Dangerous Retaliation (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 4)

by Kelley, Morgan

  “What we share means something, and I value myself far more than that. While you might think I’m some floozy, I’m not. Outside my hundred years in Goethe hell, I’ve only had sex with two men in my life, and they’re standing in front of me.”

  Flynn knew he’d screwed up. “I’m sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you this morning.”

  The glass mirror over the fireplace shook.

  “You should have trusted me. All I wanted was to have one of you, if not both of you, tell me that you’d support my decisions. I wouldn’t sacrifice either of you. Not in a million years. I never planned on having sex with Mathew. I’m carrying your children. I’m wearing your rings. I made a promise when you each asked me to be yours. That meant something to me. It meant everything to me!”

  Jacques moved toward her.

  “No. You should have trusted me. If not because you love me, but because I’m a damn good primus who always puts her family first. Whether you like it or not, you’re my family. Your needs will always supersede anyone else’s. You’ll come before me, them, and the world. I just don’t know how to get you to see it.”

  Flynn ran his hand through his hair. “Jolie, I was a jerk.”

  She moved past him. When he went to grab her arm to stop her, Jolie sent enough heat into his hand that he yelped and backed away.

  “Now, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll go do some work in my office. I, too, am supposed to be going back to my career soon,” she stated.

  “Jolie,” Jacques stated, trying to reason with her.

  Only, it was too late.

  She was gone.

  “I have to fix this,” Flynn stated. “This one’s on me.”

  Jacques knew he was partially to blame.

  This one was going to be damn hard to repair.

  They’d really screwed up.

  ∞ Chapter Twenty-Three ∞

  She found solace in her office.

  It was the only place in the house that didn't smell like the men she loved. In here, she could put on her doctor glasses, and pretend everything was all right.

  She knew it was lies, but that didn't stop her from believing them. Jolie had to hold on to something, and this place would let her hide.

  As she sat behind her desk, there was a knock. While Jolie wanted to ignore it, she couldn’t. She was well aware who was there, and she knew they’d never leave.

  It was see them now.

  Or see them later.

  “Enter,” she said, leaning back in her chair.

  Flynn peeked in. He’d only been in Jolie’s office once or twice. They had one they shared, but this place was for work. There were patient files and so many books on psychology on the shelves.

  “Are you busy?” he asked.

  “No,” she stated, putting down her pen. “You can have a seat,” she offered, pointing at the two leather high back chairs in front of her desk.

  “We need to talk.”

  “Do we?”

  Jacques didn't say anything. He’d seen her this angry before--once when she gave him a gift, and he’d come across cold toward her.

  It nearly cost him her love.

  “I think so,” stated Flynn. “I hurt you. I said horrible things and made you feel like I could easily go back to another woman, but that’s not true. You’re my soul mate, Jolie. I couldn’t touch another woman now that I’ve had you.”

  She said nothing.

  “Me either,” Jacques stated. “I’ve loved you for six hundred years. You’re the only reason I keep coming back from death.”

  “So, you couldn’t touch another woman?”

  “No,” they said together.

  “And here you thought I could touch another man. Shouldn’t you have trusted that I wouldn’t ever do that? How could I go to someone’s bed, and lie with them after either of you?”

  They got it now.

  “We were wrong,” stated Flynn.

  Jacques had to ask. “Why didn't you just tell us that you had no intention of sleeping with him?”

  “Why did I have to? Shouldn’t you have trusted me? Shouldn’t you have had faith in our relationship? From the minute we made Mathew my guardian, you’ve been worried about him jumping me. Not once did either of you worry how your lack of trust was hurting us.”

  She had a point.

  They deserved this.

  “Do vampyres mate for life?” she asked, taking off her glasses.

  “Yes,” stated Jacques. “If you’re the true mate, they won’t wander.”

  “Look at Zola and Devin. He wasn’t her true mate, and he cheated on her with Genevieve. Look at my brother and his mate. She wasn’t meant for him.”

