Coming Together

by Brandy L Rivers

Chatan gave her a sheepish look. “Mind if I crash at your place? My truck is outside of Shenanigans, but I didn’t book a room.”

  Brent nodded. “You can take Eddie’s room. I’ll go home now that the Shadowstalkers aren’t a threat.”

  Jackie moved to give Brent a hug. “Thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  He squeezed her back. “I’ll always be here, looking out for you.”

  Chapter 37

  “You were alive all this time?” Stefano asked. He sat in Tiana’s passenger seat, Eloise curled into his lap. He’d been so sure she was dead.

  “Yes. Did you really believe me dead?”

  He nodded, his heart ready to incinerate. “You were dead. Your blood pooled across the floor, your heartbeat absent, you were completely still.”

  “Clive took me away. Changed me. I nearly killed him. He never touched me again.”

  He took her face in his hands. “I’m so sorry, Eloise. I never even suspected you’d lived through that hell. I was sure you had died.”

  “You didn’t have her? The one who looks like me. Jackie?”

  He shook his head. “Only wanted her because she was so similar to you. I’ve missed you all this time. I couldn’t touch another woman because they weren’t you.”

  “She’s not me,” she hissed.

  “You were dead, I thought. She looks like you. Her personality is nothing like yours though. Two hundred years, and no matter what I did, you filled my heart. I hoped maybe, somehow, she might learn to be like you.”

  “Foolish boy,” Tiana muttered.

  Eloise caught his face and looked deep into his eyes. “And now that you have me?”

  “I’ll never stray again,” he promised, pleading with his eyes.

  She kissed him, her arms wrapping around his neck. Everything fell into place.

  Tiana prompted, “You haven’t told me why you’re covered in blood, Stefano.”

  He turned toward her. “I saw Jacqueline intimate with Eddie and it ripped my heart out. Rage swept through me and I had to stop them. Eddie came after me and I stabbed him. She healed Eddie, then she nearly killed me.”

  “Because she did not want you,” Eloise reminded. Her eyes glowed red. “You’re lucky she didn’t kill you.”

  “I didn’t want to hurt her, but I needed someone to fill the hole in my heart. I never imagined you’d lived, or that I could be with you again.”

  Eloise blinked back tears. “We’ll go far away, and never see her again.”

  “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

  * * * *

  Clive’s scream rent the silence. Sidra watched Zhi Xhangxi rip out Clive’s intestines through the hole where his dick had been moments before.

  “And you said you wouldn’t scream,” Zhi scolded, shaking his head. He gripped the intestines and yanked. His stomach emerged, followed by a gush of blood.

  “You’re fortunate you only drained my little girl. Had you violated her, I would do much worse.”

  Zhi reached up to grip Clive’s fangs and ripped them from his mouth before pushing one in each jugular, letting his blood drip down his throat and bare chest.

  The dragon turned, focusing on Sidra.

  She stared at Clive in horror, unable to pull her eyes away as her lover drained before her. Clive squirmed in his chains, animalistic cries leaving his lips.

  “And you’re the ring master.” His smile grew colder. “Only fitting you watch each other die.”

  Her eyes flashed to his. “We won’t die so easily.”

  “You’re only alive because I want to savor your screams.”

  “All this for your daughter? You’ve had many over the years. What’s one child?”

  “Mostly for Kim. And I ensure you will never harm another.”

  He pulled a sword from a rack and held it in front of him. His mouth cranked open and fire licked across the blade, heating it to a glowing red. Zhi slashed the sword out, and her leathers fell away, before he pressed the flat of the blade to her breasts.

  The stench of burning flesh filled her nose. A desperate cry escaped her lips as heat churned through her body. Her skin bubbled, blood sizzled. There were no words to describe the agony.

  “Anything!” she cried out. “I’ll do anything if you’ll stop.” Another scream escaped. “I’ll serve,” she promised. “I’ll be anything you require,” she begged.

