Nodding but not believing it would help, I gently touched Tiara’s cheek. “Transport Vlad to the Cressida House quickly. There’s a chance that the silver could kill him and we can’t have that. The bastard can help save Gareth’s siblings. Astrid will take all of you in. I promise. Tell Astrid that I love her, but I can’t go on without him.”
Tiara’s face was grim and her lips had compressed to a thin line.
“What are you going to do?” she asked. “Please don’t ask me to kill you. I can’t do it.”
I laughed, but it sounded hollow and sad. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you, my friend. Gareth and I are halfway mated. I’m going to finish the ritual and go with him.”
“May God be with you,” she whispered as tears filled her pretty blue eyes.
She carefully withdrew the stake, but just as I’d thought nothing changed. With one last kiss to his lips, I bit him. The feeling of finally being complete consumed me and I smiled dreamily. It was the first time in the two hundred years I’d been undead that I felt true peace. Wherever Gareth was going, I was always going to be at his side. Always.
I vaguely noticed the D’s and Claudia surrounding Gareth and me, but they grew distant and the Green Room grew dark. Their sorrow and tears were more than I could take. I realized I’d forgotten to ask about Martha and Jane, but my lips couldn’t form words anymore. A heaviness washed over me and my eyes closed involuntarily. Death wasn’t scary. It was warm and tranquil.
If Vlad had killed Martha and Jane, I would just find them in the afterlife and take care of them. It would make my afterlife a bit Hellish, but it’s what I would do. With Gareth finally at my side I could do anything—even look after Martha and Jane.
Chapter Twenty-Five
If this was Heaven, it was seriously weird.
Astrid, Ethan, Gemma, The Kev, Tiara, Claudia, Pam and the King all hovered over me with terrified expressions on their faces. Was I in limbo? Had I screwed something up? I thought Heaven would be unfamiliar and beautiful. It sure as hell looked a lot like Kentucky. Who knew?
And where was Gareth?
Maybe I’d been sent back to be a Guardian Angel. That would be an odd choice on God’s part. Maybe he thought I’d make a good Angel. The thought of that amused me, but I had no recollection of conversing with God.
“Hey, she’s awake,” Astrid shouted, causing me to close my eyes and wince. “Don’t you dare go back into that fucked up sleep you were in Venus. I will kick your undead ass. You took freakin’ years off my life which doesn’t really matter since I’m immortal, but still…” she warned.
“Move,” I heard Gareth snap.
The feeling of his hands on my face made me smile. Now I was in Heaven. I sure as Hell hoped all my friends hadn’t died. Were we all in Heaven? That would be so strange.
“Oh my God,” Gareth said as he ran his hands over my face and buried his head in my neck.
His scent made me happy and a wildly inappropriate feeling of lust consumed me. I wanted him and I wanted him now. I didn’t care that everyone was standing around staring. Heaven was just as suffocating as being stuck in a car with Martha and Jane had been. I wasn’t sure I liked it at all.
Astrid had always mentioned that Hell was pretty awesome. I liked it when I was at her wedding. Maybe I could have a chat with Satan and get a transfer. All I wanted was to be alone with Gareth. And I wanted it badly.
“Does someone want to explain why you’re all in Heaven, or possibly Purgatory, with me?” I asked weakly as I tried to sit up.
“What in the ever lovin’ Hell?” Astrid shouted with a laugh. “You’re not in Purgatory. They have freakin’ elevator music in Purgatory. You would hate it. And for your information, Heaven is mostly marble and shit—not your taste at all.”
“Where am I?” I asked, touching Gareth’s thick black hair and getting unfortunately hornier by the second.
“Dude, you’re home,” Astrid said as Gareth pulled me even closer and held on like he was never going to let go.
“Someone explain,” I croaked out, crossing my legs to curb my sexual mini-crisis and happily noticed I was covered with a blanket.
“You’re in trouble,” Gareth chastised, giving me the alpha-hole stink eye. “You should have never done what you did.”
