Stone Maiden

by Tina Gerow

  Logan is Charity’s now. Get over it.

  “You mean, you thought it was a normal part of sex between two people.” James had the grace to look sheepish.

  She blushed and nodded. Feelings for James she’d kept buried for two centuries bubbled to the surface and threatened to spill over.

  “Ariel.” He sat down on the chair next to the bed and took her hand in his. “I’m sorry about walking in on you and Logan.”

  She dropped her gaze, deciding it was her turn to study James’ shoes. Anything but meet his inquisitive gaze while they discussed this.

  “I wasn’t prepared for all the feelings I still have for you, or for my reaction to seeing you in Logan’s bed.” He used his index finger to tip her chin up, and then locked his gaze with hers. “I know you’re not a whore. I’m sorry I implied otherwise. I was jealous…and hurt. Can you forgive me?”

  She fell into the deep chocolate of his eyes, and knew it had nothing to do with vampire powers and everything to do with him. Her heart galloped, and she had the sudden sensation that time had suddenly rewound two-hundred years.

  She remembered a time when she was deliriously happy and in love. A time when being in James’s arms made life worth living.

  He stood and closed the distance between them, crushing his mouth to hers. She found herself pulled to her feet, the full length of a very masculine vampire pressed against her.

  She waited for the familiar fireworks, the slow burn she remembered so well…but it wasn’t there. She only ached for Logan to hold her like this.

  “I guess you were right, James. Although I seem to have interrupted before you could get her into bed.”

  Ariel jumped and pushed James away at the sound of Logan’s angry voice from the doorway. She turned and saw barely contained fury simmering in Logan’s gaze. Guilt stabbed at her, but she’d be damned if she’d apologize. After all, didn’t he have a pregnant girlfriend he conveniently forgot to mention before he pulled her into his bed?

  She squared her shoulders and faced him. “At least you already knew James and I had a relationship. I don’t think you can really be throwing stones in your present situation, do you?” It took everything she had to hold back the tears and maintain her aloof expression, but she refused to let him see her cry.

  Logan glared at her for a long moment, then turned and walked away.

  She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

  “Terrific, doesn’t anyone ever knock?” she demanded.

  “You have a bad habit of leaving the door open,” James said and then flinched away at Ariel’s pointed gaze. He held his hands up palm out. “Sorry.”

  She sat on the bed and buried her face in her hands. “James….” she said from between her fingers.

  She heard him sigh and the bed shifted as he sat beside her. “You don’t have to say it. I figured we could go back to the way things were, but…”

  Her head whipped up until she could meet his gaze. “You mean, you didn’t feel anything either?”

  He bristled a little at her comment, no doubt his male ego smarting. “I wouldn’t say ‘nothing’. Kissing a beautiful woman is always pleasant.”

  She raised her eyebrows at him until he looked away.

  “Okay, I thought we could go back to what we had. I’m still not sure why we couldn’t.”

  He sounded so forlorn, she almost felt sorry for him. “We are very different people from who we were then.” She took a deep breath and was about to ask who Jaclyn was when he finally nodded.

  “I’m sorry.” He turned and searched her face with his piercing gaze. “I’m truly sorry about Logan seeing us. It was never my intent to hurt you even more.”

  She knew James’ expressions well enough, even after all these years, to know he meant it.

  But that didn’t change the last few days of her life. Who was going to walk in on her next? She was fresh out of men.

  *****

  Logan slammed the door to his office and went directly to the liquor cabinet. Pouring himself two fingers of Jack Daniels and taking the bottle with him, he crossed to his desk chair and setting aside the liquor, buried his face in his hands. Maybe if he got stinking drunk, he’d get the picture of Ariel in James’ arms out of his head.

  He downed the Jack and poured himself more. How did I get myself in this situation? And can I still get out?

