A Paranormal Easter: 14 Paranormal & Fantasy Romance Novellas

by Tiffany Carby

  “I’ll pay you back, I promise.”

  “No need. I’ll find some money later. I always do. If you do the right thing, good things happen.” She took his arm and led him toward the creek instead of heading back to the food line.

  “Don’t you want to get some food?”

  “Actually, I’d rather have a private moment with you. You know, to reassure ourselves we are more than just strangers.” She looked up at him with hope. It made his chest tighten.

  Ashlyn walked slowly, holding on to his arm. “Janice is a single mother, and Jess is her only daughter. Janice ran away from her husband in the middle of the night after she found out he was abusing Jessica. Not sexually, as far as I have heard, but physically.”

  “I loathe men like that. Just thinking about it turns me into an animal.” Vichter pulled her into the crook of his arm, aware that the story was a hard one to tell. He was glad it wasn’t Ashlyn’s story.

  “He was an alcoholic. Janice spent years under his abuse but couldn’t take it when he hit Jessica, so she left. But Jessica was only three at the time. And she’s still scared.”

  “I could see that. She’s terrified of anyone not in her circle. It says a lot about you that she’s let you in.” Vichter smiled down at Ashlyn, her blush making her eyes sparkle.

  “I play with Jessica a lot. They live here at the church, hiding from that monster. They don’t have anything to call their own. I wanted them to have that egg. I might’ve given them the money after the ceremony anyway, even if they didn’t have your egg. When I saw them here, it was my first thought, and my gut usually steers me right.” They were back to the place where she’d fallen into the creek. And where they kissed.

  Vichter stared into Ashlyn’s wide eyes, but it was difficult when she was looking back so hard. He wondered what she was searching for, and worse yet, what she might find.

  “And what does your gut say about me?”

  “It’s not my gut that’s talking, Vichter.”

  7

  Ashlyn

  On the way home from the church, Vichter stopped at a little café and bought them lunch to go. Although it was just sandwiches and some fruit, it meant a lot to Ashlyn. She’d been looking forward to sharing another meal with Vichter.

  Lying on the floor near the sofa where Ashlyn was curled up, Vichter was eating some grapes from a pile on his chest. She nibbled on her sandwich, her second one since they’d gotten home. Vichter had provided quite the spread. She was eating everything her stomach could hold … plus a little more. Slowly. She worried after the food was gone, they’d have nothing to talk about.

  Vichter sat up, leaning against the couch. “I was impressed with what you did for me today, and even more for what you did for Jessica and her mom.”

  “They needed it more than me. I told myself that if I found the egg, it was fate, that I was meant to have it. I kind of believe in signs, that the world will give you hints about your life if you listen. If I believe finding the golden egg was a sign, then I also must believe that you losing your egg and Jessica having it is also a sign.”

  “That sounds an awful lot like going through life just waiting for things to happen to you, like you have no control.”

  “No, I make my own choices. Giving them the golden egg was a choice, but it’s one I feel even better about because I truly feel they were meant to have it. Things happen for a reason.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like you coming here.” Ashlyn didn’t say anything further or even look at him, too scared of what he might see. It was a heavy admission, one she’d been holding for a while. Before this was over, Vichter might think she needed mental help, so she might as well start the avalanche of crazy by admitting he was more than just a coincidence to her, more than a passing stranger.

  Ashlyn had come to terms with their situation. She knew Vichter had a life elsewhere. She also knew she was drawn to him in a way she’d never felt before and was half afraid she’d never feel again. He was the first male in her life who seemed attracted to her, if even a little bit, and he treated her like a woman. If all she had were the couple of days he needed her, she would take it and try to make the best of it. Whatever was coming, would come—no matter what.

  Vichter caught her gaze. “I feel that way too. Like I was meant to cross paths with you. But I also admit I have no idea what that means. I still have a duty to perform, and there’s no choice in that. I’d be putting so many people in danger if I walked away from that.”

