Love Conquers All Evil

by Mary Abshire

  "I've been watching the local news," Dani said as she set the remote on the table next to the sofa. "They've been talking about the latest murder and how a local woman survived. They didn't release any names, but I guessed they were talking about you."

  I sat on the sofa with a leg curled under me. "Yeah, I got lucky. If Alan hadn't found me and Drake hadn’t been around to…heal me, I would be dead right now."

  Dani's face became blank. Slowly, she lowered herself to the cushion next to me. "What happened, Jessie? And start from the beginning, when you left five months ago."

  After a deep breath, I told her everything—the details of the meeting, about Sean's death, breaking off my friendship with Jeremy, running away with Drake because the VETOV were after us, moving around, and settling in Alaska. Then I brought her up to speed on the murder investigation and how a friend of a friend of Drake's believed a demon was the murderer. She listened intently the entire time.

  "Do you think the demon intended to kill you?" she asked.

  "No, I think I was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

  "My God, Jessie."

  "Yeah. But I'm alive now and in good company." I smiled.

  "I knew something bad would happen to you. I kept having that dream."

  I reached over and rested my hand on top of hers. "Hey, I'm here now and everything will be fine."

  "How did Drake heal you?"

  "He donated some of his blood to me," I replied.

  She wrinkled her nose slightly. "Does that mean you're going to turn into a vampire?"

  I hesitated to respond. At some point, I needed to tell her about my decision to spend eternity with Drake, which entailed becoming a vampire. But the current time didn't seem appropriate. I feared that with all the changes in her life, the move and starting over again, she might not be able to handle the news.

  "No. His blood merely cured my infection and strengthened me," I said.

  "His blood can heal?" she asked.

  I gave a nod.

  "Wow. Scientists would love to get a hold of that magic formula."

  I chuckled. Through all the pain of the last twenty-four hours, I was glad to have my dear friend sitting next to me and back in my life. "I'm so happy you're here, Dani. We are safe in Eagle River." Safe from vampires, at least.

  "Who picked to move to Alaska?" she asked.

  "Drake said Alaska was the perfect place for us to hide. Vampires don't like the cold."

  "Most humans don't like the cold." She snickered.

  "Yeah, well it's really not bad here. I heard about a tech company that is hiring. We can probably get a job and, soon enough, Eagle River will feel like home."

  She let out a heavy sigh. "I'm not a fan of freezing temperatures and mountains of snow, but I suppose as long as I'm not alone or unemployed, I can deal with the elements."

  "Oh, and I met some demons who want to start a paranormal investigation team."

  She arched a brow. "Demons?"

  I waved my hand in the air. "Gail and Donnie are very nice, and curious. You'll like them."

  "Would you be on the team and sending souls to Hell?"

  I took a deep breath and considered whether I wanted to continue sending souls to damnation. Did I want to supply the devil with an army of bad seeds? Did someone upstairs believe my actions were justifiable? I still didn't have answers, and I probably never would.

  I opened my mouth to answer Dani, but closed it when I recalled the video she had placed on the Internet. If she would've destroyed the footage, I could've kept my secret hidden from my two new friends. The damn video had to come off the World Wide Web before anyone else could recognize me. And she would have to remove it before I agreed to perform investigations with her.

  I crossed my arms and stared into her eyes. "First off, I found something on the Internet recently."

  Dani lowered her head. "I can explain."

  The time for explanations had passed. I no longer cared why she put the footage on the Web. I simply wanted her to remove it.

  "Dani, you have to get rid of it immediately. We have a laptop downstairs in the office."

  She lifted her gaze. "I got fired and needed some money—"

  I held my palm up to her. "I don't want an excuse. I want the damn thing removed and a promise on your soul that you will never do it again."

  Footsteps thumped on the stairs. I craned my head to see over the back of the sofa. Drake jogged up the steps.

  "How are you feeling?" he asked as he reached the top of the staircase. He gave me a heartwarming smile.

  "A bit tired." Especially after my long conversation with Dani.

