Second Blood: A Reverse Harem Tale (Lovin' the Coven Book 2)

by Jacquelyn Faye

  I started crying. "Damn it, Josephine. Stop doing shit like this to me."

  "Oh, honey," she said and got up and threw her arms around me. She started crying, too.

  She finally let go of me and handed me one of the glasses of wine she had set on the table. I drank half of it and set it back down, wiping my eyes.

  "You suck."

  "You swallow."

  "Ha. That' s a lie. Maybe once."

  She snickered. "So how did Bill take the news?"

  "That I swallowed?"

  "Vampires. You're hilarious."

  "Quite well. He even helped me come up with a plan."

  "Yeah?"

  "I called the Queen of Demons."

  "And what did your mother say about it?"

  "That I did good. She is also contacting Mr. Abernathy. He should be calling me this evening, hopefully with some aid or advice."

  "No way."

  "Yep."

  "Shit. Chief's smarter than he looks."

  "Be nice. Oh, and apparently, I'm his official girlfriend now. And if you hear anything around town about me being a slut… It was Marge."

  "I can't even…"

  "Yeah. It was an interesting afternoon."

  The doorbell rang. I got up and, tired of surprises, peeped through the hole. There was a Depot delivery guy on the other side of the door.

  "My appliances!" I flung open the door and scared the poor guy. "Sorry. A little excited. I haven't had a fridge in a week."

  "I get that a lot. I'm hauling the old ones away?"

  "Yes. Let me get some shit…stuff out of it. Them. Did I mention I'm a little excited?"

  "I believe so. I'll start unloading the new ones. Okay if I set them on the drive until I get the old ones out?"

  "You can put them wherever you want."

  He gave me a look and shook his head. "I'll get to work."

  "Slut," Josie whispered behind me.

  "Today just isn't my day."

  "Look at the bright side. You haz new 'pliances."

  It only took him and the other guy in the truck an hour-and-a-half to get them in and set up. I was practically bouncing. "Can you get into Candace's apartment?"

  "Yes?"

  "Good. Let's go grab the blood. I want to have a meal for when our guests wake up."

  "Aren't you little Miss Suzy Homewrecker."

  I ignored her. "Do you think she'll mind?"

  "I can text her, but I don't think so."

  "Do. I don't want her to think we were being nosey."

  "Okey dokey."

  She wandered away to find her phone. Mine chose that moment to go off.

  What do you want from Chinese?

  "Josie, what do you want from the Chinese place?"

  "We picking it up?"

  "No, Jimmy."

  "Shit. I was going to get something for Candace."

  She came walking back into the room with her phone, fingers dancing over the keys.

  "What do you guys want. I'll give Jimmy some money."

  "Vegetable platter for her. Hunan beef for me."

  "Okay."

  I texted him the order and told him we'd be back in thirty. "Candace say okay?"

  "Yep. With a smiley face."

  "Let's go."

  She lived closer than I imagined. We pulled into a guest spot and Josie led the way up the concrete flight of stairs to the second floor and unlocked the door. Cinnamon wafted over us as we stepped into the apartment. There was pink everywhere. I tried not to gag as I stepped into an Easter inspired nightmare. Pink bunnies, I was going to have nightmares for months.

  "Wow."

  "Yeah," Josie said with a giggle.

  "I'll grab the blood."

  "I'll rummage through her underwear drawer."

  "And our conversation just sounded like an episode of Criminal Justice."

  Josie laughed and stayed by the door. Thankfully she was joking about the underwear drawer. I opened the fridge and grabbed the bag of blood pouches. She had put the whole thing in there, and it was the only thing in there. "Doesn't she eat?"

  "Why?"

  "There is nothing in her fridge. Not even ketchup. How do you live without ketchup?"

  "Beats me. Let's go. I feel guilty being here."

  I closed the fridge and headed to the door. "Ready when you are."

  "You get the feeling we're being watched?"

  I turned around and looked. Not seeing anything, I tossed out a couple of tendrils of magic, just to test the waters. They were both zapped instantaneously and came crawling back to me pitifully. It hurt and must have showed on my face.

