Finding Me (Another Falls Creek Romance Book 2)

by SF Benson

  “Calm down,” I tell him. “It’s the fellas. We used to hang out together.” I holler out, “Come in, guys.”

  The door creaks open, and the Mazrels and Rocco file in. Reality hits me. This will be the last time we see each other. Well, it would happen eventually. Any self-respecting incubus leaves home and puts down roots somewhere else.

  Alec and Dante with their bleach-blond wavy hair look like a couple of bookends with Rocco in the middle. Dante cut his hair. How the hell will anyone tell the difference between them? Rocco runs a hand through his thick, dark hair and sits on the sofa. His gaze goes to Ezekiel.

  “Alec, Dante, and Rocco, meet Zeke. He’s a friend from New York.”

  “Yeah, right,” Alec says, sitting beside Rocco. “When did you start hanging out with fucking angels?”

  Moaning, my eyes go to the ceiling. “He’s a friend. Get over it.”

  “Listen,” Rocco intervenes. “We didn’t come to fight. Audra Nevers called me, and then I called the guys. What’s this about you being in New York?”

  “Last time we saw you was two months ago in Hell,” Dante chimes in.

  Ezekiel stands up and grabs a duffel along with a couple of suitcases. “Why don’t I take these to the truck? Give you a little space?”

  “Thanks.” I wait for him to walk out. “I’m moving to New York.”

  “Why?” The fellas ask in unison.

  “Thanks to my father’s torment, I can’t live here anymore.”

  “Move out, but don’t leave town. Shit, you can move in with one of us,” Rocco offers.

  Perching on the edge of the bed, I say, “It’s not that simple. I met someone in the city. I’m hoping to patch things up with him. Build a life with him.”

  Alec grins. “We can always come visit you.”

  “No. I made a deal with my grandfather.” Part of me wishes I could have kept the fellas out of the deal. We’ve been friends forever. “When I leave here, none of you will know me. It’ll be like I never existed.”

  Rocco is the first to complain. “Why the fuck did you do that? Are you mad at us?”

  My heart hurts. I didn’t think saying goodbye to them would be so hard. “No. When I made the deal, I was only thinking of ending my suffering. I didn’t think about you guys. I’m sorry.”

  “We’ve only had your back all your life, Colt. And this is how you treat us?” Dante stands. “Come on, guys. Maybe hanging out with angels has clouded his thinking.”

  Scrubbing a hand across my face, I plead, “Don’t be that way. I’ll fix it. Just give me time.”

  Alec says, “Bye, Colt.”

  “Yeah, see ya. Oh, wait. We won’t,” Rocco says.

  The fellas push past Ezekiel as he returns. “Everything okay?”

  “No. My wish has consequences. Those guys were my family, and I ditched them.” Dropping my head, I say, “I didn’t intend to hurt them.”

  The mattress dips beside me. “Maybe it’s for the best. You’ll put this life firmly behind you.”

  “Maybe.” Glancing up, I notice the remaining bags. “Let’s get this shit out of here. I have one more stop to make.”

  Ezekiel navigates his truck through town and then toward Falls Creek Hills. The address we seek is at the boundary between the town proper and the neighborhood of lavish estates. Ezekiel turns onto a quiet street with scattered houses. In a matter of minutes, he stops across the street from a red-brick Queen-Anne-styled house with a black Charger parked out front.

  “Maybe you should stay here,” I suggest.

  “Whose house is this?” Ezekiel asks.

  “It belongs to a vampire—the boyfriend of a girl I was supposed to marry.”

  The angel’s head jerks back. “You were engaged to a female?”

  “It’s complicated. She was a succubus needing a consort match. I volunteered, but she fell in love with the vampire.”

  “Oh, hell.” Ezekiel laughs. “No way am I staying here. I’ve got to see this.”

  The door swings open, and the beautiful Kelsie Martin, soon to be Duquette, stands on the other side. She’s lovelier than I remember with her glossy dark hair and smoky-gray eyes.

  “Colt?” She turns around. “Victor, you won’t believe who’s here.”

  Stepping to the side, she allows us to enter, and I make the introductions. “Kelsie, this is my friend Zeke. Zeke, this is Kelsie.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Zeke.” She takes a long look at Ezekiel before her mouth falls open. “Come in and have a seat.”

  A tall guy with black hair wearing all black enters the room. His angry, aquamarine eyes glare at me. Victor Duquette—a vamp I should hate, but somehow, I don’t.

  “What are you doing here, Colt?” he snarls.

  Kelsie slaps his arm. “That’s no way to treat company.”

  Victor sits beside her and draws her into his side. “Fine. Please, tell us why you’re here.”

  “I came to say goodbye. I’m leaving town for good,” I explain.

  “Have a good trip,” Victor says, grinning. “We wish you the best.”

  Ezekiel looks over at me from the fireplace. “These two don’t count as friends, right?”

  Ignoring the angel, I say, “I don’t want to leave without clearing the air and apologizing. I shouldn’t have gone to my father and demanded he interfere with your relationship.”