  "Is your head still bothering you?" he asked.

  "Yes, it still hurts." I had tried to ignore the throbbing, too happy to be with my best friend, but the ache persisted. "Did you and Alan talk about a solution for Gabe?"

  He stood at my side. "We did, and you don't need to worry about it."

  Easier said than done. I didn't want Alan to hand over his company.

  "Who's Gabe?" Dani asked.

  "A problem. Alan came here to help," I replied. At some point, I needed to tell her about Alan and how Gabe had kidnapped me when I visited Arizona. But with my head aching, the story would have to wait. I still needed to clean up before hitting the bed.

  Rapid steps thumped on the stairs.

  "How can Alan help?" Dani asked.

  Drake and I exchanged glances, neither of us answering her question. I assumed he thought I would bring her up to speed on the situation, which I would, later.

  Ryan reached the top of the stairs. He rounded the corner fast and came to a quick halt. "Alan has Troy on the phone. He wants your input on moving the location of the meeting out of town."

  Drake walked around Ryan, then dashed down the steps. After a quick glance at me, Ryan followed Drake.

  "Wow. That must be an important meeting," Dani said.

  Leaning my elbow on the armrest, I pressed my fingers to my head. The heavy patter of feet made my headache ten times worse.

  "Hey," Dani said, placing her hand on my shoulder. "Are you all right?"

  I swallowed. "Damn headache won't go away. I think I just need more sleep."

  "How did you manage to get out of the hospital? You should still be there."

  "I had to get out of there. It wasn't safe." Slowly, I rose to my feet.

  "I thought you said Eagle River was a safe place, not counting the demon murderer on the loose," Dani said, coming to stand at my side.

  "It is. I just have a problem." Or two that needed to be resolved.

  "Like that Gabe fellow you mentioned?"

  Pain drilled into my head along with a growing ringing noise in my ears. I really needed to lie down soon.

  I headed for the stairs. "Dani, can you do one favor for me?"

  "Sure. What is it?"

  "Make sure that video is removed from the Internet within the next hour." I stopped before the first step down.

  "Is that it?"

  I nodded before I descended the staircase. "We'll talk more later. I promise. Just get rid of that video."

  "Jessie," she said.

  I stopped near the front door and looked up at her.

  "Thank you, for sending Drake to get me. He's…a nice guy. I can tell he really cares for you. Seeing you alive is the best Christmas present."

  Christmas. Shit, I had forgotten again. I blamed the headache.

  "Maybe tomorrow I'll feel better and we can go shopping. Drake enjoys it when I spend his money."

  A wide smile grew on her face. "I'm always willing to shop with someone else's money."

  I grinned. "Don't I know that." I descended the rest of the stairs.

  Before I turned to go to the basement, I glanced at the kitchen. Drake stood in a tense posture with his legs apart. Since I couldn't see his arms, I assumed he had them crossed over his chest. I heard Alan's voice, but Drake's body blocked my view of him. Whatever plans they were making, I didn't w
ant to get in their way. I'd ask Drake later.

  After I reached the basement, I strolled into the bedroom and shut the door behind me. My head throbbed so fiercely I thought it might explode. Yet, I refused to slip into bed without a bath. I took a quick shower, threw on a t-shirt, then slid into bed with no undies and my hair still wet. The ringing in my ears continued, along with the constant pounding in my skull, but at least I could close my eyes and rest.

  Tomorrow would be a new day. And since it would be Christmas Eve, the day had to be a better one.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Energy trickled across my chest and cooled me. I breathed and, as my lungs expanded, I felt something heavy above my heart.

  “So beautiful. So full of life. I love the sound of your heart beating. I love the little gurgles and odd noises as blood and fluid flow through your body. I love the warmth your body emits. While I will miss these little details when you change, I will be more than happy to have and to hold you for all eternity.”

  Drake's soft voice was a whisper in my head. His loving words sent a chill through me. Even in my dreams, he was a man pure of heart and honor, the noblest of mankind, dead or alive.

