Wicked After Dark: 20 Steamy Paranormal Tales of Dragons, Vampires, Werewolves, Shifters, Witches, Angels, Demons, Fey, and More

by Mina Carter

  Connall held the car door for her and Pepper slid in, her nerves calming as soon as he was next to her and holding her hand. She linked her fingers with his and directed him to their destination. They drove in silence for about thirty minutes, then the coastline was before them and Pepper couldn’t help but smile.

  Connall parked the car and let out a quiet whistle. “It’s beautiful.”

  Pepper smiled. “It’s my refuge.”

  Tybee Island was her little slice of heaven and during the colder months, it was much less crowded. She often came here to think and had brought Jonesy down whenever she had time. He loved the water and was always willing to go for a run.

  “Shall we walk?” Connall asked.

  “Definitely.”

  Pepper waited for Connall to climb out of the car and open her door. He reached his hand out and she grasped it, letting him pull her from the car. The chill of the ocean breeze felt like a hundred frozen needles piercing her skin and it made her rethink the walk idea, despite her heavy sweater.

  “Chilly, eh?” he observed.

  She nodded. “I left my coat in Dalton’s car.”

  “You can wear mine.” He popped the trunk and pulled out a dark wool pea coat. He held it open for her and she slid her hands into the lined sleeves, giggling when they fell several inches past the ends of her fingers.

  “It’s a little big.” She sighed in relief. “But it’s so warm. You may never get this back.”

  “You wear it far better than me anyway.” He grinned and pulled the coat closed, securing the buttons and rolling up the sleeves. “Och, lass, you’re bloody adorable.”

  She felt the heat on her cheeks as she dropped her head. She wanted to run away with him and block the rest of the world out.

  He grasped her hand and they headed toward the sand. Pepper let his warmth seep into her as they walked. This was definitely something she could get used to.

  “Why are you being so nice to me?” she asked.

  He drew his eyebrows together in question. “What do you mean?”

  “You don’t have to watch me, you know. Sam’s overstepping the boundary by asking you to. I’m fine.”

  He sighed. “Och, lass. No one asked me to do anything.”

  She bit her lip and blinked back tears. “Really?”

  “You know I’m telling you the truth.”

  She did. She didn’t understand how she knew, but she did. She felt as though she’d known him forever.

  “Ask me,” he said.

  “Ask you what?”

  “What you’ve been dying to ask me since you walked into the hotel.”

  She shook her head. “It’s stupid.”

  He shook his head. “I highly doubt that.”

  “You’ll think I’m crazy,” she whispered.

  “Why? Because of our conversation earlier? The one in your mind when you were frightened?”

  “I am crazy!” she ground out.

  “No, lass. You’re not.”

  “You heard me?”

  Yes. And you heard me.

  “Stop it.”

  He shook his head again and smiled. Don’t be frightened, Pepper. Talk to me.

  “I can’t.”

  Yes you can. We were made for this.

  What do you mean? She gasped, realizing she’d just spoken to him telepathically. “How did I do that?”

  “I’ll explain everything to you soon. I don’t want to frighten you.”

  “Oh, well that makes me feel so much better,” she moaned.

  “You’ll know everything in time. I promise.” He kissed her fingers. “Change of subject?”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  “This man… the one harassing you… he’s the one who killed your dog and made you sell your horse, correct?”

  She nodded again.

  “What else?”

  “That’s not enough for you?” she said in mock surprise.

  “Pepper,” he admonished.

  She hesitated for all of ten seconds and then she told him everything. As they walked along the beach, she filled this virtual stranger in on the events that had taken place in the last two months. From the poster to the cassette tape and the burning down of the diner. He listened without comment, but she could feel his anger pulsing through their connection.

  “What is this?” She glanced up at him. “I feel everything you’re feeling.”

  He stopped walking and turned her to face him. “When you look at me, what do you see?”

  “Trouble.”

