by Unknown
It was beyond him how she had come to their home and accused Jolie of something so heinous. How could his own partner not trust his judgment?
If they were poaching souls, he would know it.
They weren’t like that, and no one could convince him otherwise.
As he entered the solarium, he found that he wasn’t alone. There, sitting on the couch, was Jacques.
Brogan dropped down to join the man as he had some tea. “I suppose you heard all of that?” asked Brogan.
The man nodded. “Flynn, the only one who didn’t hear it was Jolie, and only because she’s dead,” he replied, grinning at the man beside him. Flynn was still stirred up and looked like he wanted to throw the glass in his hand.
“Did you mean it?” he asked.
“Which part of it?”
“The part about quitting your job?”
Brogan didn't have to think twice. He already knew the answer. “I would do it in a heartbeat for you and her.”
He didn't doubt it. “You need to calm down, so how about we go see the garden? Jolie will be awake soon, and I want to make sure it’s acceptable.”
“Okay.”
Both men headed out of the Solarium and into the fading light. It wasn’t a far walk and to their surprise, the cooler evening air made it pleasant.
“I ordered candles to light the area. I know that you both can see perfectly in the dark, but I think this will make it special and give it ambiance.”
“Jolie will love that, Flynn.”
When they arrived in the clearing, both men stopped and examined their masterpiece.
It turned out spectacular.
The night blooming flowers were opening and the candle torches stood, waiting to be lit. Jacques waved his hand, and they flickered to life.
“That impressed me, and here I brought my Zippo.”
He laughed. “It’s absolutely beautiful.” Then, he saw it. “What’s that?”
Brogan noticed he was pointing at the bench. “You can’t have a secret garden and not have a place to sit and enjoy it, so I tweaked the design a little.”
Jacques headed toward it and was astounded at the depth of love Flynn had in his heart for his new family. When they bonded him, there was worry he wouldn’t adjust.
Love took care of that.
The man was smitten, and this was more proof.
Running his fingers over the bench, he examined the carving in the wood.
‘Loved Ones Lost and Found’
Jacques was pleased. “This will touch her in ways you will not understand. You underestimate your ability to be suave, Flynn.”
“I wanted her to be able to come out here and find sanctuary. She can sit on the bench, stare at the Goddess Artemis, and know that Louisa is protected and safe.”
“Why that particular goddess?”
“I looked it up. She’s the protector of women and children. Artemis also is connected to night and the moon. It seemed appropriate with the flowers which are growing here. I had them plant bleeding hearts around the bench because I knew that every time she came here, her heart would weep because she feels she couldn’t save her.”
Jacques walked to the man and put his hand on his shoulder and faced him. “You are a good friend and mate, Flynn. If you think that my keeping a handkerchief touched her, your bench and thoughtfulness will also undo her.”
“Well, we did team up for this one,” he said, placing his opposite hand on Jacques’s shoulder. “Let’s go get her and celebrate Louisa’s short life.”
“Oui, my friend.”
Leaving the clearing, one thing was certain. Love had healed so many things, and it was about to take care of the biggest wound of all.
Loss.
∞ ∞ ∞
Sunday Evening
When Jolie opened her eyes, she knew Jacques and Flynn were near, but she didn’t expect them sitting there, staring down at her. They looked like they had swallowed the canary, feathers and all.
“What have you done?” she asked, looking from grinning face to grinning face.
Oh, they definitely were up to something.
“Did you shoot Balzac again?”
“That was an option?” joked Brogan, earning himself a laugh from his mates.
“We have a surprise for you,” Jacques offered, beaming like a child on Christmas morning. He couldn’t wait to see her face and bask in her pleasure.
“You need to dress and come with us,” said Brogan, holding out his hand.
Jolie took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. “Can I feed first, or is this an emergency?”
Jacques had already fed well and was more than willing to have his mate drink from him. “Come here, my love,” he beckoned, drawing her toward him. “What are you in the mood for?”
Jolie was so very hungry, but then again, she woke with two incredibly delicious men. It was par for the course.
“I want to find myself pressed between both of you as I feed Flynn and drink from you, Jacques.”
No one was going to argue with that.
He pulled her to his body, tipping his head to give her access to his throat. With his free hand, he held it out for their mate, joining them in one sexy circuit.
Brogan sandwiched her between them, leaving no room for anything else. He began leaving kisses across her bare shoulder, as Jolie lapped hungrily at Jacques’s neck.
Damn it!
What he wouldn’t give to be able to sink a set of fangs into her body as they all fed.
“Mmmmm,” she whispered, finding just the right spot. Without warning, she buried her fangs in his flesh and nearly exploded in jubilance as the gush of hot, spicy blood filled her mouth. At the same time, she sent energy back into her other mate, heating his body.
The three rubbed against each other, a collective moan escaping from each of them. Jolie sucked, Flynn absorbed, and Jacques held his family together by being the foundation.
