Nights Embrace (Others of Seattle) (33 page)

“Roxy, you were busy kicking some ass. How were you to know he wasn’t really dead?”

“They’re in lockdown when you’re ready. If you ever need anything let us know,” Fallon offered before starting for the door.

Siobhan let them out. As soon as Brody and Fallon were out of hearing distance, everyone bombarded Roxy and Trevor with questions.

Almost two weeks later, Roxy stood under Trevor’s arm
at Sea-Tac airport arrivals, waiting on Mikey to show up. Her hands trembled in her pockets.

She looked up at Trevor with a sad smile. “I don’t know what to tell him.”

“He’s your brother, Roxy. If you aren’t ready you don’t have to tell him anything. You should tell him something, even if it’s as simple as you’re moving in with me.”

A single shoulder lifted in a shrug, and a smirk lifted one side of her mouth. “Only because you have the bigger place, you’re closer to Mikey, and you already agreed I could bring everything I want to bring.”

“If you would rather stay in your condo, I don’t mind.” He squeezed her tighter. “Really, I wouldn’t. My only requirement is you there.”

“No. Your place
is better. It’s just figuring out how to tell him.”

Mikey pulled to the curb in his ancient blue van and climbed out as Trevor and Roxy grabbed their bags. Mikey had the very back opened up in time for the
luggage to go in.

Roxy hugged her brother.
A million things she wanted to say swirled through her mind, but she didn’t know how to say a single one.

“I missed you, Sis. Did you have a good trip?”

“Amazing trip. One day, I’ll take you.” She leaned back and smiled up at Mikey. “It was beautiful, and so magical.”

Laughing, Mikey nodded. “If you say so, Roxy.” He took Trevor’s hand. “Good to see you too, Trevor.”

“Aye, Mike. I look forward to getting to know you.”

“Good, I don’t like it when Roxy’s gone that long.
” He reached over to squeeze her shoulder. “We should go though. Where are we headed?”

“My place,” Roxy answered. She wanted to figure out
what to start packing.

* * * *

Trevor pulled her into the hall. He gave her a gentle kiss. “Talk to him. I need to go make sure there’s some food at home.”

“Love you,” she whispered.

“Always love you,
A Chroí
.” He backed away, that shy smile on his face as he waved.

With a sigh, she went back inside.

Mikey stood in her living room. “So what is it? Are you pregnant? Is that why you need to talk to me?”

Roxy swallowed hard. “Uh, no. I am going to move in with him.”

Mike’s mouth fell open. His eyes blinked. Then he blurted out, “You haven’t even known him three weeks. What the hell are you thinking?”

“That I’m in love, and I know that’s not changing. We’re also going to be getting married in a couple months.”

“Holy shit, Roxy. Do you hear yourself?”

She sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to her. “Come here. Let’s talk.”

He dropped onto the seat indicated. A hopeful smile formed on his face, but the scent of his concern filled the room. “At least you’ll be across the street. You better call if he does a single thing wrong.”

She laughed. “Trust me, he won’t. Do you really think he will? Honestly?”

“No.” He frowned and sat back. “I worry about you. You haven’t really done the whole boyfriend thing, besides Jordan.”

“Yeah, well this is different. I hope whatever Jordan’s doing, it’s working out for him. I can’t waste any more time picking him up when he falls.”

Mikey shrugged. “He’s doing good. Still with Leanan. She is one weird chick, but they work, strangely enough.”

“Good. And Kara? Are you two still seeing each other?”

“Yeah. It’s… good.” His face fell. “I don’t know, it’s not real, it’s just something to pass the time.”

“Sorry. You’ll find your woman when you’
re ready. I know you will. You’re a great guy.”

“Yeah, yeah. So you say. I know who my one is, but she doesn’t seem to agree.” He slumped back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling.

“Isa?” Roxy asked softly.

“Hmm, yeah. She makes me feel alive. I know, we can’t get along for more than four hours at a time, but she’s the only woman I want to try with.”

“And it still doesn’t work,” Roxy pointed out.

“Maybe if Toryn finally came in
and swept her off her feet, I’d give up hope.”

“Mikey, maybe it doesn’t work because she’s not your one and only.”

“You never argue with Trevor?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Not like you and Isa. Our disagreements are easily resolv
ed.”

“Okay, so when is the move? Would you like my help?”

“You know I would.” She took a look around her cozy one bedroom condo and smiled. “I think I can be ready to move in three days. We’ll have lots of help if you aren’t up for it.”