“Shut your obnoxious cakehole,” Astrid snapped and slapped him in the back of the head. “Honestly, I’m not even sure why she likes you. You’re alive because she bit your sorry ass—or neck, if you want me to be anatomically correct—and because my awesome brand-fucking-new sister doped you up with her amazeballs blood. So you just swallow that bullshit, Gareth.”
“Umm… can someone else help me out here?” I asked, mostly following what Astrid said, but there were a lot of holes in the story. “Where’s Vlad. Where’s Rachmiel?”
“Hell,” Gareth said, pressing his lips to my forehead and continuing to run his hands over me as if he was convincing himself I was real. “They’re getting acquainted with Satan and their new home.”
As nice as his touch felt, it was making me very hot and bothered.
“Tiara transported all of us here. After the confusion of about fifty mostly naked Vamps and Vlad arriving subsided, apparently Astrid took over,” he said with a grin and shake of his head.
“You bet your ass she did,” Tiara said proudly, with one arm around Astrid and the other around Claudia. “She called on Roberto with some magic that yanked his Angel ass here so fast he was sweating. He had that fucker Rachmiel with him. Between Astrid, Roberto, and the most excellently profane Pam, the sons of bitches were convinced to break the curse.”
“Convinced?” I asked, doubtfully.
“More like coerced with some wondrous violence thrown in for fun,” Claudia said with a warm smile. “You scared us.”
“How did they do it?” I asked, still trying to piece it together.
“Vlad caught Rachmiel in some very compromising positions with the Demons. He threatened to go to God with Rachmiel’s indiscretions. Since that’s an irreparable fall from grace, he was able to blackmail the Angel into placing the curse in return for keeping his mouth shut,” Ethan told me.
“Angels and Demons?” I asked with a humorless laugh.
“And one very bad Vamp,” Astrid affirmed. “Soon to be living unhappily ever after in the Basement of Hell. And PS… you really did scare us.”
“I tell you what,” Pam bellowed at her usual volume. Astrid’s Guardian Angel and mate to our King was a piece of work and then some—and really loud. “Damn near lost my shit when Gareth woke up and you didn’t. And I’m serious. Occasionally livin’ on the edge gives me gas. You, Little Missy, gave me major gas.”
For such a beautiful woman, Pam was totally disgusting.
Astrid stood slightly behind Pam rolling her eyes and holding her nose.
“I can see you, Asshead,” she grumbled at Astrid who immediately quit goofing around. Pam had a wicked left hook and wasn’t afraid to use it.
“Sorry for the, um… gas,” I mumbled, trying not to laugh.
“I’m just glad you missed out on that part,” Astrid said and quickly ducked as Pam turned to backhand her.
“How do you feel?” Ethan asked, bravely stepping between Astrid and Pam.
“I feel… um,” I stuttered, not really wanting to share that I wanted to jump Gareth’s bones more than I wanted to live at the moment.
Gareth was feeling the same way. His eyes were hooded and he was gripping me like I would fly away if he didn’t hold on. Maybe we could…
“Wait,” I yelled. It came out like a croak, but I didn’t care. “Martha and Jane? Are they okay?”
“Fine,” Tiara confirmed quickly, aware of my impending freak out. “When they went to find Sunny, Vlad has already taken her. Her room was a bloody shit show, so Martha and Jane were searching for her when everything went down.”
If I could sigh in relief, I would have. I didn’t have that luxury, so I cried.
“Where are
they?” I whispered, wiping at my tears.
Astrid’s grin was wide and she barked out a laugh. “You love those obnoxious fashion disasters too. They really get under your skin like a disease. But once they invade, you can’t shake them. Trust me. It’s all kinds of awful, but it happens to the best of us.”
She was correct. I had the Martha and Jane fungus and I was perfectly okay with it.
“They’re with the D’s and the handlers making sure everyone has temporary quarters,” Ethan said, running his hands through his hair. “Some will stay and some will go to Japan.”
“And Sunny?” I asked.
Tiara shook her head. “We tried to save her, but she was too far gone.”
