Romancing the Paranormal

by Stephanie Rowe

  I observed my new friend as he stood and walked to the hallway. “You need help?” I asked as he dragged one of the unconscious Vamps into the room.

  “No, I have this,” Jean Paul said. “You should probably go get your ass chewed out by your Prince.”

  “Good point,” I replied, admiring his spirit. “I’ll see you in the morning. Bring Raquel if she feels up to some sparring,” I added.

  “I’m sure she will be busy repairing the mishap we had in here, but I will extend the invitation,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

  “Very well then. I’ll be off.”

  “Have fun,” Jean Paul called after me as I made my way to Ethan’s floor.

  I grinned and shook my head. The little fucker had balls. I thoroughly enjoyed people with balls…and I enjoyed those who might have the potential to help me get what I wanted. Even if what I wanted didn’t want me.

  Chapter 5

  Astrid was grinning from ear to ear when I entered their living room. Ethan and Astrid’s suite was the entire top floor of the compound. Samuel slept contentedly in her arms as Ethan paced the room and waited for me to come clean.

  “Sooooooo, I hear you can’t get it up anymore,” Astrid said as her grin grew wider.

  “Jesus,” I muttered as I dropped down on the couch next to her. “Good news travels fast.”

  “Considering it came from the assmunch Christina, I don’t think many will buy it,” she said sweetly as she tried not to laugh.

  “What has gotten into you?” Ethan asked as he took a seat across from me.

  “Not sure,” I said as I let my head fall into my hands.

  “I am,” Astrid volunteered as she crossed the room with the sleeping Samuel and tucked him into his big boy bed.

  “Astrid,” I warned as I heard her giggle.

  “Out with it,” Ethan said tightly, “unless you want my mate to do your dirty work. And trust me, it will sound far worse coming out of her mouth.”

  “I resent that,” she said as she flounced back over and sat on his lap.

  “I, um…” I didn’t know where to start—or if I even wanted to.

  We all sat in strained silence and waited to see what I would say. I was more curious than anyone.

  “Well, it’s like this…” I started slowly.

  “Oh, for shit’s sake,” Astrid said. “He’s in love with Raquel. They’ve been doing the horizontal hula for longer than I’ve been alive. I mean, my God, the entire compound heard them bumping uglies this morning. I’m quite sure she’s his mate and he keeps fucking, pun intended, everything up by sleeping with her and not dating her properly.”

  Ethan was shocked to silence. He was also correct. It was heinous coming from Astrid’s mouth. I watched him closely. Did he think I wasn’t good enough for her too?

  “Is this accurate?” he choked out.

  I was unsure if his loss of voice was from Astrid’s choice of words or if he believed I was unfit to be his sister’s mate.

  “Not exactly,” I mumbled.

  “What exactly isn’t accurate?” he asked as a small smile pulled at his lips.

  “Mine’s not ugly,” I replied.

  Ethan’s smile was now full blown.

  “And neither is hers.”

  Oh fuck, did I say that out loud? If their large eyes and Ethan’s cringe was any indication…I did.

  “Okay, TMI.” Ethan groaned and buried his face in his mate’s neck.

  “That was a little much,” Astrid said gleefully.

  That was amazing coming from her. She had no filter whatsoever. I suppose I now qualified for that club.

  “Look, it doesn’t matter. She doesn’t want me. She’s made it clear,” I said.

  “Have you made you intention clear? Ethan asked.

  “Very,” I shot back. There was no way I was going into my humiliation from two hundred years ago.

  “Do you think it’s because you ripped her legs off all those years ago?” Astrid asked as she sat forward and clasped her hands together in excitement.

  “Possibly, and it wasn’t her legs. It was her arm. Only one arm,” I said thoughtfully and then reconsidered. “No, how could she be mad about that? She deserved it and it grew back.”

  Again with the silence.

  “She was trying to kill me,” I protested. “We’re Vampyres. This is normal.”

  “Um…there’s a lot you don’t know about women,” Astrid said as she bit down on her lip. Her laugh escaped anyway.

