Mistletoe & Mayhem

by Brenda Trim

  “I’m sorry, mom, what did you say?”

  “How are Elsie and Cailyn doing?” Her mom bustled around the kitchen, grabbed mugs from the cabinet and poured four cups of coffee.

  “They’re wonderful. Both are ridiculously in love with their new husbands.”

  Her mom set the plate of cookies on the island along with the coffee. “That’s nice to hear. I still don’t understand why you had to move there with them. If they’re both happily married now, don’t you want to come home?”

  She met her brother’s gaze and rolled her eyes theatrically and he made a face at her in return. “I told you mom, I fell in love with Seattle and I’m happy there.”

  “Have you found a job yet? ‘Cause no Higgins is a freeloader. We earn our keep.” Her dad picked up a cookie and dunked it in his coffee, giving her that look that only dads could give.

  “No, I haven’t found a job yet and there are a lot of reasons why. I’ve been making a lot of adjustments of my own and not just because I’m in a new city.” She picked up a snow globe that sat on the counter and shook it, watching the fake flakes dance around. It was from a family trip to New York and featured the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline inside the little dome. When wound, it played New York, New York. It was one of the best trips she’d ever been on and she hoped to return there again someday.

  Her mother spun around, excitement clear in her expression. “Is it a boy? Have you found someone?” Jessie couldn’t help but think of James with his sexy lean and magnetic hazel eyes. She wondered if he was still in town or if he’d moved on.

  “Leave her alone, Rebekkah. My baby girl doesn’t need a man.”

  “It’s not a boy, mom. And, it’s not exactly the best time for me to start a relationship.”

  “Why not, young lady? You are a beautiful, intelligent woman and let’s face it, you aren’t getting any younger.” Her mother was a picture of annoyance, standing there with her hands on her hips.

  “Mom, can we get off the subject of men?” she snapped, sounding more annoyed than she wanted to.

  “You can’t blame a mother, Jessie. I want grandchildren before I die and neither one of you are doing anything to help that situation.” Her mom glared at her then her brother.

  She crossed over and hugged her mom. “I know mom, but something happened to me. I’m not the same as I was when I left.”

  Her dad set his mug down and looked over, eyeing her suspiciously. “What do you mean something happened? Talk to us, Junebug.”

  “I don’t even know where to begin.” She let go of her mom and stepped away, no longer able to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.

  “It’s okay, sweetheart. You can tell us anything.” Jessie hoped her mother didn’t change her tune when she heard what she had to share.

  She took a few deep breaths and decided to dive in head-first. She told them everything about the night she had picked up Cailyn from the airport and how they had been attacked and she’d been bitten by demons, turning her into a dhampir. Once she started talking, it poured out of her. She didn’t pause long enough to allow any of them to get a word in edgewise. Out of breath from rambling, she huffed, “So, that’s my story. That’s why I haven’t been home and why I don’t have a job. I’m not safe around humans for long periods of time.”

  Her mother carefully placed her mug on the counter and met Jessie’s tear-filled gaze. “Jessie, honey. Are you on drugs?”

  Her mouth fell open that she would think that. Then again, she didn’t know if she’d believe the story unless she’d lived through it. “No, mother. Unfortunately, I’m dead serious.”

  Her dad leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. Even for a man in his sixties, he was still in great shape and came across as intimidating to most. “So, vampires are real? And, demons, too?”

  “Yes, dad. So are shifters, sorcerers and witches. And, that’s just a few. There are so many supernaturals that I couldn’t even name them all.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Chase blurted. “You can’t possibly believe her.”

  Jessie held back her irritation and reminded herself that seeing was believing. “I’m telling the truth, Chase.” She bared her fangs, displaying her proof. He jumped back as her mother immediately touched her forehead and then three sides of her chest in the pattern of a cross.

  “What are you doing, mom? We aren’t even Catholic. Don’t be afraid of me, I would never hurt you.”

