Underworld Lover (A Guardian Angel Romance #2) (22 page)

“You’ve changed, Josh.” She said something he knew to be true. He felt his eyes begin to water. He considered that maybe he had just lost it, like Josh’s sponsor had just before he’d stepped into the flame three hundred years ago. Perhaps there had been a woman involved, as well. Josh understood now why someone would want to end their immortal life, especially if they thought it was the only way to protect someone they loved.

“Claire, stay away from him. I don’t trust him,” Daniel said as he pulled her away, encircling her waist with his muscular arms.

Josh turned so he could dry his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. He rolled his neck and shook out his shoulders, fluttering his hands at his sides. His leather jacket was hot in the cozy living room with the roaring fireplace. It was too quiet. The colors of the big paintings too brilliant. The love he smelled between the two humans who he’d once tried to claim was too strong.

But this, all of this, is what I want now.
He realized that, far from making him sick, it was what he desired more than anything else in the universe. And he probably wouldn’t be able to have it. He turned to face the two, deciding he would try, anyway.

“I’ve met someone,” Josh said. He found humor in the expressions Daniel and Claire gave him—pure shock. Both their mouths opened as their eyes widened. Claire slapped her chest and gasped.

Josh took a deep breath and continued. “I want to bring her here, introduce her. I may need to ask for your help.”

“Since when did you need any help in seducing a woman? Or is she another Guardian?” Daniel said with bitterness.

“No, I don’t want to claim her, take her soul. I want her to stay human. She’s a human woman. And I think I am in love.”

Claire’s answer was to run to Josh. He felt her warm body against his chest, felt his arms engulf her. He felt for the first time like he had a sister that he knew he never had.

“I’m so happy for you, Josh,” she said to his chest. “That’s wonderful. Of course we will do whatever we can.”

Daniel was standing with one knee cocked, hands on his hips, shaking his head. “I’m not sure I believe this, Josh.”

“I understand.” Josh stiffened as he pulled Claire off him, then held her at arm’s length. He looked into her face and said, “I mean no harm to either of you. I am asking for your help instead. And it is the most difficult thing I have ever done.”

Chapter 30

Melanie was glad to see Josh drive up to the shop. She had been keeping an eye out for his black Hummer all morning, and was relieved when it finally showed up. As his tall, dark frame graced her doorway, she walked straight into his arms, unconcerned about the gawking Travis. She was satisfied with the warm reception Josh’s lips gave her. He pulled her into the shop, glancing around him to the parking lot outside.

“He hasn’t stopped by. At least, not that I know of,” she told him. “Can he change form?”

“Yes. We have to be very careful, Melanie.” He hugged her again. “How much does the boy know?”

“Nothing beyond what he has just seen.”

“Good. But no more of this. I don’t care how you feel; you have to be careful.” He whispered in her ear, “He could even take on Travis’s body. See what I mean?”

She nodded as her stomach lurched.

“Nice to see you, Travis.” Josh tipped his head. “Can I help you with something?”

“Nah, we got it all set out. Been busy, though.”

“I’m going to need to borrow your boss for a couple of hours. Can you handle things?” Melanie watched Travis check with her first before giving an answer.

“It’s okay, Travis. Josh and I have some things to do. I think it’s died down enough. If something comes up, call me.”

They were headed out the door when Melanie stopped to think about a last minute instruction. “Travis, if someone comes by looking specifically for me, or wants to know where I am or when I will return, don’t give out any information, okay?”

“So what do I tell them?”

“Tell them I’ll be back. Don’t tell them who I’m with.”

“You expecting someone?” Travis had wrinkled his brow as if the thought was distasteful.

“Yes and no,” she heard herself say. It was easier to be cryptic than she thought. Although she felt safe in Josh’s presence, she was filled with the overwhelming need to protect their relationship.

Josh and Melanie drove back to the old part of town, holding hands over the center console. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“First to pick up Felix, then to my friend’s house.”

“Felix is here?”

“Yes. I told you he wants to see you. I promised him.”

Some of the old trees on the wide street were dripping with moss. Manicured hedges and ample front yards, many of them with intricate wrought-iron fencing and gates, bordered massive Victorians in a variety of pastel colors. All of these mansions were well maintained, like the rare vintage showplaces they were. A dark green Tudor-style home came up on the right. Josh slowed, then turned in the driveway.