  “I wouldn’t want that. I don’t think I’d like you as much as I do if you weren’t all duty-driven and noble. I’m not saying we’re soul mates, just that we need to make the most of this time, to get to know each other. So maybe one day … well, maybe one day you’ll want to come back.” She hadn’t meant to get emotional, but a tear leaked out of her burning eyes against her will. She didn’t want to cry, it made her look that much younger, and she really wanted Vichter to think she was stronger than that.

  “You’re a strong woman, Ash.”

  “Are you reading my mind?” She looked at him, stricken. She didn’t think anyone had that power, dragon or not. It made her sick to her stomach to think anyone could do that. She was a very honest person, but she was also private.

  “No!” he said, a look of shock on his face. “I was just thinking that most women your age are out partying, finishing college and starting careers, or looking for husbands. While you’re here, building a home for yourself with no help or support. That you care about other people more than yourself. And that you can admit to me, after two days, that you like me. At least a little.”

  “I do, but I’m not brave about it. I’m scared shitless.”

  “That’s okay. Me too. Finish your food and let’s go for a walk. I’m feeling a little claustrophobic.” He finished his last grape and started gathering the remnants of their meal.

  “Thanks for the food, Vichter. It was amazingly good. I’m so full, I’m not sure I could take a walk. I think I need a nap.” Ashlyn stood and helped him pack away the last two sandwiches, which would make an excellent midnight snack later.

  “We’ll walk slowly. Then we can come back and take a nap.” He raised an eyebrow at her, and she flushed at the innuendo. He grabbed her hand and led her out back. She paused long enough to lock the door, then followed him.

  “I’ve got something to ask you,” Vichter said as they walked along the fence line. The grass was getting high, and Ashlyn, out of habit, ran her hand along the fuzzy tops of the tallest grass. She could tell this was a serious conversation, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for it.

  “Tell me about your life. Why are you here? Why are you alone?” When she didn’t immediately answer, he continued. “When I leave here, I feel like I’m leaving you to nothing. I haven’t seen anything that ties you here, that gives you a reason to stay. And most importantly, a reason for you to be happy here. Tell me what makes you happy, Ash.”

  “First, I don’t think it’s a place that gives anyone their happiness. I like Texas because, as far as I know, I was born here. I’ve always been here, and I don’t know anything else. Everyone has been supportive, and I’ve never been hurt.” Vichter gave her a skeptical look, but she went on. “I know that’s just luck, not being stupid about my own safety, but living alone in the country would be different than living in say, New York City. I wouldn’t survive there, and I know it.”

  “You just stay because you feel safer here than anywhere else? Have you ever just gone somewhere or done something because it’s what you want? Because it makes you happy?”

  “Your questions don’t make sense to me. Because I’ve never really been somewhere else. You’re asking as if you think I’m miserable here. I have no drive to go. I may not have any ties here, but Vichter … I don’t have ties anywhere.” She wanted to give him the answers he was seeking, but she truly didn’t understand. Talking about it was making her sad because what he was really talking about was leaving, and she
wasn’t ready to think about that. Maybe she should. She was going to seriously hurt when he was gone, but she had already resigned herself to her rose-colored glasses earlier. She refused to think about tomorrow until she’d truly lived today.

  “I’m sorry if I frustrated you, but I do care about you. I don’t know what to do about us. Maybe I should just finish my current job and come back. Maybe we can take more time to see where this is going then?”

  “Distance doesn’t make the heart grow fonder. In reality, within a small amount of time, we’ll wonder what the big deal was. When we think of this time, we might wonder ‘what if?’ But we won’t pine and grieve for a love that didn’t really exist. I don’t want you tied to the promise of coming back for me because it’ll take you a long time to go to South America and back. If you decide in that time that I’m just a memory, I want to stay there. As a memory. Not as some obligation that eats at you. I don’t believe in love at first sight. Infatuation, yes. Passion. Attraction. Connection. But love takes work and years of building it up. It sneaks up on you and grows with time.”

