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

by Jacquelyn Faye

  "It's only been a little over a day. Jeez, you addict."

  "To you?" He cocked an eyebrow. "Bet your ass."

  "That's a big bet."

  "Your ass isn't big, it's perfect."

  "Bet you say that to all the high priestesses you want to have makeup sex with."

  "I can honestly say that is a true statement."

  I laughed, but silently hoped he meant me and not Rebecca, too. I wasn't jealous. Nope.

  "Shall we go see what color they made the walls?" He laughed and motioned to the door.

  "Hold me. I'm afraid."

  "Awww, shucks. Okaaay."

  I closed my eyes as we opened the front door. It quickly turned into a sigh of relief. They'd gone with neutral creams and light colors. I did a little fist pump as I walked through the house, not seeing any pink. Until we got to the last bedroom, opened the door, and saw Josie lying on top of Candace, kissing her deeply.

  I covered Chief's eyes. "Knock it off, you two."

  "Oh, you can kiss and we can't?"

  I stared at Josie in shock but then walked over to the window. Sure enough, it overlooked where we had been standing, lip-locked. "You little perv."

  They stood up, Josie pointed at Candace. "It was her! She practically attacked me after watching you."

  I was opening my mouth to call her a liar when Candace blushed and looked at the floor. She hadn't been lying. Chief started chuckling and walked back out into the living room, not wanting to get into the middle of it.

  I sighed and followed him, rubbing the top of Candace's head as I passed her. It wasn't as if I could yell at her. She might start crying.

  "We better get home. We're going to have guests soon."

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  It was getting late when the doorbell rang. Amir and Yvette had lifted their heads from the movie they were watching a moment before it sounded. I should have known someone was here. They glanced at each other nervously.

  "I'll get it."

  I opened the door and my jaw almost hit the floor. I'd seen some of the vampires in Ashville. Most of them were older, not that you could tell from looking at them, more from the feeling of power that washed over you when you stood too close. They dressed elegantly, not trying to hide what they were. But that was Ashville, and not the pair standing on my porch.

  The girl looked eighteen. She was obviously of Japanese descent. Her face was beautiful, and her mouth drawn up in a mischievous smile. Her lips were purple and matched her hair, the half that remained on her head. The other half had been shaven down to her skull. Earrings ran from her lobe, wrapping around the outer edge and some even dangled from the cartilage inside. Her bottom lip was pierced twice, the hoops looking like bottom fangs. Her eyebrows had lines shaved vertically through them and she was covered in tattoos. Wearing no jacket and not shivering in the least, she wore her tube-top, overalls, and sneakers with pride.

  He looked just as young, but only half-Asian. His hair stood up on end, spiked and dyed blue. He wore a chain adorned black leather jacket over a gaming console T-shirt, and skin-tight black leggings with leather boots. They were adorable. I wanted five more. I wondered if Mr. Abernathy would let me keep them.

  Both were showing fang as they smiled.

  "Hi, I'm Dot. I'm assuming Mr. Abernathy sent you?"

  "I'm Yuki and this is George. Yes, he did. Heard you inherited some vampires?"

  I nodded. "Amir and Yvette. Lost ones, I think he called them. Come on in," I said. They both nodded, accepting my invitation before crossing the threshold. I wondered what would happen if they tried without one.

  They huddled together as they walked into the house. Amir and Yvette stood and bowed low. "Greetings," they said in unison.

  "Woah. Way too formal. We're here to get you into this century. But, hi!" George's voice was like three octaves lower than I was expecting.

  "Well, I'm sure you four have a ton to talk about. I've secured a home for the four of you and it's warded all to hell." I turned to George and Yuki. "But one of our witches was attacked by the rogues yesterday. We're not ready to move you in, yet. You'll be safer here. We're going to have a witch stay with you until the rogues leave or are dealt with, if that's okay?"

  Yuki shrugged and George nodded.

  "Trouble finding a volunteer?"

  "Our coven is tiny. I've called my mother for some reinforcements. I'm hoping they'll be here within the next few days."

