The Raven

Chapter 42 Secrets Revealed1


It figured the one time she wanted to find Muir in the last three weeks, Mandy couldn’t. He’d called her house, lurked outside her window with a suppression spell and now that she actually wanted him around—granted, it was to kick his immortal ass—he was no where to be seen. 2

“Maybe you beat him up more than you thought,” Michelle said.3

Mandy frowned. She was mad, but Michelle seemed to be losing some of her steam. For good measure, she said, “Need I remind you, Conner poisoned you?” 4

“He didn’t poison me,” Michelle glanced across Mandy’s new car. Well, the convertible was used, but new to Mandy. 5

“Casting a spell to take away something from a person is as good as poison. No one has a right to take away a person’s will. Especially OUR will.” 6

Michelle nodded, her eyes closing as she slumped in the seat. “I know. I’m all for the ass-kicking. I’m just feeling a little dizzy, is all.” 7

“Do you know what would really stick it to Conner?” Mandy asked, unable to keep the grin from forming on her lips. She could practically hear Michelle groaning before she said anything. “Sleeping with Dmitri.” 8

“Sleeping?” Michelle gave a small laugh, not opening her eyes. “Trust me, if I get that man into a bed, it won’t be to sleep.” 9

“Michelle!” Mandy gasped, shocked her friend had said it. Excited, she bounced in her seat, nearly swerving out of her lane. A car honked and some asshole yelled at her. Mandy flipped him off and kept driving. 10

Suddenly, Michelle’s eyes flew open and she sat up straight. “Oh gawd, tell me I didn’t just say that thought aloud?” 11

Mandy grinned, nodding. She took the wheel and turned, screeching the tires. Michelle crashed into the window, cursing under breath as she reached to put on her seat belt.
“Told you to buckle up,” Mandy said, suddenly feeling cheerful and pleased she’d not put the top down. Losing Michelle out the side would have certainly dampened her mood, not to mention ruined her plan. 12

“What the hell are you doing?” Michelle grumbled. 13

“Taking you to Dmitri before you change your mind,” Mandy hit the gas, going faster. “What are best friends for? I’d like to think you’d do the same for my sex life.” 14

“There is no mind to change,” Michelle protested, holding onto the door as if she tried to decide whether or not she should jump. “I’m not going to sleep with Dmitri.” 15

“I know, you said—” 16

“I know what I said and I’m not doing anything with Dmitri that requires a bed,” Michelle protested. 17

Mandy couldn’t resist. Michelle must really be off her game to give her so many easy openings. And who was she to not take them? “The fire station it is. I always wanted to have sex in a fire truck. Do you think that Dmitri’s cousin would put on the outfit and give me a go?” 18

Michelle balked. “Mike? Ohmygod, tell me you are not talking about Mike.” 19

“He is kind of cute. What’s his story?” 20

“He bartends at some club. The Raven, I think it was. When I met the guy, he asked me if I liked pony rides cause he had a pony in his pants.” 21

“Huh,” Mandy pouted. “I thought I was the only one who used that pick up line.” 22

“Oh gawd,” Michelle rolled her eyes. 23

“Kidding, the line is dated. Seriously dated. Like junior high. Should we clue him in?” she winked. “Mike’s not my type, anyways.” 24

Michelle’s eyes narrowed. “Speaking of your type. What about you and Armando? Wanna stop by the cemetery and give him another go?” 25

Mandy closed her eyes, feeling a wave of instant, hot desire washing over her at the thought of the vampire. She forbid him entrance into her house, and tended to hide indoors a lot during the night hours when he could be out. That didn’t stop her from fantasizing about him. In fact, she hadn’t told Michelle this, but that’s what she’d been doing with the vibrator when Muir came stalking the night before.26

“I can drive if you need a second,” Michelle said wryly. 27

“Bitch,” Mandy mumbled. 28

“Whore,” Michelle answered back, chuckling. 29

Mandy was glad to see some color come back to her face. Michelle hadn’t looked good lately. If she wasn’t hot to the point of feverish, she looked pale and shaky. For a moment, she thought of taking her friend to the ER instead, but held back knowing Michelle would refuse to get tested for anything.30

Instead of voicing her concern, she said proudly, “You know it, babes. Now, let’s go find those spell-casting jerkwads. If I can’t have sex, I want to beat something up.” 31


~*****~32


“Have you had enough?” Dmitri demanded, standing over his bloody and beaten cousin. He was so glad Mike came to visit him. The two of them were really close, though neither would say the words out loud. Ever. Having Mike around gave him the next to perfect outlet for all his built up tension. Mike, seeming to understand he needed it, had no problem goading him into a fight. 33

The perfect outlet wouldn’t return his calls. At best, Michelle would leave a message before she knew his shift started, saying the calendar was a little behind, but she should still be able to get him proofs before production. He was so sure seducing her in her own environment as she took his picture would have done the trick.
She’d been a wild woman as he fucked her against the car, going so far as to bite and claim him. Now he was ruined for all women and the one he wanted wouldn’t even see him. Hell, she didn’t even remember fucking him or biting him. She didn’t even remember she was a fucking werecat. 34

Cats and dogs don’t mix, Mikes taunting words filtered through his head.
Dmitri frowned, punching Mike in the mouth as he stood. His cousin stumbled back in surprise, hitting the wall. Laughing as he slid down to the floor, Mike didn’t stand up again. Though his eyes danced with merriment. 35

“Feel better?” Mike asked. 36

“No,” Dmitri grumbled. He reached out his hand. Mike eyed it distrustingly before finally taking it. 37

“Why don’t you get out of here?” Mike asked. “Come back with me. Raven needs someone to run it and I sure as hell don’t want the job. Bartending keeps me right there in the front lines, scoping out the pretty ladies. I have more bed partners than I know what to do with.” 38

