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

by Mina Carter

  Connall lifted her chin and narrowed his eyes. “What the hell does that mean?”

  Pepper grinned up at him. “Meeting Max was really cool, don’t get me wrong, but you’re the one that makes me swoon when you walk in a room.”

  He cocked his head. “Swoon? Really?”

  “Swoon. Really.” She linked her fingers with his. “I have dreamt of meeting that man for more than ten years, but meeting you was better.”

  “Oh?” He smiled. “How?”

  “Well, for one, you’re way sexier. I might have had a hundred posters of him and the band, but in person he’s not nearly as good looking. He’s also kind of cocky. I mean, kissing my hand. Really? Ew. Saliva germs just crosses the line, in my opinion. Gross. Not to mention the fact, he seems to have forgotten we live in the twenty-first century.”

  “You didn’t like that?”

  Pepper shook her head. “I don’t like men who think they’re all that and assume everyone else thinks so as well. I also much prefer blond men over dark-haired men.”

  Connall couldn’t stop his laugh. “Och, love. You are precious.”

  “I would like to know one thing, though, and I think he’s the only one who can answer it.”

  “What’s that?”

  “On their last studio album, there was this haunting guitar sound and for the life of me, I cannot figure it out. It’s incredible, but there’s no information on their website or liner notes on the album, other than a thank you to the guitarist for their work on six of the songs. No name, just initials… initials of someone I can’t find.” She grinned up at Connall. “Now I can ask the source.”

  Connall raised an eyebrow. “You noticed that much detail?”

  “I notice everything when it comes to music. Sometimes to the point of madness. And especially Fallen Crown, because they’re my favorite band.” She patted his chest. “Anyway, are you done?”

  “Done?”

  “Can we go to dinner now, or do I need to do more convincing?”

  “One more kiss.”

  She grinned and lifted her chin.

  As they made their way out to the waiting cars, Connall sighed. “A hundred posters? Really?”

  “A hundred and three to be exact.”

  He groaned and Pepper laughed.

  * * *

  When dinner was over, Sam invited the men back to her parents’ house. Pepper was grateful, because she wasn’t quite ready to say goodnight to Connall.

  Max bowed out, claiming he had plans, as did Fiona and Angus. Pepper assumed that Fiona probably wanted time alone with her new husband, and she also figured Connall was the reason Max had “plans.” Dalton hadn’t been able to make it to dinner, but promised he’d be on time for the wedding the next day.

  Arriving at the Moores’ home, the group was greeted by Sam’s parents with the promise that they’d have the family room to themselves, but Sam had to promise everyone would be gone by midnight.

  “We don’t want you to turn into a pumpkin the night before your wedding,” Mrs. Moore said as she hugged everyone goodnight.

  “You get one too, Pepper,” Mrs. Moore said. “You don’t get off scott free tonight.”

  Pepper smiled and slid into her warm embrace. “If you insist.”

  Her surrogate parents said goodnight and the men retrieved the girls’ overnight bags from the cars.

  Pepper followed Sam and Payton into the large game room. A pool table sat in the left-hand corner, and a seventy-inch flat-screen TV had been installed on the wall to the right. The biggest sectional Pepper had ever seen was positioned in front of the television and two steamer trunks acted as coffee tables. Dalton had dubbed the sofa, B.A.C. (Big-Ass Couch).

  A small fridge sat under the wet bar, now stocked with alcohol. When they were teens, it had been stocked with sodas and a ridiculous amount of snack food, but once Sam turned twenty-one, her parents allowed her to keep beer in the fridge and wine in the cabinet.

  Pepper had spent hours in this room, her refuge from her mother’s home.

  “Who wants wine?” Sam asked.

  “Me,” Payton and Pepper said in stereo.

