Flynn laughed. “Uh, I was just staked and tortured. What can she do to me? Hold me down, drink from me, and make me have wild sex? Yeah, that would suck. How unlucky could I get?”
Jacques laughed.
“Enjoy it while you can, my friend. Our kind has a little longer gestation period than a human, and when our children are born, they’re weaker than most infants.”
“What do baby vampyres eat?” he asked, almost afraid to think about his child chugging a bottle of blood. Then again, the idea of chugging a glass of Jolie or Jacques’s blood appealed to him.
Oh, how he’d changed over the last few months.
Jacques laughed at the picture in his mate’s mind. “They drink mother’s milk, which is another reason why we’ll have to make sure Jolie is fed often. If she’s hungry, our babies will be too.”
“I love the fact that we’re going to have children,” Flynn stated. “I never thought,” he began, trying to explain how he felt inside.
“Go ahead, my friend.”
“Cops are a bad choice in life. I really didn't believe I’d find a family. I’m blessed.”
Jacques stared at him in the dark room. “I completely understand. So, we’ll make sure Jolie is cared for, and once our children are past the toddler stage, they’ll have blood.”
Flynn sat up. “No one’s feeding our children, Jacques. I want them to only have our blood.”
“Why?” He was curious.
“I want my child to know that I’ll supply anything it needs. I don’t want some nanny feeding them.” He’d seen some of the vampyres doing just that in the nursery.
“And if my child needs to be fed?”
Flynn stared at him. “I’d open an artery for our children, Jacques. I told you before--I’ll share, and I meant it. This changes nothing.”
He was touched.
“You should rest,” Jacques offered. He was too choked with emotion to say more.
“Don’t put me under. I want to make sure she’s safe.”
“But you need to heal.”
He didn't care. “I need to make sure the people I love are safe. That comes first. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”
He laughed. “Yes, sir.”
With that, Jacques called for death. It pulled him under, stealing away his awareness.
Flynn waited until his mate was gone before he cuddled against Jolie. He didn't plan on sleeping. Instead, he’d watch over them both.
Flynn needed reassurance that they’d be safe.
Finally, hours passed, and he was so tired.
Against his will, his eyes closed. “Sorry,” he muttered as sleep pulled him under into its comforting grasp.
* * * H a r c o u r t e * * *
Three Hours Later
Jolie heard the call from Vanth as it pulled her from the darkness of her temporary slumber. Taking a deep breath, she scanned her surroundings as always.
They were safe.
As Jolie opened her eyes, she could hear Flynn’s even breathing. Carefully Jolie moved away from his body to take the robe Vanth was holding in her hands.
Without saying a word, she motioned for the woman to follow her. Inside the bathroom, she closed the door.
“Did he try and stop you from waking me?” Jolie asked.
Vanth nodded. “He told Chloe not to do it, but he never told me, so there’s your loophole. Two visits with our mistress, and you’re getting tricky.”
Jolie laughed. “I have to be. I have two strong willed men, who think they own me, trying to run my life.”
“They’re going to be pissed.”
Jolie shrugged. “I’ll deal with it.”
As Vanth’s eyes began changing again, Jolie stopped her. “Wait!”
The demoness paused. “Yes?”
“Can you check on the babies? I’m a little freaked out that Death was in my body with them.”
Vanth moved closer to her body. “I can check if you’ll let me touch you.”
Jolie nodded.
Leaning forward, Jolie was locked in a kiss with the demoness. Her mind slipped away, and she felt like she was falling into the darkness.
Just as quickly as it started, it ended.
“They’re good. I saw the two little glimmers. They’re barely there, but already they’re beginning their journey into life.”
“Do they have souls?” she whispered, hoping that at least Flynn’s child would. It was hit or miss when a vampyre got pregnant by a human. She was either having two vamps, or one of each.”
Vanth stared at her.
“Please. I need to know.”
“No, they don’t, Jolie. Flynn’s too much like us to sire a child who’s human.”
“Okay.”
“They’ll be safe,” Vanth offered. She could feel the energy around them, especially the one child. Death had marked it.
That she kept to herself.
“Thank you,” Jolie offered, kissing her on the cheek. At least she knew from the start what was going to happen. Jolie only hoped that Flynn wouldn’t mind a fully vampyric child.
Then she smiled.
He wouldn’t care. Her mate was a kind, sweet man. She’d bet her life on it.
“I have to get to work.”
Vanth nodded. “I have things to do too.”
Most importantly, she needed to talk to Death.
Immediately.
∞ Chapter Ten ∞
Thursday Afternoon
Jolie sat at the small desk in her bedroom as she flipped through some paperwork that had arrived from back home. There was so much to do, and she’d already fallen behind. Miraculously, Jacques’s work was complete.
Jolie was beginning to think he made a deal with the devil.
She tried not to laugh.
While away, her primary concern was the family in New Orleans. When she’d called to check on them, Mina said everything was calm as it should be.
For once Jolie could relax, knowing the rest of her family was being well protected.
