by Tina Donahue
Gabe wished it were so. “I went there the same afternoon you told me to leave your place and not come back.”
“And you waited until now to come by?” She made a face. “Becca’s known for nearly a week and even she didn’t bother to tell me?”
“You wouldn’t talk to her,” Iona called from the hall.
“Mama, please.”
She stood in the doorway. “If you two want privacy, go outside and leave me to my TV program. It’s a beautiful day. You should get some fresh air.”
Gabe offered his hand to Constance, hoping she’d take it.
She merely stared, sending his hopes plunging. Once he lowered his hand, Constance finally crossed the room. “We can go out to the backyard.”
It was as small as the front and bricked in, with wrought-iron patio furniture and more plants. “Did you grow up here?” he asked, hungry to know everything about her.
She kept frowning at the back window as if her mom was watching. The older woman must have finally moved away, because Constance turned to him. “Yeah, I did grow up here, just Mama and me. Forget what I told you about my parents. It was all lies. I never knew my dad. I’m not even sure who he is, though I’m thinking Morgan Freeman or Colin Powell. My mom came across both of them in the past. Interesting stories. By the way, she’s also a voodoo priestess, a legend in the community. In time, I hope to be too, because it’s my life’s calling, my special talent, what I do for a living and always will no matter what.”
She was trying to run him away or test him. Gabe was too tired and lonely to play games. “She seems like a fine woman. I hope someday she’ll like me.”
“She’s isn’t the same as you, Gabe. Neither am I. As you’ve said repeatedly today, you’re mortal.”
He took her hand and squeezed it. “I don’t care.”
Constance searched his face, a flicker of the old desire softening her features until she shut down her feelings and grew distant again. She eased her hand from his. “Since when? I remember the last time we saw each other. Nearly a week ago. You never bothered to come back or—”
“You told me not to.”
“And you used it as an excuse? You didn’t call either. Did I say anything about you not calling me? You went to the service to find out about my so-called problem, and once you knew everything, you stayed away, but now you’re suddenly here?”
“It wasn’t sudden.” He took her hand again and held it between his. “I never stopped thinking of us. I won’t lie—all of this scares the shit out of me…it’s so foreign to everything I’ve ever known. But I’m willing to give it a try, see where our feelings take us, if you want to.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m falling for you, have been since the beginning, and I hope you’re doing the same with me.”
She studied his face. “You mean it?”
“Would I be here sweating bullets if I didn’t?”
Constance started to smile but killed it. “You do realize everyone at the service is my friend. I love them, and I won’t have anyone saying they’re creatures or monsters or—”
“I haven’t and I won’t. It’s not the kind of man I am. I know what it’s like not to belong. Hopefully, they’ll become my friends too and we can all make life easier on each other.”
“Easier?” She made another face. “The guys are demons and a former satyr who wouldn’t know how to act in polite company if you gave them detailed instructions. Then there’s a nervous fairy, a nympho genie, and a half-ass witch. Believe me, this won’t be easy.”
“Perfectly all right, especially when it comes to the women. They’re always trouble when you get right down to it. But the guys and I will be there to keep you ladies in line.”
Constance frowned in obvious offense and smacked his pec.
Laughing, Gabe pulled her close and hugged her as hard as he dared, giving in to emotion he’d held back too damn long. “God, I’ve missed you, baby.”
As he buried his face in her hair, she sagged against him. “I’m still pissed.” She held him as tightly as he held her. “You really hurt me.”
“I didn’t mean to. I was surprised, confused, totally stupid. I swear, it won’t happen again.”
She snuggled closer. “Tell me how much you missed me. Could you sleep?”
“Fuck no. I’m dead on my feet right now.”
“How about eating, were you able to?”
“I haven’t swallowed anything except coffee, vitamins, fruit drinks, milk, and lots of beer.”
“Lucky you, I haven’t had anything stronger than tea. Have you cried?”
His face went hot with embarrassment. He was about to blow off her question with a smart-ass comment but thought better of it. Loosening his hold, Gabe eased back. “When I thought I’d never see you again because you were finished with me for good, yeah, I did. Only once though—okay, twice. But don’t you dare tell anyone. It’s our secret, and your mom’s, if she’s listening.”
Constance finally smiled. “My lips are sealed.”
“They better not be.” He covered her mouth with his and thrust his tongue inside.
Without pause, Constance welcomed his passion, stoking it with her own. The back door opened and then closed just as quickly. Neither of them bothered looking over at her mother’s quick retreat.
He and Constance kissed as though starved for closeness, which they were. They’d always been outcasts, searching for a place to belong in a hostile, unforgiving world.
As far as Gabe was concerned, neither of them had to look any further. They had each other now. They’d build from there.
