Nevermore
Date: 2019-01-10 00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Fantasy; Magic; Paranormal Romance; Urban Fantasy; Vampires; Romance; Contemporary; Paranormal; Shapeshifters
Description: *USA TODAY BESTSELLER & Earphones Award Winner Raven Black risks it all for loyalty and love in this stunning continuation in the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.* Raven returns to her childhood home to rebuild her severed relationship with her father. After a long year of capturing violent criminals and thwarting assassination plots, she could use a vacation. But trouble is brewing on the home front. When Raven discovers her father is in financial peril, she’s determined to set things right even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process. Meanwhile, her relationship with Christi

FOREVERMORE

CROSSBREED SERIES

BOOK THIRTEEN

DANNIKA DARK

Forevermore: Crossbreed Series Book 13

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2023 Dannika Dark

No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the Author. You must not circulate this book in any format. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet without permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Thank you for respecting the rights of the Author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Edited & proofread by Victory Editing and Red Adept. Cover design by Dannika Dark. All stock purchased.

www.dannikadark.net

Created with Vellum

CONTENTS

Summary

Also By Dannika Dark:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Back Cover

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Books by Dannika Dark:

About the Author

SUMMARY

Crossbreed Series: Book 13

Raven Black’s wedding is on a collision course with disaster. A bonus novella in the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series!

Keystone’s planning an unforgettable wedding, but there’s only one problem: the groom is missing. To top that off, the father of the bride is out of town, leaving Raven to wonder if destiny has screwed her over once again. Despite the setbacks, she’s full steam ahead—even if that means showing up at the altar alone.

Hilarious antics ensue as readers catch up with their favorite characters. A high-octane chase, a tattoo gone wrong, and a stunning surprise. Will Christian pledge his eternal love, or has the twice-burned Vampire gotten cold feet?

The series ending you’ve been waiting for.

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ALSO BY DANNIKA DARK:

THE MAGERI SERIES

Sterling

Twist

Impulse

Gravity

Shine

The Gift

MAGERI WORLD

Risk

NOVELLAS

Closer

THE SEVEN SERIES

Seven Years

Six Months

Five Weeks

Four Days

Three Hours

Two Minutes

One Second

Winter Moon

Seven Series Companion: An Insider’s Guide

SEVEN WORLD

Charming

THE CROSSBREED SERIES

Keystone

Ravenheart

Deathtrap

Gaslight

Blackout

Nevermore

Moonstruck

Spellbound

Heartless

Afterlife

Quicksilver

Evildoer

THE BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIES

The Vow

The Alpha

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.

– Aristotle

CHAPTER 1

RAVEN, GEM, & CLAUDE

After straightening the white tulle on my dress, I emerged from the dressing room. My heart sank when I caught my reflection in the wall of mirrors, confirming what I already knew: this wedding dress wasn’t me. The strapless bust was too large, and the dress made me look like a giant marshmallow.

Gem sprang from her seat, momentarily losing her balance in her tall pink heels, which matched her floral romper. She clapped excitedly. “I love it!”

I put my hands on my hips. “That’s what you said about all of them. Claude?”

If anyone was the voice of reason, it was Claude. He’d based his career around making women beautiful.

Still seated in his chair, he rubbed his chin and frowned. “You look like a meringue pie.”

Gem popped him in the arm with her small fist. “Claude Valentine! Don’t be insensitive.”

“You mean truthful,” he said.

Even in an air-conditioned store, I was sweating like a pig. How would I last outdoors in the middle of June in a dress that felt more like insulation?

She came up behind me and gently lifted the fabric. “It’s absolutely divine. You look like a princess.”

“That’s why it’s not me.” I stated it as fact, feeling like a complete ass in a bridal shop. Other women were drinking champagne and making memories. I’d spent three hours searching for something decent before I finally snapped at Debbie, the attendant, and scared her off. “None of these are right. I don’t want to make myself wear something I’m not comfortable in. I’d rather wear leather than this.” After another glance in the mirror, I marched behind the curtain and fought with the zipper.

Gem popped in and opened up the back of the dress. “Don’t you dare show up to your wedding in leather pants. Your outfit should be memorable. If you don’t want to wear white, pick out a costume like they wear at masked balls. We don’t have silly rules. This is a human custom. Correction: a Western tradition. Every culture has their own wedding attire, and some of them are colorful.”

“Point me in the direction of the one that wears shorts.”

Gem pulled the gown to my feet so I could step out of it. While she gathered it up and hung it on the rack, I put on my ripped jeans and sneakers.

“I bet Debbie can’t wait for me to leave,” I muttered, pulling my tank top over my head.

Gem ran her hands down the dress. “Maybe you shouldn’t have cursed at her.”

“She told me if I hated everything so much, maybe I needed a Vegas drive-through wedding instead. Debbie can fuck off.”

After grabbing my purse, I walked out of the dressing room and guzzled down my complimentary champagne. “Maybe it’s a sign.”

Claude chuckled and stood. When he ran his fingers through his sexy hair, his biceps flexed, drawing the attention of every woman in the store. Not only did he look like an Adonis, but Claude’s charming smile made women blush. Being six and a half feet tall didn’t hurt either, especially the way he prowled across a room with the grace and power of a large cat. And while he always wore white tank tops at home, wearing one in a store that catered to women had me worried all the dresses were going to catch fire from the smoldering looks he was receiving.

“Come with me, female. I know a place.”

I walked past him. “I hope it’s not the same store that sold you those gold shorts. Remember those?”

“Not as much as the body glitter.”

Gem ran with quick steps to catch up before we exited the store. “Where are we going?”

Claude’s confident gait caught the eye of a human walking toward us. She suddenly tripped over a crack in the sidewalk. Claude reached out with lightning speed and caught her in his arms. “Careful, female. You wouldn’t want to injure those beautiful legs.”

When she straightened up, she stammered out a thank-you, staring at his broad shoulders and impeccable tan. She adjusted her purse in a daze as he politely inclined his head and moved on.

Since Claude’s car was uncomfortably small, forcing Gem to sit on my lap, we’d left it at the train station. The train went to all the major shopping districts, and we thought it would be fun to walk around town. Of course, that was when I thought it would only take an hour or so to find a wedding dress and be done with it.

“I know someone who might be able to help.” Claude led us across the street toward the Breed district.

“I meet a lot of people in my line of work.” He pulled his mirrored sunglasses from the collar of his tank top and put them on. “There’s a lady who collects unique and vintage clothing, and before you raise a complaint, it’s not what you think. This isn’t a novelty costume shop. From what she told me, she only collects original designs.”

“Collects?” Gem weaved around a man walking a terrier. “A collector doesn’t sell, and Raven doesn’t want to rent her wedding dress.”

“She will sell to the right person. The only caveat is that she’s particular about who her clothing goes to, so I can’t promise anything. She’s not swayed by money or bribes. I think she sees her outfits as souls and she’s looking for their true match.”

I laughed, thinking immediately of Wyatt. “If she has an Atari T-shirt in there, tell her I know where its soul mate is.”

“What about your mother’s dress?” Gem suggested as we turned a corner. “Don’t humans save their dresses?”

I looked wistfully into a shoe store as we passed by it. “Everything she owned burned in the fire. If this store doesn’t have what I want, I guess I’ll just have to settle for whatever fits. I’ve only got three days until the wedding.”

“You had five months to plan,” Claude remarked, his judgment thinly veiled.

“I’ve had other stuff going on that’s kept me busy. Anyhow, we weren’t even planning on a wedding until my dad wanted to be there. Then you guys wanted in. After that, everything spiraled into a giant ball of stress.” I stopped in my tracks and clutched my stomach. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

Gem put her arm around me and pulled me forward. “Nonsense. You’re just getting those wedding jitters everyone talks about. If you already made the commitment to each other, then doing it in front of everyone else should be a breeze. I’d love a wedding even if I was just marrying myself.”

Claude belted out a laugh. “I don’t think that’s physically possible.”

She lifted her chin. “Why shouldn’t people have a day where they do nothing but celebrate themselves? It doesn’t seem fair that the only way I can celebrate my accomplishments is when I’ve found someone else to validate my worth. Why can’t I honor the love I have for myself? Such a silly custom.” Gem squeezed my arm. “Not that I’m saying your wedding day is silly.”

Claude finally stopped in front of a clothing store. “This is it.” He gave me a pensive stare. “Have you heard from Christian?”

I felt butterflies in my stomach. “No.”

“It’s been two weeks.”

I swept my tousled hair away from my face. “He said he wanted to take some time off.”

Claude frowned. “Without you?”

“We’re going to be together for eternity. Trust me, I have no problem taking separate vacations once in a while.”

Gem held the door handle and leaned against it. “What about your dad? Is he still out of town?”

My father was a different story. He and a handful of buddies had driven to some huge biker rally for Shifters that only occurred every five years. It usually lasted a couple of weeks. A small part of me wondered if he had changed his mind about the wedding, especially since I asked him to officiate. Supernatural marriages and bonding ceremonies weren’t a legal affair—just something couples did to make their union public knowledge. Shifters sometimes took it to the Council, but all they did was jot their names down in a little book and give an informal speech.

I scratched my ear. “I’m sure he’ll be there. The rally ends tomorrow. He’s driving straight through without any stops. Ren promised to deliver him on time since they’re riding together. After the ceremony, he’ll be joining us at the house for drinks and cake.”

Gem smiled up at Claude before turning her attention back to me. “Let’s go look at pretty things.”

We entered a lackluster store filled with dowdy dresses and musty purses. It looked like a secondhand shop with discount tags.

“Claude! Is that you?” a woman asked, her Italian accent unmistakable. She looked to be in her fifties.

Claude strolled to the back and kissed cheeks with a short lady wearing a blue dress and gold jewelry. “My apologies for the surprise visit.”

“It is a good surprise,” she said, patting his arms while looking up at him. “I haven’t seen you since—”

“Since your last haircut.” He touched her locks with the familiarity of a hairdresser. “You haven’t been seeing someone else, have you? Because if so, he isn’t treating you right.”

She chuckled and fluffed her curly brown hair. “I’ve been much too busy, Claudie. I cut it myself. I promise to make an appointment tomorrow.”

“I’ll hold you to that. Bianca, these are my good friends Raven Black and Gem Laroux. Raven is getting married in three days.”

“Well, congratulations!” She zeroed in on my cheeks and kissed each one as if we were old friends. Bianca’s perfume had a strong yet pleasant citrus scent. When she pulled back, she scrutinized me. “Why the glum face? Are you having second thoughts?”

“I can’t find a wedding dress,” I said, feeling like an idiot. “It’s my fault for doing this at the last minute, but I didn’t plan on wearing a dress in the beginning. I don’t want to postpone the wedding because of this. Now my back is to the wall, and they won’t let me wear jeans. Claude said you might have something here.”

“What was wrong with the other dresses you looked at?”

I shrugged. “Too traditional. Too white. I don’t know. Just not… me.”

Holding my hand, she flicked her gaze between my eyes. “You are a very complex woman. One blue eye, one brown eye. There are many old stories about those born with different eyes. Do you want to know what I think it means? You are an idealistic shopper. You are hoping for something as unique as you.”

I studied her for a moment before I realized she was reading me. “You’re a Sensor, aren’t you?”

“Never bring something into your life because of how it looks but rather by how it makes you feel.” She chuckled and patted my hand. “Follow me. The front is just for walk-in customers. The real magic is in the back.”

Bianca escorted us into a locked room that was beyond magical. It was more than twice the size of the main store. There were no racks or shelves. Instead, every single outfit was placed on a mannequin. Dresses and suits, hats and scarves. No shoes or accessories that I could see. The fluorescent lights made some of the outfits sparkle, and Claude was right—they weren’t old-fashioned in the sense of looking like some dowdy outfit plucked out of a history book. They were unique, timeless, and expensive as hell. The price tags were in plain view with no discount stickers.

Gem gasped and quickly disappeared in a sea of fabric.

Bianca smiled up at me. “Take your time. Look around. See if anything calls out to you. Just one thing: I do not allow customers to try on my pieces and get their emotional impressions all over them only to change their mind. It ruins the energy that is part of the outfit.”

“How will I know what it looks like on me?”

She shook her head. “When something is right, it doesn’t matter what it looks like. What matters is how it makes you feel. All of these once belonged to someone, and I only collect garments with positive energy. You see, energy disappears on inanimate objects over time, but there are always residual imprints. Some people are very sensitive to them, even those who are not Sensors. Emotional imprints can affect your mood, and that’s why people should be more careful about what they wear. Each of these garments was loved and worn on a very special occasion. I will only sell them if I think they will receive that same love.”

“You don’t make a lot of money, do you?”

Bianca threw back her head and laughed. “I like this one, Claudie. Take your time. And tell your tiny friend not to put on my garments or touch them for too long.”

Claude bowed and went off to locate Gem.

Each mannequin stood on a flat metal base and appeared to be mounted to it. They were spaced far enough apart that I didn’t have to worry about knocking one over. None of these were traditional wedding dresses. They were one of a kind. I couldn’t imagine where they’d been worn. Parties? The ballet? At least it wasn’t a funeral. Being a Sensor, surely she would know if any of them had been worn during a murder. Though I didn’t understand what a Sensor experienced, I had the ability to feel a Mage’s energy after pulling out their light. Shepherd said people leave behind strong emotions on inanimate objects. If that was true, then even if I couldn’t feel the energy, it might still affect me. Christian and I needed all the positive juju we could get. On that note, maybe it was time for me to rethink my wardrobe and keep my work clothes separate from the ones I wore around the house.

I circled a black dress with red jewels embellishing the lacy sleeves. After a moment of consideration, I decided I didn’t want to go that dark. While I loved the color black, wearing it to my wedding didn’t feel right. Behind it stood a gold damask dress with a circle skirt and a plunging back. Too sexy.

“Claude, I found my soul mate!”

He briskly crossed the room, his golden eyes brimming with curiosity. When I gestured to a garish suit with peacock patterns and a fanned plume of feathers attached to the back, he gave me a patient smile.

“Don’t mock the style so readily, female. I would wear that.” Claude turned away and stopped to admire an emerald-green dress.

When I reached the far end of the room, disappointment set in. Christian and I weren’t a traditional couple, so a traditional dress didn’t feel right. Neither did any of these.

Why did I agree to this?

Had it just been up to me, I would have dressed comfortably. It wasn’t until the others kept pressuring me that I began to like the idea of Christian seeing me in a beautiful dress—something that would steal his breath away.

Now I was afraid he might double over with laughter.

As I rounded a mannequin near the wall, a flash of silver caught my eye. One dress stood out among all others. Delicate beads dotted the sleeveless gown like diamonds sparkling beneath the light. It was formfitting on top with a V-neck, and the lower half was a subtle chiffon pleat that was airy and elegant.

I’d never imagined myself in a pale silver dress. It draped beautifully, reaching the ankles but not dragging like some of the monstrosities that I’d tried on earlier. A black cape brought it to life, making it a true showpiece. The sheer material complemented the silver dress beneath it, and yet there were all these intricate patterns sewn in. They were so opposite and yet enhanced each other—like the dark sky enveloping a silvery moon. The cape had a clasp at the neck, and black feathers tipped the shoulders. It put off energy that felt regal, powerful, and seductive. I examined the subtle patterns in the cape all down the back. When I touched the material, it conjured an image of Christian and me dancing beneath moonlight.

Imagining myself in the dress elicited deep aspirations of not only my new role as a partner but the woman I would one day become.

Still, it wasn’t white.

“I see a dress has chosen you,” Bianca said, walking around the mannequin and standing at my side. “This is what they call a mermaid dress. It is more comfortable than you can dream, like slipping into a warm bath. The designer who made this knew what she was doing, and perhaps there is a little magic in the threads.”

I bit my lip, uncertain if I should go with my gut or find something appropriate.

Bianca lightly touched the feathers on the cape. “Every culture has tradition. I am sensing you are a Mage who grew up with human customs. Breed is steeped in culture that goes back hundreds of thousands of years. Weddings were ceremonial events where a couple bonded for life, and for most of us, that is a very long time. You are not a woman who leads an ordinary life, and that is why the factory-made dresses did not suit you. But this one, she is a gown with history.”

When Bianca went silent, I faced her. “What’s the story?”

“That is not the question to ask.” She patted my cheeks. “What will your story be?”

“If someone died in this thing…”

Bianca shrieked with laughter. “You’re a funny girl. I don’t collect garments with negative energy. That includes pain, death, and depression. I can sense it all. That’s why people trust me.”

I lightly touched the sheer cape. “If I can’t try it on, how do I know if it’ll fit?”

“Magic,” she said, wiggling her fingers. Then she laughed. “I’m a tailoress.” She looked at the dress, then back at me. “Then it’s decided. Just make one promise for me.”

“Yes?”

“Never give the dress away. If there comes a day you no longer want it, come see me. Only wear it once. If you wear it more than that, keep it.” She wrinkled her nose. “And don’t put any stains on it.”

Gem and Claude must have heard us talking and came over. Gem quietly admired the gown, her violet eyes glittering with tears. “It’s so you, Raven. It really is.”

Claude folded his arms. “Let’s just hope Christian doesn’t show up in leather pants.”

I patted his back. “I wouldn’t mind that one bit.”

CHAPTER 2

SHEPHERD & NIKO

Shepherd was eager to pick up the stunner he’d left for engraving. The wedding was coming up, and he still had a lot of other shit to do.

“Tell me more about this wedding gift,” Niko said from the passenger seat of the Jeep.

Shepherd pulled up to an apartment building and parked. “It’s an eighteenth-century dagger with a curved blade.”

“A stunner?”

“What else?”

“Where did you acquire it? They’re illegal to buy.”

“Aren’t you full of questions?” He shut off the engine and flicked his cigarette butt out the window. “Viktor confiscates weapons when we go relic hunting, and he had a bunch of older ones he hadn’t turned in yet. Gem singled out the stunners. I can’t just give someone a knife without knowing the history, so I went to Pawn of the Dead.”

“Cosmo’s shop?”

Shepherd scratched his nose and stared at the parking meter he had no intention of paying. “That little fucker has been peddling illegal weapons long enough that he knows stuff. He told me it was from India. Solid-gold handle with two small rubies. Real small. Probably not worth a whole lot. The handle, on the other hand, has value.”

When they got out of the Jeep, Shepherd met up with Niko on the sidewalk and said, “Three steps to the door.” Niko relied on others to navigate new places. Some of it he could piece together himself using his other senses, but it was common courtesy to give the man a heads-up when there were steps or obstacles.

Shepherd was about to push the call button when someone walked out, so he grabbed the door and they entered the brick building.

“Did you give it to someone to clean?” Niko pulled back the thin hood of his sleeveless shirt. He often shielded his face in public whenever possible, primarily in Breed establishments.

“When I told Cosmo what it was for, he said he knew a guy who could engrave initials in the gold if I wanted. I think he was trying to do me a solid in hopes that we’d stop doing so many raids on his store.”

“Apologies, but you trusted him?”

“Do you know anyone who does engravings? Because I sure as hell don’t, and I’m not dropping off an illegal weapon from the eighteenth century at Tiffany’s. Anyhow, I came here last week and left it with his friend.”

“How much did he charge?” Niko ran his hand along the wall as they entered the elevator.

“Too damn much. He finished it the day before yesterday, and I came by to pay and pick it up.”

“What are we doing back here, if I might ask?”

“He said he finished the engraving but pointed out there was a lot of rust on the blade. Since it wasn’t part of our original agreement, he asked if I wanted him to clean it up before he gave it back. The stones also needed to be reset so they wouldn’t fall out. It’s seen better days. Since it’s old and unusual, I knew Raven and Christian would appreciate it.”

The elevator doors opened, and they walked down the hall.

Niko ran his fingers over each door they passed. “Do you have a sheath?”

“I don’t think they’ll be using it since it’s not practical. It’s more of a display item—something to show off.”

“Perhaps I can contribute. I’m afraid I haven’t come up with any gift ideas, and Raven was adamant about not getting them anything. But this week everyone seems to be scrambling to get something, and I’m at a loss.”

“What did you have in mind?” Shepherd stopped in front of a door and stared at the No Soliciting plaque adhered above the peephole.

“Perhaps a mount for the wall to display it. I have one I carved myself that might be suitable.”

“Works for me.” Shepherd rapped his knuckles on the door.

A dog barked in the next apartment, and a woman down the hall started yelling.

He pounded his fist against the door again.

Niko drew closer and lowered his voice. “He’s in there.”

“Flash, open up. It’s Shepherd Moon.”

Niko looked down, his hand touching the knob. “He moved away from the door.”

Shepherd started to get a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. It had been Flash’s idea to keep the knife longer and do more work on it. The more he thought about it, the more pissed off he got.

“Did you say the handle was solid or gold plated?” Niko asked, stepping aside.

Shepherd backed up and kicked his boot against the door twice before it broke from the frame. These cheap-ass apartments didn’t have much in the way of solid doors, let alone deadbolts. Only flimsy chain locks. He stalked inside and checked the bedroom and bathroom down the hall to the left.

“This way!” Niko called out.

Shepherd hustled back into the living room.

Niko pointed. “I see a trail of yellow light.”

And he was pointing at the damn window.

Shepherd anchored his hands on the frame and stuck his head out. “That motherfucker.” Flash was almost at the bottom of the fire escape, and the emotional residue left on the windowsill indicated deception. “Where’s my fucking knife!” he shouted, but Flash had already taken off down the street. “Think you can follow his trail?”

Niko leaned out the window, the wind blowing his long black hair. “Not on the street. It doesn’t last. One can only assume he has a vehicle nearby.”

Shepherd lifted the coffee table and flung it across the room. “That little shit! I’m gonna tear this place apart until I find it.”

“I’ll help, but I’m afraid you’ll have to do most of the looking,” Niko offered, feeling his way around the room.

