“I know what you’re thinking. Yes, you can ask. I’ll answer what I can.”
“He found Mom?”
“Yes, and they never have to part again.”
Tears pricked his eyes. “They deserve to be happy.”
“You’ll see them again, though it will be some time.”
He frowned. “When I die?”
Hadraniel shrugged. “Much sooner, and I don’t imagine you’ll be dying anytime soon. You have wings now. You won’t age. Eventually, your paths will cross again, here on Earth.”
He smiled. “Them?”
“Yes, both of them. Your mother has been granted her own set of wings. Your father’s physical form died, but he was restored as an angel. Now, the question is, do you still have the sword?”
Lincoln hadn’t tried to unsheathe it. He reached back and pulled it from the pocket between his hidden wings. “Apparently I do. What does that mean?”
“Means you have a pure heart and fight for the right reasons. If you sway from that path, you will lose the sword. I don’t expect you to have that problem.”
“And my parents are both angels now?” Lincoln was happy at the revelation, but worried what it might mean. He wasn’t sure he could handle his mother attempting to convince him to let go of his heart and soul.
Detecting the direction of his thoughts, Hadraniel added, “Ethyl has changed her mind about Victoria. She’s quite pleased to be wrong.”
“That’s such a big relief.”
Hadraniel grinned. “For now, they stay above, until your mother is trained. They are both looking forward to seeing you, and Victoria.”
His heart swelled. “I’m happy they’re finally together.”
“I’ll be around for a few weeks. I’m happy to help you learn to use the sword, among other things.”
“Thank you. And when you see them next, will you tell them I love them both?”
“Of course. Your mother wanted me to tell you that you’ve made her proud.”
“Thanks.” Lincoln sucked in a breath. “I really should head in. If you need a place to stay, you’re welcome to crash at my house. I’m really not sure what I’ll do with it now.”
“Thanks. I’ll be seeing you.”
In a daze over the angel’s revelations, he found Hayden leaning against the entrance with his arms crossed over his massive chest.
Hayden pushed off the wall and strode to him. “Hey, Lincoln. I want to talk to you.”
“Sure.” Lincoln couldn’t help wondering what about. It was pretty rare that Hayden said more than a few words of greeting to him.
“I watched you through the whole ordeal with HARP. I could use another officer, and I thought maybe you’d be interested in the job.”
Lincoln blinked slowly, then asked, “What? Me? Seriously?”
“Yes, you. You handled the fighting like a pro. Didn’t let what some asshole said rile you. Got to the bottom of the story with the captives. You even soothed them when they got agitated, and talked them through panic attacks and irrational outbursts. You have skills my officers lack.”
“Wow. I’m honored.”
“But confused. You don’t have to give me an answer right now. I assume you’ll want to discuss the offer with Victoria. You have my number.”
He patted Lincoln on the back before walking to his SUV.
“Hayden, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to your call.”
With a nod, Lincoln turned to enter In 2 Deep. Jess looked up with a smile. “What do you think?”
“About the job offer?”
“Yeah.”
He grinned. “I think I want to take it.”
“It’s the perfect fit.” Jess grinned. “It will take some training, and some testing, but you can have all the time off you need.”
Lincoln took a look around the bar he’d worked in for the last two years. “This is home. I’m not sure I want to leave.”
“You won’t. Don’t have to work here though, and you are always welcome, even after you change jobs.”
Lincoln moved around the table to give Jess a hug. “I’m glad you showed up when you did. You pushed me onto this path.”
She smiled. “Not sure about that. You were ready for a change.”
“Either way, thank you. Your friendship and trust means the world to me.”
“I’m always here for you.”
* * * *
Byron’s head snapped up from his book when someone knocked. He walked across the room and opened the door.
Robert wore a smile. “Good news. Jones, Mena, and his crew have been dealt with.”
“That’s a huge relief, but more will eventually come to investigate.” Byron scrubbed a hand over his face. “What happens to Monty and me?”
Robert shrugged. “That’s up to you. You’ll have to decide what’s next for yourselves. But you know about Edenton. Everyone is pretty much welcome. If you’re in trouble, you’d find help there. Your brother too, of course.”
“That easy, they’ll forgive me?”
“As long as you don’t show up spewing the same hate as before.”
“My lesson is learned. In fact, before I make any kind of decision, do you think you could give me a number to reach Victoria at? I want to apologize.”
Robert pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons before handing it over. “No, but I’ll allow you to call her.”
Taking the cell, Byron walked a bit into the room. It only rang twice. Victoria answered, “Hello, Robert.”