Dmitri lifted a brow, smirking. He didn’t need to say anything about Mike’s prowess. The opening to make fun of his cousin was just too easy, it wasn’t worth it. 39

“I don’t want any responsibility, but you might like it. You did run that tavern back in the 1700s. Could be fun. Two lycans on the prowl with plenty of supernatural hotties just ready to hop on the wild ride.” Mike swung his hips, slapping the air like he had a woman in front of him. 40

The thought of leaving Michelle, even a distant, never seen Michelle, left Dmitri cold. “I have my reasons to stay.” 41

“Does she even know she’s a reason?” Mike asked. “I tell you, cuz, you’re losing your touch.” 42

Dmitri scowled, balling his fist. 43


~*****~44


Armando walked around his underground home, unable to sleep even though it was nearly noon and he should be passed out like the dead. Living had lost its color. Blood no longer held any flavor for him. He’d tasted Mandy, her sweet essence, her sexually charged body. Being angst wasn’t how he wanted to spend the rest of his immortal life. Unfortunately, he appeared to have little say in the matter. 45

No matter how many times he grabbed his cock and pumped, the ache inside of him wouldn’t go away. Looking down his lean, naked body he frowned. There it was, lifted high, as thoughts he was sure came from Mandy filled his head. Or did he just want them to be her thoughts so badly that he imagined they came from her?
Was she thinking of him? Of their time together? 46

He honestly didn’t know anymore. Almost lazily, he grabbed himself, pumping his fist in easy strokes. Her green eyes came to mind. Her dark hair. Her lush lips. 47

“Arrgh.” He fisted his cock as seed spilled forth. 48

“Kit-ten,” he said, his voice shaky. “Look what you have reduced me to.” 49


~*****~50


Mandy shivered, really hot. It felt as if a cool hand was caressing her nether region, brining her close to peak. She gripped the wheel, her breathing irregular as thoughts of Armando filled her head. 51

Biting her lower lip, she whimpered as an orgasm rushed through her. 52

Kit-ten, look what you have reduced me to. 53

Panting, she stared wide-eyed at the road ahead. Had she really just heard Armando’s voice in her head? Felt his hands on his skin? Felt him…
She blushed, shifting awkwardly in the driver’s seat. Indeed, she had. 54

Embarrassed, she bit her inner cheek, deciding to focus on anything but Armando. A flash of Muir came to mind. Not only Muir, but another. Her skin tingled and she was about to pull the car over when a feeling of power surged inside her. She looked at Michelle, who stared out the window, searching the streets. 55

“I know where they are,” Mandy said, as sure of it as she’d been of anything in her life. She jerked the steering wheel as she made a u-turn in the middle of the road. 56

“I know where to find Muir and Conner and they’re together.”57


~*****~58


“The park?” Michelle frowned. Screams filled the air as children played nearby, sliding down the long slide only to reach the bottom and run around to climb up the ladder to do it again. Others swung, their little feet kicking into the air. A wave of longing and protectiveness washed over her as she thought about stopping them. Surely it wasn’t safe…. 59

“Michelle?” Mandy broke into the thoughts. “Are you listening to the plan?” 60

“Ah,” Michelle glanced from the children to Mandy and back again. “Sorry, I…” 61

Mandy put a hand on her arm. “I know what the doctor said and I know that’s why you don’t ever want to go back to one, but he could be wrong. Miracles happen and you might someday have a baby. And if not, well, I’ll have a ton and share them with you and just think, they won’t need SPF 5000 sunscreen.” Michelle gave a small laugh, unable to help it. Mandy continued, “And if not that, there is always adoption.” 62

Michelle knew Mandy was trying to make her feel better, but there was nothing anyone could say. “I don’t know why it’s been bugging me lately. Maybe with all that’s happened, with Conner being a jerk and no prospect of a man…” She shrugged, trying her damnedest to look nonchalant. Mandy’s look said she wasn’t buying it. “This wasn’t the plan, you know. I can’t shake the feeling that something went terribly wrong and that I should be married right now and pregnant with my second baby. I dream about it, sometimes, you know. Silly, huh?” 63

“No,” Mandy shook her head. “Wanting a family, one that you’ve never had, is not silly. Wanting to be a mother and a wife…never silly.” 64

“I can’t shake the feeling that something was taken from me. It’s like I was walking along on this path and the husband was so close, I could feel him, but then everything flashes and the baby we made was gone,” Michelle paused, touching her stomach, feeling as if it were empty, “and he was gone and I’m just alone. Floundering.” 65

“That’s not silly at all,” Mandy said, her voice tight. “I feel the same way sometimes. Like it was right there and I lost it somehow. But with me, it’s like I fell out of a window or off a balcony or something and when I woke up it was all gone. Everything was gone.” 66

“I think it’s time we found those two losers,” Michelle said. “I want to know exactly what it is they took away from us.” 67

“This way.” Mandy balled her hands into fists, leading Michelle away from the playing children to a secluded area. She slowed, motioning for quiet. 68

“Pavel, I have done all I can. She won’t talk to me,” Conner said.69

Michelle frowned, unable to see him through the trees. Mandy’s eyes met hers and if by silent understanding, they didn’t move. 70

“What is she doing around that dirty lycan scum if you have done all you can?” a male voice answered. Michelle could only assume it was Pavel. “I did not go to all this cosmic trouble to get you a bride if you can’t even hold onto her!” 71

“What do you want me to do? I used the spell you gave me. I used everyone one of the spells you gave me!” Conner yelled. “I got her into my bed and—” 72

“You should have bitten her when you had the chance. You should have claimed her!” Paval hissed. 73

“Instead,” a third voice inserted, more calmly than the other two, “I had to use my magic to make her forget what truly happened at the Vampire Ball.” 74

Michelle covered her mouth to keep from making a sound. Her ears strained, as she desperately wanted to discover what had happened at the Vampire Ball. 75