Shepherd tossed all the couch cushions aside before pulling the couch out. He looked inside the entertainment center, searched the tiny kitchen, and then went through the entire bathroom, leaving behind a path of destruction. By the time he got to the bedroom, he was ready to set the place on fire. He threw the mattress and box spring aside, tore through the tiny closet, and emptied every drawer in the desk bureau, where he found engraving tools.

There was no place left he hadn’t checked.

“You may have to cut your losses,” Niko suggested from the doorway.

Shepherd picked up a black permanent marker lying at his feet. “Maybe I should camp out here and wait.”

“We have too much to do for the wedding. Raven and Christian are not expecting gifts. They explicitly instructed us not to give them any.”

“Yeah, but everyone’s doing it anyway, and I’m gonna be empty-handed.”

Crestfallen, Shepherd stared at the marker. He wasn’t a nice guy, let alone sentimental, but he knew firsthand how important it was to have others support a union. That was something he’d never had with Maggie. All of this was taking him back.

“Maybe a knife was a bad idea,” he said glumly.

Niko stepped inside and gripped his shoulder. “Don’t dwell on something you have no control over. Cash never fails, my friend.”

“A wad of cash isn’t the same, and you know it. I’m gonna hunt this asshole down for the rest of my days.” Shepherd approached the wall and started writing on it. “Now I know why he calls himself Flash.”

Niko strode back to the door and stood in the hall, looking in. “What are you writing?”

“I will find you.”

“Is it not bad luck to commit murder before a wedding?”

Shepherd tossed the marker on the floor and then pulled his cigarettes out of his shirt pocket. “Who said anything about murder?”

After lighting up, he waved out the match and flicked it onto the floor. The whole situation was just eating away at him. On everything he touched, he could feel arrogance, jealousy, and deception. If Cosmo thought recommending this guy would earn him brownie points, he was sadly mistaken. Shepherd had a mind to pay Cosmo a visit—rough him up a little and see what he could find out. Then he started thinking about what he’d like to do with that knife.

Niko folded his arms, his eyes scanning Shepherd’s energy. “I’m beginning to see why you were passed over as best man.”

“I don’t think any of us is fit to be best man.” With the cigarette between his lips, Shepherd chuckled and clapped Niko’s shoulder. “Let’s roll.”

CHAPTER 3

VIKTOR & BLUE

Viktor walked briskly toward Blue’s room. Something was weighing on his mind. The mating ceremony was just days away, and that was having an unexpected effect on him. Two people living under his roof had found love, and he felt directly responsible for that union. They had accepted the risks and what it could mean if the relationship failed or if one of them wanted to leave Keystone. Yet they were still committed. Viktor wondered if the fates had used him like an instrument to bring these two broken people together.

What’s more, he’d recently noticed a change among the whole team. Viktor had always distanced himself from the others the way Packmasters do with packmates. It helped nurture the hierarchy so they could always look to him with confidence as their leader. But for whatever reason, Christian and Raven’s union made him feel even more separated from his team. They had all developed a natural bond with their partner, and friendships were blossoming as a result. Now with the addition of Hunter, Kira, and Switch, his organization no longer felt like a military outfit. For the first time in more years than he could remember, this house felt like a home again.

He knocked on Blue’s bedroom door. She answered, barefoot in a grey tank top and cargo pants. Though the scars across her shoulder and chest were terribly deep, he only saw his beautiful Blue.

“What’s up?” she asked in all seriousness. “Do we have a job? I thought we were postponing everything until after.”

“Nyet. I have something I need to ask.”

She glanced behind her. “Do you want to come in?”

Viktor had always made a point to conduct business in his offices or the common areas. Sometimes he would speak to his team in their bedroom, but not often since he respected their right to privacy. They were entitled to have a separate space where they could escape the pressures of work. Today was different since he wasn’t entirely certain if this topic was more personal than business.

“Apologies. I do not mean to intrude on your time.” He stepped inside the cheerful room. Because it was in a west-facing corner of the mansion, afternoon sunlight poured through the windows like water from a pitcher.

Viktor caught his reflection in the standing mirror on his left. The windows along that wall and the connecting one ahead were open, letting in a cool breeze. He noticed her bed in the opposite corner, the fireplace to the right of it. He approached the desk by the door and pulled out the chair, turning it to face the adjacent wall before taking a seat.

Blue sat halfway on the desk. “Does this have to do with Christian still being missing?”

Viktor scratched his jaw and stared at her tomahawk mounted by the fireplace. Christian’s disappearance created an unusual predicament. No one had heard from him, and he supposedly had gone on a vacation alone. Why not take his bride-to-be? Christian had always been a private man, and Viktor admittedly wasn’t well versed in the nature of Vampire romance. Perhaps this was normal. Shifters lived differently, so it wasn’t his place to judge.

Viktor ignored her question and got right to the point. “I have wondered something for a while but decided it was not worth the drama. Now I must know.”

Blue’s face flushed red as if she might be in trouble. “Um… is it something I’ve done?”

“Nyet. You are wonderful.”

She chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“I noticed a mark on your lower back. A tattoo. You are very clever to hide it when you shift around me. When you were injured not long ago, I saw this mark up close. I do not ask people such questions about tattoos. Then I see Gem with her feet up—no shoes—and the same mark is on bottom of foot.”

Blue grabbed an elastic hair tie and pulled her hair up into a ponytail, avoiding eye contact. “Oh, that’s nothing.”

“If I were to ask everyone to strip out of their clothes, would I see the same mark? Why have you hidden this from me?”

Her thick eyebrows knitted together, and she kept her eyes downcast. “We thought you wouldn’t approve if we all had an identifying mark. It could be dangerous if someone put the pieces together and word got out in the wrong circles. They would know who we worked for.”

“Then why would you do such a thing?”

Blue worried her lip. “I know you like the blood-chalice ritual, and that’s important, but in the early days, we were still trying to get along and learn to trust one another. It seemed like a good way to unite us permanently so we’d feel like a team. Jewelry was out of the question since I would lose all that during a shift, so we decided on a small tattoo. The heraldic eagle is a protector and symbolizes courage. We put a backward K above it as the crown for Keystone. They’re small and discreet. Niko’s is behind his knee, Wyatt put his on his left inside heel, Raven on her lower hip area. And Christian—you don’t even want to know. We tried to be careful about hiding them. Not just from you but from everyone.”

Viktor looked at his weathered hands. “And this was important to you? My induction was not enough?”

She leaned in and touched his arm. “No, Viktor. Your ceremony means everything. Being Native, customs mean a lot to me, and I’m glad you started one with our team. We feel recognized and part of something bigger. This tattoo thing was just for us. If anyone leaves Keystone and has to have a memory wipe, it’s a small enough mark that we can have Wyatt tattoo a cover-up.”

“Wyatt did this? I did not know he was talented.”

She snorted. “I wouldn’t go that far. He had to redo a few of them before we’d let him seal it permanently.” Blue got up and paced farther away from him. “I’m really sorry, Viktor. I know it seems like a frivolous choice, but we did it with the best intentions. We shouldn’t have kept it from you. Clearly it was irresponsible.”

“That is not what upsets me.” He stood and walked over to the window, staring down at the grassy lawn and the beautiful trees in the distance. “It is that you did not include me.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt ashamed for saying them. “You only see me as your leader. As it should be.”

“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you.”

He turned on his heel and looked across the room at her. Blue was a beautiful woman—strong, fearless, and regal. Yet this one trivial thing distanced him even more from her and the others. “That is not what I mean. Perhaps it is foolish to think you would see me as you see the others.”

She erased the distance between them until he could smell the coconut oil on her skin. “Are you saying you want one too?”

He shrugged lightly. “Am I not part of this team?”

She placed her hands on his chest. “Viktor, you’re the reason for everything. Without you, there is no Keystone. We would be honored if you shared this mark with us,” she said, the light in her blue eyes capturing his attention. “But if you want us to remove them, we’ll do whatever you say.”

He puffed out his chest. “Nyet. I want mark too.”

She regarded him for a long moment and then hooked her arm in his. “Well then. Let’s get you a new tattoo.”

* * *

While Wyatt brought his tattoo machine down to the medical room, Blue read a text message from Raven. Viktor requested everyone be present as he wanted to share the experience with his team. Unfortunately, Raven was getting her dress fitted, and Christian was still missing. It wasn’t like him to ignore messages. In the back of her mind, she wondered if maybe he had cold feet about the whole thing. Vampires were the least likely of all Breeds to mate with another. Whatever he decided, he couldn’t hide forever. Sooner or later, he’d have to come back. It would be terrible if he stood Raven up.

But not half as terrible as what Raven would do to him.

Gem glided into the medical room on her roller skates. “I’m here!” she sang. “What’s the emergency? Is Viktor okay?” She looked at Viktor apprehensively, who was lying on the metal table, fingers locked behind his head.

When he glanced up at Blue and smiled, her heart warmed.

“You tell them,” he said.

Blue studied everyone’s faces, noticing how confused they were. The team had lined up against the left wall except for Gem, who still lingered in the doorway. “We can’t slip anything past Viktor. He knows about our tattoos.”

Claude’s cheeks reddened, and he looked down. Niko held an uncertain look as he stared at Viktor, assessing his light.

“We’re not a team unless everyone gets marked,” she informed them, allaying their fears. “Viktor’s getting the tattoo.”

Gem squealed and rolled up to the table. She clutched his shoe and threw her head back, dramatic as always. “Jiminy Christmas! I thought we were all in trouble. Whatever you do, don’t get it on the bottom of your foot. It hurts. What about on your hip or— Oh! I know. Maybe under your arm.”

Shepherd snorted as he took a seat in the corner chair behind the table. “That means we’d have to shave his pit. That’s what we had to do with Christian’s privates.”

Gem covered her ears. “I don’t want to talk about Christian’s tattoo.”

Blue touched Viktor’s arm. “It’s up to you. We’ve all done our best to put them in places that are covered with clothing or hair. Since we’re Shifters, we can’t always hide everything. We could shave a small spot on your head. It wouldn’t take long for the hair to grow back, and you could wear a hat in the meantime.”

“A clever person will always notice small things. I do not want to hide. I want on left side of chest. Make big.”

Blue widened her eyes. All of theirs were small. “Are you sure about that? Maybe you should think it over first. You might regret it.”

“There are regrets I have in my life, but a tattoo will not be one of them.”

Shepherd rose from his chair. “It might if you let Spooky do it. He’s not exactly skilled in the arts.”

“I resent that remark,” Wyatt said from the counter. “I’ve drawn this design a million times. I could do it in my sleep.”

“Is that so?” Blue approached him, her voice caged with a hint of a warning. “This is going on Viktor forever. If it winds up looking like a Muppet, you’ll have me to answer to.”

“O ye of little faith.” Wyatt took off his loose beanie and put it back on so that it covered all his hair. “It’s only permanent once I seal it with liquid fire. If I screw up, we’ll just do it again.” Wyatt bent over and washed his hands.

She clapped his shoulder. “It’s your life.”

He flicked his green eyes up as if it had just dawned on him the ramifications of screwing up his boss’s forever tattoo. Wyatt never traced his design but used freestyle since he made them small. “Now you’re making me nervous. Maybe everyone needs to clear out.”

Claude folded his arms and grinned. “Not a chance. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Blue walked to the head of the table and stood next to Shepherd. “A small one would be just as meaningful,” she said to Viktor, wondering if he would regret an impulsive decision.

Viktor sat up and stripped off his shirt. “Nyet. I want big.”

Wyatt chewed on his lip as he held the gun in one hand and stared at Viktor’s chest. “Gem, get me a razor. I want my canvas as smooth as a baby’s bottom.”

“Be right back!” Gem skated down the hallway toward the supply room where they stored bulk items.

Blue collected Viktor’s shirt, his scent wafting up when she tossed it in the corner chair. She noticed the arm lamp connected to the wall. “Do you need more light?”

Wyatt scratched his cheek. “Nah. Then it gets hot and I can’t focus. I need everyone to scooch over to the other side of the room. You’re in my work zone. Does anyone have a step stool?”

Niko sputtered with laughter and then quickly collected himself. “Perhaps you’d like me to do it instead. I’m taller.”

Viktor reclined back. “Let’s not be dramatic. You can see fine. The table is not too high.”

Claude and Niko shuffled over to the cabinet on the other side of the room.

“It’s a shame Raven will miss this,” Claude remarked, leaning against the sink. “She’s supposed to call us to pick her up when she’s done.”

Blue didn’t mind that the whole team wasn’t there. The fact that Viktor was putting their mark on his body spoke volumes. Sharing the same tattoo made her feel even more connected to him. Now they would all be united, and Viktor wouldn’t be excluded from that. Why should he be? He was the reason they were together in the first place. Blue shuddered to think where they all might have wound up without Keystone.

Gem rolled in with a razor in one hand and a can of shaving cream in the other. Without being asked, she took over in shaving the entire area and wiping it clean. Since they were going to be in here for a while, Blue went down to the supply room and located leftover memory foam someone had used for their mattress. A pillow would be too big, and this would allow him to rest his head comfortably.

“You can’t shift after this,” Wyatt warned him. “Even after I apply the liquid fire, it’s better if you wait a day or two. Just in case.” He sat on Shepherd’s stool, the seat cranked up to the highest setting. “Can someone put on some tunes? I need something to relax.”

After a minute, Gem’s phone started playing pop music.

“Not that crap!” Wyatt gave her a scolding glance. “Just a little background noise. Something like—”

“Air Supply,” Blue finished. “Or Bread. Or REO Speedwagon.”

He gave her an elfin grin. “Now you’re talkin’. Wouldn’t mind something a little peppy. After that, see if you can find any Electric Light Orchestra. I saw them in concert once back in ’78. I was so high…” He shook his head and chuckled to himself. “Good times.”

After some scrolling, Gem set her phone on the cabinet as it started playing “Time for Me to Fly.”

Blue stood opposite Wyatt and watched him like a hawk while he began inking his design. First he concentrated on the outline. He had Viktor sit up a few times so he could make sure it was symmetrical on both sides. He used his finger as a ruler, which didn’t instill much confidence in anyone as they exchanged worried glances. It wasn’t a solid tattoo block since the eagle had feathers stretching out in both directions, and Wyatt was detailing them. The tail feathers pointed down, the talons on either side. By the time the playlist got to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, he’d moved from filling in the feathers to working on the body.

While singing.

Loudly.

Niko bobbed his head to the music, but he seemed bored without the ability to see anything. Gem glided back and forth on her skates by the closed door, only looking up whenever the needle stopped to see if he was done. An hour or two had passed.

Shepherd lit up a cigarette from the corner chair in the back, the smoke creating a thin haze in the room.

Blue pulled her attention back to the tattoo when she caught Wyatt grinning like a fool. “What… What is that?”

He put his finger over his lips, hushing her.

Blue craned her neck until she could make out… “Wyatt Blessing! You better fix that.”

Viktor’s head shot up, and he looked down at the tattoo. “What is—?”

“It’s only a penis,” Wyatt said, still laughing. “Just a tiny one. You’re supposed to laugh. It’s a joke.”

The joke was on him when Viktor’s wolf suddenly sprang out onto the table, barking ferociously.

Blue shot back, the tension palpable like a rubber band about to snap.

Gem flattened her back against the door, eyes wide.

Wyatt slowly set down his gun. “I was going to fill it in,” he explained, backing up with his hands held out. “Now I have to do it all over again. Bad dog!”

“Oh shit,” Shepherd muttered from his seat. He put his smoke out on the bottom of his shoe and slowly stood. “You better run, Spooky.”

Gem opened the door and flew out.

Wyatt slowly backed up and looked over his shoulder at the door. “I didn’t mean it. Good dog. Good boy.”

Blue shook her head because she knew Viktor might still be listening.

Wyatt looked at her pleadingly. “Help a guy out, Shifter girl!”

“Serves you right,” she muttered just as Viktor launched off the table.

Wyatt slipped as he pivoted and fled the room. “Son of a ghost! I didn’t mean it!”

Viktor’s vicious barks trailed behind him, and Wyatt shrieked.

“Should we go after him?” Shepherd asked, rounding the table.

Niko clasped his hands in front of him. “Perhaps we should give them a moment alone so Wyatt can rethink his choice of words to his leader.”

Viktor’s wolf wouldn’t kill Spooky. He might give him a good bite in the ass, but that’s what wolves did to put subordinates in line. This was a sacred moment for Viktor and not the right time for dick jokes. Even though Wyatt could have easily covered up his sketch since he was just filling in the rest of the tattoo, his joke was poorly timed. Now Viktor would have to sit through the entire thing again. On the upside, Blue was certain that the second time around he would end up with a sharper and more detailed tattoo now that Wyatt had learned his lesson.

Perhaps it was for the best.

Niko chuckled. “I suppose I should go heal him before we start again.”

Blue walked out the door behind Claude. “Let’s get some snacks first before we start over. I have a feeling the second try is going to be more exciting. Who needs a movie when you’ve got all the suspense and action right here?”

Claude put his arm around her. “I like the way you think, female.”

CHAPTER 4

RAVEN & SWITCH

After I’d gotten alterations on my wedding dress, Claude picked me up and dished out the gossip on everything I’d missed. I couldn’t believe Viktor wanted to get our tattoo. Since they had to redo it, I arrived just in time for the second attempt. Wyatt sat stoically, and I’d never seen him sweat so profusely. He had Viktor sit up several times to take a break, which also allowed him to make sure the tattoo looked good from a distance. This time Wyatt had drawn a sketch in advance and transferred it to his chest. It looked pretty damn sharp.

Viktor deserved a professional artist, but Wyatt assured us that long before Keystone, he had inked simple designs as a side job. Regardless of whether there was any truth to his claim, the tattoo turned out top-notch. Much bigger than I expected. Because it took several hours, we ordered a ton of food afterward. Hunter excitedly pulled a wagon alongside Shepherd to meet the delivery guy at the gate. They hauled back numerous boxes of pizza, and we sat at the table as a team, celebrating the moment with food and wine. I’d always respected Viktor, but now I felt closer to him. Funny how a simple tattoo could do that.

Afterward, I sneaked away to the roof. There were a number of different places to perch, most of which were angled. My favorite spot overlooked the courtyard. It had a flat part that allowed me to either hang my legs over the edge or lean back on the incline. Blue-green lights shimmered beneath the pool as Gem floated on the water like a white petal. Hunter scampered across the grass, the purple lights on his shoes blinking through the darkness.

“Thought I might find you out here,” Switch said from the window behind me.

I glanced over my shoulder at him stepping out onto the roof. “Careful. It’s steep until you get down here.”

Switch skidded down and gripped the shingles before easing to a seated position on my right. Once settled, he handed me a small cardboard box, and the mouthwatering aroma of garlic wafted as I opened it. “You skipped out before we opened the breadsticks and desserts. Saved you some.”

I grabbed a breadstick and shoved it into my mouth.

He chuckled as he drew up his knees and looked down at the courtyard. “The way you’re eating tonight, you’re gonna need that dress altered again.”

“I don’t care,” I said after swallowing my bite. “I’m nervous, and I’m going to eat myself into a food coma.”

“Nervous? You?”

“I didn’t think this was going to be a big deal. A little ceremony, a few people, some cake—but now it feels like a big fucking deal.”

“You’re mating someone forever. That’s a long time.” He scratched his chin. “It’s not too late to change your mind.”

I licked the buttery garlic off the second breadstick before taking a bite. “I’m not a quitter.” I set the open box down to my left and wiped my hands on my pants. “Just because I’m nervous doesn’t mean I don’t want to do it.”

He draped his arms over his knees, and a gust of wind kicked up his long hair. “Why are you nervous? Don’t you love him?”

“Love isn’t the right word.”

He jerked his head back. “What is that supposed to mean?”

I tore off a small piece of the breadstick. “It feels like we were always meant to be together. I don’t know how long forever is with two immortals—I guess I just wanna see how it all ends. Christian’s my other half. He’s not perfect, I’m not perfect, but he gets me. And I get him. I know what made him the way he is, and I can’t fault him for it. He makes mistakes, but he also tries to be a better man. I’ve had bad experiences with men, and I’ve had unremarkable experiences. It’s different with him. I know he’ll always have my back. Besides that, he’s sexy as hell and he makes me laugh.” I sighed and watched Hunter on a swing. “I’m nervous because I’ve never married anyone before.”

“It’s not like you’re having six hundred guests,” he said with amusement. “It’s just us.”

I popped the small bite of breadstick into my mouth. “What if I don’t live up to his expectations?”

“Then he’s not the right guy.”

I reached in the open box and handed him a chocolate-glazed pastry. “What if my father doesn’t show up? What if neither of them show up and I’m left standing there alone in that dress?”

“Your old man wouldn’t do that. If he gave you his word, he’ll show.” Switch took a giant bite of the chocolate pastry. “And if Christian pulls a disappearing act, I’ll beat his ass.”

Claude walked out into the open and gazed up at the stars. When he noticed us, he waved. I waved back, and he returned to the covered veranda. A minute later, the hot tub started bubbling.

Switch finished his dessert. “You need to get out of your head and stop worrying about everything. By the way, that’s one hell of a tattoo Viktor put on his chest. Is he keeping it?”

“Yep.” I leaned back on the roof and stared up at the sky.

“Are you and Christian exchanging rings?”

I frowned at him. “Why would you think that?”

He shrugged. “You grew up human. Isn’t that what humans do? Exchange rings, wear a white dress, string tin cans on the bumper of their car and then fly to Acapulco?”

I locked my fingers behind my head. “Exactly what about me do you see as normal? I used to think that’s what I wanted, but I’m not the same person I once was. We aren’t doing rings. We decided to give each other a gift instead.”

His eyebrow arched, and he leaned back on his side and twisted to face me. “What kind of gifts?”

“We didn’t specify. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

“What are you getting him?”

