by Kailin Gow
“Or did you burn up all your minutes?” Lucas added.
Lux giggled at the Goods teasing comments. “Can somebody please hand the man a phone?”
Sully pulled his phone out of his back pocket. “Here,” he said. “You can use mine.”
“I do appreciate it,” Moore said, taking the phone.
“This is a brand new phone,” Sully said, going over Moore’s shoulder to swipe the phone to the left, turning it on. “They probably weren’t like this when you went away.”
“I think I can figure it out,” Moore said.
“Let’s clean this up,” Lucas said as Moore made the call.
Sully picked up the snack bowls and brought them back to the kitchen. “I’ll go show Romeo to his room.”
“Good idea,” Lucas said. “I’ll finish up here and show Moore to his room afterward.”
Lux smiled at both of them. “Thanks guys. I really appreciate everything you’re doing.”
“We’re just happy to help, Lux,” Lucas said.
Sully was heading up the stairs with Romeo when Moore ended his call.
“Sleep well, everyone,” Moore called out. “Everything is set. We’ll board early tomorrow and have a lavish breakfast on our flight to San Francisco, and my home will be ready to receive us.”
Chapter 20
Lux woke up early the next morning, took a quick shower then packed a small overnight bag. She then went through her closet to find something appropriate to wear. Were they in for a fight, or would this resemble a social call?
She didn’t want to take the chance. She squeezed into a super tight, super sexy pair of black skinny jeans, put on a flashy pink bra and pulled a white button-down shirt over it. She’d be stylish and sexy, but just in case things turned nasty, she pulled on a comfortable pair of two-inch booties.
“Wow,” Sully said when Lux made her way down the stairs.
“Lucky Brax,” Asher said. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you so dressed up.”
“Oh, come on,” Lux said. “I’m not dressed up. It’s jeans and a plain white shirt.”
Moore looked hungrily at her. “Well, you sure know how to fill a pair of jeans and plain white shirt.”
“Are you guys all ready?” she said.
Lucas grabbed his luggage. “I’m ready to go.”
“My things are already in the car,” Sully said.
“All I have is this,” Lux said, showing her small bag.
“I have nothing but the clothes on my back,” Romeo said.
“And I need nothing else but the clothes on my back,” Asher countered.
“And everything I own is back in San Francisco,” Moore said. “Now that that’s settled, let’s go.”
They loaded up into the Escalade and headed for the airport.
“My pilot flew my jet in overnight and it should be in Hangar J,” Moore called out when they arrived at the small private airport. He pointed to the right. “Go through the gate over there and then hang a left. It’s the third hangar.”
Lucas pulled the car up to the hangar and everyone got out.
“You guys can all get on board,” Moore said, but as Lux passed in front of him, he took a hold of her arm and stopped her. “Hang back a second.”
“What is it?” Lux said, suddenly worried.
“We still have about fifteen minutes before we take off,” he said. “I just wanted to have a minute alone with you.” He glanced up at his jet. “Just seeing this baby again brings back so many great memories.”
Lux looked up at the plane and smiled. “It was a pretty great weekend. I don’t think you’ll ever be able to top it.”
“Don’t be so sure.”
“I might just hold you to that.”
“When this is all over, when we find Brax and I find my complete humanity, I’ll whisk you away and it’ll be a whirlwind romance to beat all whirlwind romances.”
“Are you guys coming up or what?” Sully called out from the plane.
Moore leaned in to give Lux a quick kiss. “Better get on board before they blow a fuse.”
They climbed aboard and Lux was stunned by the beauty and the lavishness of the jet.
“Wow,” Lux said in awe. “It’s even more beautiful and luxurious than I remembered.”
“It is a pretty nifty plane,” Sully said.
“Are you trying to say that yours is nicer?” Moore asked.
“Well, this is last year’s model, isn’t it?” Sully said. “Ours is the latest model. I believe the seats are a little wider, the fabrics a little softer and the ride a little quieter.”
“Okay, guys,” Lux said as she put her overnight bag away and looked around. “Could you please stop bickering about who has the bigger… plane.”
“Fine,” Moore said. He glanced at his watch. “Settle down everyone. You can either sit together in the common space or head off to your individual private seats and pull the privacy curtains shut. Wherever you choose to sit, breakfast will be served once we’re in the air. This morning we have Belgium waffles with fresh strawberries and fresh whipped cream, pancakes with blueberries and real maple syrup or fresh baked bagels with smoked salmon and capers.”
The guys all looked at him, impressed with all the attention he’d put into the short flight.
“I’m already hungry,” Sully said. “Can I have all three?”
“You can have anything you like,” Moore said. “As much as you like.”
The guys all found a seat that suited them while Moore brought Lux to a private area at the front of the jet. With dramatic flair, he pulled the heavy drapes closed.
Cocking a naughty brow, he looked at her. “Now, we can really be alone.” He pulled her into his arms, and passionately kissed her, awakening all the parts of her body she thought were too exhausted to awaken. “Damn, that is so good,” he said as he pulled back. “It is so good to be with you again.”