  Pepper giggled and sat next to Payton. The pretty redhead was quiet and shy, although not as shy as Sam. She had dark-red hair and ice-blue eyes. She wore her hair pulled back in a tight bun, which made her appear much like a stern librarian, but the softness in her expression showed her sweetness. Pepper really liked Payton. She’d had a chance to get to know her a little a few days ago when the ladies had met up at the local karaoke club, the Tin Ear. Payton appeared overtly religious, but not in a judgmental kind of way, and she’d endeared herself to Pepper immediately.

  Pepper couldn’t help but notice Brodie’s interest in Payton. She hadn’t quite figured out their relationship, because he hovered and Payton seemed to want him, but not want him, around.

  She didn’t have time to dwell on her musings, as her focus was drawn back to Connall when he came into to the room and joined her on the sofa, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her up against him.

  Sam handed Pepper and Payton their wine, then poured some for Kade. Connall and Brodie opted for beer, which Brodie retrieved from the fridge.

  “How did you like Max, Pepper?” Sam asked, eliciting a scowl from Connall.

  Payton chortled. “Uh-oh, has Max the Lothario struck again?”

  “Payton,” Brodie admonished as he sat next to her.

  Pepper didn’t miss Payton’s attempt to scoot away from him. Brodie pulled her back.

  “In answer to your question, pot stirrer extraordinaire,” Pepper said, “I liked him just fine. He wasn’t quite what I’d built him up in my mind to be, but he was fun to talk to.”

  “You should sing with him sometime,” Sam suggested.

  Connall stiffened next to her, and Pepper glared at her best friend. “Okay, Sam, you can quit now.”

  Don’t feed her evilness, Con. She’s messing with you.

  Sam shrugged. “Stop what?”

  “Sam,” Pepper groaned.

  Connall relaxed. She’s getting back at me.

  Oh? What did you do?

  I’ll tell you later.

  Pepper glanced up at him in question.

  Later, love.

  Fine.

  “Who wants to lose at pool?” Sam asked.

  “You do,” Kade said, and followed her to the table.

  Brodie convinced Payton to join him and Connall and Pepper were left on the sofa, effectively in their own little world.

  Pepper snuggled closer to Connall, the chill of the room sinking into her bones. Sam’s parents refused to turn the heat on unless it got “colder than a penguin’s outhouse,” as Dalton used to complain.

  Cold? Connall asked.

  Always.

  I’ll get your coat.

  It’s okay. Pepper smiled. They have blankets in the chest.

  Connall retrieved one of the thick blankets from the chest and wrapped it around Pepper before sitting beside her again and pulling her close. She kissed him and settled her head on his chest. That was where she stayed until being gently shaken awake when it was time for Connall to leave.

  “Why didn’t you wake me sooner?” she complained as she rose from the couch.

  “Outside of the fact you needed to sleep? I felt your headache, and you’re so peaceful when you’re asleep. I couldn’t wake you.”

  “Coming, Con?” Kade asked.

  “Yes,” he said. “Be right there.” He kissed Pepper and gave her a much too quick hug. “Do not leave this house until you’re collected tomorrow.”

  “Where else would I go, Con? Seriously… you’re not the boss of me.”

  He smiled. “People are watching the house, so you’ll be safe, but if anything happens,” he tapped his temple, “tell me.”

  “Yeah yeah.”

  He lifted her chin. “I’m serious, Pepper.”

  She sighed. “I promise I’ll tell you if anything happens.”
/>   “I hate leaving you.”

  She grinned. “Wow, one night in my presence and now you’re hooked, huh?”

  “I was hooked the moment I heard you,” he said, and rubbed the back of her neck gently. “How’s your headache?”

  Pepper sighed and looped her arms around his neck. “Gone.”

  “Con!” Kade called again, sounding a little irritated.

  Connall rolled his eyes as he took her hand, leading her out of the room and down the hall to the foyer. “I’m here, my liege.”

  Pepper giggled, but then caught Sam’s warning glare directed at Connall.

  “Sorry,” he mumbled.

  What?

  Nothing, love. Private joke.

  One that Sam doesn’t think is funny, apparently.

  Connall smiled and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Pepper nodded and stood with Payton and Sam as the men left. She was too tired to grill Sam about the strange exchange, opting to turn in instead of waiting for Fiona, who would be arriving any minute.