  The morals his aunt and uncle beat into him growing up niggled at the back of his brain. He knew he would have to marry Charity—make an honest woman of her. But why did this feel so wrong? Something deep inside his gut held him back from saying those words out loud and hearing the cell door creak shut on the rest of his life. He’d told Ariel he believed the baby was his, and for some reason, he did. But the idea of a lifetime with Charity stretched in front of him like a never-ending dark tunnel.

  But, a baby—he was going to be a father? He never imagined himself having children, but the thought of a child—his child—thrilled him.

  Damn, why couldn’t Ariel be the one pregnant? We didn’t use any protection.

  Logan shook his head. Maybe that was for the best as well, now that Ariel had turned her affections back to James. This left him open to do his duty to Charity. He scrubbed his hands over his face. He’d done the deed, he’d pay the price—and that would be spending his life with a woman he didn’t love, and who had no love for him. Ominously, the key turned in the lock—claustrophobia about the direction of his life suddenly setting in.

  Just to make sure he still could, he took a few breaths and then reached for more Jack Daniels.

  He heard the door open and he looked up to see James’ large frame filling the doorway.

  Logan scowled and sloshed liquor into his glass. “What do you want? I figured you’d still be busy with Ariel.” He gritted his teeth against the bitter pain his words caused and tossed back the whiskey, wishing for the burning to take away the pain gnawing inside him.

  James sat down in the same chair Ariel first sat in when she’d interviewed with him. “I think you and I both owe Ariel an apology. Things between she and I are over.”

  “That’s not what it looked like a few minutes ago.”

  James laughed. “Nothing involving Ariel is ever simple, is it? Let’s just say Ariel and I were proving to ourselves that there’s nothing left between us.”

  “So, she’s finally over you. That figures.” A bitter laughed welled up and Logan let it loose as he poured more whiskey into his glass. “Just when she gets past her hang-ups with you, I find out my destiny lies elsewhere.” He downed his whiskey and cradled his head in his hands. “When all I want is her…,” he whispered to himself.

  “Interesting choice of words.” He heard James shift in his seat, and the desk moved as he leaned against it. “What the hell did I miss, Logan? What’s happened?”

  The sense of hopelessness which had threatened to engulf him since Charity’s announcement, swallowed him. He raised his head to look at James. “Charity is pregnant.”

  James’ eyes rounded and his lips parted in shock. “Surely you don’t think it’s yours? Charity has warmed more beds than an entire brothel.”

  Logan shook his head. “I thought the same thing. But I believe her. I checked out her story, and she convinced me. My destiny is with Charity.” He thought about the prophecy. Things always happened for a reason, as his mother used to say. This time he could see pieces of the prophecy fall into place like the chains of a shackle around his neck.

  “What proof do you have that this baby is yours? How far along is she?”

  Logan placed the glass carefully on the desktop and leaned back in his chair. “Two and a half months. The timing works out.” He sighed. “As I said, I can’t explain it, but I know it’s mine. The child of my blood.”

  James narrowed his eyes and studied Logan. “That sounds rather formal. You haven’t had any visits from a fairy lately have you. Or maybe some dreams?”

  Logan remembered Alonna�
��s warning. Even though it would be the first time he’d ever lied to James, he couldn’t take a chance with the prophecy. He looked down and began to study the glass, turning it slowly between his fingers and shook his head. “Weren’t zombies, a crotch-eating vampire and a succubus enough without adding fairies into the mix?” he asked quietly.

  James’ gaze bored through him, but he continued to turn the glass carefully avoiding meeting his friend’s gaze.

  After what seemed like hours, but was probably only minutes, James said, “I suppose you’re right. There’s no need to borrow even more trouble.”

  He looked up and searched James’ face. He knew from the way James watched him closely, his friend wasn’t fooled, but had decided to let it pass. Grateful, Logan let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

  “What are you going to do about Charity?” James asked quietly.

  Logan gripped the glass so tightly he was surprised it didn’t shatter. “I’m going to marry her and raise our son.” He realized too late that there was no way at two and a half months he would know the sex of the baby and prayed silently James wouldn’t notice his slip.

