Winds of Change (Delphine Rising Book 0.5)

by Angela Sanders

  “Coffee, a new shirt that preferably covers my ass, or you can lend me a pair of shorts? Whatever works for you, but hands off, mister,” I said, pointing and giving him a sexy grin.

  I was sure it would be hard to keep our hands off of each other, but if we were going to make this relationship work, we had to fight temptation at least for a little while. He needed to take me out on a proper date and no fighting witches and vampires – that didn’t count.

  I heard the Keurig going and smelled the delicious aroma of coffee, my first love… Danny brought me a steaming mug with added French vanilla creamer, just the way I liked it; no idea how he knew that was my favorite creamer and he didn’t even add sugar. Oh, I could fall hard for that man or it was possible that I already had…

  After I drank my coffee, Danny led me to his bedroom upstairs to find me a change of clothes to sleep in. Leather pants and a bloody shirt just wouldn’t do and everyone knows leather makes you sweat after a while – not exactly sleeping attire.

  “Here’s the largest t-shirt I own. It should cover your um, modesty, and make you comfortable. If you want to take a shower first, the door’s just over there. I’ll wait downstairs or I can sleep on the couch, whatever you prefer,” Danny said, seemingly nervous now. I was happy not to be the only one.

  A steaming, hot shower sounded heavenly… I wanted to scrub the nastiness of the bar and vamp yuck off of my body before I put on his clean clothes, but crap – no clean panties!

  “Hey Danny, can I borrow a pair of your boxers? I’m going to take a shower and I need, well, I just need them,” I asked, embarrassed.

  “Sure, they’re in the top drawer. Just take your pick and I’ll be downstairs. Yell if you need anything. Towels, shampoo and all the essentials are in the bathroom, but unfortunately you might smell a little manly afterward,” he said grinning.

  “Thanks, but clean is clean. I appreciate it. I’ll call you when I’m done.”

  Heavenly was an understatement, otherworldly was more like it. There were seven showerheads blasting me from every angle. I washed my face and hair first and just stood there allowing the jets of water to beat the dirt and grime off of me before I washed with shower gel. It was amazing – clearing my head at the same time.

  I reluctantly stepped out of the glorious shower, dried off and put on the clothes Danny had loaned me, then towel-dried my hair. I walked back into his bedroom where a huge king-size bed awaited me. I was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to crawl under the covers and fall into a dreamless sleep – but Danny. I couldn’t make him sleep on the couch. The bed was big enough for both of us and I was too tired to even think about anything other than sleep. I decided to call him back upstairs.

  When he entered the room, I almost dropped to the floor. His jet black hair was still wet from the shower and all six foot two of him was only wearing a pair of boxer briefs. He stood there looking like a Greek god, chiseled abs just waiting to be licked and touched.

  Snap out of it Abby – you’re tired.

  “Hey, I hope you don’t mind. I took a shower downstairs. I didn’t want to go to bed feeling dirty,” he said, looking at me with another damn grin.

  “Nope, I’m tired. Plenty of room for two,” I said, jumping in the bed, pulling the covers up to my chin.

  Holy hell! How am I supposed to sleep next to that?

  Danny chuckled and climbed into the bed on the other side. Thank God.

  “Goodnight, Abby,” he said as he switched off the lamp on the bedside table.

  Chapter 6

  My head was pounding and had its own heartbeat – I was dying. I felt sick to my stomach and just knew I would throw up if I moved. I didn’t dare open my eyes, I could see the sunlight shining through my eyelids and that was bad enough. Danielle was not my friend at that moment – tequila was the devil.

  I felt around for my cell phone on my nightstand, but it wasn’t my nightstand. Oh shit! Danny! I cracked one eye open to see his perfect profile sleeping next to me. Everything came rushing back and I lay there smiling to myself, thinking about the night before. Danny and I were a couple and what was up with all that magic when we were together? I wondered if it was always like that with witches. I’d have to ask Danielle.