Percy and Balzac were stepping up to the role of temporary primuses in her absence. From what Mina said, both men were enjoying every single second of it. She alluded to Balzac becoming quite the tyrant.
Awesome.
She couldn’t wait to return home and spoil his fun.
If he thought his reign of terror was going to continue, he had another thing coming.
Once they found the detective, Jolie couldn’t wait to reunite her family. Safety mattered, and being home would offer that.
As she flipped through more papers, there was an audible gasp.
It looked like the fun was about to begin.
Jolie paused as her mate slowly began pulling away from death. There was no doubt that Flynn would be right behind.
Once the shouting started, he’d have no choice.
She watched him from her chair. There was the telltale pause as he scanned, and then the tensing of his body.
Yep, he was aware.
When Jacques rolled over, Jolie saw the anger flash through his eyes, and it was all directed at her.
“Morning, Jacques,” she said, preparing for the battle. It was on the horizon, heading her way, and fast.
“Jolie! You didn’t rest!” he accused.
“Actually, yes, I do believe I did. It was more like a nap than a long sleep,” she replied, crossing her legs.
Flynn sat up.
“What’s going on?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.
“She didn't rest.”
“Oh, shit! This is going to get nasty, isn’t it?” he asked, stretching.
“Yes, it is,” stated Jacques. “It’s going to be very ugly. I know that I specifically told Chloe not to wake you. I see that she doesn’t like to obey all of us, only you.”
Jolie stood from her seat. Her robe billowed around her legs in an invisible breeze. “Yes, we should talk about that, Jacques.”
“Oh boy,” muttered Flynn. He could feel the energy from across the room. Joli
e was bracing for battle.
“It seems, after I instructed her to wake me, that you went behind my back to change the instructions. I’m primus, Jacques, and this time, you’ve crossed the line.”
Jacques glided toward her. “Oh, I’m aware of what I did. You were being deceitful, trying to outmaneuver me.”
“And I still did, so deal with it. I have a right to take care of my family. In fact, as primus, it’s kind of my job.”
“You’re not invincible, Jolie. When will you get that through your head?”
Jolie laughed. “Jacques, I love you, but you’re being an ass. If you thought I was stupid enough to not have a backup plan, you were wrong. You deserved this outcome.”
He stared at her, flustered by her stubbornness.
Flynn crossed to his mates. “Everyone breathe,” he stated.
Jolie ignored him. “We’ve been together for a long time, Jacques. I knew that the second I was gone, you’d pull something like this. So, I contacted Vanth. Chloe wanted to do what you ordered, but she was overridden.”
Jacques growled and Flynn laughed, folding his arms across his chest.
“What’s so funny, Flynn?” demanded Jacques angrily. He assumed his friend would side with him.
“I was laughing for two reasons--first, because you said basically the same thing about her last night. Then, because it’s going to be fun watching you two through eternity.”
Jolie immediately calmed down. Crossing to her mate, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Are you really mad at me?” she asked.
He sighed. “No, but if you keep it up, I’m going to get silver handcuffs and attach you to both of us.”
“Kinky.”
“Can I spank her then?” Flynn teased.
It broke the ice.
“In fact, I have handcuffs. Who wants to go first?” offered Flynn,
“Maybe after I call Vlad, I’ll entertain your sick little game,” she said, winking at her mates.
Flynn tossed her the phone.
“You’re too much, Detective,” Jolie said, as Chloe brought in their tea and food for Flynn--in case he was hungry.
As she dialed, both men slipped into silk robes and headed for the sitting area. Jolie wasn’t far behind. When Flynn passed her a teacup, she began sipping.
Finally, the vampyre answered her call. “Mistress Jolie, I’m assuming that your call means you’ll aid us again?”
“Yes, Vlad, we’ll help you.”
“I’m so glad, Jolie. I have to say, I knew we had trouble when the anonymous message of your arrival came in.”
“Was it directly to you?”
“No. It came from a messenger. The vampyre who delivered it was from Genevieve’s old family, but I’ve already told you this.”
Jolie hated hearing her name.
She was so glad the bitch was dead.
“That’s suspicious.”
“Exactly. That’s why we didn't execute you in your bed. I found it odd that a vampyre, who swore revenge, was involved somehow.”
Thankfully, the man thought it out.
“I can tell you that the family is now controlled by Mistress Lucricia. She runs it with an iron fist. I don’t know if she’s aware of what’s going on, or not.”
She’d find out personally, and then deal with her.
Suddenly, Jolie began feeling sick. Staring down at the table, there was food still sitting there untouched. The smell was bothering her.
“I’m glad you understand, Vlad.”
“Do you really believe that Mistress Lucricia is aiding your rogue killer?”
“We’ll find out, so I need you to arrange a meeting with me and the head of that society and as soon as possible.”
“Very well, Jolie. I’ll handle it and call you with the details.”
“Thank you, Vlad.”
Jolie hung up her phone and remained as far from Flynn’s food as possible. When she finally looked up at the two men, she knew Jacques had been watching her the entire time.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Jolie shook her head. “I don’t think food and my stomach are going to work well together.”
