by Deanna Chase
“Oh for God’s sake. No, that isn’t it.” He mock-gagged and then whispered in my ear. “She’s you, you idiot. Now get the hell out of here before she figures out there’s an opening.”
“An opening, what?” I said stupidly then watched as my twin’s, my doppelgänger’s, eyes widened right before she sent me a cold, calculating smile, then disappeared into thin air.
I spun, searching for Seth, and let out a huge sigh of relief when I spotted him still standing behind me. “Thank you, Jesus. How do people keep doing that? I don’t understand. Simone thinks there are portals to alternate universes, but I’m more inclined to believe different dimensions. I mean, how can there be two of each of us living entirely different but parallel lives at the same time?”
Seth pressed a hand to his forehead and said, “Lex, please go tell your mommy that Aunt Phoebe needs a fresh change of clothes.”
“Sure, Daddy.” The little boy jumped up and planted a kiss on Seth’s cheek, making my heart melt into a mushy puddle of goo.
I watched as he ran into the house that wasn’t nearly as dilapidated as I’d first thought. The siding appeared to be new and freshly painted. The roof was in good shape, but the columns needed some work. So did the windows on the south side. But other than that, it was gorgeous.
Frustration coiled up and made me want to lash out, but I held it back, not wanting to get into a full-blown fight just minutes after finding him again. I turned and held Seth’s gaze as I said, “Please don’t push me away. Whatever it is, can we just try to work through it? I don’t want to keep missing out on moments in your life. This house, your boy, both are amazing. And I don’t even know who you’re married to.”
“Seth?” A tall blonde floated out of the house. “Your sister’s dress is hanging in the laundry room.”
My mouth fell open as I took in her curves and the strong cheekbones. Was that… Holy hell. It was. It had to be. Pandora, only she was in human form.
“Phoebe, what in the world are you wearing?” Pandora asked, shaking her head.
I could’ve said the exact same thing about her outfit. She was wearing shorts. Shorts, of all things, and a tank top. I’d never seen Pandora so dressed down in her life. Not unless she was in her fancy lingerie while she strutted around for Allcot. Only I refrained from mentioning anything about her clothing, because I wasn’t rude. I glanced down at my ripped jeans, work boots, and T-shirt that said Stake It Like a Girl. “Clothes?”
“Just don’t let Eadric see you in that. You know how he feels about those ‘designer’ jeans,” she said.
I turned to Seth. “Why should I give a fuck what Eadric thinks of my clothes?”
He let out a long sigh. “Remember what you were saying about your friend thinking there were parallel universes?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, she’s right.” He waved a hand at the house and Pandora, who was already disappearing back inside. “And you just stepped into one.”
“But—” I glanced around, noting my car was gone. It too had somehow vanished into thin air.
“And the girl in the polka-dot dress? That was you who lives in this universe. She just took over your life in the world you know. Now you’re stuck here until she decides to come back.”
I stared at him, thunderstruck. “What?”
“Parallel universe, Phoebe. You just told me how you already know all about it. Well, congratulations, you found one.” He sounded panicked and out of control, not at all like the brother I’d grown up with.
“Seth?” I asked, hearing the trepidation in my own voice.
“Yes?”
“What happened in the second grade that gave me this scar?” I pointed to the jagged, rough patch of skin on my elbow.
He studied my arm for just a moment, frowning. Then a grin split his lips as he let out a laugh. “Danny Freeman stabbed you with a pencil after you called him out for picking his nose.”
“Oh, thank God!” I threw my arms around him and gave him a giant hug. “You’re you. Not some strange version of you.”
“Yeah, about that—”
“Phoebe?” A man who looked to be in his midtwenties stepped out onto the porch. “There you are.” He had blond hair, piercing gray eyes, and… was a vampire. A daywalking vampire. I could tell by his smooth, familiar movements. He moved with grace and had that ethereal look vampires always had. He strode right up to me, and immediately I was on guard, wishing I’d thought to strap my new dagger to my boot.
“You found me,” I said, still tense and on guard.
He smiled at me, a familiar cat-that-ate-the-canary smile that I’d seen at least a hundred times over the years. A smile that belonged to Eadric Allcot. Was this version a relative?
“I’ve got something for you,” he said.
I raised my eyebrows in question. “What is it? Another Little House on the Prairie dress?”
His gaze swept over me, and he frowned when he took in my jeans. “It’d be better than those. Now will you please go change before our guests arrive? They’ll be here in less than ten minutes.”
Before I could even respond, he bent down and dropped a sweet, lingering kiss on my lips. I was so shocked I didn’t even move until he was already back in the house.
I turned back to Seth. “Please tell me that isn’t who I think it is.”
“Do you want me to lie?”
I shook my head.
“I didn’t think so,” Seth said. “Get used to it, little sister. In this world, you’re married to the vampire Eadric Allcot.”
I let out a gasp and covered my mouth as I whispered, “Married?”
“Married. But look on the bright side, at least you don’t have to sleep with a teenager. This version was turned the day after he turned twenty-six.” Seth locked his arm through mine and practically dragged me across the yard.
Just before we got to the deck, I whispered, “Do I have kids?”
He shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Yet?” I said with a gasp. “Does that mean I’m trying?”
“Eadric thinks so.” He gave me a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, Phoebs. I tried to warn you.”
I stared at him, my eyes wider than a deer’s in headlights. Then I said the only words that popped into my mind. “But he’s a vampire.”
“Welcome to the twilight zone,” he said. “Buckle up, because your life is about to get really interesting.”
***
Get Bitten By Daybreak (Last Witch Standing, Book 3).
Want more books featuring witches, love, and friendship? Check out Soul of the Witch, the first book in the Witches of Keating Hollow Series.
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Deanna’s Book List
Pyper Rayne Novels:
Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier
Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar
Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang
Spirits, Diamonds, and a Drive-thru Daiquiri Stand
Jade Calhoun Novels:
Haunted on Bourbon Street
Witches of Bourbon Street
Demons of Bourbon Street
Angels of Bourbon Street
Shadows of Bourbon Street
Incubus of Bourbon Street
Bewitched on Bourbon Street
Hexed on Bourbon Street
Witches of Keating Hollow:
Soul of the Witch
Heart of the Witch
Spirit of the Witch
Last Witch Standing:
Soulless at Sunset
Bloodlust By Midnight
Bitten At Daybreak
Witch Island Brides:
The Vampire’s Last Dance
The Wolf’s New Year Bride
The Warlock’s Enchanted Kiss
Crescent
City Fae Novels:
Influential Magic
Irresistible Magic
Intoxicating Magic
Destiny Novels:
Defining Destiny
Accepting Fate
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans or playing with her two shih tzu dogs. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her website at deannachase.com.
