Whether he was protecting her or trying to keep me from worrying, the gist of it was Darcy had let her hunger get away from her and they’d had to make an emergency stop. There was something else bothering him; the telltale way his eyes darted to the left all but confessed he was hiding something.
I let him leave with an invitation to return, if he could, for the impromptu celebratory dinner Darcy’s mother and I had thrown together this afternoon. It was time for us to focus on what was going well in our lives, putting aside the daunting obstacles we’d overcome. I’d had all the doom and gloom I could handle and I knew Darcy was feeling the same way.
It was the perfect occasion to gather friends and loved ones. I was ready to wipe the tired expression from my mate’s face. She’d frowned too much; shed too many tears for my liking. She’d survived, and the future was ours, again.
My hands grazed down her sides, brushing over soft fabric until they rested lightly over her hips. Any exhaustion I’d witnessed when she’d returned disappeared once I closed our bedroom door behind me. Darcy had been on my mind and I had a restlessness that only she could ease. With only an hour before dinner, I planned on using every second reminding her why she was my world.
She’d pushed me back onto the bed, taking the reins, only to show me it wasn’t for the same reasons. Although I wished she’d shown me more skin, her seductive fashion show more than kept my attention.
Darcy was gorgeous and she knew it, the way her body moved, her curves begging to be worshipped.
“We can always stay here and forget everyone’s waiting for us,” she teased, her fingers toying with the top of my jeans. Her nail grazed a small patch of exposed skin and my breath hitched. She had that kind of control over me. I could be hanging off her every word, only to be sent spiraling into my own lustful thoughts, and reeled back in with a single touch.
Her saucy grin told me she understood the effect she had on me. Nibbling on her bottom lip, she peered up through her lashes and it took everything I had not to scoop her up and toss her back on the bed.
Who needed food when I had her to sample and devour?
I dipped my head into the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent deep. “Normally, I’d say your wish is my command, but your mother’s planning on returning home tomorrow and was looking forward to spending tonight with you. Your father called earlier. He misses her.”
I knew exactly how he felt. Every second away from Darcy seemed like a lifetime.
She stiffened against me. “Then I guess your punishment will be having to behave yourself in front of everyone.” Her finger, tucked below my waistband, moved back and forth, the sensation a constant tease.
“Punishment? I don’t remember being bad.” If the direction my thoughts were heading was any indication, that last comment wouldn’t be true for much longer.
“Well, for one thing, you’re wearing too much clothing.” She popped a button, pausing to slowly release the second. She was unraveling all those plans to hurry her outside to the party, with finesse.
I couldn’t help groaning. “You’re killing me, sweetheart.”
Her breath fanned over my skin as her lips hovered over my mouth. “Good. Let’s go then.” Winking to show me she knew exactly how frustrated she left me, she bounced on her toes before opening the door. I had no other choice but to follow her.
I was putty in her hand.
As my gaze dropped to the way her curves filled out her new jeans, I sure as hell wasn’t going to complain. Temptation struck, so I slapped her behind and was instantly rewarded with a happy gasp.
This felt so much like the old days that it was easy to forget that not so long ago, Darcy had died.
Way to kill the mood, I grumbled, refusing to let my overprotective tendencies ruin what appeared to be the beginning of a perfect evening.
Darcy tugged on my hand, now eager to join everyone out in the garden where we’d decided to have the family meal. The weather had been unseasonably warm the past few weeks, and we wanted to appreciate it before winter chased away the cool autumn breeze.
Just as we reached the doorway leading outside, I decided I wasn’t ready to share her with everyone, just yet. I needed a few more moments to savor my wife, to show her just how much I approved of her new wardrobe. Any initial shock over the sexier pieces she’d bought was replaced with an eagerness to undress her.
It was my turn to jerk on her arm, bringing her to a stop. With no other warning than my grin, I pressed her up against the wall and captured her mouth. I found no resistance as she opened up to me. She was pliant and willing, her arms slowly wrapping around my neck as I moved in closer.