  Her dad chuckled. “Of course you wouldn’t, Junebug.”

  “Do you drink blood? Is that why you haven’t eaten anything?” She rounded on her brother and glared at his ignorance.

  “Yes, I do drink blood, but that’s not why I haven’t had anything.” She picked up a cookie and took a big bite to show her still-frightened mother that she could eat normal food and that seemed to calm her, somewhat.

  “Where do you get the blood?” her mother grimaced and Jessie could tell by her expression she was afraid of what the answer might be.

  “Cailyn’s husband is a doctor and he brings me bagged blood from the hospital.”

  “Oh, thank God. I was worried you hunted and killed people now.” Her mother actually sagged with relief against the counter.

  “Mom! How can you think me capable of killing someone?”

  “Well, I don’t know. You come home after months of being away and tell us that you’re a vampire now. What am I supposed to think?”

  “I told you, I’m not a vampire. I’m a dhampir.”

  Her brother cocked his head to the side. “What’s the difference?”

  “In short, I can go out in the sun where a vampire can’t. They can feed from other supernaturals, but I can’t. And, vampires are born, not turned. Those are the biggest differences.”

  “I don’t know what to say, honey. This is a lot to take in; although, I have to admit, you still seem like our little Jessie.” Her mother smiled and Jessie relaxed. Her mom wasn’t going to turn her away. She might need some time to adjust, but a mother’s love was unconditional.

  “Will this kill you?” Her dad picked up another cookie and munched on it. He might appear calm and collected, but Jessie knew her father was a stress-eater, so this was bothering him more than he let on.

  “No. Jace and the other scientists have told me that I will actually live forever, without aging.”

  “You can’t ever die? Lucky brat.”

  “If someone cuts my head off I’ll die, but don’t get any bright ideas. I’m stronger than you and can kick your ass, baby brother.”

  He smiled at her and curled his fingers in a taunting motion. “Bring it, sista.”

  “Stop it, you two. I’m still your father and won’t hesitate to take a belt to both your behinds.” If Jessie had a dime for every time her father had used that threat on them, she’d be a millionaire by now. Not once had he picked up a belt to discipline either one of them. No, his gruff tone was all that was needed to get their attention.

  She walked into her father’s arms and felt the tension slip away. She clung to him with all she had and whispered, “I’m still your Junebug,” and he squeezed her even tighter. The embrace placed her in front of the kitchen window, and, without warning, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She glanced out the window, but even with her enhanced vision, didn’t see anything. She had the strangest feeling that someone was watching her.

  “Is there something out there?” her mother whispered next to her ear and Jessie had to laugh when her mom nudged her playfully.

  “No, but you guys really should move out of this neighborhood. It’s not safe.”

  “Nonsense. We’ve been here forever and nothing has happened to us or this house. We are not in any danger.”

  She met her brother’s gaze and saw the way his mouth pinched with distaste. Whatever was going on, he agreed with Jessie on this. Her parents would never willingly leave their neighborhood, but perhaps a little manipulation might
coax them. “Mom, I sure wish you guys would move to Seattle with me. Dad retired last year and Chase needs a new start. Besides, I could really use your support through this new adjustment.”

  Her parents looked at each other and had a silent conversation that only couples who had been married forty years could do. “What would we do there? We don’t know anyone. We’ve lived here for most of our lives.”

  “You don’t know anyone here.” Her brother jumped right in, adding his two cents. “All your friends have moved away. You were saying just the other day you want to travel some and see different places.”

  “Elsie needs a ton of help with her charity and her husband, the Vampire King, could keep Dad busy, too.”

  “Elsie married a Vampire King?” Jessie chuckled at her mother’s incredulous expression. Yeah, she had to agree with her on that one. It was still a shocker that she not only married the king, but became the queen.

  “Yes, and he’s gorgeous; but more than that, he’s kind and caring and adores Elsie. He’s what every woman dreams of.” Again, her thoughts went back to the sexy biker she’d met at the gas station. Now, he was everything she dreamed of. Suddenly, she had a craving for cheese anything.