  “Sidra,” Clive rasped, his eyes peeled wide as he tried to break from his bonds to come to her aid. His struggles grew weaker as blood poured faster.

  Once again, her attention locked on Clive, tears springing to her eyes.

  Zhi ripped the blade away, pulling charred flesh with it.

  Her breath exploded from her lungs as she sagged in the chains.

  Fire erupted before her eyes, Zhi heating the blade a second time.

  The steel began to glow. He moved so quickly she couldn’t track the motion. Pain raced up her body from between her legs through her core. She coughed up blood, the sword lodged in her body, slicing her insides with the spasms of her muscles. Her blood caught fire, the room bursting into varying shades of red.

  Clive went up in flames before her vision faded into darkness. With wet pops, her eyes burst. Fire washed over her, promising an end to the torment.

  * * * *

  Eddie’s phone buzzed. He opened the photo text to see Sidra and Clive missing parts, covered in blood. “Holy fucking shit,” he whispered.

  Jackie pulled the phone into her view and covered her mouth with a gasp. “Think it’s safe to say it’s over.”

  Eddie looked closer at the picture. “Are his guts coming out of—oh fucking hell!”

  “She’s got a sword up her cooch,” Jackie pointed out, shifting with a wince. “And looks like he burned her tits off. Shit. I could have lived without that image. A simple, ‘They’re dead’ would have sufficed.”

  Brent looked over his shoulder. “Oh, bloody abyss. I’d heard stories about Zhi’s idea of revenge, but that... there are no words.”

  Jackie nodded. “Yeah, you could say that again.”

  Chatan took the phone and shook his head. “You really want to keep this on your phone?”

  “No, delete it,” Eddie answered.

  He nodded, and tapped a few buttons before handing the phone back.

  It buzzed again. Eddie read the text out loud, “Sent the picture to Tiana as well. If that doesn’t convince Eloise and Stefano to stay away, I will do the same to them. Many blessings to you and Jackie.”

  Jackie’s brow arched. “Glad we aren’t on his shit list.”

  “You and me both,” Eddie agreed.

  “Come on, let’s get you two home,” Brent added, grabbing the tent and sleeping bags.

  They each carried something back to Eddie’s Jeep Wrangler. He passed the keys to Brent, and climbed in the back with Jackie, before pulling her into his arms.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded.

  “You sure? You were squirming at the picture Zhi sent.”

  “Can you honestly say you didn’t do the same with Clive’s missing junk and his intestines pulled out his pelvic cavity?”

  He winced. “Trying really hard not to think about it. As much as I wanted him to pay for what he did to you, that seems extreme.”

  She sighed, laying her head against his shoulder. “They hurt so many people over the years, they deserved worse.”

  He slipped his arm around her. “Probably.”

  She looked up at the stars and smiled.

  Seemed like everything was finally right. “Hey, Jackie,” Eddie said softly.

  She turned to face him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” he whispered, smiling. “When we get back, unless you have a reason, I don’t want to hide what’s between us. I’m tired of denying my love.”

  Her face lit up. “We don’t have to hide. I want the world to know you’re mine.”

  He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.
Her fingers tangled in his hair as she tilted her head to deepen the kiss. His whole world shifted into place.

  Chatan clapped from the front seat, a laugh bubbling up.

  She pulled back grinning. “Don’t be an ass.”

  He sighed. “If you weren’t so damned in love with Eddie, I would have swept you away and kept you to myself.”

  Her nose scrunched. “Sorry. I thought he was forbidden.”

  Chatan chuckled. “If he’s your brother, that makes me your cousin.”

  She shrugged. “Never saw Eddie as a brother. My best friend, then my heart. So you were never a cousin, but you weren’t the one either.”

  “Hey, it’s okay. I knew you two would wind up together. Part of me thought I could have you, but then you called his name and I realized I couldn’t live with the lie.”

  She reached over the seat to squeeze his shoulder. “You’re going to make a woman very happy one of these days.”