When the need was getting too strong, she broke away, knowing they had a surprise for her. There would be time later to roll around naked.
Maybe a few times, if she was lucky.
Jacques and Flynn gasped as the energy between them ebbed. They stared into each other’s eyes, sharing the woman between them.
“So hot,” muttered Flynn, as he scrambled to regain control. There was nothing more erotic than a full on, familial feeding. He loved it.
Jacques released Flynn’s hand and had to agree. Before the man, they had amazing moments together.
Now, they were orgasmic.
Jolie dropped a kiss to Jacques’s lips and grinned. “Now, I’m ready to face the world.” Turning, she kissed Flynn the same way. “I’ll get dressed.”
“Wait! We have your clothing ready.”
That was new.
Jacques would help her pick out her things, but only on special occasions, or if she had to go to a crime scene. Lifting an eyebrow, she followed Jacques to the closet. He handed her a gauzy white dress and sandals trimmed in ruby red stones.
“White?”
“It is muggy outside tonight. I thought you would want to be comfortable.”
That was new too.
Something big was going on.
Jolie slid the dress over her head and let it drop. It floated down her body, wrapping itself silkily across all her curves. After slipping into the sandals, Jacques hung a pendant with the same red ruby color around her neck.
“You look beautiful, as always.”
Brogan simply enjoyed watching them together. His heart swelled. “He’s absolutely right.”
“Okay, what did you two do? Did you kill Balzac and are afraid to tell me? Are we going to a funeral?”
Jacques laughed and shook his head. “No, but one can only wish. It seems that Flynn and I have prepared a big surprise, just for you.”
Then, she realized something. Glancing back and forth between both men, it occurred to her that they were wearing matching clothes.
I
mmediately, she went on alert.
“What?” Brogan asked, running his hand down his shirt. They had both gone with black dress pants and white silk shirts that buttoned down the front.
This was special, and he wanted her to remember it forever.
“Why do I feel nervous, like the virgin who is about to be tossed into the volcano and to her death?”
Both men laughed, realizing she had a point.
“Let’s go,” stated Jacques, offering her his outstretched hand. He couldn’t wait for her to see what they had created for her.
Jolie twined her fingers with both their hands, linking them together. It was amazing to be connected and between her men.
Immediately, she recognized the path.
“Did you plant me new flowers?”
“In a way,” said Brogan grinning, as his blue eyes twinkled mischievously like a little boy.
“Close your eyes,” they said together, leading her into the new garden.
Jolie couldn’t wait.
They were making her crazy with anticipation.
Curiosity was killing her.
“Okay, open your eyes,” Jacques said, when they came to a stop.
It took her a second to understand it all. First, she saw the statue, then the flickering lights. It astounded her. Beside the beautiful goddess, holding an urn with a bow and arrow on her back, was a bench with three rose boxes and a small wooden chest. “What’s all this?” She looked at both men questioningly.
Jacques turned her to face them. “We wanted to give you a gift. Something that would last as long as we will.”
Flynn picked up the small chest and carried it to her in his big hands. “Here, baby.”
She didn't understand. “What is it?”
“It’s Louisa’s ashes. We collected the pieces of her that Genevieve defiled and had them cremated.” He handed her the box and watched her eyes start to glisten as it sat in her hands.
She didn't know what to say. “Thank you.”
“We aren’t done,” offered Brogan, smiling lovingly into her eyes.
“Really?” She looked confused. Next, both men went to the bench and picked up the long white boxes. Her heart ached, since the last one she had received was filled with nothing but sadness.
They held them out to her.
“For me?”
“Yes.” Brogan waited as she pulled the lids off the two boxes he held, and the one Jacques had in his hands.
Jolie stared inside. “I don’t understand. White roses?”
Jacques pulled the flowers out and handed her one dozen before taking a dozen for himself and Brogan. They closed the lids and left them on the ground. Now came the part they were dying to unveil.
Flynn handed her a card that was attached to the one box. They watched in trepidation as she slowly read the words.
These are to replace the ones that evil stole from Louisa’s grave. Love forever, Jacques & Flynn
“Thank you, but I don’t understand. How can I replace them?” She looked into their faces, still confused.
Brogan led her to the statue. Once in front of it, he knelt before pulling her down beside him.
Jacques did the same.
“We brought her home, Jolie. She’s right here, buried beneath the statue. This is her final resting place. Here with us.”
Jolie looked back and forth at them as the tears began to slide down her cheeks. “You brought her home?”
Both men nodded.
The tears fell even more.
“I can’t believe you did this,” she whispered, wiping her wet cheeks. Lovingly, she laid her hand over the place on the ground that Flynn indicated was her burial spot.
“We wanted to give you something special. We brought her here so you wouldn’t worry. Evil can no longer touch her, because we won’t allow it,” Jacques said, catching a tear with his lips.
His words caused the real flood to begin.
Both men wrapped their arms around her to hold on while the storm raged. Their mate was so distraught that at first they believed it was a mistake to drop this on her.