  “What’s this?” Ezekiel asks, rubbing his hands together.

  Victor is only too happy to share. He strokes Kelsie’s hand with his thumb. “When Kelsie chose me, this incubus went to his father demanding I should be banished from town. Fortunately, Council compromised. They approved our relationship, but we have to remain outside of Falls Creek proper.”

  “This is the second time I’ve heard of this council.” Ezekiel strokes his chin. “Why do you need their approval?”

  Kelsie jumps in. “You’re an angel, so you should understand hierarchy. Council governs the supernaturals in Falls Creek. It’s common for cities and towns with a large supernatural presence to have councils. Each one sets their own rules. In our town, Council dictates that species can’t mix.”

  Ezekiel’s mouth hangs open briefly. “Now, that’s some fucked-up shit, but it explains a lot.”

  I’m grateful he didn’t mention my agreement with Grandfather. Nobody wants fed-up supernaturals changing their status and becoming human. It would be chaos if too many of us surrendered and joined mankind.

  “If I could change it, I would,” I say. “Maybe after I leave, Council will forget about the compromise, and you can live where you want.” Standing, I motion to Ezekiel. “I wanted you to know how I felt.”

  Kelsie smiles. “Thanks. We appreciate it.”

  Back in the truck, Ezekiel faces me. “I admit. Your life is more complicated than I would’ve ever imagined.”

  “Was complicated. The life I want with Jeremiah is simpler.”

  Ezekiel cranks up the engine. “You done here?”

  Looking at Victor’s house, I realize I’m no longer mad at either him or Kelsie. “Yes. I’m done. Let’s go home.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Colt

  Returning to the bar makes my palms sweat. Will I see Jeremiah? If I do, will it be a good thing? As Ezekiel’s truck gets closer to the building on Second Avenue, my heart sinks further down. Everything I’ve done, and everything I’ve said gained my freedom. Freedom to choose the life I want for myself. But none of that matters without Jeremiah. Maybe I should have stayed in Falls Creek?

  “Nonsense,” Ezekiel says, reading my thoughts. “You needed to find yourself, my friend. You’ve done that. I think you’ll be pleased.”

  “I disagree…” My words trail off when I look outside the vehicle. “Am I imagining this?”

  “I don’t think so.” A grin crosses Ezekiel’s face. He shuts off the motor. “I’ll wait until you’re done.”

  I look back with my hand on the door.

  “In case Jeremiah needs my help.
”

  Fear swells up inside me, threatening to swallow me stomach first. What if he only came to say a final goodbye? Summoning courage, I exit the truck and stand at the edge of the curb unable to go forward.

  “Colton, we need to talk.” Jeremiah holds his hand out.

  He called you Colton again.

  My heart pounds a frenetic beat. Part of me wants to jump up and down like a kid at Christmas. It’s too much to hope that this might be the start of a new beginning for us. Love is about taking chances. Allowing someone into your heart, not knowing for how long they’ll stay there. Risking it all, I creep toward the only male I’ve ever loved.

  Tucking my hands into my pockets because I don’t trust they won’t act on their own, I say, “Hi.”

  “Can we talk?” he asks sheepishly.

  “Isn’t that what we’re doing?”

  “Not here. In private.”

  A car door closes behind me. Footsteps thud against the concrete. The jingle of keys passes my ears. Jeremiah catches them in mid-air.

  “Brother, take the truck. Go handle your business. I’ll be inside.” Ezekiel taps Jeremiah’s shoulder before going into the bar.

  “Let’s go,” Jeremiah says and heads to the vehicle.

  Might as well get this over and done.

  We ride along in silence. Jeremiah, his eyes fixed on the road, seems to have a destination in mind. After a few miles, he pulls up to a curb. To my left, beyond a wrought-iron fence, is a park. Jeremiah kills the motor.

  “Why did you bring me here?” I ask.

  “Because we need to talk uninterrupted.” He taps the steering wheel. “First, I want to apologize for my shitty behavior.”

  “No need. I understand.”

  Jeremiah shifts in the seat. “I didn’t ask for your understanding. I’m looking for forgiveness. My life has been hell—no pun intended—since you left. No sleep. No food unless Zeke reminds me to eat.”

  “I’m sorry to have caused you such pain,” I say sincerely.

  “Damn it, man!” Jeremiah leans over the console, grasps my face, and kisses me. Long and deep.

  Minutes later, he comes up for air and rests his forehead on mine. “I. Miss. You.”

  I’m almost afraid to breathe. “What are you saying?”

  “Forgive me. Give me another chance. I know I don’t deserve you, but I—”

  Without hesitation, I say, “I forgive you. You can have a second, a third, however many chances you need. Take me home, and I’ll show you what you deserve.” My arms are still wrapped around Jeremiah’s neck.

  “Okay.” He smiles against my lips. “Let’s get out.”

  My eyebrows scrunch up as I sit back. “I think this is a considerable walk to the bar.”

