“I think we’re safe. Badb wants to keep entities like Crom Cruach out. Besides, this particular entity was a very powerful Fae until her body was destroyed by a similar entity.” Brent looked at Preston. “Next time you see Morrigan, ask her about Badb. She can explain far better than me.”
Preston shook his head. “Does Da—Toryn know?”
“Believe so. Maybe ask him.”
“Ask me what?” Toryn asked as he walked back over.
“About Badb?”
Toryn’s brow cocked. “Is that what helped Gina?”
Brent nodded.
“We should be fine. I’ll have Morrigan watch her, but Badb gave her physical form up to save the world once. I don’t believe she wants to change our world at all.”
“Hope you’re right.” Robert looked around the room. “Another late night, but we’re safe.”
Preston nodded. “Yeah, let’s see if we can get some of these people to go home or find a place for them.”
Robert walked away.
Preston turned to Brent. “Take care of Amelia.”
“Always,” he promised.
* * * *
Mike pulled Jordan to the far corner of the room and gripped his shoulders. “Leanan didn’t make it. She died protecting other people.”
A strangled sound escaped Jordan. “No, she can’t be. I need her. I can’t do this without her.”
“Jordan, you knew all along she said she couldn’t stay forever. She wasn’t your everything. She just helped you prepare for her.”
“No, I don’t know how to do this without her.”
Gwen took his hand. “Sometimes you have to learn to stand on your own two feet before you find your person. We have your back.”
“You know I’ll be there for you, no matter what,” Mike vowed.
“You’re going to have to kick my ass and drag me out of the house to find women.”
“You got it,” Mike promised.
Gwen nodded. “Any night.”
“What will happen to her body?” Jordan whispered.
Gwen took a breath and let it out. “It burned to ash. I guess that’s what happens to succubus?”
Mike placed a necklace in his hand. “This was with her clothes. Thought you might want it.” He flipped it over. Runes were carved on a flat silver rectangle. He’d seen it a million times but still didn’t have a clue what it was.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“Can you help these people? Or should I get you home?” Mike asked.
Jordan wiped at his face and looked around. “I’ll stay. I need to get my mind off everything. Doing something useful should help.”
* * * *
The second Christian stepped through the portal, Delilah wrapped her arms around him. “You’re a lucky fool,” she growled.
He squeezed her back hard. “Would you believe me if I told you that you would have gotten us all killed if you came?”
“Yes.” Sighing, she leaned back. “Which is why you’re forgiven. You’re in one piece. Amelia is safe. And Tyrone doesn’t have a scratch on him.”
“Oh, he almost had a lot worse than that. He was bitten once. But some crazy vampire wanted to use him against Amelia, then got sidetracked trying to summon something I can’t even comprehend.”
“Yeah, Amelia mentioned that. But you stopped it?”
“No. Amelia and Gina did. Your sister is one powerful sorceress.”
“She’s what?” Delilah blurted out.
“A sorceress. Ask her. I have no idea other than the spirits did everything she thought of without being asked. She is the only reason Crom Cruach is gone for good.”
“For good?” Delilah asked.
He nodded. “That’s what Badb said.”
“Another Irish god? What the hell?” She shook her head, closing her eyes. “Do I dare ask?”
Christian sighed. “I plan to ask Ceridwen when we go back.”
“Okay,” she answered. “Why does it look like she lost someone?” She nodded to Amelia, who was taking blood from Tyrone. “And tell me she’s fixing him.”
Christian nodded. “She is. And she did. Though I think he was from another life?” He rubbed at his face. “Look, I don’t know all of that. I just know it was upsetting, and that if you want better answers, you’re going to have to ask her.”
She pushed him back and took a good look at him. “Any of those bastards still alive?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Not the bad ones. Why?”
“Who bit you?”
“Oh, those are dead.” He covered his throat with his hand and healed the wounds with a thought. “Only left the evidence to discourage others.”
“Always thinking. You okay, really?”
“Now that I’m with you, yes.”
She blew out a breath. “Guess I can’t stay mad when you saved everyone.”
Christian nodded to Amelia, who was headed back to Brent.
Delilah rushed over and gave her a bear hug.
* * * *
“What are you?” Delilah blurted out, catching Amelia off guard.
“Me,” she threw back.
“Sorceress?”
She nodded.
“An impressive one,” Christian added.
“Whatever,” Amelia groaned.
“Delilah, set her down,” Christian murmured.
“Why are you crying?” Delilah demanded.
“Not tonight, Delilah. I’m a mess. I just want to curl up with Brent and focus on the future, instead of the past for the rest of my life. But tomorrow night I’ll come over and give you all the answers you want and need. Give me tonight.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Promise?”
“Yeah, tomorrow.”
“Fine. You got Christian back to me and helped our friend, so I’ll leave you alone. For now.”
Amelia squeezed Delilah’s arms. “I know you, you want to go home and make sure he’s all right. Let me do the same with Brent. It’s been a long crazy ride, and I just need him.”