  "You okay?"

  "Yeah. Just got my magic scorched by something."

  "Shield?"

  "Or some kind of ward. Come on. She probably just has protections layered on everything."

  "From what?"

  "Who knows. I get the feeling she's running from something. She'll tell us when she's ready."

  Josie nodded and pulled the door closed behind us, locking the deadbolt. "Strange."

  "Yes, but she trusted you enough to give you a key. Look at the bright side."

  "Let's get home. I haz the hungerz."

  The sun was precariously close to the horizon when we pulled back into the driveway. Jimmy hadn't showed up yet. "Your stomach's going to have to chew on your backbone for a little bit more."

  "Your boyfriend is late."

  "It isn't even five-thirty yet."

  We were unlocking our door when the truck rumbled to a stop behind us.

  "Okay. I'll let him live."

  I handed her the bag of blood. "Put that in the fridge for me, please?"

  "Yep."

  Jimmy and Dennis got out of the truck, Dennis laden with a large box of food and Jimmy with a twelve-pack. They looked like a beer commercial. Jimmy was handsome, as always. Rugged and sexy. Even Dennis, with his softer features, looked hot as hell. "Hey, sexies."

  "Evening, beautiful," Jimmy said with a grin.

  "Hi, Dot."

  I kissed Jimmy and he headed inside. Dennis flashed me a smile. "Hey, handsome. What's shakin'?"

  "Same shit, different day."

  I laughed and held the door open for him. We all headed into the kitchen. Jimmy was putting the beer into the fridge. "Hey, nice appliances."

  "Thanks."

  "Um, Dot? Why is there a bag of type O-negative in your fridge…?"

  I'd been so worried about telling Chief about the vampires, I forgot about Jimmy. "Um, we have a couple of houseguests…"

  "Are they vampires?" He joked.

  "Maybe."

  "Wait, what? They're here?"

  "Long story, but yes. The clan was attacked. Two survived. Amir and Yvette. They're in the guest room so don't open the door."

  "Yeah. Don't worry. I won't." He stared at me wide-eyed.

  "They're actually very nice. You'll meet them in a half-hour or so."

  "The vegetable platter for Candace?" Dennis was pulling the food out of the box.

  "Yeah." Josie snagged it from him and put it in the fridge, pulling out a couple of beers and handing me one. I popped the top and grabbed my dumplings and fried rice.

  "Hey, Dot. Can I talk to you a minute?"

  I set my food and beer down on the table and tried not to sigh. Desperately. I didn't want to have this conversation again. "Sure."

  Dennis shot me an apologetic look as I walked past him, and I noticed Josie lingering in the kitchen, seeing if I needed backup. I gave her a gentle push toward the dining room.

  "What's up?"

  He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a gentle kiss. "Not going to tell you what you should and shouldn't do. You know I have your back. All I ask is you be careful."

  I seriously debated throwing him on the counter and taking him right there. He couldn't have said anything more perfect at any moment than he did right then.

  "I ever tell you how perfect you are?"

  He blushed and started to pull aw
ay. I shoved him up against my new fridge and kissed the fuck out of him.

  "Wow."

  "Yeah," I said breathlessly. "You get story time later." I gave him a wink.

  I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the table. Sitting down, I popped the lid on my dumplings and looked for chopsticks. Not, seeing any, I returned to the kitchen and checked the box the Chinese food came in. "Did they not give you guys chopsticks?"

  "I don't think anybody in Cedar Falls knows how to use them," Dennis called back.

  "Barbarians." I opened the silverware drawer and pulled out my set of good jade ones. I hated using them because the food had a tendency to slip out of them, but one did not simply eat dumplings with a fork.

  As I was walking back from the kitchen, I saw Yvette peeking out from the hallway by the bedrooms. I waved her out. She seemed hesitant but stepped out into the brightly lit room.

  "Everyone, this is Yvette. Yvette, this is Jimmy and Dennis."

  Politely, they both stood and nodded at her. I could see her visibly relax. "Greetings," she called out softly. Amir stepping up behind her.

