“Yes, for one super-hot dress Eddie can’t resist.”
Monique’s mouth dropped open. “Kim’s out of the picture?”
Jackie winced. She knew this would come up, sooner or later. She was surprised it hadn’t happened before now. “She’s dead.” Jackie swallowed hard, waiting for some snide comment.
“That’s sad.” Her brow wrinkled. “And now you want to impress him?”
Jackie took a slow breath. “After her death, we both realized what had been in front of us all along. Neither of us planned it, but shit happened, and well, here we are.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply you were sweeping in. It’s a pleasant surprise after years of you two denying your feelings.” Monique moved further into the shop. “I have the perfect outfit. Come on.”
Jackie chewed her lip as she followed. Monique held up one finger. “Give me a minute.” She slipped into the stock room.
A moment later, she carried out a pale blue dress that shimmered in the light. The skirt flowed to reds and purples as if it were a sunset reflected off a crystal-clear lake.
Jackie gasped. “Oh my god, it’s beautiful.”
Monique motioned to the dressing room. “Go, try it on.”
Jackie took the dress and changed. The fabric caressed her skin, molding to her. It reminded her of her skin underwater.
She stepped into the hall and turned slowly. “It’s gorgeous. I love it.”
“Perfect for you, especially since I hear you finally went through your awakening.”
Jackie laughed. “You heard that, but didn’t hear about Kim?”
Monique shrugged. “Mathis and Paavo were in.”
Knowing Mathis and Paavo, there was no telling how many details they’d shared. “Let me change and pay, then I’d like to find a gift for Eddie. Is there a jewelry shop nearby? I have an idea of what, but I’d want it sort of specific.”
“Next door. Enchanted Baubles. He can even enchant the piece you choose.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”
Chapter 39
Eddie paced the alcove upstairs at the club. Toryn and Isa sat in a chair, while Jayde and Scotty shared the loveseat. Lonny leaned against the wall while texting, probably Lana.
His plan was solid. Grampa even encouraged him, offering his full support. Hell, he was even coming out to Seattle for the gig. And still, Eddie couldn’t shake the nerves.
“Calm down. She’ll be here,” Toryn told Eddie.
“Shit, I’m out of my element. I’m not cut for this.”
Toryn stood up and moved in front of him. “Don’t you dare flake. I get why you never asked Kim, but Jackie is all you’ve ever wanted. You have to do this.”
He nodded, rubbing his hand over his face. “I am. I’m going to fuck it up, but I’m doing it.”
Toryn shook his head. “You won’t. Need a drink?”
He nodded.
“I’ve got it covered,” Isa said, and hurried down the stairs with a grin.
“If I can handle the drums for a song, you can sing. If not, I’m kicking your ass.”
Eddie shook his head. “You won’t have to. I’m not you though.”
Toryn’s brow arched. “Which is perfect, because she doesn’t want me. She wants you.” He looked over Eddie’s shoulder and smiled. “Relax, she’s here.”
Eddie turned around. Jackie came up the stairs. His mouth dropped open as he stared at the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. The light shone over her, making the dress sparkle like her skin underwater.
Her face glowed with her smile. “Missed you,” she murmured as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
His hands landed on her waist and he swallowed. “Absolutely stunning, Jackie. I don’t have words.”
“Don’t need them.” She brushed her lips over his, then sucked his bottom one. His tongue danced with hers. Her moan made his desire burn hotter, but he leaned back to capture her gaze.
“So glad you’re here,” Eddie told her.
“You’re the one who left this morning,” she teased, then pouted. “No one would tell me where you were until you sent the text to meet you here.”
Eddie gave a sheepish shrug. “Sorry, Angelfish. It’ll be worth it.” He fucking hoped it would. If she said no…
Isa leaned in and handed them both a shot of Jack. “Drink up.”
Eddie took the glass and slammed it back. Jackie gave him a funny look, but drank hers down.
She took a step apart and slowly raked her eyes over him. “You do clean up well. Why are you all so fancy?”
He coughed. “Fancy? Look at you, like you stepped out of one of your photoshoots.”
She blushed. “I take the pictures, not the other way around.”
“Maybe not, but you would make one amazing spread.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Not going to answer me?”
He nodded to the guys. “Toryn’s idea.” At least, the dressing up part. He wouldn’t admit to why.
“Before you go on, I have something for you.” Her gaze ducked away as she reached into the tiny purse she carried and pulled out a flat wrapped package, about the size of a stack of bills.
A smile tugged at his lips as he took the gift. “Want me to open it now?”
She nodded, chewing her lush bottom lip.
