A quick glance between the two assured Julie both were stunned but conscious. She took advantage of the momentary cease-fire and stepped in front of Nicholai.
“Stop!” she commanded and held up a hand toward Des. “I love him! Don’t hurt him!”
In surround sound, the two vampires asked, “What did you say?”
“I said don’t hurt him,” Julie repeated, looking down at Desmond where he lay slumped and bloody on the floor.
Nicholai peeled himself free from the wall and turned Juliette by the shoulders. “No, before that. What did you say?” he softly asked, his eyes searching hers.
Julie cupped a hand to his bruised cheek and carefully wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth with her thumb. “I said, I love you.”
Nicholai pulled her into his strong embrace. “How I have longed to hear those words from your lips. You make my heart sing with a joy I have never experienced in all my long centuries of life.”
Julie wrapped her arms around Nicholai’s narrow waist and held him tight. In that moment, she knew she belonged with him. It had been wrong to fight their relationship. This felt right, being in his arms again, professing her love for him. She wanted to stay like this forever. Be with him forever.
Nicholai ran his hand down her hair. “My heartmate, you honored me with your proclamation.”
Desmond rolled onto his hands and knees and Connor licked the wounds on his face. He gave the dog a gentle nudge, then stood stiffly, brushing the pulverized brick dust off his jeans. “Did you say heartmate?”
Nicholai threw a stabbing glare in his direction and maneuvered Julie behind him. “Juliette is mine. She is my heartmate. Who the hell are you?”
Desmond straightened his shoulders, ignoring the question. “If she is your heartmate, why did you attack her?”
Julie stepped out from behind her love and noticed their wounds healed before her eyes.
Nicholai’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean attacked her? I never assaulted her. I would never hurt Juliette.”
“But I thought…Perhaps I jumped to the wrong conclusion.” Desmond had the decency to look contrite. “I thought he was here to harm you, Julie.”
“Why in the world would you think that?” Julie asked.
“In all fairness, it’s not like you gave me all the important information. You’d been attacked. I believed you were still in danger. When he showed up, I realized he was the vampire I’d found evidence of in your home while you were gone.”
Julie raised her hand. “Hold up. What? Nicholai came here while I was in Russia?”
Nicholai nodded. “I admit I came here, but I had a good reason that I’ll share later once we’re alone, if you’ll permit me.” As if wanting to change the subject and fast, Nicholai continued, “You have impressive skills, Desmond. Where did you learn to fight like that?”
A wide smile took Desmond’s handsome face as he ran a hand through his brown hair. “I honed my skills during the decades I spent studying martial arts in Asia. But what about you? Where did you learn moves like that?”
Nicholai stood in contemplative silence. His eyes narrowed slightly as if he were sizing up Desmond. “The Alpha Council.”
“The what?” Julie asked.
Desmond, on the other hand, must have known exactly what the Alpha Council meant for his eyes widened, and he straightened a little like he’d just been informed he stood in the presence of royalty. “You are a member?”
Nicholai nodded. “I am. Perhaps we should sit down so I can explain.”
Nicholai released his mate to upright two of the unbroken chairs in the room. He placed them across from one another. While Desmond sat in one, Nicholai sat with Julie on his lap in the other and proceeded to explain that the Council was an elite group of vampires who protected the world from evil.
Julie took the information in stride. It all made sense. Nicholai was the man, no vampire, she corrected herself, that she knew him to be. Kind, loving, regal. A protector. A perfect lover. “So that makes you my Alpha Lover,” she quipped, making both men laugh.
Desmond stroked his chin. “But if you aren’t the one who attacked Jules, then who did?”
“Nicholai didn’t attack me, DW,” Juliette informed her friend. “Nicholai saved me.”
Julie pushed away from her lover and situated herself between the two males as she explained. “It was a woman who hurt me. A woman who turned into a wolf.”
“A werewolf?” Desmond’s dark brow rose. “I was not aware of the existence of such a thing.”