  “Eventually,” he replied. “For now, I can bask in your happiness for a bit.”

  “Stay as long as you want.”

  Brent looked over. “Depends. How much can you handle hearing? Without all the crazy, these two are going to be humping like bunnies, every chance they get.”

  Grinning, Eddie shrugged. “I don’t have to keep my hands to myself now.”

  “They may turn into exhibitionists if you aren’t careful,” Brent warned.

  Chatan laughed. “Nah, I don’t plan on staying too long. Overnight, then I’ll head back.”

  Chapter 38

  A few days later, Eddie kissed Jackie’s shoulder before slipping from bed. He wrote a short note and left it on her pillow. After quickly dressing, he snuck out and hurried to the Jitterhouse to meet an old friend.

  He grinned when he saw Roxy curled up next to Trevor, who caressed her round belly. Thoughts of Jackie carrying their child spun in his head. One day, but they had all the time in the world.

  Eddie gave the couple a wave, then moved to Skylar who sat behind the counter. “Can I get my mocha?” he asked sweetly.

  Her face lit up. “I’m so happy for you two. It sucks about Kim, but you and Jackie are right for each other.”

  “Yeah, we are.” He pulled out his money and gave her an arched brow as her lips pursed. “Skylar, if you give all your friends free drinks, you’re going to go broke.”

  “None of you let me give you drinks though,” she pouted.

  “Because we don’t want you going out of business. Who’d keep us caffeinated?”

  “Fine.” She sighed. “You’d think I’d learn by now, but I haven’t.”

  “You’ve got a big heart, and you make an excellent cup of coffee.”

  She grinned back at him. “And Jackie’s a lucky woman.”

  “Thanks.”

  He left money on the counter. She handed him the drink and he crossed the room, sinking into the seat across from Roxy. “Thanks for meeting me.”

  “When you told me why, I couldn’t resist. I can’t wait to see her reaction.”

  Nervous, he nodded. “Hope I don’t blow it.” He pulled out his notebook and opened it to the right page. “Help me make this perfect. Please.”

  Trevor shook his head. “Trust me, Eddie, she’s yours. You don’t have to write a ballad for her to say yes.”

  “No, but Jackie deserves the world. I want to do something special that no one else would think to do for her.”

  Roxy teared up, smiling as she lifted her gaze to his. “You nailed it. You don’t need any help, Eddie.”

  “Really?” he asked.

  Trevor pulled the notebook over and grinned. “You got this.”

  “That makes me feel so much better. Thank you, both of you. Now I hope the guys will help me compose the music.”

  Roxy reached over to squeeze his arm. “Take a deep breath and relax. This is beautiful, and written from the heart, for Jackie. She’ll melt. I guarantee it.”

  “Thanks. Guess I’ll see you tonight?”

  “You bet your ass you will. I want to watch.”

  “Then I’ll see you later.” He climbed out of the booth and walked to work. They were taking off early to practice.

  On the way, he dialed Grampa John, and held his breath. No matter what he said, it wouldn’t change his decision, but he wanted the extra support.

  He answered quickly, “Good morning, Eddie.”

  “Morning, Grampa. You have a minute?”

  “Sure do.”

  “I’m not real sure how you’re going to take this, but I need to talk…”

  * * * *

  Jackie woke without Eddie. She reached for him, but his side was cold. Her hand came to a note and she frowned, blinking to focus sleepy eyes.

  Jackie,

  You were so warm and peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you. I have a few things to do before the show tonight, so I won’t see you before then. Please, promise me you’ll be there.

  I miss you already, but the guys are keeping me busy after my hiatus.

  Love you, Angelfish.

  Until tonight,

  Eddie

  She pouted at the note. The first time she’d woken up without him in a week, and it sucked. With a sigh, she reached for her phone.

  Love you, Eddie. Miss you. Can’t wait until tonight. Please sneak away early. – Your Angelfish

  The day had a bleak start, but she’d have Eddie tonight. She could hardly wait.

