “And we wanted to thank you in person for your cooperation.” He rose and stepped around the table. The short detective mimicked James and came to stand next to the tall werewolf.
“Thank you for stopping by to let me know,” Alexi said. “I hope you catch the vampire responsible.”
“We have over a dozen officers searching the city for him as we speak. We were on our way to join them, but I suggested we stop here first and see if you were awake. I thought you might be,” James said with a small smile.
Not wasting another second, Greg strode to the door and opened it. The news was good and delivered. Time to move on to what Greg yearned to do, such as banging the hell out of his mate. All the excitement from the turnout of events fired up his sex drive. “Thank you, detectives.”
“Yes, thank you,” Alexi said as the two men proceeded to exit.
James stopped off to the side while Larry passed him. The werewolf twisted to face Greg and Alexi. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your morning,” he said with a smile and nod that suggested he knew something.
Alexi froze and looked to Greg. He almost chuckled. The werewolf must have scented their raging hormones. If Greg could, James could too.
“Good luck, detective,” Greg said with a wave of his hand. He closed the door promptly, then twisted the lock into place.
“He knew, didn’t he?” Alexi asked.
“Our desire is potent right now.”
She closed the distance between them, pressed her body to his, then buried her fingers in his hair. “Alone again, at last.”
Greg held her in a tight embrace. He brushed his nose and lips along her cheek. “Mm…now, we can finally start to enjoy our time together.”
Epilogue
September 9–Paranormal Day
“The demon always over cooks the food when we have these celebrations,” Charley said, standing next to Alexi. She held a blue plastic cup filled with beer.
The two women stared at Justin as he flipped the hamburgers. Grease sizzled loudly while a large flame shot up. Justin didn’t flinch or seem the slightest concerned about the fire.
“Has anyone told him not to char grill the food?” Alexi asked, wriggling her nose. Scents of barbecue and burning meat thickened the air.
The African American witch snickered. “I think most people are too afraid, especially after they see how he handles the fire. The demon doesn’t scare me one bit.”
Alexi glanced around the crowded lot in front of the clubhouse. Tall streetlights lit most of the area. Far from the building, neighbors stood in front of at least ten grills. Smoke rose from some, lids were shut on others, a few appeared calm and one or two like Justin’s spit bright flames up. White tablecloths covered the rectangular tables lined up in a row, closer to the meeting facility. People gathered around them and selected food items from the abundance of dishes. Round tables were sporadically set near the center of the lot, between the grills and the food. Decorative lamps and candles added additional lighting on each table. Smiles occupied faces as neighbors mingled with each other. The atmosphere was certainly a joyous one.
Alexi’s gazed lowered to Charley’s hand. Unlike most in the neighborhood, she didn’t have a plate filled with food. “Are you going to eat?”
She gave a light shrug from one shoulder. “I’m a vegetarian.”
“But there’s other food…”
“I’ll get something later.”
A deep, feminine laugh gathered their attention. A tall woman with a huge grin on her face towered over a man sitting at one of the tables. Her auburn hair and arrogant laugh defined her.
“Looks like Sylvia’s flirting with Mark again,” Charley said.
“The warlock?” Alexi tilted her head, trying to get a better look at him. From where she stood, she could only see his long, white hair flowing over his shoulders and his legs crossed.
“Yeah, I see her flirting with him a lot. I think she’s after his money.”
The demon reached down and ran her fingers through the older man’s white hair. She was undoubtedly thirty years younger than the warlock was, at least, and acting like a cat in heat with her seductive eyes and words. Alexi’s heightened sense of hearing picked up the conversation between the two. Sylvia overcomplimented Mark’s hair in detail. Alexi shook her head in disgust.
“Ladies, are you enjoying the celebration?”
The young female werewolf with straight, brown hair reaching her elbows came to stop next to them. Alexi could never forget this woman’s face. She’d stepped in the bathroom during the Welcoming party and interrupted Greg while he was pleasuring Alexi with his tongue. Alexi’s cheeks warmed, still feeling slightly embarrassed by the event. Gritting her teeth, she tried to ignore the awkward feeling crawling within her.
“Vickie, how are you?” Charley asked with a wide grin.
“I’m well. Still fighting morning sickness.” She rubbed her belly.
Charley’s excitement dwindled. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“The doctor said it could last up to my second trimester. I hate it. I’ll binge all day long, then wake up and toss the half that didn’t digest back in the toilet.”
“Thank you for giving me another reason not to have kids,” Charley said.
Vickie grinned. “You would make a good mother, Charley. I just know it.”
“Hell no. I can’t have kids. I barely can support myself these days.”
Vickie’s expression turned serious as her brows drew together. “Still looking for a full-time job?”