Lux looked into his eyes and ran her hand along his cheek. It was so easy to get lost in him, to lose herself to everything and anything he wanted. Her love for him resurfaced, stronger than ever.
The pilot announced her readiness to take off and Moore led Lux to a plush, leather seat.
After buckling up, the plane took off and moments later a flight attendant came around.
“Will you have the waffles, pancakes or bagels?” the flight attendant asked.
“I think I’ll have the waffles,” Lux said.
“Good choice,” Moore said. “They are very good.”
“Oh, and some coffee, please,” Lux called after the flight attendant.
Moments later he returned with hot coffee and waffles.
“This looks magnificent,” Lux said, admiring the colorful plate.
Lux cut off a piece of waffle with her fork, speared a chunk of strawberry and dunked it into the whipped cream before bringing it all to her mouth. “Oh, yeah,” she said pointing to her mouth. “Oh, wow. This is…” She chewed her mouthful. “Oh, this is really good.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
She took another bite. “I may just have to ask for seconds.”
“There’s plenty.”
Her mouth full, Lux smiled at him.
“So, how have you been doing since…” Moore hesitated. “Well, since you came back to life.”
“At times it’s been hell,” she said, then instantly looked up at him. “Oh. Sorry.”
“What for?”
“Here I am complaining that life on earth was hell while you spent all that time literally in hell.”
“Ah, yes,” Moore said with a calm smile. “The old ‘hell on earth’ humans are so fond of whining about. If they only knew.”
Lux looked at her plate of delicious food, her comfortable surroundings and her stylish clothes. “It’s easy to sit here and enjoy all the creature comforts,” she said. “But some people aren’t so fortunate. For some, life really is hell.”
“I won’t argue with you about that.” Moore sat bac
k and looked up at the ceiling of the plane. “But when you get down to it, there’s nothing like hell. It’s every misery you can imagine. It’s constant pain, physical and emotional. And it’s knowing that there’s no end in sight.”
Lux looked at him and noticed the glistening layer of tears in his eyes.
“I’ll rephrase my assessment of my time since I’ve come back,” Lux offered. “On the one hand I appreciate every moment I have, but there have been moments when it’s been difficult to figure out which way to go. I’ve been worried sick about you and Brax, and, of course, there’s some guilt involved there, too.”
Moore suddenly gripped her hand tightly in his. “I just want to put it all behind me. I mean, I’ll use my experience down there to help the fight. Like Romeo, I can bring a different perspective to slayers, but other than that, I want to forget about my time there and live my life… as a human.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” Lux said.
Moore nodded. “With all that, however, I must warn you. The hunger is still there. At times it is easily controlled, but other times I fear it might consume me.”
“You mean your desire to drain a soul?”
“Yeah. Last night, right after everyone went to bed…” He shook his head as if regretting the feelings he had. “You’re just so tempting and knowing that you were right there… so close. I had to really fight the urge to go to you.”
She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you were able to fight it. Hopefully your fight against your succubus side will be over soon.”
The flight attendant came by to take away her empty plate and offer her more coffee.
“No, thank you,” Lux said. “I think I’ve had enough for this morning.”
The flight attendant left and Lux turned to Moore. Smiling, she curled up in the crux of his arm. “It’s so good being with you again, Moore.”
He wrapped his arm around her and held her tight. “It sure is good being with you, too.”
With a sense of warmth and security she hadn’t felt for a long time, Lux fell asleep and woke up when the wheels touched ground in San Francisco.
“Are we there?” she said sleepily.
“Yep,” Moore said.
The jet taxied to Moore’s hangar and everyone stepped out of the plane and into his waiting limo.
“You sure are giving us the royal treatment,” Sully said, admiring the luxury car.
“Nothing but the best for my Lux,” Moore said.
The limo brought them to Moore’s lavish home. Even Sully and Lucas were duly impressed.
“Interesting architecture,” Lucas said as they spotted the massive home in the distance.
“I wanted something modern and streamlined, but with interesting details, like those gargoyles and the wood trim around the windows.”
While Lucas admired the architecture, Lux couldn’t help but think back to the last time she’d been in Moore’s home. She’d shoved the memory away, not really wanting to remember those final events, but they now came back in quick flashes. Moore’s sister, Shayne and her fight with Dr. Kingsley.
“You okay?” Moore said, reaching for her hand.
Lux nodded.
“I know you probably have some bad memories of this home. If you want to stay in the limo while I go in and get a few things, I’ll understand.”
She smiled at him. “It’s okay. I think I can manage.”
The limo pulled up to the massive front doors.
“I think a part of me wants to confront those memories.” She pressed a tight smile. “And I believe there are a few good memories in here as well.”
“If any of you feel the need to change out of your city clothes and into slayer attire,” Moore said as they entered the large home, “you can go in there.” He pointed to a large guest bathroom on the main floor.
“I’m just going to head up to get a few things and be back down.” He headed up the stairs, then looked down over the banister at them. “The fourth room in that hallway to the left is my supply room,” he called down. “There’s plenty of holy water, crucifixes and anything else you guys think we might need if a fight breaks out there.”