  They knew she was right.

  “We,” she said, pointing at the three of them, “were made for each other. When we have sex, you can feel it. When we hold hands, it’s there. Flynn was always meant to be my human mate, since the beginning of time, and you, Jacques, were chosen by my heart. I couldn’t cheat on either of you. Not now, not ever.”

  They saw that.

  “So, I would buck the rules, piss off my family, and choose you both, time and time again.”

  They didn't speak.

  “Are you mad at us for getting jealous?” Flynn asked. “Do you hate us for being male and making a mistake?”

  “I’ll never hate either of you. I’d die for the men in my life, but your hasty judgment will cost you.”

  They paused, hoping she wasn’t going to punish them for a mistake.

  “What’s the price, Jolie?” Flynn asked. “Are we easily reprimanded for our sins?”

  “Mathew doesn’t deserve your anger. He didn't do anything. I’m asking that you cut him a break, let him feel welcome around me, and that you treat him like he’s important because he is. Mathew is giving up what’s rightfully his, and all he wants is a family. You immediately think he’s after me for sex, but maybe that’s all he’s known. Maybe he’s only had that one bargaining chip in his life, so that’s his go-to method. Teach him that being a man is so much more than just getting laid.”

  Flynn relaxed. “I can do that.”

  Jacques agreed.

  “Then I’m over this. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do. I’m trying to figure out where Zola is hiding out.”

  They heard the dismissal in her voice.

  Flynn wasn’t having it. Instead of leaving, he moved around the desk to her chair. When she looked up at him, he pulled her to her feet and kissed her.

  It was possessive.

  Heated.

  And full of love.

  When he pulled away, Jacques did the same.

  Jolie didn't fight them. Instead, she went into their embrace with a sigh. “What am I going to do with you two?”

  “Love us,” he stated.

  She already did.

  “Oh, and let us help. Three minds are better than one,” Flynn admitted.

  Jolie thought about it. “Let’s head back to our room. It’s more comfortable in there.”

  They knew they won. Each mate held out a hand, waiting for her to make the next move. When she took the offering, they were calm.

  It was better.

  “I love you both,” Flynn said.

  “I’d die for you, Jolie and Flynn,” Jacques admitted.

  Jolie felt her heart skip. “I’m lucky, even when you two act like jackasses.”

  Brogan laughed. “Uh, that’s not really sweet and loving. I think you can do better,” he urged.

  “I’ll never love anyone but you two.”

  That satisfied them both.

  It was as good as it could get.

  Back in their room, they dropped down on the bed and began discussing all the possibilities. There was no way that Zola could just disappear into thin air.

  She had to eat.

  She had to go to death.

  She had to…kill.

  There was no doubt that she was holed up somewhere, and with someone’s aid.

  They needed to
get a line on her, and then they could take her out,

  “Can you call work and see if there are any suspicious deaths?” she asked, sitting on the bed. She didn't miss how both men stared lecherously at her.

  “What?”

  “Nothing,” they said in unison.

  “I hope you’re both still thinking everything that was just going through your minds when I start to get huge,” she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

  “You’re going to get huge?” Flynn asked. “How? You don’t eat.”

  Jolie started to laugh. “Uh, have you seen the size of my mates? What are the chances these babies will be tiny?”

  Flynn stood, stretching his arms above his head. When her eyes tracked his body too, he grinned. Being jealous was stupid. He could see it in her eyes.

  Jacques got up too. “I’ll carry you around,” he offered, scooping Jolie up in his arms.

  She screeched.

  Without warning, he tossed her to Flynn, who caught her against his chest.

  Jolie shrieked as he nipped her on the neck.

  Then as he was about to toss her, the door flew open, hitting the wall. There stood Mathew, fangs out.

  Flynn started laughing. “Down, boy. We’re just playing with the mate. No one’s hurting her.”