Maybe she wasn’t ready.
Then, like any storm, it slowed and began to pass.
Brogan took it as his cue to finish this up. “Jolie, I’d like to introduce you to Artemis. She’s the protector of women and children. It’s now her job to keep Louisa safe from here on out.”
She stared up at the pretty huntress statue.
He continued, “You can put the little box of Louisa’s ashes in the urn. It’ll protect her and return all of her body to the final resting place.”
Jolie didn't know what to say. Standing, she waited for Flynn to join her. As he lifted her by the waist, she was able to place the little chest where he instructed.
Her heart thumped.
These were her men.
When he lowered her to the ground, they moved closer to her body, placing her protectively between them. All her life, this is the feeling that had eluded her.
Safety.
“Now, Louisa is whole again and undefiled,” Jacques said, handing each of them their flowers, so they could place them on the grave.
Jolie took a moment to say goodbye once again.
“You’re home now, and this time I’ll keep you safe.” She laid her roses down and stepped backward until she was standing by her mates.
They each wrapped an arm around her waist, connecting them together.
“Thank you. I don’t think I have ever been given anything that will compare with this. You both are so special to me.” She turned to Brogan. “Thank you for being mine,” she whispered, right before kissing his lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” he answered, caressing her cheek.
She turned to Jacques. “Merci, mon amour,” she offered, bringing his lips to hers. “Je t’aime.”
He whispered the words back to her.
Jolie’s eyes scanned the area in disbelief. They must really love her to do something so spectacular. She wasn’t worthy. “This is amazing.”
“There’s more.”
That surprised her. How could that be? “More?” she asked, confused how anything could top this gift. “How could there be anything else? You can’t improve on perfection. Nothing will ever match this gift.”
They took her hands and led her to the bench. “This one is for you.”
Reading the words, she was touched.
As her fingers ran over the delicately carved words, the flowers caught her attention. They peeked at her from between the slats on the bench.
“What are they called?”
“Bleeding hearts,” answered Jacques.
Flynn picked up where he had left off, “Because our hearts will always bleed and weep for our loss of Louisa.”
Their words brought more tears.
“Thank you,” she whispered, pulling them down to sit beside her on their bench. She would rest her head on one shoulder, and then move to the other mate’s, sharing the moment with her family.
The men gave her all the time she needed.
“It’s perfect here,” she murmured, falling in love with them both even more.
“I think she would have approved,” said Jacques, squeezing Jolie’s fingers.
Brogan kissed Jolie’s wrist on her other hand. “How could she not? She’s being guarded by a goddess and an angel.”
“Our dark angel,” added Jacques.
Jolie sighed and knew that her life was finally complete. These two men held all the pieces to her heart. When she found one she was blessed, when she was given both of them she found pure treasure.
No one kept track of the time that passed. Finally, Jacques broke the silence. “How about we go in, open a very expensive bottle of wine, and celebrate Louisa’s life?”
That sounded perfect.
“That’s a wonderful idea.”
Jolie stared around the secret garden at what love had created. As she linked her arms through theirs, Jolie was at
peace.
With a wave of Jacques’s hand, all the lights extinguished, plunging them into the black of night.
One thing was sure in her mind. Unlike the candles in the clearing, her love would never go out.
It was endless.
Finally, there was peace.
∞ Chapter Nineteen ∞
Two Hours Later
Jolie giggled riotously as she lay on the couch between Jacques and Brogan. Her head and shoulders were propped against her mate, and her legs were resting haphazardly across Brogan’s lap. In one hand, she held a half empty bottle of red wine, and in other a glass.
Alongside them on the floor sat two more empty bottles, as they celebrated Louisa’s life.
When they had returned from their makeshift memorial, they barricaded themselves inside the library with the bottles of very old wine from the wine cellar.
Their intent was clear.
They were going to get tipsy and enjoy every second of it.
Jolie grinned up at her mate. “Remember the time we snuck into Le Montet and drank all the ceremonial wine? The monks were so angry that day,” she added, giggling even more. “That was what? Sixteen ninety five?”
“Oui, the monks nearly skinned me alive because you were in the mood to make mischief,” laughed Jacques. “But, I seem to recall it was well worth it. I stole quite a few kisses that night.”
Jolie leaned forward to touch Brogan’s forehead. Once in his mind, she shared all the memories attached to the adventure with him.
“You two were bad.” He leaned forward to steal a kiss. The taste of wine on her lips made him drunk and giddy.
Jolie broke the kiss to lovingly stroke his cheek. “We’ll have memories just like those, and I can’t wait,” she said softly, feeling his sadness.
“I know we will. Can I ask, does it go by fast?” he inquired, sipping more wine.
Jacques sighed, getting poignant with his thoughts. “I think it’s a matter of perspective. They weren’t always enjoyable centuries. There were no cars or television. For quite a few of them, there was mostly only death and desolation for our kind. I believe the last one hundred has moved the fastest.”