I was quiet for a moment as I took that in. I didn’t like Sunny at all, but I felt saddened by the news of her death. This hadn’t been her fight and she was a sad casualty.
“All the D’s and the handlers?”
“All fine,” Claudia confirmed. “A little worse for the wear, but alive.”
“And booby,” Pam added for good measure. “Never seen so many bare hooters since I took part in the Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco back in the 70’s.”
That gave everyone a moment of pause, but the King grinned widely next to his nut bag mate and kissed her cheek.
“Pam supports everything and everyone,” he said with pride. “We’re marching for undead women’s rights next week.”
“Where?” Tiara asked, clearly interested.
“In Hell,” he replied. “Satan has offered up the venue.”
“Well, that’s the fucking weirdest thing I’ve ever heard,” Tiara said, bemused. “You want some company? Claudia and I have wanted to see Hell for a while now.”
“You sure you’re ready to meet Uncle Fucker?” Astrid inquired with a raised brow.
“Yep, and I was hoping to get to see my buddy Vlad. I’ve got a little something I want to carve into his back.”
As wonderful as it was to be alive with Gareth by my side and my friends surrounding me, I really wanted them to leave. I was seconds away from tearing Gareth’s clothes from his beautiful body and have my nasty way with him. I didn’t want it to be a performance, but I was very close to not caring.
“Umm… guys,” I said, doing my damnedest not to writhe around on the couch. Glancing around, I realized I was in my own suite at the Cressida House.
Perfect, except it was still far too crowded.
“OUT,” Gareth commanded, bodily removing everyone from the room. “Venus needs…”
“Sex?” Astrid squealed as she sprinted away from a near manic Gareth. “You guys are gonna be busy for a few hours—or days. Mating sex rocks. Welcome to the family, Venus. They’re a bunch of pushy alpha-holes, but great in the sack.”
“GET OUT,” Gareth bellowed as he began ripping at his clothes uncaring that the last of the crew was still exiting. “Close the door behind you. NOW.”
“Well, that was kind of rude,” I said with a giggle when we were finally alone.
He turned and gave me a smoldering look that rocked my world and made my girly parts tingle with anticipation. Backing himself up to the far wall across the room, he held onto his composure by a thread.
“Are you okay? Do you want this?” he asked.
I knew it took everything he had to hold himself back. It was against every instinct we had and we were ruled by our instincts. My insides danced and my need for him was painful.
“More than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life,” I promised, as I kicked off the blanket and pulled my shirt over my head.
I wasn’t sure who dressed me, but they did a good job. My clothing was loose and came off easily.
“I love you to the point of unhealthy,” I said, kicking my pants off.
“I’d have to agree with you there. You following me in death wasn’t your best move,” he stated as he tore off the rest of his clothing.
“Like you wouldn’t have done the same?” I said as I stood and began to stalk him.
“True, but I’m insane. You’re perfect.”
“How about we’re both perfectly insane and made for each other?” I suggested as I eyed my love in all of his flawless naked glory.
“I’ll go with that.”
He took me in his arms and kissed me senseless. I knew I’d always wanted this man, but that was nothing compared to the raw desperate desire I felt now.
“I’m so in love with you,” he muttered against my lips. “I’ll love you for eternity.”
“Back at you,” I swore as I ran my hands greedily over his body. “Need you now. Please.”
“You sure you’re ready for this? No going back now,” he teased with a sexy lopsided smile that sent my insides into liquid meltdown.
“You better stop talking and get to work or I’m gonna find someone who can satisfy my needs,” I shot back with a giggle and wrapped my legs around his strong body.
“No need. I’m the Vampyre for the job. You’re stuck with me.”
He flew—literally—into my bedroom and we dropped onto the bed in a tangle of kisses and touches.
“You’re my everything,” I whispered. “My savior, my love and my life.”
Gareth closed his eyes and smiled. “You are my happiness.”
“Your happiness wants you to make love to her until she can’t walk.”
His laugh filled the room and I knew I’d be at home with this man wherever life took us.
“Your wish is my command. Always.”
And it was.
And he did.