“Oh, I’m up for it. And you will be closer, in case I have to kick your fiancé’s ass.”

“Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.” She squeezed her brother’s hand.

Brandy L Rivers is the author of the Others of Edenton Series, and the Others of Seattle. There are more books to come in both series.

As an avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. She has a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and
publish eventually.

She lives in Western Washington with her husband and three kids, where she is
constantly working on future stories in the series.

If you are interested in receiving emails about future book releases, please sign up for her email distribution list by visiting her site at:
www.brandylrivers.com

You can also find her on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/brandylrivers

And at Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BrandyLRivers

Alpha
– The leader of a werewolf pack. Usually the most dominant wolf in a group.

Blood Druid
– A druid whose connection to their own magic is unraveling. They now require blood rituals to boost their magics, and to survive.

Dark Mages
– Usually rogue mages, though sometimes just mages that use darker arts such as necromancy, blood magic, death magic or other illegal magics.

Druids
- Humans who possess mostly nature magic. They aren’t as common as mages. Most tend to stick with other druids. They cast earth and air spells, though most can manipulate fire and water as well. Druids can shift into animal forms with practice.

Faerie
– Both the physical realm on the other side of the veil, and the people who come from there. There are many different forms of fae.

Mages
– Humans who possess elemental magic. They can either sling spells like weapons or heal, though it is rare for a mage to be a healer.

Mate
– Werewolves, and some other creatures, sometimes create a supernatural bond with their soul mate. The bond is nearly impossible to break unless one party dies. The bound couple will sometimes feel what the other is feeling, or sense the danger the other is in.

Others
– Any being that isn’t quite human. Werewolves, vampires, shaman, druid, mages, witches, warlocks, fae are some examples.

Pack
– A werewolf pack is a group of werewolves in an area. The size of the pack determines the size of their region, larger packs requiring more territory. Werewolves in a pack have a hierarchal structure based on the creature’s innate dominance. Usually there is an alpha who is the leader, several enforcers who impose the will of the leader, and the rest of the subordinate werewolves. Every pack is run differently

Pack Enforcer
– Werewolves high in the pack hierarchy who carry out the alpha’s orders or discipline.

Shaman
– Humans who possess nature magic. Similar to druids, but not the same. Most shaman can shift into a specific animal.

Shield
– A protection spell. Forms a wall usually of one or two elements.

Silver
– Wereanimals have an aversion to silver. It burns, and wounds caused by silver weapons or bullets are much slower to heal than a normal wound

Silver Council
– Organization of mages. They are the governing force of most Others. Not everyone recognizes them, but they try to police all Others. The Silver Council is mostly made up of formally trained mages. They occasionally will employ other casters.

Translocation
– Some mages can vanish and reappear in another area. It is a rare talent.

Ward -
A spell that protects, sometimes keeps people from entering.

Warded tattoos
– Tattoos usually done by druids, shaman or sometimes mages that have a spell imbued into the pattern. The spell is typically of a protective variety.

Werewolves
– Specific type of wereanimal. A werewolf is created when a werewolf in either its beast form, or half-man form, bites and in rare cases scratches a human. They are incredibly strong, and faster than a normal human. Powerful werewolves can not only shift into their wolf form but also a physical presence larger than human, covered in fur with enormous claws and bestial head. Their sense of smell and sight are very strong, especially in their beast forms.

Witch
– A human who is highly sensitive to magic, and can cast a limited amount of magic. Abilities vary from clairvoyance, empath, telekinesis, or various other psychic abilities. Most are adept at potions which combine natural ingredients with magic.

As always, I have to start with my mom who has always been my biggest supporter. You’ve always encouraged me to do what I want. Thank you for everything.

To my husband who probably thinks I’m nuts, and my kids who think I’m the coolest mom in the world because I write, even if they can’t read my stories yet, I love you so much. I couldn’t ask for more.

My Dauntless Indies ladies, you are amazing. You’re all so supportive, and tend to have great advice.

A special thank you to Felicia Tatum for being a great cheerleader, and help with beta reading.

Sarah M Cradit, I love bouncing ideas off you. You never seem to mind the crazy twists I come up with, but then again, you come up with plenty of your own.

Kristin Mayer, even if you aren’t usually a paranormal romance reader, you’re still a great beta reader. I love having your perspective in the early stages of a book so I can make sure some of my supernatural things make sense.

LJ Baker, you are amazing. Never forget that as much as you push and encourage me, I’m right behind you rooting you on.

To my other beta’s, thank you. That goes to you Christine, Magen McMinimy, and Shirley Williams.

