Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe)

by Fiona Roarke

  She draped a cape around him and swiveled him toward the mirror. Nearly an inch of dark roots contrasted with his dyed blond hair. “Just a trim?”

  He brushed an invisible spot off the cape. “Have other people worn this…thing?”

  No, she wouldn’t give in to temptation and say something snarky. “Yes, sir. They’re reusable.”

  “None of the VODs share any part of our costume.”

  The nylon cape was hardly the same thing as the pricey cloaks the town’s Vampires on Duty wore.

  “Do you have a new one?” he asked.

  Drawing a breath for patience, she nodded. “Of course.”

  “Which reminds me. My shift starts soon, so I hope you can do this quickly.”

  “The sooner I get started…” Fixing a smile on her face, she searched through her cabinet until she located a new cape. She made a show of removing it from the plastic sleeve then draped it around Lawton.

  For Dad, she told herself. She loved her father dearly, and she desperately wanted to see him succeed. Lawton apparently held the key to her dad’s future, so she’d swallow her pride and do her daughterly duty.

  Chapter Two

  Dustin Ruiz locked the last bay door then shut off the lights and headed inside the retail area of his auto repair shop. He frowned at the Christmas tree, which his employees had set up right in front of a display of his best-selling light truck and SUV tires. Not that he had anything against the holiday, but he had a business to run.

  Jeez, his inner voice was starting to remind him of Scrooge. In truth, he just wasn’t feeling in much of a merry mood lately. Since his family was up north—not that he had any desire to see them—and he didn’t have a woman in his life anymore, he’d most likely spend Christmas alone. Well, not completely alone. At least he had Spot.

  When he’d started dating Amethyst last month, their chemistry had been off-the-charts hot right from the get-go. He’d been sure that by now they would’ve been making plans for the holidays. Instead, she’d broken things off with him after less than a month, insisting that she didn’t feel the same about him as he did about her. But he knew mutual attraction when he saw it. What he didn’t get was why she’d suddenly pulled back when it was clear that she hadn’t wanted to. Women had always baffled him, starting with his own mother.

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose, and forced his thoughts back to the present. The tree did look good there, so maybe it was the display rack that needed to move. With a glance out the windows to make sure no one was around, he slid the tree aside then picked up the tire display and relocated it to the opposite corner of the room. Sometimes his superhuman abilities came in handy, although he had no desire to demonstrate them in front of tourists. Not that he showed off his strength or speed to locals, either. Some of them knew, which was no big deal in Nocturne Falls where so much of the population was…unusual. It was what had brought him to the town several years ago—a place where he didn’t have to be afraid that if anyone found out about his powers, they’d make him their personal science project.

  Another glance at the tree reminded him of the fact that when he was a kid, his folks had rarely put up any decorations at the holidays.

  His father’s voice played in his head.

  “We don’t have time to waste on silly nostalgic traditions like Christmas trees,” his dad said. “We’re doing important research here. Our results could open all sorts of scientific possibilities.”

  Dustin had pleaded. “Just this once? We didn’t put one up last year, either. All the other kids get to celebrate holidays with their families. Why can’t we?”

  His mother had grabbed his arm and yanked him to her. “People who are…unusual often have to make sacrifices. You’re different—better—than all of your friends.”

  Only he hadn’t wanted to be better. He’d only hoped to not be so lonely. He shuddered at the memories.

  With a final glance around the retail area to make sure everything was tidy, he closed himself in the small office to tally the week’s receipts. The numbers were good—better than good. Business had been fairly steady all year. He’d be able to give every one of his employees a sizable holiday bonus. They deserved it.

  The familiar tinkling of the bell on Spot’s collar pulled his attention to the pet bed in the corner. The Tuxedo cat yawned and stretched on her way over to him then leaped onto the desk and parked her furry black butt on a stack of mail.

  “I haven’t even opened any of that,” he told the feline as if she’d understand. “There might be something important in the pile.”