Melanie had not expected his home would be so large. Josh came around the car and let her out with no outward show of affection, but the touch to her hand as he helped her stand made her tingle all over.

Josh found the front door locked, so fumbled for keys, opening the large two-inch thick wooden door with beveled glass upper panel. They stepped inside the dark foyer. Though it was noon, the house was cool and enveloped in shadow when no lights were on. Josh used to like his space dark and secretive.

The door closed with a creak, followed by a click.

“Felix?” Josh called to the upstairs.

Melanie looked up at carved dark wood beams in the two-story living room ceiling. On almost every available wall was a painting, all of them brightly colored, done by different artists. She preferred the jungle scenes. Several Gothic furniture pieces, stained dark, haunted the perimeter. A stone and brick fireplace roared with flames four feet tall, and she could smell the burning pitch.

Felix appeared at the top of the stairway. His hands turned white as he gripped the metal handrail.

“Mel!” He raced down, taking two steps at a time, stopping just a few feet from her. His skin looked creamier than she remembered, but his eyes were jet black, something that did not go with his red hair. He must have noticed her fright, because he immediately looked down. In the old days, he would have given her a hug. She immediately felt sorry for him.

Melanie took two steps to close the gap between them and looked him over intimately. Reaching up to hold his warm face between her hands, she spoke the words she had rehearsed so many times before in the flower shop refrigerator.

“Felix, thank you for saving me. For saving my life. I only wish you had saved yours.” She saw tears begin to form in his already red-rimmed eyes. There was pain written all over his face.

“Me too,” he mumbled, shrugging. He took her hands in his. “I’ve been a little shit, made a mess of things, I’m afraid. Whatever happens, I am so sorry. Please believe, I have never wanted to cause you harm.”

Melanie wasn’t so sure she knew what he was talking about. She looked to Josh, who had his head down, contemplating the rich red oriental carpet. At last, he motioned for them to sit in the living room in front of the fireplace. She found the warm flames a welcome comfort to the chill around her.

Josh stood while Melanie and Felix sat in the two red leather high-backed chairs and listened.

“I’m going to take the both of you to some friends. At this point, they are the only people I can trust.” Josh walked in front of the fire, then strode back as he looked up at Felix with a clenched jaw. “Felix, you’re going to have to make a stand. You can just bow out and won’t know any of our plan. If you stay, there is a chance you will suffer grave consequences.” He hesitated when he repeated, “You understand what I mean by grave?”

“As in, Karl?” Felix asked.

“Exactly.” Josh turned to Melanie. “Peter has killed one of my crew. I think he did it after he came from seeing you.” Josh’s shoulders rounded. “Karl was no threat,” he said as he shook his head and looked at her. “Peter just likes to hurt people, people we care about. You need to know I am highest on his list.”

Melanie’s body felt cold and she began to shudder. She wrapped her arms around her chest and rubbed her shoulders, even though she could feel the warm fire.

“And that makes you a target. Except for one thing,” Josh continued.

“What is that?” Melanie asked.

“He wants you. He wants to claim you. He had this planned long ago, before you and I…met.” Josh gave a quick glance to Felix, who squinted his eyes and angled his head, his jaw tight. She saw the conflict between them as if they’d shouted it out.

“Felix, I need to know. We don’t have much time to get prepared.” Josh said.

“I’m in,” Felix answered.

“All the way?”

“If it has to be, yes.” Felix’s face was soft. Melanie saw the affection for her clearly marked in his dark eyes. “I will do everything I can to protect you, to right the wrong I have done—to all of us.”

Josh sighed. She knew this was some kind of confessional Josh had been looking for.

“Very well. We need to leave at once.” Josh turned off the fireplace, held out his hand for Melanie to take, and lead the way toward the front door. Felix walked silently behind.

The three did not speak for several minutes as the Hummer passed through neighborhoods, winding its way down a two-lane country highway past vineyards, tasting rooms and bed and breakfast inns. The leaves on the vines filled the fields with a bright new green color Melanie found cheerful and comforting. They came to a smaller village of homes and businesses, as Josh turned down a crushed granite driveway behind a grand home in front. Melanie saw the two-story stone cottage covered in vines, as remnants of a showy yellow and white bed of daffodils and narcissus attempted to cheer the trio. In between, blooming spring flowers richly carpeted the ground, making the scene look like a Monet painting.