  He chuckled. “Why do you say trouble?”

  “Because you might hurt me.”

  “If I told you it would be impossible for me to do so, would you believe me?”

  She cocked her head. “What do you mean, ‘impossible’?”

  “Just as Samantha was made for my brother, you were made for me. We are connected in a way that will seem strange for a while, but it’s lifelong.”

  “How does that ensure you won’t hurt me?”

  “Because I can’t. Not in the way you’re most afraid of. I’m sure that as we get to know each other, we’ll have tension, as any other couple does, but I will never hurt you.”

  “How do you know what I’m afraid of?” she challenged.

  “Listen.” He took her hand and placed her palm against his chest. “Close your eyes.” She did. “I will never leave you, Pepper. My hands will never touch you in anger and I will never cheat on you or take you for granted. You will always be the most important person in my life. Always.”

  Pepper felt his emotion as she stood in the middle of the beach, her eyes closed and her palm against his heart, “listening” to him. As his lips covered hers, she was more surprised by the fact that she knew he was going to kiss her than the act itself. She sighed and opened her mouth, allowing him deeper access. Wrapping her arms around his neck in order to stay upright, she wove her fingers in the softness of his hair and wished that she could stay there forever.

  Much to her annoyance, he broke the kiss. She whimpered in protest and he smiled. “If we don’t stop now, I’ll make love to you here on the beach.”

  She bit her lip. “I’d probably let you.”

  “I think we should get back. You need to sleep, something I’m guessing you don’t get enough of.”

  “Sleep’s really overrated, if you think about it.”

  He chuckled. “Come on, love. Let’s get you back. Tomorrow you’re all mine.”

  “I have to check with Sam about wedding stuff.”

  “We’ll work around it.” He took her hand and they headed back to the car. “The ladies are all staying at her parents’ home tomorrow night, right?”

  “Yep. Why?”

  “Just making sure you’ll be somewhere safe if I’m not with you.” He frowned. “I want you to stick to that plan.”

  “Hey.” She tugged on his hand. “Just because you delivered a mind-blowing kiss in my favorite place on earth does not mean you get to dictate where I go or who I go there with.”

  Connall faced her. “There are two problems with that statement, love.”

  “Do tell.”

  “One, you have just admitted our kiss was mind-blowing, which I agree with whole heartedly, by the way. But it means you’re not as immune as you’d like me to believe, and I fully intend to repeat it before we part company tonight.”

  Pepper’s stomach flipped. “Oh, really? I’m that much of a given, huh?”

  He grinned. “I personally couldn’t turn down a little more mind-blowing action, could you?”

  She shook her head. “But that doesn’t mean you’re the boss of me.”

  He laughed. “Bloody hell, you’re adorable.”

  “Thank you. Now, what was the other problem?”

  “The other problem, Persephone Esther Brooks, is that I never ever dictate. However, until my hand is wrapped around this bastard’s neck, you won’t go anywhere without me or someone I trust.” He leaned down and kissed her nose. “
So for a little while, let’s just say I am the boss of you.”

  She gasped. “Did Sam tell you my real name? I’m going to kill her!”

  “You told me your real name.”

  “I did not.”

  He tapped his temple. “Yes you did.”

  “Okay, wait. I know I’m sleep deprived and everything, but it would be impossible.”

  He laughed. “Are we really having this argument, love?”

  I don’t remember ever “thinking” my real name.

  Ah, but you did. When your mother called you Persephone Moonbeam.

  “As soon as the plane landed, I felt your stress. When that happened, I had access to you.” She shuddered and he squeezed her hand. “Sorry, sweetheart. That came out very, very wrong.”

  She took a deep breath. “Explain before I freak out.”

  “We’re joined by something we call örlög… fate.” He kissed her palm. “The moment we connected, we were connected for life. I want to tell you more, but I don’t want to frighten you or have you compare it to what you’ve been going through. You’re in no danger from this,” he tapped his temple again, “… or me.”