  He relaxed. “I’m sorry. I heard the Mistress and didn't know what was happening.” Immediately, he stared down at the floor, avoiding both males’ eyes. “I’ll go.”

  He began backing away.

  Jolie felt his pain but before she could say anything, Jacques spoke.

  “Come in, Mathew. We were just telling Jolie that she will still be beautiful even when she’s well into this pregnancy.”

  Mathew cautiously stepped across the threshold, hoping this wasn’t some trap. “Of course she will be. A person is only as beautiful as their insides, and the mistress is stunning.”

  “Thank you, Mathew,” she stated.

  Jacques recalled the promise they made Jolie earlier. They’d let him in, be his friends, and give him a shot at life.

  “Since you’re here,” he stated, grinning at Flynn, “why don’t you join us?”

  With that, Flynn tossed her to him.

  He hoped the vampyre was good at catching.

  Jolie shrieked again, but wasn’t dropped.

  “My turn,” stated Jacques. “Toss her here.”

  Mathew grinned. “I can’t do that, Masters. The mistress wants me to help her escape. She’s the boss.”

  With that, he raced around the bed carrying Jolie. As the two mates chased, trying to cut him off, Mathew jumped on the mattress, still holding her safely in his arms.

  Jolie laughed at their antics.

  Here, her men were doing what they promised.

  They were offering Mathew something so precious, and she loved them for it.

  “When we get her, she’s going to scream,” Flynn said, wiggling his fingers. “I’m going to tickle you, Jolie.”

  She held on to Mathew even more. “Please don’t let them get me!”

  Flynn lurched, and Mathew tried to get out of his way, only to have Jacques take him down. Jolie rolled out of his arms and right to Flynn.

  “Well, well, my pretty. Look what I found.” With that, he tickled her until she begged him to stop.

  Mathew laughed, pinned beneath Jacques.

  When they were all exhausted, they collapsed on the bed.

  ‘Thank you,’ she whispered into their minds.

  They knew why she was grateful.

  A promise was a promise.

  If Mathew wanted a family, well, then, he was going to get one.

  * * * H a r c o u r t e * * *

  Sunday Evening

  After relaxing in their room, the foursome decided to wander the house, assuring the family was holding steady. Jolie had her arm through Mathew’s, and he was at peace. Both of Jolie’s mates were also calm, now that they didn't have to share their mate in bed.

  The day was looking so much brighter.

  Now if they weren’t after a lunatic, it might be an enjoyable night.

  As they rounded the corner, Jolie came to a stop. Flynn walked right into the back of her and Mathew, nearly knocking them over.

  There was a shriek, and all three men went on alert, ready to protect Jolie.

  Then they saw what was happening, and who was making that glass shattering sound.

  In the middle of the kitchen, Camille had been kissing Detective Gress, and by the look of it, he was an active participant.

  His hair was a mess, and there was lipstick on his face.

  Jolie didn't know what to say.

  Her first instinct was to laugh, but she didn't want to upset the young vampyre.

  Camille looked freaked out.

  Tommy grinned when he saw who it was. Dragging his hands through his red hair, he was amused.

  “I’d like to talk to Camille alone, please.”

  The female vampyre looked around, her eyes beseechingly pleading with Tommy as if he could save her.

  “Wait! Why?” he asked, as Mathew got between the pair, cutting him off.

  “Come with us please,” he said, taking the detective by the arm.

  “What’s happening?” he asked, glancing over at his friend.

  “Jolie wants to speak to Camille--alone,” he repeated, trying not to laugh. It was about damn time that they were the ones walking in on someone, and not the other way around.

  Tommy let the vampyre drag him away, but not without staring over his shoulder at Camille.

  “Sit,” she said, pointing at the table.

  Camille didn’t hesitate.

  Jolie wandered over to pour a cup of tea for both of them before joining her at the table. “Tea?”

  She nodded, taking the cup with shaking hands.