  “You okay?” Sam asked.

  “Just tired,” Pepper said.

  “Con took your bag up to your room, so I’ll wake you in the morning.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Do you want me to check… ?” Sam asked

  “No. I’m fine,” Pepper said.

  Payton smiled and said, “Good night.”

  Pepper was liking Payton more and more, especially since she didn’t hug her… which Sam did again.

  “Good night,” Pepper said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  She dragged herself up the stairs and into her assigned room. She was unsure if she was actually tired or just a bit sad that she wasn’t going to sleep with Connall. She liked being in his arms.

  I like you being in my arms.

  Pepper couldn’t stop a smile. Get out of my brain.

  No. I like your brain. It’s fascinating.

  Good to know.

  Sleep well, sweetheart. I’m already dreaming of kissing you tomorrow.

  Me too, she admitted as she flopped on the bed.

  Do you want me to whisper to you until you fall asleep?

  Hmm. I take it, getting Max to sing to me is out of the question?

  Even if he was here, there’d be no way in hell…

  Pepper giggled. In that case, I’d love it if you’d lull me to sleep. I just have to get out of these jeans. They’re cutting off my circulation.

  She heard Connall’s low growl in her mind.

  Oh, please. You had no issues checking out my butt every chance you got.

  So did every other man, except Kade.

  Pepper smiled. Which is odd, since these are Sam’s jeans.

  Really?

  Why do you think they’re so tight? She’s a full size smaller than me. I also had to wear my hooker boots with them, otherwise, I’d trip. It’s hard when your best friend’s an Amazon.

  You could have rolled up the cuffs, love.

  I could have, true. But you didn’t seem to mind I was another four inches taller.

  Sam’s not the only with an evil streak.

  Pepper grinned. Who do you think I learned it from?

  Have you “gotten me back” to your satisfaction?

  She grunted as she attempted to peel the jeans from her hips. I’d say yes, but trying to get these damn pants off is causing me to hyperventilate.

  She heard his chuckle. If I were there, I’d help.

  Ha! Then I’d be pregnant and really wouldn’t be able to get out of the jeans.

  Pregnant, eh?

  Honestly, I’m beyond surprised I’m not already. I can’t seem to keep my hands off you. They’re already itching to touch you.

  I’ll be right there.

  Pepper groaned, partly in relief as she finally got the jeans off. You’re funny.

  All right, love. Go to bed.

  What about my story?

  When you’re tucked in, I’ll talk dirty to you.

  Promises, promises. Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m in bed.

  She got ready for bed, and once she added an extra blanket, snuggled under the covers. As promised, Connall whispered her to sleep, but in Icelandic, so she no idea what he was saying to her.

  Her dreams were frustratingly sexy, keeping her from a satisfying rest… and being satisfied another way as well.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  THE NEXT DAY, Pepper sat at the head wedding table with Connall, Payton, and Brodie. The ceremony had been perfect and they were now at the tail end of the reception. The DJ had just started Samantha’s favorite song, “Love Gone,” a ballad by Rayne Green, a singer who had disappeared a few years ago. Her music was more popular than ever, perhaps because of the mystery surrounding her life.

  Pepper understood the appeal, because the woman was talented, but her own musical tastes were more on the rock side than pop. Her only acquiescence was a duet Rayne Green had done with Max several years ago. “Heavy is the Heart” was the one song both she and Sam loved and had listened to ad nauseum.

  Connall leaned over and whispered, “Dance with me, lass.”

  He stood and held his hand out to her. She took it and let him lead her to the dance floor. The second she was in his arms, her world came into focus. She’d taken a few ballroom dance lessons in high school just for fun, but dancing with high school boys often resulted in bruised toes. Connall, on the other hand, danced as though he’d been doing it since birth and she felt graceful… something out of the ordinary for her.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you are?” he asked.

  “A few times.” She smiled. “But I kind of like it.”