  "I love you," I whispered. "I don't want to live without you."

  “You are mine, Jessie Garrett, and I will fight to keep you—always and forever, beating heart or not.”

  "And you are mine," I said softly.

  The weight over my chest moved.

  “Jessie?” Drake asked.

  I opened my eyes and found his head hovering above my heart. His long brown hair covered one side of his handsome face. I threaded my fingers into his soft locks and brushed the strands away to admire him. "Yes, lover."

  "I wasn't talking."

  Dim light filled the room while the scent of firewood burning clung to the air. I stared into Drake's eyes, confused. Had I been dreaming?

  He scooted closer to my face. “Can you hear me?”

  The beat of my heart accelerated. He hadn't moved his lips, yet I heard his voice in my head. What the fuck was wrong with me now?

  "I heard you. You didn't move your lips, but I know I heard you."

  Drake placed his palm to the side of my face. "How do you feel? Does your head still hurt?"

  I swallowed and blinked. Amazingly, the pain from earlier had disappeared. "No, it doesn't hurt at all. What's wrong with me?"

  "Tell me something with your thoughts." His voice had a hint of excitement.

  I gazed into his eyes and focused on the words I wanted to say. “I love you, Drake. What is going on?”

  His lips twitched and he glided his fingers over my forehead. "I heard you. I heard your thoughts."

  "How is it possible?"

  “I don't know, but consider it a blessing.”

  I stared at him in disbelief and puzzlement. What had happened to me, besides almost dying? How could I hear his thoughts without any effort? "I thought I was dreaming when I heard you."

  "It's a form of telepathy. Vampires can hear and communicate without speaking."

  "But I'm not a vampire," I said. My fast, thumping heart was evidence enough.

  "Maybe your gift is temporary since I gave you so much of my blood."

  Another side effect of the transfusion. Well, at least the pounding headache had disappeared.

  I turned on my side and snuggled closer to Drake. "I suppose it's not such a bad ability. I'll have to see if I can read Dani's or Alan's thoughts."

  Drake's lips brushed over my cheek. "Aside from your new gift, how do you feel?"

  "Better." I inhaled his rosemary cedar wood scent and explored his bare chest. His skin felt cool and soft under my fingers. I pressed my lips to the side of his face and gently kissed him. "Much better, actually."

  He glided his hand down my arm, sending delicate chills across my skin. He kissed my nose, my cheek, and moved to my ear. "How much better?" He pressed his body to mine and continued with the short and sweet kisses.

  Desire blossomed like a wildflower within me. Feeling his erection brush against me inspired me to take action. I slid my hand between us, then rubbed my hand along his hard shaft. "Much, much better."

  He sucked on my earlobe. More chills spread through me. They tingled and went straight to my core, making me wet. He tenderly nibbled on my lobe and my nipples hardened.

  "Drake," I said softly as I rubbed my palm along the length of his cock.

  He kissed my neck while his hand slid along my hip, under my shirt. "No underwear." He groped my ass.

  I lifted my leg, then curled it over him. "I came to bed prepared." I worked to release him from his pants.

  "Good planning."

  Our lips molded together. His tongue gently flicked mine, teasing me. I willingly played along. A rush of desire swept through me, wanting more of his loving kisses and caressing touch. Once I released his erection, I massaged it with tender care. A soft murmur escaped him as I rubbed my thumb over the tip. He was hard and ready for me. I was wet and eager for him.

  The kiss intensified while our hands explored. He slipped several fingers between my moist folds and pushed them inside. My body became electrified from his touch as he fondled my slick core and slid deeper into me. Tingles spread from my breasts to the rest of my body. I ached for more of him. I showed him just how much I wanted him with each stroke of my hand along his rigid shaft.

  I broke the kiss and sucked in a deep breath. "I want you inside me, Drake. I need you."

  Before he could respond, I took control over him. I pressed his back to the bed, then climbed on top of him. With his erection in my hand, I slid it inside me.

  "Are you sure you feel up to this?" he asked as he lifted my shirt over my head. He tossed it before cupping my breasts in his hands.