“Do you know what that could cost us?” The third voice said. “If that devious little snipe, would have seen me… Those two little women of yours are damn lucky she didn’t. Her meddling in their lives…” His words cut out as if he were pacing away from them only to come back. “…I know she thinks she’s protecting them, but—” 76

“Yes, I know, Garmor!” Pavel snapped. “Tru is a meddlesome little goddess, but a goddess nonetheless. She’s taken an interest in the women’s fates. We have to be careful.” 77

Michelle shared a look of disbelief with Mandy. They each mouthed, “Tru?” The idea that their nutty neighbor could have anything to do with this was beyond their imaginations. The woman was a certified crazy lady. A crazy lady with a baking fetish to boot. 78

“I am Michelle’s fate!” Conner declared. “Everything in the prophecies have said it is so.” 79

“And I am Mandy’s,” came Muir’s bored, almost uninterested voice. 80

Michelle felt Mandy stiffen as if she would rush forward at the sound of Muir’s voice. She knew the impulse, but held back. They had to hear everything and once they confronted them, they might not learn any more than they could right now. Mandy’s lips pressed tight and Michelle’s hand tingled where she touched her friend’s arm. 81

“I don’t remember inviting these two, Conner,” Muir said. “Tell them to leave.” 82

“You have no right to talk to us like…” Pavel’s voice trailed off. 83

“Don’t make me tell the others the truth about what you did that night,” Muir said, his tone harder and no longer pretending to be bored. “The only reason I haven’t reported it is because you stopped Mandy from,” Muir paused.
“Because your interference at Tru’s Vampire Ball, in regards to Mandy, suited my purpose. I never would have guessed the pull would be so strong between them. Even ending their lives and giving them new ones has worked against us. I even gave her part of my power to save her from your stupid, divine plan. I’ve given up a lot for her and I will not lose her. She is mine, whether she chooses it or not. No one,” his voice deepened and Michelle felt a small wave of power washing over her from behind the trees. 84

“NO ONE WILL STOP ME!” 85

Mandy’s skin practically sizzled and Michelle gasped as it heated beneath her palm, as hot as a lit stovetop. Before she could react, Mandy shot through the trees, a strange blue glow emanating from her. “You!” 86

Michelle barely missed a swinging tree branch as Mandy let go of it. She fell forward, onto the ground by Mandy’s feet. 87

“Michelle!” Conner made a move to help her. Michelle opened her mouth, expecting any number of the little speeches she’d practiced to come spilling out. She was so angry, so betrayed and Mandy’s anger only propelled her on as she felt her friend’s magic. Instead of words, a long, deadly hiss escaped her throat. On instinct, she leapt for Conner, catching him by the throat. Riding his body to the ground, she clawed at him, not really understanding what she was doing.88

Behind her, she had a vague sense of Mandy moving in a circle, power pouring off her friend. Power off Mandy? There was no time to think about it now. Pavel and Garmor fled, leaving the two men to their fate at the hands of two very pissed ex-lovers. 89

“Michelle, stop,” Conner pushed up at her, his body flailing to get her off. She knew he was a shifter, knew he could hurt her if he wanted, but he didn’t. His body shifted beneath her, the rock hard muscles moving with familiar thrusts. The man was turned on! “Ah, shit, Michelle.” 90

The fact that he seemed unfazed by her attack only pissed her off more. She grew viscous, her mind blanking as she hit him. All her frustrations came pouring forth. Maybe it was Mandy’s magic that gave her strength. She couldn’t be sure. All she knew is she felt more powerful than she’d ever felt in her life. 91


~****~92


Mandy circled Muir, her eyes burning with unshed tears. She had a vague sense of Michelle on the ground, but so long as her friend kept the upper hand, Mandy knew she’d be okay. 93

“How could you, Muir? I trusted you. Me! You know how hard it is for me to let people in.” She shook her head, wishing he’d explode into a million pieces. Power flew from her body at the thought, trying to make her desire reality. Muir was struck, his body jerking violently. For a moment, he seemed to come apart, his body separating from itself into tiny pieces. In an instant it was over and he stood before her once more. 94

“How is it you tapped so deeply into your fay powers?” He took a step back. 95

Mandy knew he could strike out, had seen what he could do, but he held back, looking stunned. 96

“You hate me.” The words were soft with disbelief. “That is how… No, Mandy.” 97

“Yes, I hate you. You betrayed me!” Her body felt as if it were aflame. 98

“They were right. You will never love me.” He took another step back. 99

His arms lowered and he was defenseless. “Twice and you still don’t love me.” 100

“You’re wrong, Muir. I did love you, part of me did very much. But we were never meant to be. And after what you did, after you tried to take my will, I will never love you again. No part of me will ever be yours. Ever.”
Her hair swept up in long waves, floating around her head. Her feet lifted off the ground. “You cast a spell over me. Tell me, what did you suppress? What did you try to take from me?” she demanded, desperate to know. 101

He gave a weak laugh. “Why should I tell you? You hate me.” 102

“Yes, I do.” 103

Muir growled, tossing up his arms. Mandy flung back toward the trees, only to be stopped inches before impact. Muir was angry, but he still didn’t hurt her. When she managed to right herself, he was gone. 104

Floating to the ground, she turned to the hissing grunts coming from Michelle and Conner. Mandy stiffened. Michelle was moving too fast for her to see much, but she did detect the blood dripping along Michelle’s arm. As Mandy rushed forward to help her friend, she saw Conner’s partially shifted face—fangs bared. 105

His clawed hands swept like a blur, but only knocked Michelle’s hand away before it made impact on him. It wasn’t Michelle’s blood, it was his. A gash cut along his cheek, its twin along his neck near an artery. Michelle was killing him and he didn’t seem to be fighting back. 106