Immediately, Flynn picked up the tray and carried it to the garbage can. He wasn’t going to eat it anyway. It made him sick too.
“Can I feed?” Jolie asked, hoping to calm her stomach. This was all new to her, and she was feeling anxious.
Jacques crossed to her without hesitation. “Allow me, my love. It’ll be my pleasure,” he whispered into her ear, as he willingly offered his bare throat for her needs.
Jolie trailed her lips across his flesh, enjoying the way he shivered in anticipation. The scent of his skin and blood called to her.
It occurred to her that she’d only been this hungry after getting wounded. Now, she had her own confirmation that there was life beginning in her. Suddenly, if she didn't drink from him, Jolie believed that she’d starve.
This was going to be interesting.
Lapping across his pulse, Jolie sank her fangs deeply into his flesh. The minute his blood flooded her body, she immediately felt the sickness wash away.
‘Drink, my love. I’ll feed you,’ he whispered into her mind.
‘Thank you, Jacques. I love you.’
‘Je T’aime, petit mère.’
Jolie’s heart flipped in her chest. Her mind wandered back to the conversation she had with Vanth.
She was definitely going to be a mother.
Honestly, she couldn’t believe it.
After pulling away, she sealed their love with a kiss.
“Thank you.”
He didn't mind. Scooping Jolie up into his arms, Jacques carried her to their other mate.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Flynn said, kissing her softly on the lips.
“Thank you for tossing the food.”
“For you, I’d paint the sky purple.”
Her pulse quickened. That was something Jacques would have said to her. Coming from her big strong detective, it meant so much.
“I’ll get dressed,” Jacques offered, heading off to the closet.
When he was gone, Flynn nuzzled her throat. The flicker of her pulse called to him, and yet, he knew he couldn’t.
Shouldn’t.
Wouldn’t.
“Mmmm… you smell tasty, baby,” he whispered against her skin, kissing a trail across her throat.
“I’ll feed you, Flynn,” she offered, tipping her head, giving him her throat.
“I’ll take energy,” he said, not wanting to take blood and drain her.
Jolie was surprised.
Who was this man?
He normally would vault a ditch of spikes to get her blood. What had changed?
“You don’t want my blood?” she asked, watching his eyes to see if they gave away his true feelings.
“No, trust me, I crave everything about you, but I don’t think you should feed us as much as you do,” he replied, kissing her gently.
“What?”
“You shouldn’t feed me. I’ll feed you.”
Okay, enough was enough. If Jolie didn't rein this in, they were going to be unbearable.
“Jacques, please come in here,” she called, sliding off Flynn’s lap to stand in the middle of their room.
“Yes?” he asked, standing in the closet’s doorway. He was naked from the waist up. “Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not. We seem to have an issue.”
The men stared at each other.
“And it is?”
“I’m not an invalid. I don’t want to be treated like a sick child, and I expect life to continue on as it was before two days ago. Do I make myself clear?” she stated, hands on her hips, as she glared at both men.
Jacques lifted a brow, and Flynn shrugged. It was obvious that they were having a silent conversation.
It pissed her off.
“Stop that now!” Jolie demanded, pointing at the detective.
Jacques pushed his hair behind his
ears before moving toward her. “I don’t know what has you upset, Jolie. Can you just tell us?”
She knew he was playing dumb.
“You’re mad I didn't rest, and he won’t take my blood. This is getting out of hand.”
Flynn stared at her. “Jolie, stay calm.”
That only made her more angry.
“Jolie, baby, I didn’t want you to get so upset. I just don’t think that you need to feed me blood as much as you do. I’ll take energy and be happy with that.”
“I can feed Flynn,” offered Jacques. Personally, he planned on not drinking from her as much either. Only, he didn't say it out loud.
Flynn had a lot to learn.
The detective didn't stop there. Despite her being upset with him, he still took her delicate hand in his. “Please don’t be angry. I just don’t want you to wear down.”
When would they learn that this was her big fear in life? Jolie hated when people saw her as weak. When her mates did it, she wanted to break down.
“Please don’t treat me any differently. I don’t think I can handle it,” she pleaded, tears filling her eyes.
Both men’s mouths dropped open.
“I can’t be coddled and locked away. I need the men who love me to stand by me.”
Flynn hated when women cried. There was something unnerving when a strong female broke, especially at his doing.
Pulling her against him, he began trying to soothe her. “Shhhh, baby,” he whispered into her hair. “I’m sorry. It’s okay. I’ll take the blood. I didn't mean to upset you.”
Jolie continued sniffling.
“We won’t treat you differently. We promise,” added Jacques, stroking a hand down her back.
When the men sandwiched her between them, only then did Jolie relax. “Thank you.”
“You’re definitely hormonal like a pregnant woman,” Flynn teased.
“Vanth checked. I definitely am.”
She told them about what happened.
“How did she check?” Flynn asked curiously. He had a lot to learn about their kind, and he was learning on the fly.
Jolie explained.
“You were making out with another woman?” Flynn asked.
She stared up at him. “I was kissed. I wouldn’t call it making out,” she offered.
Dangerous Retaliation (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 4) Page 14