His Dark Embrace

by Verika Sloane

“What’s on the agenda today, Lucinda?” Abigail asked, setting the bowl of scrambled eggs on the table.

  Lucinda stirred her coffee. “Someone mentioned a women’s expo happening today, free to the public, noon to four. They give away beauty products, sell spa packages, have demos on new gadgets no one needs, things like that.”

  “Ooh, a women’s expo!” exclaimed Tory. “That could be fun.”

  “All I know is that it’s free, and we’ll save on gas since it’s only a few miles from here.”

  Lia bumped an elbow to Tory. “The brochure said male strippers will be there.”

  Tory made a face. “Ugh, they’re probably all human. Like they have anything on our men at home.”

  “But they do something our men don’t,” Lia said.

  Tory brightened. “Oh. So true.”

  “And what’s that?” Lucinda asked dryly.

  “They dance!” Lia and Tory replied at the same time.

  Everyone laughed except Lucinda.

  “Just remember to focus. We’ve been here over a month and have only gotten the interest of two shiyas among the seven of us. We need to do a lot better than that, girls.”

  Beth nodded. “We will.”

  “I don’t understand why our husbands don’t come with us,” Claudine complained. “Wouldn’t it better if we could show happy couples? To attract the single shifters?”

  “Why?” Abigail said, plopping down in her chair. “So we can rub it in their faces that they don’t have a mate?”

  “Well, that’s why we’re recruiting them, so that they have a chance to find one.” Claudine shrugged.

  Kimber finished slicing the oranges and placed them in a bowl on the table. “Claudine has a point. I mean, if we show up with the best-looking ones, that might garner more interest.”

  “Or they might think all the attractive ones are taken,” Tory added.

  “There are at least five unmated shiefs that are solidly attractive,” Lia defended, spreading jam on her toast.

  Kimber sighed, knowing her realism would rub Lucinda the wrong way, but she had to say it. “It really has nothing to do with the attractiveness of the shiefs in the pack. It has to do with the location of our home. Even if every single unmated shief was magazine-model-hot, it wouldn’t matter, if the shiya hates snow, freezing temps, vicious winter storms, or country living. The state itself isn’t a hard sell, but the location is, far from any city, with not a lot of places to go or things to do. By our very nature, every shiya loves open fields, deep woods, and a little isolation to keep their wolves happy. But what about their human side? Not many relish the idea of hard labor, like chopping wood or cleaning fish.”

  Lucinda rolled her eyes. “Well, we don’t want or need the kind that won’t pull their own weight.”

  “Of course not. I was just saying—”

  “That rural life won’t appeal to these pampered Southerners.”

  Kimber withheld a groan. “No. All I was saying is, it doesn’t matter what the men look like. We have to sell our community more than the potential to meet their mate. I know that’s our primary objective, but that can come later. We need more women. Period. There are more shiefs than shiyas, and if we don’t balance the ratio, the unmated ones will leave and start their own packs.”

  Abigail frowned. “No, they wouldn’t!”

  “Yes, they would. We’re small,” Kimber argued, knowing she was right. “At least compared to others who have hundreds, and are growing. What do we have now? Less than sixty total?”

  The room was silent.

  She hated being right. She also hated being the only one who voiced the real issues about recruiting new shiyas.

  Lucinda set her mug on the table. “Okay, Miss Smarty Pants, what do you suggest we do? Lie?”

  Claudine chimed in instead, trying as always to keep tension from escalating. “I think what she’s suggesting is that we focus less on the men side of things and emphasize more of what we offer as a family.”

  Yes, exactly. “Thank you. That’s what I mean.”

  “All right,” Lucinda relented, “but I don’t know any unmated, unpacked shiya who isn’t looking for a mate first and foremost. If all we do is look for those who want a warm bed and food, then we could be asking for freeloaders. And trouble. Been there, done that.”

  That afternoon, they walked to the expo. Kimber was happy they split up to look around. It wasn’t difficult to spot their own kind. They knew by scent or just looking into another’s eyes, as easy as a human recognized another human from a bear.