  “Ash, you know those eyes you draw that you describe as stained-glass? With an inner light? That’s you. You see things in a light most people don’t. I think you have a stained-glass heart, and it’s what guides you. Those signs that make you take the high road, that’s your heart. It’s beautiful, and it truly shines out in a million colors.

  “I agree with you about love. I’m glad you feel that way because if this were to go anywhere, if we did fall in love, I’d want it to be with someone who didn’t take love for granted. Or give it away too easily. But you must know that every time you speak, every time you smile, when you open that stained-glass heart of yours, I fall harder. And I won’t call it love, but it’s something I know I’ve never felt before. And I can’t just be with you, not the way we both want, then travel on as if it didn’t mean anything. Because it will. It will mean something.”

  Ashlyn didn’t know what to say to that. What she did know was she was not going to let this beautiful man, this dragon, come into her life and walk out without making the most of it. She wanted him to be her first, and while she wouldn’t tell him that, she knew she would do everything in her power to make sure she had a real memory when he left.

  She wanted him to leave her different. Changed. Taken.

  “Do you have a boyfriend? A husband?” Fear flitted through his features.

  “As a matter of fact, I do. I keep him locked in the storage room with the extra blankets and my pet raccoon,” she teased

  Vichter laughed. Pretty soon, he was on the ground, tears of laughter streaming from his eyes. The mirth, after all the serious talk, was contagious, and she was soon next to him, laughing so hard she could hardly breathe.

  Consequences sucked. She wished she could live her life without caring about anyone or anything, but she couldn’t. If she were fated to have her heart broken, then by God, she was determined it would be Vichter to shatter her.

  8

  Ashlyn

  Ashlyn climbed onto Vichter’s lap, ending his laughter immediately. He adjusted himself, making it easier for her to straddle him, and it made her smile to know that she had that effect on him.

  The tall grass almost completely hid them. She sat for a moment, looking at him, trying to hide her nervousness. She wanted him to think she was completely confident, though she was terrified inside.

  Reaching between them, Ashlyn purposefully brushed the backs of her hands on his erection as she grabbed the hem of her shirt. She was rewarded with a gasp from Vichter, his eyes large and heated. She’d give him a show. Lifting the shirt slowly, she arched her body as she pulled it over her head.

  Throwing the shirt to the side, Ashlyn grabbed Vichter’s face with both hands. His stubble was dark and rough, but the skin beneath was soft and hot. She ran her hands up and into his hair, then kissed him, instantly opening the kiss and making it deep. He placed his hands on her back, running up and down, creating goose bumps all over. She squirmed, pressing her breasts against his chest. Even through her bra and his shirt, she could feel the heat of him—so hot, like a fever.

  Vichter broke away with a laugh, pulled her bubblegum from his mouth, and threw it out into the field. He pulled her back to him, and she reveled in her ability to make him laugh, even at a moment like this. She giggled softly in his ear, making him squirm. He wasn’t pushing her away, and that was a good sign. Though, if he tried, she wouldn’t let him. Not this time.

  He was so beautiful, even more so when disheveled from her kiss and looking at her like she was the sun in the sky. His icy eyes followed her every movement, hooded with desire. Desire for her. It fed her own, making her burn. She lifted his shirt to cover his face, and then she pushed him backward until he was lying prone beneath her.

  “Hey! I can’t see!” Vichter grabbed his shirt and struggled to pull it off. Every movement sent his erection pressing up into her, and it both thrilled and scared her a little. This was really happening.

  While he struggled, Ashlyn quickly removed her bra and unsnapped her jeans. She wanted to rush through the awkward undressing parts and go slow on the kissing and touching parts she’d recently discovered she liked so much better. Finally, he had his shirt off, and he froze with it in his hand. She blushed, unable to appear confident with him staring at her so intently, his eyes darting from her face to feast on her breasts, then back up. He stared at her, speechless.

  After a moment, he blurted, “You are fucking gorgeous. I mean … truly beautiful.”