  Spot curled up right where she was, her white front paw landing on the Christmas card he’d bought to send his parents. His gut automatically clenched. All he’d ever wanted was a normal life. But with his mom and dad both being research scientists who’d studied him as if he were a lab rat, rather than loved him like a son, his childhood had been far from normal.

  They’d told him that he’d accidentally been exposed to the fumes from several chemicals they’d been testing, and that was what they suspected had changed his DNA, and given him the extraordinary abilities he now possessed. Yet how could he be sure they’d told him the truth? Especially after they’d published some of their research, and had parlayed the fame from the paper into lucrative fellowships at a major university in the northeast.

  He extricated the card from under Spot’s paw, and relocated it to the other side of the desk. “Let’s go home, girl.” The moment he got up, the cat hopped down and followed him out of the office. He was about to leave when his cell beeped with an alert from the auto club. He could pass the call on to another garage, but if there was a stranded motorist close by, he’d just as soon take out the wrecker and help. Wasn’t as if he had any evening plans.

  Checking the message, he noted that the call was just down the road, in the parking lot of the Shop-n-Save, a purple Mini Cooper that wouldn’t start. He’d only seen one car matching that description in town—or ever.

  Amethyst.

  His pulse kicked up a notch. He quickly donned his coveralls then returned to the service area and lifted Spot into the cab of the wrecker. She waited for him to slip on his jacket and climb in before meowing at him and pawing at the glovebox.

  “Okay, okay.” He opened it and took out the foil pouch he kept inside. “Dr. Shlick is gonna lecture me about your weight at your next vet appointment.”

  Unfazed, the kitty licked her lips as he pulled out several cat treats and set them on the seat. Spot gobbled them up as if Dustin hadn’t fed her less than two hours earlier.

  Shaking his head, he checked the mirrors—not only to be sure they were positioned correctly, but also to make sure he looked okay. He combed his hair, popped a mint into his mouth, and for good measure, used the cologne he kept in the cab. Couldn’t hurt.

  A few flurries stuck to his windshield as he drove. He pressed harder on the accelerator knowing that Amethyst was extra vulnerable to the snow and cold in her convertible.

  When he found the car, Amethyst was leaning against it wearing a dark dress with no coat. There was no mistaking her unique style, from her high-heeled ankle boots to the half dozen bangle bracelets on each wrist. Nearly every one of her fingers glittered with a ring or two. Under the streetlamp he could see that her lips were trembling from the cold. His chest squeezed. Grabbing the small woolen blanket he kept behind his seat for just such occasions, he headed over to her.

  Her eyebrows shot higher when she realized it was him. “Sorry, Dustin. I’m sure you hate coming out in weather like this, and so late in the evening.”

  God, she was even prettier than the last time he’d seen her. She appeared so vulnerable standing there in the parking lot of the closed supermarket, with a dusting of snow in her hair and on her eyelashes. Half an hour earlier there might have still been some Friday-night trick-or-treaters on the street, but by now they were gone.

  Waving off Amethyst’s apology, he closed the distance between them and wrapped t
he blanket around her shoulders. Had her shiver been a product of the cold, or did she still want him as much as he did her? “Don’t be silly. If I didn’t do this for someone I care about, who then?”

  Her cheeks—already pink from the low temperature—deepened to crimson. She swallowed, but too quickly, backed away. “Well I…I appreciate it. I stopped at the store to pick up something for dinner. I was only inside less than ten minutes. When I came out my car wouldn’t start up.”

  “Why don’t you wait inside the truck with Spot? I’ve got the heat cranking.”

  A big smile lit up her face. “The cat’s with you?” Her blue eyes sparkled when she turned her gaze toward the wrecker.

  “Always.” Just being near her heated his blood. He took her hand and started toward his truck with her, inwardly smiling at the familiar jingle of her bracelets. “Don’t slip on the pavement. It’s probably icing up already.” As he opened the door for her, he breathed in the scent of her hair—like fresh-cut strawberries.