  “We need to talk.”

  Before Jolie could continue, Camille blurted out what she was thinking.

  “I apologize, Mistress! I shouldn’t have touched your guest. I know he’s a friend of Master Flynn’s, but he was kind and I was just curious as to what it would be like,” she said, looking at the table. “I’m sorry! Please don’t make us leave. I won’t ever touch him again. I swear, since it was only a kiss!”

  Jolie took a sip of her tea and watched her over the rim. “Are you finished now, Camille?”

  “Yes,” she said so softly that Jolie could barely hear her.

  “Well, I don’t plan on making you leave, and I don’t care if you and Detective Gress start a relationship, fling, or anything else for that matter. I was more concerned if I would need to find a new nanny.”

  Camille was confused. “I don’t understand.”

  “Well, if you run off with Detective Gress, then I’ll need someone to help with my babies.”

  She stared at her.

  “We don’t know what Tommy plans on doing, and I have to prepare for the worst case scenario, which is losing you.”

  She was confused. “Mistress, why would I leave? Cari loves it here.”

  “What about you? Do you love it here?”

  The woman nodded enthusiastically. “Yes!”

  “What about Tommy?”

  She blushed.

  “I don’t know what to think of him. When I get near him, my heart pounds, and I can’t think straight. Maybe I’m coming down with something.”

  Jolie laughed. “Yeah, it sounds like a bad case of love to me. Once you catch it, you never quite recover.”

  Camille nearly dropped her cup.

  “When I first saw Flynn, I felt the same way. You might have to consider that he’s meant to be your human mate. That’s why I asked about you leaving. If he goes back to Philly, you’d have to go too.”

  She shook her head. “I won’t go back there. They’re there, Mistress.”

  Jolie understood.

  “Well, maybe it’s selfish, but I need you here too. I don’t know anything about babies. They need things. If you do leave, I’ll need notice. Y
ou won’t be easily replaced.”

  Camille was unaccustomed to this kind of gentleness.

  “So, you aren’t mad that I was touching your guest?” she asked. In her other home, Lucricia decided who you could touch or kiss and now it seemed the rules had changed.

  “Of course I’m not mad! I happen to like Detective Gress and think he’d be the perfect mate for you.”

  “He would?”

  “Yes, he looks at you the way Flynn looks at me when he thinks I’m not paying attention. It’s with awe and raw lust.” Jolie laughed at Camille’s blush.

  “He’s so handsome and when he’s near me, I feel all warm and flushed,” she admitted.

  Yes, it was obvious. Camille had met her intended mate. Fate worked in funny ways. Here she saved him, and he’d turned out to be the one who would bring her happiness.

  Jolie absolutely adored love.

  It was beautiful.

  Camille’s face fell. “I’m the undead. He’s terrified of vampyres now.”

  Jolie laughed. “I don’t think that what we walked in on constitutes terror. In fact, I do believe that was the opposite of it. Tommy was exuberantly involved in that kiss. You have some serious whisker burn.”

  Camille blushed, and then paused, wondering if she should be having this conversation with the mistress. It was completely different with her than with Lucricia. “What should I do, Mistress?” she asked, looking at Jolie. “I don’t know how to relate to a male. I was used only for breeding. I was matched with a male Lucricia found and forced to copulate. Cari was the result.”

  Jolie smiled. “Thank Goodness for that. She’s a treasure. As for what to do about Detective Gress, I think you should pursue it. Tommy is a very honorable man, much like my Flynn. He would die to protect you and your child. I can see it in his eyes.”

  Camille took a sip of the tea and was immediately distracted. “This is amazing, what is it? I feel all tingly.”

  Jolie laughed. “It is my special blend of herbs. It is codonopsis. I have it ordered special for myself. It acts to purify the blood, so I can go longer between feedings.”

  “Oh,” she said, pushing the cup away.

  “What’s wrong?” Jolie asked. “I thought you liked it.”