“I thought something good would come to mind.”

He grimaced. “You haven’t gotten anything yet?”

“I have an idea, but I’m gonna need your help.”

“You bet.”

“It might be too late.”

“Unless you’re planning on buying Alaska, nothing’s too late.” He patted my stomach. “Except maybe fitting into that dress. Better lay off all the pizza. Don’t think I didn’t see you eat that large pepperoni all by yourself. Where the hell do you put it all?”

I grinned. “I’ve got that Mage metabolism.”

Being half-Vampire, I didn’t have to eat as often as everyone else. The fact I’d been shoving everything into my mouth to settle my nerves made me proud of myself. It proved I wasn’t leaning on alcohol anymore to handle my stress. After we buried Fletcher and Lenore this past winter, I’d been sleeping better. No more nightmares and no more bouts of anxiety. I’d gone back to my old ways of only drinking socially. Here I was, in my most stressful moment, and instead of booze, I had turned to carbs.

Small steps.

I glanced up at the empty window behind us and lowered my voice. “Have you noticed anything different between Shepherd and Kira?”

Switch rolled onto his back and stared upward. “Now that you mention it, she doesn’t seem as afraid of him anymore.”

Switch worked closely with Shepherd and Hunter, so if anyone had noticed a change, it would be him. I locked eyes on a star before realizing it was a moving satellite. “If she ever learns to speak English and realizes how much he cusses, she won’t be so nice.”

Switch laced his fingers over his stomach. “I noticed Hunter trying to teach her sign language. He’d point to something and then make the sign. She didn’t want to learn. Seems strange. Then again, I don’t think there’s a normal person living under this roof.”

“I think Viktor wants assurances she won’t understand our conversations.”

“You can’t stop a person from learning. And you can’t cut someone off just because of a job. I’m able to separate myself from Keystone business just fine.”

“Yeah, but I see Viktor’s side. It’s safer for her not to know what we’re talking about over dinner. You don’t eat with us, but she goes in and out of the kitchen. I also see your point. This is why I’m not in charge.” I yawned and belched at the same time. “I think I’m gonna regret tonight.”

“If your Vampire loves you, he’ll love your pizza belly.”

I leaned forward and dusted crumbs off my lap. “Can you take tomorrow off and help me?”

Switch sat up and put his arm around my shoulder. “Whatever you need. Let’s go inside and talk about it—see if there’s something I can do tonight. Stop stressing out. There’s nothing worth worrying about that can’t be fixed. Except maybe a planet-killer asteroid.” He tapped my nose and stood.

When I saw him sway, I reached out and gripped his hand. “Don’t fall on me, Switch. The last thing I need to kick off my wedding is a funeral.”

CHAPTER 5

CHRISTIAN

As a Vampire, Christian didn’t have the luxury of falling into that long-forgotten slumber where others spent each night. Instead, he would read, walk the halls, or think about things. Before joining Keystone, his guard job had required twenty-four-hour security. Standing outside a door could get tedious. At least this job allowed him to drive into the city, take walks in the country, and do whatever he felt like.

These past weeks, he’d been using every waking hour to his advantage. Viktor had put a stop to all jobs until after the wedding and granted Christian and Raven time off. Christian took that time and ran with it. Though Raven and the team had sent a few message updates, he decided that answering them would only raise questions as to his whereabouts. And he wasn’t ready for anyone to find out the secret he was keeping.

With the wedding only two days away, he needed to wrap things up. Raven had sent him a message that morning saying not to come looking for her. His chest tightened when, for a moment, he thought she might have changed her mind about the wedding. Then she added that she was going to be out all day working on his gift.

Raven ended the message with a devil emoji. He didn’t reply.

Christian didn’t understand the purpose of those cartoonish images. He only knew what the eggplant meant after accidentally sending it to her once and coming home to find her naked on his bed.

After that, he randomly sent her the eggplant when they were on a job together, often while in the same room. Their eyes would meet, and she’d slip him a devilish smile that made his spine quiver. Once or twice, they’d sneak off to a vacant room to burn off some of that sexual energy. What he felt with Raven was electric. Their chemistry was unlike anything he’d ever known, and yet there was something so delicious in the teasing. The waiting. The anticipation.

Once Christian found a stopping point with his project, he started making calls. Raven planned to go home after the ceremony and have a few glasses of wine, but that didn’t sit right with him. This would be his first and last wedding, so every second of the day should impress upon their memories for a lifetime. He didn’t want her looking back with regret for having an uninspiring celebration.

By the fifth call, he discovered that waiting until the last minute to handle catering was a catastrophic mistake.

The sun had already set, and he rode aimlessly on his motorbike. Since Christian didn’t eat, let alone host parties, he hadn’t realized that most places required the order placed at least a week ahead of the event. He didn’t have that kind of time. Crush was out of town, so he couldn’t go to him for help. What would Raven want? Chinese food? Hamburgers? None of that seemed good enough, yet a fancy meal didn’t feel right either. Raven didn’t like pretentiousness.

He finally pulled his motorbike over at a gas station and parked near the road. The past two weeks had exhausted him mentally, and he didn’t feel confident that he could make a good decision about catering. Especially when he was giving Burger King serious consideration. Time had slipped away from him. Now what?

He sat back and watched a woman in a baseball cap slide her credit card through the reader on the gas pump. Christian noticed the large wedding ring sparkling on her finger. Maybe she would know what to do. What did women like? Extravagance? Simplicity? Raven wasn’t a human, but she grew up one. Maybe there were traditional meals or customs he hadn’t considered. He ran his fingers through his hair and then raked it from back to front. After a long sigh, he reluctantly called the only person who might have an inkling of how to fix this.

“Who’s speaking?” Switch answered.

“It’s Christian.”

“Ah.” He groaned as if stretching. “Thought maybe you bailed.”

“Don’t be daft. I need your help.”

“You don’t say?”

Christian briefly considered hanging up. Switch and him got along as well as could be expected, but it didn’t sit right for another man to be protective of Raven. That seemed a privilege reserved for a woman’s da or her lover. Yet he also understood they had a friendship dating back to childhood—something Christian couldn’t relate to. Besides that, Shifters were always sticking their noses where they didn’t belong.

Christian cleared his throat and swallowed what little pride he had left. “I’m making some plan adjustments. We’re not having drinks at the house. I want a catered event.”

“Really?” Switch said, his voice suddenly sounding serious. “And who do you think will cater at the last minute? The wedding is the day after tomorrow.”

“And tell me something I don’t know.”

“News flash—you don’t save catering for last.”

“Are you gonna help me or not?”

“Maybe we can just pick up some chicken.”

Christian clenched his jaw, refraining from squeezing his phone and shattering it into pieces. “It won’t be just us. I’m surprising her with more people. If you want to bring a bag of chicken wings and potato chips to feed my future bride, I’ll make you into a soup and serve you myself.” Christian listened to the sound of drumming fingers.

“How many?” Switch asked.

“I don’t know yet. Maybe a hundred?”

“A hundred?” Switch belted out a laugh. “You’re so fucking dead. She doesn’t want to make this into a big thing.”

“What you know about Raven could fill a thimble.” Christian dismounted his bike. “When she says she doesn’t want to make a big deal out of something, it means she doesn’t think she deserves it. She knows what we have is unbreakable, but it’s the ceremony part that she’s not feeling deserving of. When in her life has she ever been the center of attention? Even a school dance she once told me about ended in humiliation because an eejit made her into a joke. I won’t have her thinking this is a joke. I love her with all I have, and I’ll give her everything she deserves.”

“Now that’s what I’ve been waiting all this time to hear,” Switch replied.

“I’m not saying this to impress you. It’s just facts.”

Switch coughed and then cleared his throat. “I’ve known Raven a long time. I’m not claiming to know every detail about her. We were just kids, and she was younger. That said, I know the kind of woman she is and how she was brought up. She’s giving you something she’s never given anyone, and that’s her trust. If you fuck that up, I’ll hunt you down.”

Christian should have bristled, but he was oddly comforted by the threat. Though Shifters loved pissing on everyone’s territory, it was nice knowing that Raven had others looking out for her. That if something ever happened to him, maybe she’d be okay. Christian didn’t have anyone else in his life that cared, let alone would fight for him. “Tell me you have an idea other than chicken wings.”

Switch chuckled. “I think I can pull some strings. You know Skulls—that barbecue place near Crush’s house?”

“Aye.”

“Raven loves that place. Lots of good memories with her dad. Not to mention they make one hell of a smoked brisket. My father knows the guy who runs the place. I may not have the best reputation among the packs, and I can’t say my old man does either, but friendship means something with wolves. If he doesn’t wanna help out, I’ll offer him a favor.”

Christian stared down the street, barely paying attention to a cluster of boys who were spray-painting a stop sign. “You’d do that?”

Favor trading was serious business.

“Maybe I should have a talk with them,” Christian offered.

Switch chuckled. “Good luck with that. They’re not a big fan of Vamps. The owner has a thing about everyone eating his food, and your kind doesn’t like to eat.”

“Aye. They all but held me down once and force-fed me.”

“Sounds about right. I’ll take care of it. Anything else I should know?”

“We’re having it at her da’s place.”

“Huh. Does Crush know?”

“He will.”

“Hmm. Just don’t let anyone inside his house. Skulls is pretty close, so we can have them deliver it. Crush has more room around back where we can set everything up. But he’s been gone. We need to have someone mow all that high grass.”

“I’ll take care of that.”

“What about tables and chairs?”

“Already done. That includes the buffet tables. A fella owes me a favor.”

“We should get enough smoked meat for two hundred. More is always better than less. Anything left over will freeze. Beer?”

“Aye, that too.”

“I can pick up a few kegs. No problem. Maybe some apple pies for dessert. I remember she used to like that.”

“Whatever your wee heart desires,” Christian said, sitting astride his bike. “Let’s keep this call between us. I’ll leave you in charge of the menu since you’ve known her for years. I only have one request.”

“What’s that?”

Christian fired up the engine on his bike. “Onion rings. Lots and lots of onion rings.”

CHAPTER 6

GEM & NIKO

Gem strolled around the flower shop in a euphoric state. “This is just like the movies!” she exclaimed, dipping her nose into a bouquet of white roses. Gem had never been to a wedding before, and the very idea of it filled her with so much excitement she could hardly stand it. Sure, maybe she’d pressured Raven into making it into a bigger deal than initially intended, but how could she not? Two people choosing each other for life—could anything be more romantic?

Niko carefully maneuvered around the tables to avoid knocking over the displays. “I find it interesting that Christian and Raven, of all people, would have made such formal requests.”

Gem’s short white skirt caught on the edge of a wooden holder for a bamboo pot, almost tipping it over. “This was entirely my idea. Flowers make everything special. Raven finally agreed so I’d quit pestering her about it, but their initial plans were so… lackluster.”

“Perhaps the union means more to them than the celebration.”

“Oh, Niko,” she said, hooking her arm in his. “You can’t have a bonding ceremony without flowers. Well, technically it’s not a bonding ceremony since he’s not a Mage. I certainly can’t see him tattooing her Creator’s mark on his body. But it all means the same thing. Bonding, mating, marrying—I can hardly wait!”

He chuckled softly as she skipped over to a table of tulips. “And what type of flowers did she ask for?”

Gem looked around, her heart ticking faster. “She left it entirely up to me.” Gem tapped her chin. “Is there such a thing as a wrong flower? I don’t want to choose the wrong ones.”

“Where will they go?”

Gem inched up to Niko and pressed her body close to his, her voice lowering. “Christian changed plans.”

“He’s back? I must have missed him.”

“The wedding’s tomorrow; of course he’s back. I don’t know if Raven knows yet. She’s been gone all day. He called some of us into a secret meeting. Since Wyatt and Shepherd are in charge of the cake, he didn’t want us bringing everything back to the mansion. He wants to have the reception over at Crush’s house. Won’t it be fun?” She moved away and twirled in the middle of the room. “We’ll have flowers, food, cake, and dancing! Maybe Blue will dance with me.” She plucked a flower from a vase and smelled it.

“Why Blue?” Niko asked, striding up to her side.

Gem returned the flower back to the vase. “She offered once at Lenore’s ball when none of the men would dance with me. Blue is officially my backup plan.”

“I’ll be your backup plan.”

Gem got butterflies when Niko felt for her arm and then took her hand in his. Niko never danced. “I wouldn’t— I mean… can you dance?”

“Alone? Probably not. I wouldn’t be comfortable moving my body without any real idea of how people dance. Perhaps a partner would make it easier to learn. Something slow.”

She threw her arms around him. “Oh, Niko! You’re so wonderful. I promise I won’t step on your feet or make you do anything silly.”

He finally leaned his head away, his gaze drifting down though not looking directly into her eyes. “And I promise to have every man envious.”

“I wouldn’t dare let anyone cut in.”

She wrapped her arms around his middle and held him for a moment. Niko was so thoughtful and tender. For a man as tall as he was, he never made her feel small. Every single day living at Keystone was like a dream. While their jobs were difficult, she had finally built the kind of lasting friendships she’d always hoped for, and that filled her with a new feeling that she’d never experienced. Maybe love? Gem had never truly loved anyone outside of her Creator, but that was the love you have for a parent. In retrospect, it hadn’t been a reciprocated emotion, so maybe that’s why this felt different. The connection she had with Niko and the others was undeniable. First little Hunter came to live with them. Now a wedding? It was almost like a real home, and knowing it wouldn’t last forever made her appreciate every waking moment.

“Can you help me pick out the flowers?” she asked.

“I’m afraid I might be useless unless you want my opinion on their fragrance. All I see are faint pockets of energy, and I know nothing about wedding decorations.”

“Raven’s wearing a silver dress and a black cape, so I don’t think anything will match. Should I give her a bouquet?”

“That would be thoughtful.”

“Have you made up your mind?” the nice lady with the black-rimmed glasses asked.

Since all of them had received a hefty paycheck recently, Gem discovered it was incredibly easy to get flowers on short notice with a little monetary incentive. She didn’t need a ton of flowers—just enough for several large vases and now a bouquet.

Gem nervously looked around the room before answering. “I don’t really know yet. It’s not a traditional wedding.”

“Of course,” the lady said. “We have a number of nontraditional ceremonies. Just last week, a pack held a mating ceremony and wanted baby’s breath.”

Gem wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want anything that simple.”

The woman regarded her for a moment. “Perhaps roses?”

“Too traditional.”

“Is there a color you’re thinking of? Tulips are always a classy choice. They’re a symbol of perfect love.”

Gem strode over to an assorted arrangement of purple and pink flowers. “If this were my wedding, I’d have daffodils everywhere. But my friend isn’t very… colorful. She’s a little moody and dark. And while they’re perfect for each other, I wouldn’t go so far as to call their relationship perfect love. They’re not a conventional couple and the least likely anyone would expect to marry.” Gem sighed at the thought of it. Christian had disappeared for weeks and hadn’t bothered telling Raven where he’d gone. How could they commit forever when they kept secrets?

She redirected her focus. “Her dress is silver, and her cape is black. She loves dark red and black; she’s not a girly girl. I’m the one in charge of selecting the flowers, so that should tell you how invested she is.”

The florist adjusted her glasses and nodded. “I think I have just the thing. Wait right here.”

Gem studied a display of pastel flowers and frowned. Initially she’d thought this would be a fun endeavor; now she was afraid she might inadvertently ruin Raven’s special day. Gem pressed her palm against her temple, a knot forming in her stomach.

I’m going to ruin it, she thought. Ruin everything!

Niko gently touched her back, his voice calming her. “Worry not, little flower. The gesture means more than the gift. She’ll know your heart was in it.”

When the florist returned, she held a bouquet of dark-red flowers. “These are calla lilies. They’re a popular choice for human funerals, but don’t let that dissuade you. I have a number of different colors. I was thinking we could mix a few of these burgundy colors together with the Edge of Night, which are a black variety. They’re more of a maroon black. We can also use them in an elegant cascading bouquet. Most of my customers who request these prefer white, though it sounds like your friend might appreciate something more striking.”

Gem held her breath for a moment. They were so perfect for Raven. In fact, the only color she had in her bedroom was dark red. “Will it go with silver?”

“If you match everything to the bride’s personality, it doesn’t matter if the items themselves coordinate. But yes, I think with what you described, these would complement the bride.”

Gem swung her gaze up to Niko. “What do you think?”

He held out his hand. “May I?”

The woman handed him a flower, and he pulled in a slow breath.

“A beautiful shape,” he noted, touching the smooth petals. “It doesn’t have much of a fragrance, but I gather she won’t be paying attention to the smell of the flowers. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Gem couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ll take them. They’re perfect! I’ll leave you with the address for the arrangements, and we need them delivered before a certain time. I’ll come by tomorrow for the bouquet since we’re having the wedding at a separate location. The flowers are for the reception party, but I don’t know if anyone will be there to receive them. If not, you’ll have to put them on a table somewhere. Is that something you can do?”

“You have enough matters to worry about. I can assure you that flowers won’t be one of them.” The florist gave a confident smile, instantly setting Gem at ease. “Let me run a few quotes based on the different quantities you mentioned earlier. You can look through them and decide what best fits your needs. I’ll be back in just a moment.”

Even though flowers weren’t something Raven had asked for, Gem felt miles better. She wanted to give them a wedding gift, and this was the best idea she could come up with. “I just hope Shepherd and Wyatt don’t forget the cake.”

Niko smiled. “I hope they didn’t wait until today to buy it.”

“Do you think I’d leave something that important in the hands of nincompoops? Raven selected the cake two weeks ago, and they put in the order. All they have to do is pick it up and take it to the new location.”

“Pick it up?”

“I told them to have it delivered, but Shepherd doesn’t trust anyone.”

When Niko bumped into a table, he reached out and grabbed a fistful of flowers. Petals fell from his hands when he let go. “Perhaps I should wait in the car.”

Gem rocked on her heels and gave Niko a mischievous gaze.

“What’s that color all about?” he asked as if reading her mind.

“I have an idea. As long as I have Claude’s car, why don’t we do something fun?”

“Is that a good idea?”

She clutched his arm. “Fun is always a good idea.”

* * *

After getting rejected at the Red Door, Niko patiently rode along while Gem drove around, searching for a club that would accept them. He noticed the frustration in Gem’s light while she ranted about how Breed clubs shouldn’t have membership lists or a maximum head count. When she finally found a place, her light instantly brightened.

“What’s the name of this place again?” Niko followed closely beside her as she held his arm to guide him through the noisy club.

“I think the sign said Tunnels,” she said loudly over the music. “It was written in some illegible font. Maybe it’s Tuesdays. Or Tilapias. Who cares? Let’s just have some fun.”

He scanned the room, trying to read the energy. It wasn’t easy with strangers since he had to learn someone’s personal light before he could decipher mood fluctuations. But he did notice a lot of black and red crackling, which identified liars. There was quite a bit of energy flashing—a sure sign of anger. He didn’t typically see a lot of that in the clubs they frequented. New places made him uneasy.

Gem’s light was always purple with silver. The ribbon of light she left behind while walking always made him smile. It was distinctly Gem, and he easily could identify her light in a crowded room.

Cigarette smoke, perfume, and body odor mingled in the air like three enemies joining forces. Niko didn’t smell any food, and by the volume of the music, this was an establishment that catered only to fun.

Niko kept his eyes low as he often did in Breed places when he didn’t have a hood to cloak his face. It was better to blend in around strangers, and the only way he could do that was to pretend he could see. The only trouble? Gem wasn’t guiding him the same way as Blue normally did. It wasn’t her fault. Blue had more experience working with him and knew how important it was that he learned the layout. Sometimes she would walk through a building beforehand, memorize certain details, and then return to the car and give him the full description. He preferred it that way since explaining it while inside risked a Vampire overhearing them—not ideal if they were on a job.

Niko could see energy radiating from core light, but he didn’t know where columns, steps, or tables were. Faint trails of light zigzagged around before dissipating. In some instances, he could tell when the room got smaller or expanded based on sound. To his right, glasses clinked and people called to the bartender with their orders.

He took a step down as she guided him farther in. “I’m not certain about this place.”

“Don’t be a grump. This’ll be fun! Do you want anything to drink?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Sit here. I’m parched, and I don’t see any waitresses. Be right back.”

He touched the back of a chair and then took a seat. A flurry of laughter erupted to his left, and he glanced in that direction and noticed a group of four. Their light was difficult to read. Looking around would seem more natural, but he also learned it could get him in trouble if he looked too long without knowing who he was looking at. Instead, he closed his eyes and leaned back. Had he any sleeves, he would have slowly rolled them up to kill time. He hadn’t planned on this diversion, yet he couldn’t complain. Getting away from the house was enjoyable and not something he did often, at least not solely in Gem’s company.

“Delivery girl!” Gem sang as she pulled out the chair on his right.

He heard two glasses tap against the table.

“I got you some water.” Gem slid a glass up to his fingertips.

“You’re thoughtful.” He took a sip and then shifted toward her.

“I thought we could practice dancing here.”

He almost spit out his drink. “I’m not comfortable with this type of dancing. This beat.”

Or lack thereof. Whatever they were playing was a hard metal sound.

“We don’t have to dance the way everyone else is,” she insisted, leaning in close so he could easily hear her. “But it’s good practice. No one from home is watching, and it doesn’t matter if you mess up. No one’s paying attention, and by the looks of it, a kangaroo has better dance moves than some of these people.”

A dark-green light approached their table, and the presence was strong. Niko could sometimes detect a person’s Breed. Vampire was immediately ruled out, and almost every Mage flared when entering an establishment or approaching another Mage.

“Hi, honey,” a man said, his voice deep and confident. “Do you wanna dance?”

“Um, no, thanks,” she said politely. “I already have a dance partner.”

The man’s voice drew closer. “He doesn’t seem interested or else he’d be staring at your sexy legs.”