  The place was abuzz with activity. Vendors sold everything from window treatments to facials, handbags, and VIP packages for a girls-night-out. It was crowded and overwhelming, a lot of high-spirited chatter, music, and droves of women clamoring over free samples.

  Kimber stopped at a booth and picked up one of the lip glosses on display. A bold, bad red.

  “This one would look better with your skin tone,” said a male voice.

  She met the gaze of a handsome man appearing to be around her age with kind, chocolate-brown eyes and a closely trimmed beard.

  “Oh, I’m just browsing,” she said with a smile.

  His eyes widened. “And I’m just looking at my next muse!” He came around the table and grabbed her hands with both of his. “Sit. Let me do your makeup. You must let me. It’s my only joy in life. Say yes. Too late to say no.”

  Amused by his energetic charm, she got in the chair with a smile. “Sure, why not?”

  “I’m Stefan.” He held out his hand.

  She shook it. “Kimber.”

  He pushed a cotton ball under a pump. “You. Are. Gorge. You must share what you use to get this glow. What do you wash your face with?”

  Was it a trick question? “Um. Soap?”

  He screeched so loud, and a few people looked over. “What? You serious?”

  Did she commit a beauty crime? “I’m serious.”

  “Then you are lucky. Wow. But because you have such a pretty canvas, I must see what I can do to enhance it. It’s the artiste in me.”

  “Have at it.”

  “Bless you! How experienced are you with makeup?” he asked, cleaning her face. “Even dolls have blush and lashes.”

  “Level novice, I’m afraid. I wasn’t exactly encouraged to wear makeup except for special occasions.”

  “No! Well.” He placed a hand on his chest dramatically. “The universe brought you to the best. We don’t need to go full Kardashian here, but I will have my way with you. Makeup is not a sin, but it is a pleasure. I’ll show you.” He held various color sticks next to her skin to match. “Where from?”

  “Wisconsin.”

  “Midwest gal. Love it. Here on vacation?”

  “Kind of. More like a short-term summer stay.”

  “With your husband? Family?”

  Oh, you know, a pack of females who can turn into wolves. “I’m with a…travel club of sorts. A group of women. We’re all from the same town.”

  “Girls’ getaway. Nice. Okay, face up.” He began applying moisturizer. “I’m originally from Florida but moved here last year with my man. Close eyes, please.”

  She did as told, then asked, “How long have you been a makeup artist?”

  “In my soul? First grade. I love it and I’m good at it. What do you do?”

  “Bookkeeper. Yawn.”

  “Yeah, but if you’re going to be good at something, be good at money,” he joked.

  Right. No one else was as savvy with the pack’s multiple accounts and endless bills as she was, so she’d been their number one since college, after she took over for a shiya who’d just given birth. She single-handedly guided them out of the Stone Age with automated software and billing that her system virtually ran itself with only basic monitoring.

  Did she enjoy it? Was it her passion? No. But it was her most important contribution, and likely the main reason Amos wanted her to stay with them. She found ways to save on their taxes too. And to
him, that was more than worth her odd-shiya-out status.

  “Married? Attached?” Stefan asked, starting on her cheeks.

  She sighed. “No across the board.”

  “Obviously, that’s your choice,” he remarked.

  “Where I’m from, there aren’t a lot of them.”

  “Well, if you’re looking, I can tell you the good bars to find the best of what Atlanta has to offer. Do you like dancing?”

  She grinned. “What girl doesn’t?”

  “There are so many places to get your booty shaking! My boyfriend is Latino, we go to this great bar once a month. Sábado Fuego. It’s like a national holiday in a two-story club. Super exclusive. Guestlist only. You must come. Be our plus one.”

  They barely knew each other, but she felt a quick kinship with Stefan. “I’d love to.”

  They talked for so long, Kimber wondered exactly what she’d look like after he was done, as Stefan seemed to be taking his time.