Brent slipped his arm around her waist, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. “Ready to go home?” Brent asked.
She nodded.
He waved Robert over.
“Home?” he asked.
Amelia blinked, then looked around. “You don’t need me?”
“No, we’ll handle the rest. Tomorrow, I want you to talk to some of the vampires. The ones who would remember you from before.”
“Sure.”
Robert reached out to touch her and Brent, then they were in his home. “Are you okay, Amelia?”
She nodded.
“I’m sorry I doubted you. I should have known you could handle yourself, but I remember the first time I met you.” He offered a sheepish smile. “Those wide eyes staring at me, trying to sort out how much trouble you were in for writing about Others.”
“But I didn’t freak out then.”
“No, you didn’t. You listened and walked into In Other News with me, and I immediately wondered if I made the right decision. I’m happy to say I did.”
She hugged Robert. “You put me in the right place. Thanks for not pulling me off this story.”
“Tomorrow, you can see what vampires are left and help us decide what to do with the ones who didn’t leave.”
“I’m not sure I’m the best choice. I killed their god, as far as they’re concerned.”
“Really think they were all worshipping him?”
“I don’t know. Guess we’ll see.”
“Good night.” Robert disappeared.
Amelia turned to Brent. “Help me clean up?”
Taking her hand, he followed her to the bathroom, then drew her close to pull her shirt over her head. He looked into her eyes as he opened her pants.
She did the same for him, pushing his underwear and pants down his legs, then pushing his shirt up his torso and pulling it off his arms.
Her bra fell to the floor before she kicked off her shoes and pants while he got rid
of his. Brent crushed her to his chest and held her tight. “I need to tell you something.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Probably should have mentioned this sooner. I have two daughters, both more than twice your age. And I had a son who died about twenty years ago. He had a girl, she’s about your age.”
Her lips curved into a smile. “So, you’re not disappointed I can’t give you a child?”
He shook his head. “All I want is you.”
“She was one of the human women? Their mother?”
“Two different women, and I loved them, but it was never everything, like what I feel with you.”
“Think they’ll like me?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Yeah, I do. I don’t see my girls often. I’ve never even laid eyes on my granddaughter. It’s a long story for another night.”
“Good, because I’m far more concerned with you,” she admitted.
He lifted her off her feet and carried her into the shower, turning it on. Pressing her against the wall, he kissed her again, letting his hand roam up her ribs and around to her breast. She loved the way he squeezed.
“Brent, I need you.” She gripped his length, pumping slowly.
He kissed down her throat, across her collarbone. Then he dipped lower, capturing one tight peak between his lips.
She moaned as he sucked and licked, squeezing the other nipple between his fingers.
“I ache for you,” she pleaded.
He took his time, then spun her, letting her be under the water while he took the soap and lathered his hands. “You wanted to be clean.”
Amelia took the bar from him, lathering her hands, then cleaning the smudges of blood on his arms. As soon as that was done, she dragged her hand back to his rigid length. “I don’t care about being clean.”
His eyes lit up. “I like the water.”
“Then take me against the wall,” she murmured.
He gripped her hips and lifted her up as he pressed her to the wall. Her arms and legs wrapped around Brent. He entered her slowly while staring into her eyes.
“Drink from me, Amelia. I want your teeth in my throat.”
She opened her mouth, letting her fangs drop down, then struck. Brent thrust harder, rocking her against the wall. Water cascaded over them, washing away the suds.
He gave her his feelings, his emotions, his love. She poured hers back, making sure he sensed her emotions every bit as much as she felt his.
“Amelia,” he groaned, taking his speed faster.
She gripped his head and his shoulder as she pulled on his vein. She’d never tire of his taste on her tongue, or his body against hers while he moved deep inside.
One of his hands slapped the wall beside her and he drove her harder. She lapped at the wound and threw her head back with a cry of pleasure. Climax hit. He came deep inside her and the pleasure reverberated between the two, his sensations rocking through her as he kissed her neck, her jaw, then her mouth. He sucked her tongue, holding her against the wall, still inside her.
“My love is yours. Anything you want, I’ll give it to you. I only want you happy, Amelia.”
“I am happy. You’re all I want. Now take me to bed.”
Chapter 28
Dawn came and went. Brent woke at noon and pulled Amelia closer. She wasn’t cold. Her chest rose and fell. But she definitely didn’t wake.
He breathed in her scent and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. Leaving the bed was the last thing he wanted, but he did need to check the office and ask about the vampires in custody. And maybe work out when Amelia could meet his children.
He pressed one more kiss to Amelia’s mouth and climbed from the bed.
Within an hour he parked on the street and hurried into the office. The building was full, everyone busy. Brent walked to Zoe’s office and took a seat in front of her desk. “I may not be in until tomorrow, but I’ll be available if anyone needs me.”
“I’ll hold down the fort.” Zoe grinned. “Kellan will be in later with Nyla. They’ve spent part of the days with me here. And he says he’s sorry he missed the fight.”
