by Rhys Rowlyn
We are met by two huge burly men. They look to be in their late twenties, with dark-brown hair and thick beards, and they smell woodsy. One is giving Cassie a hug.
“Phillipe and André, I’d like to introduce you to Hollis and Douglas LeBlanc. Hollis is the alpha of the Craven pack and owner of Wolf Security.” She is hugging the big guy’s waist as if he’s her long-lost uncle.
Hollis stretches out his hand, and we shake. “I hear you’ve found your mate, congratulations. I know winning a mate can be tricky. Cassie mentioned you needed her protected during the day, when you’re unable to be here. She texted me a picture of the lady, and you’re one lucky vampire.”
“Thanks, I know. Do you understand what Cassie told you about the spell and that we’re worried there may be backlash?” I want them to know what they’re getting into.
“Yes, so we’ll be on the lookout for anything that could harm her. Don’t worry, we both have mates and know how special they are. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure her safety.” Hollis meets my gaze directly, and somehow I know he will keep his word. My body relaxes and I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing Fleur will be in good hands during the day.
“It’s almost daylight, so we better get going. Call if you have any problems, and sunlight or not, I’ll come.” I give him my number and join Phillipe and Cassie for the trek home but feel as though I’m leaving my heart behind.
Fleur
Looking out my window, I see it’s almost dawn, and I’ve worked on this site for most of the night. I close my computer, glad I finally finished the project but feeling exhausted. I’m so happy I don’t have anything pressing for today except for my date with André.
Hearing someone in the kitchen, I go in to tell them I will be sleeping in, and I find my father making coffee. “Morning, Daddy.”
He kisses my cheek, pouring water into the coffeemaker. “Morning, sweet, you’re up early. Do you want some breakfast?”
“More like up late. I haven’t gone to bed yet. I had a project I needed to finish and ended up working through the night. And no, I don’t want breakfast. I only want to sleep.” I sit at the table, burying my head in my arms.
Daddy massages my shoulders a couple of times and, after a squeeze, walks over to pour himself a cup of coffee. “Why don’t you go to bed, and I’ll let your mother know not to wake you.”
Smiling sleepily, I stand and stumble back toward my room. “Thanks, Daddy.”
I close my door, strip, put on a large T-shirt, and fall into my bed. I believe I’m asleep before my head hits the pillow.
I’m in a field with purple flowers all around me. The sun is shining brightly, and the sky is blue. I walk across the green grass and smell fresh air and sunshine. I see a figure walking toward me, and my eyes widen when I recognize André coming toward me and he’s naked. I look down and realize I also don’t have on any clothes. My hands rush to cover my breasts and private bits.
“Non, mon petit, never cover yourself from me. You are perfection.” He takes my hands and links them with his, then leans down and kisses me deeply.
I tentatively rub my tongue against his, and he moans into my mouth, stepping closer so our bodies touch from chest to thigh. I let go of his hands to run mine up his arms and to his shoulders, pressing my center against him. He’s so hard. Tilting my hips, I groan as he hits the right spot.
I push on his shoulders, and he falls onto a blanket spread on the ground. I briefly wonder how it got there but quickly turn my attention back to the man spread before me. His body is perfect with long lean muscles and a small smattering of blond chest hair, and my mouth drops at the long hard cock standing at attention.
Dropping to my knees, I wrap my hand around him and squeeze lightly. He thrusts his hips, and I wonder at my boldness. I’m not usually this aggressive when it comes to sex. Leaning forward, I take his tip into my mouth and swirl my tongue.
“Merde, Fleur, you are amazing.” His hands grip the blanket and squeeze tightly.
I open my mouth wider and take him in until he hits the back of my throat. Flattening my tongue, I move my head up and down. André arches his neck, murmuring incoherent words in French.
He grabs my shoulders and pushes me up. “Non, I want to be inside you. It is too much, mon petit.”
I move to throw my leg over him, but he shakes his head, kisses me, and leans me back onto the blanket.
