The Raven

Chapter 40 For the Sake of Charity 1


Sweat poured over her skin but Michelle somehow knew that what was happening wasn’t real. It was just a dream, yet in the dream she wanted it to be real. Hands slid over her hips, as familiar as if they had been there in another life. Had she known this man in another life? Was this just some way Dmitri found to torment her? The fireman was a pain in her backside, and yet why did she get the insane urge to start fires for him to put out. 2

Dmitri stared deep into her eyes as he crawled on top of her. There was a stalking, almost dangerous glint to his gaze but she didn’t care. What did bother her was the cocky expression, the overbearing self-confidence as if he knew she couldn’t resist him—that no woman would ever be able to resist him. 3

Michelle hated that about him, hated it because it was true. She was shamefully attracted to his cocky demeanor and in the dream, she couldn’t reason enough to fight it. Only the next morning would she properly hate herself for giving in.
Warm lips brushed hers, so real she could feel it. She moaned lightly, squirming on her bed. 4

“Michelle.” Her name was a far off whisper. “Michelle.” 5

Michelle moaned louder, her legs parting. "Dmitri…."6

“Michelle.” 7

This time, the sound was more insistent. She blinked, feeling herself being pulled from the dream. She didn’t want to go, not yet. Dmitri was warm and naked and he knew how to kiss her so her toes curled and she couldn’t think. Her body shook, moved by an outside force. Still, she fought it. Then, a small surge of commanding power seemed to wrap around her, jerking her from the lustful depths. She groaned, already in a bad mood now she was awake. When she opened her eyes, Conner stood above her bed, grinning. He was dressed in a button down shirt and tight blue jeans. The relaxed outfit seemed oddly out of place on him. 8

“Dreaming about me?” 9

She blinked, unable to lie and say yes. Of course he’d think she dreamed of him. The man was almost her boyfriend, wasn’t he? 10

“Must have been a good one,” he said. “Want to continue it?” 11

Michelle did want to continue, but not with him. She glanced at the clock, thankful for once that she was running late for a photography assignment. “Can’t, I’m late. Important client.” The clipped words were all she could manage to get out.12

“Ah, you’re in a mood. I’ll make coffee.” 13

Good boy, she thought. Then, like a whisper, her mind said, But you don’t like the good boys. You want a bad boy. You want Dmitri. 14

“Shut up,” she groaned, hitting the side of her head. 15

Conner paused in the doorway, giving a small laugh. “Better make that instant coffee. Your mood doesn’t look like it can wait.” 16


~*****~ 17


Mandy eyed her new collection of stakes, reaching forward to adjust one on the wall of her living room so it lined up nicely into the sunburst pattern she’d arranged on her wall. They fanned out around a giant crucifix. The thing was gaudy and not her usual style, but after her slight scare at the Vampire Ball with crazy vampire man, she found some comfort in it. 18

Reaching for her neck, she frowned. “He actually fucking bit me.”
What have they done to us, Mandy? How could they make me forget you, Kitten? That’s what Armando had said to her the night they has sex. What have they done to us, Mandy? 19

Her phone rang and she moved to check the caller ID. Muir. It was the fifth time that morning he’d tried to reach her. She didn’t answer. Turning back to her coffee table, she grabbed a book on vampires and sat down on her couch. Normally she wasn’t scared when it came to anything paranormal, but there was something going on. She felt it deep in her soul and it was something that had to do with Armando, Muir and herself. And until she knew what that something was, she was going to lay low and do her research. 20

She scooted closer to the end of the couch that was nearest the mural of pain she’d erected to ease her mind. For some reason, simply being closer to items with a track record for getting rid of vampires made her feel better. 21

Sighing, she closed her eyes a moment and erotic images of Armando filled her head. She gasped, jerked upright, making a mental note to bring in a self-cycling fountain with holy water in it. 22

~*****~ 23


“I’m going to be on the cover, aren’t I?” Dmitri asked, giving Michelle a wickedly delicious look. 24

The fireman calendar might be for charity, but as she lifted her camera to photograph half naked, oiled men, charity was the last thing on Michelle’s mind. “That’s up to you. You put this thing together.” 25