  Sam had stayed true to form and picked her favorite color for the bridesmaids’ dresses. They were a beautiful light green that complemented each of her attendants. Strapless and falling just below the knee, the chiffon dress felt like a breeze against Pepper’s skin.

  “More beautiful than the bride,” he said.

  Pepper let out a quiet snort. “Not possible. She’s stunning.”

  She glanced over at Sam laughing with one of their mutual friends. Samantha’s strapless mermaid dress hugged her model figure and the diamond necklace and matching earrings Kade had given her added to the ethereal effect. Pepper couldn’t have been happier for her. Even if it meant she’d more than likely stay in Scotland forever.

  “Do you want a big wedding?” Con asked.

  “No.”

  He leaned back. “Really?”

  “Really. I am not a romantic,” she admitted. “Why? Are you asking?”

  He grinned. “Not yet.”

  She shook her head. “You’re crazier than I am.”

  “Which makes us perfect for each other.”

  She stroked the nape of his neck. “It would seem so.”

  “I love you, crazy girl.”

  She wasn’t quite ready to make a public admission, but there was comfort in knowing he understood. He gave her a gentle squeeze and Pepper allowed the music to settle over her. The effect of being in Connall’s arms and dancing to a beautiful song was heady.

  Þú verður að vera minn að eilífu.

  The words floated into Pepper’s mind, and even though she didn’t know what they meant, she felt the weight of emotion behind them. She closed her eyes, wishing she could stay right where she was forever. Unfortunately, the song ended and her moment was officially over.

  “The bride and groom will be leaving shortly,” Dalton announced over the P.A. “Please say your final good-byes and wish them well.”

  Kade was taking Sam somewhere private for the night, but the group planned to meet up the next evening for dinner. Pepper hugged Sam, and once the couple was gone, grabbed her purse. She realized she hadn’t checked her phone in hours and scrambled to pull it from her purse. Crap. Thirty-two missed calls.

  She checked the messages, all from him, and all more threatening than the next. A call came through as she was in the middle of one of
his rants. “Hello?”

  “Where the hell have you been?”

  “It’s my friend’s wedding. I was maid of honor.”

  “Yes. I remember now, my love.” He took several deep breaths. “I’m very glad you answered your phone. I was beginning to imagine all sorts of terrible things I might have to do.”

  “Well, I’m helping with the gifts, so I need to go.”

  “I want you to go home tonight. Alone. Don’t think I haven’t noticed those other folks hanging around. I’m assuming they’re your friend’s new family. There are a lot of large men, but I am not one to be trifled with. You better lose them. Got it?”

  “I don’t think they’re ones to be trifled with either.”

  “I wonder what would happen to Mario if he could no longer train. What would happen to his kids, do you think?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, her heart racing.

  “Do as I say, Pepper, or I’ll make his life a living hell.”

  “Don’t you dare hurt him.”

  “Then obey me.”

  “And if I don’t?”

  “Do you really want to make his wife a widow?”

  Pepper pulled her keys from her purse and headed for her car. “If I go home alone, you have to promise not to hurt him.”

  “I always keep my word, my love.”

  Footsteps over the gravel of the parking lot drew her eyes to Connall, who was striding purposefully toward her.

  “Someone’s coming,” she said. “I need to go.”

  “Get rid of them. I’ll call you in ten minutes.”

  Pepper hung up.

  “Where are you going, lass?” Connall asked. “We’re going back to the hotel for drinks.”

  “I’m actually really tired. Rain check?”

  “Are you going back to the Moores’?”

  “No. Home. I have the house to myself for the first time in a while. I’m going to take advantage of it.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Come back to the hotel.”

  “No. I want to go home.”

  “I’ll come with you, if you like,” he offered.

  She took a deep breath. “Some other time, okay?”

  “Pepper.” Connall frowned and took her hand. “Talk to me. I can help.”

  “I’m good.” She pulled out of his grip and tried to surreptitiously take in her surroundings. She was afraid they were being watched. “I just need a break, Con. This is too much. Please.”