“But I’m scared.”
Fearing Nikki might run again, Jackie pulled her friend into her arms and said, “Don’t do anything rash. Just hold on for one more day and see what tomorrow brings. And if you need any pointers to help kick up the fire a notch, give me a buzz. I have all kinds of tricks up these silk sleeves of mine.”
When the women finally walked out of the bathroom, Nikki frantically scanned for Devin and found her path blocked by the men from the table that sent her the first drink. Seeing the smitten looks in their eyes, Nikki prepared to zap them or use her Pixie dust, but she hesitated. She had to figure out how to defend herself with magic without Jackie seeing. Just as Jackie stepped forward as Nikki’s protector to make it clear to the men that Nikki wasn’t interested, Devin appeared out of nowhere and took Nikki’s hand tightly in his. The cursed couple sighed instantly as they touched and their shared panic subsided. Then, using his gift of mental persuasion and a few cracking knuckles, the men instantly cowered away.
Not fazed by Devin’s projected danger, Jackie exclaimed, “Nicely done, Devin! I’ve never seen men run away with their tail’s between their legs… or in this case something else resembling a tail.” She snickered at her own humor and added, “You could be a professional bouncer.”
Although shocked by Jackie’s lack of reaction and his own feelings of jealousy, Devin said while wrapping his arm over Nikki’s shoulders, “Let’s get going before we have to fight off any other admirers.”
After they walked Jackie to her car, Jackie pulled Nikki into a tight hug and whispered in her ear, “No one deserves happiness more than you so, like I said earlier, enjoy what life is offering. Pounce that hunk of a man.” As she gave Nikki an extra squeeze, she said seriously, “I love ya, Sis.”
All anger Nikki had built up toward her friend completely disappeared and she replied honestly, “I love you too.” As a peace offering she added, “And I promise to consider everything that you’ve said tonight.”
Jackie released Nikki and walked over to Devin. As she stopped in front of him, he said, “Thanks for trying to step in back there. You could make a good bouncer yourself.”
Jackie shrugged off his compliment and said, “I grew up on a farm and learned to take care of myself, but Nikki’s far too kind and lacks killer instincts. She’s my friend and I need to help protect her. I’m not always there and she needs to learn to kick some ass when needed.” She shocked him further when she wrapped her arms around his chest and, holding him closely, whispered warningly so that Nikki wouldn’t hear, “Speaking of killer attitude, hurt her and there won’t be a hole deep enough for you to hide in.”
From one protector to another, Devin gave her a quick squeeze and replied, “Warning received.”
As Jackie got into her car, she called sweetly to Devin, “It was wonderful to meet you. Take care of my girl for me.” She turned to Nikki and then said, “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. We have a landlord to meet and some luggage to pack.”
After Jackie drove away, Devin escorted Nikki to his car. As he held the door open for her, Nikki gave him an electric zap in the stomach and asked angrily, “Do you want to explain tonight to me?”
While rubbing his latest stinging wound, Devin said, “I see your weapon is working again. Get into the car and we’ll talk.” Once they were heading down the road, he began his explanation. “I couldn’t let you give Jackie up. I can’t explain it, but I think we need her. The moment we arrived, I got hit with the oddest feeling. I think that she’s somehow a part of breaking the curse.”
“Jackie? How? She’s Human and, if I keep contact with her, she could find out the truth.”
“It’s a risk I think we need to take. Besides, she’s fearless. She didn’t react to me at all. Besides my love story gave you the perfect excuse for why you’re living with me and why I’ll always be at your side if you need to see her.”
“Why would you do this for me? My presence has done nothing but turn your life upside down.”
“As my godmother constantly reminds me, you’re the innocent in all this. I wanted to do something nice for you. Besides, I felt you almost die. It changed me and forced me to look at the world differently. We might be locked together for a while and it’s going to be much easier on both of us if you’re happy instead of miserable.”
“Thanks Devin. This was very unexpected. I don’t know how to repay you for what you’re doing for me.”