“You don’t sound impressed.” Dmitri turned, lifting his hands over his head and flexing his strong back. Muscle rippled as he placed his hand on the fire truck. He turned his head to the side, posing as if he’d done so a thousand times. With most subjects, even some of his co-workers, there was a period of nervousness as they got used to the camera. Dmitri just jumped right into it. 26

“Just tired. Long night,” she lied. The problem was she was too impressed.
“You know, I haven’t seen you since the Vampire Ball. I’ve been over to Mandy’s house, but you never seem to be home. Are you avoiding me?” 27

Michelle choked, coughing slightly. She gripped her camera tighter, glad it covered her face. In fact she had hid in her home the few times she’d seen him, refusing to answer the phone or the knocks on her door. He looked at her knowingly, but how could he know? The Vampire Ball was a sore subject. She wasn’t sure what happened, only that she must have gotten a supernatural drink by accident because she woke up in her own bed, hung-over and incredibly sore from neck to knees. Oh, and she hadn’t been able to have sex since. 28

“I thought so,” he answered. “Why do you think I came up with this calendar?”
Michelle lowered her camera, hoping she was composed enough to face him. “You mean it’s not for the orphans?” 29

“Two reasons, then.” He gave her a wicked grin.
“I think we’re done here,” she said. “I’ll get you proofs later this week.”
“You’re done with me already? I thought you were saving the best for last.” He actually looked hurt. 30

“Why, is there someone else waiting for me?” She pretended to glance around.
“Stop playing, sweetheart, you know I make your heart beat faster.”
Her heart did indeed beat faster near him, but she had to deny herself. Lust was all a man like Dmitri had to offer. Sure he had a sexy body and sex would undoubtedly be great, but Conner was offering her more. He offered her security and a future. She’d be a fool to give it up. Besides, Conner seemed crazy about her. Dmitri just seemed…crazy. 31

“You’re incorrigible,” she said, trying to keep the banter light.
“Maybe, but that’s not all I am, darling.” 32

Michelle glanced down to his crotch, wishing instantly that she hadn’t. There was no mistaking his arousal. “I’m late for another appointment. I’ll bring you proofs. Lots of great shots today. Okay, going now.”33


~*****~34


The smile on Dmitri’s face disappeared as Michelle ran off. Though he’d acted nonchalant, the day spent watching her work had been hell. She barely looked at him and all he could do was stare at her like a dimwitted fool. Even his easygoing manners felt off to him. He tried to be charming, but what normally came naturally took great effort. 35

How could she not remember marking him? Her claim crippled him and he couldn’t function around other women—not that he’d wanted to since first seeing her. Michelle was all he thought about and the dreams he had of her were torment. The connection was strong, at least for him, but she didn’t seem to feel it. 36

“Something’s not right here,” Dmitri whispered. 37

“What’s that, cuz?” 38

Dmitri glanced at Mike, who grinned. 39

“Oh, so that’s the Michelle you were telling me about,” Mike continued. “You’re right, she is a looker.” 40

A strange sensation came off of Mike as he said it. Dmitri had the feeling his cousin let on more than he said. It was in the knowingness of his expression, though Mike honestly didn’t seem to know much beyond getting women into his bed. Even that tended to be touch and go. 41

“So, D, tell me. Where exactly can a guy go to get some action around here? I’ve got a certain itch needing to be sucked on by a pretty lady.” 42

Dmitri frowned, giving Mike a wry look. “Maybe you should try a cream instead. They make medicine for that sort of thing.” 43

Mike growled.
Dmitri lifted a brow, not needing further invitation to leap at his cousin. He landed a punch, grinning as Mike fought back. 44

45

~*****~ 46


“Important client?” 47


Michelle glanced up. She was on her way to her car from the fire station and hadn’t been paying attention to her surroundings as her thoughts stayed focused on Dmitri.
Conner stood by her car, arms crossed and his brow furrowed. He was upset. “Since when is that wolf an important client?” 48


“Since he started a calendar to raise money for orphans.” Michelle knew she sounded defensive, but found she couldn’t help it. 49