A burst of energy rippled through Niko, and he quickly quelled his emotions. It wasn’t his place to speak on Gem’s behalf as if she didn’t have a mind of her own.

Gem’s purple light subtly flashed. “I’m spending tonight with my friend.”

“Good to meet you, friend,” he said insincerely. “I’ll let you keep her company for a while. I’ll be back to check on you, honey. Short women turn me on.”

After a moment, Gem grunted. “Why can’t men learn how to compliment a woman? Short women turn him on? Maybe he should say something about my eyes or my smile.”

Niko wondered about that. The sighted world singled out physical traits as compliments, but he had no such ability. Niko could only admire someone by the honesty in their voice, the intelligence in their words, the way they smelled, or the kindness they showed others. He didn’t understand how a physical trait was enough to determine if that person was compatible enough to approach.

Gem gripped his hand with her delicate fingers. “Let’s dance.”

The song had changed, and he listened to the lyrics going on about how nothing else matters. “I don’t know about this.”

“Since when are you afraid of anything? If I can overcome my fears, so can you. Come on,” she said, pulling on his arm. “I have a feeling this is the slowest song we’ll hear tonight. I just want to show you the basics.”

He followed her beautiful ribbon of light until it seemed to encircle him as they turned around and stopped in a space that was distanced from others. Niko stood still, waiting for her to take the lead. He no longer felt her touch, the music so loud he couldn’t hear himself think.

Gem took his right hand before switching to his left. “I forgot which side is the lead,” she said loudly. “Okay. Step left. Then right. Then left. Then right.”

Confused, Niko tried to follow her instructions. When he felt her moving in a different direction, he changed his rhythm and accidentally stepped on her foot. “Apologies. Perhaps you need a different dance partner after all.”

Gem quickly moved her hands to his shoulders. When her body drew closer, he stood motionless. “Put your hands on my waist,” she said. “It’s easier this way.”

When he moved his hands down her slim body and found her narrow waist, he then understood how she moved her body to the music. While he couldn’t see her feet, he could feel her movement, sense her direction, and therefore mirror her. She started swaying before shifting her feet from side to side. From what he gathered, fast dancing had to do with the beat of the music and slow dancing had to do with the beat of their hearts. Their bodies moved as one, and their souls swayed in rhythm. Dancing was pleasantly intimate—a connection that had nothing to do with touch.

“See? You’re a good dancer,” she insisted, her hands locking around his neck. “Now I won’t have to sit on the sidelines at the reception.”

“I don’t understand why men don’t approach you more. Is it simply your height?”

“It’s everything. Height, hair, body shape, my bubbly personality and remarkable intelligence.”

“Not to mention your modesty,” he quipped.

She lightly slapped his chest. “I’m only telling the truth. Men are too particular and act like every encounter has to lead to sex or a relationship. What’s wrong with just sharing a dance or having a drink with someone you’re not attracted to?” Gem was quiet for a moment. “Women find you super attractive. You know that, right? They don’t approach you because you come off as aloof. That’s not your fault. Little do they know what a thoughtful and intelligent man you are. In fact… there are three women right this very minute who have their eyes on you.”

“But I only have eyes for you.”

When she pressed her body against his, an intense feeling consumed him. Not sexual, not even affection. Something deep that tugged at his soul. Niko had no desire to spoil the beautiful relationship between them. No desire to push either of them in directions they weren’t ready to explore. In fact, Gem Laroux made him feel alive. He was an old Mage who found the years to be blurring together. Now he counted each day and looked forward to the gifts it brought. Gem inspired him to try things he’d never experienced, see the world in a different way, and even do things that made him uncomfortable.

Like dancing.

Gem was the first one to challenge the way he perceived life since his sensei many centuries ago. He was no longer uncomfortable. No longer self-conscious of those who might be watching. No longer hearing laughter in his head from the men who had once made him dependent on them—who ridiculed him in all things. Centuries had passed, and yet those trivial torments still lingered in his memories. Now those memories were being replaced with words of encouragement and playful laughter from a woman who smelled like apples and lived life to the fullest.

All the lights around them blurred until he saw only her perfect glow of amethyst and silver.

“You’re a good dancer,” she said after the song ended.

When he felt her fingers touching his cheek, he went utterly still.

“And so handsome. I guess you don’t care about looks, but you are. You have really kind eyes. Not when you’re fighting, but like right now. It feels like you can see me.”

“I always see you.” His face heated, and he wondered if she could see a change of color in his cheeks. “It’s hot in here. I think I need some water after all.”

Gem walked just in front of him, and he followed her ribbon of light to the table.

“Yummy!” she said on a sigh.

He smiled as he sat. “What did you order?”

“A nonalcoholic apple drink. It’s apple juice mixed with something delicious. And he put it in a fancy martini glass.”

Gem was easily delighted by the simple things.

Niko stared at her light when he noticed she suddenly had a sage-green spot in the center. “Are you feeling okay?” That was a color he normally saw with confusion.

“I think… I think maybe I’m just tired.”

“How about that dance now?” the man from earlier offered. “Just one before I have to go. I can’t let a pretty lady sit in a chair all night. Pretty please?”

“Well, um… okay,” she replied.

Niko watched her energy continually change as she walked toward the dance floor with Mr. Green Light. Gem was a gregarious woman who enjoyed having fun, so perhaps their slow dance wasn’t enough. He would never question her actions even if she chose to dance with a man she had criticized just moments ago. Yet… he kept noticing the green at her core.

When he reached for his drink, his knuckles brushed against the narrow stem of her martini glass. Curious about her delicious drink, he dipped his finger inside and sampled a taste.

Niko’s chair flipped over when he shot to his feet. He stalked toward them, navigating the path he’d memorized to the dance floor.

“Gem, it’s time for us to leave,” he snapped.

“Sorry, friend. She promised me a dance,” the man countered.

Niko swiftly assessed the situation. Fighting in a Breed establishment was a good way to get blacklisted. Because of their job, he couldn’t be reckless. Given the crowd type, this place probably wouldn’t survive more than a year. Breed clubs came and went with frequency.

He reached out and found the man’s arm, holding it with an iron grip. Niko blasted the man with energy, electricity heating the palm of his hand. The smell of burnt hair hit him as the music pounded against his eardrums and the man hit the floor.

“Niko, what are you doing?” The green hue had now consumed her light.

Niko caged his arm around her protectively. “He spiked your drink with sensory magic.”

“Take me out of here,” she said, trembling against him. “I feel sick.”

“As you wish.” Niko lifted her into his arms.

His heart pounded as he blindly navigated his way through the crowd. He avoided dark pockets where there might be a table or column. Gem clutched him tightly, her face buried in his chest. He knew how many steps between their table and the door, and after nearing the front, he followed a gust of fresh air that led him outside.

Gem held on to him even after her feet touched the ground.

He kept his arms at his side, careful not to initiate physical contact. The magic the Sensor had put into the drink was sexual energy. Without consent, it was a violation. Niko had long suspected that Gem was asexual or somewhere under that umbrella, so he couldn’t guess the effect the unwanted emotion was having on her. Given that he suppressed his feelings most of the time, he was especially sensitive to Sensor magic. But Gem? She was always a bubble of emotions, making it difficult for her to parse out new ones elicited by Sensor magic.

Gem let go of him and rushed off to the right. “What did he do to me?”

He followed her sickly-green light trail. “It was sexual energy.”

Niko had only sampled a taste and couldn’t imagine the impact of a full sip or the entire drink. Aside from a hint of physical desire, it played with his emotions, proving the magic was polluted. He hadn’t tasted enough of it to decipher what combination might have been used.

“How do you feel?” he asked, concerned for her emotional well-being.

She finally came to a stop, her breath shaky. “I don’t know. Kind of like I wanted to be intimate with him, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it even though I didn’t want it. Why are men so awful? Now my stomach hurts and I feel dizzy.”

“It should wear off by the time we get home.” Niko wished he was sighted so he could drive them. “Perhaps we should call a cab.”

“No, I’m okay to drive. I just need a few minutes.” She sniffled. “This is why I don’t like drinking. It alters the way I feel. I know for some it’s a good time, but feeling like someone I’m not scares me, and that’s what alcohol does. I tried it once, and it was a terrible experience I’ll never do again.” Her light went dark for a moment before returning. “How did you know?”

“I tasted your drink. I’m to blame.”

“Why would you say such a thing?”

“I never have to worry about leaving my drinks unattended. I sometimes forget that’s a luxury you don’t have. If I had only suggested you order a new drink—”

“Hey! You!” a man shouted.

Niko noticed the familiar green light approaching.

“I reported what you did.”

Niko faced him. “And did you report what you did?”

“Consider yourself blacklisted,” the man said, goading him.

Niko measured the distance between their light and swung his arm out. He struck the man hard in the face. “Consider yourself on my blacklist, you fiend. Your actions are despicable, and you’re lucky I don’t have my sword, or your head would be on the ground.” He stepped back to Gem’s side. “Be warned, I won’t be as civil the next time we meet.”

The man’s light flared with contempt.

“Don’t you dare!” Gem suddenly put herself between them. When a powerful shot of energy pulsed out of her, it ripped through the man’s light, and he bellowed in pain. “You should spend more time brushing up on your personality. Looks aren’t everything. Not when you have the intelligence of a fruit fly and the personality of a rock. You’re a pathetic excuse for a Sensor, you giant pile of bat guano!”

Niko choked with laughter before taking her arm. “Let’s go, braveheart. I think we’ve had enough fun for one evening.”

Gem didn’t just walk, she marched. Her feet stomped against the concrete ahead of him. He stumbled on the curb, trying to keep up. Once inside the car, she angrily muttered under her breath.

And Niko couldn’t get enough of it. He loved seeing her stand up for herself and fight back, especially being so small. Gem had a tendency to be nonconfrontational, but lately something had changed. Especially after their battle against the Vampires. Seeing that growth made him eager to know the woman she would one day become.

“He’s lucky I didn’t fire up one of my energy balls,” she bit out, starting the car and revving the engine. “Speaking of balls, he’s going to need all the Sensor magic he can get. His little companions are going to be hurting for weeks.”

As the car tore out of the parking lot, Niko erupted with laughter.

CHAPTER 7

RAVEN & CHRISTIAN

Night before the wedding.

It had been a long day, and after picking up my wedding dress late that afternoon, I came home and hung it in the armoire.

Where the hell is Christian?

I’d sent him a text earlier and, like all the others, got no reply. Not even a smiley face emoji. He was supposed to be here tonight. Instead of bachelor and bachelorette parties, we agreed to spend our last night as singles together on the eve of our wedding.

What would be the point of going to the ceremony tomorrow if he didn’t show up tonight?

After cleaning my room, changing the sheets, and showering, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach as I watched the colors in the field behind the house change from yellow-green to dark green to black. Fireflies twinkled like indecisive stars, and chirping crickets filled the silence. I sat by the latticed windows, wondering if I had accepted his proposal too quickly.

It was conceivable that Christian had reconsidered the longevity of a union like ours. Till death do us part could mean a hundred years or a hundred thousand. It wasn’t a legal affair. There weren’t papers to sign or any change in our finances. The courts didn’t involve themselves with divorces or personal disputes. A Breed wedding was simply a mutual commitment, but maybe it was too much for a Vampire.

The door opened behind me and then closed.

“Blue already checked on me,” I said, staring at the pond in the distance. “I’m not hungry. Don’t bother saving me a plate.”

“Didn’t plan on it,” Christian said.

I snapped my head around, surprised when it wasn’t Switch’s voice.

Christian glided through the dark room. When his eyes came into view, I got butterflies.

“Have a nice vacation?” I asked.

“Aye.” He knelt in front of me and kissed my hand. “And now I’m ready to take my bride-to-be.”

Though I was curious where he’d been, I trusted him. His being here erased all my fears that he didn’t want this, and that was all I wanted. In recent months, we’d cleared the air and come clean with all of our secrets. Hell, half the point of us getting hitched was to show him just how much I trusted him.

“It’s not too late to back out,” I offered, wondering if he just needed permission.

“You’re not having second thoughts, are ya?”

“No.”

He helped me to my feet. “Neither am I.”

Christian pulled me into a slow and sensual kiss. Tingles fluttered between my legs as he stroked the curve of my ass. He slid his hands underneath my shirt, and my heart quickened at his touch.

“Wait,” I said.

He buried his nose in my hair, his voice barely above a whisper. “Isn’t this our night of passion?”

I swallowed hard. “It is. But I need to give you my gift first.”

He leaned back and blinked in surprise. “I thought we agreed to exchange gifts on our wedding day.”

I walked out of his arms and to the other side of my bed. Using a lighter, I began lighting up all the candles and lanterns. “I can’t wait.”

“Sure you can.”

“No, I can’t.”

Once the room was well lit, I led Christian to the foot of the bed and sat him down.

I took a deep breath and ran my fingers through his lustrous brown hair. He responded by kissing his way down my throat, his fingers working their magic beneath my shirt. Christian lifted the hem, exposing my bare breasts.

As he leaned in to take one in his mouth, he stopped and stared. “What the feck is that?”

“It’s your gift,” I said, smiling.

Christian stared at a tattoo of Eat Me written in small print on my left breast. Below it was a simple hand-drawn emoji outline of a Vampire. It looked like it had been drawn by a toddler.

“I want you to get a matching one,” I said.

His jaw clenched. “Over my rotting corpse.”

The look of horror on his face was picture worthy, and I rocked with laughter. “It’s a joke. I didn’t put any liquid fire on it.”

He breathed a sigh of relief and rested his head on my stomach. “You’re a peculiar woman.”

“Would you have left me?”

He flicked a glance up and lowered my shirt. “I would have hunted down the person who put that hideous thing on your body. Then I would have buried his corpse at sea.”

“You wouldn’t have to look far. Wyatt did it earlier since he had the tattoo machine out.”

“He touched your breast?”

I rumpled his hair. “You’re adorable when you’re angry, Poe. Speaking of tattoos, did you hear about Viktor?”

“What about him?”

“He found out about our Keystone tattoos. Instead of making us cover them, he got one for himself.”

“You don’t say?” He furrowed his brow. “Are you fibbing?”

“Nope. On the first try, Spooky did something that pissed him off. Viktor shifted in the middle of it and went after him. Niko had to heal a few bites on Wyatt’s ass.”

Christian chuckled. “Serves the little wanker right.”

“I got home in time to watch the second round. Viktor wanted everyone there, but you weren’t answering your messages. Don’t feel bad, I almost missed it myself. Anyhow, it’s nothing like ours. It’s huge.”

“Where did he put it?”

“Right on his chest.”

“Jaysus. And he let Wyatt draw it?”

“He did okay. I don’t think Viktor cared if it looked professional—he just wanted to be part of his own team. I thought it was a really cool thing for him to do. Even though he’s our boss, it shows his commitment to us as much as it does to his organization. His tattoo looks pretty badass. Makes me wish I’d gotten a bigger one.”

Christian pulled the drawstring on my sweatpants. “Enough talking.”

“There’s one more thing we need to talk about,” I said, grabbing his wrists.

When my pants dropped, Christian’s eyes locked onto my left thigh. He had the same look of amazement that I’d had when I first saw the tattoo in a mirror.

“That’s your gift,” I said softly, slightly nervous that he wouldn’t like it.

Christian cupped his hand around the back of my thigh and studied every detail of the gemstone-heart tattoo. It was originally going to be a garter, but I didn’t want it to wrap completely around my leg. The deep-red color had multiple highlights on the facets, giving it a lifelike quality. The jewel was encased in grey and black designs around the sides and bottom in a Victorian style with baroque ornaments.

“She’s one of the best artists in the city with a long wait list. Switch was able to get her to fit me in early this morning.”

“That bastard has more tricks up his sleeve,” Christian said flatly, still staring at the designs. “I can’t get over how real it looks. And how fecking big.”

“I talked with her on the phone yesterday since I didn’t have any ideas outside of the text written above it. I wanted the tattoo to mean something and connect us without putting your name on my body. She actually suggested a raven with ‘forevermore’ around it, but putting a raven on my body felt narcissistic since that’s my name,” I said with a nervous chuckle. “For obvious reasons, it’s a little risky to be slapping our names on each other’s bodies. She had some sketches and modified one to incorporate the jewel. I told her the necklace was important, so she said the tattoo would allow me to wear it forever. I was skeptical at first. When I saw the sketch, I fell in love with her design. I’ll always have your heart, even if the necklace is lost or stolen.”

I looked down at the beautiful tattoo. There were a few red accents in the surrounding design. Over it, the word Forevermore.

“This one isn’t a joke,” I informed him. “It took a lot of hours, and we did it in one session with a few breaks. The liquid fire hurt like hell. I guess you know all about that. It’s crazy how real it looks. I wanted it in a place that wouldn’t be too visible. If I put it on my back, I’d never be able to wear a backless dress again. We can’t have too many obvious identifying marks in our line of work. Shepherd and Wyatt were already tatted when they joined, so there’s not much they can do. I chose a place where I could see it.”

The fact that I was talking too much proved how nervous I was about his reaction. I’d briefly considered postponing the liquid fire for a day or two and getting Christian’s opinion first, but I didn’t want to change my mind about this any more than I wanted to change my mind about him. The tattoo was still sore from the liquid fire. Typically an immortal could wear a tattoo for a day or two before deciding to seal it permanently. Since I wanted to do it right away, the artist advised me to pull a sliver of healing light beforehand—just enough to heal the skin since it was basically a raw wound because of the extensive work. She also recommended I not bathe for the simple reason the area might hurt while the skin was still sensitive, but otherwise there was no special aftercare. One of the perks of being Breed.

Christian placed a chaste kiss on the ink, his beard tickling my skin. I remained quiet, allowing him to take it all in. I still wasn’t sure what he thought since I’d never seen him this speechless before.

“Is it too big?” I asked. “Maybe I should have just gotten forevermore and left it at that.”

Christian lifted me in his arms as he stood up. Then he flung me onto the bed and crawled over me like a predator. After stripping off my sweatpants, which were gathered at my feet, he kissed every square inch of that tattoo.

Those kisses became long and lingering, his tongue sliding across my inner thigh and tracing the edges of my panties in sinuous strokes. “I mean to worship you tonight,” he said, his words a vow.

Christian pinched the sides of my black lace panties and looked up at me, silently asking for permission.

“Not those,” I breathed, knowing what he wanted to do.

Instead of ripping them off as he sometimes did, he slowly pulled them down my legs. I playfully wrapped my ankles around his neck and waggled my eyebrows, reminding him that my legs were a lethal weapon.

“Get used to this, Precious, because your legs’ll be draped over my shoulders all night.”

Suddenly that playfulness melted away from his heated gaze.

Christian lowered himself on top of me, still fully dressed. “You have bewitched me, Raven Black. And tomorrow you’ll be my bride forevermore.” The deep timbre of his voice made me shiver beneath him.

“No talking,” I whispered against his lips. “Save the romance for tomorrow when our hearts and souls marry. Tonight our bodies marry. So marry me, Christian.” I kissed his face and worked my way to his earlobe. “Marry me hard.”

“I’ll marry you all night long,” he promised, hips raised so I could unlatch his belt and pull it free. “But not before I get down on my knees and worship my queen.” He slid to the foot of the bed and knelt on the floor. Then he gripped my ankles and yanked me toward him. Heat pooled between my legs from the sudden and forceful motion.

My shirt had slid up, exposing my breasts. I draped my legs over his shoulders when he dipped his face between my legs. Christian’s tongue was wet, hot, and his rhythm torturously slow. My body trembled as he lightly stroked my thighs with his fingertips. Every lick was executed with slow precision, drawing out my desire. When I sucked in a sharp breath, he growled and went deeper.

I stared up at the ceiling, my nipples hardening from a draft in the air. Candlelight flickered on the walls, and the sound of raw passion filled the silence. It was so quiet that every moan bounced off the walls.

I squeezed his neck with my legs, and when I looked down at him, his fangs punched out. I waited for his sinful bite, for that delicious pull as he tasted my lust.

Instead, Christian stroked me with his tongue until I felt my body fracturing into a mass of atoms. I writhed and moaned like a woman under a spell. My sex pulsed with pleasure, a small teaser of what was to come. Christian gently lowered my legs and then ran his tongue up my hip, kissing his way beneath my breast before taking my nipple into his mouth.

I arched my back when I felt the press of his fangs. He was careful not to give in to his Vampire nature to drink. So controlled.

I tunneled my fingers through his hair. “Let’s have some fun.”

“What did you have in mind?”

After scooting off the bed, I straightened my long T-shirt. “Everyone’s in the house tonight. I wanna get loud, and I don’t want an audience. This is our night. I need to be alone with you.”

He stood and zipped up his pants. “The garage?”

“Not unless you like Wyatt watching.” Flushed, aroused, and slightly dewy, I strode to the door and swung it open. “Catch me if you can.”

CHAPTER 8

RAVEN & CHRISTIAN

I flashed through the hall as fast as my Mage powers allowed and then jogged down to the first floor. Christian couldn’t shadow walk in candlelit hallways, so that gave me a head start. When I reached the first level, I passed someone but couldn’t tell who. I blurred down the side hall, out the door, and across the grassy lawn.

My pace slowed the more I distanced myself from the house. Once down the main hill, I dodged trees, making my way toward the pond. Was Christian standing in my window, looking out and laughing at me? I wondered. But the way I felt tonight, I didn’t want anyone around. I wanted this to be our one night alone.

The air rushed out of my lungs when Christian lifted me into his arms from behind. Before I knew what was happening, he lowered me to the ground on all fours and then entered me from behind like an animal claiming his mate.

God, how I loved the rapturous feeling of our passion.

I clawed the grass as he pounded me from behind.

Something primal awakened in me. I was consumed by the earthy fragrance of a moonless night, the soft grass beneath my knees, and my lover taking me in the shadows. We were utterly alone, the ancient stars piercing the black canvas overhead.

