Dead Vampires Don't Date

by Meredith Allen Conner

  I tilted my head down, smoothed the leather away and set my lips over one tense nub. I licked and kissed. His skin hot and smoky. I couldn't get enough of him, his texture, his taste. He growled, pressed my head tighter to him. I scraped my teeth ever so gently over him.

  Ash moaned loudly. His fingers tensed in my hair before he yanked me away, lowered his head to mine. "You undo me," he whispered.

  He thrust his hips into mine, tight enough that if our jeans were not in the way, he would have been inside me. Deep inside me.

  I groaned. Pressed up into him. His heat. His hardness.

  "Kate." He wrapped one large hand around my nape and pulled my head back. He rested his forehead against mine and sighed. His breath washed over my skin. Warm. Clean. Masculine.

  "I will not take you here."

  Frankly I thought this was as good as any place. And did that mean he planned to stop? Seriously?

  He straightened, his hands still cupping my breasts. I watched his eyes as he looked at me, at his hands on me. Pure possession and something more, something deep and sweet and greedy and achingly gentle as well, filled his gaze. He looked at me as if he . . . cherished me.

  He glanced up and met my gaze dead on. The look in his eyes didn't change. A little part of my heart became his right then.

  "I have to leave, Kate." He rubbed his thumb over my cheek, brushed my curls away from my face. "I don't want to, but I have to."

  I didn't understand and I knew he wasn't going to explain. Whatever his reasons. I didn't like it, but I couldn't do anything about it either.

  I let my legs slide down. He gripped my waist, squeezed softly and stepped back. As if he regretted it, he moved forward, lifted me up and rubbed his face over my hair, inhaling. Then he set me down and stepped away.

  "This isn't over." This time I took it to be what he meant. A promise. "I'll see you tomorrow."

  He turned and walked away across the field. I watched him, studied him as he left. A big demon. Secretive and possibly dangerous. Who left me at the worst times and yet looked at me as if I mattered to him. He said I was more.

  I pondered that as he got into a big truck parked in the field. He lowered the window. "Fly home, Kate. I don't want you to stay here by yourself."

  I picked up my broom, hopped on and flew off. I even waved as I passed overhead. I'd see him tomorrow. That was enough for me right now.

  ****

  He was waiting just inside the door when I got home. Neither one of said anything. My throat tightened and I swallowed several times. I was alive. I'd survived, Ivan hadn't, and Big Al sat two feet away. His brown, bulging, watery eyes staring up at me.

  I slid slowly down the edge of the door, crossed my legs, covered my face with my hands and finally cried.

  "Doll?" His cold little nose nudged the back of my hands.

  I gulped and sobbed some more.

  "Doll! I don't smell anything. Where are you hurt?" He ran around me in circles, sniffed at my clothes. I heard him mutter about the blood not being mine. Another set of clothes that I'd need to trash.

  His little claws scratched gently at my hands. "Doll, please, tell me what it is. What do you need me to do?"

  Bless him. I dropped my hands, scooped him up and buried my face against his fur.

  "I love you, Al. I'm so happy to see you."

  "You're not hurt?" He licked the tears from my cheeks.

  "No. I'm not. It's all over."

  His entire itty-bitty body stiffened in outrage. "Ya killed someone without me, didn't ya?"

  I couldn't help it. I laughed and planted one right on his little doggy mouth. Crazy hit man Chihuahua.

  29. Love Triumphs Over Pickiness.

  Sandra White opened the door to my office and walked in. Today she wore a gorgeous, ruffled pink blouse with sparkly white buttons. A pink and white rhinestone studded belt circled her tiny waist. No glitter for this woman. A pair of fitted white jeans showcased her long legs to exquisite perfection along with four-inch, fuchsia, crisscrossed strapped heels. She turned to close the door and I noticed a tiny, hot pink bow with a single white rhinestone in the center capped the back of each heel.

  Her hair flowed loosely around her shoulders, perfectly straight and gleaming. She'd wrapped a rose scarf over her head so it sat in the center with her blonde hair contrasting beautifully in the front and behind it. It was tied simply on the right side and the long ends hung elegantly over her shoulder.

  Barbie never looked this good.