“Orphans,” Conner snorted. His eyes flashed. It wasn’t the first time and Michelle knew he was more than human. She should’ve been freaked by it, especially since shifters were unpredictable when angry, but she wasn’t. 50


“So what if he’s half wolf,” Michelle found herself saying. She tried to remember when Dmitri told her of his side, but couldn’t. Her memory had been hazy as of late. “You’re not exactly the poster boy for human, are you? And I think orphans are a very good cause. Why else would I be donating my time for free?” 51


“Get in the car,” Conner ordered, looking behind her. “We’ll talk about this at home.” 52


“Actually,” Michelle unlocked her car and put her camera equipment inside. Anger rippled through her at his high-handed manner. “I’m going to my home and you can go to hell. And don’t try coming over. I’m changing the locks.” 53


Conner growled. 54


Michelle glared at him. “I am not yours to control. Now step away from my car before I call for help. They might not be the police but I guarantee those men at the fire station will run to my rescue.” 55


“You dare to threaten me with a stinking wolf?” 56


“Actually, I dare to threaten you with my Supernatural pepper spray if you don’t back off.” 57

58

Michelle climbed into the car and slammed the door. Conner didn’t try to stop her. Peeling out of the parking lot, she hit the gas, unable to get away from him fast enough. She felt around the passenger seat until she came across her purse. Pulling her cell phone free, she punched the speed dial for Mandy. Her friend answered with only one ring, sounded winded. 59


“You’re not having sex, are you?” Michelle asked, desperately hoping Mandy wasn’t.60


Mandy grunted. “No. I’m trying to decide if I want to raid the nearest church for some holy water. What are you up to?” 61


“Holy water? Dare I ask?” 62


“Umm, well, you might say that I’m in the market for paranormal keep aways.” 63


Michelle gripped the wheel with one hand. “In the mood for some company? I think stocking up on anything to keep them away might be a really good idea.” 64


Mandy laughed. “Okay, but only if we finish the night off with drinks.” 65


“Deal.” 66

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Chapter 41 Real Fucking Romantic83

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Three weeks without sex.87

Michelle frowned. She’d gone months in the past. Hell, she’d once gone over a year. Not that she liked to think about that incredibly frustrating dry spell. But that year was nothing compared to the last three weeks.88

“All you have to do is call Conner and he’ll take care of it,” she told her reflection. Her face was pale—nothing new there. It took her nearly twenty trips to the tanning booths to even get a hint at a tan and she’d been too busy with photo shoots and putting together the Fireman Charity Calendar to make the time.89

Thinking of the Fireman calendar only made her shiver. Maybe it was the fact she’d been staring at Dmitri’s sex-god picture for three weeks—his strong chest, his big muscles, naked, hot flesh, and an oh-too-huge packaged wrapped in tight denim pants.90

Michelle moaned. Her body so wet and sensitive she had to take a deep breath. What was it about the arrogant man that drove her to such distraction? He wasn’t the serious, settle down type she normally went for. On the outside, neither was Conner. But when they were together, in bed, he’d say things like “You’re my destiny”, and “My Mate”, “My Queen”, “Love me”.91

“Fuck me,” Michelle whispered, wishing someone was there to answer the plea.92

“Ok, sure!”93

For a moment, Michelle stiffened, but only before she realized it was Mandy standing in her bathroom door, teasing and grinning like an idiot. Completely uncaring that she just broke into a locked house and snuck up on her best friend, she laughed.94

“Nice robe,” Mandy said, pointing to Michelle’s clothing. “I especially like the whole muumuu fit you have going.”95

“It was too hot for terry cloth. And careful, I just might buy you one for your birthday instead of pajama pants this year.” Michelle quirked a brow and glanced over Mandy’s shoulder. Still, she tugged out of the hideous piece of clothing and tossed it aside. “Ok, I give, how did you get in?”96

“Magic,” Mandy giggled. Then, rolling her eyes, “And you may lock your doors, babes, but the windows were open and the kitchen screen just pops right out. By the way, why is your windows open? It’s colder than a vampire’s tit outside.” As if to prove her point, Mandy tugged at her sweater.97