“It…” he says and kisses his way down my neck. “Is…” He takes my nipple into his mouth and rolls his tongue around it.
My back arches to bring me deeper into his mouth.
“Your…” He makes his way down my stomach until he reaches my tattoo of a fleur de lis with small purple flowers woven around it. He raises his brows, and I smile. “Turn,” he says and opens me to lick my center from top to bottom.
I groan, jerking my hips forward, and he grabs my hips. His hands spread and open me with his thumbs. He swirls his tongue around my nub, then it swipes downward and enters me. I’m now the one gripping the blanket as pleasure ricochets through me.
He continues to pleasure me with his tongue until I’m on the verge of going over the edge, and he leaves me. I whimper in protest until I feel his tip pushing to gain entrance.
Lifting my hips, I spread wider for him. “Please, André, I need you now.”
“Oh, mon Dieu! So tight.” André moans as he pushes farther into me.
I jerk my hips against him, needing to feel him deeper, and groan when he is fully seated. He thrusts into me, and I feel the pleasure regaining strength. Running my fingers through his hair, I pull his head down for a kiss and scream his name, shattering into a million pieces. He stills above me, and I feel his heat deep within me as I sit up in my bed with a gasp.
Looking down, I see I’m still wearing my clothes but my bed sheets are tangled around my legs. Holy cow, what just happened? I flop back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
I jerk upright, looking around the room, disoriented and wondering where Fleur is. My hand is wet, and I realize I’ve soiled my sheets. A dream… It was a dream, but it seemed so real. I get up and go to the bathroom to clean up and hear someone walking in the hallway, followed by a knock on my door.
“Just a moment.” I clean up and pull a pair of jeans on, throw the cover over the sheets, and open the door and find Phillipe on the other side.
“André, are you all right?” Phillipe’s brows are drawn together as he scans the room for threats.
“Sure, why wouldn’t I be?” I lean against the doorframe, crossing my arms over my chest.
“I heard you moaning and thought I better check on you.” Phillipe stands up straight, narrowing his eyes on me.
Rubbing my neck, I look down at the floor. “It was just a dream.”
“Ahhhh, oh man, I forgot about the sex dreams.” His face breaks out in a grin, which spreads from ear to ear.
Frowning, I furrow my brow. “What are you talking about?”
“Did you just have amazing sex with Fleur in your dreams?” Phillipe waggles his brows, still grinning at me.
My eyes widen, and my jaw drops. “Oui, how did you know?”
“I did the same with Giselle when we first met.” He gets a faraway look in his eyes, smiling. “I miss those dreams. They were something else.” He clears his throat, continuing to grin at me. “Although, they don’t compare to the real thing.”
I lightly punch his shoulder. “Now you’re boasting.” I turn and walk back into my room, then take a seat in one of the armchairs. “It was so real.”
“She had the same dream.” Nodding firmly, Phillipe takes a seat across from me, leans back, and crosses his ankles.
“How can you know that?”
“Giselle did, so I don’t see any reason why Fleur won’t. It makes the attraction that much stronger.” He shrugs as if this is not a big deal, but it is a big deal. It’s a huge deal.
“Most definitely. All I want to do is rush over to her house, throw her over
my shoulder, and bring her back here.” Jumping out of my chair, I pace in front of him.
Chuckling, Phillipe puts his hands behind his head. “Oh man, imagine what Bram’s going to be like. Our Viking brother just might actually kidnap his mate, sun or no sun.”
I stop in front of him and burst out laughing. “Merde, the crazy fool just might. I hope he gets a sweet submissive mate. I can’t imagine what will happen if she is headstrong. Bram can be a bit much.”
“Oui, but he’s never had a mate before. I think it will be fun to watch the big warrior brought to his knees.” Phillipe rubs his hands together, smiling deviously.
Fleur
“Where are you off to, young lady?” My father steps in front of me as I’m trying to make my getaway. I have an overnight bag slung over my shoulder and plan on getting ready at Jenny’s.
“Dad, you do realize I’m twenty-four.” I gently slap his shoulder, laughing nervously.