  Bouncing out of bed, she grabbed a change of clothes and locked herself in the bathroom for a shower. By the time she’d finished, she found Chatan in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee.

  She gave him a smirk as she poured herself a cup. “Thought you said something about only staying one night.”

  He nodded, his eyes lighting up. “Eddie convinced me to stay for tonight’s show. So, here I am. I’m heading back tonight.”

  “You’re welcome to stay another night. No point in driving back home that late.”

  “Nah, it’s important I get back. The elders called. Trouble’s brewing.”

  “Need help?”

  He shook his head. “We have it covered, but thanks.”

  Jackie shrugged and leaned back against the counter. “Have any clue what Eddie’s busy with? Too early for work, unless there’s an emergency. Only then, they’d have canceled the gig.”

  He zipped his lips and threw away an invisible key.

  She pouted, batting her lashes at him.

  A laugh escaped. “Sorry. Not spilling, even for you.”

  She drew in a breath and let it out in a huff. “You suck. Maybe I want to surprise him.”

  “Not today.”

  “Okay, fine. What are your plans?”

  “Thought about visiting Tomahawk out in Edenton. Maybe get a new tattoo. Want to ride along?”

  She pulled her phone out and sent a quick text to Eddie. Chatan wants a buddy to hang out with while his brother inks him. Mind if I tag along?

  His response only took a moment. Not at all. Love you.

  Grinning, she replied, Love you too.

  “Sure, may as well. Maybe I’ll visit Monique’s Unique so I can get a new outfit.”

  “No ink?”

  She frowned. “Not at all sure what I’d get. Though I’ll call Tom if I ever figure it out.”

  “Maybe we can think of something on the way.”

  “Don’t hold your breath.”

  * * * *

  Brent stood outside Tiana’s shop for what seemed like forever. He shoved his hands in his pockets and watched her from outside. Since the night Stefano had attacked Eddie, they hadn’t spoken, and he felt like a rotten asshole for the bullshit he’d spewed.

  Shaking his head, he pulled the door open and walked inside.

  Her eyes narrowed. She didn’t say a word.

  Brent had plenty to say. “I’m sorry. I never meant what I said. I was so damned frustrated by the situation, I took it out on you, and that wasn’t fair.”

  “Apology accep
ted. Though I think you were right, we weren’t that serious. Now I’m not sure that I want to be.”

  “I promised Jackie’s mother I would take care of her.

  I should have asked more questions. Should have dug into his past more.”

  “Because you don’t trust me.”

  “No, because you were too close to him. You didn’t see the signs because he’s your family. I don’t blame you, so I should’ve never been an ass.”

  “You’re right.”

  He moved to the counter and looked into her eyes. “So where does this leave us?”

  “Over.”

  “Friends at least?”

  She nodded, a slight smile on her face. “For now. Maybe you can earn your way back into my good graces.”

  “I truly am sorry, Tiana.”

  “So am I, Brent.”

  * * * *

  Jackie followed Chatan into Inktastic.

  Tomahawk looked up with a grin. “Hey, little bro, Jackie.” He came around the table and gave her a hug before embracing his brother. “Haven’t seen you in ages, Jackie.”

  “Yeah, but you keep trying to convince me to get a tattoo, and I don’t have a clue what.”

  Chatan nudged her shoulder. “A cougar?”

  Shaking her head, she smiled. “Not ready yet. One day I’ll have an idea of what I want. Right now, I want a dress. And maybe a gift for Eddie.”

  “What kind of gift?” Chatan asked.

  She stuck her tongue out. “It’s a secret.” She slipped through the door before either Tom or Chatan could protest, and headed to Monique’s Uniques.

  The bells chimed as she walked in. Monique looked up from a creased paper and quickly shoved it under the register.

  Her brow arched. “Love letter from Erik?”

  Monique sighed. “Not a love letter.”

  She grinned. “But it’s from Erik?”

  “Yeah.” Shaking her head, Monique stepped around the counter. “Shopping?”