by Unknown
“Oh, Jacques,” she whispered, as she prepared. “I need to taste you.”
“Please,” he murmured, pulling her hips down. “Wait for me, Jolie,” Jacques demanded, needed a few more strokes.
She prayed she could.
When his body began breaking a part, he called for the only woman who would own his heart. “NOW!”
Without a second to spare, she ruptured apart as her mouth found his throat. Gulping him down, the world around them shattered with color and light.
Jolie began the freefall with her mate at her side.
He was in heaven.
The orgasm ripped through him, taking him over the edge. Now, she was drinking him in and giving him more layers of pleasure.
“So good,” he muttered, as she kept gulping. “More, take more, Jolie!”
She filled the void that was created when he drank from her, and as soon as she couldn’t swallow another sip, Jolie retracted her fangs.
“Oh, my love,” she whispered, the thick French accent coming back.
Jacques nuzzled her cheek. “Mmmmmm. I love having you in my arms. I hope I wasn’t too rough,” he whispered, lapping at some blood that was on her shoulder.
Jolie practically purred at the sensation.
“No, you weren’t, but I have to ask. Are you convinced now that you’re meant to be with me?”
He had no doubt.
What they shared was perfection.
“I know my role, Mistress,” he teased, enjoying the sound of her laughter in the room. “Now, I do believe we should go to death. You feel weary.”
Jolie would have followed him into hell and back at that point. When he pushed himself up from the ground, still holding her in his arms, Jolie was lost.
“I’m ready, Jacques.”
Now, he had a plan. She’d given him the reassurance he needed, and it was time to return the favor. “How about we shower first, and I’ll call Chloe to clean up our destruction?”
They both stared down at the torn, bloody garments. “Okay, Jacques.”
As they headed through the house, Jolie’s head remained resting on his shoulder. She was full and satiated, much like a human on Thanksgiving after gorging. Once in the shower, he propped her up to wash all the blood from her body. Jolie leaned against him, enjoying every second of it.
When they were done, he dried her off, carefully catering to her like she was a delicate treasure.
“Merci,” she purred, as his tongue chased a stray drop of water across her torso.
As he picked her up to carry her to the bed, that’s when she realized they weren’t in their quarters. They were with Flynn.
“Why?” she asked, curiously.
“Because, mon amour, we’re a family, and we need each other.” He kissed her on the cheek, spooning her body, so that she could lay against both men in Flynn’s bed.
“I love you, Jacques,” she sighed, comfortably placed in the best spot in the world.
“Je t’aime,” he replied, listening to her take her final breath as she forced her body to accept death’s embrace.
When she ceased to live any longer, Jacques checked on Brogan in his dreamless state before succumbing to death to follow his mate.
For now, there would be peace for the three of them.
Tomorrow, that was a different story.
∞ Chapter Five ∞
Tuesday Afternoon
As darkness began falling away, Flynn Brogan slipped effortlessly back to the land of the living. He didn't know how Jacques had done it, but that was the best sleep he’d had in a long time.
It was warm, cozy, and almost like a womb. He wouldn’t mind going there every night.
As feeling slowly returned to his body, Flynn realized that he was wrapped around something cold and familiar. Peeking from under one eyelid, he was surprised to see that it was Jolie’s prone form.
At first he froze, unsure what to think of the situation. His leg was trapped between hers, and his hand was stuck beneath her head. Obviously, during the night, he had rolled into her and pulled her into his arms.
Cautiously, even though he knew he couldn’t wake them, Brogan moved his leg from between her thighs. The silky glide of skin against skin caused his body to respond. There was tightening in his lower torso, and he fought against it.
Even after his talk with Jacques last night, he was still wary. Taking in her naked form, he desperately sought some control.
There was no doubt in his mind that he could do it, only because he had no choice. He wasn’t tired, worn down, or exhausted. Anything that he did at that point was his own fault.
No one would be to blame but himself.
Forcing his breath in and out, he tried to think about the least sexy things that he could. The only visual that he could come up with was Jacques killing him for lusting after his naked mate.
When that worked, giving him a moment’s peace, Flynn realized that he wasn’t out of the woods yet. His arm was still trapped beneath her head. Just the fact he couldn’t bring himself to roughly yank it out, proved one thing.
He had it bad.
Flynn wanted to protect her in the worst way, and he didn't believe that it had anything to do with Jacques’s feelings for her.
This was all him.
It had to be.
Jacques was right. Every single, solitary emotion was due to him and not their joined lives.
It was a start.
Brogan slowly slid his arm from beneath her neck and realized he was partially under Jacques shoulder too.
Waking like this reminded him of the first time he found himself in bed with them. The memories flooded back and made him smile. He was man enough to admit that after that first waking, he was scared shitless. It was terrifying to wake next to a dead body.
Yet now, it was all different.
Where once was fear, now there was pleasure. To him, being right there was cathartic and offered him something he missed.
Family.