  Jeremiah grins. “While you were gone, I made a few decisions. One of them was to move out of my brother’s apartment. I’m looking at a place. Hoped you might want to see it before I signed the paperwork.”

  “Of course. It’s in this neighborhood? You realize I won’t be able to easily walk over?”

  “I think you might. Come on.”

  Jeremiah leads me up the street and around the corner. On the other side of the street stands a hospital, a row of brownstones, and an apartment building. We walk up the stairs of one brownstone.

  “Won’t this be noisy with the hospital next door?” I ask as Jeremiah fumbles with the lock.

  “Wait until you get inside.”

  We step into a huge living room with a polished wood floor and a fireplace on one wall. A floor-to-ceiling window anchors the room. An alcove hides a hallway leading into a large kitchen. The stainless-steel appliances appear to be new. An island with a marble top is in the middle of the floor. Double doors open onto a beautiful garden.

  “I’ll love cooking in this kitchen. You can sit at the island and watch me.” Excitement colors Jeremiah’s voice. “I know it’s more room than we’ll ever use. Maybe we can rent out a bedroom or two. But it’s the downstairs that sold me—a perfect spot to build a studio.”

  Shaking my head, I’m trying to comprehend what Jeremiah is saying. “You’re buying this place?”

  “Not exactly.” He goes over to the patio door and opens it. “Come on in.”

  My mouth drops when Grandfather enters the room. He’s dressed in his usual black suit and black shirt with a bright-red tie. Despite the chill in the air, Grandfather doesn’t need a coat. He has a tendency to radiate heat.

  “Colton, good to see you.” Grandfather pulls a stool out at the island.

  “Grandfather, what are you doing here?”

  He exchanges a glance with Jeremiah. “I wanted to meet the man who stole your heart.”

  “How did you know where to find me?”

  “The guardian I sent with you kept me apprised. He also let me know about Jeremiah. I must say you do have a fondness for controversy.”

  “Grandfather—”

  He holds up his hand. “I’m not judging. I told you to discover what makes you happy. Does he? Does this fallen Celestial make you happy?”

  Without hesitation, I say, “Yes. I love him.”

  The expression crossing Grandfather’s face must be the same one that Christmas character experienced when his heart grew. Too bad a camera can’t capture Grandfather’s image. No one would believe me if I told them I witnessed a demon smile.

  “Well, it’s not for me,” he confesses. “But you’re my grandson, and I want to see you settled properly. I understand you write music now. Is this what you want in life?”

  “Yes. I think it’s what I was meant to do,” I say proudly. “You know playing instruments always came easily to me.”

  Grandfather inclines his head. “I suspect that comes from your grandmother. She was a virtuoso. The only one in the family, I assumed. Khan hated the fact you enjoyed music, but none of that is important. You satisfied my conditions, and I’m a demon of his word.”

  Glancing over at Jeremiah, I see the mischievous grin on his face. What is he up to?

  “I do have one issue,” Grandfather announces.

  Butterflies take off in my stomach. “Oh?”

  “I’m not delighted with your address. It’s my understanding that this fallen Celestial isn’t too happy with it either.” Grandfather regards Jeremiah who promptly looks away.

  “It’s not so bad, Grandfather. It’s close to work and—”

  “Enough.” He taps his hand on the island. “This place suits you better. I’ve made the arrangements, and it belongs to both of you. Do with it as you please. I will not have my grandson living in squalor. There’s a parking garage nearby with a car for you. If you must be a human, you will live in the proper manner.”

  “Grandfather.”

  “Just say thank you,” he urges.

  Words aren’t enough to express my appreciation, but I think he knows. “Thank you, Grandfather.”

  He stands and adjusts his suit jacket. “One more thing before I go. You know how I love a little chaos?”

  A little?

  He lifts a dark eyebrow. “Because it will torment your father, not only am I allowing you to remain human, but I’m also granting you immortality. You and your…” Grandfather pauses as if he’s looking for the right word. “Friend… Both of you will be immortals.”

  Jeremiah’s mouth opens, but I give him a slight shake of my head. Disagreeing with a demon who gifted you immortality is not a smart move.

  “Jeremiah and I thank you.” I shake the King of Hell’s hand. “Don’t be a stranger, Grandfather.”

  A genuine laugh comes from the old being. “That would make for interesting family dinners. I wish I could give you the same instruction. I hope to never see either of you in Hell.”

  And with that, my grandfather exits through the patio doors.

  Jeremiah sits in the spot Grandfather vacated. “Are you mad at me?”

  “No. This was a great surprise. I’m a little shocked you agreed to it.”

  Jeremiah’s
gaze drifts up to my face. “I’d do anything for you, Colton. After your speech up on the roof, I realized I needed you in my life. And I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Your grandfather came to me. Scared the shit out of me, actually. First thing he did was get rid of the remnants your father left in my head. That action alone had me willing to listen to him. Ashmedai shared his concern for you.”