“Michelle!” Mandy ordered, no part of her wanting her friend arrested for manslaughter. Or catslaughter. Well, cruelty to animals in the very least. If Michelle hurt him, she would never get over it. She was too good for that. “Michelle, stop!” 107

The flurry of movement stopped as she said the words. Michelle’s eyes turned to her. Mandy gasped, automatically taking a step back in shock. No part of her feared Michelle, but she was scared for her. Yellow had invaded her friends gaze and fangs, long and deadly, grew from her mouth. 108

“What did you do to her, Conner?” Mandy demanded, seeing that her friend was part cat. 109

“You fear for her?” Conner gave a weak laugh. “I’m the one bleeding.” 110

“But, she’s a…” Mandy swallowed. “She’s a…” 111

“Princess?” Conner offered. 112

Mandy met his eyes.113

“My prophesied mate? Ah, I know what you’re looking for. She’s a werecat. Like me. Like her parents.” 114

Michelle’s gaze swung down to meet Conner’s. Mandy could feel her tension and cautiously made her way forward, not wanting to startle her. Michelle didn’t speak, merely stared. 115

“It’s okay,” Conner crooned. “The first shift is always hardest to control, but I’ll help you. Everything’s going to be okay now.” 116

Michelle shook her head. 117

“I don’t think she wants your help,” Mandy said. “In fact, I know she doesn’t want you.” 118

“Then who?” Conner spat. He pushed on Michelle’s shoulder with surprising strength despite his wounds. Michelle flew back, but landed on her feet, crouched with one hand on the ground. 119

Just like a cat, Mandy thought weakly. Omigod, my best friend is a princess! OHMYGOD! 120

“That dog?” Conner spat. “She can’t be with him. Cats and dogs don’t mix. Being with him will kill her.” 121

“She will never choose you,” Mandy said.122

“Conner,” Michelle’s voice sounded like hot gravel. She was breathing hard and there was a deadly finality to her tone. “I should have told you. I will never love you. We are not going to happen.” 123

“But.” All cockiness faded from him at her oddly calm words. 124

“No,” Michelle said. 125

“You can’t have Dmitri. It will never work,” Conner spat. 126

“This has nothing to do with Dmitri,” Michelle said. “I’ve never been with Dmitri. This has to do with you being a lying, deceitful, bossy, manipulative—” 127

“I got it!” Conner interrupted. 128

“Piece of shit fucktwat!” Michelle yelled, her voice sounding more and more like her self, though her body didn’t shift back. 129

Mandy snorted, before quickly covering her mouth to keep from laughing.
Conner stood, cradling one arm. “As you wish, my princess.” He bowed, before turning and limping away. 130

Michelle collapsed to the ground. Mandy was instantly at her side. Tears in her eyes, Mandy looked at her. 131

“This is a shock, huh?” Michelle gave a weak laugh. “A cat.” 132

“Fay,” Mandy said softly, petting back Michelle’s hair. 133

Then, sniffing as tears rolled down her partial shifted face, Michelle asked, “Am I at least a pretty cat?” 134

“Beautiful,” Mandy promised. “But at least we know why you’ve been sick. And we know to take you to a supernatural doctor.” 135

“I just want to go home before anyone sees me.” Michelle gave her a pointed look. “At least you look normal, a little sparkly, but still human. I’m going to sprout fur!” She started to cry. “And I’m so hormonal right now I think my period’s starting.” 136

Mandy helped Michelle to her feet. “Ah, sweetie, at least you’re a furry princess.” 137

She made a face to make her friend laugh. “And we got to beat up a couple of guys.” 138

Michelle snorted, choking on near-hysterical laughter. “There is that.” 139

Giving a small sweeping bow, Mandy said, “This way, your highness.” 140

Michelle grinned through her tears. “After you, your highness’s best buddy.” 141

The both laughed, as Mandy led them along the trees away from the sight on the children playing nearby. 142

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Chapter 43 April is for Fools153


Michelle took a deep breath, knowing in this moment that women normally dressed up, put on their best face and hoped like hell no one saw through the façade. Not her. Not today. It had taken a few days to come to terms with the fact that she was a werecat—a white, fluffy werecat. Okay, not so much fluffy as a colorless black panther when in a full shift, but still a cat. 154

Shifting made her sick and she still didn’t have a handle on how to do it, or how to turn back. Apparently, when she was angry, that side of her was triggered. And, oh, how she’d been angry at Conner for his deceit. She’d almost killed him. Thankfully, Mandy was there to stop her. She might hate the guy, but killing wasn’t on her life to do list. 155

Dmitri was. 156

She took another breath before going up his front walk. She barely saw the new house he’d rented, only to note that its front yard was a little overgrown and a statue of a garden gnome was in the front corner. Flowers were beginning to peek through the April evening, but the promise of their beauty only propelled her forward with the promise of something else inside of her chest. 157

Again she looked down. Today she’d dressed as she did everyday. In blue jeans and a t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back in to a ponytail, nothing glamorous. Not for today. She wanted Dmitri to see her, for her. She was just Michelle. 158

So many times driving over, she almost turned around, scared of what she’d discover tonight. But she couldn’t. She had to know.
Looking at her feet, she knocked on the door, steeling herself to say what needed to be said. 159

The door opened and she blurted, “I want you.” 160

“Well, all right, baby. Dmitri might kick my ass, but I’m willing to take a few punches for the cause.” 161

Michelle blinked several times, mortified as she looked up. “Ah, Mike. Hi. I’m, ah, omigod. I’m going to—” 162

Mike reached forward and touched her arm. “I’m taking off for the night. Dmitri’s inside, straight down the hall to the back. Aside from you two, the house will be empty.” 163

The soft, almost caring words seemed so out of character for the man, she nodded. Really, she didn’t know him at all, only that he was Dmitri’s cousin.164