Everything felt different. Obviously something monumental had occurred last night when he had slept. Not only did his heart feel less heavy, now that he had told Jacques the truth, but he had to wonder why they followed him to his bed.
It had to mean something, right?
Standing, he headed toward the shower. At the doorway, he paused, knowing there was something that he felt compelled to do. Without hesitating, Flynn strolled back to his side of the bed. As he leaned down, he gently laid a kiss on her lips. It wasn’t the first time he’d stolen one, almost like a thief in the night, but this time he needed to do it.
His mind was made up.
For now, he wasn’t going to pretend. Life was too short to live with secrets.
Then, he snickered.
What was he thinking?
They were immortal. Life was too long to carry the burden of secrets, was a far better saying.
Pulling his lips from hers, he said the words that he’d been dying to say. “Je t’aime, Jolie.” Surprisingly, they rolled effortlessly off his tongue, almost as if he was fluent in their language. It appeared to be one more gift that he could attribute to being bonded.
With gentle fingertips, he stroked her flesh. “I’ll miss you while I’m at work. I’ll see you later,” he promised, knowing there was no way she would know what he was saying. Before moving from her side, he stared over at the dead vampyre. Again, compulsion took over. With gentle fingers, he rested his hand on his chest, just over his heart. While there was no life there, Flynn still felt love.
He knew what Jacques had done for him. There was more than just the bond of him sharing his soul.
They were a family.
As he stood and walked away, there was a quickening in his chest. It was as if butterflies were being released.
He grinned, thinking it was love.
Only it wasn’t.
It was death.
∞ ∞ ∞
Wednesday
Mid-Morning
; Brogan sat at his cluttered desk, analyzing the crime scene photos. He was studying them, hoping to find any evidence which would give him more clues. If Jolie believed vamps were involved, they had to be.
Rarely was she wrong.
For now, he was running with it. Deep down, there was a little bit of guilt. Brogan had a lead, and he wished that he could share it with his partner, but he couldn’t trust anyone.
Oh well. It looked like he would have to pursue this avenue on his own.
Wanting to kick himself, he was irritated that he didn't hunt up Chloe to feed him that morning. He was so distracted with waking up beside Jolie and Jacques that he rushed out of the house.
When would he learn?
Rubbing his eyes, Flynn desperately tried not to focus on the hunger growing in him, but instead how they were in his bed. It wasn’t like they didn't sleep together all the time, but he had purposely headed there to get away from the pair, and they followed.
Why?
What exactly did that mean?
What had happened last night while he slept?
There were a million questions going through his brain. What he wanted to do was reach for her mind to try and sneak a peek.
Okay, rational Flynn knew that was a bad idea.
One, it was the middle of the day, and she was likely with death, and then two, he wasn’t exactly stealthy. The last time he tried to slip into her thoughts, he was inundated with all kinds of sexy images. She was trying to teach him a lesson, without hurting him.
Yeah, he suffered for hours with those pictures bouncing around in his mind.
Lesson learned.
At least he could try and direct his attention to his work. That might take his focus off her.
Yeah, he wasn’t buying that in the least.
It didn't take long for him to feel the disturbance.
There was a slight shift in the energy, the sound of desk chairs being moved, and then the gentle scent of her perfume wafting in the air.
She was there!
His head snapped up as he heard the commotion. This was definitely a first. Jolie had never showed up at the police station before, and he knew that there was going to be a sexual feeding frenzy attached to it. Calmly, he tracked her across the room. She was smiling at the other cops who were vying to get her attention.
Some moved toward her.
Others offered her coffee, tea, and a few dates.
Then, she turned her head and stared right into his eyes. His heart thumped in his chest as she approached. He knew as he stood, that every eye would be on them.
How could it not be?
The most beautiful woman in the world had just entered their domain.
The detectives around him began whistling, making not so subtly veiled comments as she approached. They were in for a huge surprise when she came to a stop at his desk. Yes, they all knew he was ‘involved’ with someone, but this was going to be fodder for the rumor mill.
Here it came.
Brogan braced for it.
Jolie saw the priceless look on his face and winked salaciously. Flynn was rather protective of his private life, as were they, but she was curious.
What was he like at work?
At home he was funny, sweet, and a gentle human being, but was that his work persona too?
Well, she was about to find out.
It would be a lie if she didn't admit she was excited. Seeing him in his suit, the tie she had bought him, and the scared shitless look plastered across his face, turned her right on. Oh, he was expecting a spectacle, and Jolie was in the mood to give him one.
She was going to break one huge workplace rule.
There was going to be a kiss. Her heart fluttered as she chewed on her lower lip in preparation.
Get ready, Detective. Here it came.
He waited as a cop stopped her. When she spoke to him, smiling as she touched his arm, the officer looked enraptured. It wasn’t like he could blame the man. He’d been there.
This was like the first day he saw her back in Philly.
He wanted to laugh.