  There was no two ways about it; I was head over heels for that man and I had known it for quite some time, but had been too stupid to talk to him or give him the time of day. Was it always like that in the beginning? It wasn’t like I had anything to compare it to. My mind was reeling with unanswered questions when I heard a light chuckle.

  “Good morning, beautiful. I like that you’re smiling and in my bed,” Danny said with his sexy sleep voice.

  “You always say the nicest things,” I replied, giggling, then winced, clutching my head.

  Hangovers sucked and you always said to yourself, “never again”… until the next time. I needed a greasy cheeseburger.

  “Is it that bad? I can get you some Tylenol or Ibuprofen. You’re not going to be sick are you?” he asked, looking genuinely concerned.

  “Ibuprofen and orange juice if you have it. What time is it anyway?” I asked.

  “It’s only seven a.m. and I’ll be right back with your order,” he said, then leaned over and kissed my forehead, smiling.

  He jumped out of bed like he hadn’t been drinking all night…men.

  Holy hell!

  I’d forgotten he was only wearing boxer briefs – I covered my eyes as he walked toward the door. I heard him laughing and he asked if I would be more comfortable if he put on a pair of shorts.

  “Yes please,” was all I could manage to squeak out.

  I was so not used to seeing a man walking around in his underwear, especially a man who looked like that. Who was I kidding? I never saw a man walking around half naked. I was out of my element and if he kept looking at me like that, my magic and hormones were going to go crazy, hangover be damned. I decided to think of furry little bunnies instead.

  Danny walked back in wearing a t-shirt and shorts; I was thanking the ancestors and the Heavens above. He handed me two Ibuprofen tablets and a glass of orange juice as requested, then sat next to me on the bed.

  “So what’s your plan for today, besides nursing your hangover?” he asked with a sexy grin.

  “Well, I need to get to Danielle’s for a change of clothes and we have to get her car from the shop. Would you mind driving us over there later?” I asked, then continued “And greasy food is the best cure, ya know?” hinting for a fast-food run.

  “I can do that and what kind of food are we talking about here? Cheeseburgers? They’re my favorite hangover food,” he said.

  We even liked the same hangover food – definitely a keeper, I smiled to myself.

  “That sounds wonderful. Do you have an extra toothbrush? Morning breath over here – stop. Don’t you dare try to kiss me right now,” I jumped up and rolled to the other side of the bed, forgetting my hangover.

  Danny pounced on the bed, pinning me down, grinning from ear to ear like he’d just won a prize – me! I was laughing so hard, I thought I’d pee my pants. In the next moment, he captured my lips with such intensity, my body went limp from the sensations I felt moving through my veins. That man was pure magic and sex-on-a-stick. I wasn’t sure how long I could hold out if he kept kissing me like a madman. It was all I could do to breathe – the things he was doing with his tongue had me coming undone.

  I had forgotten all about my morning breath and drew him in as close as two bodies could be. My hands were everywhere; yanking his shirt over his head, I came up for air. I was panting like I’d run a marathon, staring into a deep ocean of blue and went back for more. Danny’s body was solid as a rock. I moved away from his mouth to kiss and lick the hard ripples of his chest, but not before I took my time on his neck. He tasted like a dream – my dream. Danny went still, very still as I worked my way down his abs to what I was I sure to be a glorious package made just for me, and then I stopped.

  “What is
it?” I asked, still breathing hard, craving the man before me.

  “Are you sure you want to go any further? You were pretty adamant last night about taking things slow. I know what I want, but do you?” he asked with fierce passion and what could only be seen as love in his eyes. I wasn’t sure how, but I felt it too. Something amazing had happened between us and I never wanted it to end. Thoughts of it being too soon went flying out the window.

  “I’m sure. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life,” I said as I held his face and kissed him, hoping he would feel everything I felt at that exact moment.

  I was floating on a cloud while my head lay on Danny’s chest. I could hear his racing heartbeat when he leaned down and kissed my hair. Danny had literally reached every part of my body and it felt as if our souls were connected. I’d heard of married couples claiming to be soulmates; Momma had always said Daddy was hers…

  Eww, I’m not thinking of my mom right now.