Michelle glanced down to her tank top and shorts, not feeling the cold. “Oh, I forgot. I was just so hot last night. I think I might be coming down with something,” Michelle rubbed her temple, tempted to tell Mandy to go away so she could ‘get some alone time’. Never having done such a thing in the past, it was hard for her to even consider doing it now for too long. The thought left her as soon as it came.98

“Um, the last I heard prude-idis isn’t life threatening, though I’m pretty sure I’d die if forced into abstinence.” Mandy laughed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but have you talked to Conner?”99

“No.”100

Mandy didn’t bother to hide her grin. “Good girl!”101

“I’m not a dog,” Michelle frowned.102

“Speaking of dogs,” Mandy took the opportunity and that’s when Michelle realized she’d been setting her up to talk about the real reason she came over. “I saw Dmitri last night. He asked about you.”103

“I know, I’m late with the calendar. I had some extra work come up and I had to take it.” Michelle pretended to concentrate on applying her liquid liner. She wouldn’t have been late, if she could take her daydreaming, sex-filled eyes off Dmitri’s picture long enough to do her work. “I was up all night finishing it.”104

“You had to take the job photographing buckets of chicken for a newspaper ad?” Mandy shook her head and Michelle knew her friend thought such things beneath her artistically.105

No, Michelle thought, I needed to stay busy so I didn’t cave and call Conner over for what would surely be a morning-after kick-in-the-ass regret. 106

Though there were things she did miss, it didn’t feel right being with him when her thoughts were constantly on another man. Besides, his overbearing streak annoyed the hell out of her. Since their breakup, she’d had time to think. He always told her what to do. If not with words, then with his eyes, or his actions. Sometimes, it felt as if he tried to tell her with his mind. 107

Shifters. She snorted108

“You’re a peach today,” Mandy drawled sarcastically. “How about we talk about me? I am my favorite topic.”109

“What happened? Did Armando try…? Did Muir?” Michelle dropped her eyeliner in the sink, only one eye done.110

“You look like a raccoon. Give me that,” Mandy demanded. She took the eyeliner, ushered Michelle to the closed toilet and made her sit. “Look up.”111

Michelle obeyed. “What happened?”112

“Your breath stinks.”113

“I haven’t brushed. And don’t change the subject.”114

“I broke my vibrator.”115

“That’s what you wanted to talk to me about? Only in your world would that be earth-shattering.”116

“No, but it’s sad.” Mandy grinned, finishing the liner. She drew back, tossed the liner into the makeup bag and grabbed Michelle’s toothbrush, only to had it to her. “Want to come to the funeral I’m putting on in my back yard?”117

Michelle rolled her eyes and went to the sink, squirting toothpaste on the brush. She brushed her teeth, as Mandy continued talking.118

“I think Muir is stalking me,” Mandy announced, as if it happened everyday. Well, with the trail of broken hearts her friend had left, Michelle knew that it happened to Mandy more often than most. If anyone could tell they were being stalked, it was Mandy. People might think her friend callous and cold, especially brokenhearted men people, but Michelle knew Mandy was a lot like her. She was searching, empty. There was a matching loneliness inside her that screamed for something… They just didn’t know what that “something” was.119

“What makes you say that?” Michelle kept her tone light, but inside she boiled. She rinsed her mouth, put away her toothbrush and grabbed the makeup bag. 120

“I was…” Mandy actually blushed. As Michelle did her makeup, Mandy stood behind her, pulling at her hair. She began twisting it up in small sections. Michelle let her, knowing she was agitated and liked to keep her hands busy. “It’s been awhile for me too. All I can think about is Armando’s pasty ass.”121

“He’s not that pasty.”122

“Shut up,” Mandy pulled a little too hard, “you’re supposed to be bitching about them with me.”123

“Sorry, carry on,” Michelle tried to smile, but she was more worried about the stalking part.124

“All I can think about is Armando’s not-so-pasty, really firm, lick-a-lious,” Mandy moaned, “have to touch it ass.”125

“And Muir? You were about to say how you knew he was stalking you.”126

“You know how I get those feelings that something is going to happen? Well, I felt someone outside my window when I was…” Mandy waved her hand. Michelle knew her friend wasn’t squeamish about talking about sex and wondered what she was hiding. 127