“Not that you got to do much.” Brent smiled. “Amelia did have a better solution than I did.”
“You going to tell me what was up with Eamon? She seemed broken up over that.”
“He was her first love and her husband in her first life. She was the reason he became a vampire, at least in part.”
“And you aren’t jealous?”
“Was,” he admitted. “Then I realized she was with me in that lifetime too. She was a princess, almost a prisoner in his home. He couldn’t give her the love she needed. I couldn’t resist. But she couldn’t leave without him hunting her down.”
“Oh.” Zoe shook her head. “So, she never wavered in her choice in you?” Her eyes lit up.
“Never. And I imagine Amelia should have a story in the next few days, and I’m sure she’ll leave out most of the details. Last thing we need are more people wanting to bring ancient entities into our world to worship as gods.”
Zoe nodded. “Got that right.”
“And she fixed Tyrone’s mind.”
“What was wrong with him?”
“I suggested she wipe his memories of her. She took it a little too far. I feel bad for the guy. He fell hard for her.”
“Yeah, so did Yuri.”
“Interestingly, she was always a sorceress, but her grandparents locked away their magic. In fact, I want you to look into her family tree and any stories to do with them. I have a feeling we’re going to find something very interesting.”
“I’ll see what I can dig up. Can I tell her what I’m searching for?”
He nodded. “I have a feeling her sister would be interested in knowing too, even if her magic is no longer reachable.”
“I’ve never heard of a vampire with magic,” Zoe pointed out.
“The first vampires had magic. And Eamon gave her enough blood to ensure her magic came roaring back.”
“Weird. I’ll see what I can find. You should get back to her.”
“One more stop before I can do that.”
* * * *
Jordan sat on his couch with the guitar Leanan often played, strumming chords. He should have written her a song a year ago, but he was afraid to jinx what they shared. Now he needed to do something to remember her and everything she taught him.
He wiped his face.
Mike walked in and plopped down next to him. “Sorry, Jordan.”
“I dreamed of her last night. Her beautiful smile, her kind soul, and things you don’t want to hear.”
“She would want you to move on, find someone to make you feel more than she did.”
“I love Leanan. I never thought she’d leave.”
“She didn’t. She was taken from you. But I learned something interesting. She was betrothed to another spirit, entity, god, whatever, like the one Amelia banished last night. He would have pulled Leanan out of this realm and tortured her before long. Apparently, he did this every so many years. She’s finally free.”
“What? She never said anything,” Jordan answered.
“You were her escape, Jordan. You made her happy. You gave her a piece of herself she was missing.”
“How do you know?” His voice broke.
Mike handed him a letter. “It was taped to your door. I had to read it. I’m sorry.”
Jordan opened the paper and read all of it, tears filling his eyes. Everything Mike said and more. He gave her the same hope she gave him.
“I don’t know how to move on,” Jordan answered.
“Go slow. Don’t look for love yet. Just don’t let yourself fall apart like you did before.”
He shook his head. “Don’t want to be that asshole again.”
“Good, now I should go. Gwen’s waiting on me.”
Jordan set the guitar down and hugged his oldest friend. “Thank you.”
“You bet. And tonight, we’re going out. You need someo
ne in your bed, even if it it’s for an hour.”
He nodded. “I’ll be thinking of her the whole time.”
“Don’t doubt that.”
* * * *
Brent stepped into Preston’s office and sat down. “So, the vampires?”
Preston sat back. “Alive, dead for the day, but alive. They don’t even remember what happened last night, or why they’re not healthy.”
“Did you tell them what happened?”
“Yeah, and Drummond showed up here last night, begging us to put him somewhere the sun would take him.”
“Shit. Tell me you didn’t.”
He shook his head. “No, we didn’t. In fact, he helped take care of the creepy twins who were taken over for the big battle. I think they’ll find another path. None of them were too worried about Crom Cruach. They followed Eamon, for the most part, because he treated them well and he was a good leader.”
“What about those blood slaves?” Brent protested.
He nodded. “That’s why they’re in custody, and there are plans to try to get them used to feeding in this day and age, and not necessarily using a live source.”
“Good to hear.”
“You hear about Toryn throwing you and Amelia a party at Shenanigans tonight?”
Brent shook his head. “Why?”
“Because, he wants you to know how much he appreciates what you did, and that you’ve shown how much you’ve changed.”
He snorted. “Because I didn’t kill every vampire last night?”
Preston smiled. “Yeah. He told me what happened when Inuala held you prisoner before. Can’t say I blame you.”
“Thanks. We’ll be there. I’m going home and back to bed.”
“I’d love to go back to bed for the day, hold my woman.” He sighed. “I’m leaving in a bit, but we’ll be there tonight.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Chapter 29
Amelia woke in Brent’s embrace, and after his version of waking her up, she was stretched on the bed, wishing he’d join her again.
Darkness Binds Page 20