  “Hey, are you still hungry for that cheeseburger?” Danny asked with a lopsided grin.

  “Famished”

  “How’s the hangover? Better?”

  “Actually, yes it is… but I still want that cheeseburger!” I rolled on top of him and kissed his face everywhere, finally pecking him on the lips.

  He picked me up caveman style and carried me to the bathroom. “I guess we’re taking a shower?” I asked, trying to look up, giggling.

  “Yep and you can brush your teeth. We might as well call Danielle to bring you some clothes when we’re done. I’m sure she feels rough this morning and needs a little something to kill the hangover. But I will say, “Abby sex” is definitely my favorite cure now,” he grinned wickedly, smacking me on the ass as he pulled me into the shower.

  After we were showered and I dressed in another pair of Danny’s t-shirt and shorts, I called Danielle to come over and asked her to bring me some clothes; I had plenty at her house, I practically lived there. She reluctantly agreed, but I bribed her with food – it always worked.

  “Hey guys, how’s it hangin’?” Danielle asked, stepping through the front door.

  I had to laugh because she could be so crude at times, especially if she didn’t get enough sleep. Her sunshine dimmed a little after a long night of drinking, she needed food or maybe a bit of the hair of the dog that bit her. We liked to have Bloody Mary mornings if we felt really bad. I was searching for signs, but she looked like the walking dead.

  When she walked into the living room and actually took a good look at me, she began laughing like a hyena.

  Well, she must not feel that bad.

  “You two did the nasty! It’s written all over your face, and you’re wearing his clothes! It’s about time… I was getting sick of you pining away over him. Oops, I shouldn’t have said that out loud. Do I still get food?” she asked, scrunching her face, trying not to laugh.

  I threw a couch pillow at her head.

  “Hey, I feel like shit, woman. At least you got laid. Some of us were too busy trying to set a certain person up, but I won’t name any names.” she said as she joined me on the couch.

  “Can you be any more embarrassing? Shut up…” I said smiling, gritting my teeth.

  Danny watched our exchange, shaking his head and chuckling. He told Dannielle we’d get her car after we ate. She handed me my clothes and I hurried to the guest bathroom to change into jeans and a tank. Danielle was awesome, she even brought my Chucks.

  Once we ate and Danny dropped us off at the shop, Dannielle stood by her car tapping her foot. “What?” I asked.

  “I want details… So how was he? As good as you imagined? I’m so happy for you!” she broke out into a happy dance.

  “Yes, it was mind-blowing! Danielle, have you ever heard of magic intermingling and connecting through sex? It was just like that, but it’s hard to describe – I felt it throughout my entire body,” I said.

  “I’ve never felt that, but yeah… It can happen if two people are linked together somehow. Damn girl, you’ve got it bad. And Holy crap! A connection like that is almost unheard of. If you don’t keep him around, I’ll beat you down,” she said excitedly.

  Hmm. I knew it was definitely something different, but me? I never thought in a million years I would find my soulmate or whatever you wanted to call it. That settled it, Danny was mine and I was never letting him go. Crystal had better keep her grimy paws to herself and away from my man.

  “Okay chic, I’ve got to get going and you better too. Your mom’s probably wondering where you’re at. She hadn’t called the house yet when I left for Danny’s,” Danielle said.

  I hugged her goodbye and told her I’d call her later. I jumped in my Chevy Silverado and headed home. I was dreading the conversation with my mom if she found out about what happened last night with Crystal. I realized it would be better if I just came out with it and hoped for the best – she’d hear about it anyway.

  When I pulled into the driveway, Mom was sitting on the front porch sipping her signature jasmine tea. I took a deep breath and got out of the truck, walked up the steps and sat in the rocking chair beside her.

  “Hey Mom,” I said, feeling pensive.

  “Hello my sweet, Abby. Didn’t you girls have fun last night? Why the long face? What’s on your mind?” she asked.

  Knowing Mom, she already knew what was going on – she always did. So, I just went with it. I was after all, twenty-one and not a child, even if the coven did treat the younger generation like we couldn’t go to the bathroom alone.