  Jessie pulled her brother aside. “You want to go with me to Hanovers? I could really use a drink right now.”

  “Sure. Give me ten minutes.” She watched as Chase hurried up the stairs while she returned to the discussion with her parents about them moving to Seattle. All the while, excitement built as she wondered if James had taken her advice and gone there.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Jessie tipped back her Amstel Light and enjoyed the ice-cold hops. Nothing had changed at Hanovers. The cheese fries were as greasy as ever and the pool tables still crowded. The band was taking a break and flirting with the groupies by the stage. The familiar dating game could be seen in a thousand different bars throughout the country and was obnoxious and tiresome on a good night, but a welcome change from the Tehrex Realm. She wasn’t looking over her shoulder for the next demon or skirm to launch another attack.

  Unlike the realm, the entire human world was decorated for the holidays and the bar was no different. The wood-paneled walls had those little cardboard Santas, Christmas trees and snowflakes taped across them. Someone had strung multi-colored lights to the underside of the bar and tinsel wrapped around the poles at each end. It was bordering on tacky but she appreciated the effort.

  “So, you gonna tell me about the colors you were sporting earlier?” She stood at the small round table by the pool table as her brother racked the balls. Her eyes scanned the whole place, searching for the man who hadn’t left her thoughts for a minute since she’d met him.

  “I was hoping you hadn’t seen that.” Her brother blew out a breath and picked up his pool stick.

  “Yeah, well, I did. So spill.”

  Chase bent over the table, lining up his shot. “The gangs are getting more and more aggressive, and, as you know, mom and dad refuse to see it. You heard them. They still think it’s the hood from thirty years ago. Truth is, they’re smack-dab in the middle of violence and the bomb could go off at any time.”

  “So you decided to join them and be the one to pull the trigger?”

  Chase spun and glared at her. “You’re an idiot if you think that. Being a part of them is the only way I can protect mom and dad. I wouldn’t expect you to understand. You just up and fucking disappeared.”

  She was in her brother’s face in one angry heartbeat. Her fists were clenched and she was ready to deck him. His open mouth and wide eyes told her to calm down and watch it, the last thing she needed was unwanted attention. “I explained what I’ve been going through. I’m sorry that I left you to deal with this by yourself, but I’m here now. Do I even want to know what you had to do to become a member?”

  Chase rubbed the back of his neck, ignoring her. “It’s your turn.”

  She popped a cheese fry into her mouth as the band started playing again. She walked around the table looking for her shot. “Chase, talk to me. Are you in trouble with the law?” When he didn’t answer, she met her brother’s brown eyes. “Please tell me you didn’t kill anyone.”

  “Jesus, Jessie!” he blurted and then lowered his voice to a whisper. “You got upset earlier with mom for thinking you’re capable of sucking someone dry and yet you think I could kill someone.”

  “Sorry, you’re right. That wasn’t fair.” She leaned over and focused on her shot, managed to connect with the striped-monstrosity, but it stopped right before dropping into the hole. Dammit.

  “To answer your question, no, I’m not in any trouble. I’m not even an official member yet. They’ve set my initiation for next week, after Christmas.”

  Relief was potent and sharp. It seemed as if Fate brought her home just in the nick of time. “It goes without saying that you won’t be a part of that ceremony. How do we convince mom and dad to move, asap?”

  “I think you have them half-convinced already.” Chase finished his beer and signaled the waitress for another. “I was expecting them to give you an immediate no. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if they aren’t making plans when we get home. I think the idea of learning about this world you’ve landed in really appealed to dad.”

  Her father would fit right in with the warriors and she had no doubt they would make them feel as welcome as they had her. Her brother knocked three balls into different pockets before he missed on the fourth shot. “What about you, Chase? We aren’t leaving without you.”