Christian gently pulled me up to a sitting position on his lap and swept my hair aside. His soft kisses touched my nape, and a breeze cooled my flushed face. With him still inside me, I rocked up and down.

He growled, his hands cupping my breasts and holding me steady. I couldn’t stop. I needed more and felt myself on the verge of exploding into a million fragments.

Christian slipped out and held me so tight against him that I couldn’t move. “Wanna have some fun?” he asked, his voice raw and breathless. After he stood and pulled up his pants, he shadow walked into the trees.

This was better than sex. It was the hunt—the chase—that made me feel alive.

I jumped to my feet and flashed after him. The lines blurred between who was the hunter and who was the prey. I knew exactly where he was going—my property next door.

After scaling the stone wall and crossing through dense trees and then open fields, I finally made it to the foundation where a house once stood. The heavy hatch door was open, so I descended the steps. My throat was parched, and I slowed my pace.

Houdini had left me this property. The thought had crossed my mind to sell the land, but keeping it made more sense. Not only was it a future investment, but it would protect Keystone from unwanted neighbors. Even though I was certain Houdini wouldn’t return, I changed the access code and had only shared that information with Christian. It was nice having a retreat that was not only private but close by.

The door at the base of the stairs was ajar. I closed it before striding down the short hallway and into the underground living room. We had tossed out Houdini’s furniture and replaced it with stuff I liked. Christian had also removed the door from the glass-enclosed room on the right. I didn’t like the idea of accidentally locking myself in there. While the dwelling had electricity and running water, there wasn’t an air conditioner or heater. Still, it had potential. With the right builder, I might make it bigger with more amenities.

The only light came from a night-light on the kitchen wall up ahead. Christian was standing in the tiny kitchen, pouring water into a drinking glass. I found it curious he wasn’t already naked, but he also liked to draw out the suspense. After taking a sip, he handed me the glass. I gulped down a few swallows of refreshing water and then set the empty cup in the sink between us.

“What if I install a sex swing?” he suggested.

I brushed grass and dirt from my knees. “I’m not turning my new place into a sex dungeon.”

“Too late for that, Precious.” He gave me a crooked smile and winked.

I turned away. Guilty as charged. After moving in the furniture two months ago, we decided to break everything in.

The bed.

The leather recliners.

Even the wooden coffee table.

When it came to sex, nothing was off-limits. We didn’t need a grandiose setup to keep things spicy. One of the most intense orgasms I’d had with Christian was on a countertop.

“Do you smell something?” I lifted my shirt to my nose, but that wasn’t it.

Christian strode into the small living room and switched on the light to the bedroom, which was separated from the living room by a glass wall.

The dim glow from the recessed lights in the ceiling made the scene even more romantic. Rose petals blanketed the bed, covering the sheets entirely. The intoxicating fragrance drew me into the room.

I brushed my fingers across the velvety petals, awestruck that he had done something so uncharacteristically romantic. “When did you do this?”

“I’ve been a busy fella.”

“I see.”

Christian removed his pants while I took off my shirt. When I climbed onto the bed, I watched him open the drawer of the bedside table. I loved how easy it felt to be with him—how he always found a way to make me feel cherished. Then he sat on the left side of the bed, and we turned on our sides to face each other. The only thing Christian had on was his onyx ring.

He set a small box of chocolates between us. “Wouldn’t it have been better to draw that hideous joke on your chest with a pen? Now I’m staring at it all night.”

I glanced down at the Vampire emoji. “You have a keen eye, and there’s no way I could have fooled you with a pen. It was worth it. The look on your face was priceless.” I selected a chocolate. Once I bit through the sweet outer shell, my mouth flooded with a gooey cherry. “This is sexy.”

He stroked my new tattoo. “Aye, even more than I envisioned. The mystery of you is one I hope to never understand.”

“Mmm. So I’m a mystery, huh?” I said, tasting his sweet lips. “Does that mean you like my Bermuda Triangle?”

“You have a wicked tongue, Miss Black.” After a swift kiss, Christian licked the cherry filling off his lips and eased back. Watching his tongue lit a fire in me.

I held a chocolate to his mouth. “Your turn.”

“Those are for you.”

“What’s mine is yours.”

Christian took the whole chocolate into his mouth along with the tip of my finger. After sucking on it and letting go, he winked at me. “This one has nuts.”

I reached down and cupped him. “So does this one. Now, are we gonna finish what we started?”

After chewing his candy, he rolled on top of me. I luxuriated in the moment—the sweet taste of chocolate on my tongue, the heady fragrance of roses enveloping me, the velvety petals cushioning my back, and a very hard man staring into my eyes.

“We’re not fucking,” he whispered against my lips. Christian placed languid kisses around my jaw and neck. “I’m just going to lave on your nipples until you incinerate this bed.”

He went right to work, ratcheting up the heat to a whole new level. I was drowning in my senses. His rough palm slid over my other breast before he changed sides. Every pull evoked a response—a moan, hair fisting, my leg hooking over his back.

Once my nipples were swollen and tender, his kisses trailed down my belly and across the curve of my hip. Each time his lips touched my skin, I felt like a ball of yarn rolling down a staircase.

My body trembled with need, Mage energy buzzing at my fingertips. Though it released inside him, he didn’t feel a thing. He moved back up my body like a panther stalking its prey.

Christian slid his hand between my legs. When his finger penetrated my slick seam, I gripped the back of his neck. His kisses were fire. A harsh sound escaped my lips when he teased me with every stroke, his thumb rolling over the bud of my sex and sending a shock wave through my body.

“I know how you like it,” he said, gazing intensely into my eyes. “I don’t have to ask, do I?”

“No,” I whispered.

Feverish with need, I flipped him onto his back. Christian wasn’t the only one with special skills. I licked his small nipple and flicked the tip, watching it harden. I loved the way he tasted, the way his muscles flexed beneath my touch, the way his breath hitched when I did something that aroused him.

The pillow swelled in his grip, threatening to burst at the seams.

“I can’t get enough of your hands on me,” he growled.

He enjoyed featherlight kisses and my breath on his skin. The feel of my hair tickling him as I moved my head from his chest down to his stomach. I worshipped him with my mouth and savored each moan. Sometimes I forbade him from touching me until seduction and punishment became synonymous.

I moved up to his tattoo. The raven’s body was on his shoulder and arm. The wings were stretched out, one on his right pec and the other on his back. I could stare at it for hours. The right blue eye matched mine, and red blood colored the tips of the feathers on each wing.

He clutched the pillow beneath his head, his biceps rock-hard.

I didn’t want to draw blood tonight even if that meant being vulnerable to his immense power. Christian never lost control with me. He would tear the pillow apart and rip open the mattress before he put a single mark on my body.

Straddling him, I raised my hips and slowly sheathed his cock.

“I need more of you,” he whispered, his eyes hooded. “Torture me. Make me your servant.”

I scored his chest with my nails and left a trail of pink lines. When his black eyes opened, desire simmered in their depths. I ran my fingers up my thighs and cupped my breasts, showing him my sore nipples that craved his lips. He twitched inside me, and I rose up, letting him take a long look at my tattoo. Then I sat down hard.

Again.

And again.

I couldn’t get enough of the way he looked at me—like a man who had never felt pleasure before. As if the friction between us shocked him. I bent forward and held his wrists, pinning him down.

I didn’t have the strength to hold down a Vampire, but Christian liked when I took control. We shared that power in bed, and the danger was thrilling.

I rode him faster, my grip tightening. “You want to touch me, don’t you?”

His eyes wild, he turned his head to the side. I could tell by the flush in his cheeks that he was close.

I placed my mouth to his ear. “Not yet. Only when I tell you.”

His chin touched his chest as he looked down at where our bodies met. I knew he was looking at my hips, wanting to grab them and direct my movements.

Desire licked over my body like a fever, and when he gave me a feral look, I placed my lips to his ear and whispered, “You’re mine.”

Petals were flying everywhere.

He writhed beneath me like a caged animal eager to pounce.

“Touch me,” I begged.

Christian hooked his arm around my back and flipped me over. He rocked his hips slow and blissfully deep. My fangs punched out, and when he saw that sign of complete arousal that I’d been holding back on, he slammed into me harder.

I felt myself reaching the peak of a mountain we were both racing to climb. My breasts shook from the motion of our bodies. His desire was caged—it had to be. And that made the sex even hotter. His fangs must have been throbbing.

I cried out, careening out of control.

Christian stopped and dipped his face into my neck as I panted for oxygen. “Not yet, Precious.” His thumb circled over my nipple, and all the nerve endings in my body electrified.

My heart pounded against my chest as if it wanted out.

The moment his tongue stroked over my artery, I hooked my legs around him, begging him to move. He stayed absolutely still, teasing me the way only a Vampire knew how. The light scrape of his fangs across my skin awakened my Vampire side, and she was ready to make demands.

“Please,” I whispered, clawing the back of his neck. “Taste me.”

Instead of drinking my desire, Christian rocked his hips, the length of him sliding in and out. When he raised his head and looked into my eyes, my whole world tilted off its axis. Passion tangled with love and devotion. In that moment, we connected. It wouldn’t matter if we never married. Our souls had bonded, and our hearts had already fused.

I clutched his back, and a tidal wave of pleasure crashed into me. Christian rode that wave as I begged for more—begged him never to stop. He growled hungrily, his pace quickening. I shouted without embarrassment in our private chamber. When I finally focused on his face, I realized he was holding back on his own release.

I pulled him into a deep kiss and moaned. Christian trembled with need, but he held back. His head lowered to my shoulder.

Ah, yes. He was still playing the game where I gave the orders.

I placed my lips against the shell of his ear. “You’re my king, and I’m your queen. I command you to come. Make me yours forever.”

As I spoke the words, his rhythm became insistent—demanding—until he roared. I held him tight, stroking his back until he calmed like a sea after a storm.

Christian rolled to his side and suddenly reached between my legs. He stroked me into another orgasm, and this one was stronger than the others. All while kissing my neck and whispering words of love.

There were no wild fantasies reenacted or blood sharing. This was making love. This was taking care of each other’s needs.

Just us in the moment.

He leaned down and delivered a molten kiss. When it tapered off, he placed rose petals over my nipples. “We should turn the kitchen into a bath.”

My body was so slick that petals had stuck to me. “I like that idea.” I took another shaky breath, my heart still pounding against my chest like a banging drum.

“I love that deafening sound,” he said with a wolfish grin.

I pulled a petal out from my armpit. “One thing is for sure, we won’t need a flower girl. I’ll be dropping rose petals out of my ass in the morning if we keep this up.”

He reached behind him and dragged a pillow beneath my head.

Once I got comfortable, I bent my left knee so we could admire my new artwork. It took getting used to. I’d grown up with a man who had them all over his body, and most of his buddies had ink. I’d never wanted any of my own. Joining Keystone and getting the group tattoo meant something, but it was more of an obligation. This was different. It was personal, sentimental, and entirely my choosing. I could have gifted Christian a new motorcycle or even a sexy fantasy. He wasn’t a picky man.

“You won’t regret it?” he asked, tracing his finger around the gemstone.

“No. Not ever. She asked if I wanted to try it out for a day or two before committing, but I knew I wanted to keep it forever.”

“Forevermore,” he said.

I kissed his shoulder. “I’m just glad you like it.”

“I don’t think there’s a strong enough word for how I feel.”

I blew out a steady breath and stared at the ceiling. “What if my dad doesn’t show up?”

“He promised he would. You mean the world to him, and he’s a man of his word.”

“He’s also stubborn. Maybe he changed his mind.”

Christian cleared his throat. “That man changes his underpants more than he does his mind, and that’s not very often. If he doesn’t show, we’ll marry ourselves. He already gave his blessing. If he doesn’t want to be there for his daughter because of his pride, we’ll just have to go on without him.”

“What did you get me?”

“A tattoo on my arse of your da.”

I glanced down at Eat Me inked on my breast. “Thank God my dress isn’t open in the front. I really hope this goes away soon.”

“For your sake, I hope you don’t accidentally trip and fall into liquid fire. You’ll be stuck with that joke for all eternity. Imagine the mortifying shame of it.”

“I don’t know. I kind of like the little Vamp emoji. Maybe I should put your name beneath it.”

He kissed my shoulder. “You have a tongue that could clip a hedge.” He touched one of the petals covering my nipple. “What did you think of me when we first met?”

“I thought you were a fanghole who wouldn’t share his onion rings.” I flicked one of the petals off. “I thought you were—”

“Handsome?”

“I had a type back then, and you weren’t it. Of course you’re handsome. I just had no intention of picking you up. You were a Vampire, and I didn’t like Vampires. I never thought I’d be marrying one.” I lightly stroked his beard. “What did you think of me?”

“I watched you from across the room trying to steal a bite to eat. I found your persistence amusing.”

“And why’s that?”

“I never saw a woman so fetching trying to scavenge for food. You were something. Most immortals use their powers to steal what they need. You were one of the most feared urban legends—murdering the most nefarious men in Cognito. And yet you were begging for scraps when you could have easily stolen the money you needed.”

“I had a code of honor.”

“Aye,” he said with a chuckle. “And the most unusual set of winkers I’ve ever seen.”

I closed my left eye, then switched to my right. “Which do you like best?”

Christian leaned over and kissed each of my eyelids. “Both.”

“Can I ask you something?”

He swept a lock of hair away from my face. “Aye.”

“How did you not recognize me?”

“From what? I don’t know what you mean.”

“You saved me as a little girl. When you ran into me in the bar, didn’t you remember my eyes?”

He shook his head. “There was a lot of smoke—a lot of fire. Even if I had, I would have never made the connection. You meet a hundred people every day. Plus you had your wee face buried in my coat when I wrapped it around you.” Christian gave me a tender look. “I can’t believe I once held you as a child. I still remember the way you were. So scared and unsure. So fragile.”

“Where did you go after that?”

“I went upstairs when I heard a woman crying out. She was disabled, so I got her down to the stairs where two men took over. Then I went up to the roof and escaped. Too many witnesses down below. We’re not supposed to get mixed up in human affairs. There are some who believe that when using our immortal gifts to save a human, we’re interfering with fate.”

I slid my hand around his neck and lightly stroked it with my fingertips. “I’m glad you interfered with fate.”

After a lingering kiss, we both flipped the blanket down, scattering rose petals all over the floor. Christian plucked them off me and out of my hair before we crawled between the sheets.

“I wonder if it would be easy to install air-conditioning down here,” I said.

“Seems cool enough to me.”

“Yeah, but the air gets stale. Especially the longer we’re down here.”

I snorted when Christian started fanning me with his hand.

“Don’t stand me up at the altar,” I warned him. “If you do, I’ll hunt you to the ends of the earth.”

Once he settled onto his back, he pulled me to him. “Sounds kinky. And then what’ll you do, Miss Black? Feed me to the sharks?”

“Nope. I’ll just put a stake in your ass and leave you on my father’s doorstep.”

“Jaysus. Don’t you dare. I’d rather be eaten alive.”

I draped my right arm over his chest. “I love our pillow talk.”

He kissed the top of my head. “Think it’ll change when we’re married?”

“I think a lot will change as the years go by. Hopefully in a thousand years, I’ll still feel this connection we have. Even if the passion is gone or we sleep in different houses.”

“I don’t wish to quarrel on the night before our wedding, but are you mental? Under no circumstance are we living in separate homes. Your parents had a unique arrangement, and that was their life. Not ours. That’s not our future. I’m willing to make concessions, but living apart won’t be one of them. We’ll just buy a bigger house.”

“That settles it then. Do you want the attic or the basement?”

He lightly touched my shoulder. “I’ll be in the aviary.”

“The what?”

“You have all this land to do what you will.” He made a sweeping gesture at the ceiling. “If you don’t want a traditional life, then why settle for a traditional home? Build a skyscraper if you like. But I want something I can put a few birds and turtles in.”

“I can’t argue with that. Where did my chocolates go?”

“I think there’s one stuck to the back of my knee. Why don’t you go down and see what flavor it is?”

“Maybe next time I’ll dip myself in chocolate so you can eat me.” I grinned before playfully biting his neck.

He growled sexily and rolled me on top of him. “Perhaps we should finish what we started out in the woods. I’ve been craving you for weeks, lass.”

“That’s not my fault. You’re the one who took off.”

He tilted his head to the side. “Is that jealousy twinkling in those mischievous eyes?”

“I trust you.”

“As you should. I’ll never betray you. I’ll never deceive you. Every ocean I crossed, every suffering I endured, every mistake I made, I’d do it all again if it led me back to you. I’ll always protect you and fight by your side. I can’t promise to be a perfect husband…”

“I don’t want a perfect husband. I want someone who’s more like me. Maybe I’m not the most beautiful woman in the room, but I’ll make you feel like the only man on earth. I need someone who’s patient, because I’m still figuring stuff out. I just want us to always be honest with each other even if it’s hard.” I touched his soft lips. “I promise that if I die first, I’ll wait for you. I’ll always wait for you.” I gazed into his onyx-colored eyes. “Will you wait for me?”

Christian caressed my cheek. “Aye, Precious. Should I perish in flames, I’ll wait for you.” He ran his hands up and down the length of my back, and I felt those quenched desires burning once again. “Just don’t be taking too long. I know how much you love making me wait.”

I kissed his mouth. “Save me a seat on the ferry, and I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

He chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“I doubt you’ll need to worry about saving a seat. Something tells me the Grim Reaper can’t wait for you to take over his job.”

“Mmm.” I nuzzled against him. “I love job security.”

“Don’t be daft. You just want the sickle.”

“Shut up and kiss me, Poe.”

CHAPTER 9

WYATT & SHEPHERD

Wyatt bobbed his head as Billy Idol sang “Dancing with Myself” on the radio. His little 1971 Austin Mini Cooper zipped around cars like a bumblebee in a garden. No one had ever asked him why the driver’s side door was blue while the rest of the vehicle was red. Since the steering wheel was on the opposite side from standard American cars, he didn’t want to forget after decades of habit. When someone’s chasing you, there isn’t time to think. One tiny mistake like that could prove fatal, and Wyatt didn’t take chances with his life. Besides that, he loved the look.

Shepherd gripped the top of the car from his open window and cursed when Wyatt made another sharp turn.

“This is your fault,” Wyatt said, hitting the brakes at an intersection. “We have to pick up the cake, and you decide it’s a great day to get the van detailed.”

“We can’t put their wedding cake in the back of that dirty van. There’s blood I still haven’t cleaned up from the last job.”

Wyatt was peeved. That meant leaving his car in the city so they could drive the cake to the house. They had already argued about this. Wyatt wanted to follow behind the van, but Shepherd had insisted that Wyatt needed to sit in the back with the cake and guard it.

Wyatt had half a mind to eat the damn thing instead.

When the light turned green, he zipped around a taxicab. “After the party, we’re coming back to get my car.”

“I’m not driving your ass back into the city tonight,” Shepherd grumbled.

“That’s what you think.”

When they pulled up to the car-detailing place, Wyatt patiently waited while jamming to the Ramones. He watched Shepherd walk around and inspect the van inside and out. Normally they did all the work themselves with a big hose, but this service was run by two former cleaners who decided there was a business in cleaning other messes besides dead bodies.

After paying the guy, Shepherd hopped in the van and pulled out. Wyatt followed behind since it was only a few blocks to the cake shop. Their original plan was to take the cake back to Keystone and set it on the dining table. Then Christian decided at the last minute to move the location over to Crush’s trailer. He told them yesterday that he put a spare key under a cactus pot and wanted them to put the cake in the kitchen. He gave them all the information they needed, but Wyatt still had reservations.

Once he found a parking spot, he said a little prayer over his beloved car, hoping like hell it wouldn’t get stolen or towed. He stuffed his green beanie in his back pocket and jogged toward the shop. “What if the key isn’t there? Keys go missing all the time.”

Shepherd glared while getting out of the van, which he’d parked in front of the doors. “Then we’re breaking into the damn place.”

“Not a wise idea. You’ve met her dad. I don’t think he’d have any problem chopping off our hands for damaging his property. Why don’t we just leave it on the porch?”

“I’m not leaving the damn cake on the porch.” Shepherd pushed open the door, and the bell above the doorframe jingled.

Wyatt took a deep breath and smelled the sweet confectionary. They had the air-conditioning cranked low, so he pinched his shirt out repeatedly to cool himself.

Shepherd approached the counter and rested his arms across it. “Pickup for Shepherd Moon. It’s a wedding cake.”

Wyatt wandered around and looked at the cake displays. When he touched the one in the window, he realized it was a prop.

“Hey, Shep. Look at this.” He pointed at a refrigerated wall and pressed his nose to the glass, salivating over the premade cakes. Chocolate drizzled over white frosting, and another had a fresh arrangement of fruit on top. The third one was an elaborate cake with rainbow ribbons.

The counter near Shepherd had precut slices sitting on cake plates, so Wyatt helped himself to all the samples.

“Will you cut that out?” Shepherd hissed.

“Don’t yell at me. I haven’t eaten all morning. Why does everyone think I need to save my appetite like I’ve only got a small amount left? My stomach is starting to eat itself.”

When Shepherd smacked him over the head, he swallowed his last bite and made a detour through an open doorway that led into another room. This part of the shop had tall coolers with massive cakes that must have taken hours to assemble. One display had four-inch cakes with buttercream frosting. He grinned at the cooler against the right-hand wall.

“Now that’s my kind of cake,” he said, admiring the one shaped like a giant bucket of popcorn. There were numerous novelty cakes.

“Hey, Shep! Check this out.”

“Let’s roll!” Shepherd yelled out.

Wyatt tried to open the cooler to steal a bite, but it was locked. “Son of a ghost!”

He returned to the next room, his stomach growling. Those samples had whetted his appetite, and now he was going into starvation mode.

Shepherd and the baker were arguing.