It was impossible not to get lost in her. Especially with the extra aggression that came now, whenever she responded to my advances—each time my tongue danced with hers, shivers shot through my body. Based on the way she trembled, she was experiencing the same thing.
“It’s still not too late to turn around and . . .” Darcy barely managed to speak before I seized her lips, again. If this was how I acted after being separated from her for just a few hours—like a horny schoolboy— there was no way I’d ever let her out of my sight again.
She chuckled against my mouth, clearly admiring my inability to think straight and the power she held over me. “Yes or no?”
I finally released her, taking in a steadying breath as I let out a shaky laugh. “Damn, I don’t think I’m going to survive dinner. Just saying.”
“Well, if it helps, dessert always follows afterward.” Tracing her finger lightly over my lips, she gave me one last quick kiss before ducking out from under the arms I’d placed beside her head.
She was right. Dinner might be fun for some, but dessert had always been my favorite part.
Shaking my head, I joined her outside, eager for the next few hours to be over.
****
She’d been quiet all through dinner.
“You okay?” I asked, placing my hand on her thigh under the table. Daniel was retelling some crazy story from our childhood and entertaining Lynn. The meal had been delicious with all of Darcy’s favorites, but she’d barely touched any of the food she’d added to her plate. When I’d asked why she wasn’t hungry, she’d offered me a tired smile and said she was fine.
The exact same answer she whispered to me just now.
“You’d tell me if you weren’t feeling good, right?”
Resting her head on my shoulder, Darcy nodded. “Of course. I think I’m just exhausted from today. The trip to Woodside Hollow wore me out more than I expected.” As if to prove how much, she covered her mouth and stifled a yawn. “Must be a sign of getting old if I’m ready for bed and it’s not even seven o’clock.”
I trailed my fingers down the side of her arm, repeating the movement over and over. “I think it’s everything catching up with you. You sure don’t feel old to me.” Glancing down, I pressed a kiss to her forehead. She was right. She looked exhausted, but I wasn’t going to tell her that. Last time I’d mentioned something along the same lines, Darcy had given me an earful about it being bad manners.
“You just want your dessert,” she teased.
“Guilty as charged.”
“What and miss out on Daniel’s witty conversation?” Darcy released another yawn and shifted in her seat.
“I choose you each and every time, sweetheart. We could leave right now and he wouldn’t even notice.” Sure enough, my best friend was still going strong and I wondered for the millionth time since I’d known him about how he could talk without breathing and not pass out from lack of oxygen. Once you got him started on a topic, Daniel could talk the ear off anyone and everyone who would listen.
“True,” she murmured.
“Did you want to try some of my steak?” Changing the subject, I pushed my plate over slightly. “You need to eat something. Devlin said that your becoming vampire could affect your appetite, but that you’d still require nourishment. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to le
t yourself get too weak.”
Darcy stared at my food and then her own. “Honestly, I’m not hungry. I’m sure I can always raid the refrigerator later, if my stomach starts rumbling.” She toyed with her fork, playing with the small mound of mashed potatoes. “I wouldn’t say no to some blood, though.”
I was already standing when she tugged me back down into my seat. “I can go get it. Stay. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Darcy didn’t give me a chance to argue with her. I should’ve thought to add a carafe to the table, just in case she needed it. Before Devlin left, he’d given me all the information regarding blood deliveries for Darcy—phone numbers, schedules he’d arranged, and where to pick up bags in case of emergency. He’d been very specific in making sure she never let her thirst get out of control. The words he’d used were ‘life and death’.
Life for Darcy.
Death for anyone who got in her way if she wasn’t able to keep her vampire nature reined in.
Dragging my fingers through my hair, I tilted my head back and stared up into the sky. A lot had changed, but the small view I had of the blackened night canvas remained the same. I took comfort in that; drawing whatever strength I could from it. Darcy wasn’t the only one exhausted. I could feel a constant weariness deep in my bones.