  "You are Madeline Blackwell's daughter?"

  I nodded at Yuki. She backed up a step involuntarily.

  I was used to it.

  "It's okay. I'm a little more normal."

  George elbowed her in the ribs. "Smooth."

  I chuckled. "Can I get you guys something to drink? I have wine, beer, and a little blood left." That reminded me. I had some work to do for Mr. Abernathy. I really didn't want Candace getting busted at work for stealing blood. That would be tough to explain.

  "Wine, please."

  I nodded at Yuki and waited on George to make up his mind. "I'll have wine, too."

  "Got it."

  I decided to join them. Electrolytes were good for replacing lost magic, but wine worked just a little bit better. Beer just made me pee.

  By the time I got back to the living room the four of them had settled down on the couch and love seat and were quietly talking. I didn't want to butt in. I handed them their wine and went to check on Josie who was being awfully quiet in my bedroom.

  She was reading on my bed again. "They're here."

  "They staying?"

  "In the house? Yes. Just until I hear from Mother."

  "Let them know they can have my room. I'll bunk with you."

  "That's very…accommodating of you. You feeling okay?"

  "Har har."

  I plopped down on the bed next to her, carefully sipping my wine. "How many do you think will come?"

  "From home? Who knows."

  "Are you excited?"

  "Kind of, but mostly not. I like our little coven. It feels more real."

  "Smaller has a tendency to do that," I answered.

  "That's not it. It feels more like a family than a coven. We fight, we make up, we love. Okay, that's mostly you, but it's like watching your sister fight with her boyfriend."

  "I'm glad I can be here for your entertainment."

  My phone rang on the nightstand. I reached over and picked it up, answering. "Hello?"

  "Dorothea?"

  "This is she."

  "I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Alista Dell…"

  "Of course, I do. How are you?" I did remember her. She and her brother had sort of been the wallflowers of our coven. Both shy and timid.

  "I am well. Alister and I heard from your mother you were looking for people to help out and possibly join your coven?"

  I was kind of shocked. For them to pack up and move…was kind of out of the ordinary. The twins mostly kept to themselves. "I am. Are you interested?"

  "Yes."

  "Both of you?"

  "Unfortunately," she said with a giggle.

  If I remembered correctly, they owned one of the bakeries in Ashville. A cute homey one that specialized in desserts instead of breads… "You planning on moving the bakery here?"

  "That is one of the main reasons we wish to relocate. There is an abundance of bakeries in town."

  "I remember. So do my thighs."

  "How is the market there?"

  "Dismal, but I think you might be the perfect niche. And the real estate market never came back. You could buy or lease cheaply. How are your funds?"

  "We've had an interested buyer for the property, not the business, for thirty years. We've been holding out. But this might be the perfect time to cave in. Would you be interested in having us?"

  Hell yeah. And your cinnamon buns.

  "That is most definitely a possibility. I'm making a list of those interested. So far, you're the first ones. Once I get an idea of who wants to come on a more perm
anent basis, and who wants to just help for a short time, we can schedule a meet and get the ball rolling. Does that sound good?"

  "Most definitely. If you are looking for someone to help with the wards, I can come out there tomorrow and stay for a while. Alister can handle the shop for that long. And honesty, I need the break."

  "Then fly into Syracuse. Text me your flight number and I'll pick you up. I'll take you up on that offer right now. You can even take a look around town at some properties. I know a good real estate agent…"

  "That would be perfect. I'll text you shortly and hopefully see you tomorrow."

  "Perfect. Thanks, Alista."

  "No. Thank you!"

  I stared at the phone for a second, not quite believing how well that worked out.

  "Alista? Dell?"

  I nodded. "She and her brother are interested in moving the bakery out here."

  "Oh, my Lady! I can sell their pastries in the coffee shop, if their shop isn't too close to the bookstore. Wonder if they'd be interested in working something out."

  "Talk to her tomorrow. She's flying out for a few weeks to help out the vampires."

  "Really? She was always so quiet."

  "Who knows. Maybe this move will be good for them."