  She got inside and let out an excited squeal when Spot jumped into her arms.

  The sight of his two favorite females together warmed him from head to toe. A pleasant ache settled low in his belly. He cleared his throat. “I’ll be back.” He headed to her car and tried to start it.

  Click.

  The wrecker was close enough so he could try jumping her battery. The charge held for a few minutes, but when he stepped on the car’s gas pedal, the headlights grew brighter, and got dim when he eased off. He couldn’t let her drive away knowing the car might strand her again.

  He got back inside the truck, rubbing his hands together to warm them up. “Could be the alternator. I’ll tow it wherever you want.”

  Her lips bunched to one side. “Can you do it at your shop?”

  His pulse sped up. Since when did the prospect of fixing an alternator get him excited?

  Since it meant seeing Amethyst again.

  He tried for a nonchalant shrug. “Sure, but since tomorrow’s Saturday, I might not be able to get the part. If it is the alternator, I can have it back to you by Monday afternoon. I’ll hook it up to the computer and run diagnostics to be sure.”

  She snuggled Spot closer and nodded. “Would you mind taking me home after we drop off my car?”

  “Course not.” The more time he spent with her, the better. Not that he held any illusions that she’d changed her mind about the two of them, but maybe he’d at least get some answers about why she’d called it quits with him.

  That little voice inside him nudged him. In truth, he sought more than answers. If he knew what the problem had been, there might be a way to fix it, or possibly refute her reasons.

  After they towed the Mini to the garage, he parked the wrecker then gestured toward his personal pick-up. “My Toyota’s over there.”

  Still wearing the blanket around her, Amethyst carried Spot to the truck. “I really appreciate the lift.”

  The pleasure was all his. Didn’t matter how much he’d tried to make peace with the idea of their relationship ending. Having Amethyst so close reignited his desire, and reminded him just how great they’d been together. He unlocked the pickup and opened the passenger door for her. As she brushed past, their gazes met and held.

  Every nerve and muscle in his body strung tight. Despite the chill in the air, an inferno flared to life inside him. He had to give it his best shot. “Hey, you want to stop and get a bite?”

  Her lips flattened but he could see interest in her eyes. After a long pause, she set Spot on the seat. “Last time I checked, cats weren’t allowed in restaurants.”

  “She’ll be perfectly fine staying here at the shop.” He offered up a silent plea that Amethyst would acquiesce.

  She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and tucked a purple lock behind her ear, revealing long, dangly silver earrings. As if he needed a reminder how sexy she was. Finally, she squared her shoulders and smiled up at him. “Oh, why not? I’m starved.”

  He resisted the urge to do the touchdown dance in the middle of his parking lot. Instead, he lifted Spot off the seat and headed inside with her. In his office, he got the cat situated with a bowl of food. Then he stripped off his coveralls and returned to the truck.

  Amethyst was seated inside the cab. Edged in moonlight, her features were even prettier—from that adorably turned-up nose to her cat-shaped eyes. “You’re sure Spot’ll be okay here?” she asked.

  “Positive. I’ll get her after we eat. Trust me, my office has all the comforts of home, at least for her.” Without waiting for more objections, he circled the vehicle then got behind the wheel. A few minutes later he parked outside the Poisoned Apple.

  Amethyst wolf whistled. “Wow, fancy.”

  He’d chosen the place since it was where he’d taken her on their first date, but she didn’t need to know his reason. “I’m in the mood for their chicken fingers and fries. Do you mind?”

  “It’s fine. One of my favorites, actually.”

  A hostess with pointy ears sat them in a booth.

  Dustin waited for Amethyst to slide across the burgundy leather seat before joining her. This was just what he’d had in mind. The high sides of the booth gave them ample privacy, and the small oil lamp in the middle of the table set a perfect mood for rekindling romance. He just hoped she was open to it.

  A server came over to take their drink order.

  “Moscato?” Dustin asked Amethyst.

  Her eyes lit up with reflected candle light. “You remembered.”

  “How could I forget anything about you?”