Walking past her, Mike stopped and grinned. “It’s good to have you back, Michelle.”
Michelle frowned. Mike whistled as he walked down the sidewalk as if he didn’t have a care in the world. 165

“Weirdo,” Michelle mumbled, going inside. She closed the door softly, standing for a moment in Dmitri’s living room. Boxes lined the walls and the plain rental wasn’t anything like she imagined. Straight ahead was a hallway, leading to what she guessed was another living room by the flickering blue television light coming from within. 166

She stared forward, her foot lifting in a step. Then another. Another. Michelle found herself at the end of the hallway, before the doorway. The low sound of an action film filtered from within. She felt Dmitri on the other side, hidden by the open door. Leaning forward, she tried to peek in the crack between the door hinges and the wall. Dmitri’s gray eyes stared directly at her, as if he’d been waiting.167

“Hi,” she said, through the doorway. 168

“Michelle,” he sat up, as if startled by her voice. 169

Michelle stepped inside. He was on a couch in front of the television. His body stiff, he looked as if he wasn’t sure whether to sit or stand, so he just stayed. 170

“Mike left. He said he’d be gone all night.”171

“I had popcorn in the kitchen,” Dmitri gave a wary laugh, his piercing eyes staying on her. He gave her a lopsided grin. “He didn’t have to go that far to get it.”172

Her heart flopped around in her chest and her breathing deepened. She was so nervous, made worse by the fact that she was scared of suddenly shifting into a cat and not being able to say or do what she came to. 173

Her eyes roamed over his body, as she searched for words. He was so fucking sexy, with his messy light brown hair, long enough to grab onto, but short enough to be slicked back if he needed to. Now it fell in soft waves around his temples. His broad chest was made even more so by the way his grey shirt pressed against him. She bet he’d be warm to the touch. He always had such a high natural temperature compared to her. Jeans clung to his hips and she knew they’d mold to him when he stood. 174

Moisture pooled between her thighs. She wanted him so bad. An ache stirred its way over her hips, up to her nipples, nipples that had be erect points right now with just the thought of his firm, full lips on her body. 175

“Do you want to watch?” Dmitri asked, motioning next to him. It was clear he didn’t know why she was there. 176

“I brought your calendar proofs for your approval,” she said in a moment of chickening out. 177

“Oh, okay,” He glanced down her body. “Where are they?” 178

“That was a lie. I don’t know why I said it. I finished them, but forgot about…” 179

Michelle forgot what she was saying as she looked deep into his eyes. Everything she wanted was right there, in his eyes. A future, a family, children, a home. 180

Dmitri. Instead of completing the thought, she rushed out with, “I want you. I came here because I want to be with you. And I don’t know if that’s what you want, but it’s really what I want. And you might think me crazy, and maybe I am crazy, about you. I can’t get you out of my head, since the first moment I saw you. And you’re so,” Michelle clenched her hands into fists, growling lightly, “Errrr! Frustrating. All the time.” 181

He grin widened at the admission, but she hurried on before he could speak. Now that she started, she didn’t want to stop. 182

“You’re overconfident, but you have reason to… And you’re really…” Breathless, she began to pace a little, fidgeting. “You photograph really well. I mean, your body photographs really wel—I mean, you’re sexy. I mean cute. No, not cute, handsome. I mean…” She frowned at him, as if her lack of control over her mouth was his fault. In many ways it was.
“Damn it, would you stop staring at me like I lost my mind. I can’t think when you look at me. In fact, I might claw your eyes out so you can’t and then maybe I could think and say what I practiced saying in the mirror all day yesterday.” 183

“Miche—” 184

“Oh, and by the way, I’m a werecat.” She stood looking expectantly at him. 185

Dmitri slowly stood. She was right. His jeans did cling to him in perfection. Though looser, each movement gave teasing peeks of what was beneath. “Is that all?”186

“Yes,” she said, before furrowing her brow in thought. “I don’t know. What all did I say?” 187

He took a step toward her, his eyes glinting playfully. Was he mocking her? Happy? She was too nervous to tell. “I think you said you like me.” 188

“No,” Michelle shook her head in denial. 189

Dmitri frowned, stopping in his progress. He looked like she’d kicked him. “No?” 190

“I love you,” Michelle gasped, covering her mouth. Out of all the things she’d practiced, that wasn’t one of them. 191

He didn’t move. 192

Omigod, take it back, Michelle, take it back! Her mind screamed at her. 193

“I love you and I really, really want to have sex with you now.” Michelle lifted her hands helplessly to the sides. 194

Idiot! Her mind yelled. 195

“Okay,” he said, coming for her. 196

“Okay?” she gasped. 197

Dmitri reached for his shirt, tugged it over his head and tossed it aside. She couldn’t help but lick her suddenly dry mouth. He looked really good, in such perfect shape. When he came forward, it was with predatory grace. She held her ground. 198

Suddenly, he stopped, glancing at his wall. She followed his eyes, wondering what could have caught his attention. It was a calendar marked on April 1st.
“This isn’t an April fool’s joke is it?” When his eyes again met hers she saw something deep within them. A hesitance and longing that was often hidden beneath his confident mask. He blinked and the look was gone, but she’d seen it as clear as she now saw his face. 199

“April is for fools,” she said, trying to make him smile. She loved it when he smiled. “No. I really came here for…” Michelle blushed, making a weak noise. He wasn’t going to make her ask again, was he? 200

“So I’m a booty call?” Dmitri grinned, as if liking the idea.201

Michelle’s face fell. “No, I’m not using you.” 202

“You are so pretty when you’re flustered.” 203

Before she knew he’d even moved, she was pinned against the wall. Dmitri’s firm body pressed into her until every inch of her body burned with desire. 204