  My phone rang again. And again. And several times after that. I spent the rest of the evening making a list of candidates. By the time I finally shut my ringer off and went to bed I had a list twelve people long.

  Josie hadn't looked shocked at all.

  CHAPTER 14

  Wanting to be a rebel, I ordered something different, a hash brown and sausage omelet with no cheese. It was missing something, so I squirted a squiggle of ketchup on it. I let out a little squee at the first bite. I cut another forkful of omelet and slid it into my mouth, letting the tangy taste of ketchup fill me with happy.

  The door opened and someone kissed my cheek. I looked up to see a smiling Jimmy, with his faithful cohort standing behind him.

  "Morning, sexy," I said with a mouthful of omelet.

  "Morning, beautiful. Mind if we share your booth?"

  I scooted over. "I'd prefer it. Missed you," I said, swallowed, and kissed him on his lips.

  "Morning, Dot."

  "Morning, Dennis," I said and flashed him a grin. Hopefully without any eggs in my teeth.

  "No kiss?"

  I chuckled. "If you want one."

  "Maybe later. I don't feel like leaning over the table. Probably make Jimmy all jealous and shit, anyway."

  "Miss anything while we were working?"

  "Only the fight of the century with Chief."

  The both blinked in surprise. "All okay?"

  I nodded. "Now. We made up."

  Jimmy cocked a questioning eyebrow at me.

  "Not that much."

  He actually looked kind of disappointed. I rolled my eyes at him and took another bite of food. "Bought another house, our new friends from out of town joined my houseguests. Called my mother for some reinforcements, one is flying in today. I need to pick her up from the airport in an hour and a half. We also might be getting a bunch more coven members." I whispered the last part. "I've had quite a few requests to relocate from my old coven."

  "Your mom okay with that?"

  "She wouldn't have passed the word along if she weren't."

  "Wow. More new people. Any as hot as you?" Dennis asked and leaned forward in his seat.

  I blinked in surprise. "You think I'm hot?"

  He rolled his eyes. "Everybody thinks you're hot. Quit being modest."

  "You are just so sweet. You get two kisses now."

  Marge stopped by the table. "You boys eating or just enjoying the scenery?"

  "Burger and a chocolate malt." Jimmy ordered without looking at the menu.

  "Patty melt and a chocolate shake."

  "Have it out shortly."

  "Kind of early for shakes. No?" I loved ice cream. Nay, I was addicted to it. I doubted I could ever have anything ice cream based before noon, though. Booze yes, ice cream no.

  "Never too early," Jimmy said with a laugh and leaned over, planting a soft kiss on my neck that sent shivers all the way down.

  "Knock it off. I don't want to have to drive to the airport all squishy."

  "Want some company?" Jimmy asked with a hint of heat in his voice.

  "Dennis? You want to go with me? We can leave this one here."

  "Sure."

  "Traitor!" Jimmy poked him with a fork from across the table.

  "I'm kidding. You guys can come if you're bored."

  Jimmy shot me a thoughtful look. It made me nervous. He was plotting something. Then he wiggled his eyebrows.

  I rolled my eyes. "What are you, twelve?"

  "You have no idea. He drives the other guys nuts at the station. Ask him about his dirty magazine collection, Dot. Go ahead."

  "You like dirty magazines?"

  "Maybe."

  "He also likes to leave them everywhere. Mostly in the bathroom."

  "Ew. TMI." The words came out of my mouth, but I liked the picture in my head.

  "What? I get bored easily." He was horrible at defending himself.

  "Read a book," I quipped.

  "That's why I buy those magazines. They're just brimming with wonderful articles."

  Ignoring him, I finished my omelet and chugged the rest of my coke. Grabbing my mug of coffee, I sat back while we waited for their food.

  "So, what did you and Bill fight about," Jimmy asked concernedly.

  "Jason was attacked by the rogue witches. He kind of had a shitfit that I was putting the coven in danger."

  "He okay?" Dennis asked. I could hear the worry in his voice. I'm sure the thought of losing another one of our coven was a little more close to them, since they had lost their friend Richie.