  "Hello, Kate. It's nice to see you again." She held out her raspberry-tipped hand. "I can't tell you how excited I am."

  I shook her hand, smiled and sent up a small prayer. I'd done my work. Cast my spells twice and yet I was still nervous. I'd gone out on a limb and I was afraid it would snap under me before she gave it a chance.

  "He should be here any time now." I stuck my hand in the back pocket of my blue jeans. In anticipation of Barbie's match, I'd gone all out. I wore a red t-shirt and dangly, sparkly, crimson earrings. They kept getting caught in my curls.

  "I'm really happy with your match." I smiled brightly. "He's well-educated, works out regularly, and owns his own business." I knew it would work. If she gave it a chance, I'd seen the outcome of . . .

  A soft rumble vibrated down the street.

  "That will be him. Why don't we go outside?" I widened my smile. A tiny frown appeared between Barbie's eyes. I quickly opened the door and held it wide. "After you." I waved her through.

  The rumble turned into a loud roar. Barbie's blue eyes enlarged into little saucers of horror. "He's perfect." I kept my voice calm and cheerful, allowing no hint of my mounting panic to intrude.

  Please give him a chance.

  "You two are perfect for each other." I beckoned her with my fingers. If she didn't move, I was going to have to drag her outside.

  The bell above my door began to ding as the vibration of the motor drew closer. Barbie paled. I stretched my smile until my mouth hurt. "He's great. Come on." I waved cheerfully at the black hog slowing next to the sidewalk.

  Barbie wobbled on her stilettos. I lunged forward and snagged her wrist before she could attempt to flee. "You are going to love him." I used my best cheerleading rah-rah voice and kept up a string of nonsense as I eased her out of my office.

  I did not drag her. Honest. I don't abuse my clients. However, I am a matchmaker. There is very little I won't do for love. And I knew this was a perfect match. I just had to get Barbie to keep an open mind.

  I also had my wand stuck in my back pocket. Just in case.

  Barbie grabbed hold of the doorframe. I stopped and maintained my grip on her wrist. I'd gotten her this far. So far, so good.

  He halted the big Harley in front of us. Set down the bike rests and turned off the engine. Dead silence filled the air. Barbie let out a low moan. I ignored it.

  He reached up, gripped his helmet and tugged it off. Barbie's moan turned into a breathless gasp. I relaxed my grip slightly.

  Spike hung his helmet over one handle grip, swung his leg over the bike and stood in front of us. His dirty blond hair was mussed from his helmet. His sea-blue eyes glued on Barbie.

  "Hello, Spike. It's nice to see you again." I beamed. His eyes didn't wander. "This is Sandra White. Sandra, this is Spike Harrison." I tugged gently. She took a cautious step forward.

  Spike approached us rapidly. His black leather jacket stretched tightly over his broad shoulders, his blue jeans were a newer, darker blue, and his black boots were clean and well polished. He held out one large hand toward Sandra. She tentatively stretched out her much smaller, delicate hand.

  I whispered my spell and watched closely. The moment their skin touched I saw it. Tiny sparkles of fairy glitter floated in the air above their clasped hands. I sighed. I'd thought so, but it isn't often I get to see it.

  True Love.

  "Spike?" Sandra asked.

  "It's Jake actually, but I've gone by Spike since grade school." His fingers rubbed
over her skin. More glitter twinkled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sandra."

  His voice dropped several notches, lingering over pleasure and her name. Sandra and I both sighed.

  I let go of her wrist.

  "I would love to take you out for lunch." He smiled, his dimple flashed. "Will you join me?"

  A soft blush flooded her cheeks. Sandra smiled. "I would like that."

  "I've got a spare helmet." Spike unbuttoned one of the studded leather side bags and pulled out a black helmet. Sandra didn't even wince at the non-coordinating color as Spike slid the helmet carefully over her head.

  He smoothed her hair and scarf then tightened and snapped the chinstrap closed. He smiled at her. "Just hold onto me and you'll do fine."

  Spike swung his leg over the seat, held out his hand for Sandra while she hopped on behind him and stretched her hands tightly around his waist. He grabbed his helmet before he remembered.

  "Kate."