With a wicked grin, he teased, “Oh, I can come up with a few ways, several involving a fireman, his hose, and a molten hot, moaning blue volcano.”
As he drove down the road, she gave him an exasperated sigh.
Chapter 17:
Singing in the Rain
Devin and Nikki returned to the warehouse and found the apartment full of their Vampire neighbors. As they joined the party already in progress, Skye handed Nikki a note from Cassandra that read, “As promised, I’m willing to put my faith in my godson and those around you. Enjoy your night, but know that I’m only a second away.”
After Nikki looked back up, Skye explained. “Cassandra is willing to let us be near you, but while you two were out, she practiced materializing into this apartment. She got it down to doing it within a single breath.”
Jett added, “Be warned. If anything even bangs hard on this floor, she’ll be here with her witchy guns armed and ready.”
Seeing Nikki’s frustration, Wolfe, who rarely spoke, said, “Her fears are real and, although we’ll all try to behave, you need her protection. I, for one, am glad she’s available at a second’s notice.”
Nikki looked out at the group and said, “I’m sorry about getting you all stuck in this with me.”
Jett said with his typical smile, “Heck, I’m not. We haven’t had this much excitement in our warehouse life in… well, never.” He held out his hand to Nikki and said, “Come on, Pixie. Join me in a game of pool.”
Nikki accepted the offer and spent the next hour interacting with everyone as they played. When Devin caught Nikki and the other women huddled together, discussing decorating ideas, he broke up their scheming and called everyone together into the living room. Once assembled, he shared what happened at the restaurant. They all laughed when he explained the star-crossed lovers cover story they were going to use whenever Humans—especially Jackie—were involved.
As Nikki passed her phone around to show everyone a picture of her friend, Blade stared at Jackie’s curvy form and said, “She’s a walking Barbie doll. Although I love the outfit, she isn’t dark or dangerous.”
Devin replied, “Don’t underestimate the strength of this Human. She didn’t react to me at all, even when I tried to give her a sense of the real me. And just before we left the restaurant she threatened my life if I hurt Nikki. There’s definitely something different about this woman.”
Nikki said, “Maybe someday all of you can meet her, but not as your lunch, if you please.” When she yawned, she stood and said, “It’s been a long day and I think that was my body’s cue to go to bed.” She kissed Cupcake who was lying on top of Blade’s head and whispered, “Stay and enjoy yourself.”
As she began to walk away, Devin caught her hand and asked, “No goodnight kiss for your boyfriend?”
Nikki turned and planned to give him a snide comment but, after what he had done for her tonight, she changed her mind. Instead she gave him a brilliant smile, blew something off her hand at him, and said “Good night, Devin.”
Devin swayed as he breathed in sparkle that made his entire body fill with a pleasant warmth. As she flew away, he gave her a low, predatory growl and said to those sitting beside him, “I think I could really learn to like having a Pixie living here.” As she was about to disappear into the loft, he called, “I’ll be up all night so go ahead and take the bed again.”
Nikki hovered in the air for a moment and, after nodding to Devin, she stared out at those she now considered friends and said with much affection, “Good night everyone. I look forward
to seeing you tomorrow.” She was shocked to find that she meant it.
Although Devin was able to let Nikki go to bed alone, to a constant chorus of snickers from his friends, he checked on her every hour. Each trip he stood next to the bed and focused all of his senses on her until he could feel every heart beat in his chest and her bird sounds rang in his ears. He returned to his guests only when he confirmed that she was alive and well. After everyone went back to their apartments, Devin got ready for bed and squeezed himself onto the too small love seat.
When Nikki woke the next morning, she found Cupcake perched on the back of Devin’s make-shift bed. The cat was making a sound similar to a laugh, while staring down at the Vampire’s arms and legs. His appendages were sprawled out in all directions and hanging over the cushions.