  “I do know that,” she admitted. “I just feel overwhelmed.”

  He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to take it on alone, Pepper.”

  “Even if I wanted to, apparently.”

  “You don’t really want to, do you?”

  “Maybe not.” She pressed her lips into a thin line. “I have to say this is a record, even for me.”

  “What is?”

  “It’s been all of four hours and I’m kissing you on the beach and believing every wonderful word you speak.”

  He smiled and stroked her cheek. “The difference this time is that I don’t lie and I’m not going anywhere.”

  She licked her lips. His Scottish brogue did something to her. She slid her hand into his hair and pulled his head down for another heart-stopping kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her to his height.

  Ég elska þig fallega stúlka. Alltaf.

  What does that mean?

  I’ll tell you another time… tonight I want to keep some secrets.

  Pepper broke the kiss, resting her forehead against his, and tried to catch her breath. “What are you doing to me? I can’t think.”

  “Me neither. You can’t begin to understand.”

  She cupped his face. “I want to.”

  “Let’s just get through the wedding and we can figure everything else out then. I’ll feel much better when you’re in Scotland.” He kissed her again and then lowered her to the ground. “I can feel your exhaustion, love. You really do need to sleep. Let’s get back.”

  She sighed. “We can’t just stay here, can we?”

  He smiled. “We’ll come back.”

  She climbed into the car and tried not to focus on the fact that he was taking her back to reality.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  THEY ARRIVED BACK at the hotel to find Sam pacing the foyer. “Where have you been? I have been worried sick!” Sam exclaimed, rushing to her.

  “At the beach,” Pepper said. “What’s wrong? Why didn’t you just call me, silly?”

  “I did call you. You didn’t answer.”

  “Really?” Pepper rummaged in her purse for her phone. It was dead. “Crap!”

  “Where’s Kade?” Connall asked.

  “Talking with the detail.”

  Before Connall could comment, Kade strolled into the foyer, appearing completely relaxed.

  “I need to get into my room,” Pepper said. “I have to charge my phone.”

  “We’re back now,” Connall said. “There’s no rush.”

  “No. I have to charge my phone,” she pressed. “He… I mean, they might call about my mom.”

  Sam sighed. “I’ll take you upstairs, while the boys talk. Come on.”

  Pepper shrugged out of Connall’s coat and handed it to him. “Thanks for this.”

  I thought you were keeping it.

  She smiled. Safer if you have it.

  I’ll come and say goodnight in a bit.

  She nodded and followed Sam to the elevator. They arrived at her room and Sam handed her a room key. “I’m hanging onto a spare one.”

  “How come?” Pepper asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’d lose your head if it wasn’t attached.”

  Pepper giggled as she opened her door. “Sometimes it scares me how well you know me.” She stepped inside and let out a quiet whistle. The Jean Pierre Lafayette Room was on the main level of the mansion and housed a king-sized bed and fireplace, along with historical furniture on meticulously restored hardwood floors. Beautiful seemed inadequate a word to describe the room.

  Pepper glanced into the bathroom, surprised to see a whirlpool tub that she fully intended to take advantage of. “Wow.”

  “I know,” Sam said. “It’s lovely, huh?”

  Pepper noticed her bags in the corner and found her charger, plugging her phone in and powering it up. No missed calls from him. She almost cried in relief.

  “Only six calls from you,” Pepper teased Sam.

  “I was worried. Kade couldn’t get Connall either.” Sam sighed. “I should’ve known everything was okay.”

  “I’m really sorry. We lost track of time.”

  “I’ll bet.” Sam leaned against the desk and crossed her arms. “The beach, huh? This must be serious.”

  “I’m lost,” Pepper admitted. “Completely.”

  “I know. Are you able to talk to each other telepathically?”

  Pepper gasped. “How did you know that?”

  “Because Kade and I can.”

  “Shut up!” Pepper ran her hands through her hair. “How is this even possible?”