Tara Shaner, thank you for diving into my world to edit. You’ve been superb. I appreciate all the hard work and the few odd pieces you had to research.

Others of Edenton Book 4

Copyright 2014 Brandy L Rivers

Chapter 1

One chance, that’s all he had. Devlin sat in his hotel room, finally feeling some semblance of freedom. How long it would last? There was no telling, but he needed to make an attempt.

Holding the chain in his hands drowned out the white noise that had filled his head. Twenty years of constant static, all thanks to the Dales and the wards their dark mages placed on him, blotting his last connection to the outside world. Slipping the white gold links over his head completely disintegrated the disruptive spells.

Built up tension from years of fighting the dark magic melted away. He took a deep, cleansing breath and let it out slowly. Peace washed through him. The relief was immense. Devlin slumped onto the bed, his eyelids sliding shut, succumbing to real sleep for the first time in ages.

The moon shone bright over
a crystal clear lake. Thousands of stars were reflected, like floating diamonds, sparkling. The breeze blew gently through red cedar, pine, and maple. The clean mountain air reminded him of camping with his family when he was a boy.

It had been so long since he had the liberty
, and desire, to enjoy nature. The water called to Devlin. Carefully, without a sound, he pulled the clothes from his body and placed them on the stump beside him.

With a slow breath, he walked into the gentle ripples
, creating larger crests of his own. Warm water greeted him, and he dove under, swimming deeper.

The splash caught Devlin’s attention. He broke the surface to
find nothing, and no one. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his senses and felt a werewolf.

He started for the shore, but a woman surfaced before him
. A slow smile spread on her face when he nearly flailed back, splashing her in his surprise.

“Your
heart’s pounding.” Amusement sparkled in her pale topaz blue eyes as she placed one small hand over his chest. Warmth washed through him.

Yet, he was terrified the Dales were tracking him.
A dream, nothing more than a dream. They can’t find me
, he reminded himself.

“You startled me,” Devlin replied.

“Hmm.” Her foot brushed against his calf, sending a shiver through his entire body. She tapped her finger to her chin. “You remind me of someone, but I can’t figure out who.”

Intrigued
, and certainly heading toward aroused, he asked, “What makes you say that?”

One corner of her shiny pink mouth lifted
impishly. “Don’t know, but you do.” Her voice had taken on a husky purr which effectively made his blood pump faster.

A dream, just a dream
, he told himself. Then he did something bold, something he hadn’t done in so long he was sure he’d fail, even in a fantasy. “What’s a sweet little wolf like you doing out here all alone?”

Her giggle was melodic,
and her already dazzling eyes lit up. “Looking for love in all the wrong places.”

His resistance broke as if on cue. Her tiny waist fit
perfectly in his hands, her hips flared in a way that made him groan. Devlin propelled them closer to the shore, until his feet touched bottom.

Before he could make his move, her legs locked around his hips and her
fingers caressed up his shoulder and neck to delve into his hair. She grazed her lips over his. Afraid to take things too far, he slid his hands up her back, pressing her full breasts against his chest.

Needing more o
f her taste, he deepened their kiss. Devlin felt more alive than he could remember.
A dream, just a blasted dream
, his brain chimed in. The knowledge didn’t stop him from sweeping his tongue into her mouth when she opened to him.

Her
body undulated in tune with his, and her heated core slid against his hardened length. The urge to bury himself in her was too much.

Pulling back, he whispered, “Your name? Need your name, precious.”

“Precious?” She licked her lips as she stared back at him with something like awe in her big blue eyes.

He tipped his forehead to hers and breathed in her wild but seductive scent. “You’ve set me free of my old life. You’ve given me something to look forward to.” He didn’t know where the words came from, but he didn’t dare take them back. They felt right.

“Jamie Abrams. You better come to me.” There was a command hidden in her sweet sassy voice. “I’ll be waiting.”

He nodded, rolling her name through his head like a fine wine over his tongue.

Devlin woke with a start, the name Jamie Abrams
dancing through his mind until he reached for his laptop. Something told him he needed to find this woman, if she was even real.

This
dream was different, vaguely familiar, the knowledge at the edges of his memory, just out of reach. Her name was something he’d heard before. If only he could recall where.

* * * *

“Bad Influence” by P!nk played on her phone, drawing Jamie from her too-short nap. Time had passed since she dozed off. The sun was warm on her shoulders, and her kindle had shut off. She could still feel his lips on hers, his body heating against her.

Shaking off the dream, Jamie hit talk. “Hi Jess. Aren’t you and Slater busy?”