  "We went and picked up the rest of your…food. It's in the fridge in the kitchen, if you're hungry."

  Yvette looked ravenous. Amir simply nodded. They practically floated into the kitchen. I took a dumpling and dunked it in the little container of sauce, popping the whole thing in my mouth. They were pretty damn good.

  "Dot?"

  "Yeah?" I called back to Yvette.

  "The large box or the smaller one under the counter?"

  I smiled. "Be right back."

  I headed into the kitchen and saw them standing in the center of the room, staring at everything. Instead of pointing, I opened the fridge and reached into the canvas bag, pulling out a baggie of blood. "They're right in here if you need more. Would you like it in a glass?"

  They both nodded. "It was difficult drinking from the bag, but we managed." Yvette sounded apologetic.

  I grabbed a pair of shears from the drawer and snipped the corner off before gently pouring the blood into two wine glasses. Having a flash of inspiration, I concentrated on the blood in the glasses and said, "Bheith te." I handed one to each. "Come sit with us if you want. If the food bothers you, I understand."

  Amir sniffed and took a sip, pleasantly surprised at the warmth I'd imbued it with. "Why?"

  "Why what?" I asked.

  "Why are you so accommodating for us?"

  I looked to Yvette. She nodded, stressing his question.

  I reached out and touched both their arms. "Because it costs nothing. You're safe. You have food. Welcome to Cedar Falls."

  Not elaborating further, I headed back to the dining room and sat back down on my chair, tucking one leg beneath me. It took them a few minutes, but they both came in and sat at the remaining seats around the table. Yvette next to Josie and Amir next to Dennis, who nodded politely at his new seat mate. I covered my smile with a dumpling.

  "Are you two husband and wife?" I tried making polite conversation. I could tell they were close.

  "Amir is my brother."

  "You both became vampires?"

  "Not by choice, but yes," Amir added, calmly sipping his blood.

  I sighed, not knowing what was polite conversation, and what was impolite. The last thing I wanted to do was offend either of them. "If I ask a question that is none of my business, I mean no offense and please tell me if I do so."

  Yvette smiled and shook her head. "Do not worry. Please forgive us if our conversation skills are lacking. We are unused to speaking often."

  "Well, we hope to remedy that. I hope you don't mind, but we're a chatty bunch."

  Amir chuckled. Everybody at the table rubbed their arms. He covered his mouth and flashed everybody an apologetic look.

  "Oh, my Lady. Could you do that again?" Leave it to Josie to like it.

  Yvette started giggling. The looks on everybody's faces were priceless.

  "I'm sorry about your clan, but I am very happy the two of you escaped."

  They both looked at their blood morosely. "You have our thanks as well for saving us."

  "The least I could do. I may have some good news. I hope you don't mind, but I sent a message to the clan of vampires back home… I asked for guidance to help you rebuild your lives here if you wish to stay."

  Amir looked at me and I couldn't tell what he was feeling.

  "Was that okay?"

  "Again, I must ask why? Why would you go through all of this for two you just met?"

  "You'll understand once you've known Dot for a little longer. It's her nature to help those in need. We were a broken coven, and she rolled into town like a tornado. Healed us and saved us all in the span of a week," Jimmy explained slowly and took another bite of food. "One question you never have to ask is what's in it for her. Helping others," he added thoughtfully.

  I tried not to blush when Josie flashed me a proud smile. Between the two of them, I was going to start crying, again. Thankfully, my phone started ringing.

  "Excuse me," I said and got up from the table.

  I ran and picked up my phone, not recognizing the number, but the area code was Virginia. "Hello?"

  "Young Dot?"

  "Speaking."

  "Greetings. This is Philippe."

  "Mr. Abernathy! Thank you for calling and sorry to bother you."

  "No worries. I spoke with your mother. She told me a little of what has transpired. Are the vampires still in your home?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "No need to be so formal. May I speak with the clan chief?"

  "Certainly, one moment."

  I covered the phone with my hand and leaned into the dining room. "Amir? Could you come here for a moment?"