  “I’ll take that one,” Connall said from the doorway.

  “Thanks.” Sam smiled. “I’ll leave you to it, okay? We don’t have as much to do as I thought tomorrow. We’re meeting in the lobby for lunch, so try to sleep in if you can.”

  Pepper nodded and when Sam left the room, Connall closed the door behind her. He turned and smiled. “Lost, eh?”

  Pepper groaned. “Did you hear that or “hear” it?”

  “I heard you say it out loud.”

  “Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s impolite to eavesdrop?”

  He chuckled. “On more than one occasion.”

  Pepper stifled a yawn. “I really want to know about the telepathy thingy, but honestly, I don’t think I’d remember anything you told me.”

  “Go to sleep. We’ll have plenty of time to talk about all the things you want to know.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Lock your door behind me. If you need me… well, you know how to call me.”

  She grinned. “Yes, I do. That part I think I have down.”

  She followed him to the door and locked it as he instructed. Even though the tub beckoned, she was too tired to wait for it to fill, so she washed her face and changed into something more comfortable before falling into bed. She secured her ear buds and pressed play on her iPod, the sweet sounds of Fallen Crown lulling her to sleep.

  * * *

  Pepper was awakened by the ring of her cell phone. She grabbed it and glanced at the clock and sighed. Two a.m. “Hello?”

  “Ahh, my love,” came the familiar voice. “How is your room at the Gastonian?”

  “It’s fine.” Damn it! He knows.

  “I trust your mother is doing well. Did she find her cat?”

  “Was that you?” Pepper sat up, her heart racing. “Did you hurt my mom?”

  He let out a sardonic chuckle. “Oh, my love, I wish I could take credit for this one. But, alas, I can’t. Although, I did hide Morris. He’s fine, though. A little dirty, but still in one piece.”

  A knock at her door had her flying out of the bed. Did he find her?

  “Tomorrow we have some work to do, hmm?” he said.

  “Like what?” she
asked, rushing to pull on a pair of sweats.

  It’s me, love. Open the door.

  Pepper instantly calmed. She opened the door and put her finger to her lips. Connall stepped inside and closed the door.

  “My love? What are you doing?” her stalker demanded.

  She rubbed her forehead. “It’s the middle of the night. Um… I was yawning.”

  “Hmm. Well, I’d rather you stayed focused on me and what I’m saying.”

  “Sorry,” she grumbled.

  She glanced over at the Icelandic god that was “made for her.” He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Everything seemed better when he was close.

  “Can I go back to sleep now?” she asked.

  “Please may I go back to sleep now,” he corrected.

  “Sorry. Please may I go back to sleep now?” she whispered.

  “Yes, my love. I will call you in a few hours.”

  She hung up and pulled away from Connall.

  Connall frowned. “How often does he call you?”

  Pepper rubbed her arms, the chill of the room settling into her body.

  “Pepper?”

  “Every few hours,” she said reluctantly. “I was sure I missed his call while we were at the beach, but he must have been busy.”

  She started to shake and he pulled her back to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her and stroking her back.

  “If he’d called and I missed it… ” She couldn’t finish.

  She felt Connall’s rage and whimpered at the intensity of it, pushing him away from her.

  “I’m sorry, lass,” he said and dragged his hands down his face. “Give me a minute.”

  Pepper put as much distance between them as she could.

  Connall frowned. “I won’t hurt you, Pepper.”

  “I know that intellectually.” She gripped one of the bedposts and sighed. “But you’re so… so angry. It’s scary.”

  “I’m sorry.” He held out his hand. “Give me your phone.”

  She handed him her cell phone and waited while he scrolled through the calls.

  “Come with me,” he said.

  She followed him to his room, surprised to find it right next to hers. He pushed open the door and waited for her to precede him inside. Once inside, he closed the door and picked up his phone. “Ali? Aye, it’s late here. I need you to look into something for me.”