I didn’t realize Daniel had stopped talking until Lynn came and sat beside me.
“How are you holding up?” Her question startled me out of my quiet reverie. Time must have passed because Daniel was moving about the table, gathering dirty dishes and slowly moving everything inside. Darcy had yet to return.
“I’m hanging in there. What about you?”
“Relieved that I’m not burying my daughter.” I loved that about Lynn—her straightforward nature. I liked knowing where I stood with her and what was on her mind.
I let out a strangled sigh mixed with a chuckle. “You and me, both.” Tears formed and I blinked them away. It was surreal how close we’d come to losing her.
“She’s a fighter. Always has been—since she was a little girl.” There was a soft smile on her face and I felt the sudden constriction around my heart lessen. It would be a long time before the thought of almost losing Darcy would stop creating such a visceral reaction.
“She is,” I replied, nodding. We paused for a moment while Daniel reached around us for my plate. I made a smart-ass remark about how if the computer business didn’t work out for him, he could always find a job as a maid. Not one to be rude in front of Darcy’s mother, Daniel waited until he was behind Lynn before flipping me off.
“I wanted to thank you, Mason, for taking such good care of her. I can go home tomorrow reassured that she’s in good hands.” Lynn reached over and squeezed my knee, patting it before tucking her hair behind her ear. “I’m reluctant to leave, but I’m afraid Mr. Matthews is useless without me. He’s likely to burn our house down if I’m not there to keep an eye on him.”
That caused me to bust out laughing at the imagery. There was no doubt in my mind that he was fully capable of taking care of himself, but then I realized I’d probably be the same without Darcy by my side. Now that I had her in my life, I didn’t want to be alone. I needed her. Just like Darcy’s father needed his wife.
“I appreciate you staying a little longer. I know Darcy does.”
“I don’t know if I did much in the way of helping, but it was the least I could do. She needed me and so I came.”
“Just you being here was enough,” I admitted warmly.
“Well, she had you and Devlin here for her,” Lynn added.
“True, but nothing beats the comfort of having your mom around. So, thank you. It means the world to both of us.”
Lynn sat forward and kissed my cheek, a maternal expression on her face. “Before I go, is there anything I can do for you, son?” Her endearment caused a lump to form in my throat. It seemed like a lifetime since my own mother called me that.
I let out a weary breath. “Honestly? I don’t know. I guess just keep being there for Darcy. I’m sure she’ll need you in the weeks, months, to come.”
Something about my request caused Lynn to look around to see if anyone was nearby. I glanced about too, still not seeing Darcy, and watching Daniel disappear into the house with his last load of dishes.
“That reminds me. I’ve been meaning to say something, but wasn’t sure whether it was just my foolish imagination.” My stomach dropped as Lynn lowered her voice to a soft murmur. “I know Devlin says she’s okay; and for all intents and purposes, she is. I can’t tell you why I feel this, but I want you to keep a close eye on Darcy.”
Her request struck me as odd. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I can’t put my finger on it, but that’s not my daughter.” The look on Lynn’s face was serious. “Sure, she looks and sounds like her. Although her new wardrobe leaves little to be desired.”
I wanted to correct her and say how much I approved of the sexier choices, but I kept silent. I could tell whatever was on Lynn’s mind was bothering her. If I were completely truthful with myself, I would have to agree. They were subtle differences, but difference all the same.
“Sometimes, when she doesn’t think anyone is watching, I catch this look like she’s not sure. Like she’s waiting to see how to act. Plus, some of the things she says, I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right.”
I’d noticed the same things, but had attributed it to the stress of the conversion. “I think a lot of it can be explained by what Darcy’s just gone through. Devlin warned us it would be an adjustment and that we might see slight personality shifts.” The more I spoke, the more I worried I was glossing over a real problem with a whole lot of guesswork.