Epilogue
Three months later
The early October evening was balmy, dusk not having yet tamed all of today’s heat. It was still beautiful though—romantic too, with the sliver of moon surrounded by countless stars. A good thing for the weres and vamps that were still going through their makeovers. The growing darkness and lack of a full moon had allowed them to participate in this evening’s celebration—Constance’s fifth anniversary with the service.
As guest of honor, she wore a tall tiara, courtesy of MJ, and held a fairy wand, thanks to Heather.
“I got it on eBay,” Heather had whispered to Constance earlier. “Don’t worry about breaking it or anything. It’s not real.”
Constance had fought laughter at Heather’s sweet naiveté, not wanting to offend. She’d rip out her tongue before hurting her or any of the others here. They were simply too precious, especially Gabe.
He’d outdone himself with this surprise bash, even renting one of New Orleans’s many steamboats for a private dinner cruise. Across the water, city lights sparkled like jewels, the bright colors bleeding into the mighty Mississippi. In here, a jazz band played while everyone danced or enjoyed a feast of pork loin, southern fried fish, and rib roast, along with creole spinach, sweet potatoes, and thick slices of freshly baked bread.
Mouthwatering scents filled the air but didn’t impress the vamps that’d yet to suppress their beasts. They wanted something more, and Gabe was providing it.
Constance wasn’t certain how, but he’d managed to smuggle bottles of blood on board, the imported stuff Becca supplied at the service. Many of the vamps had lifted their drinks in acknowledgment for what he’d done, patted his back or shaken his hand in thanks.
Unlike the evening at Rambeaus, when Quentin had unnerved him, Gabe was one of the group now, accepting everyone for who—or what—they were.
They liked him too. And Constance’s feelings had blossomed into such boundless love, she seemed ready to burst at times. Weeks ago, she’d confessed her feelings to Gabe, and he’d done the same, leaving both of them grinning like fools rather than freaking out.
They were building a life together, a home. Something Constance had never believed she’d have.
She t
urned to Gabe. Stefin stepped between their chairs. “Detective Legrand—Gabe,” he said.
Constance tapped Stefin on the back until he edged away and looked at her. “Seriously,” she said to him. “It’s just Gabe.” She must have told him so a thousand times.
Stefin lifted his chin as though she’d insulted his intelligence. “I know, but his full name sounds very impressive. Like a detective who can get things done.” He spoke to Gabe. “The guys and I need your help with a problem we have.”
Constance sensed what it might be.
The guys—Anatol, Daemon, and Taro—were huddled together near the last table, beer bottles in hand. Rather than watch MJ and Heather shaking their booties on the dance floor, they stared at Wynona, the newest member of the enforcement team, who also happened to be a reaper. Tall and slender, except for her impressive rack, she was quite beautiful, her long white hair complementing a snowy complexion and silver eyes.
Despite Wynona’s great looks, no one at the table spoke to her. In fact, they’d all scooted their chairs so far away, emptiness surrounded her.
Constance felt bad for Wynona. Taro, Daemon, and Anatol glared openly at her.
She scowled right back at them.
A defensive response, Constance knew. Wynona was as lonely as she’d once been, feeling as unwanted. The only mortals Wynona ever met were those she was going to haul from this planet into the Great Unknown. Not a good way to meet guys or build a lasting relationship. The clients had little use for her, given they were already on the other side, literally or physically. Besides, they’d come to the service so they could spruce up for mortal babes, not someone like her.
Gabe turned to Stefin. “What’s the problem you guys have?”
“The reaper, what else? She’s a nuisance, but I’ve figured a way to fix it.” He grinned. “While you distract her with your badge and gun, the guys and I will tie her up. The rope on deck will work just fine. Once we chain something heavy to her feet, maybe the anchor, we can throw her overboard and watch her sink to the bottom of the river where she belongs. No one will ever know.”
Uh-huh. “I don’t think so,” Constance said to him and leaned into Gabe. “Better have a talk with them right now before they do something loony. If all else fails, cuff them to the chairs.”
“I’d rather do it to you.”
She squeezed his thigh. “Later, in bed.”
“Sounds good. With them though, a little steel isn’t much of a deterrent against their powers. Why don’t they simply use their supernatural stuff against hers?”
“A reaper’s are stronger. The only way they can do what they want is to outwit her first. Just like you’ll get them to back off by saying your cuffs have magical powers too.”
“Seriously?”
“Hey, they’ve always made me surrender.”
He grinned. “Thanks, but I doubt they’ll be impressed. How about we get Zoe to keep them in line? Her job after all.” He glanced around. “Where is she?”
Constance pointed. Zoe was across the room, wedged between a vamp and a were who were baring their teeth at each other. Their mortal dates looked on, obviously enthralled at the thought of them rumbling. A warlock, who’d just finished his makeover, collected cash from the gathering crowd, no doubt bets on who’d win the fight.
Before anything went down, Zoe dug her spiked heel into the vamp’s foot while ramming her elbow into the were’s gut. As they doubled over in pain, she lectured them, smoke pouring from the ends of her hair.