  My nipples ached while a hunger between my legs yearned for satisfaction. I rocked my hips. "I am definitely up for this."

  Drake pinched my nipples between his fingers while he fondled my breasts. Slowly, I moved, sliding his cock into me. He filled me good, the way a man should. My body tingled and burned with a greedy need, urging me to take more from him. I quickened my movements, driving him deep inside while I rubbed my clit against him. Sweat surfaced on my skin—a good sign I was back to normal, back to my demon self. As I lifted my hair off my shoulders, I rode my man with more vigor and enjoyed every bit of him inside me.

  "Woman, you are burning up," he said, the points of his teeth showing from behind his lip.

  I smiled wickedly. "Only for you."

  In a flash, he threw me on my back. A loud gasp left me. Just as quick, he lifted my leg over his shoulder.

  "I do so love your hot and wet body," he said, then pumped into me, strongly.

  A pleasure-filled scream burst from me. "Yes. Yes!"

  He plunged deeper and I groaned. My desire became uncontrollable with each thrust of his hard cock. I loved the cool feel of his erection in my hot sex. His energy electrified me, made me tingle, made me wild with need. I raked my nails down the tight muscles of his arms. He pumped with urgency, with vigor, with a hungry need like mine. Pointed teeth appeared underneath his upper lip. He was close to reaching his peak.

  "Bite me," I said.

  "No." He forced his solid shaft into me.

  "Do it. Please." I gripped his arms, pressing my nails into his skin.

  He drove into me and buried his face in my neck. Another pump and I thought my orgasm would explode. I was so close to my climax. Drake pushed himself deeper and deeper. I couldn't hold my release any longer. I came with a loud gasp. Powerful spasms sent ripples of pleasure through me. When the prick of two points penetrated my neck, my orgasm intensified and I groaned in bliss.

  "Yes!" I said.

  Soon after my release, another vibrant throb hammered away inside of me. Together, we rode the waves of pleasure. I loved the feel of him buried deep within me, thumping fast and full of life, full of energy. My body loved his touch, his power, and every bit of his love.

 
As we lay together, enjoying each orgasmic ripple, Drake sucked tenderly on my neck. My mind became fuzzy and I felt distant, but the euphoric vibrations continued. I rode the current and drifted off into dark clouds.

  ****

  Movement jogged me from my slumber. When stillness returned, I dozed off. But not for long. Voices brought me back from the heavy sleep.

  "Drake?" I mumbled.

  The other voice sounded like Dani's.

  "Coming," I heard him say from a distance.

  I rubbed my eyes and twisted onto my back. My body ached, but in a good way. And for the first time since leaving the hospital, my stomach released a light gurgle.

  Drake crawled over the bed, wearing pants but no shirt. He lay next to me, rested his arm over my waist, then kissed my forehead as he pressed is body against mine. "It's okay. You can go back to sleep."

  "Was that Dani I heard?"

  "She wanted to let you know she removed the video from the Internet last night." He brushed the hair off my shoulder and then kissed it. "I told her you were still resting."

  "What time is it?" I asked.

  "Almost eleven."

  I stretched my arms and yawned. My desire to stay in bed with Drake was strong, but I needed to rise and get moving. I had things to do.

  "I need to get up." I sat upright and scanned the room. Light and heat spilled in from the fireplace.

  Drake sat next to me and bit my shoulder with the flat of his teeth. The love bite spawned a tingle that gave me an instant titty hard-on. "Stay." He traced my spine with his fingers. "I'll make it worth your while."

  I had no doubt he could, but it was Christmas Eve. "I told Dani we would go shopping for Christmas. I need to clean up first." I scooted off the bed.

  "I'm going with you."

  "That's fine. I thought you would anyway," I said, walking toward the bathroom. "But if I find something for you I want to buy, you have to walk away."

  He grumbled as he drew near me. "I have everything right here." He stopped me before I reached the doorway, gripped my hips, then tugged forward me until I bumped into his body. "I only need you."