  A rosy flush settled on her cheeks.

  “I’ll have a draft beer,” he told the server. After she’d melted into the background, he returned his attention to the beautiful woman across from him. “I like what you’ve done with your hair. It’s a little longer, I think. Gorgeous.”

  She gave him that beautiful smile, complete with dimples. “And yours is shorter. I heard you came into the Hair Scare on my day off and had the new girl cut it for you.”

  He shrugged one shoulder. “I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. Although I’ve got to admit, I like how you cut my hair better.”

  She tilted her head to the side. “I don’t mind doing it. You don’t have to avoid me.”

  The notion of seeing her so soon after she’d broken up with him had been too hard. Of course, he could have traveled a few miles to a nearby town for a different salon or barber shop, but he hadn’t. He’d been hoping that their break up was temporary, so why bother trying a new place?

  The server dropped off their drinks and took their dinner orders, which diffused the slight tension that had set in.

  “You have no idea how glad I was that you got there so fast tonight,” Amethyst said. “The temperature dropped like twenty degrees as soon as the sun set.” She sipped her wine, eying him over the top of the glass. The air between them sizzled with electricity.

  He yearned to take her hand, to taste her lips again. “This sounds terrible, but I’m glad your car broke down. At least that gave me the opportunity to see you again.”

  A deep line crisscrossed her brow. “Nothing’s changed, Dustin. I appreciate you coming to my rescue tonight, but there can’t be anything between us.”

  His mood hit the floor. Why had he entertained the possibility that he could spark her interest again? She’d been clear enough when she’d told him she couldn’t date him anymore. He just had to accept that and move on. Problem was, he hadn’t been able to get her off his mind a month after she’d dumped him, and he had no reason to believe that would change.

  Chapter Three

  An unbearably heavy weight pressed Amethyst’s chest. Dustin was such a sweet guy. Breaking up with him had been so difficult because she’d been crazy about him. Still was. But her mom had gone into one of her states when Ami had resisted her directive to stop seeing him. So she’d given in, as usual.

  Being with him tonight, though, staring into those soulful amber eyes,
she wasn’t sure she could stick to her guns.

  She flashed back to the conversation she’d had with her mother at the salon earlier in the day. Her parents were counting on her to go out with Lawton. If she bucked, not only would her mother make her life a living hell, but her folks would undoubtedly start arguing again. No, she had to do her duty to her family and help secure Lawton’s financial backing.

  The waitress arrived with two platters piled high with French fries and strips of chicken. When the server left, Ami couldn’t escape Dustin’s heated gaze. Heck, she didn’t want to. In the dim light, his aura was easy to read. The green color confirmed that he loved animals and nature, but the gray tinges around the edges showed a guardedness, which was understandable, considering that she’d already hurt him once before. Knowing she’d been the cause of his pain absolutely killed her.

  As she ate, Dustin barely touch his food. His appetite had always been even bigger than hers, which was saying a lot. Yeah, she’d hurt him all over again. She cleared the lump lodged in her throat. “It’s really good. Aren’t you going to eat?” Despite her regrets, she was still hungry. She dipped a chicken finger in honey mustard and took a bite. “The sauce is amazing, even with the potatoes. I’ve been craving it for weeks.”

  His half-hearted smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, I had this last time we were here, on our first date, remember?” The deep timbre of his voice brought her back to that magical night filled with so many firsts.

  They’d held hands, and later shared a spectacular kiss. She’d walked on air for days after, counted the minutes until she’d be with him again. Just being with him now was stirring something up inside her, a longing for him.

  She tamped down her desire. “Sure. How could I forget?” He’d brought her a pink rose when he’d picked her up, and he’d been the perfect gentleman all evening, catering to her every wish. Being with him was so easy—unlike her parents’ relationship, which often reminded her of a boat trip through the Bermuda Triangle. The waters might be choppy or smooth, but at any given moment, you couldn’t be sure if a giant squid would take out the whole vessel without warning.