Wait, should she be awake? He shook his head. Doesn’t matter. “Hi, Victoria. I’m Byron, the one who shot at you and the young man. I know I can’t take back what I did, but I want to apologize anyway. I’m sorry, truly, from the bottom of my soul sorry.”
She drew in a breath before responding. “Forgiven. Tell Monty if he needs a vampire to talk to, one who knows what it’s like, I’m willing. I can’t be what he wanted romantically, but I did care about your brother. He’s a good man with a few impulse issues.”
“No wonder he fell for you.” Byron smiled. “You would still help after he went against your wishes?”
“Yes. This life isn’t always easy. I understand he doesn’t know any other vampires. Have Robert give you my number, and I’ll talk to you both later.”
“I owe you my life. I’m sorry I tried to take yours.”
“Just remember, Lincoln is my Angel. He’s not a demon. I won’t forgive you for making that mistake a second time.”
There was definitely a threat banked in the light words. Byron swallowed hard. “Lesson learned. I am truly sorry for that as well. HARP screwed with my head. I wish to god I could take back everything I’ve done.”
“I learned long ago that you can’t take back what you’ve done, but you can strive to do better. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you and your brother later on. Right now, I need to surprise my man, and take him on an adventure.”
Byron smiled. “Enjoy yourselves. And please tell him what I said.”
“I will. Goodbye.”
Byron handed the phone back to Robert. “She said to ask you for her number. She wants Monty to call her at some point.”
“She’s a good woman, Byron. Remember that.”
“I will. And maybe I can help others in my situation if you find them. I’m not sure how yet, but I’ll do what I can.”
Robert nodded. “Sounds good. Here.” He pulled a business card from his pocket, and then added a number to it. “Once Monty’s awake, you’re both free to leave. Here’s my number, as well as Victoria’s.”
Byron nodded. “Thank you, Robert, for helping me find my way back.”
* * * *
The future was bright. For the first time Victoria could remember, hope and love filled up the shadowy hollows of her soul. And Lincoln was right. She was the light in her dark past. She overcame horrors, and even when she couldn’t see the path, she fought to do right.
Wan
ting to surprise Lincoln, she drove to the bar, hoping he was ready to go on a new adventure. Slater had already told her what Hayden planned. As long as Lincoln wanted to, she was behind him all the way.
She stepped into the bar as the sun set, and smiled as Lincoln strode out of the back. His eyes met hers and his whole face lit up.
He met her half way, a low rumble in his voice. “I missed you.”
“Mmm, missed you too,” she purred. Victoria didn’t need to ask, she felt his excitement.
“Want to go for a drive? I have some news.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He turned to wave at Jess. “See you later.”
“Good night,” she called.
They hurried to her car, and he rushed past to open her door.
“Always a gentleman.” She tiptoed up to place a kiss on his lips as he took her hand. He helped her in with a grin.
He walked around the car and slid into his seat with a smile. “Anywhere you want to go?”
“Wherever you want.”
“Drive. Let’s see where the night takes us.” He reached over and twined his fingers in hers.
“So what’s the ear-to-ear smile for?”
He looked over. “What do you think about me as an officer?”
“First, what do you think?”
“That Hayden’s right. I could do something to help Edenton and be a positive force in the community. But if you’re worried, I won’t accept.”
“Worried? No, you’re my Angel. Remember? I think it’s the right fit for you.”
“Why don’t you seem surprised?”
“Slater told me this afternoon.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“That you have my full support whatever you choose. I don’t want to influence your decision though.”
“I love you. Have I mentioned that?”
“Mmm, as I love you. And yes, you have, but I love hearing it.”
He pulled her hand to his mouth. “Ready for a night on the town—any town but this one?”
“Why?”
“Find somewhere to watch others getting intimate, maybe not going all the way. Figure it might inspire new ideas.”
She grinned at him. “I know a place.” There was an Others hotel in Seattle with an exclusive club where you could watch people performing a variety of acts. This way, they could simply leave if he found himself uncomfortable. And if he wasn’t, if he were turned on, they could do their own acts with everyone’s eyes on them.
“Let’s go,” she announced. “We’re staying the night. Hope you don’t mind I packed you a bag.”
“Not at all. I’m looking forward to whatever you have in mind.”
About Brandy L Rivers
Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.
An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.
Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter
Or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Also by Brandy L Rivers
Box Sets
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 2
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 3
Others of Seattle – Series Volume 1
Others of Seattle – Series Volume 2
Others of Edenton
New Beginnings
In Too Deep
Shadows Fall
Shadows of the Past
Falling Into Place
Fated Love
Breaking Free
Mending Scars
Labor of Love
Light in Darkness
Blissful Agony
Entangled Darkness
Deadly Design (Coming 10-24-16)
Untitled: Declan’s story (Coming Summer 2017)
Others of Seattle
Nights Embrace
Storm Mistress
Accepting Fate
Red Queen
Seductive Solutions
Changing Destiny
Coming Together
Storm Wrath
Twisted Bonds (Coming Spring 2017)
Nights Embrace Spin Off
Summer Rhythm
Stand Alone Contemporary Romance
Heart on Fire
Falling Star
Sweet Tooth
Backburn (Coming 1-6-17)
Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke
Cursed Vengeance
Vengeance Unraveled (coming 2017)
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Reference Guide
Abyss – Faerie version of hell. It is a dark, desolate wasteland.
Angel – Being sent from above by the Divine. Their missions are usually to act as a messenger or guide for those wavering on their path. Their wings are generally only visible when they are needed.
Angelfire Sword – Fiery sword angels wield. They always have it hidden on them, though like their wings, they aren’t always visible.
Blood Bond – Vampires can form a bond with a being through blood, in which the vampire can control the other.
Bloodbound – Vampires can form a special bond with someone they care deeply for. It renders the being immune to the more dangerous effects of a normal blood bond.
Bond – Various Others can form bonds between two people. Usually between a couple.
Compulsion – Vampires and other creatures can influence others by suggestions given in various ways. It’s nearly impossible to resist one without protection.
Demon – Creatures born in another realm. From hell, or other dimensions. Some are monstrous, others aren’t. All feed off certain actions or emotions.
Earth Faerie – A fae descended from the Earth Kingdom of Faerie. Their powers include superhuman strength and super-sensitive hearing, smell, and sight. Most can manipulate the earth itself, or create compounds of rock from dust or dirt. Some are able to communicate with animals.
Faerie – Both the physical realm on the other side of the veil, and the people who come from there. There are many different forms of fae.
Fire Fae – A fae descended from the Fire Kingdom of Faerie. Many have visions. Their magic is generally heat and fire based.
HARP – Hunters Against Radical Paranormals. Group of hunters who specifically target Others who are supposedly a threat against mortals. That’s what the human members believe. However, the group is run by hybrids who have a larger plan.
Hybrid – Mixed Others who have abilities from both parents. Hybrids are often treated as abominations. They have strengths that make pure blood Others nervous.
Mages – Humans who possess elemental magic. They can either sling spells like weapons or heal, though it is rare for a mage to be a healer.
Mana-blades – Enchanted swords or daggers that are tattooed into the skin. They can be pulled like a normal weapon, but only by the one with the tattoo. Most people cover the blade with another tattoo to hide the magical weapon. The blade itself does more damage than a normal blade, and depending on the creature it cuts, can do even more specific damage.
Mate – Fae, and some other creatures, sometimes create a supernatural bond with their soul mate. The bond is nearly impossible to break unless one party dies. The bound couple will sometimes feel what the other is feeling, or sense danger the other is in.
Others – Any being that isn’t quit
e human. Werewolves, vampires, shaman, druid, mages, witches, warlocks, fae are some examples.
Pantera – Mythical creature, a mount of a god. Often depicted as a fire breathing leopard or panther.
Silver Council – Organization of mages. They are the governing force of most Others. Not everyone recognizes them, but they try to police all Others. The Silver Council is mostly made up of formally trained mages. They occasionally will employ other casters.
Silver Council Enforcer – The mages who police Others.
Shadowstalkers – Specific breed of vampire. They are one of the most dangerous breeds. They manipulate shadows, are adept at mind control, and generally only feed off Others whose blood can be quite addictive for its magical properties.
Soul Companion – When an angel forms a bond with another, they become soul companions. The abilities granted the pair are different in each couple.
Translocation – Some mages can vanish and reappear in another area. It is a rare talent.
Ward - A spell that protects, sometimes keeps people from entering.
Warded tattoos – Tattoos usually done by druids, shaman, or sometimes mages that have a spell imbued into the pattern. The spell is typically of a protection variety.
Wereanimal – Any type of wereanimal. Werewolves are the most common. Werecats probably second. They are stronger and faster than your average human. There are rare cases of other wereanimals. Each species varies in what it may or may not be able to do. These creatures heal most wounds incredibly fast.
Werewolves – Specific type of wereanimal. A werewolf is created when a werewolf in either its beast form, or half-man form, bites and in rare cases scratches a human. They are incredibly strong, and faster than a normal human. Powerful werewolves can not only shift into their wolf form but also a physical presence larger than human, covered in fur with enormous claws and bestial head. Their sense of smell and sight are very strong, especially in their beast forms.
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