  I looked into my Mom’s inquisitive green eyes, praying she would understand, and told her about the fight with Crystal; how the whole thing started with her stalking me and my friends with her vampire backup. She’d known for quite some time that Danielle and I fought off rogue vampires, but last night’s situation was different altogether as it involved another coven member. When I got to the part where I broke Crystal’s nose, Mom held back a snicker. I certainly wasn’t expecting that kind of response.

  “Abby, my dear. I’ve already received a phone call from Franklin Davenport. He called first thing this morning wanting an explanation. I simply told him that before he went to accusing my daughter of anything, maybe he should look into the comings and goings of his own daughter, then hung up on him. I can’t stand that old coot.” Mom said, smiling as she pat my hand.

  “Thanks Mom. Did you know she’s dealing in black magic and consorting with vampires? Oh wait, that’s basically why you told Mr. Davenport to jump off a cliff, huh?” I asked.

  “Yes dear. It’s no big secret. As a matter of fact, several members of the council have taken it upon themselves to investigate her and her father. He’s not so innocent himself. That’s why I was a little perturbed yesterday. He requested Delphine’s talisman be brought to the coven for “safe keeping”, suggesting our family wasn’t capable of ensuring the dark magic within could be contained.

  I, along with the council, was furious. The only reason he wanted me to bring it in was to get his crooked hands on it. It makes me wonder if he was the one who broke into the shop. Thankfully, I have that thing heavily warded. If he only knew how dangerous that talisman really was, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere near it. In the end, Franklin’s request was dismissed, but it only added fuel to their investigation. I want you to stay away from that girl, do you hear me?” Mom demanded.

  “No problem with that. After last night, I hope I never see her stupid face again.” I replied.

  “Where’s Liz? I need to talk to her real quick,” I asked.

  “Oh, she’s upstairs practicing her magic, waiting for you,” Mom retorted, raising a brow with a smirk on her face.

  I knew that look – Mom knew something, but she wasn’t telling. Oh, I would have died if she learned what I’d done with Danny last night and again this morning.

  “Alrighty then, good talk,” I said, getting up abruptly and kissing her on the cheek, making a beeline for the door.

  “Hey Liz. Where are
you? I have news,” I shouted as I ran up the stairs toward her bedroom.

  Chapter 7

  I found Liz in her room sitting on her bed, balancing a white orb of light; it was magnificent. She was getting better and better at controlling her powers. I was so proud of her! Danielle and I had taken her out with us a few times when the Hybrid Coven needed our help policing rogue vampires who had gone out on a feeding frenzy.

  The Hybrids were vampires too, but they were once New Orleans witches before they were turned by a group of raving, blood-sucking lunatics who sought to use them for their powers. Unfortunately for the big baddies, the ancestors allowed the Hybrids to maintain their humanity and their magic, giving them the ability to walk by day and drive those vampires who refused to live peacefully alongside humans, out of New Orleans. Danielle and I had grown close to a few of them over the years.

  “Hey Sis. Lookin’ good. You’ll never guess what happened last night – I’ve been dying to tell you, but I couldn’t call,” I said excitedly.

  “Spill! It’s Danny isn’t it? You finally talked to him?” she asked, jumping up and down on the bed.

  What was with everyone? How did they know about my feelings for him when I thought I’d hid them so well? Apparently, I was as transparent as Saran Wrap.

  “You can stop jumping now… and yes! I not only talked to him, but we’re a couple! Oh my gosh, Sis. It was amazing. I don’t know why I waited so long to talk to him – he’s wanted me this whole time. I’m such a moron. And the kiss… just wow.” I said, feeling my heart race thinking about the morning I’d spent with Danny. I couldn’t wait to see him again.

  No way was I going to tell my little sister that I’d just had sex. Sure, she was eighteen, but I just didn’t feel right about it yet…maybe later. We told each other everything, but that secret I’d have to keep from her. I knew she wasn’t exactly innocent, but when I looked at her sweet face, yellow-green eyes and dark brown hair, I still saw my baby sister.