Wyatt furrowed his brow at the boxes. “Assembly required?”

Shepherd glowered over his shoulder. “Button it up.”

There were two large boxes on the counter. Wyatt approached one of them. “What’s the scoop?”

Shepherd pointed to a rolling cart with a massive three-tier cake inside a box, the top half exposed. “That’s the scoop. I thought these came boxed up in plastic lids or something.”

The baker wiped his hands on his apron. “As I explained before, we have proprietary plastic containers, but they’re not for customer use. This cake is too large for that box anyhow. We can properly cover the top two tiers since they’re smaller and fit in our boxes, but we warned you in advance. Does your vehicle have enough room to accommodate? This can’t sit on the back of an angled seat. In fact, it won’t even fit in the trunk of a car unless you want to slam the lid on top of it.”

Wyatt looked at the white frosting. The bottom tier was as big as a bicycle tire. His mouth watered when he smelled the sweet frosting.

“You can’t put anything over it?” Shepherd asked. “A bug could fly into it.”

The baker folded his arms. “If you had let us handle the delivery, we would have taken care of everything. I told you before that we always deliver cakes this size. Half our clientele are wolf packs. We’re not liable for any damage once the cake leaves our shop in a customer’s vehicle. It’s in the contract.”

“Then load it up in your van and follow us.”

The man shook his head. “My drivers are booked for the day. They’re not even here, and we have prescheduled orders from people who took advantage of our delivery services.”

Shepherd lifted one of the smaller boxes off the counter. “Fine. Spooky, go get our jackets out of your car. And open up the back of the van.”

* * *

Shepherd was fuming. He hadn’t realized how big the cake would be, let alone that they’d have to assemble it. Who the hell was supposed to put the top layers on? That wasn’t in the plan. He’d leave fingerprints all over it like a crime scene. At least his vehicle was spick-and-span. Now he wouldn’t have to worry about hairs or something worse flying onto the cake.

There it was, just sitting inside an open box.

He took the other two boxes and set them on a bench seat. Then he and the baker gingerly lifted the larger box and set it on the van floor.

“You’re riding in the back.” He glared at Wyatt. “And don’t eat it.”

Wyatt climbed inside. “You suck all the fun out of everything. What flavor cake do you think it is? Chocolate? You put in the order. C’mon, you can tell me. It’s white cake, isn’t it? Pineapple?”

Shepherd slammed the van doors and then got in the driver’s seat. After blasting the air conditioner on the coldest setting, he merged into traffic. Something else had been needling him, and that was the jerk who’d taken off with his money and the dagger. Now he didn’t have a wedding gift, and it was too late to pick up anything. He had gone to see Cosmo over at Pawn of the Dead since he knew Flash. He claimed he hadn’t heard from him. Shepherd gripped his hand anyhow to see if he was telling the truth, and he was.

“You should have seen the cakes in the other room,” Wyatt rambled from the back. “They had an orange one that looked like a monster and a great big flat one shaped like a chicken. Who gets a chicken cake?”

“Those are for kids’ parties,” Shepherd said, stating the obvious.

“I think we need to start celebrating birthdays again,” Wyatt called out. “As soon as I remember how old I am. Let’s see, I was born in 1803, so that makes me—”

“Older than dirt.”

“Do you think they can make one that looks like an arcade machine? I want Pac-Man. We didn’t have parties back in my day. We were poor. You know what I got for my birthday? Jelly.”

Shepherd hit a dip in the road.

“Hey, watch it!” Wyatt shouted. “One of the cakes almost slid off the bench.”

“That’s your one job,” he fired back. “We need to haul ass or we’ll never make it to the wedding in time.”

Crush lived a good distance from the wedding location. Shepherd knew they would make it, but he always liked to have extra time in case of traffic jams.

“Turn the radio up,” Wyatt said loudly. “I can’t hear it over the AC.”

Shepherd turned up the volume loud enough to drown out Wyatt’s complaints about it being a country song.

Sunshine beamed in his eyes, so as soon as he stopped at a red light, he reached inside the glove compartment for his sunglasses. When Shepherd sat up again, he glanced at the car next to him and did a double take at the man in the black convertible.

Flash was easily recognizable by his neon-green hair and neck tattoos.

“I’m glad we talked her into the big one,” Wyatt said above the music. “I’m gonna be eating cake all night long.” Then he started singing a song with the same words.

Shepherd slammed his hand on the horn until Flash looked up. After rolling down the window halfway, Shepherd ripped off his sunglasses. “Hey! Where’s my knife?”

Tires screeched as Flash plowed through the intersection, causing traffic to stop. Cars honked, and as soon as the light turned green, Shepherd gunned it. The engine roared as he weaved through traffic, hot on his tail. Weapons weren’t Shepherd’s only skill. He knew these city streets forward and back, and he also knew all the shortcuts.

Flash took a hard right down an empty street. Shepherd turned the wheel and leaned against the door from the momentum. They rocketed down the street before turning left.

“Think you’re going to the bridge? Think again,” Shepherd muttered.

The bridge led to the interstate, and Flash’s sporty car might be able to outrun their van if he reached it. The buildings on either side blurred. Shepherd grimaced when a dip in the road made the van fly off the pavement and slam down hard.

Water sprayed the road up ahead from an open fire hydrant. Flash’s car fishtailed across the slick surface, rainbows in the water a telltale sign it had picked up some oil from the surface. Shepherd jerked the wheel left into oncoming traffic to avoid the water, which had sprayed directly inside Flash’s convertible.

He kept a sharp eye on the sidewalks ahead in case someone darted out into the street. When he saw it was safe, he gunned it and then sideswiped the car. Flash suddenly hit the brakes, falling behind them, and turned left. Instead of circling back, Shepherd turned left at the next street and then made another hard left.

Flash was heading right toward them, so Shepherd jumped into the same lane.

“Wanna play chicken?” he said, a smile creeping up his face.

When Flash realized what was heading his way, he tried to turn around. A car slammed into him from the side, bringing his escape to a grinding halt.

Shepherd hit the brakes, threw it in park, and jumped out. His heart slammed against his chest as he stalked after Flash, who was on the run. At least the guy wasn’t a Mage.

“I’m gonna beat you within an inch of your life if you don’t get back here!” Shepherd bellowed. “Stop now, or I’ll ruin your life. I know your name, I know where you live, and I’ll slander the fuck out of whatever reputation you have left.”

Realizing he would never be rid of Shepherd, Flash turned around and held out his hand. “Stop. Just wait a minute.”

Shepherd grabbed a fistful of his shirt and slammed him against the building. “Where the fuck is my knife?”

“Don’t you want a refund?”

“Oh, I’ll get that too. I don’t think you realize who I am, motherfucker.”

Flash swallowed hard. “It’s… it’s in the trunk. It wasn’t ready. I wasn’t going to take it. Swear to God. You didn’t give me enough time.”

“Bullshit.” He gripped the back of Flash’s neck and shoved him toward the car. “Get it.”

Then he gave him a hard push. Flash stumbled and fell against the side of his convertible. After regaining his composure, he ran his fingers through his ridiculous hair and reached inside to pop the trunk.

Shepherd walked around to have a look inside. He saw two boxes and a duffel bag filled with random objects.

Flash appeared and started digging through his junk. “It’s in here somewhere.”

Shepherd folded his arms, irritated this little prick wanted to screw him over. His heart was finally slowing down. Another car honked before speeding around them.

The man who had struck Flash’s car was busy photographing the entire scene with his phone. Shepherd made a mental note to change out their license plates later. Wouldn’t be the first time.

“Hurry up,” he barked at Flash, who was digging around like a raccoon in a trash can.

“I got it. Here it is.”

“Nice and slow. Don’t get any bright ideas. My buddy in the van is a Vampire. He’ll erase your entire existence if you put that thing in me.”

Flash looked warily over his shoulder before slowly straightening up and handing him the weapon.

Shepherd examined the dagger. In the sun, it was really something to look at. Light glinted off the gold handle and caught in the facets of the tiny rubies. What took him by surprise was Christian’s and Raven’s initials engraved in the handle. Not only that, but Flash had used a fancy style. When Shepherd had stopped by Flash’s apartment the other day to pick it up, he hadn’t gotten a chance to see it since Flash talked him into getting some restoration work.

“See?” Flash said. “I told you I was going to give it back.”

“You were until someone informed you how valuable it was. Or maybe you found out it was a stunner. Either way, never steal from someone who knows where you live. Give me your wallet.”

Flash pressed his lips together tightly and slapped his wallet in Shepherd’s hand. “At least let me have my fake ID so I can take care of this bozo who’s about to call the cops on me.”

Shepherd stalked off. “Not my problem.”

The fates were obviously looking out for him as the timing couldn’t have been better. Not only did he have the dagger back, but he’d still gotten their initials engraved. Flash must have discovered something about it. Some weapons had a traceable history, so he planned on visiting Flash later to find out more. Stunners were valuable on the black market, but Shepherd didn’t think this guy would have risked his neck for one of those—not unless someone offered him good money for it.

Shepherd swaggered up to the back of the van, the radio still playing country music. Spooky could be in charge of looking over all the wedding stuff. He didn’t feel comfortable putting the blade on the seat since it didn’t have a sheath.

When he opened the rear doors, nothing could have prepared him for what he saw next.

Wyatt was sitting on the van floor, cake everywhere. White icing and red cake were on the walls, the bench seats, and all over his hungry partner. Not only did it cover his arms, but it was in his hair. The box had somehow flipped over toward the front, and the top tier of the cake was facedown in front of the doors. One of the other cake boxes had opened, spilling the contents onto the floor. Shepherd wasn’t sure where the other one had gone. It looked like a bakery had exploded.

“Red velvet,” Wyatt said, eating another bite of cake from his forearm. “I tried to save it, but all hell broke loose when you hit the bump in the road. Speed limits exist for a reason, Evel Knievel.”

“Why the hell didn’t you say something?”

Wyatt held the smile of a man who had no complaints about being covered in twenty pounds of cake. “Want a bite?”

Shepherd stared down at the tiny bride and groom stuck to the bottom of Wyatt’s boot. The groom’s head was missing. “This looks like something we’ll have to deny later.”

CHAPTER 10

RAVEN

Blue approached me where I was hiding behind a large oak tree. She had on a pretty blue dress that fit her body without being skintight. The sleeveless cotton fabric reminded me of T-shirt material. I’d told everyone that I wanted them casual. While Blue’s dress was certainly casual, she didn’t usually wear dresses in the daytime. Seeing the men in their sports jackets and women in dresses made this feel too formal, and I was about to pass out.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

I waved a fly away from my face. “Oh, I’m fine. I’m about to marry a Vampire who hasn’t shown up yet, and neither has the guy who’s supposed to walk me down the aisle.”

“We don’t care if anyone’s late. It’s not like we have anything better to do.” She leaned against the tree beside me, and the wind blew back her feather earrings. “I have to hand it to you for picking out a memorable setting. This is the first time I’ve ever heard about someone having a mating ceremony in a graveyard.”

I looked toward the sea of headstones in front of us. “I’ve always liked this place. A church doesn’t feel right. The both of us would spontaneously combust at the altar.”

Blue chuckled. “Well, if one of you does any combusting today, at least you’re in the right place.”

Footfalls approached.

“Are we doing this or what?” Wyatt asked.

Blue turned and folded her arms. “File a complaint. Do you mind going back to the group before you piss off the bride?”

While he walked off, I peered around the tree at him. “Why are his clothes all wet?”

“Who knows? I’ve stopped asking questions when it comes to Wyatt. Shepherd said something about having to hose him down. I guess we’ll hear the full story later.”

“He’s here!” Gem yelled excitedly.

Curious who she was talking about, I pivoted around and looked up a winding road that ran throughout the cemetery. My father’s Harley rumbled as he made his way toward us. Claude walked out to greet him.

Gem suddenly flashed up to us and thrust the bouquet into my hands. “Isn’t it thrilling? The weather is so nice, and the sun is out.”

I took the beautiful cascading bouquet that Gem had given me as a surprise. Even though I wasn’t into bouquets, it was the perfect arrangement. The rest of the flowers she’d ordered were supposed to be delivered straight to the mansion, where we planned to eat cake and drink.

As my father slowed down, I wanted to laugh. Crush had on a black riding helmet, goggles, and a skull T-shirt. When he parked the bike, Harley—who was also wearing goggles—excitedly barked from the sidecar.

“Dear God, he’s gonna smell ripe,” I mused.

Ren, his best friend, parked his bike behind him. He had on leather chaps and a helmet with a face shield. I could still tell it was him from the designs painted on his bike and the tattoos on his arms.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“I guess he really likes those biker rallies,” Blue remarked. “Are you ready?”

I played with my ruby necklace. “Not until the groom shows up.”

While my father dismounted, Claude helped the dog out and took the goggles off him. Viktor walked up and greeted the two men while I lurked below the shady tree like a mushroom. We didn’t have chairs or decorations, so this was about as informal as it got.

Viktor suddenly turned around and pointed in our direction. I ducked out of sight and clutched my flowers, wondering why the hell I was so nervous.

“Guess I’ll leave you two alone,” Blue said. “Good luck.”

I barked out a nervous laugh.

The grass rustled beneath Crush’s heavy boots as he approached. “There you are. I was…” He covered his mouth.

“What’s wrong?”

Crush shook his head, eyes lowering to my silver gown and sheer black cape with the feathers on the shoulders. “You’re beautiful.”

“It’s not a white dress, but you know me.”

He shook his head. “It’s the prettiest damn dress I’ve ever seen.”

I gave him a nervous smile. “What took you so long?”

He cupped my face with one hand and kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late, Cookie. We were supposed to be here two hours ago, but there was an accident on the interstate and traffic was backed up for miles. I would have cut through to the service road, but I had Harley with me.”

“Woof!” Harley bounded into sight and wagged his tail. When he shook his head, slobber flung everywhere.

“All right, that’s enough,” Crush grumbled. “Go sit down.”

“Someone better make sure he doesn’t relieve himself on any of the graves.”

“Don’t worry. I took him for a long walk before we got here. He’s all empty.”

“More than I needed to know.”

Crush leaned around the tree to look at the small gathering. “So where’s the groom?”

I sighed. “Maybe he changed his mind.”

Just then, a motorcycle revved in the distance. Crush stepped to the side, eyes narrowing, and I peered around the tree.

Christian looked like a dark knight on his mechanical steed. A black coat rippled behind him as he pulled up beside Crush’s bike.

Harley ran full throttle at him, barking like a hound on a foxhunt. Before Christian could park, he glimpsed the dog coming for him and then rolled on the gas. While he sped off, the dog chasing after him, I heard Switch and Wyatt howl with laughter.

Crush chuckled. “I guess that’s that.”

When I gave him a sharp look, he put his fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly.

After one final bark, Harley trotted toward us, tail wagging.

“You and that dog were made for each other,” I said, trying not to laugh.

When Christian turned around to head back, I hid behind the tree so he wouldn’t see my dress. It was the only surprise left I had to give him since he had already seen the tattoo.

Crush reached in his pocket and pulled something out. He squatted down and clipped a bow tie on Harley’s collar. “There ya go, boy. All spiffy.”

“Where’s yours?”

When my dad stood up, one of his knees popped. “Last one.”

“You couldn’t find a solid black shirt?”

He grinned, his silver tooth catching the light. “I think it fits right in with a graveyard wedding. Maybe I should have worn my skull rings to match.”

It got quiet. Real quiet. The wind rustled through the trees, their leaves shaking with excitement. I knew Christian had made it to the group and they were waiting.

I cleared my throat. “Now what?”

Crush smoothed his goatee. “You don’t have any music?”

“I didn’t want traditional.”

He leaned around the tree. “Everyone ready? Because ready or not, here we come!” Crush took my right arm.

I handed him my bouquet so I could adjust my sheer cape. I briefly looked myself over, making sure the black feathers on my shoulders weren’t sticking out in the wrong direction. Then I touched my ruby necklace and felt a lump in my throat. There was a brief moment when I’d forgotten about all the violence in my life, when for that split second, I felt like an ordinary girl in love.

And I was in love.

I just wasn’t ordinary.

Crush handed the bouquet back to me, and we both stepped into view.

My heart stopped when I looked past the small gathering and saw Christian. I had fully expected him to show up in a T-shirt and jeans and hadn’t paid attention to him on his motorcycle. All I saw was a dark coat. No, not a coat. Christian had on a long black cape with a silver clasp that fastened around his neck. It draped over his shoulders, revealing the rest of his outfit. I’d never seen him look so handsome. His fitted black vest had silver buttons, and I knew he’d chosen the blood-red silk shirt for me.

I loved that we hadn’t discussed our outfits ahead of time. Though we didn’t coordinate, we complemented each other. Why did he look so different? Initially I thought it had to do with his sharp outfit and trimmed beard, but then I realized it was something else—his smile.

I’d never seen Christian smile at me like that before. Not like that. Not with tears shining in his eyes. Not with color in his cheeks.

A kaleidoscope of white butterflies circled between us, and Crush leaned close and gestured to them. “That’s your mama.”

I wasn’t a crier, but dammit, I was really close and didn’t want to lose my shit in front of an audience. Since there was only a small group, they formed a semicircle around the groom. All of the Keystone family was present. Niko smiled in my direction, and though he couldn’t see my dress, he must have seen something in my light. Perhaps terror mixed with joy. Kira and Switch stood alongside Ren on the left. Hunter watched excitedly from on top of his father’s shoulders. Behind Christian was my mother’s grave, and beside it was mine. Someone had used their jacket to cover it up.

The sun behind me must have been killing him, yet Christian never took his eyes from mine. The oak tree behind him stretched out as if trying to shade us from the blue sky.

Gem swiftly clapped her hands together. My heart raced, and everything was a blur. I barely noticed anyone’s clothing or expressions. The only thing that existed was Christian holding his hand over his heart.

When we finally reached him, Crush gave me another kiss on the cheek and then stepped in front of us.

Christian drank me in with his eyes. “I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous.”

Was he talking about me or my dress?

“Dearly beloved,” Crush began, directing everyone’s attention to him. “We’re gathered here because my daughter said yes and then asked me to marry them.”

A few chuckles sounded.

Crush clasped his hands in front of him. “In my book, you don’t need a preacher or elders or officials. When you make a promise to someone, that’s it. Done deal. I’m just here as a witness. Raven and Christian didn’t want the Mageri or any official involved. This is between them, and I respect that. I don’t think paper makes anything more official than the promises you make to each other. I’ll admit I never liked Vampires. Once I found out my daughter was half, I let go of those prejudices. You can’t just love half of a person. Doesn’t mean I trusted you,” he said to Christian. “You were a peckerhead from day one and went out of your way to disrespect me. But you proved your loyalty to my daughter, and that’s something. I still needed to know you wouldn’t hurt her. After all, that’s my baby we’re talking about. Doesn’t matter how old she gets, I’ll always look out for her for as long as I draw breath. I won’t ever let any man steamroll over her opinions, her heart, or her spirit. She’s been through too much, and she deserves the best.”

I smiled at him. This wasn’t a rehearsed speech. He was speaking right from the heart.

“And something else you should know,” he continued. “Raven is loyal. She loves fiercely, and it takes a long time for her to warm up to new people. I guess some of you already know that. If she’s willing to stand here today, she’s made up her mind that she’s chosen the best person for her.” Crush quickly wiped away a tear and then immediately wiped his forehead, probably hoping nobody noticed. “Do you two have anything to say to each other?”

I glanced up at Christian. “I think we said it all to each other last night.”

Christian winked at me.

Our vows were private—not for the consumption of a live audience. The promises we had made to each other were personal, sacred, and ours alone.

My father stroked his goatee as he steered his gaze back to Christian. “You owe me a favor, and I’m calling on it.”

Christian touched the clasp on his cape, and his brow furrowed.

“I want you to make a promise that you’ll never hurt Raven physically or emotionally. Sometimes relationships don’t work out, and that’s fine. Just promise me she’ll never be hurt by your hand or your words.”

Christian inclined his head. “On my word, I’ll never harm Raven.”

“Do you promise to protect my daughter, put her needs above all else, take care of her when she’s having a bad day, and always make her feel empowered by your love and not ruined by it? Do you promise to battle any demons that would harm her even if they’re your own?”

Christian lifted his gaze to my father. “I do.”

My father’s gaze softened as he looked at me. “Do you promise to not be a hard-ass all the time and give him the benefit of the doubt? Because let’s face it, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Do you promise to love him the way he deserves to be loved, to hold him accountable when necessary but also forgive, and to still come see me once a week?”

I felt like hugging him but refrained. A lot of these vows were lessons he’d learned from his own failed relationship. “I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me, which isn’t much, I now pronounce you man and woman, husband and wife, Vampire and my only baby girl. You can kiss the bride.”

I handed my father the bouquet to hold.

Christian smiled handsomely as he cradled my head in his hands. “You’ll always be my Precious.”

I rested my hands on his chest. “And you’ll always be my heart.”

I wet my lips when he leaned in. His kiss melted time—warmer than the sun against my back, sweeter than the smell of summer, softer than the breeze.

“No tongue,” my father added.

Christian branded me with that kiss and made me his.

Applause erupted around us along with a few wolf whistles. We smiled at each other and then turned away to accept all the congratulations.

“We should get back,” Gem said, nudging Niko. “Let’s leave these two lovebirds alone for a little while.”

“You don’t want me to throw the bouquet?” I asked, taking it back from my father.

Blue backed up. “No way. Don’t throw that thing at me. I’ll be in the car.”

I pointed to my gravestone. “Whose jacket is that?”

Wyatt strutted over and snatched it up. “I thought walking toward your own tombstone was a little morbid. If you two ever renew your vows, do it someplace fun. There are too many freshies in this place.”

“Perhaps you should help them to the netherworld,” Christian suggested.