  Vichter reached up and ran the backs of his fingers from her collar bone, down the slope of her breasts, over the nipples, and down the bottom curves, then slowly down her stomach, which twitched at his touch. “You’re ticklish?”

  “In places, I guess.” Ashlyn couldn’t exactly tell him she hadn’t ever really been tickled by anyone. It was just too much to explain, and she refused to break the magic spell they seemed to be under.

  She leaned forward, unable to wait for another kiss, and that’s when she noticed something had changed in Vichter. There was a dark light in his eyes, as if he had reached his limit of control and it just broke. She gasped, and he took the opportunity of surprise to pick her up and roll her underneath him.

  * * *

  Vichter

  Vichter looked down at Ash, her pretty lips making a tiny O of surprise, and he had to tell himself to slow down. But when she bit her bottom lip, eyes glowing with her own need, he lost it. He gave into his need and put his mouth over her breast and sucked, the nipple hitting the top of his mouth. She made a mewling sound and wove her fingers through his hair, holding his head even closer. He licked and sucked, the pink bud growing tighter and tighter. He released it, licking a circle around the areola and then blowing on it. She gasped, a pretty sound of pleasure. He wanted to hear more.

  He kissed her, taking those rosy lips into his mouth, sucking and licking them like they were covered in honey. Their tongues clashed, wrapping around and pulling on each other. He loved the taste of her bubblegum mouth, and she kissed like she lived—with everything she had. Kissing Ash was heaven, and he could have stayed locked on her like this forever, but her hips were thrashing beneath him, her core seeking attention, and he was desperate to give it to her.

  Sliding down her body, pulling her jeans down as went, he left the tiny pair of white panties on her—for now. Once he had the jeans off, Ash was different. He watched her carefully for her reactions, trying to make sure this was really what she wanted, and it was clear that it was. As he knelt at her feet, Ash let her bare legs fall open and reached down, touching herself. Gritting his teeth and growling at her, Vichter pulled her hand away and put his mouth over her center, panties and all, scraping his teeth along her sensitive clit and folds. Ash screamed, and Vichter smiled up at her, loving that shocked look on her face. She was propped on her elbows, looking down at him, but when he ripped the lace down the front of her panties, she collapsed backward.<
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  Vichter carefully tore the rest of the material from her body and took the opportunity to look around, making sure there was no one to see the naked beauty. Ash was all his, and he would not share. Little did she know, giving herself over like this only cemented Vichter’s determination—he would be taking her home with him, no question.

  This wasn’t just sex. This was a claiming.

  The tall grass completely obscured the prone lovers, and Vichter was satisfied they would not be seen. He waited until Ash looked down at him, then removed his own clothing, until he was crouched naked in the V of her legs. While she was ogling, he lowered his head and feasted. He didn’t go slow, but he stayed focused. He kept his mouth fastened to her clit, licking and sucking. With his hands, he caressed her inside and out, slowly and with teasing strokes. She was squirming and whimpering. He gently placed his teeth on the base of her clit to hold it, then flicked his tongue over it as fast as he could, while deepening his questing finger. She came apart, a short scream and then silence as the orgasm stole her breath, her legs and stomach quaking with the aftershocks. He gently released her and crawled up her body, her limbs loose now, her arms trying to pull him closer. A tear leaked from the corner of one eye, but she was smiling at him. He kissed the tear away.

  “That was amazing. I mean … I don’t have words, Vichter. It’s never felt like that before.”

  “I should hope not. I’m going to ruin you for anyone else. I think the thought of you with another man might make me homicidal.”

  “That sounds dangerously like a declaration. Let’s just keep going. I have a feeling I’ll start babbling nonsense any minute now.” Ashlyn playfully licked the tip of his nose.

  Vichter kissed her, slowly rubbing his tongue against hers, a constant caress. He held her head with his left hand, propped on his elbow. Holding himself up, he reached down with his right, placing himself at her entrance. He held there, trying to draw out the moment, burn the memory into his mind.