“This is beautiful, Josh. Who lives here?” Melanie asked as Josh slung his arm around her waist and led her to the front door.

“Daniel and Claire DePalma.”

“No way, man. The Guardian?” Felix’s reaction alarmed Melanie.

“Yes.” Josh said as he knocked.

“You nuts? They’ll never allow me in there.”

“We’ll soon find out, won’t we?” Josh answered as the front door opened.

Melanie saw a handsome and very muscular dark haired man with dancing dark eyes, who greeted them warmly.

“Daniel, I’d like you to meet Melanie.” Melanie felt the soft gaze from his eyes and thought she might be looking into the face of Adonis himself.

“How very nice to meet you at last,” Daniel said with a distinct accent Melanie couldn’t make out. “Welcome to our home.” He motioned for them to come in.

As Felix passed by Daniel, he held out his hand.

“I’m Felix.”

Daniel seemed to be ready to shake Felix’s hand, but then pulled it away. His eyes narrowed and he kept his distance.

“Yes, Daniel. He’s dark, but he’s going to help us. He is Melanie’s human…friend.” Melanie saw Josh and Daniel exchange glances as she heard a female voice in the background.

“Melanie, how nice to get to meet you. Josh has said wonderful things about you.” A small blond woman, slightly older than Melanie, rushed forward, wearing a pair of very baggy blue jeans. She was barefoot and wore a big shirt, perhaps one of Daniel’s, rolled up at the sleeves. “I’m Claire. Welcome.” She gave Melanie a warm hug and stepped back. “Felix,” she said curtly as she nodded to him.

Felix couldn’t take his eyes off Claire. He watched her every move. Melanie became slightly concerned for her welfare.

They were ushered to a table off the kitchen. Claire brought a bowl of green salad and plate of sandwiches. She brought out a pitcher of ice water Melanie was grateful for, and coffee for Josh and Daniel. She noticed Claire had added so much cream to Josh’s coffee it was the color of a light caramel candy.

Before they served up, Daniel took Claire’s hand, motioning for the other three to do the same. Once the circle was formed, Daniel bowed his head.

“Father, we thank you for each and every day of our lives together, for the love of old and new friends and for the good work we do here in your name. Amen.”

Felix began to cough. “Well, that was a first. Definitely going to have to confess this at the next meeting.”

Josh cut him off. “No, Felix, you will not say anything of the kind. You are not to tell anyone about this, or the fact that you have participated in a pr…pr…I’m sorry, but I am not allowed to say it.” Josh glared at Felix.

“Prayer,” Daniel finished.

“If it makes you feel any better, it is also my first,” Josh answered.

“Mine as well,” Melanie couldn’t help but add.

“How is it, Josh, that you can say ‘Father’ but not ‘prayer’?” Claire asked, obviously amused by the subject matter.

“Don’t know. There is a theory that Father made all of us, even darks,” Josh answered.

“I do believe that,” she replied.

At last, Melanie could not contain herself. “I’m sorry, guys. Who is Father?”

“Who do you think?” Daniel chuckled and looked at her.

“You mean—” Melanie couldn’t bring herself to continue. “Am I going to meet this Father?”

Claire reached over and squeezed her hand. “In time, Melanie. All in due time. Hopefully not for many years.”

 Joshua looked like he’d just been slapped. “Okay,” he began. “We have to get down to business. Here are the facts as I see them.” He held one finger up. “Peter wants Melanie.” He continued to hold up fingers as he dictated the parameters of the situation. “Peter wants me to deliver Melanie to him. Then Peter will kill me and probably Felix.”

Felix’s head popped up. “Dude, this sucks.”

“That’s only one possible outcome, Joshua,” Claire blurted out.

“Right,” he said. “So here’s a couple more. I fight Peter and lose, then am killed. Or, I fight Peter and win, then kill him. The problem is that I don’t have any chance of beating Peter without your help.” He waved his fork in front of the other four. “And I have no idea how we defeat him.”