  "Yeah. He maintained the wards but got beat up doing it. That's why I'm picking up Alista. She's going to stay at the new house as a ward keeper. That way they'll last until help arrives."

  "Alista?"

  "She's from Ashville. She and her twin brother own a bakery. They're some of the ones thinking about moving here more permanently."

  "She cute?"

  I laughed at Dennis. "Yes, very. But quiet and shy."

  He raised his eyebrows. "She have a boyfriend?"

  "Not that I know of."

  "Now I'm definitely going."

  Their food came and they wolfed it down. Dennis chugged his milkshake. How, I don't know. I'd have been grabbing my head, screaming like a bitch, and running around in little circles. Two consecutive sips of anything frozen and I had instant brain freeze. It's the major reason I never got into frozen adult beverages. Keep the daiquiris, give me the rum.

  Marge dropped off three separate checks. I grabbed them all and handed her my card.

  "You need to stop doing that," Jimmy said, kind of put out.

  "You guys are coming on a trip with me. I can buy your lunch."

  "Blah blah blah. You always have an excuse to pay for everything."

  "Fine. You can buy me dinner. Someplace romantic."

  "Deal. Breakfast, too?" Jimmy grinned, brightly.

  "Maybe."

  "Lucky bastard." Dennis set his cup down and threw a wadded-up napkin at his head.

  "Here you go, Hun. Don't know why you pay for these little ingrates."

  "Thanks, Marge. Have a good one."

  The boys slid out and Jimmy offered me his hand. He pulled me out of the cushioned seat and kissed me. "You taste good."

  "Thanks." I smiled. He really was a sweetheart. "Come on, we need to get going."

  "Want to take my truck?"

  "No. I don't want her luggage to get snowed on." His truck did fit four or five people, but he didn't have a cover over the bed. And it smelled kind of funny. Like someone roasting fast food over a campfire. It wasn't pleasant, but I guess it was one of the hazards of being a fireman.

  We headed for my SUV parked right outside the diner. I started it up and unlocked th
e doors right from the key fob. I should have started it when we were inside the diner and let the heat do its job. But the heated seats made up for it.

  We got out of town and on to the highway. I flipped the radio on and started singing.

  "You bought us lunch and now you're punishing us?"

  "No. If I wanted to punish you, I would have reminded you that you could spend an evening alone and I could take Dennis out for dinner."

  "I'm good with that," Dennis said from the back seat.

  Jimmy leaned over, kissed me softly on the ear, and whispered, "It wouldn't be a punishment if you told me what happened after…"

  His pervy nature was starting to rub off on me. My inner slut kind of liked that idea. It didn't even bother me that it was Dennis and not Chief…

  Down, girl.

  "Is it getting hot in here?"

  "It is a little warm," Dennis said from the back seat again, not hearing our exchange.

  Jimmy's hand settled on my thigh. He started nonchalantly sliding it up and down my leg. "I'm driving you know."

  "All the fancy shit in this car and you're going to tell me you don't have cruise control?"

  I sighed but set our speed for an even seventy-five.

  He continued his gentle caresses on my leg. I shifted in my seat, enjoying his touch. When his fingers got a little too close to home plate, I scrunched my thighs together, trapping him from going any further. Or so I thought. He spread his fingers and his pinky slid home. I tried not to gasp as I shot him a dirty look. He just smiled innocently and started looking around at the scenery.

  "Everything is so much prettier with the little bit of snow."

  "It's supposed to warm up tomorrow and rain. That will make a nice mess of everything." Dennis didn't sound too happy about it.

  "Should be fun driving. Remind me to stay home tomorrow. How warm?"

  "Into the thirties, but then it's supposed to freeze again at night. Ten bucks say the guys on duty have to go out ten times for fender benders on Saturday."

  "At least you guys are off."

  They both nodded.

  Jimmy got a little bolder with his pinky, letting a second finger help applying pressure to the front of my leggings. I let out a breath and he noticed, sporting a cocky little smile. He pulled my leg away from the other. I couldn't believe I let him do it.