“Yeah, but I’m getting by with my one at the Fashions-To-Go and my tips at the bar. If the damn economy would improve, maybe I could get back to a normal day job.”
“What bar do you work at?” Alexi asked.
“The Full Moon. It’s an underground club for paranormals located in Indianapolis. At lot of people assume it’s for werewolves only, but it’s not.”
“Greg took me to a really nice club in downtown Indy. I’ll have to ask him to take me to your bar.”
“I work every night except Mondays and Tuesdays. Make sure you come to see me when you visit and I’ll fix you and Greg special drinks.” Charley gave her a mischievous grin.
Alexi stared at the green-eyed witch, wondering what special concoction she’d create. She was about to slip into Charley’s mind to find out until Vickie interrupted her.
“How are you fairing, Ms. Cartwright? Have you settled into your new home yet?”
“I’m well, thank you. The house is slowly feeling homey.”
“Corey told me about the movers who had broke into your house. That’s horrible.”
Charley twisted to face Alexi. “I didn’t know someone broke into your house.” She sounded surprised. “When did this happen?”
“It was the night of the Welcoming party.”
“Oh, what a perfect time for a robbery. We were all at the party.”
Alexi nodded. “I think they heard me when Mr. Hadley came to visit the nigh I moved in. He asked me if I planned to attend, and I said yes.”
“I heard Greg was helping you track down your belongings,” Vickie said.
“Yes, he did. He’s been very kind and helpful.”
“Did?” Charley asked.
“He got help from within
the pack and found where the thieves were staying. We managed to collect my property back without too much trouble.”
Charley shot her hand out to Alexi’s arm. “You confronted the thieves?” Her tone reflected a hint of excitement.
“Some of them.”
“I bet you taught them not to steal from a vampire again.” The corner of Charley’s mouth curled slightly.
“Actually, Greg gave them the warning. I didn’t have to.”
Charley lightly chuckled and slipped her hand off Alexi’s arm. “Wow. I’m impressed.”
“I’m not,” Vickie said with a slight grin. “Werewolves are very loyal and protective of the ones they care about.”
Her gaze veered past Alexi. Not even two seconds later, strong arms curled around Alexi from behind and warm breath tickled her ear.
“Miss me?” Greg asked, then kissed her cheek.
Greg’s heat surrounded her like a cozy blanket. Every time he touched or kissed her, every part of her body awakened with new life.
She tilted her head back and leaned against his body. “Mm…you know I did.”
“You two make the cutest couple,” Charley said. “And without the beard, Greg, you look at least five years younger. What do you think, Vickie?”
Vickie’s expression warmed. “I think they look very happy together.”
Alexi smiled brightly as Greg squeezed his arms around her. Words couldn’t describe how blissful she was with Greg. By next summer, he would join her in the world of the undead. Although they were madly in love, they both decided to wait six months to make the big change. For one reason, they wanted to conduct more research about werewolves becoming part vampire. The bit of information the doctor from the hospital in Chicago gave Greg was helpful, but they wanted more to ensure a smooth process and to learn about all the abilities he’d have. They’d already contacted the doctor and set up a meeting to discuss the matter in detail. In the mean time, Alexi was helping Greg set up a private practice to assist and represent families descended from supernatural parents. To date, none existed and mortals didn’t fully understand the needs or problems nonhuman children faced. Greg’s valiant effort to try to make the world a better place was but one of many qualities she loved about him. He was such a rare man, a rare catch, and she’d never let him go.
“I’ve met my mate and nothing will keep me from her.” Greg kissed Alexi’s head.
“Oh really?” Charley asked, then turned to Vickie. Both ladies widened their eyes. “Does this mean wedding bells are in the future?” Vickie asked as they faced Alexi and Greg.
Alexi peered up at Greg. In truth, they had talked about marriage, and more than once. It was Greg’s idea. “I’ll let you tell them.”
He planted a kiss on her nose, then looked up. “We’re working on dates in the spring and fall.”
“Two weddings?” Charley inquired.
“I want to marry Alexi before and after I become part vampire.”
“You’re going to change into a vampire?” Vickie asked, surprised.
“She’s my mate and I never want to be without her, ever.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Charley said. “As long as you’re both happy.”
“I’ve never been happier in over three hundred and twenty-seven years.” Alexi glided her hands over Greg’s arms while he kept them locked around her. “Greg is the only man for me.”
“True love is a blessing, regardless if you are from different races. I wish you both an eternity of happiness,” Vickie said, her eyes glowing with love as she stared off to the side. A dark-haired man came to a stop next to her. He took her in his arms and embraced her with a deep kiss. Alexi assumed it was her husband.