  She rubbed chalk on the end of her stick and walked around the table, wishing her new-found status had improved her skills at this game. Her brother always beat her and it was maddening. “I think it’s fair to say that my degree in anthropology hasn’t helped me find a job around here. Besides, if I don’t move, I’ll never get away from this mess I got myself into.”

  “I told you there weren’t any jobs in that field when you chose it. But, that doesn’t matter. I have connections in the realm and I’m sure we can find you work somewhere. Mom and dad wouldn’t move without you.”

  “Hell no, they wouldn’t. I’m mom’s favorite.” She smacked his arm, making him wince. “Ow, you’re such a brute, now,” he teased.

  She bent over to take her shot and when she felt hot breath fanning against the side of her face, she missed the ball entirely and her stick went flying across the table.

  “Your stance is all wrong, Jessie. You need to move your feet apart more and tilt your shoulder down.” The husky timbre of James’ voice turned her into a pile of goo. His hands bracketed her hips, turning them and a current shot through her system the moment he touched her. Her blood hummed, and, that fast, she was so turned on she would’ve thought they’d been making out for the past half hour. She turned her head slightly and met his glowing hazel eyes.

  “What are you?” The words were out before she could sensor them.

  “I could ask you the same thing.”

  “Jessie, who is your friend?” Chase interrupted before she could think of a clever comeback.

  Chase’s chest was puffed and he was ready to intervene and pull the guy from her back. How did she tell her brother the last thing she wanted was space from James? No, she wanted him to mount her and make her scream his name. “It’s okay, Chase. I met James earlier while I was getting gas. This is my brother, Chase. I see you took my suggestion. Have you tried the cheese fries? They have the best cheese fries”

  James leaned against the pool table with that lean of his and her knees went weak. And, she still sounded like a buffoon, talking about freakin’ cheese fries.

  “How could I not? You made the place sound irresistible.”

  Chase cleared his throat and shuffled his feet. “I see one of my friend’s at the bar. I’ll be back in a few, sis. Yell if you need me.” She smiled at his retreating back, unsure if it was because her brother always had her back or because she was alone with James.

  “He’s very protective.” The deep
voice snapped her attention to James who was standing way too close for comfort, and yet, not close enough.

  “Our father drilled that into him from the moment he could walk. So, you never told me what you are.”

  “I’m a wolf, baby. The real question is what you are. You have fangs, but you don’t scent like a vampire.”

  She locked her muscles in place at the way his husky voice affected her body. She wasn’t sure if she was going to grab onto him or take ten steps away and put space between them. Her body and mind were battling for dominance. Her heart raced and she contemplated stepping outside for some fresh air. Instead, she took several deep breaths and retold the story of her attack and subsequent turning.

  “It’s not glamorous, but that’s my story. I have some cheese fries left, would you like some?” she said grabbing one and holding it up between them. Again with the cheese fries? What was wrong with her?

  He leaned over and took a bite of the fry still in her hand. His eyes never left hers as he slowly nibbled his way to her finger. When he reached the tip, he sucked slightly. She was lost to the sensual act. If he continued much longer, she would have an orgasm right there in the middle of the room. He licked her finger clean then stepped even closer to her. Their bodies were touching and she could feel the heat coming off of him. He bent until his lips were scant inches from hers. Her mouth watered, craving a taste of him.

  “Those are good. I want more.” His voice was barely above a whisper. She automatically reached for another fry but he grabbed her hand before she could get to it. “I wasn’t talking about food.” He winked at her, lacing their fingers while he grabbed the beer she had been drinking with his free hand.

  She watched his strong throat as he swallowed the liquid, wondering how he made everything so damn erotic. She could never be that sexy, even on her best day. His eyes danced with excitement and promise. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair and all over his muscular body. Wanted him between her legs like nothing she’d wanted before. He put the empty bottle down and opened his mouth to speak, but the waitress chose that moment to interrupt. “Would you like another Amstel, darlin?”