And I couldn’t walk for three days.
It. Was. Awesome.
Epilogue
The Grand Ballroom of the Cressida House looked like a strip club right down to the massive mirror balls that spun from the vaulted ceiling and dotted the enormous room in glittering spots of bouncing light. There were stripper poles strategically placed around the room and the Baby Demons were handing out dollar bills to enhance the festivities. I truly couldn’t believe this was actually happening.
I was certain Gareth would want my ass in a sling, but nope. He was all for it.
Or so he said. Payback was a bitch and I was positive I would pay for this. Big time.
“There you are,” Tiara shouted as she and Claudia trapped me in a bear hug that might have crushed a rib or two.
I still had Tiara’s blood in my veins and I’d been extra careful while training the D’s and the handlers. My strength was staggering, but with focus, I could control it. The last thing I wanted to do was kill one of my new friends.
Yes. Friends. The conversations were vapid and occasionally bored me to tears, but the D’s and their posses were all actually nice women—most with very sad and tragic backstories. They’d been lost souls wandering around for far too long. The fact that they hadn’t gone rogue with no protection spoke to their characters. The conversation Ethan’d had with Sheena, who was supposedly in charge of the area that the gals were in was ugly, violent, and very satisfying. Sheena was on probation and Vampyre probation was not even remotely pleasant.
Most of the gals would be coming to Japan with Gareth and me, but a few had elected to stay here in Kentucky.
Ethan had given his blessing on my mating to Gareth. It was odd getting a blessing from the brother of my mate, but Ethan was as close to a father figure as I’d ever had. It made me cry to think of leaving the Cressida House, but my place was with the sexy insane man that called me his happiness. I’d follow Gareth to Hell and back if he wanted me to. I knew he’d do the same if our roles were reversed.
“My sister is fucking fabulous,” Tiara said, referring to Astrid with so much pride I giggled. “And The Kev and Gemma are talking to me about taking a little trip to Zanthia with them.”
“Will you go?” I asked, knowing how she felt about the Fairies—or rather how they felt about her. “I don’t think Demons can survive there.”
“I’m a mutt, I can survive anywhere.”
“Like a
cockroach?” I asked with a grin.
“Exactly, but a really good looking one with a fabulous rack and incredible hair. Anyhoo, if I go, it will only be for a nice short, somewhat violent visit with my mom. It’ll send her uppity ass into a shitfit. Lookin’ forward to it,” she said with a wicked grin. “Plus I could be some good muscle to protect Gemma when she takes the throne.”
“Gemma should be so lucky,” I said picturing the three of them knocking Zanthia on its butt.
“Right?” Tiara demanded with a high-pitched giggle that made me wince—but only a little.
Getting used to Tiara’s voice was a tremendous challenge, but I was always up for a challenge. I adored the freak just as everyone at the Cressida House did—especially Astrid. They’d been inseparable for the last week. Samuel hung on Tiara like she was monkey bars at the best park in the world.
“Are you feeling well now?” Claudia asked. Her kindness constantly reminded me of what I’d almost done to her. It was a lesson I’d take with me always.
“I am,” I replied. “I’ve never been better. Um, but… Claudia, I’d like to…” I started, but she put her finger gently to my lips.
“Come with me, I will answer all your questions in private,” she said, smiling.
“Go on with your bad selves,” Tiara said, giving Claudia a quick and sweet peck on the lips. “I do believe I’ve spotted my illustrious Uncle Fucker. I’m gonna go up and introduce myself.”
“Good luck with that. He’s a crafty bastard,” I said.
“No worries, so am I.”
And on that note she was off. Walking with Claudia to the far side of the ballroom, I marveled at the fact that we were in each other’s lives in a way that I never could have foreseen. It was a blessing and I would keep tabs on her for the rest of my days. I’d already started teaching her how to invest and we were going to continue online. God bless modern technology.
It was quieter on this side of the room, but suddenly I was tongue-tied and unsure.
“I’m all yours,” she said kindly.
“Can I ask you a question?”
Fashionably Fanged Page 22