Wyatt slung his jacket over his shoulder and swaggered off. “That’s a therapy session I ain’t got time for. See you at the party.”

“I still want to know why he’s all wet,” I said.

Christian enfolded me in his arms. “I’ve never seen a more fetching bride. And to think you’re all mine.”

“Where did you get this outfit?”

“Needed something to cover up all this sexual goodness. Wouldn’t want you jumping my bones in the graveyard.”

I touched the silver clasp and ran my fingers down his silk shirt. “You should dress like this more often. Aren’t you hot?”

“I’m a Vampire, lass. I don’t get hot unless you’re naked.”

My father cleared his throat. “Are we all done?”

I’d almost forgotten he was there. With my head resting on Christian’s chest, I gave my father a tender look. “You did real good. No cussing or anything.”

Crush turned away and stopped at my mother’s grave. He touched the top of the raised headstone and stood that way for a painfully long moment.

“Why don’t we go back to your place first,” Christian suggested to him. “You can get an overnight bag and take a shower since you smell like a heap of garbage and sweat.”

Harley sniffed my bouquet and then sat down.

“That’s a good idea,” I said, realizing we didn’t have any dog food at the house. If Crush went home alone to get his things, he was likely to blow off the party and fall asleep after a long bike ride. “We’ll swap out your bike for the truck. I’ll drive and give you a break since you’ve been on the road all day. It’s not like we’re in a rush.”

“Sounds good.” He took a shaky breath and then sighed. “I just wish your mama was alive to see this.”

I handed Christian my bouquet and hugged my father. “That’s why we’re here. I know how much you loved her. I knew this wouldn’t be easy for either of us.” I let go and wiped a tear from his cheek.

Crush touched one of my curled tendrils that Gem had styled. “I hope he loves you half as much as I do.”

My lip quivered.

Crush snapped his fingers, calling the dog’s attention, and ambled back to his bike. Ren waved at him before taking off.

I wiped away a tear and saw mascara on the back of my hand. “Dammit.”

“What’s wrong?” Christian asked.

“I thought this would be a piece of cake and we could drink afterward. I didn’t think it would be a complete shit show of tears.”

“I never thought I’d marry a woman who uses the phrase shit show, but here we are.”

I took the dark calla lilies from him. “Can I have a minute alone?”

“Aye.” Christian kissed my forehead and let that kiss linger. “I’m glad I saved that little girl all those years ago. She fixed a heart I never knew I had. Take all the time you need. I’ll give you absolute privacy,” he said before striding away.

What he meant by that was he would block out all the sound coming from this direction. Anything I said at my mother’s grave would be for my ears only.

I knelt down and placed the flowers in front of the gravestone. I had only a dim memory of my mother since she died when I was little. I couldn’t even remember if she was a good cook. The real absence was felt in the years that followed. Mother’s Day was always a trip to the cemetery. I didn’t have anyone to talk to me about all the personal things girls go through. My father had done his best to keep her memory alive even though it pained him to talk about her. I had clung to every memory, but as the years rolled on, I’d built a new relationship with her from our graveyard chats. I had spent many days and nights visiting her, talking about my problems and imagining her as a perfect parent. Maybe that was one reason I was so hard on my father all those years ago. It was hard for him to compete with a ghost.

Having recently heard new stories about her from my father, I realized that she wasn’t a perfect person. She did her best, made mistakes, and even had different dreams for me than I’d made for myself.

“I know you never wanted me mixed up in the Breed world. I’m sure you would have had all kinds of opinions about Christian. I didn’t like him either when we first met.” I picked a few dead leaves from the grass and tossed them aside. “I thought he was an arrogant Vampire with no sense of humor. I didn’t trust him. He saved me that night in the fire. I wish he had gotten there in time to save you too. I know he would have. Christian is everything I never wanted and yet everything I need. I don’t know if heaven or reincarnation exists, but now I know for certain that death isn’t the end. I hope we meet again even if we don’t remember this life. I’d be okay with that. And I hope you and Daddy find each other. I really do. He’s changed so much. He’s the man you deserved. He always loved you, but I understand why you didn’t stay together. Anyhow…” I ran my fingers over the name Bonnie. “I just want you to know that even though I was little when you died, I never forgot about you. I never stopped loving you. That’s why we got married here. I know you’re not really here, but this is the closest I can get to you. No one ever took your place. You’re the only mother I ever had.” I glanced at the bikes and noticed Christian and my father talking. “I won’t ever have a normal life like you wanted, and I’m sorry for that. If it makes any difference, I think I’m gonna be happy. I hope that’s enough.” I sniffled and rubbed the top of the stone. “Bye, Mama.”

After adjusting the flowers on her grave, I headed back and spotted Wyatt in the distance. Everyone was still walking up the road where we’d parked our cars out of the way. He was squatting in front of a grave and looked like he was talking to someone.

Maybe it was just another freshy.

CHAPTER 11

RAVEN, CHRISTIAN, & CRUSH

We rode to my father’s trailer, the setting sun casting long shadows across the road. I sat behind Christian, my arms wrapped around his middle and my hair tangled in the wind. My cape was neatly folded in my father’s saddlebag in order to protect the feathers from being ripped off by the windy ride.

I wished we could have done it all over again. I had been nervous for nothing—mostly because I hated being the center of attention. Everything happened so quickly that I barely had time to take it all in. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of renewing our vows. Maybe every hundred years would be good. We could throw a big party instead of what we had planned for tonight. Why hadn’t I reserved a private room at a club? Now it was too late to change plans.

We turned up my father’s driveway, and the first thing I noticed was the grass in front had been recently mowed. Maybe one of his friends had stopped by and checked on things.

It wasn’t until I looked ahead that I realized what was truly different. I dismounted the bike and gaped at my father’s trailer, which was now three or four times larger. It was green, just like his other one, only brighter. The porch was massive! The layout looked the same with the stairs positioned off to the right, only this wasn’t his house. I looked over my shoulder at the mailbox to make sure we hadn’t turned in to the wrong driveway.

Crush stayed on his parked bike, staring at his house.

After taking off my helmet, I approached my father, wondering if he had secretly bought himself a new home. When he got off and threw his helmet on the ground, still staring, I knew he hadn’t.

“What the hell is this?” he asked, turning around.

I shook my head.

Christian got off the bike and removed his cape. “Your gift.”

Crush swung his gaze back to the massive home. “Why the hell did you do this?” As if pulled by invisible strings, my father strutted to the steps and hiked up them. Harley zipped ahead and walked the length of the porch, sniffing everything in sight. There were two chairs, a table, a glider, two flowerpots with cactus plants, and a hummingbird feeder hanging from the eaves.

Christian reached in his pocket and handed him a set of keys. “She’s all yours.”

“Did you throw out all my shit?”

“It’s all accounted for.”

Crush stared at the keys in his hand. “Did you do this to win me over? I married you two, didn’t I?”

“It’s not that,” Christian said. “Raven and I wanted to exchange gifts, and I thought about what would mean the most to her. She already has my heart, I’ve inked my body, and that’s for fecking ever. I considered building our own house,” he said, turning his gaze to me, “but she’d never forgive me for not including her. That’s something we’ll do together someday, and I still want my aviary.” After a wink, he directed his attention back to my father. “You mean the world to Raven, and Jaysus wept, you’re my da now. I’ve warmed up to your belligerent ways.” Christian folded his arms and looked down. “I don’t have any family left, not that I was ever close with my own father. I don’t expect you to treat me as a son, but it doesn’t mean I won’t be looking out for you as my own flesh and blood.”

Crush studied the long length of the porch, which was big enough to have gatherings on. “I’m not supposed to get anything.”

“I know how attached you are to this piece of land. I thought about moving you over to Raven’s new property, but you’d be away from your shop, and you’d probably pitch a fit for the rest of your days. So I gave you an upgrade instead. Go on. See what’s inside.”

“Better not be a wife in there,” he grumbled, opening the door.

As soon as the door opened, a beeping sounded.

Christian ushered him down the hallway to the left. “There’s an alarm system now with a temporary code. You’ll need to pick out your own later on.”

Their voices grew distant. Real distant. This was absolutely surreal. Not only was the trailer about four times the original size, but it was the exact same layout. The kitchen and living room were ahead of the door with a wall dividing them. Instead of dead space to the right of the door, it was its own separate room from the living area. It looked so empty, and as sunlight poured through the windows, which there were more of now, I could imagine a new life for my father.

I walked ahead to the right and gaped at the massive living room. Christian had kept all my dad’s furniture and put it in the same spots. Instead of everything being jammed up together, the furniture was spaced far apart. He’d even kept my dad’s old television set instead of getting him a bigger, fancier one. Christian obviously knew my father well enough to know anything missing would upset him, no matter how big or small. The size of the room engulfed the few belongings he had. It wasn’t so much that the home was an obscene size, only that my father’s single-wide had always been too small since it was old. This gave him so much room—so much that he could host parties in here and buy new furniture.

I walked around the wall to look at the kitchen area. In the old house, the kitchen table to the left of the door completely filled the eating area. But now with all the additional room, there was a deep freezer on the wall beside it. The kitchen wasn’t huge, but my father wasn’t a big cook. It had an island in the middle with a granite top and lots of cabinets below to store stuff. The polished stone flooring was an excellent choice. Cleaning up muddy footprints would be easier than on the old peel-and-stick vinyl he used to have, which had been scuffed and scratched up from years of wear.

My father wandered back into the room with a look of disbelief. His grey hair was untidy and free from the ponytail, his blue eyes vacant. I’d never seen him this shocked, even when I came back into his life after he thought me dead.

“I had it custom-built,” Christian said, pausing by the table. “This is your home, and I know how a man can get attached to things. So I made sure it had the same layout with only a few additions. I even got a plant.” He gestured to the cactus on the table. “It reminded me of you.”

Crush looked all around and noticed the same pictures on the wall, the same wooden fork and knife hanging near the table, the same everything. “Is that a dishwasher?”

When he walked into the kitchen to look around, I gave Christian a bewildered look. “This is where you’ve been the past two weeks?”

“Aye.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have helped you.”

He erased the distance between us and lightly ran his fingers over my bare shoulders. “Because this is my gift to you. To show you that I’m here to take care of not only you but your da and everyone else you love. Your family is my family now.”

I threw my arms around my husband. He could have given me diamonds, fancy cars, or even a home. Instead, he’d given something that meant so much more—the comfort of knowing my father would always be taken care of.

“What the hell is that thing in the bathroom?” Crush growled from the hallway.

Christian leaned back and smiled. “The shower bar or the built-in bench? You’re not getting any younger, Da.”

Crush tried to act like the old bulldog he was, but I could see the pride in his face. I’d rarely seen that twinkle in his eye. He strode into the living area. “Well, you got my gun rack up there. Looks like room for more.”

“Here we go,” I said. “Daddy, no more guns. You have an alarm system now.”

“Even better,” Christian said. “It doesn’t go to a third-party company. If the alarm goes off, it’ll send an alert on our phones.”

“Better not have any hidden cameras in here,” Crush grumbled.

I smiled up at Christian and said quietly, “That means he loves it. Not bad, Poe.”

Christian folded his arms, a closed-lipped smile on his face as he watched Crush walk around and look in the drawers, making sure nothing had been tossed out.

“I even put your filthy socks back on the floor where you left them.” Christian strode into the middle of the living room. “It’s the same layout with an extra guest room. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and anti-slip flooring. My original intention was to fix a few things up around the ramshackle house. Maybe add on an additional room. I called your friend Wizard to come out and have a look at things. What he found was rotting wood. The integrity of the home was so far gone that it wasn’t worth investing money in,” he said to my father. “We worked night and day. And don’t feel beholden to me. I can’t have Raven going around, worrying that the roof is going to collapse on you. The only things we tossed out were the old appliances to replace them with new ones. You have a washer, dryer, dishwasher, two coolers under the sink for your sodas, and a deep freezer for all your artery-clogging goodies. The air-conditioning unit looks like a tank, but don’t worry about your electric bill. It’s all efficient.”

“Nothing this big is that efficient,” Crush remarked.

Christian gazed up at the ceiling. “I renegotiated your rates. Let’s leave it at that. The electricity and plumbing are all new. There’s even a sprinkler system outside. I’ve already programmed it, so don’t go fiddling with it.”

Crush walked over to an open doorway on the right-hand wall by his gun rack. “What’s this?”

“An extra room.”

We walked inside a large room with wood flooring. The tall row of windows on the end brought in so much light. The white shutters were pulled all the way up. Closing them would give him absolute privacy.

“I thought about making this a sunroom,” Christian said from the doorway. “But somehow you don’t strike me as a man who spends much time reading or growing houseplants.”

I walked around and examined the space. “Look at this. You can buy that desk you always wanted but didn’t have the room for.”

“What desk?”

“The one you wished for every time you came in sweating after sitting in the hot garage for hours. Now you have a place to work on small projects where it’s cool. You could also turn it into a game room with poker tables.”

“I’m not letting one damn person in this house,” Crush said decidedly. “They’ll dirty it up. I’ve never had a new home before.”

I leaned against the wall. “Well, I’m going to add to Christian’s gift. Since I’m the one who gave you Harley, I’ll pay for all his food supply. Honestly, I didn’t consider how expensive it would be to feed a dog his size, and it’s something I planned to do anyhow. You know, you could put a bed in here for him since he’s got all this space to run around. This could be his room if you wanted.” I pushed away from the wall.

Crush chuckled. This was the least talkative I’d seen him. Christian had rendered my father speechless.

“It’ll be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter,” Christian went on as he turned in to the other room. “Energy efficient. Don’t go freezing yourself out to save money. Your days of suffering are over.”

Once alone, Crush looked at me with tears in his eyes. “I couldn’t be prouder to have a daughter like you.”

“I’m not the one who did this.”

He sighed. “I know. What I mean is… you chose a good man.”

My father didn’t show his affection with words; he was a man of action. Show, not tell. It proved that despite some of their bickering, he was growing to respect and love Christian far beyond my expectations.

I gave him a hug and patted his back. “Now I can sleep over. Even if you do something else with the spare bedroom, there’s enough room in here for an inflatable mattress.”

He snorted. “Jesus, girl. I’m not putting a blow-up bed in my house. I’ll get a mattress.”

We walked back into the living room and followed Christian, who was waving us into the hall up ahead.

“Did you see the laundry room?” he asked.

Just past the kitchen to the right, we entered a spacious room. The washer and dryer on the right were shiny and new. I looked up at the wall cabinetry on the left, wondering what my dad would store in there. Below it was a long table that I guessed he could fold or store laundry on. The windows and white paint would brighten it up in the day.

I blinked in surprise, realizing one of those windows wasn’t what I thought it was. “He has a back door?”

“Aye. Can’t have a front without a back.”

Crush stalked toward Christian and suddenly pulled him into a hug. It shocked me, and it clearly shocked Christian, who kept his arms at his sides. I wondered if I’d ever see that moment happen again—one as rare as Bigfoot strolling through a church.

After a few pats on the back, Crush let go and stepped away. “Now don’t go telling people I was hugging you.”

“Too late for that.” When Christian opened the door, we were greeted with thunderous applause.

I followed behind them, confused as to what was happening. All my dad’s biker friends were hanging out in the yard, whistling and howling as they clapped over their heads. I wasn’t sure if they were more surprised about me getting married or Crush getting a new house.

We stood on a spacious deck, just as large as the one in front. Platters of food took up a long table against the railing, everything covered. I hardly recognized the land out back. Crush never spent much time out here since it was just extra property and mostly taken over by trees and bushes. Christian had not only taken some of the overgrown trees out, he’d built a large chain-link fence all around the property. Now Harley could run around outside without my father worrying about him wandering off.

The azure sky no longer had the painted colors of sunset, and a few stars were becoming visible. Colorful party lights were strewn along the fence and deck. Candles and calla lilies decorated each round table on the lawn.

I inched closer to Christian. “What the hell is all this?”

“Part of the surprise,” he said, curving his arm around my waist. “Did you think I was going to let my new bride go home and sulk over a sad piece of cake and a bottle of cheap wine? This event deserves a grand reception.”

In the sea of familiar faces, I spotted Niko talking to Tank, one of my father’s close buddies. Speakers placed around the property played cheerful music, and a few people were dancing. I walked to the edge of the porch and peered over the edge. Christian had put in fresh sod all around the house where grass rarely grew.

Then I stared at the long table filled with chafing dishes and tins. The ones covered in foil were labeled, and there was everything from rolls and coleslaw to green beans and corn. I pointed at the large coolers underneath the table. “What’s in those?”

“More food,” he said. “That’ll keep it hot or cold depending on what it is.”

“Is this from Skulls?”

Christian walked over and lifted two giant domes, revealing a mountain of onion rings.

“Nice touch,” I said.

“Food is served!” Crush announced. “Come and get it.”

A flood of people formed a line at the steps to the left, so we moved all the way to the right. Each person who made their way down to us would give us their congratulations. This was so much more than I could have ever dreamed.

I stared at a row of five Cookie Monster cakes. Each one was blue with googly eyes on top and a real cookie in its mouth. “This isn’t what I picked out.”

“Slight problem with the wedding cake,” Shepherd began as he joined us. “I know it’s not wedding appropriate. Sorry we fucked it up. It was either these or a giant chicken. Didn’t seem right to put a cock on the table.”

I clapped his shoulder. “This entire day has been unconventional and full of surprises. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He reached for something on the table wrapped in a napkin. “This is your wedding present.”

I could already tell what it was as I gently moved the cloth away. “This is beautiful. Christian, look. He put our initials in the handle.”

“That’s a fine weapon,” Christian noted, admiring the curved blade. “I already know how I want to use it.”

“Don’t put our wedding gift into someone’s chest.”

Christian sliced it straight through the cake. Then he cut another slice. “Time to feed my bride.”

“Don’t you dare put that in my mouth.”

“I didn’t hear you saying that last night,” he quipped.

“Christian, that icing will stain my dress.”

When he flashed a wicked grin, I sprinted away, unable to stop laughing. Unable to stop the absolute joy I felt in my soul.

* * *

Christian reclined in a lawn chair near the back deck while “Imagine” by John Lennon played on the speakers. It was late evening, and the slow songs signaled that the party was winding down. He was proud of himself, basking in the afterglow of not only his glorious wedding but also organizing a successful gift for his bride and her father. It was a good thing a lot of people owed him a favor or this would have never come together so quickly.

The original plan was to have the reception at Keystone and drive Crush home the next day, unveiling his new house. But the more Christian had thought about it, the more he had doubts. Having the party here would create good memories surrounding the wedding day. Not only was Crush still high on emotions from the ceremony, but he was surrounded by his closest friends, who would compliment the hell out of his new home. Even though some of Crush’s buddies were at the biker rally, Switch and Wizard put out the invite, and it didn’t take long before everyone heard the news. Christian spent all morning worrying that no one would show. When they first pulled into the driveway, he was relieved when his Vampire hearing picked up the quiet chatter out back. The only way to keep it a surprise was to have everyone park their bikes and cars on a neighbor’s property nearby. Not the crazy fella Crush had been warring with for years but a widow. She even stopped by earlier to make herself a plate.

Christian watched Shepherd sitting in a lawn chair on the other side of the yard, a cigarette in his mouth and a spray hose in hand. Each time one of the kids ran in front of him, he would spray them with a shot of water. The kid would squeal and run off, only to come back for more. Hunter was using more sign language these days. Some of the other wee ones thought it was a fun game. They would watch Hunter point to something and show them how to make the word. Switch was trying to teach everyone in the house, but Shepherd had picked it up the fastest. Even when talking to Hunter, he would use sign language so they could learn together.

Hunter was a smart lad with repressed feelings from past trauma. He was young enough that he would probably forget some of it in time, but the way he was raised early on might have already shaped his personality. Christian couldn’t imagine what it was like for a wee one growing up in the Breed world. It was hard enough for adults.

With the party winding down, he noticed Gem and Niko sharing their third dance. Strange fellow. Not very emotional, so Christian thought it curious how he’d befriended the most emotional person in the house. In the beginning, Niko had always been closer to Blue than anyone else since they were partners. While he was friendly with everyone, he was mostly a loner. Wasn’t it curious how new friendships formed?

Kira looked like a fish out of water. She wasn’t allowed to serve anyone at this event, so she sat off to the side with Shepherd, unable to go home and intimidated by the rowdy group of bikers. She spent most of the evening keeping an eye on the kids, making sure they weren’t getting into trouble while their parents were busy socializing.

A strong breeze blew across the yard, and a few people turned in its direction. Everyone had indulged in the food, leaving nothing left over. Christian had made a few extra plates for Crush and put them in the fridge earlier before everyone ate all the food. The last keg of beer was almost empty. Raven hadn’t brought her appetite. The only foods Christian noticed her eating were the onion rings and potato salad. She took a bite of cake to be nice but wanted to leave it for the kids and guests. That was one quality Christian loved about her—she wasn’t a selfish woman. Even before joining Keystone, Raven hunted without reward or recognition for the sole purpose of protecting others. Most rogues were corrupted by immortal power.

Over by the fence, Wyatt had captured the fancy of a fetching young lass. Despite his odd personality, Wyatt had a certain charm that attracted women so long as they didn’t mind dating a Gravewalker with a peculiar sense of humor and no sense of style.

Most of the women at the party were either mated or not interested in hooking up with anyone outside their Breed. Claude spent half the evening at a table with two older ladies who were sitting alone. Christian would isolate conversations and listen in, curious what people were saying about Raven marrying a Vampire. To his surprise, he hadn’t heard one person say a negative word. Maybe they were holding their tongue since they knew he might hear them. Only one fight had broken out, and it had to do with an unpaid debt. The two men ceased their quarreling after Raven sprayed them with the garden hose.