  “And what about Ariel? I know you’re in love with her.”

  Logan ran his right hand through his hair in what he recognized as a nervous gesture. “Before a few minutes ago, I thought she’d find happiness with you.” He leaned forward placing his palms on the desk on either side of the glass. “Are you sure there’s nothing between you anymore? I want her to be happy.” He looked down at the glass. “I want both of you to be happy.”

  James shook his head. “You spoke of destiny a few moments ago, Logan. Ariel isn’t my destiny. I still think she’s yours.”

  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I wish it was true. But it seems like life has something else in store for me.”

  James made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat. “I consider you my family. I’ll stand behind you no matter what your decisions. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be watching Charity Taylor like a hawk.”

  Chapter Ten

  James stepped out into the hallway and ran straight into Charity. Well, well, just the person I wanted to see. He reached out to steady her, and watched as her lips rounded. The smell of her fear scented the hallway like a heady perfume, and James battled his own inner beast to keep from basking in it. He’d never been particularly fond of Charity, and it was admittedly petty, but still immensely satisfying to know he scared her now.

  James drew himself up to his full height and did his best to tower over her. But when he spoke, he kept his voice soft and charming. “Good evening, Charity. I just heard you were here.”

  She pulled her arm out of his steadying grasp and took a quick step back. Then, as if she realized what she’d done, she squared her shoulders and straightened her robe, her chin thrust up at a defiant angle. “Not just here, but here to stay.” Her tone was defensive. “So you’d better get used to it.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.

  His earlier conversation with Gabriel ran through his head. Something has already happened to Logan, but it’s not life threatening. At least not yet. So this was what Gabriel meant. James looked down at Charity and tried not to throttle her for ruining Logan’s life. He just wished he understood how all the pieces of this puzzle fit together, and more importantly, how they affected Logan.

  He expanded his senses and reached out toward the child. He tentatively touched the small life force thriving inside her, which proved she was actually pregnant. But no spark of recognition flowed between them. James battled between relief that this wasn’t Logan’s baby and anger at Charity for this charade. He wanted to find out what she hoped to gain beyond the obvious before he exposed her. But he couldn’t expose her without exposing Logan too.

  As a rule, vampires couldn’t tell the paternity of a child, unborn or otherwise. But if this were truly Logan’s baby, it would have James’ blood running through its veins as well. James was very glad the secret of Logan’s paternity had been so closely kept. Jaclyn had objected, of course, she wanted Logan to know the truth. But James knew Logan would always be in danger simply because there were those who would want to destroy anything James held dear.

  Jaclyn had paid that price already. James couldn’t bear to lose Logan too.

  James’ fangs snapped forward inside his mouth in response to his anger at the past and the present. But he made sure they were firmly tucked away before he spoke. It wouldn’t do to have Charity suspicious of his vampire nature. “I suppose congratulations are in order as well.” He carefully watched for her reaction to his next words. “That is, as long as this is truly Logan’s baby.”

  The smell of Charity’s fear flooded the hallway, her heartbeat sped until it was a loud bass drum inside James’ ears, and her eyes dilated so that only the black pupil was visible. Finally, she puffed out a breath which ruffled her perfectly coiffed blonde bangs. “I’ve already had this discussion with Logan, and it’s none of your business.” She glared up at James. “And since Logan and I will most likely be getting married, you’d better watch yourself, or I’ll fire your ass the first chance I get.”

  For the first time in the conversation, laughter bubbled up inside James and he let it flow free, making sure it trickled down her spine. He saw her shiver and laughed even harder. “Don’t overestimate your power, Charity.” He stepped forward and smiled when she stepped back again. “And don’t ever threaten me.” He reached out a hand and laid it against her flat stomach. “And if this is Logan’s baby, we’ll find out soon enough. But if not, you’ll regret trying to use him. That I swear upon my very existence.”

  He stepped away and walked past her before she recovered enough to move.