“Anyway, I grabbed the nearest weapon, which happened to be my ultra-smooth, lifelike pink dildo and I snuck up on the son-of-a-bitch. I beat him to the ground with it before I discovered it was Muir. Strange thing, too, I normally can feel when it’s him or when he’s trying to enter my head. This time, he could have been that college guy—you know, that one with the eyes—”128

“Digressing,” Michelle broke in.129

“Anyway, it could have been sexy eyes for all I felt of him.” She finished her hairstyle and stood back, grinning.130

“Did he say what he was doing?” Michelle eyed the spiky, twisty mess and decided she liked it.131

“He didn’t say much, just kind of rolled around moaning in pain. But, I think he was casting some soft of spell on me. He had this vial and some herbs. I looked them up. It’s the ingredients for a suppression spell. He was going to make me forget something or someone. I’m sure of it.” Mandy snorted, following as Michelle walked toward her bedroom.132

“Probably that you were mad at him,” Michelle said. “I don’t like that he’s using magic to manipulate you. It’s pretty freaking shady if you ask me.”133

“Yeah, well, human boyfriends send cards…” Mandy’s tone dropped off.134

“Got the vial?” Michelle asked, curious.135

“Yeah, here,” Mandy pulled it out of her front pocket. That’s when Michelle noticed her friend was wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans. 136

“You raided my closet, didn’t you?”137

Mandy nodded. “And I slept on your couch this morning.”138

Michelle understood. With Muir lurking in her bushes, it was no wonder Mandy broke in. “Did you at least make coffee?”139

Mandy’s grin said it all, as she handed Michelle the vial. “And cinnamon rolls from scratch.”140

“Marry me,” Michelle said, pretending seriousness. “You can cheat on me all you want, so long as you cook.”141

Mandy laughed. “No thanks. I think Dmitri might have something to say about that and I really don’t feel like going up against a werewolf.”142

“There is nothing going on between Dmitri and me.” Michelle uncorked the vial and sniffed. She frowned, doing it again, trying to remember where she’d smelled it before.143

“Not from lack of chemistry. I see the way he looks at you. Every time you walk into a room he has to adjust his crotch. I mean, have you seen the size of his co—”144

“Ugh! Stop,” Michelle lifted her hands. The last thing her overactive libido needed was a reminder of Dmitri’s package. “I can’t help it if he’s a horn-dog. I’m sure any pair of thighs will do for his purposes.”145

“Don’t even pretend that you don’t like him.”146

“I don’t,” Michelle lied. “Not like that. He’s nice and all and he’s doing the calendar for charity, which is sweet.”147

“Uh-huh, charity,” Mandy said, coughing out, “bullshit.”148

“Where have I…” Michelle again sniffed the vial. It was a distinctly sweet smell. Suddenly, her eyes lifted to her nightstand, to a small spray bottle of linen spray. Crossing to the bottle, she picked it up. A sprig of herb floated inside it.149

“I say you put the poor wolf out of his misery and just do him.”150

“What did you say that herb Muir had looked like?” Michelle asked.151

“Little sprigs of pale greenish-white, with tiny red buds on the tips. Why?”152

Michelle turned around, holding up the vial. “Because it would seem Muir isn’t the only asshole going around casting spells.”153

“Where did you get that?”154

“Conner gave it to me for the bed. He used to squirt it on the sheets before we had sex.” Michelle gave a derisive laugh. “I thought it was romantic, like rose petals and smell-good candles.”155

“Yeah, real fucking romantic,” Mandy frowned, her look saying she was thinking the exact same thing Michelle was.156

“These two have been up to something, and I have a feeling they’ve been up to it together. I say it’s time we confront them and found out once and for all what the hell is going on here.” Michelle stormed to her dresser to angrily grab a change of clothes. 157

“I’m going to go get those rolls out of the oven,” Mandy said. “But so help me, I’m almost too pissed to eat.”158

“Make the coffee to go,” Michelle said. “Because as soon as I’m dressed, we’re going to find Conner and Muir and we’re going to rip off their balls!”159

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