  “Fine,” I relented. “It was a thoughtless move, but I’ve apologized numerous times over the years for that one.”

  “I believe she’s your mate. So does our father,” Ethan said quietly.

  My eyes shot to his and my chest constricted. Why did all of this have to be so complicated? Mates were supposed to recognize each other. Why couldn’t I find someone who wanted me as much as I wanted them?

  “Now you just have to convince her,” Astrid said logically.

  “That won’t be easy,” Ethan muttered. “She has…”

  “What?” I demanded. “She has what?”

  “Issues,” Ethan said cryptically. “Issues I’m not at liberty to talk about.”

  “Wait one fucking minute,” Astrid griped. “Why don’t I know about this?”

  “Because it’s truly not my tale to tell. It’s hers and it’s not a pretty one,” he said as he put Astrid on the couch and began to pace the room again. “Here’s what I will say… She has given up her Monarchy of Europe. She has turned her rule over to our brother Gareth.”

  “But he rules the largest section of Asia,” I said, completely shocked by the news. “When did this happen?”

  “Right before she came here. My father is fine with this. He has given his blessing. Gareth is a solid and honest leader even if he can’t seem to keep it in his pants,” Ethan said with an eye roll.

  “Will he be at the wedding?” Astrid asked.

  “He wouldn’t miss it,” Ethan replied. “He adores American Vampyres.”

  “Why? Why would she do that? She’s one of the finest and deadliest leaders in the world. She’s beloved and somewhat insane. Her people would die for her,” I said as I tried to figure out what would make her give up her birthright.

  “That was all really good except for the insane part,” Astrid coached.

  “Did I say insane?”

  “Yep.” She nodded.

  “Okay, well I meant that, but I didn’t mean to say that,” I told her.

  “I’ll let that go this time, but if you say something stupid again I’ll zap you. This will train you to be more of a gentleman where Raquel is concerned. I’m doing this because I love you—not because it would be fun to electrocute your ass.”

  I nodded warily. This was a very bad idea. However, I did need to rebuild a filter when I spoke to Raquel…

  “This is all well and good,” I said as I ran my hand tiredly through my hair. “Everyone in the world can believe that we are destined to be together, but if she doesn’t—it’s not happening.”

  “You certainly have your work cut out for you.” Ethan shuddered and grimaced. “Good luck.”

  “Anything else you can tell me?” I asked hopefully.

  “Nope, hers to tell.”

  “That’s bullshit,” I snapped.

  “As much in life is,” he replied.

  I nodded in frustration and stood to leave.

  “Heathcliff, don’t worry. I know she wants you too—something is holding her back. I’m going to help you get her,” Astrid told me.

  “I really don’t think that…” I stuttered.

  “No, don’t thank me,” she said as she gave me a hug. “It’s my duty as your cousin. I will help you kick ass and get the girl.”

  I hugged her back and was able to hide my look of horror over her shoulder. Of course Ethan saw it and just laughed. I flipped him off and he laughed harder. It wasn’t funny. It was my life. Although, I hadn’t done too well on my own…mayb
e Astrid could help me.

  ***

  “God damn it,” I bellowed as my cousin flicked her fingers and almost set my ass on fire. “I didn’t even say anything bad. Why in the Hell are you zapping me?”

  “I’m practicing. It would be a fucking shit show if I zapped your nuts, now wouldn’t it?” she snapped.

  That shut me up.

  I was early to the fight training center. Jean Paul was supposed to meet me at eleven and Astrid had sent word for Raquel to bring Samuel at eleven too. I had no clue what her plan was but I didn’t care. I wanted to see Raquel. I wanted to know the mystery and I just plain wanted her.

  “Take off your shirt,” Astrid instructed.

  “What?”

  “Your shirt. Take it off. Now.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “Because Raquel will be here in a few and we need to show off your assets,” she said as if she’d just made a perfectly reasonable request.

  “I will not take off my shirt. I’m going to charm her with my wit,” I explained. “Son of a bitch,” I shouted as I hopped around in pain.