  I waved him off. I'd done my part. It was up to them now.

  "Have fun!" I beamed at them.

  Spike held his hand out toward me. I shook it once. "Enjoy your date."

  "Thank you." His blue eyes sparkled with a life that hadn't been there before.

  "Yes. Thank you," Sandra echoed. She had the same love-struck gleam in her eyes.

  "It's my pleasure." And it is. It always has been.

  Spike tugged on his helmet, squeezed Sandra's hand and started up his bike. The engine roared to life. Sandra laid her head on his back and off they went.

  "So, what do you see for them? They gonna make it?" Al asked. I looked down to where he stood near my ankle watching Spike and Sandra as they rode away. He'd been as good as his word and waited until they'd left to come out of my office.

  "I see forever for them, Al." Spike slowed at the corner and turned. They disappeared from view, but the deep rumble of his motor continued to linger.

  "Ya sure, Doll?" Al tilted his head up at me. "They don't look like a great match to me."

  "I'm positive, Al. They're perfect for each. They're everything they want and didn't know they needed." I blinked rapidly, cleared my throat. "It's True Love."

  "True Love?" Al sat down abruptly. "I didn't know that actually existed."

  I sighed and turned to go back into my office. Al followed. "I don't see it very often, but it does exist." I locked the door. "How about manicotti for lunch? Let's get it to go and eat it on my balcony." I grabbed my purse and his leash. "I feel like celebrating."

  Al didn't complain when I bent to clip on his leash. He turned his head, looked me in the eye. "True Love, huh?"

  "Yeah, but don't get any ideas." I scratched him between the ears.

  He sighed. "That's really nice."

  "Yes. It is." I stood up, opened my door and we walked out.

  Just as I locked the door, I saw him rub his little head discreetly against his shoulder, getting rid of the teary evidence. I smiled. I knew it. He's a secret romantic, hit man Chihuahua.

  ****

  I picked up my glass of Chianti and silently toasted my latest match. Big Al snoozed on my lap. He'd channeled away after the last bite of lunch, and I'd enjoyed a little snuggle time with the Chihuahua.

  I leaned back against the cushion in my wicker chair and picked up my cell phone. It rang twice before she picked up.

  "Hello dear."

  "Hi, Aunt Tabs."

  "How did the match go today?"

  "It's True Love, Aunt Tabs." I hadn't shared that part when I'd mentioned the match to her before. I knew Spike would be perfect for Sandra the moment I met him. Good manners beats coordinated clothing any day.

  I'd snapped a quick photo with my phone before I'd left Spike's and printed it off. I'd had a strong feeling about the two of them, but even I was a little shocked when I cast my spell over their pictures. You just don't see True Love all that often these days.

  "True Love? Are you sure?"

  That's always a rhetorical question with a witch, but I understood. "I saw the fairy glitter myself."

  Fairies really have all but disappeared. That's not a myth. I know many of them left due to the lack of belief in magic. I have a hard time with that one myself. Quite a few just got bored. Fairies are more fickle than Sandra White could ever hope to be.

  So when a love fairy comes out to add her own blessing to a match, you know it's True Love.

  "That's wonderful, Kate." Aunt Tabs sighed. I'd been doing quite a bit of that ever since I saw Spike and Sandra off. True Love is totally sigh-worthy.

  Not to mention a huge bonus for my matchmaking record. They don't like to admit it, but the HC are every bit as hopeful as the humans when it comes to love. Once word got out that I'd scored the Big One with my latest match, I knew there would be several members of the HC who'd overlook my half mortal status.

  "I know." I peeked on Big Al. He had all four paws tucked under him with his head snuggled into the crook of my arm. "Al shed a tear," I whispered.

  Aunt Tabs laughed. "I knew it. He's a total romantic, isn't he?"

  "Yes, the big faker."

  "And how is Ash? Have you seen him recently?"

  I choked on my sip of wine. "Wow. Look at the time. I've got to go, Aunt Tabs. I'm meeting Morgan tonight and I've got to get ready."

  "It's eight hours till sunset, dear."

  "I want to take a shower. Wash my hair." I had nothing and I knew she knew it. But I wasn't ready to have this discussion quite yet. I needed to get my relationship with Ash figured out in my own mind first.

