Becoming Forever (Waking Forever Series) (47 page)

“First, I pay half the bills. Mortgage, electricity - all that. I’m no freeloader.” Ash insisted.

Emma winced. “Ah, just so you know the house is paid for, but you can certainly chip in on the monthlies and the taxes.”

Nodding, Ash continued. “Second, we’re buying a coffee maker.” Emma grinned and nodded. “Lastly, I need space in the closet for my shoes, even if that means an add-on.”

Emma laughed. “We can get a designer out this week.”

True to her word, Emma had a designer out to the house within the week, and three weeks later, the master bedroom had been renovated to allow for an addition to the closet. Ash stood in the now large walk-in as she finished getting dressed. Walking over to the built-in shelving that stored her many shoes, boots and loafers, she pulled a pair of gun metal gray Saint Laurent three inch heels out and slipped them on.

“You’re already so much taller than me,
are those really necessary, honey?” Emma walked into the closet in a black slip and matching bra. The sight of her took Ash’s breath away, and for a second she was rendered speechless. Recognizing the look on Ash’s face, Emma grinned and walked over to the dark haired woman. Putting her hands on the woman’s waist, she squeezed gently. “Cat got your tongue?”

“Is that a euphemism for something?” Ash teased.

Emma’s brow furrowed. “No, it’s an English idiom with origins in the Middle East, but further back than that it was-” The extensive explanation was cut-off when Ash pressed her lips to Emma’s. The kiss deepened and a quiet moan escaped the vampire’s parted lips.

Pulling back from Emma, Ash tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind the woman’s ear.
Leaning in, Ash was surprised when Emma pulled back, and lifting Ash’s wrist, looked at the detective’s watch. “We’re already running late.”

Ash sighed. “Fine, be that way
, but you’re in so much trouble later.” A mischievous glint danced across her eyes.

Lifting her eyebrows, Emma smiled. “And now you’re threatening me?”

Grabbing her by the waist, Ash pulled Emma closer. “
Promising
you that after Lopez’s party-”

Shaking her head, Emma put her finger over Ash’s lips. “You forget, we have drinks with Alan, and I certainly won’t be the one to
incur his wrath if we cancel.”

“Are you - a hundred and eighty four
year old vampire - afraid of a fashion-conscious gay Asian-Italian man?” Ash teased.

“Say that five times fast
, honey.” Emma kissed the woman on the cheek. “And yes, yes I am.” She turned her back to a pouting Ash and walked to her side of the closet. Taking a sapphire blue high waisted slim dress from its wooden hanger, Emma stepped into it and reached back to zip it.

“I’m going downstairs. See you in a minute?” Ash finished
putting a pair of ruby stud earrings in her ears.

Emma nodded and watched the beautiful brunette as she left. She hadn’t thought this happiness was hers to have. She and Ash had decided
not
to decide yet about the growing-old-together-dilemma. They had time to sort through the complexities of their situation. What Emma knew for certain was she loved Ash more than she thought was possible, and she was grateful for that.

Walking down the back stairs, Emma heard the doorbell ring, and then Ash talking. “Em, you have a visitor.”

Emma rounded the corner, and stopped dead in her tracks. She stared in disbelief at the fair skinned, auburn haired woman standing in her doorway. Her piercing green eyes were leveled on Emma. “Hello, Emma.”

Ash looked at the beautiful woman, and back at Emma.
The look on her girlfriend’s face was one of shock and fear. Stepping back from the visitor, Ash reached for Emma’s cool hand. “Em? Who is this?”

Emma’s throat felt tight as she forced the words from her mouth. “My murderer.”

###

Waking Forever Series

Book One:
Waking Forever
- April 2013

Book Two: Becoming Forever
- January 2014

Book Three: Dying Forever
- August 2014

Ela Origin Serials (Waking Forever Series)

Ela: Beginning Forever
-
July 2013

Ela: Changing Forever
-
August 2013

Ela: Losing Forever
-
October 2013

Ela: Forever
(Complete Series)
-
December 2013

About the author:

Heather McVea was raised in a small town south of San Antonio, Texas. Prior to escaping to the big city, she raised Hampshire pigs, rode motorcycles at entirely too young an age, and once snow boarded behind a Ford pickup truck. She relishes a strong gin and tonic, but leans after three. Shiny twinkly things make her cringe, up to and including Hollywood vampires.

Heather and her partner have three fur babies and are working their way through all of the brewery tours in Texas.

Playlist:

Demons
- Imagine Dragons

My Kind of Love
- Emeli Sandé

Beneath Your Beautiful
- Labrinth

Nothing Compares 2 U
- Sinead O’Conner

Awake My Soul
- Mumford & Sons

There’s a Light in Your Eyes
- The Farstar

Nights in White Satin
- The Moody Blues

Bonfire Heart
- James Blunt

All I Want
- Kodaline

Let Her Go
- Passenger

Shake It Out
- Florence + The Machine

I Wish I Was the Moon
- Neko Case

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark
- Fall Out Boy

Follow Heather on
Twitter @HMcVea
.