A few guests had moved their chairs to the new firepit they’d added to the backyard. Even though there was one out front, he wanted Crush to appreciate all of his property. Christian hadn’t done this for himself, and that left him with a good feeling inside. Seeing Crush smile every time he looked back at the house made all the hard work worth it. A good deed wouldn’t erase all the darkness Christian had in his soul, but it added just enough light that it reminded him of the man he once was.

He looked across a sea of dimming candles at his beautiful bride, who was retelling the story about her father’s reaction to seeing the trailer. It got better each time she told it. A few had asked about their wedding ceremony. Each time they did, Raven would look in his direction and smile. Somehow neither of them did justice telling that story. It was more than an event—it was a feeling.

Christian would never forget the moment at the cemetery when she stepped out from behind the tree in that exquisite silver dress. The way it shimmered like sunlight on the water. He remembered the luscious curls in her black hair, the erratic beat of her heart, the feathers on the cape, the way her lipstick matched the deep-red bouquet in her hand.

Everything about her was magnificent. Seeing her ruby necklace only reminded him of the tattoo. Christian had never imagined that any woman would make such a grand and permanent gesture—all for him. It was a good thing he had selected an outfit for their wedding that hadn’t come from his dusty wardrobe. His own cape added a touch of formality while still being old-fashioned and eccentric, just like him.

Crush pulled out the chair next to him and sat down with a bottle of orange soda in his hand. “One hell of a party.”

“Aye.”

“One hell of a house.”

“Is it to your liking?”

Crush set the bottle on the table. “Can’t complain.” He hooked his arm over the back of the folding chair. “How much did this set you back?”

Christian crossed his legs. “You’re not paying me back, and that’s final.”

“I can at least give you something for the appliances.”

“Jaysus. You’re as stubborn as a mule.”

“I’ve reached the age where I’m all out of fucks to give. Life’s too short not to say your piece.” Crush picked up his bottle and set it on his knee. “That goes for relationships too. If you and Raven got issues, hash them out. Don’t bottle it up. You know what’ll happen if I put my thumb over this and give it a good shake?”

Though Christian was decades older than Crush, he accepted his fatherly advice. After all, he was a man who had loved and lost. Christian had no experience with committed relationships. It was a good feeling to have someone care enough to help guide him through unfamiliar territory. His own father had never been one to talk about the important matters in life, only how to work hard and own your land.

“Raven doesn’t let much bother her,” Crush went on. “She’s always been like that. She learned early on how bad life can get, so she lets go of the petty shit that doesn’t matter. But sometimes she bottles up the stuff that does. It may not have anything to do with you—maybe it’ll be a job or a conflict she has with someone. Get her to talk about her feelings and open up. I was never good at that, and maybe that’s why we had a falling out. Someday I won’t be around anymore…” His voice trailed off along with his thoughts.

Christian reached out and patted his back. “Don’t worry, Da. I’ll look after her, now and for always. No matter if things go sideways between us, I’ll still love her, and I’ll keep my promise of making sure she’s safe and protected. But rest assured, what I feel for that woman is a powerful thing. I don’t have any imaginings of us being apart.” Christian hooked his arm over the back of the chair. “I’ve been thinking about that favor you called on.”

“What about it?”

“According to my calculations, you’re the one who still owes me a favor.”

“Nope.” Crush stroked his goatee.

“And how’s that?”

“Saved your ass at the hotel when I set that Vampire on fire. Saved all your asses against an army of Vampires. Then I let you erase my memories after I freed the Chitah and his partner from the elevator shaft. The way I see it, I’m way ahead.”

“That’s not how favor trading works.”

Crush chuckled as he stood. “I can’t believe she married a Vampire. Even after I found out she was Breed, I thought she’d settle for a Shifter. She grew up around them.”

“I grew up around farmers, but you don’t see me marrying one.”

Crush pointed to the end of the yard. “I have a little plot over there if you want to plant a crop.”

“Unless you have vines that’ll grow bacon cheeseburgers and brownies, you won’t be eating anything coming out of that garden.”

Crush gave a rolling belly laugh as he walked up the steps to admire his new house again.

Raven sashayed over in her gorgeous cape that made her look like a queen. The feathers on the shoulders suited her dark personality as well as her name, and they accentuated her fierce beauty.

She sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m gonna marry you so hard tonight.”

He clutched her curves and kissed the pulsing vein along her neck. Her skin was salty sweet, and he peppered her neck with kisses until she squirmed in his arms. Raven still had traces of perfume on. How could such a dangerous woman who hunted outlaws be so soft in his arms?

When her hips shifted and pressed against his semihard cock, he growled, eager to take his new bride.

“What were you and my dad talking about?”

“You can’t know everything. Some things are between us.”

“Ah. So now you two are keeping secrets from me?” She nipped his earlobe, and it drove him wild. “You win,” she said, leaning back. “You got the best gift.”

He stroked her thigh. “I beg to differ.”

Raven steered her attention to the house and watched Crush through one of the windows. “This is exactly what he needed. That old house was depressingly old and small, but I couldn’t get him to leave. This way we both win. He gets to stay, and I get the comfort of knowing he won’t freeze to death in the winter.” She gazed deep into Christian’s eyes, and he got lost in the colors. “I’m never going to forget this day. Gem even sneaked some pictures of the ceremony. She’s going to put them on a flash drive for us to keep.”

“’Tis a shame she didn’t capture the look on your face when we rolled up the driveway,” he said with a crooked grin.

“Enough with the smug look. Don’t think you’ve got me beat on this wedding just yet.”

“And since when is our wedding a competition?” Though he feigned judgment, Christian loved her competitive spirit when it came to their relationship.

Her black hair framed her face, the pretty curls now stretched out after a long night of partying. “You gave me an unforgettable wedding day, husband. But let’s just say that I’ve got an ace up my sleeve with our honeymoon.”

“Now wait just a minute. We both agreed we weren’t going on a—”

She pressed her finger to his lips. “Yes, and we also agreed to a quiet party. I’m entitled to a few surprises of my own. Now let me enjoy my moment.”

He nipped her painted fingernail. “Do I get a clue?”

Raven stood up with a mischievous smile on her face. Bending over, she kissed him on the mouth with her sweet lips. “Ever been in a submarine?”

He jerked his head back in surprise. “What’s this?”

“I got us a private tour. We’re not talking animals in captivity like the ones you see at the zoo or aquarium. You’ll get to watch whales in the wild. Up close. After that, I may or may not have booked a trip to Africa. Don’t worry about sunglasses. I scheduled night tours with a Chitah.”

“And if we get eaten by lions?”

“Then I hope they choke on our bones.” Raven rubbed noses with him before sauntering off.

He stood up, a thrill moving through his body. Excitement, anticipation, and curiosity about all the surprises in their future. It was a stark change from before, when all he could do was worry about Lenore, Houdini, Fletcher, or their next enemy. Raven balanced things out. Made him feel sane again.

Made him feel whole again.

CHAPTER 12

RAVEN

The reception party ended after midnight. The guests offered us their final congratulations and left, but my team stayed behind to clean up. The last thing I wanted Crush to wake up to was trash all over his yard. Thank God we didn’t have a lot of bottles to deal with since we’d bought kegs of beer. Mostly plastic cups, paper plates, and napkins.

Gem took my hand and urged me away from the cake table, which was now just a sloppy mess of brown crumbs and blue icing. “Will you get away from there? You’ll ruin your pretty dress. Sit down. Relax. The bride isn’t supposed to be cleaning.”

“I’m not supposed to be getting married either.” I looked down at her chunky heels. “You might’ve been more comfortable barefoot.”

Gem glanced down at her stylish shoes. “These are my favorite platform heels. They’re exceptionally comfortable and go with everything.”

I hadn’t taken the time to appreciate everyone’s outfits until we got to the reception. Gem didn’t have on a fancy dress, but the short white skirt and pink floral blouse were a perfect combination. I watched Niko lift another chair and stack it with the others. “Are you the one who put that Pink Panther shirt on him?”

“Moi?” She giggled while tossing an empty tin into a trash can. “He wanted to wear something cheerful, so I made the suggestion. Doesn’t it look nice with the black jacket?”

“Everyone looks nice. Shepherd told me there was a mishap with the wedding cake, so I guess I don’t need to ask why Wyatt showed up all wet.”

Gem sat on the empty food table, which was now wiped clean. “He was covered in your beautiful cake. They had an accident chasing someone down for your gift, and the cake was history. Since they didn’t have time to go back home and change, Shepherd took him to a car wash and hosed him down. What an epic fail.”

I admired the curved dagger, which someone had cleaned. “It’s not a big deal. I only got the cake for everyone else. Hell, I would’ve been happy with pie. I didn’t have much of an appetite anyhow.”

“I had so much fun,” she gushed. “Seven men asked me to dance. Can you believe it? Seven! But I saved the last dance for Niko. I taught him how, and he’s pretty good.” Gem swung her legs and reclined her head when a breeze swept across the porch. “Poor little Hunter missed out on the fireworks.”

I walked up to one of the living room windows and spied Hunter asleep on the sofa. After loading up on sugar and running around full throttle in the yard, he’d passed out in Shepherd’s arms. Shepherd took him inside two hours ago, and Crush kept everyone out of the house so he could sleep. By then most of the other kids had gone home with their parents.

I folded my arms and leaned against the house. “We used to throw parties here all the time when I was a kid. Not like this with all the food, but they were fun. Sometimes I wasn’t allowed outside, probably because Crush was afraid that one of his friends might shift in front of me. It’s hard to think of this house without remembering all the laughter, fights, cookouts, and stupid games they made up. Then they’d sit around the firepit and tell stories, talking long after I fell asleep. I guess he became less social after I left home and then it stopped altogether when he thought I died. Lately he’s been burying himself in work. I miss the life that this house once had. Maybe now he’ll invite people over more often, even if they just sit around and play cards.”

“I adore your father, and some of his friends are super interesting.”

I chuckled. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Are you and Christian sleeping here tonight?”

“Hell no. It’s our wedding night. You think I want to sleep with my father twenty feet away? And we won’t be sleeping.”

Viktor ascended the steps and joined us. He had a small stain on his white shirt, but he didn’t seem to care. His sleeves were rolled up, and his suit jacket was draped over his arm.

“Claude, let me help!” Gem hopped off the table and shot down the steps to help Claude carry the remaining trash bags around to the front.

“It was a splendid party,” Viktor said, lightly touching my arm. “A most beautiful ceremony.”

“Thanks for coming. I plan to get right back to work after the honeymoon. Feel free to have a case ready for me. Assuming I don’t get trampled by rhinos.”

He chuckled softly. “Always so eager to work. Enjoy your time. That is my gift to you.”

“Thanks.”

Harley bounded up the steps and barked at the back door.

I walked over and gave him a few pats. “How do you like your new home?”

“Woof.”

When I opened the door, he trotted inside and sniffed the air. He headed right, and I followed him to the last door at the end of the hall.

I knocked lightly. “It’s me.” After I opened the bedroom door, the hall light behind me flooded in.

My father was passed out on his bed. I looked around, noticing how he could easily furnish the right side of the room with a sofa, television, and more storage. He no longer had a tiny closet but a walk-in.

Harley wandered in and sniffed, making sure that his master was safe before he disappeared down the hallway.

I began removing Crush’s shoes and socks.

“I got it,” he grumbled.

“Go back to sleep. We’re on our way out. Christian will set the alarm. Okay? Just don’t forget to disarm it when you let the dog out in the morning. You can keep it off in the daytime when you’re at home, but turn it on at night and whenever you leave the house.”

“Feels good to be back in my own bed.” He looked up at me sleepily and yawned. “That was a perfect day.”

I sat on the edge of the bed. “Yeah. It was. I don’t know if you checked, but Christian fully stocked your fridge and pantry.”

“I got a pantry?”

“It’s that door between the kitchen and laundry room.”

He rubbed his eyes. “I thought that was another damn closet.”

“We’ll be on vacation for a while. I might be busy with a job when I get back, but I promise to come over and hang out. Our schedules would be easier to coordinate if you were home more often. Think of it this way: if you work less in the shop, you can spend more time with your favorite daughter. Maybe we can look for new furniture.”

“Ren said he knows a guy who sells used furniture cheap.”

“You’ve bought cheap your whole life. Get something nice. You deserve it. Especially if it happens to be a new recliner.”

Crush yawned. “Don’t give me your sass. It’s taken me years to break that thing in.”

“We’ll lock up. All the trash is out front, so there’s nothing left to clean. Christian said the rental place will be by tomorrow to pick up the tables and chairs. You don’t have to be here; just make sure to leave the gate open.”

“The gate,” he said, chuckling. “Jesus. I have a gate.”

I could suddenly see another reason Christian might have moved the party here and invited everyone. He wanted to win over my father’s friends—Shifters who held prejudices about Vampires. After tonight, how could they find anything negative to say? They were probably lying in bed this very moment, buzzing about the house that Crush’s new Vampire son-in-law had built for him.

“Do you need anything before I go?” I asked.

“Just a hug from my baby girl.”

I bent down, and he curved one arm around me. “I love you, Daddy.”

I let go before he did.

After pulling the blanket over his legs, I quietly shut the door and stopped to marvel at the bathroom. I couldn’t get over how massive it was, and I grinned at the thought of Christian making it handicap accessible. That wasn’t necessary for a man Crush’s age. Had he gone the extra step of setting up a lifting toilet seat, that might have been the deal breaker. On the other hand, my father’s house was now accommodating to everyone. One day in the distant future, he might need these things, and we wouldn’t have to argue about installing them since they’d already be there.

“What did you do with his old house?” I asked Christian, watching him pour kibble into the dog’s bowl.

“It practically set itself on fire being dragged off the lot. I just hope he didn’t have any money stashed in the walls.”

“If he did, that would have been the first thing out of his mouth. Thanks for saving everything, even the junk.”

“Do you think I would have chanced it on my wedding day to throw away a sentimental rubber band?” He closed up the bag of dog food. “Everything’s accounted for. Even the can of pears that expired four years ago.”

I noticed the basket of fresh fruit on the kitchen island. Christian could have just moved all the old furniture back in and called it a day, but it was all these extra finishing touches I kept noticing. Like the food, the new towels in the linen closet, the cleaners under the sink. I was certain if I looked in the bathroom, I’d find a medical supply closet. “I still can’t believe you did this without my knowing.”

“My worst fear was you coming over for some reason.”

“I almost did after we had that rain. I thought about mowing the front yard, but then I got wrapped up in looking at wedding dresses online and forgot about it.”

“I suppose I would have had to scrub your memory to keep it a surprise.”

Though he was kidding, I backed him into a counter, our bodies flush. “No poking around in my head—even with good intentions.”

After a quick kiss, he went to the sink and washed his hands. “I had to make quick decisions regarding the décor. I mirrored the layout but refused to get him another mite-infested carpet.”

“Yeah, the wood floors in the living room and bedrooms are better. Plus the stone entryway will be easier to clean with the dog running in and out.”

“That’s why I put down all that grass outside. If he actually keeps it alive, he won’t have to deal with all the mud.”

Shepherd came up behind me. “I can’t find my jacket.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said, looking at Hunter asleep in his arms. “Anything left behind, I’ll pick up later.” I snapped my fingers when I remembered something. “Christian, don’t forget the dagger.”

“We might be needing that on the honeymoon,” he remarked, arching his eyebrow at me before heading outside.

Shepherd frowned. “What honeymoon? Thought you were sticking around the house?”

“Change of plans.”

“A lot of that going on lately.”

“Not really a change—I just wanted to keep it a surprise. After a submarine adventure, we’re going to Africa. I’ve never been there before. Hell, I’ve never been off the continent before.”

Shepherd adjusted Hunter in his arms. “Better take sunscreen and mosquito spray. I heard those things come out in swarms.”

“I don’t think Christian’s cousins would bite us on our honeymoon.”

He laughed sharply and then quieted when Hunter stirred.

I switched off the kitchen light. “Where did you guys park?”

“Down the road. They’re bringing the cars around. I need to get this little man home.”

“I bet Kira’s exhausted. That’s probably the biggest gathering she’s ever been to, and they’re a rowdy bunch.”

“She left a half hour ago with Switch. I told him to get her home before she started cleaning everything. She cleans enough as it is.”

It was nice to see someone looking out for Kira. I still didn’t know much about her—the language barrier made it difficult to do anything other than smile.

While I turned off the remaining lights, Shepherd carried Hunter outside.

“Christian, can you lock up and set the alarm?” I asked without bothering to see where he was. I knew even outside he could hear me.

I searched for Harley and found him sleeping on the sofa. He took up the entire thing. After giving him a friendly scratch on the ear, I left.

I wished I could see my father’s face when he woke up and walked around his new house in the morning without anyone watching him. I imagined him sitting on the front porch, his feet up on the rail while he sipped coffee and watched hummingbirds swarming around the feeder. Christian really nailed it. He couldn’t have possibly come up with a better gift. Nothing could top seeing the look on my father’s face of knowing he had a real home where he could be comfortable and happy—without uprooting his life. A place that wouldn’t crumble around him and sink him into depression. A home with room for friends to visit again and a place for me to stay over when he needed me… or I needed him.

I walked up the driveway and spotted the black van, Porsche, and Jeep parked on the private road. We hadn’t talked about what our plans were after the party, so I wasn’t sure if Christian wanted to leave his bike here or ride home like the Phantom of the Opera with his black cape flapping in the wind.

Shepherd buckled Hunter into the Porsche. After Claude tossed him the keys, he took off.

When I reached the road, I joined the remaining six.

Christian stealthily shadow walked across the yard and up to the van. I glimpsed him out of the corner of my eye just seconds before he put his arm around my waist.

Wyatt hopped back. “Son of a ghost! You scared the crazy out of me.”

“Are you leaving your bike here?” I asked, hoping he’d say yes. I wasn’t in the mood to ride all the way home on that noisy thing.

“Perhaps we can load it into the van,” he suggested.

Wyatt walked around to the back and opened the doors. “Think again.”

Christian stepped up to the back. “Jaysus, Mary, and Joseph.”

Everyone joined to look at the aftermath. Cake was everywhere, and now the buttercream frosting had melted, sliding down the walls and onto the floor.

“Red velvet was a good choice,” Wyatt said, eating a chunk from the floor.

I wrinkled my nose. “We put bodies in there.”

He sucked icing off his thumb. “Shep had it detailed. You can eat off this floor.”

“Apparently,” Christian said with derision. He turned to face me. “I’ll be leaving my bike with your da.”

Blue leaned against the edge of the van. “The night is young.”

“We could move this party to a new location,” Claude suggested, putting his arms around Viktor and Niko.

Wyatt sat on one of the bench seats in the van, still eating cake from his palm.

“It’s not up to us.” Gem stepped in front of the men and searched my eyes. “This is your night, Raven. Where do you want to go next?”

I gazed up at Christian. The bright moon caught in the dark pools of his eyes, and I’d never felt such belonging as I did in that moment. I’d not only found my purpose in life, I’d found a family. One who would always be there when I needed them most. One I’d share unforgettable moments with filled with laughter, tears, adventure, accomplishments, and defeats. In this moment, there was only one more place I wanted to go.

“Home. Let’s go home.”

* * *

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THE MAGERI SERIES:

Urban fantasy. When a young woman unwittingly receives the gift of immortality from a Mage, she must leave everything behind. But her conviction is put to the ultimate test when she falls for her mortal enemy. Passionate, dark, and full of unpredictable twists, the Mageri series will take you on an unforgettable journey of love, friendship, and the hidden power within us all. Cliff-hanger-free.

THE SEVEN SERIES:

Paranormal romance. Austin Cole and his brothers are forming a pack, and the last thing on their minds is getting tethered to a mate. But the more they resist, the harder they fall. A series about brotherhood, family, second chances, and finding that person who completes you. Cliff-hanger-free. HEA in each book.

THE CROSSBREED SERIES:

Urban fantasy. Raven Black is a rogue who hunts criminals for fun. But when a secret organization offers her a job, she’ll need to rise to the challenge. Half-Mage, half-Vampire, she’s caught between two worlds. Will desire become her biggest distraction when she’s paired up with a Vampire?

THE BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIES:

Paranormal romance. Some of the kids from the Seven series are all grown up. New friends and old unite, overcoming all odds to leave their mark in this world. Brave women, fiercely loyal men, and plenty of twists will leave you on the edge of your seat in this action-packed series destined to become a top-shelf favorite.

Note: While all of Dannika’s books are written in the same universe, each series can be read independently from the rest. Dannika Dark owns the intellectual property rights to some of the original Breeds depicted within these books. Use of these creations is strictly prohibited.

If you would like to experience each twist and crossover as it was intended, suggested reading order can be found HERE.

Immortals live among us.

Dannika Dark Newsletter

BOOKS BY DANNIKA DARK:

THE MAGERI SERIES

Sterling

Twist

Impulse

Gravity

Shine

The Gift

MAGERI WORLD

Risk

NOVELLAS

Closer

THE SEVEN SERIES

Seven Years

Six Months

Five Weeks

Four Days

Three Hours

Two Minutes

One Second

Winter Moon

Seven Series Companion: An Insider’s Guide

SEVEN WORLD

Charming

THE CROSSBREED SERIES

Keystone

Ravenheart

Deathtrap

Gaslight

Blackout

Nevermore

Moonstruck

Spellbound

Heartless

Afterlife

Quicksilver

Evildoer

THE BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIES

The Vow

The Alpha

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dannika Dark is a nine-time USA TODAY bestselling author, APA Audie Awards finalist, and Earphones Award winner. Her pulse-pounding urban fantasies and paranormal romances have sold millions worldwide.

In her spare time, she likes… Hey, wait. What spare time? Dannika devotes every waking moment to writing more stories in her Mageriverse. But she does love binge-watching TV shows, reading, and gardening, as well as nachos, jeans with deep pockets, red wine, people who snort when they laugh too hard, toe beans, board games, indie music, and her readers.

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