Well, almost…
Jolie moved closer toward him, and his heart raced even more. Of course she was going to come there dressed to kill. Why was he surprised? Thankfully, today she left the leather pants at home, but maybe the dress was just as bad. It was part of her doctor clothes, and it fit her impeccably. More than a few detectives were checking out her body and the erotic, needle heeled boots she was wearing. Even he licked his lips, despite trying to remain calm.
Her scent rolled through him, making his entire body clench and go tight with lust.
Damn it!
She even turned him to mush in a bullpen surrounded by death pictures and co-workers.
Before Jolie could reach him, a female detective, who was immune from her vampyre charm, tried to stop her. Jolie said something to her, and it had to be incredibly scandalous. The detective turned and stared at him, her mouth open.
Shit!
He’d never live that down.
Ever.
Jolie saw the blush creeping up his throat, and it was sexy as sin. There was something innately appealing about a strong man who could get that embarrassed by her walking into the room.
It was charming, and so was her Flynn.
After waking a short while ago, Jolie was surprised to see that he had already left for work without feeding. Immediately, she knew that she would have to go to him, or send Jacques. If her mate went, and had to feed him in a public place, that would most likely panic him even more.
This was the best option.
For both of them…
Okay, maybe this was a little more about her needs, but Jolie couldn’t help it. When she woke, her lips tasted like him, and she needed to see him again.
Jolie longed for a kiss.
This time while she was awake and would enjoy it.
When her tongue slid across her lower lip, drawing his focus there, Brogan knew what was coming. She was going to plant her mouth over his and knowing Jolie, it wouldn’t be chaste.
Oh, shit!
He was at WORK.
With these detectives and their rampant hormones, he may never live it down. If he had any hope of stopping it, he needed to do something then and there. It wasn’t like he was afraid of them tormenting him. That wasn’t the issue. He could take some ribbing, but the way he was likely to react when his body came into contact with hers was what terrified him.
“Jolie, what’s wrong?” he asked, concerned. He knew she should be asleep and not out wasting energy during the daylight.
“I came to feed you, Flynn. You left early for work.”
“Oh.”
“Please kiss me.”
“Here in front of everyone?” he asked, knowing he could lose control again, making it a spectacle.
“You prefer we leave, and then they think you jumped me in private?”
Her laughter brushed his body, and she winked at him once more, making his pulse jump.
“NO! On second thought, right here is fine.”
Just as Jolie was about to make contact with her detective, two cops stepped into her path.
The female was familiar. What was her name again?
Oh yeah. “Good day, Detective Winters.”
“Doctor Harcourte, how are you today?” asked Lily politely. She’d been getting coffee and seen this woman’s entrance. It was something.
Damn!
Lily only wished she could command a room like that. It had to be the fact that she was model thin, wearing pricey clothes, and gorgeous. Her bag along looked like it cost a month’s salary.
Yeah, Lily was jealous.
“I’m well, but my Flynn left home without saying goodbye this morning, so while I was in the area, I decided to stop by.”
“Oh, you were wandering around the city?”
Jolie was getting irritated. This woman was standing between her and kissing Flynn. “No, I was out looking for su
itable office buildings to buy, and then decided to stop in and bring him a bite to eat.” On cue, she held up a bag with lunch in it.
Brogan nearly choked at her comment. He knew what she was alluding to, and it had nothing to do with the sandwich in the bag.
Lily Winters stepped back. “Uhhh, okay then.”
She noticed that the cop beside Lily was staring. “Hello. My name is Jolie,” she offered, holding out her hand. The eager detective looked at her in awe before grabbing her hand to pump it enthusiastically.
There was a whisper in her mind as Flynn strongly objected to the man touching her. It secretly thrilled her. Jolie loved how the men in her life were territorial.
“I’m John, Detective John Daily.” He smiled as he held onto her hand. “Are you here to see Detective Brogan about a crime?” he asked, obviously hoping she was available.
“Yes, as a matter-of-fact, I am here to see him about one. He left home this morning and didn’t wake me to say goodbye.” She smiled seductively, removing her dark framed doctor’s glasses. “So, I was in the area and thought I would see if he was hungry.”
Brogan mouthed her name in horror.
It was cute.
“I’m available for any of your needs,” offered the male detective. Then, he flushed when he realized how that sounded.
“Cool it, Daily. Brogan is her lover,” said Detective Winters, pronouncing the last word, as salaciously as she could with a southern Cajun drawl.
The man looked disappointed on so many levels and just a little bit jealous. “Brogan’s got a hot girl?” He looked over at the detective in awe.
Jolie replied, “Actually, I think I got the better deal. I’ve got a hot guy. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She pulled her hand away from the detective’s and couldn’t help but smile. “Detective Winters, adieu,” she added dismissively, so she could focus on her main reason for being there.
“Sure,” said Lily, realizing that she had been dismissed.
“Au revoir.” Jolie nodded at the detective.