As Moore continued up the stairs, Lux and the guys headed into his supply room.
“Nice array of crucifixes,” Lucas commented as he looked through the glass case at the collection that was kept under lock and key.
“Are those real rubies?” Sully said, pointing to a beautifully ornate antique crucifix.
“And emeralds,” Lux confirmed with a nod.
“Some of his vials are just as ornate,” Romeo said, looking at Moore’s collection of crystal vials trimmed with gold.
“Here are his everyday vials,” Asher said, shoving four vials into each pocket and inviting the others to serve themselves.
“Everybody set,” Moore said as he came in to join them.
“Yeah,” Lucas said. “We were just admiring your collection. For a succubus, you have an odd obsession with the cross.”
“Just because I’m a succubus doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate beautiful antiques. This room happens to hold many religious relics, including crucifixes. I have a room that reflects my appreciation for great art. It’s filled with Rembrandts, Renoirs and a few Picassos. In another room I keep significant archeological finds; arrowheads, ancient pottery and swatches of handwoven rugs. Need I go on?”
“I think you’ve made your point,” Sully said.
“Now,” Moore said with authority. “If you’ll all follow me, my Range Rover is all gassed up and ready to go.”
He led the way to the garage, and everyone piled into the oversized car. Lux got into the front passenger seat and looked over at Moore in the driver seat, hesitating.
“Do you remember how to drive?” she said with a teasing grin.
He smiled. “I’m just getting reacquainted with my vehicle.”
“You’re just trying to remember what all those buttons, levers and dials mean.”
The guys in the back chuckled, but Moore then started the car and backed out of the garage.
“Like riding a bike,” he announced to everyone.
He took to the streets and they were soon pulling into another long, tree-lined drive.
“This is where Brax last lived,” Moore told the guys as he killed the engine. “We can start our search of him here. Looking at the well-kept lawn and overall tidiness, I’d say that his staff is still here. Maybe somebody will know something.”
The moment Lux stepped out of the car, she sensed something.
“Feel that?” Asher said as he came up beside her.
“It’s warm,” Lux said.
“Unusually warm,” Asher said.
Lux nodded, remembering the constant chill that had enveloped the big house. There had once been demons here, bringing with them that chill, but even after Lux had slayed them all, the chill had remained.
She led the way to the front door and rang the bell. It took a long while before a housekeeper came around to opening the door.
Wiping her hands on her apron, the middle-aged woman with tidy grey hair looked at the group with kind, apologetic eyes. “I’m am sorry for the delay,” the woman said. “We’re a little understaffed and the house is quite large.”
She opened the door wide and waved them in. “If you’ll wait in the sitting room…”
Lux cocked her head to the side. Despite the lengthy wait for someone to open the front door, the housekeeper seemed to have been expecting them.
“Can I offer you anything,” the housekeeper said. “Coffee, tea, soda?”
“We’re good,” Lux said, not bothering to consult the guys.
They entered the sitting room.
“This room hasn’t changed at all,” Lux said. “Brax used to tutor me in this room.”
“When you say tutor,” Romeo said, “Do you mean tutor, or is that a euphemism for something else?”
“None of your business,” Lux shot back.
“I’ll l
et Brax know that you’ve arrived,” the housekeeper said as she left them.
At the sound of his name, Lux felt her heart skip a beat. Could this be it? Would it be this easy? All this time of looking for him and wanting to save him only to find him in his own home?
She glanced at Moore who shrugged his own disbelief.
Her heart raced and it was suddenly stiflingly hot in the room. Lux sat down, then sprang back up and walked around the small room. She picked up a candlestick and set it back down, then ran her hand over the colorful Tiffany lamp. Once more, she sat down, and immediately sprang back up.
“Can’t you sit still, Lux?” Sully said. “You’re making me nervous.”
“No,” she said bluntly. “I can’t sit still. After all this time; after all the questions and wondering and searching and planning… it comes down to this.”
“It all comes down to what?”
Lux turned around at the sound of the voice that she instantly recognized. Seeing him, tears welled up in her eyes. “Brax!” She ran to him and jumped in his arms. “Brax! I can’t believe it!”
She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and pressed into his hard, muscular chest. He felt so good in her arms. So right.
“I’d almost forgotten just how athletic and built you are,” she said, pulling back to have a good look at him. “Look at you. You’re human. Completely human. All golden curls, boyish grin and dazzling eyes. God, am I happy to see you.”
He smiled, but before he could say anything, Lux was on him, kissing him, hugging him as tears trickled down her cheeks.
“You’re cured, Brax,” she said when she pulled herself away. “Can it be true? You’re no longer a beautiful being? Just simply beautiful?”
“It didn’t take you long to pick up on that,” Brax said with a teasing grin.
“There’s something else,” Asher said.
“He’s right,” Lux said, taking a closer look at Brax. He looked good, better than ever, but with a little something different.
“What happened down there?” Asher said. “You seem to now have angel blood.”
Lux stepped back and looked at Brax. “Hmm, I think Asher is right. Even outside, the moment we got out of the car, we felt the warmth, a warmth that had never been here before.”