Nicholai wrapped his arms around Julie’s waist and drew her back against his hard chest. “She may not have been a werewolf. She may have been a shape-shifter of some kind. We are not exactly sure what she was.”
Juliette turned her head to look at Nicholai. “So a shape-shifter came after me?” It was more of a question than a statement.
“The Alpha Council believes it is possible, lastochka.”
“Is Julie still in danger then?”
Nicholai gave her waist a squeeze. “I would like to think not, but I am not sure.”
Desmond leaned forward. “With the possible threat out there, I assume you’ll be converting as soon as possible, Julie.”
“Converting? You mean become a vampire?”
“That is what it means, Juliette.” Nicholai’s hand moved to the nape of her neck and gave it a comforting massage.
It was a one-way deal. There would be no going back, and she didn’t want to rush the decision. “I need some time to consider becoming a vampire.”
“Of course you do, lastochka. Take all the time you need. I will not put any pressure on you. There are many benefits to the conversion such as long life, strength, and speed, but the process is painful. I want you to be sure you are unwavering in the decision before I convert you.”
Julie gave him a tight hug. “I appreciate your patience. I’ll tell you when I’m ready.”
“I wouldn’t wait too long, Jules,” Desmond suggested.
“I took care of the shape-shifter, so we can wait a little while. For now, the threat is gone.” Nicholai’s hand ran over her thigh in a loving gesture that sent heat spiraling through her belly. Obviously sensing her response, hunger leapt into his eyes.
“Well, it’s time I take my leave,” Desmond offered. “I’m entrusting my friend to you, Nicholai. Take care of her.”
The couple stood to see him out.
“I could do no other. I’d protect my heartmate with my life.”
Desmond crossed the threshold, and Nicholai reached out a stilling hand. “Before you go, I have something I need to say. Thank you for protecting Julie. You sensed a threat and jumped into action without delay. Even though your assessment was wrong, I understand why you made it and attacked me. The Council has an opening. If you are interested, I’d like to speak to the team about you. I think you would make a good addition to the group.”
“I’d be honored.” Desmond bowed.
“I’ll be in touch.” Nicholai grasped Desmond’s forearms. “Safe travels.”
“And to you,” Desmond replied, before waving goodbye to Julie and dematerializing.
Julie closed the door to the cottage and flicked the lock. She turned and discovered Nicholai holding a matryoshka set in his hand. She instantly recognized the set of dolls as the ones she left behind when she fled from his home.
“You left these,” he said softly. “I thought you might like them back.”
Julie heard a soft rattle when she took them from his hand. She glanced at him, puzzled. “Did you put the necklace back inside?”
A sexy smile spread across Nicholai’s face. Mischief lit those beautiful, amber eyes. “Why don’t you open them and find out?”
Juliette deftly opened each doll in the series until she arrived at the smallest one. She pulled off the top and dumped the contents into her hand. Her eyes widened at the ring she held. The antique, filigree-style ring had a large white sapphi
re set securely in a beaded setting. She turned the ring and noted the intricate detail on the sides. The beauty of the ring struck her silent.
Nicholai went down on one knee, taking the ring from her hand. In traditional Russian custom, he slipped it on the ring finger of her right hand.
“My Juliette,” he began the proposal. “I have waited centuries to find you. You are the light in my heart, my reason for breathing. Without you, my life has no meaning. You have become the purpose of my existence. Please say you will marry me. Be mine forever.”
Julie splayed the fingers of her right hand, noting the way the unique stone sent prisms dancing in the night. Her eyes searched Nicholai’s and found sincerity and love. No man had ever looked at her with such stark emotion before. Her heart fluttered.
She could definitely spend eternity with this man. This was the love of her life. She had thought she’d found love with Steven, but she now realized that was only superficial compared to what was between her and the man kneeling before her.
“I’m waiting for your answer,” Nicholai prompted, and stood to his full height. He cupped her face between his hands.