He peeled one edge back and tipped his head as he pulled a leather band from the wrapping paper. A cougar had been etched into the black leather on the outside. On the inside it read, “Love always, Your Angelfish.”
His fingers threaded into her hair as he leaned in to take her mouth in another kiss. She smiled against his lips, pressing tight.
Releasing her, he attempted to put it on. She took over, fastening the snaps. The leather fit perfectly.
Her aquamarine eyes locked on his. “Figured this would go with everything, and look great on you.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
Scotty patted his shoulder. “Time to head down.”
Jackie stepped back with a smile. Isa took her arm, pulling her toward the stairs.
“Break a leg,” Jackie said, before going around the corner.
“You got this, man,” Scotty encouraged.
He looked down at the leather band and smiled. “I do.”
* * * *
“Come get a drink with me. They won’t be on stage for a few minutes yet.”
“Sure.” Jackie followed Isa to the bar.
Mathis and Paavo sat at the counter. They turned simultaneously, both smiling bright.
Paavo grinned. “Told you we wouldn’t have another chance.”
Jackie blushed furiously. “I never imagined you’d be right.”
Mathis nodded. “We’re always right. Your and Eddie’s spirits were intertwined from the moment you two met.”
Jackie looked over her shoulder and locked gazes with Eddie. He smiled back at her and she grinned.
Paavo chuckled. “What you two share is a beautiful thing.”
“Thank you.” Then she turned back with a cocked brow. “What is a beautiful thing, exactly?”
“The bond you two formed as children. Siren sometimes form bonds even stronger than normal fae bonds, and we aren’t limited to just other fae. Part of what held Eddie back from shifting so long was his bond to you. Until you could accept your other half, he couldn’t accept his.”
Her smile crumbled.
Mathis nudged her chin up. “Don’t be upset. It goes both ways. You two both needed to get there. But that’s why neither of you were fully happy before you two came together.”
Relieved, Jackie smiled. “Well, thank you for helping me get to a point where we could accept each other. Finally.”
“Our pleasure,” they answered in unison.
Isa handed her another shot of Jack. “Bottoms up.”
She tossed the drink back and set the glass down. “You two enjoy your night. I want to sneak up front.”
“That’s where we’re heading,” Isa promised, pulling her through the crowd.
/> They made it to the barricade, and Mike scooted up next to her with Gwen tucked under his arm. He smiled at Jackie. “You look like a siren.”
Gwen snickered and leaned around him. “He’s right, but it sounds cheesy, considering you really are.”
“It’s all good.”
Chatan squeezed in behind Jackie. “Hey, gorgeous.”
She grinned back at him. “Why does it seem like something’s planned?”
He shrugged innocently and looked away as Grampa John joined them.
Jackie beamed, throwing her arms around him. “What are you doing out here?”
“Wanted to see my Eddie play. I do get out from time to time,” he teased. “And I don’t get to see you as often, and hardly ever see Chatan now.” Grampa arched a brow at him.
“We can’t all live up here,” Chatan offered lightly, squeezing his grandfather’s shoulder. “I always come by when I’m up here though.”
Isa tugged her arm. “They’re starting.”
Jackie turned to the stage as Toryn started with their first song.
Before the last song, Brent joined them. Their party had expanded considerably.
As the song ended, Toryn announced, “Tonight we are going to close with a very special song, written for an amazing woman.”
“Aww,” Jackie said, smiling over at Isa.
She grinned and nodded up at the stage.
Eddie stood from the drums and walked to the front of the stage. Jackie’s eyes widened, and her breath caught, as he took the mic. Toryn moved back to the drum set.
Holding her breath, Jackie stared. He had a rich voice, but rarely sang.
Nervous, he licked his lips as a slow beat started, the guitar and bass playing a softly rolling melody.
Chatan lifted her over the barrier, and the bouncer helped her on stage.
Eddie took her hand, looking deep into her eyes. His voice filled the room, drowning out everything and everyone.
Too many nights with someone else
My thoughts always stray to you
You’re the one who’s there every time
The one to lift me up when I fall down
Too many times, I held you while you cried
Wanted to take it all away, make you smile
Give you hope when it all fell apart
Always let you go when you got back up
Don’t look back, leave it all behind
Finally coming together after all the years
Love me as I love you
Finally coming together
Too many years never telling the truth
My heart was always yours
No one else could wash away this love
No matter what anyone says, we’re one
Too many times, I held my tongue
No more, we’ve come too far
So take my hand, and all my love
Tell me you’ll be my wife
Don’t look back, leave it all behind
Finally coming together after all the years
Love me as I love you
Finally coming together
Marry me, be my wife.