At first Nikki snickered but, when she looked back at the large bed, she knew that she and her roommate needed to talk later about sleeping arrangements that worked for both of them. After sharing a quick breakfast, she and Cupcake crawled into her skybox. Nikki laid on her stomach, spread out her wings, and baked most of the day under the sun. Once she felt fully energized, she left the hatch open to let in the natural light while she flew around the apartment, trying to decide on ways to make the home more comfortable for her.
When she heard Devin call to her, she quickly closed the hatch and turned on the lights. By the time Devin made it downstairs, he found Nikki in the kitchen. When he joined her, she said, “As a peace offering, I attempted to make you breakfast.” She handed him her version of his typical blood-based morning concoction.
He took the glass and asked, “What’s this?”
“If we’re going to live together for a while, I thought it might help if I threw myself into your world.”
Seeing her face give off a slightly green hue, he said, “It looks more like you’re about to throw up.”
As she fanned herself, she said, “Sorry. You might need some fresh air too after you taste it. It’s the first Vampire drink made by a Pixie.”
He put the glass on the counter and said, “I really do appreciate the gesture, but you don’t need to do things like this for me.”
Nikki replied, “I’ve been raised to hate your kind but, when I look at you now, I don’t see an enemy. Maybe if we took the time to get to know each other better, our worlds wouldn’t seem so different.”
“My world can be frightening.”
Nikki rubbed the spot where both he and Alec had bit her and said, “I think I know that quite well, but I don’t want to be scared of you.”
“No more than I want you to be.” He picked up the drink, toasted Nikki, and said, “To learning about each other.” He cautiously took a swallow and said with an approving nod, “For the first Vampire drink made by a Pixie, this really isn’t that bad.”
“Tell me. How could I have made it better?”
Seeing her genuine interest, he replied, “Okay, but only if you let me into your world too. Let me fix you dinner tonight.” Seeing her cringe, he added, “I’ll make food your way, including awful green twigs, sticks, and nothing bloody.”
She gave him a big grin and said, “You have a deal.”
The two spent the afternoon in the kitchen. While Nikki learned to make several Vampire drinks without passing out, Devin touched a piece of fruit for the first time in his life and made Nikki freshly squeezed orange juice. Later they made each other dinner side by side. Although neither meal came out as they had wanted, they were both surprised to find that they enjoyed the attempt.
When the sun went down and the dishes were washed and put away, Nikki approached Devin and said, “Get your coat on. It’s time for dessert.”
Devin asked puzzled, “You want to go to a Human bar and try for more free goodies?”
Nikki shook her head and replied, “I saw you staring at my neck during dinner and I think it’s been days since you fed from the vein. The first lesson I’ve learned about living with a Vampire is to never let his blood tank go dry. Let’s go out and take care of that Human craving of yours.”
“But I don’t want you to watch me feed.”
“I’ve already seen you do it so I know what to expect.” She pointed up to the skybox and said, “As you’ve learned, I need sunlight every day. You need to feed on Humans to survive and keep me bite free.” She suggested, “We could go dancing?”
He knew she was right about needing to feed, but he also knew that dancing would force her to sit on the side, leaving her unprotected in public with Human men all around. Heeding Jackie’s warning, he replied, “It would be hard to feed while trying to keep your adoring fans away from you. I have another idea in mind if you’re willing to play the role of my girlfriend.”
She wasn’t sure she liked the sparkle that was suddenly in his eyes, but she had insisted on having him feed so she asked, “What do you have in mind?”
“It’s a warm night. Put on your camouflage, a sweater, and let’s go for a walk.” Seeing her hesitation, he added, “If you want to learn about my world, than you’ll have to put your trust in me. Your near death experience taught me a few things, and not just about your need for a suntan. I learned that I can’t do anything that risks hurting you, so I’ll keep you safe.” To encourage her to agree, he warned, “You might as well give in or I’ll be forced to use another little fact that I’ve learned about you.” To give her a hint, he tapped his cheek.
She gasped and said, “You wouldn’t.”