  He was so easy to talk to and constantly made her laugh. When others came up to the booth, he’d spend a few seconds recommending a shade of eyeshadow or lipstick, then put his attention back to her. His associates seemed annoyed he was spending so much time with just one customer. She should probably buy one of everything so he wouldn’t get in trouble.

  When he added the final touch to her eyes, she was a little apprehensive of what she’d see in the mirror.

  “Voilà!” he exclaimed, giving her a hand mirror. “Au naturale with a touch of glam.”

  Kimber blinked at her reflection. Her eyes had been lined to perfection, with coats of mascara, and just the perfect blend of blush. Her brows had been cleaned up and shaped perfectly.

  “Well,” he sang. “What do you think? It’s hard to pull off the natural look, but you’d drown in anything heavy. Just a little powder, highlighting, liner, and the right lipstick.” He snapped his fingers. “I spent extra time on you because I like you, girl.”

  She smiled, standing. “Feeling’s mutual. Thank you. What do I owe you?”

  He handed her a business card. “Absolutely gratis. It was fun.”

  “At least let me buy you dinner while I’m in town?” Anything for an excuse to be out of the house.

  “I’m a dessert whore more than anything. Send me a text so I have your info.”

  Someone called his name and he went over to help. Just then, Abigail and Lucinda broke through the crowd.

  “There you are,” Abigail exclaimed. “Where the heck have you been?”

  “Did you get your makeup done?” Lucinda frowned as Kimber came from around the counter. “Have you been here the whole time?”

  “I was just taking a break,” Kimber said, feeling a little guilty that she’d spent zero time looking for shiyas. “Besides, it was free.” Not that it mattered, she had her own money, but if Lucinda heard the word “free,” she understood better.

  Lucinda rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go find the others.”

  “Well, I think you look pretty, Kimber,” Abigail complimented.

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  As they turned away, she looked over her shoulder and waved goodbye.

  On the walk back, her thoughts once again centered on her scandalous encounter with a vampire. Every tree she passed reminded her of the tree he had her pressed against. Every time someone mentioned swimming she’d close her legs against the ache…

  After dinner, the others gathered in the living room to watch a movie. Kimber remained in her room, sitting on the bay window, trying to read, but never getting past the first chapter. Staring out into the street, she wondered if Shain had really shown up the following night, or if he’d come to his senses.

  There’s no way he’s there tonight. It’s been days.

  And there would be no finding out unless she dared to go too.

  With a moan, she covered her face with her hands. For certain situations, she was brave, fearless even, but not stupid. Only a stupid, stupid shiya would dare let desire lead her to an immortal whose main objection could be to hurt her.

  Then again, she still couldn’t shake the instinct Shain wasn’t the vampire her shifter brothers and sisters had incessantly warned her about since the cradle.

  Something about him had been different.

  A series of beeps.

  Her text notification broke her thoughts. She smiled at Stefan’s message:

  Sweet tooth throbbing? Craving dessert. Want to join me?

  Perfect timing. Anything to get her mind off Shain Trevyn. She texted back:

  Name the place.

  While she was changing into a loose top and jeans, Stefan replied with:

  Lique the Spoon is the only place open late. Here’s the address.

  Kimber looked it up, told him she’d see him there, and waited for the others to go to bed. Predictably, they went upstairs right after the movie was over.

  She gave Uber an address a block away from the townhouse.

  On the way, Nya perked up.

  Kimber glanced at the driver, then at the app to make sure he was taking her to the right place, and finally out the window to see if something wasn’t right.

  What is it? she asked her wolf.

  Nya urged her to keep staring outside, though all Kimber could see were trees, a man jogging on a path, a dog off its leash while the woman hung back on her cell phone.

  “Is this a park?” she asked the driver.

  “Oh yeah, one of the biggest we got. Lot of events there. Renaissance Festival, foodie fairs. Perfect place to watch fireworks for the Fourth of July. Has a little lake and everything. Nice, huh?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “What’s the name?”

  “Montclair.”

  She jerked, scanning the landscape with wild eyes as they cruised by.