  I grabbed my ass and shot my cousin a look that had brought armies to their knees. Astrid just laughed.

  “Your balls are next,” she threatened.

  “Fine,” I grumbled as I removed my shirt, leaving me barefoot and in my low riding sweat pants. “Should I oil my pecs?” I asked sarcastically.

  “Oh my Uncle God,” she squealed. “That’s an awesome idea.”

  “I was joking.”

  “Well, I’m not. Do you want me to magic up some oil?”

  “Absolutely not,” I said.

  “You are being an asshat,” she muttered. “I’m here to help you.” She punctuated her remark with another zap to my backside.

  This brand of help was not going to work for me.

  “They’re coming,” she whispered with manic excitement. “Act normal.”

  “If I act normal you’re going to zap my ass right off of my body,” I told her.

  “Right,” she said as she wrinkled her brow in thought. “Then just flex your muscles and stay quiet.”

  “Not happening,” I mumbled and quickly jumped out of the way as another electrical current zoomed toward me.

  “You do realize if you move I might blow up your balls and your Johnson,” she informed me as the rest of the group entered the training room.

  “Balls,” Samuel yelled as he pointed at me from Raquel’s arms.

  “That’s right, baby boy,” Astrid said as she took her child from Raquel. “Nice to see you, Jean Paul and Raquel. Let’s get this party started.”

  “Thank you for rearranging my suite last night,” Raquel said sarcastically to me with a raised eyebrow and an I’d like to kick your ass look on her face.

  I opened my mouth to counter her attack with something rude and brilliant and noticed Astrid’s twitching fingers. Fuck. “Yes…well, I’m, um, sorry about that,” I mumbled and almost started laughing at the puzzled look of shock on Raquel’s face.

  “Why am I here?” Raquel asked as she avoided my intense scrutiny of her. She was dressed casually in yoga pants and a t-shirt that hugged her breasts to perfection.

  “Because, um…” Astrid said uncertainly.

  “Because we decided that after I train Jean Paul for a bit you and I could show Samuel some more intricate moves,” I said, pulling the first thing I could think of out of my very sore ass.

  Astrid’s covert nod of approval made my tense body relax.

  Raquel’s eyes narrowed slightly but she shrugged and took a seat next to the mat. “It’s your funeral,” she mumbled with a small grin.

  “That it is,” I shot back with a grin of my own. I also prayed my libido stayed in check while we sparred. I didn’t really need to explain erections to Sammy yet. “You ready, Jean Paul?”

  “I am,” he said as he bowed formally to me. “Weapons or hand to hand?”

  “Hand to hand,” I replied as I gave him a small bow back. “Center of the mat. Relax and blindfold yourself.”

  “Blindfold, sir?”

  “Yep. It’s all about feeling the energy. If you want to be the best you need to be able to feel your enemy, not just see them,” I said as I handed him a blindfold and put one on myself.

  There were two reasons I did this. One, I would be more focused if I couldn’t see Raquel and two, if I couldn’t see her the potential problem in my pants was more likely to stay calm. Win, win.

  “Begin,” I said quietly.

  Jean Paul was less sure of himself without his sight and became aggressive and sloppy. His punches were strong but it was too easy to take him down.

  “Feel me,” I commanded. “Don’t punch air. Don’t waste one single movement.” I demonstrated my instruction with a jab to his head that left him disoriented and on the floor.

  “This is foreign to me,” he grunted. I felt him stand back up and take a defensive position. “I need to see.”

  “No,” I ground out harshly, “you don’t. You need to trust your senses and find me. There is power in stillness. Stop flailing around.”

  He stood quietly and centered himself. To an average observer it would seem as if nothing was happening—however they would be very wrong. Jean Paul had found his inner sight and the power that welled from him was impressive. Not enough to make me shudder, but I was the very best. Very few stood a chance against me. Not ego—just fact.

  “Try to take me,” I taunted. “If you can do it I will give you a favor of your choosing…”

  “A rare gift.” Jean Paul chuckled and his body tensed. “What if I lose?”