He replied, “Sorry, fake girlfriend. But all is fair in love and war.” His face then lit up in a dazzling smile.
When her eyes locked on the resulting dimple, she lifted her hands to block the sight and said, “Okay, fake boyfriend. Let’s go.”
An hour later, Devin had his arm draped over Nikki’s shoulders as they walked slowly along a path in a city park. As they snuggled into each other like love-sick teenagers, he hunted. It took them some practice, but eventually they found their most effective hunting technique. It turned out that playing a couple in love made them much less threatening to Humans and they were able to approach unsuspecting couples without causing any fear. Nikki was even able to help distract one of the Humans while Devin discretely took what he needed from the other. While Devin used his mental powers to make them forget, Nikki added her touch of Pixie dust to make sure the couple walked away with large, drunken smiles on their faces.
After another couple walked happily away, Devin whispered to Nikki, “Nice touch. Given their elevated pulses and love-sick eyes, I think those couples will be enjoying your gift all night long.”
“Sorry, I just wanted to thank them for what they unwittingly provided. I may have overdone the happy part. I’ll adjust the dose next time.” When she felt a warm raindrop touch her cheek, her body tensed and she asked, “Is your tank full yet?”
“It’s good enough for tonight.” Feeling her sudden nervousness, he looked up into the now cloud covered sky and said, “Pixie’s are creatures of nature. Surely you’re not afraid of a little rain.”
“Exact opposite. We need to get me under cover before the blueberry decides to start singing in the rain.” She grabbed onto his hand and pulled him urgently toward the car. Once they were driving back toward the warehouse, it started to rain. He looked out the window and asked, “So what’s with you and the weather?”
With her wings fighting to come forward, she needed to concentrate hard to keep her camouflage in place. She closed her eyes tightly and replied, “I’ll explain after we get home.” The second they were parked, Nikki jumped out of the car and her wings exploded out of her body with a sigh.
Devin watched her wings flitter excitedly and asked, “Do you want to explain now?”
Bo approached Nikki and, as she scratched him behind the ears, she said to Devin, “When we’re alone in the apartment.” She kissed Bo on the nose and then walked into the elevator. After they entered the apartment, Nikki held out her hand to Devin and said, “Come on. Time to give you another Pixie le
sson.”
As she pulled him up the stairs to the loft, he asked, “Where are we going?”
“I’m going to show you what happens when I get caught in a warm rain.”
They hesitated at the bathroom door and Devin asked, “I’m going to watch you shower?”
Nikki looked up at Devin and said, “You can or we can take Jackie’s advice and embrace our situation. We could go in together.” Her cheeks instantly flushed.
He replied in shock, “Whoa there. You’re asking me to get naked with you?” Even Cupcake glared at Nikki in disbelief.
Nikki replied to their stares, “I almost died the other day and I don’t want to leave this world without living life a little. Besides, I’ve already seen you naked, repeatedly, and it’s only a matter of time before you see all my hidden spots. We might as well get it over with. You may not be my real boyfriend, but we’re both adults and it’ll make our current situation much easier if you aren’t constantly trying to sneak a peek. I’m wasting too much energy trying to stop you. But before we go in, I would like to set some rules. First, what happens in the shower stays in the shower.” With his eyebrows raised and erotic images filling his mind, a wicked grin formed on his face. Knowing what he was thinking, she quickly added, “And just because we’re going to be in the shower together doesn’t mean that we’re going to have sex. Because we’re definitely not.”
His smile faded and he said, “I’ll admit that I’m disappointed and it’s a waste of a perfectly good glass wall. But if at any time you change your mind, know that I’m game.”
“Next, neither of us can make snide comments about our bodies responding to seeing each other naked. I know that my spots won’t let me hide my reaction and I can guarantee that they’ll turn bright blue once I see you wet and naked. I’m only assuming that you might have similar issues when you finally see my hidden spots.”
Mistyx Sonata (Mistyx Series Book 1) Page 20