Juliette flushed. “Oh, yes! Yes, Nicholai! I’ll marry you.”
She flung herself into his waiting arms. He bent his head to hers and took her full lips in a searing kiss that left her toes curling into the carpet. She belonged with him, would be his forever. Neither of them would ever experience another day of loneliness. From now on, they would be together, inseparable.
He secured her to his body. His firm hand pressed into the small of her back, fitting her to every detail of his muscular form. Nicholai broke their kiss, taking her breath from her lungs when she looked into his eyes.
His love and sincerity showed there. But most of all, she sensed it. Felt his certainty of it, knew it was the truth. He would never hurt her, never betray her, never tire of her.
Life and death were absolutes, and no one could change what would be. But she would take what came, as long as they could be together. He was worth the risk.
She could trust him to protect them both from all the dangers in the world that would threaten them. He would do anything to stay with her, keep her in his protection. She was his life, and he was hers. Their love for one another could overcome any obstacle. It had to, for Julie would allow nothing less. They would be together, now and always.
Epilogue
Six weeks later
Julie checked her hair and makeup a final time in the mirror above the dresser. Giving her curls a bounce with her hand, she bounded out the door and up the stairs.
She ran into a hard body. A set of thick arms snapped around her like steel bands, taking her from her feet. She gazed into the face of the man, appreciating the strong line of his jaw, the square cut of his handsome face. The way his chestnut hair feathered softly away from his eyes. His chocolate eyes looked on her with a glint of humor.
Julie flushed, aware of all the muscle lurking beneath his tailored suit. She could not help but appreciate the physique.
“Whoa, there. You almost took me out.” Marcus’s deep voice reverberated against her chest as a smile took his full lips.
The sound of a throat clearing brought her head around before she replied.
“I suggest you put my heartmate down, Marcus.”
The second Juliette’s feet touched the floor, Nicholai’s arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against his front in a possessive embrace.
Marcus’s hands rose in surrender. “Hey, man, I was just making sure she didn’t hurt herself. She came up those stairs so fast, she almost knocked me over.”
Julie turned and placed an arm about Nicholai’s waist.
“Uh-huh.” A genuine smile took the seriousness from Nicholai’s voice. “I just bet she did. I’ve known you a long time, Marcus. You never let an opportunity to take a beautiful woman in your arms pass you by.”
“That was the old me. I have Christina now. She’s the only woman for me.”
“It is precisely for that reason you are still standing.” The warriors shared a chuckle as the three of them ambled into the ballroom.
Juliette’s gaze swept the room, taking in all the gorgeous male eye candy. She appreciated the finely sculpted bodies. But they were as lethal as they were beautiful. A chill went down her spine, but she couldn’t be sure whether it came from being surrounded by deadly vampires or the low growl that emanated from Nicholai’s throat as he stood beside her, obviously reading her thoughts. Perhaps both she admitted to herself as he placed a possessive hand on the base of her delicate neck.
“You know, only an old romantic like you would find your Juliette, literally. Congratulations, man. I’m glad you found your Juliette…Romeo,” Marcus quipped with a smirk.
“Down, boy,” Christina drawled, coming up behind the couple to lay a delicate hand on Nicholai’s shoulder. “You know your heartmate only has eyes for you.”
“It is precisely her eyes I am worried about. She seems to be too appreciative of the sights around her.”
“Now, now. We girls can always look. We just can’t touch.” Christina squealed the final word of her sentence when Marcus goosed her behind.
“Is that so, cara?” Marcus planted a kiss on Christina’s lips.
“I don’t think Juliette should look or touch,” growled Nicholai, while his fingers massaged Julie’s neck.
“I promise. You are the only man for me.” Juliette flashed Nicholai a broad smile that defused the situation instantly.