“I’ve dreamt of this,” he whispered, tenderly stroking her cheek. “When you’d come to me willingly.” His lips moved closer and she felt his breath on her.
“Did I tell you I was a cat? We aren’t supposed to be able to mix,” she said, even as she angled her mouth. “I don’t want to shift and hurt you. I can’t control it and I don’t want to—” 205

“We already mixed,” Dmitri brushes his mouth softly against hers, a teasingly light caress that had her moving to follow him. “At the Vampire Ball. You began to shift then and bit me while we made love pressed up against a car.” He pulled her hips, his hands easily sliding down her thighs to lift her up. “Like this.” He pressed himself into her. 206

Michelle moaned, leaning forward to ease the distance between their lips. She parted her mouth, wanting to deepen the kiss before it began. Dmitri let her have a taste before pulling back. 207

“Are you scared I’m going to bite you?” she asked. “I’ll try not to, but I…” 208

I really want to bite you, she thought. 209

“You really don’t know what happened, do you?” He gave a soft laugh. A light entered his gaze and she saw his teeth appeared to sharpen. “I should be insulted that the night wasn’t more memorable.” 210

“Suppression spell. Conner—” She barely got the name out before he growled in anger. He dropped her legs only to grab hold of her face. “No, wait, he thought we were meant to be together. Some prophesy thing. He cast a spell to make me forget things, to suppress my shifting. I don’t know everything, and I have this sense that so much is still there lingering on the edge of my brain, but I can’t grab it. All I know is that every part of me had wanted you, even when under a spell. If it makes up for it a little, he had some help—Muir and Pavel? Grammer? Garvor…?” 211

“Garmor?” 212

Michelle nodded. 213

“The gods wish to keep us apart,” he said. “Garmor is a higher being, a pain in the ass, elitist higher being, but he doesn’t speak for them all. And Pavel, well, he’s the king of kings when it comes to you cats.” 214

“Oh, I’m a princess.” Michelle grimaced. “He’s not my—” 215

“No, no, I don’t think he has children. Shifters have many clans and we all declare ourselves kings at one time or another.” 216

“You?” Michelle asked. 217

“Once in the 1700s. I was drunk.” Dmitri laughed. 218

To hear him laugh, see him smile at her, to have him hold her. It was too much. She didn’t want the moment to end, but she needed it to go forward. She squirmed, rubbing her body naturally to his in enticement.219

“I want you,” he didn’t let go of her face as he held her gaze steadily to his. “It burns how much I want you. But you have to be sure. If the gods—” 220

“Screw the gods. This is my life. I want you, Dmitri. If you’ll have me, I want you.” 221

“You already have me. I’ve always been yours. When you bit me at the Vampire Ball, you laid claim to me—body, soul and heart—but I loved you before then. Before your barbeque, before we even met. I feel as if I’ve known you a long time but had lost you.” 222

Michelle rushed him, pushing him back until he fell on the couch. Straddling his legs, she moaned into his mouth, her hands tearing at his clothes. Feeling a tingle in her gaze, she knew the cat inside her was trying to come out.
Pulling back, she said, “You’re mine.” 223

Dmitri grinned, flipping her onto her back. “I always have been.” And then he was kissing her and not stopping as they made love all through the night. 224

~*****~225


Mandy paced along the barren street, knowing instinctively that Armando would come out of one of the doors as soon as the sun had completely set. She waited for him for over an hour, pacing along the concrete, smoothing the short red skirt and tighter black lace shirt. Michelle had spent a total of ten minutes dressing for her evening—rambling something about Dmitri needing to see her as she was everyday, just plain Michelle. 226

Fuck that! 227

Mandy snorted, rubbing her arms. She was here to bag her future and she’d take out every last weapon in her arsenal, even if that meant the tall, hard to run in stilettos, the deep red lipstick and the wonder bra that fit snug but made her breasts cleavage to perfection. 228

It hadn’t taken long to piece together what was happening in their lives. Mandy, being fay had felt the pull Michelle felt for Dmitri. It’s why she had kept trying to push them together, even when they thought Conner a decent enough catch. It had taken Michelle a long time to admit to it, but Mandy could hardly blame her. She’d been just as stubborn when it came to admitting she wanted Armando. 229

When she thought about it, logically, she wanted to laugh at herself. In all reality, she barely knew the guy—aside from the fact he was a hunky vampire with a penchant for drinking blood and designer clothing. And it wasn’t like she wanted to live underground for the rest of her life, which by all references she’d found, would be eternal. 230

Luckily, or unluckily depending on her mood, she was not a completely logical person. She wanted Armando. She felt him like she did no other. With him, she felt a past, a past it was impossible to have if her logical brain was any indication.
It took Mandy a long time to love, to feel comfortable enough to allow herself such feeling, but once she did, it was forever. And that scared her. Because she was fairly certain she loved Armando. But what if he didn’t feel the same way? Forever for her suddenly had a new meaning. 231

Mandy pushed at her bra, adjusting her cleavage. Just let him try to deny me.
Feelings someone’s stare upon her, she turned. Her gaze almost seemed to zoom in on the guy at the end of the block. It took her a moment to place him, but she saw it was Mike, Dmitri’s cousin. At her attention, he gave her a lopsided, happy grin, flipped his thumbs up into the air and began to whistle as he strolled on by.
Mandy chuckled. “I guess I got his approval.” 232

“You have mine as well.” 233

Mandy gasped. “Ah, you scared the shit out of me, Armando! Why do you have to do that lurking, vampire sneaking around, moving like the shadows thing? I swear, I’m going to tie a bell around your neck so I know where you are.” 234

“You are one to talk, kitten. You have been up here pacing for some time. I wondered if you were not going to just come on in and wait. There was no reason to stand in the street,” his gaze skimmed over her, lighting with an inner fire, “especially dressed like that, if you wanted to speak with me.” 235