“Zoe has her hands full right now,” Constance said.
“What about your boss?” Gabe leaned back and glanced at the other end of the table.
Becca and Eric were offering each other bites of food and their tongues, oblivious to everything and everyone except each other.
“Also busy,” Constance said.
Stefin huffed. “You’re not listening to me.”
Constance turned to him. “Sorry. What were you saying?”
“I was speaking to him.” He rested his hand on Gabe’s shoulder and grinned again. “I have an even better plan than the last one that Constance didn’t like.” He gave her a hard stare and turned to Gabe. “I saw a storage area on the way here. After we catch the reaper unaware and tie her up, we can put her in one of those units. As long as we pay the monthly fee, no one will ever find her.”
“Her name is Wynona,” Constance said. “And, no, don’t even think it or anything else when it comes to her.” She whispered to Gabe, “Better go. Please.”
He lifted his face to Stefin. “Don’t move. I’ll be with you in a sec.”
“Why not now?”
“Because of this.” With his hands cradling her face, Gabe kissed Constance indecently deep and long, leaving her breathless. As she sucked in air, he pressed his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Stefin and the others are just jealous of Wynona invading their territory. All of this is talk. Trust me, cops are the same when a woman’s hired. The guys will eventually chill like you said Zoe did once she no longer felt threatened by them.”
“Sweetie, she calmed down after unleashing her powers on Stefin and fucking up the office. Do you really want a battle of the titans here tonight?”
“Guess I better take care of this before your event makes the front page of The Times-Picayune.” He kissed her again and followed Stefin to the others.
They spoke for a few minutes. Daemon mellowed fast, along with the rest. Stefin alone resisted, puffing out his chest, gesturing dramatically. Cool as could be, Gabe leaned close and said something to deflate him.
That’s my guy.
Despite Stefin’s supernatural powers and his sulfur stench, he didn’t intimidate Gabe in the least. Nothing did, except the thought of losing her.
Wasn’t gonna happen, ever.
Flushed with love and confidence, Constance got into the festivities, sipping her wine, chowing down, slow dancing with her man. She shrieked and laughed as he, Daemon, Taro, and Anatol lifted her in a chair above their shoulders and paraded around the room as if she were the newly crowned queen.
Many of the guests got into the act, the guys bowing dutifully to her, the women curtsying, some of them even coming up to kiss her many rings.
There was a sudden yet subtle pop, courtesy of MJ, who conjured up tinsel in everyone’s hands. The band was so busy playing, they didn’t notice the magic. The supernaturals did and tossed the stuff at Constance.
She giggled and shouted. “Enough! I haven’t even gotten a raise yet.”
The crowd quieted, their attention falling on Becca. She’d just finished sucking Eric’s neck, leaving a huge hickey. When she noticed everyone staring at her, she turned fifty shades of red. “What?”
“Constance was asking about her raise,” Zoe said first, arms crossed over her chest. “When does she get it?”
Becca smiled at Constance. “It’ll be in your next paycheck, as you well know.”
A roar of approval filled the room.
Afterward, all hell broke loose in a good way. Mortals and immortals danced, snuggled, kissed, ate, talked, and laughed.
At last, Gabe spirited Constance away to the deck. The cool air felt heavenly against her moist skin. She was about to adjust her listing crown when Gabe stopped her.
“Don’t. You’re perfect as you are.” He cupped her face in his hands and regarded her for a long moment.
She smiled self-consciously. “What?”
“Thank you for opening my eyes.”
“To how perfect I am and always will be?”
Gabe’s shoulders shook with his quiet laughter. “That too, except for your swelled head. But,” he said, interrupting her, “I meant showing me how good these folks are, and how they’ve always walked among people like me.”
“Are you saying you’ve noticed more?”
“Coupl
e on the force, I think.”
“Oh my God.” She grinned, thrilled to hear it. “Now you’ll have someone to talk to there too.”
“If they are what I’m thinking. Right now, I’m leaning toward warlocks. Could be they’re simply pricks of the mortal variety.”
“Whenever you’re sure, invite them into the group. The more the merrier. Hey, maybe one of them will like Wynona.”
“Maybe.” Gabe moved closer, pressed his body against hers, naked desire filling his gorgeous eyes. “Right now, I’d prefer to concentrate on you. No one else.”
As the rest of the crowd partied, Gabe took Constance in his arms, kissing her with all the love she knew he felt, his embrace speaking of tenderness, respect, and a shitload of lust.
The holy trifecta.
Precisely what Constance had always needed and finally had for the rest of their days.
About the Author
Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing and Kensington. Booklist, Publishers Weekly, RT Book Reviews and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic romances (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. The French review site Blue Moon Reviews chose her erotic romance Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category). The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011 and 2012). Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. She was the editor of an award-winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.
Email: [email protected]
Website: tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com
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