“Maybe,” Lynn answered, sounding slightly convinced.
“I’ll keep an eye on her. I promise. It’s only been a few days since she’s regained full control of herself. Maybe she just needs a little more time.”
“I hope so. I’d hate to see this change my little girl into something different, darker.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to agree, but Darcy reappeared, her complexion glowing and acting a lot livelier than before. “Hey, you two. Is dinner over?” With her mother sitting in her seat, I pulled my chair back so she could sit on my lap.
“Yep, we’ve been relaxing while our man servant cleared up,” I joked, my hand at her hip, my thumb tucked under her shirt so I could feel the warmth of her skin.
“I heard that, asshole,” Daniel interrupted, his arms crossed over his chest and apparently no longer worried about his manners.
“Just telling the truth. Look what a fine job you did.” This time he didn’t bother hiding his annoyance as he flipped me off, again.
“Is that any way to act in front of ladies, young man?” Lynn scolded, instantly wiping Daniel’s arrogant expression from his face and replacing it with a more humbled one. Chuckling under my breath, I enjoyed seeing him put in his place, even if it was jokingly.
“Sorry, ma’am,” he stammered, bowing his head.
“Ahh, Daniel. You are so much fun to tease.” Lynn now laughed, no longer stern.
Darcy wiggled in my lap, instantly reminding me that I still hadn’t enjoyed my dessert. “Well, if dinner’s over, how about we retire for the night?” I was more than eager to get my wife alone.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Daniel asked, grinning down at me.
“Umm, nope. There’s only one thing I have planned for the rest of tonight and you’re not included.”
Daniel grimaced as he pretended to gag. “Please, I don’t want to know. There’s not enough bleach in the world to remove those kinds of images from my mind. What I was going to say, before your libido interrupted, was that I cleared the table, so it’s up to the rest of you to wash and put everything away. My maid services are complete.”
“Darcy and I will take care of it,” Lynn replied, standing up and pushing her chair in. “It’ll give me a chance to spend a little more time with my d
aughter before she brings her husband that dessert he’s been waiting for.”
Daniel groaned hard and loud, flashing Lynn a pained look. “Why, why did you have to go there? Do you know how hard it is to keep my thoughts pure with these two in the house? Do you? Seriously, I’ve been emotionally scarred!”
Lynn snorted a second before me. “There is nothing pure about you, Daniel Young. You’re not fooling anyone with your act.”
“You wound me, Lynn.” Placing his hand over his heart, there was no hiding his cheeky grin. Crooking his elbow, he bowed his head in reference. “How about I escort you to the kitchen and you can repay the insult by cutting me a thick slice of the apple pie I saw in there?”
Laughing out loud, I sat there with Darcy while the other two left. We were finally alone.
“If I was a paranoid man, I’d say there was a conspiracy to keep me from enjoying something sweet tonight.”
She turned in my lap and wrapped her arm loosely around my neck. “No need to be so suspicious. Good things come to those who wait. Or something like that.” Darcy leaned her forehead against mine and I couldn’t help it—I breathed her in.
“I know, but still. I’m not a patient man.”
“I’m worth the wait, though.”
Unable to bear being so close and not kissing her, I cupped the back of her head, pulling her mouth to mine. It was a sample of what was in store for us later. “Absolutely. I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you, too.” Her fingers played lightly through my hair. “What’s another thirty minutes?”
“For you? I’d wait forever.”
Giving her one last lingering kiss, I lifted her from my lap and we walked hand in hand under the stars to the house.
I wasn’t lying when I said I’d wait forever for her.
But if time would fly by quickly, I wouldn’t complain.
Not one bit.
Chapter Sixteen
Darcy
I was going to kill Daniel—slowly and with extreme pain.
Standing with my hands in soapy water, my mind churned over all the ways I’d make him pay for this. He might think he was endearing and lovable, but he might just end up with a knife stuck in his chest.
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