  “You’ll owe me a favor.”

  I felt him consider the offer. Then he struck. And it was glorious.

  Violent and balletic, we fought with aggression and purpose. With each punch and roundhouse kick I knew he grew stronger. I back flipped out of the way as a vicious right hook came at my face and came right back with a scissor kick to his head that brought him down. Pinning him to the floor, he struggled and tried to regain the upper hand, but it was over.

  “A fine try, but not good enough,” I hissed in his ear.

  “I want to go again,” he grunted as I let up on his throat.

  “No, no more today. Wear the blindfold when you aren’t on guard and find your center while you’re blind. If you can’t…you’re worthless.”

  “I am not worthless,” he spat as he removed the material from his eyes.

  “We shall see,” I said with a grin. He was correct, but telling him would be counterproductive. The little French man had balls and training him would be a good distraction, plus it would ensure some time to grill him for information—he owed me a favor. Again—win, win. “You’re excused, Jean Paul. Go shower and think about what I’ve said. Tomorrow at eleven again?”

  “I will be here, sir. Thank you.” He bowed to me and then checked in with his Princess. With a few quietly exchanged words and a quick nod he left the training room.

  Raquel stood and watched me. Her eyes strayed from my face to my body—color suffused her cheeks and I could scent her desire. Suddenly Astrid’s shirtless directive seemed like a brilliant idea—not that I would ever admit that to her. She’d become a bossy monster.

  “Are you ready?” I inquired, meaning so much more than the simple question.

  “I’m always ready,” she said calmly. “P.S.—I like my arm. You remove it again and you lose your head.”

  “Noted.” I grinned and bowed to her. “I’m not guaranteeing that I won’t go for your overactive middle finger…”

  “This one?” she asked as she flipped me off with a grin on her face.

  I chuckled and willed my dick to stay asleep. “Yep, that’s the one.”

  “Oh shit,” Astrid shouted.

  “Shit,” Samuel yelled with joy.

  “Sammy,” Astrid reprimanded him. “Shit is a filthy fucking word. We don’t say shitty words like that. You got it?”

  “Yep, Mommy. Me
got it.”

  “It’s the Baby Demons teaching him that crap,” she muttered as she stood up and headed for the door.

  “Crap,” Sammy shouted and lifted his middle finger to me and Raquel.

  “Oh no,” Raquel whispered in horror as she watched him wave his chunky little birdie finger all over the place.

  “Where are you going?” I asked my cousin as she hightailed it out of the gym.

  “I forgot I had a meeting with the motherfucking wedding planner at noon. I’ll be back when I can. Don’t you two do anything I wouldn’t do,” she shouted as she left the room.

  Well, that certainly didn’t leave much.

  “Motherfucking,” Sammy squealed as they exited the facility.

  You still want to fight?” I asked Raquel.

  “I would love to kick your ass,” she purred.

  “I’d love to bite yours,” I shot back.

  “If you win I’ll let you…but if I win you have to do my bidding for one day.”

  Either way I won.

  “That works for me, Princess. Show me what you got.”

  “My pleasure,” she said as she centered herself and took a defensive stance on the mat.

  “No. Trust me…the pleasure is all mine.”

  All mine.

  Chapter 6

  I was inclined to go easy on her. My mistake.

  “After last night I thought I wouldn’t see much of you anymore,” she said as she violently kicked my legs out from beneath me and tried to pin me.

  “You thought wrong,” I shot back as I flipped her to her back and held her immobile. Her body beneath mine was a temptation that was hard to ignore. However, her need to best me or tear a limb from my body made me push all thoughts of stripping her and fucking her to the back of my brain.

  “Can we use magic?” she asked as she twisted and attempted to pull free.

  “Nope.”

  Her hips were in line with mine and I could have sworn she was grinding herself against me. Son of a bitch…

  “Are you cheating?” I whispered in her ear. Her breasts were smashed against my bare chest and the evidence of my arousal was impossible to miss.

  “Possibly,” she whispered back with a giggle. “Is it working?”