“Juliette, I think this party needs a little music. I’ll play, if you’ll sing. How ’bout a couple of songs to lighten the mood?” Christina asked, her southern drawl as smooth as homemade ice cream on a hot summer’s day. “This is your engagement party after all.”
“I’d love to.” Julie gave Nicholai a quick kiss before she sauntered to the grand piano as Christina’s introduction echoed in the massive room.
When Juliette started the first verse, the room quieted. The only sound audible was ice rattling in the glasses. All the guests turned to face the duo at the piano. Their rendition of “Swan Song” sounded haunting and beautiful.
Everyone appeared spellbound by the women’s performance. After five songs and three encores, the women begged off, needing refreshments.
They crossed to the bar, and the bartender handed them each a drink.
Julie took a sip. “You play amazingly, Christina. How do your fingers move so fast over the keys? They were a blur.”
A mischievous smile graced her pale face, lighting her emerald eyes. “I have to be honest. It’s the vampire powers. I have unbelievable speed now. It’s great. I can play anything. I love being a vampire.”
Marcus joined them and laid a hand on his mate’s shoulder. “She was made for it. Born to be a vampire. Christina has learned to master her powers quickly. She can even dematerialize, which is unheard of for one who turned so recently.”
Julie paused. While she downed the last of her drink, she pondered the pride in Marcus’s voice when he spoke of Christina’s conversion. Though Nicholai had not pressured her to become a vampire, she realized he believed it would be safer if she did so. To his credit, he seemed willing to give her the time she needed to consider the decision. She appreciated his patience.
“Have you met Kat yet?” Christina took another sip.
Julie shook her head and placed the empty glass on the bar. “Nicholai mentioned her. She is Stephan’s heartmate, correct?”
“Yep. She’s the beautiful blonde cheerleader-type sitting over there, next to Vlad.”
Julie’s eyes tracked the area to where a woman sat talking amicably with the scariest vampire in the room. Her blue-gray eyes sparkled on her pretty face. She showed no sign of fear or contempt for the man to whom she spoke. Julie admired her courage.
She leaned closer to Christina and whispered, “She doesn’t seem the least bit scared with Vladimir. Is that because she has converted too? Is she a vampire?”
After putting her glass down, Christina laid a friendly hand on Julie’s forearm. “Yes. Stephan converted her. But it’s not because she’s a vampire that she isn’t worried about Vlad. She knows if one person so much as implied a threat against her, Stephan would be right there to rip his throat out.
“Being a heartmate has its advantages, sweetie. One of which is you’ll never again have to worry about your safety. Our mates put our safety above their own. They would lay down their lives for us. So don’t you be intimidated by Vlad or anyone here. Nicholai would never allow anything to happen to you.”
Warmth and love flooded Juliette’s mind. She is correct, lastochka. I would never let anything happen to you. You will always be safe.
I believe you, Nicholai. I’m just a little insecure with all these vampires around.
There is nothing to be of concern. They are all my friends…or yours. Every one of them would protect you with their life.
Julie glanced at Desmond who sat talking to Nicholai’s sister, Natasha, in the sitting area. Nicholai had invited her friend to the party for two reasons. First, he had known she was a little homesick and could use a familiar face at this party. And second, he had mentioned the man to his fellow Alphas as a possible addition to the team and the men wanted to meet him.
I love you, Nicholai.
And I love you, my little lastochka.
Juliette crossed the beautifully decorated room and joined her sweetheart. The planner had really outdone herself. From the golden couches and matching chairs that made an intimate seating area, to the rich mahogany bar which stood in one corner manned by a gentleman in a black-vested uniform, every detail of the room had been staged to highlight the paintings that encased images of springtime and golden sunsets in gilded frames.
Nicholai took her hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it then turned his attention onto the two Alphas standing before him.
“It doesn’t feel right.” Alex raked a hand through his short, blond strands.
Stephan nodded in acquiescence. “I agree. We had all that activity for weeks. People killed or disappearing daily then, bam, nothing.”
Alpha Lover Page 30