Love me, I love you
Marry me, Angelfish
As the music faded, he dropped to one knee and presented a small jewelry box. Tears fell as her heart swelled. Happiness overwhelmed her. Eddie couldn’t have proposed in a more perfect way.
“Yes, I will.”
Taking her hand, he slipped a dazzling princess cut diamond in a platinum band on her finger before standing.
Jackie threw her arms around him and brought his mouth to hers for a kiss.
He pulled back, his eyes searching hers. “I wrote it, for you.”
She nodded. “My new favorite song.”
He grinned. The audience went crazy.
About Brandy L Rivers
Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.
An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.
Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter
Or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Also by Brandy L Rivers
Box Sets
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 2
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 3
Others of Seattle – Series Volume 1
Others of Seattle – Series Volume 2
Others of Edenton
New Beginnings
In Too Deep
Shadows Fall
Shadows of the Past
Falling Into Place
Fated Love
Breaking Free
Mending Scars
Labor of Love
Light in Darkness
Blissful Agony
Entangled Darkness
Deadly Design (Coming 10-24-16)
Untitled: Declan’s story (Coming Summer 2017)
Others of Seattle
Nights Embrace
Storm Mistress
Accepting Fate
Red Queen
Seductive Solutions
Changing Destiny
Coming Together
Storm Wrath
Twisted Bonds (Coming Spring 2017)
Nights Embrace Spin Off
Summer Rhythm
Stand Alone Contemporary Romance
Heart on Fire
Falling Star
Sweet Tooth
Backburn (Coming 1-6-17)
Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke
Cursed Vengeance
Vengeance Unraveled (coming 2017)
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans.
Reference Guide
Abyss – Faerie version of hell. It is a dark, desolate wasteland.
Awakening – Faeries come to age after their first sexual release with another faerie. This process brings their power to the surface. It will strengthen what might have previously shown as a weak power, or produce new ones to the individual fae.
Bond – Faeries can form a bond with another. It is similar to werewolves mating. The two faeries’ magic mingles, strengthening each other. It is a slower process, but once it forms, it can’t be broken.
Clairvoyant – Psychic, whose gift is second sight, or seeing the future.
Compulsion – Sirens and nymphs can force a suggestion on someone during sexual release. Spells can be cast to have the same effect without sex.
Dragon – Ancient creature of the elements. Most can shift forms, from a lizard-like beast to human, at will. They possess elemental types of magic.
Druids – Humans who possess primarily nature magic. They aren’t as common as mages. Tend to stick with other druids. They cast mostly earth and air spells, though some can manipulate fire and water. Druids can shift into animals with practice.
Earth Faerie – A fae descended from the Earth Kingdom of Faerie. Their powers include superhuman strength and super-sensitive hearing, smell, and sight. Most can manipulate the earth itself, or create compounds of rock from dust or dirt. Some are able to communicate with animals.
Enthrall - Sirens and nymphs can force a suggestion on someone during sexual release.
Faerie – Both the physical realm on the other side of the veil, and the people who come from there. There are many different forms of fae.
Fire Fae – A fae descended from the Fire Kingdom of
Faerie. Many have visions. Their magic is generally heat and fire based.
Halfling – Human who has some fae blood.
Hyter Sprite – Type of air fae that can shift into birds. Rare species, and quite mischievous.
Hybrid – An Other with mixed blood.
Mages – Humans who possess elemental magic. They can either sling spells like weapons, or heal, though it is rare for a mage to be a healer.
Nymph – There are water nymphs and wood nymphs. The water nymphs originated in Faerie near lakes, oceans, and rivers. Wood nymphs originated in the oldest forests. Their magic is powered by love, lust, and similar emotions, and enhanced through orgasm. Some nymphs have other forms of magic as well. Unlike most faerie, they have no glamour, and water nymphs are stuck with their unusual coloring.
Others – Any being that isn’t quite human. Werewolves, vampires, shaman, druid, mages, witches, warlocks, and fae are some examples.
Revenant – A vampire whose change drove them insane. More dangerous than the average vampire, and often incapable of higher thought. Tend to think more like an animal.
Sensitive – A human who can sense some Others. Sometimes have minor psychic powers.
Shaman – Humans who possess nature magic. Similar to druids, but not the same. Most shaman can shift into a specific animal.
Shadowstalkers – Specific breed of vampire. They are one of the most dangerous types. They manipulate shadows, are adept at mind control, and generally only feed off Others, whose blood can be quite addictive for its magical properties.
Shield – A protection spell. Forms a wall, usually of one or two elements.
Silver Council – Organization of mages. They are the governing force of most Others. Not everyone recognizes their authority, but they try to police all Others. The Silver Council is mostly made up of formally trained mages. They occasionally will employ other casters.
Coming Together Page 26