She gave him a wry look, taking her time to study his clothing as he had done hers. Tight, black leather stretched over his hips. A long sleeved maroon silk shirt partially covered his upper half. Since it was held together by only one button and the rest were undone, his pale, steely upper body showed—teasing her, taunting her.
Mandy bit her inner cheek and suppressed a moan. 236

“Like what you see?” he asked, smug and entirely too sure of himself. 237

Mandy blushed. She’d been staring, practically salivating to take a bite of him.” As a matter of fact,” she moved forward, careful on her heels, “I do.” 238

His eyes widened. She’d surprised him. Well, if he thought that was a shocker…
“I like what I see very much.” Another step closer. “So much that I’ve decided that you are mine.” 239

“Yours?” 240

“Yeah, mine.” Mandy nodded. “That’s what I came over to tell you. Basically, you have two choices. You can either invite me inside, make love to me all night and day, and accept your fate. Or, you can play hard to get, try to run and know that since I’m now come into my full fay powers I will find you. The way I look at it. I have all eternity to wear down any resolve you have against me.” 241

Armando didn’t move, still shocked. “You would do this to simply prove you can make me succumb to you?” 242

Mandy laughed. Going towards him, she drew a finger along his chest. A tiny trail of pleasure erupted, winding its way down to tighten her nipples and flood her sex. “No.” 243

“To torture me?” His lids lowered lazily over his piercing vampiric gaze.
“Well, there might be a little of that,” she leaned in, brushing her lips along the corner of his deliciously full mouth. “If you’re lucky.” 244

“What has happened, Mandy? Do you need protection? Has someone hurt you?” His tone was hard and his fingers gripped into her arms, shaking her a little. “Tell me his name and I will take care of it. You go inside, lock the door and wait for me to come back.” 245

“Ow,” she wiggled beneath his hands, “you’re the only one hurting me. Stop that.”
Armando instantly let go of her. “I am so—” 246

“Sh,” she pressed her hands to his lips. “Are you always this frustrating? Here I am, all dolled up, doing my damnedest to seduce you and—” 247

Mandy gasped as Armando again took hold of her. She felt her body flowing like air as he pulled her into his home. A loud slam indicated the door closing, a door that moved by so fast she couldn’t see it. When they stopped, she stumbled to right herself. They were in his home, a tastefully decorated place with modern, hard angled furniture, with a nice mix of old world oil paintings of Armando in courtly attire hanging over the fireplace. The blending was odd but worked well for him. It represented him well. A mix of old and new. 248

Mandy giggled. “Still have that outfit? I bet you’re really good at the role-playing, seeing as you’re as old as dust.” 249

“I wish for you to continue speaking of this seduction,” Armando said.
Mandy laughed, strolling around his home. She traced her fingers lightly over his furniture. “Do you now? And what would you have me say?” 250

He studied her for a long moment, as if contemplating the question. Then, instead of answering, he said, “I take it by your presence here, you remember our past together, as I have.” 251

“Our past?” Mandy arched a brow. Role-playing time already?
“You do not remember it? The club I ran? Working for the Nocturnal Journal? Us? Our engagement?” 252

Mandy giggled, strange fantasy, but who was she to argue with a vampire. “Okay, I’ll bite, vampy, but only if you promise to bite me back.”253

His eyes seemed to swirl with lust. “If you don’t remember, why are you here?”
Mandy swallowed, knowing that she couldn’t keep her feelings back any longer. “I love you. I don’t know why or how, but I know I love you like I’ve never loved anyone. The full truth of my feelings hit me when I came into my full fay powers just a few days ago. Everything I’ve felt since first seeing you, it was love trying to show me the way to my heart. You, Armando, you are my heart.”
“But you don’t remember our life together?” 254

Mandy frowned. “You’re going to make jokes at a time like this? I just bared my soul to you and—” 255

He was there, kissing her before she could finish. When she was quieted, he pulled back, smoothing her hair from her face. “Don’t you know, kitten. I’ve belonged to you. When you pushed me away from you at the Vampire Ball, it nearly killed me. To be within you is the only heaven I’ve ever known and to be without you is hell. All I can offer you is the night, and I understand if that holds little appeal, but if you take it, I will give everything I have.” 256

“I always did prefer stars to sunlight,” Mandy said. “Besides, couples have gotten around worse things than a husband who works the night shift.” 257

Armando smiled. “I should tell you, it is you who will never escape me. When we came together at the Vampire Ball, I bit you. I marked you as mine.” 258

She scrunched up her face, liking the idea of it very much. “Did you now?”
He nodded.
“Turn about is fair play.” Mandy opened her mouth, clamping down on his neck. She bit him, her flat teeth not breaking surface. Armando moaned and she felt his arousal jerking against her. Grabbing his crotch, she said, “Take me to my new bedroom, Armando. There is something else I want to get a taste of.” 259

He whisked her into his arms, their bodies blurring as he obeyed her every word. Night passed as they played in each other’s arms, each understanding without words what the other needed and wanted. And, as she fall asleep exhausted, Mandy felt a tear roll over her cheek. For once in her life, she had perfection. 260


~*****~261


Michelle and Mandy shared a look as Tru walked toward them. Michelle was snuggled against Dmitri, her back to his chest as she lounged in his arms. Mandy sat astride Armando, placing tiny kisses along his jaw, giggling as he grumbled about having to sit on the ground for the midnight picnic. 262

“It’s either this or at noon tomorrow,” Mandy teased.
“We did it!” Tru said, her pixie head bobbing excitedly as she looked from couple to couple. “You found each other again.” 263

“We?” Mandy asked, stiffening as she arched a brow.
“The gods can't mess with you any more. You found each other in two lives and there is nothing they can do to change your fates. We did it!” Tru sighed, a girlishly romantic sound. “I love watching mortals in love.” 264

“You mean they killed us and reincarnated us?” Michelle asked. “Is that why we have the feeling, why I…?” Michelle’s hand touched her stomach lightly, a look of horror on her features. 265