  What a coincidence they were driving past that particular park. What a coincidence out of all the places Shain Trevyn could’ve thought of—when he didn’t know what neighborhood she was even staying in—that he’d said that one for their rendezvous.

  Her heartbeat tripled in pace, and it was on the tip of her tongue to tell the driver to stop.

  But she didn’t. One, it was beyond ridiculous to consider; and two, she didn’t want to be late meeting Stefan.

  A few blocks past the park, her driver dropped her off at Lique. She wasn’t one to believe in destiny, but this seemed pretty damn coincidental.

  Stefan waited for her inside on the bench, legs crossed, staring at his phone. When she walked in, he bounded up and grabbed her in a tight hug as if they were old friends.

  “Damn girl, you’re toned! Pilates? Cross fit?”

  Hard labor, she joked to herself. “I do a little of everything.”

  They were taken to a table for two and ordered a massive brownie sundae.

  “Okay, so I already talked to my man. We’re going dancing next weekend.”

  She didn’t even need to think about it. “I’m in.”

  He grinned. “Good. We’ll have fun! Maybe find you a little summer romance while we’re there? Or would you rather just stay solo? I find it hard to believe you haven’t found someone to play with. The city is packed with them. If you don’t believe me, there’s an app for that.”

  She laughed, setting down her spoon. “Actually, I did meet someone.”

  “You did? Spill. One to ten. How good-looking?”

  She started to smile, imagining his handsome face and silky voice. “Eleven.”

  “What? Well, lucky you. Have you gone out with him yet?”

  Her smile fell. “No, I can’t date this guy.”

  “He’s an eleven and you can’t date him? Why the hell not? Is he taken?”

  “Not that I know of. We just have nothing in common.” Except scorching hot attraction.

  Stefan scored his spoon on the plate with more ice cream and brownie. “So? Opposites attract.”

  “We’re too opposite.”

  “I’m sure you’re more alike than unalike.�
�

  “Yes, we both have two eyes, arms, and legs.”

  “Come on. You’re blushing! You like him.”

  “Like him? I barely know him.”

  “But what you do know, you like.” Stefan winked.

  “What I do know is that he’s cocky and cynical, and probably goes pinky-up when he sips tea. A suit-in-summer-wearing, money-loving, nosy-as-hell womanizer who’s probably never been told no.” She whined and set her forehead on the table. “Who kisses like a dream, looks like Christmas morning, and when he touches me, makes me feel like, if the world ended, I wouldn’t even notice.”

  “Whaaa… Why the hell would you pass him up? You don’t have to marry the guy. Have some fun with him, and when things start to get too uncomfortably opposite, wish him a good life and move on.” He reached over and squeezed her forearm. “Seize the day! My man is ten times out of my league hot. People look at us like they can’t fathom how I caught him. We’re opposite in let-me-count the ways and we’ve been together two years. If I hadn’t asked him out, I would’ve never known what would have been.”

  Well, I know what would be if I meet this vampire again. She lifted her head from the table with a sigh. Two men with different personalities finding love was a lot more innocent than a shiya and a vampire spending time together. “You have no idea how bad he is for me.”

  “Whatever. I think you should see him at least one more time. Nothing worse than regret, Kimber. When do you girls go back to Wisconsin?”

  “September.”

  “You deserve a sexy summer romance. See him, bang him, go home.”

  The other teeny tiny issue reared its virtuous head. “That’s just it. I’m…sort of saving myself.” Had she said mate, she could only imagine Stefan’s laughter. She knew it wasn’t the norm to be a virgin at her age, but being an immortal meant you could take your time with just about anything. Including sex. Though, she was definitely in the vast minority in that respect. Very few of her pack sisters were virgins before they mated.

  Stefan’s eyes widened. “Shut the front door. You still have your v-card? Is it because of your religion or something?”

  “I’m just waiting for the right guy. That’s all.”

  “Ugh. I wish I would’ve had more of that mindset when I lost mine.” He bumped a slice of banana her way through the melted ice cream. “Virtue is hot. Here I am, talking about one-night-stands and banging men from bars. Sorry, girl.”