  "Gotta run, Aunt Tabs. Love you."

  I heard the words to her truth spell as I pressed the end button. I'm not sure I shut the connection off in time.

  30. I May Need To Re-Consider My OFF MEN Plan.

  There is nothing quite like the successful and totally secret burial of a couple of bodies to bring a witch, a vampire and a demon together. Morgan and I had planned our celebration. Ash had crashed it and fulfilled his promise to see me.

  I was good with that.

  Ash shifted his chair slightly closer to mine. He'd done it twice since he sat down. Now his thigh pressed along mine from hip to knee. He nudged my boot with his.

  "Did you have any bad dreams last night?" He picked up my hand and played with my fingers.

  "No. I didn't." Ivan's death hadn't bothered me in the least. It might be a horrible thing to say, but it's the truth. "Did you?" I don't know if demons actually dream.

  Ash gave me an appalled look. "No."

  Probably not something a Demon Lord would admit to anyway.

  "What can I get you two?" Teri set an empty wine glass in front of Morgan. She already had her thermos open. From the way she snatched up the glass and poured it full, I figured she hadn't eaten yet this evening.

  I'd gotten the idea each time she glared at my pulse, which had been racing ever since Ash arrived.

  Morgan gulped the blood down in one swift move. She poured another glass right away. Something was bugging her.

  "Two beers." Ash handed Teri some money. "Thank you."

  Teri had already walked away before the implication set in. Ash had ordered for both of us and paid. Like a couple. On a date.

  Wow.

  "I talked to Tommy." Morgan poured herself another glass. She didn't gulp this one and the lines around her eyes had eased. Maybe she'd just been really hungry.

  I have to say that in the heat of the battle and my first murder, I'd sort of forgotten all about Tommy. "You did? Where was he?"

  "He went out of town to visit his cousin for a few days."

  Nothing mysterious about that. "Why did he lie about where he was the night the prince . . .?" It occurred to me that openly discussing a murder – even one that I had nothing to do with – was not a good idea.

  "He was on a date." She smirked.

  "A date?" I didn't get it. "So why did he feel like he had to lie about it?"

  "It was a normal date." Morgan laughed. "He didn't want word to get out
at The Whipping Post and ruin his reputation."

  Huh.

  "Here you go." Teri set two icy bottles on the table. She handed Ash his change.

  "Teri, do you happen to know what the cost of an ordinary yellow broom is?" I didn't have to specify a witch's broom with another witch.

  She named a price a hundred dollars less than what I paid. I knew it. That little witch had over-charged me. I'm fairly positive I knew what coven she belonged to as well. I opened my mouth to see what plans Morgan had for later.

  "Would you like to dance?" The deep voice took me by surprise. Morgan and Ash probably heard him well before he arrived at our table.

  Near Ash's height with silky black hair and piercing green eyes that rivaled Morgan's, the stranger stood just to the side of our table. He stared at Morgan.

  She took a casual sip of her blood, lowered the glass and slowly looked up. I waited for her usual flip-off.

  Pink tinted her upper cheeks. I gaped.

  The stranger held out his hand. Morgan took it and stood. Just as they were lost in the midst of bodies on the dance floor I saw her flip her hair.

  Sweet Glinda. Morgan was flirting.

  Ash stood up, pulled my chair back and murmured right into my ear, "let's dance, too."

  I'm not one to pass up a chance to be in his arms.

  He kept his big hand on the small of my back as we approached the dance floor. A human male stared wide-eyed at Ash's horns. He whispered something to his date and they left. We took their spot.

  Ash pulled me into his embrace. I wrapped my arms around his neck. We swayed slowly back and forth, barely moving.

  "Would you like to go to dinner tomorrow night?" He tugged on my curls, tipping my head to meet his gaze. Hot desire burned down at me.

  "I didn't know you ate human food." There is a lot I don't know about demons. Specifically this one.

  "I do." He wrapped one curl around his finger, ran both his finger and my curl down the side of my neck to my shoulder. "You didn't answer my question."

  I knew that. I was too busy savoring it. Ash just asked me out on a date. I felt giddy.