“And if you need help with the wedding arrangements, let us know. You could always use the clubhouse for the reception,” Charley said, not giving much attention to Vickie smooching.
The large stranger pried his lips from Vickie. “Told you I would be home in time.” He twisted to face Alexi and Greg while keeping Vickie in his grasp. “Did I miss much?”
“Welcome home, James,” Greg said. “I’d like you to meet my wife-to-be, Alexandria Cartwright.”
Alexi smiled widely, liking the term wife. She shook James’s beefy hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Good to meet you, and congratulations.”
The werewolf had a firm, warm grip and held a friendly expression. His large frame made her look like a stick. He was several inches shorter than Greg and had at least twenty extra pounds extra.
“Wow, the love around here is overwhelming,” Charley said, her gaze sliding from Alexi to Vickie.
“Don’t worry, hun,” Vickie said. “Mr. Right is out there. You’ll find him one day.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Charley gave a casual wave of her hand. “I’m going to get some snacks. If Mr. Right comes along, tell him to meet me after two. I should be free then.”
Vickie chuckled as the witch took a step back. “Have a good time, Charley.”
“Always do.” She waved at them. “Enjoy the fireworks.” She winked at Vickie before she took off behind the happy couple.
“Darling,” James said, gazing at his wife. “I could use a little food and a good run before the show.”
“A little food?” she asked, raising a brow.
He silently chuckled and looked at Greg. “What about you? Ready to eat and go for a run?”
Greg loosened his arms around Alexi as she twisted to meet his blue eyes. “You could come and watch,” he said with a teasing smile.
“Sure, and I know just the place to meet you at.”
Forget real fireworks. Alexi had another version in mind, and she was certain Greg would find her version more stimulating and enjoyable.
“I like the way you think,” Greg said, as if he knew her plans. Well, her idea wasn’t difficult to figure out. After all, they were deeply in love with each other and eager to prove it.
Alexi and Greg walked side by side, arms glued around each other as they followed the happy werewolf couple toward the tables with food. Filled with elation, Alexi gave Greg a hug from the side. She’d found the most noble, charismatic and loving man on earth. And he was determined to make her happy. Without any doubt, many more harmonious days would follow.
Mary Abshire
Mary is a lifetime lover of paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction. She lives in a suburban area of Indianapolis. One night, on her way home from her evil day job, she wondered what it would be like to have supernatural creatures as neighbors in a modern-day world where they'd stepped out of the closet. What if they had their own housing community and had to deal with barking dogs, nosey neighbors, and the typical issues humans face daily? Enter Midnight Gardens to find the answers along with unexpected love, some humor, and hot passion.
The Awakening
Project Eve, #1
She’s the only one of her kind. And she doesn’t even know her name.
Two investigators–one human, one vampire–find a young woman among a mass of dead bodies. She has no memories, and nothing but her clothes, two receipts, and a mysterious dagger carved with the initials ‘SB’.
As she seeks her identity, SB realizes she’s unlike any other creature in the world, making her the most valuable person on the planet. And the most wanted.
WARNING: Language, violence, and graphic sex.
The Quest
Project Eve, #2
Retribution. At any cost.
Now that she knows her name and what she is, she wants justice for everything she's lost. Though her memories elude her, she takes a job for a half-demon Senator and, aided by werewolves from a local clan, intends to uncover evidence that will convict the Senator of more than thirty murders.
Getting to the Senator and finding the necessary evidence is more difficult than she anticipates, especially when there is a bounty for her head. If that were not enough, the vampire who stole her memories returns and reveals unexpected truths. But she's not going to l
et anything stop her. Not a sadistic assassin or a servant of Lucifer. Not even her ex-lover, vampire God of the Underworld, who turned her. Nothing will stop her from claiming retribution...even if the price is her life.
Immortal Revenge
The Legacy, #1
Vengeance comes with a price.
Grief stricken Katie Dillinger is on a mission to claim revenge for the death of her lover. In a race against time to find the murderer, Katie reaches out to Riker, a man listed as her boyfriend’s emergency contact. The cold-hearted man comes to Katie's aid, but she doesn't completely trust him. To keep her friends safe, she insists they leave town immediately. But her efforts come too late. A friend disappears and a clear message is left in the wake: surrender or more people will die.
Katie’s world is turned upside down when she discovers Riker has vowed to protect her. She’s involved in a prophecy, one which her lover had been preparing her for before his murder. All the combat training he gave her suddenly makes sense, and as Katie fights to keep her friends alive, she’s forced to prioritize. Revenge now, saving mankind next.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence, Language
Lyrical Press books are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2013 Mary Abshire
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.
First Electronic Edition: August 2013
ISBN-13: 9781616504779
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