  James shook his head as he headed down the stairs. He’d bet his soul—if he still had one—that this had something to do with a prophecy. How he could find out without the gargoyles blocking his progress? Maybe he could charm Alonna into talking to him. She was still angry at him about when he walked in on Ariel and Logan, but she was one of the few who probably knew the entire truth from all sides. Not that she would share it with him. Alonna was a mysterious creature in her own right.

  He continued down the hallway and took the stairs to the first floor. Charity’s frantic footsteps finally sounded when he reached the bottom steps and he allowed a smile to spread across his face. It wasn’t very becoming to enjoy his power of fear over people. But in this case, he’d definitely make an exception.

  Stepping into the library, he pulled the door shut behind him. The smell of rich leather and old books hit him like a blow, and reminded him instantly of Jaclyn. He closed his eyes and took a moment to savor his memories. Logan knew this had been his mother’s old house when he’d bought it. Did the memories of Jaclyn constantly call to Logan as they did to James?

  He sighed and breathed deep. Jaclyn had spent countless hours in this room. He could still picture her reclining on the brown overstuffed leather sofa with a book in her hand, a serene smile on her lips, and her ever-present glass of iced tea on the table by her side. James stepped forward to run a hand over the supple leather on the back of the sofa and tears stung the back of his eyes.

  God had Her reasons, of that James had no doubt. But Jaclyn and Ariel—he’d lost them both, all because of who and what he was. He bit back a sigh.

  Life isn’t fair for anyone, Dark Redeemer, but I think The Creator has gone out of Her way to be generous to you in the past, you should trust Her with your future. Gabriel’s words played through his mind again.

  “I know, and I do,” he muttered.

  “Hello, James. Feeling nostalgic?”

  James started and turned to see Dara sitting Indian style on an overstuffed leather love seat at the opposite end of the library, a pile of books beside her on the floor and one open on her lap. Her blonde hair fell in a wavy mass around her face that made James want to run his fingers through it just to see if it felt as silky as it l
ooked. Green eyes, the color of a cat’s watched him with curiosity and her slow smile highlighted a dimple in her right cheek which he’d always found fascinating.

  Pulling himself away from his perusal, he took himself to task. He needed to pay more attention to the here and now and quit dwelling on the past, or someone dangerous to Logan was going to get past his guard. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Just looking for somewhere quiet to think.”

  Dara studied him as she always did, with eyes that pierced right through to his soul—or could if he had one. He saw indecision for a split second and then, she patted the cushion next to her. “You look like you need someone to talk to, James. I’m a good listener as well as a healer, maybe I can help.” He thought he saw hope in her eyes, but shrugged it away—probably just reading things into the situation.

  Dara had always been the quiet one of the gargoyles, and he’d always been comfortable and at home around her. He shrugged. Why not? Dara had sworn to protect Logan, maybe it was time to trust someone. “Thank you, Dara. I’d like that.” He crossed to the loveseat and sat next to her. Not knowing what else to do, he smiled at her and enjoyed the way a pink blush crept up her porcelain neck to stain her cheeks.

  She was so beautiful, it astounded him. Why had he never noticed that before? She wasn’t striking like Ariel or lovely like Jaclyn, but she possessed the type of classic beauty one would see on a cameo brooch.

  Dara cleared her throat, and he realized he’d been staring.

  “My apologies, Dara. You’re so beautiful you captured my thoughts and drove them right out of my head.”

  Her lips curved, and the enticing dimple was back. “Well, that was as nice a compliment as I’ve ever had.” She laughed. “I suppose I’ve done my job then. The sadness is gone from your eyes.”

  Her comment startled him, but he realized it was probably true. She drove all of the sad memories away, even if only for a moment. “And I’m grateful for the reprieve. When I get in those moods, they are sometimes hard to break.” He glanced down at the book on Dara’s lap and felt like a schoolboy trying to talk to a girl he was enamored with. “So what are you reading?”