“Not at the moment. He had to go with Hayden.” Jess let out a sigh. “Are we still on for tonight?”

Jamie dropped her head to her arm. “Yeah. We are.” She wasn’t
sure she still felt like going, but she had promised. “How long do I have to get ready?”

“About an hour before we leave. I’m heading over to get ready with you.” There was a hint of concern in her twin’s voice. It made her nervous. Too many times over the years, Jess would waltz in and warn her about some horrible event lurking around the corner. This felt like all those times.

“See you soon,” she answered with a sigh. Jamie hung up, and climbed to her feet before gathering her tea, kindle and the fleece blanket she had laid out in the open back yard.

Why didn’t I ask his name?
His emerald eyes still haunted her, his nervous attraction drawing her in, intriguing her. She had a million questions, but she knew there was no time. Then, for some illogical reason, she told Mr. Dream Man to find her.

A
fantasy, a god damned fantasy.
One that felt so damned real she had a hard time believing it was so simple.

Why could I feel his emotions in my dream? That doesn’t happen.

Jamie went inside, dropped her cup in the kitchen, tossed the blanket and kindle on the chair, before going back to her room. September was still warm enough she didn’t feel the need to layer up. She went with a cute floral sundress and tied her pale hair into a ponytail before touching up her makeup.

His deep accented voice played through her head. She
took a slow breath and let out a dreamy sigh. “Precious, he called me precious.”

Jess giggled, stepping into the bathroom with her. “Who did? What did I miss?”

Jamie pouted. “My dream man.”

“Your dream man?” One pale eyebrow arched. “And who would that be?”

“No one you know. No one I know.” The reality dragged down her good mood. “Doesn’t matter, it was a silly dream.”

Jess’ whole face scrunched in consideration. “I hate to tell you this, but don’t trust a dream.”

“It was only a dream,” Jamie shrugged. “A really hot dream which felt more real than any other I’ve ever had, but a dream nevertheless.”

His sexy rumbled endearment
word whispered through her head, the intensity in his gaze thrilling her, even though the dream was over.

A smirk formed on Jess’ lips. “
You
need
to get laid. It’s been how long since Preston?”

Jamie’s eyes narrowed, and she
crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t need a man to tide me over until I find my mate. I’m done wasting my time on men who can’t be what I need.”

“Okay then. So what did Mr. Dream Man look like?”

“It was dark, the moon shining down over the lake, and we were in the water. His skin was pale—I think he was a redhead, but I can’t be sure. His eyes sparkled like emeralds. Mmm, and his body certainly felt long and hard. Oh, and his mouth was so damned scrumptious.” There was definitely a dreamy quality to her voice she didn’t bother to hide.

Jess rubbed her chin, watching her
sister closely. “I don’t recall anyone fitting that description around here.”

Jamie rolled her eyes, turning back to find her favorite pin
k lip gloss. “It’s just a dream.”

* * * *

Devlin sat, staring at the laptop screen. He found a blog for Edenton.
The Edenton Crier
, where not only did he find small town news about Jamie Abrams, but he also found information about Fallon O’Shea.

His sister, who he hadn’t seen in sixty-two years was getting married. The one who likely didn’t remember him. The one his mother chose over him.

Logically, he knew it wasn’t that simple. There had been many good reasons his parents made the decision they did. Nothing could change the feeling of being cast away by his mother. Dad always told Devlin it was to keep them both safe, but it was his father’s fault he was held by the Dales.

He scrubbed a hand over his face, and drew a breath. If Fallon didn’t know, maybe it was for the best. St
ill, he needed to see her once to find out if their parents’ choices worked out for one of them.

It was too late to get
back any semblance of the life he should have had. Free or not, the Dales would come for him. He couldn’t chance leading them to his sister, or his little wolf.

He smiled, remembering her pale blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Now, her twin’s name
, he learned from the blog, he recognized. He’d heard stories from some of the survivors of the San Francisco underground ring. Fallon destroyed the whole facility, freeing many Others.

If only he could have been there, perhaps he could have been one of
the ones set free.

In two days’ time, his baby sister was going to be married. He remembered holding her chubby, wriggling little body. Her big green eyes staring up at him while she
fiercely gripped his finger in her tiny hand.

Part of him still missed her and the relationship they could have shared. Often, he wondered about her life, about their mother, about so many things
which could have been different.

With his decision made, Devlin packed up his few belongings, and made his way to a car dealership where he paid cash for an older model car. He had a long way to go, and he wanted to be inside
before dark.

More coming summer 2014