“Yes, dear, I’m only joking. I know you could be living on your own but do love that you’re still here with your mother and me.” He turns to go back into the living room, and I follow him.
“Only because she completely freaks out every time I mention moving out, and financially it helps not to pay rent. Although lately, my business has really taken off, so I’m seriously thinking of looking at my options.” I want him to know I’m planning on moving out soon so it’s not such a shock when I do.
“I understand. Just don’t mention it to your mother. I don’t want to listen to her rants until I absolutely have to.” He sits in his recliner and props his feet up.
“You got it.” I lean down and kiss his cheek. “I’m going on a date with the guy I told you about, André Dubois. We’ve been talking on the phone, and I really like him. I plan to get ready at Jenny’s and stay the night there.”
He frowns up at me. “Is that the guy your mom told you to stay away from?”
“I may let Maman get away with a lot, but she’s not going to tell me who I can date. I have to draw the line somewhere. Where is she by the way?” My mother and I have a complicated relationship. I love her, but she’s always tried to control me, and I’ve always resisted. It’s the root of most of our disagreements.
“She went out. Didn’t tell me where she was going, but she should be back soon.”
My mother breezes in, catching the end of his sentence. “I’m home, so now you know where I am.”
“Oh, Alice, you’re home.” Daddy laughs, picking up his paper.
“Yes. Fleur, where are you going?” She narrows her eyes at my bag, putting her hands on her hips.
“Out.” Glancing at my father, I’m hoping he’ll keep my date quiet. My mother isn’t going to stop me from going, but I really don’t want the fight.
“Out where?”
Daddy peeks over the top of his paper, scowling. “Alice, Fleur is a grown woman, and she can go out as she pleases.”
“I understand that, but there have been some strange things happening in the city. Last month, there were those murders, and a girl disappeared the other day. Sue a mother for worrying,” she says, trying to reason.
“I’ll be fine. I’m going over to stay the night with Jenny. We haven’t seen each other in a while.” Technically, I’m not lying. I am going to Jenny’s. I’m only omitting the part about going out on a date later. “Okay, I gotta go, or I’m going to be late.”
I rush down the stairs before she can question me further, and there is a loud crash in the shop. Glancing over, I see a small statue has fallen and shattered on the floor. I start to clean it up but hear my mother coming down to check it out. Not wanting to get caught and lectured, I rush out the door. Part of me feels sorry for abandoning my dad. I would imagine he’s going to get an earful. When it comes to my mother, it’s every man for himself.
Before she makes it to the bottom of the stairs, I make my way down the alley and to the street and walk toward Canal. I had called an Uber, which is supposed to be here in a minute. Jenny lives on Magazine, and it’s too far to walk. A black midsize sedan pulls up, so I check my phone. It’s Alan, my driver. I hop in the back seat and sit back, finally able to relax. I see a large bearded man watch me leave, but blow off my initial worry as the car enters traffic. I’m letting my mother’s paranoia get to me.
My phone dings, and it’s a text from André.
André: Looking forward to tonight, you?
Me: Very much so. I’m going to my friend, Jenny’s. Is it okay if we meet out? I would like to introduce you to my friends.
André: That would be fine. Where would you like to meet? Hopefully not Shadows. I would like to be able to have a conversation without screaming.
I laugh as I read his message and am glad he’s not a fan of the club. Through the years, I’ve been teased for being such an old lady when it comes to loud music, but I’m good with that, especially if I don’t have to go clubbing.
Me: Sounds good to me. I was going to suggest a nice Jazz bar, a block away from Shadows. It’s quiet and they serve food.
André: Sounds good, what time and what’s the name?
Me: How’s nine and Sammy’s.
André: Counting the minutes until nine.
The car stops at the curb, and I use my app to pay and leave a tip before I gather my things and exit the car. “Thanks.”
As I’m entering Jenny’s building, I swear I see the same bearded man I did on my street. Damn, I really am letting my mother get to me. There’s no way he could have beat the car.