Mandy’s eyes narrowed. The idea that the gods had done something to them….
“No, not really. They rearranged your timelines in this life,” Tru said. “But after it was discovered the Garmor meddled in your fate this time around when he was ordered not to, and you found each other anyway, I can now let you remember everything.” Tru giggled, lifting her hand. Kissing her palm, she blew a kiss at Michelle and Dmitri. Sparkly pink magic showered from her fingertips, covering them. The couple stiffened, their eyes going white as a flood of memories washed over them. The past, a life they’d been erased from, their first life, came rushing back as if it had never gone. 266

It was all there, the breaking up and getting together, the Raven Nightclub, the Nocturnal Journal job, the writing career, psycho-cannibal, nearly blinding Dmitri with Supernatural pepper spray, and their first date to the Palace of Pizza. But that wasn’t all. New knowledge of forces meddling in their fates, keeping her from Dmitri, whispering insecurities into her ear whenever she was ready to take their relationship to the next level. 267

Michelle leaned to the side, so she could look deep into Dmitri’s eyes. Tears flooding her gaze. “I came to you and we… I was pregnant. I felt it. We made a baby and then they changed our lives and now your son…”
“We’ll make another,” Dmitri said. 268

She didn’t think it possible, but in that moment, with their history, she loved him even more. “I’m so glad I didn’t mess up two chances with you. There is so much—”
“There is no need. I see now that so much of what happened was outside forces at play. But now we know and they will never invade our lives again. You are mine and I yours. Nothing can split us. We are mated and soon, we will be married in the human way so none can dispute it.” Dmitri kissed her forehead and she turned in his arms to join her lips to his. 269

“No need to make another baby just yet,” Tru giggled, looking at Michelle’s stomach. It swelled, growing round. Michelle gasped, nearly screaming. “You’re due in a month—give or take.” The baby inside her kicked, thumping so hard Dmitri felt it against his stomach. 270

“Talk about a shot gun wedding,” Mandy laughed. “Guess we can postpone the date until after you’re back to your normal weight.”
Dmitri growled, seemingly aroused by the site. He instantly kissed Michelle’s neck, a serious of animalistic noises were all that could be heard. 271

Tru turned her attention to Mandy. Mandy stiffened, wary as what would be revealed. Kissing her palm, Tru blew another kiss. This time the sparkly pink magic showered over Armando and Mandy, covering them. Memories flooded Mandy as they and Michelle—the Raven Nightclub, meeting Armando, working in his office, Elizabitch and Barbie, parties, Mike, Darren the ex-husband who wasn’t really meant to be, falling from the balcony. But there was other knowledge there, too—knowledge of forces meddling in their fates, keeping her from Armando, sending Darren messages so he’d come to mess with her life convinced he loved her. 272

Mandy gasped in shock, Armando grinned.
“I told you we had lived a whole life together,” Armando said.
“I thought you were just making up stories.” She covered her mouth. “We lost a baby, too, didn’t we? When I fell.” 273

Armando’s gaze saddened and he nodded. “Can you forgive me for not protecting you? For what I did? It was my fault. I let my anger loose. I let it free. I let the demon out and in the end, you and…” His gaze slid down the length of her, centering on her stomach. “I hurt you…both.” 274

“So much happened, so much we couldn’t control, so much that I didn’t know about until this very moment.” Mandy looked at Tru, hopeful as she touched her stomach. “Am I…?” 275

Tru shook her head, “I’m sorry, Mandy, I cannot give that baby back. We did not take it from you, it simply wasn’t meant to be at that time. But have no fear, you will conceive again. Very soon and everything will be healthy because Aunty Tru will be there to make sure of it.” 276

Mandy tried not to cringe at the “Aunty Tru”. But really, with everything the woman had given back to them, she could put up with her being around.
“I like this idea of making a baby,” Armando said in a low voice, a sly expression crossing his features. Mandy shivered, feeling his mind enter hers with wickedly sexual thoughts. 277

“But with two lives, which is true?” Dmitri asked.
“Both memories are there,” Michelle added.
“A little of both, mostly the first,” Tru said. “But you keep all the knowledge gained. Don’t worry, what is what will come to you when you need it.”
“Cool! Twice as smart.” Mandy laughed. “But why couldn’t you have taught Michelle how to cook this last time around?” 278

“Hey!” Michelle moved to swat at Mandy, but with her new belly, she ended up falling to the side, off balance. Dmitri was right there, pulling her back so she sat between his legs. Grumbling, she added good-naturedly, “Why cook when I have you to do it for me?” 279

“That poor baby,” Mandy teased. 280

“Ah.” Tru sighed. “Can I stay and watch?” 281

Michelle shot Mandy a horrified look. 282

“I love seeing people in love.” Tru sighed. 283

“You know, Tru,” Mandy said, trying not to laugh. “If you go to Dmitri’s house, you’ll find someone who is really in love.” 284

“She will?” Dmitri asked. 285

“She will.” Mandy nodded, giving him a meaningful look.286

Dmitri clearly didn’t get it because he said, “But Mike is the only person there and—” 287

“Exactly,” Michelle said, stopping him from saying too much.288

“Mike, you say?” Tru asked, tilting her head.289

“Yeah, tell him you like to ride ponies.” Mandy grinned. 290

The woman nodded. “I do like pony rides!” She hurried off in excitement. 291

“Was that mean?” Mandy asked, giggling. 292

“I don’t know who to feel sorrier for,” Armando said.293

“Me, they’re in my house.” Dmitri groaned. 294

“No, I have a feeling those two will get along well,” Michelle said. “And if memory serves, as it’s now seeming to do, I say we owe Mike for a lot of grief.” 295

Then, as if by silent understanding, they went back to their picnic. Each couple whispering of the present, no longer hampered by the past and facing a future full of promise and love.296