  He stood and strode gracefully to the kitchen. "Yes?"

  "I'm speaking with Philippe Abernathy. He is the clan chief from the town I lived in. He wishes to speak with you. Is that okay?"

  "On the…telephone?"

  I nodded, smiling. "Yes." I handed him my phone.

  He looked at it but didn't know how to work it. I gestured for it and put it in his hand and moved it up to his ear for him. "Hello?"

  I patted him on the arm and headed back to finish my food. Yvette touched my arm gently and flashed me a smile as I passed by her.

  "Ugh. I'm full," Josie said and pushed the rest of her food away from her. "Thanks for dinner, Jimmy."

  "My pleasure."

  "Let me give you some money. I know you weren't expecting to have to buy for the three of us."

  "I'm sorry, but bite me," he said with a wink.

  "Colloquialism?" Yvette asked.

  "No. He really wants me to bite him. He's strange," I said and patted her hand.

  "Dot!"

  I laughed. "Just kidding, Yvette. Yes, it was a colloquialism."

  She smiled and sipped her blood.

  "So, what's new with you, Dennis? Haven't seen you in a while…"

  "I've been picking up whatever extra shifts I can. My car needs a ton of work."

  "Why don't you trade it in?"

  "It's paid for. I'd hate to have a car payment."

  I nodded. I thought about offering him my assistance, but he'd probably just get embarrassed and say no anyway.

  "Dot?" Amir's voice echoed from the other room

  I shoved the last of my dumpling in my mouth, vowing to save my rice for later. I knew I'd get hungry again. Chewing and swallowing, I slipped into the kitchen. He looked shocked and handed me the phone.

  "Hello?"

  "Greetings again, child."

  "Hi, Mr. Abernathy."

  "Philippe, please."

  "What can I do for you?"

  "I wanted your permission to send a pair of my clan to aid the lost ones."

  "Lost ones?"

  "Ones who have faded from society. Modern clans are often called upon to help them transition into the new era. They are an unmated pair. Two of our youngest. Would that be alright?"

  "O
f course. I thank you for your assistance."

  "I also have a few favors to ask you in return. Do you have time to talk?'

  "Sure. Hang on a second." I stepped into the living room and sat on the couch. "I'm set. What can I do for you?"

  "I will be sending the two with the funds to purchase a home. Could you help them find a suitable location?"

  "I'm confused. Is this a permanent move for them?"

  "If they choose. I will leave it up to them. But even if they decide to return, I would like to have the house put in the clan chief's name. Would you be able to obtain documents for him as your mother procured for us?"

  "I'm sure I can figure something out. But, if there is a chance that your clan is not going to stay, I would ask that you let me cover the expenses. The housing in the area is cheap."

  "You would do this?"

  "My pleasure. You know us, Philippe."

  He chuckled softly. Surprisingly it didn't raise goosebumps on my flesh. It must only work in person. "The limitless resources of the Blackwells. I see it would be pointless to argue."

  "Pretty much. Consider it an investment toward the town. This place is broken. I wish to see it thrive as Ashville does."

  "Then take a word of warning to your adventure. Not everything went as well here as all would like to believe. Thankfully, your mother was able to align everyone to a common goal. Be careful."

  "Wise advice. I will."

  "I am planning on setting up business operations there as I have here, if you understand my meaning."

  "Yes."

  "Good. Could you gather some information for me?"

  "I'll have the names of the corporation, and any board members, to you as soon as I can."

  "You are a tribute to your mother."

  "No, I am a consistent thorn in her side, but I thank you for the compliment."

  "My clan shall arrive in two days time. You can keep them safe?"

  "I have four witches in the house right now. We are about to have a warding party. If the rogue ones come for them, they will be safe."

  "May the Night bless you, child."

  "Lady's Light to you, Philippe."

  I hung up the phone and called the diner.

  "Cedar Falls Diner, Marge."

  "Hey, Marge. Herb available?"

  "Nope. He's married." She cackled. "Herb, it's Dot!"

  I laughed and shook my head.