Jenny must have been watching for me in the window because she opens the door before I have a chance to knock, and she pulls me into a tight hug. “I missed you so much. It’s been over a month since I last saw you, and that’s unacceptable.”
I hug her back. “Definitely. We need to start planning lunches or some shit.”
She takes my bag off my shoulder and leads me into her apartment, dropping it beside the sofa. “Girl, we have so much to talk about. I’ve met a guy. His name is Devin, and we have been inseparable for the past two weeks. He’s going to meet us at Sammy’s. I’m so excited for you to meet him. He’s good looking, has money, and is actually nice.”
“Ohh, I’m so happy for you! I can hardly wait to meet him.” My cheeks heat up, and I can’t stop the grin from spreading across my face. “I have news too, although not as exciting as yours, but I’ve met someone and he’s meeting us at Sammy’s too.”
“What? OMG, you didn’t mention meeting someone and you have a date.” Jenny pulls me onto the sofa with her, grabbing my hands in hers. “Tell me everything. When did you meet? What’s his name? Looks? Everything.”
“I met him only last night at Shadows. He’s Phillipe Dubois’s cousin and has a sexy French accent. We went to dinner and are going out tonight. Also, my mom is totally against it.” I shrug my shoulders and squirm a little, remembering the vivid dream I had this morning. Man, that was so hot, it almost melted my bedsheets. I can hardly wait for Jenny to meet André.
“Oh la la, a French man.” Jenny grins and goes into the kitchen, then returns with a bottle of my favorite wine. “This deserves a toast. Imagine both of us meeting guys at the same time. Now tell me why your mother is so against you dating this guy.”
Sipping my wine, I think about how to answer Jenny but am at a loss. “I honestly don’t know. It’s not like she knows him, but her reaction was irrational. It was crazy.”
“Maybe she can’t stand the thought of you finding someone and moving on with your life. Your mother really should have had more children. She was always a bit much when it came to your protection.” Jenny shakes her head and takes a sip of her wine.
“Maybe so, but she’s going to have to get over it. Even if this doesn’t work out with André, I plan to move out in the near future. I can’t take her smothering any longer, and in the last few months, my business has really taken off. I’ve built up quite the nest egg.” I brace myself for Jenny to suggest we move in together yet frown when she d
oesn’t.
“Oh, that’s exciting. You know, I think there may be an apartment coming available in this building in a couple of months. The lady above me said something about moving out of state, but I don’t know if she’s going to give up her lease.” Jenny’s gaze darts around the room as she takes a large gulp of her wine.
“Oh, that would be perfect.” I tilt my head, and she continues to not meet my gaze. “What’s up, Jenny? Now you’re acting weird. For the record, I was going to refuse to move in with you. I love you but don’t think it would be a good idea.”
She lets out a sigh of relief, falling back against the sofa. “Oh, thank goodness. I always thought I would love it if we lived together, but I think you’re right. Since I’ve been living alone and now with Devin coming over all the time, I think we would end up getting on each other’s nerves. Besides, I know how you like quiet when you’re working, and Devin and I are definitely not quiet.”
We laugh and return to our normal and chat, drinking more wine as we get ready for our dates. I’m glad I decided to come over, even if it was only to get away from my mother. I needed this girl time and feel guilty for not doing it sooner. Jenny and I were inseparable during school and college, but since we’ve ventured into our careers, our time together has become less and less frequent. I guess that’s what happens when you start adulting.
Around eight, we decide to leave for the bar. I’m anxious to get my friend’s reaction to André. After the way my mother acted, it’s got me on edge. I don’t date much and hope my instincts aren’t off. I really like Giselle and Cassie, having known them for a couple of years. We have become more than only work-related associates and have become friends. They are always looking out for me and have sent several clients my way. I bet they would have warned me off if André were a bad guy or trouble, and they would know. Also, I don’t believe Phillipe would have been so encouraging if he didn’t think André was worth dating.
Phillipe has only been around about a month but is the perfect man. He is so in love with Giselle, it’s almost nauseating. I would love to have a man love me like that. I think about André and wonder if that could be our future.
