Pacific Palisades—Los Angeles, California
Roman directed the rented Mercedes to his parents’ mansion in the pricey enclave, parked out front, but didn’t kill the motor, his misgiving at an all-time high. He gripped the steering wheel.
Wren stroked his knuckles. “Everything will be okay. You’ll see.”
He lowered his face. “My dad has high blood pressure. When I tell him what I’ve become, anything can happen.”
“I won’t let it.” She rubbed his shoulder. “I’ll work my magic on him. He’ll be all right. Your mother will, too. They miss you. You can’t hide from them forever.”
He could try. Seven months had passed since he and Wren had made the switch back. During that time, she’d toiled nonstop on a spell and potion to make him human again. Didn’t work. Sabrina, Trish, and Cassie also tried separately and together to help.
Wasted effort.
The vamp who had turned him wasn’t anywhere in Vegas, that was for sure. He and Wren had even extended their search to surrounding cities.
Nothing.
He was still doomed but didn’t crave blood as relentlessly as he had in the past, thanks to her spells and willingness to feed him whenever he hungered.
Her offer did wonders in quelling his thirst. Knowing he had a ready blood supply allowed him to relax, wean himself from the stuff as best he could, and enjoy other things.
They’d moved in together. Some nights she joined him at the casinos to watch him gamble and show off. When she was around, he couldn’t help himself, wanting to be the man. During the other evenings, he attended her performances at the club, knowing how much she liked to strip. He didn’t have to wonder why. Her curves and silky skin were unmatched. Even after existing an eternity, he’d never get enough when it came to her.
He pulled her into his arms. “Can you put a spell on my folks to help them accept what I’ve told them and they won’t freak out or hate me?”
“They won’t.” She kissed his ear. “I’ll zap them with an incantation to open their minds and hearts, their prejudices and fear gone.”
“You can do that?”
She nodded.
“Shouldn’t you be using your skill to bring about world peace?”
“I wish I could.” Her face grew sad. “The truth is it takes power that will never come back and would eventually destroy me.”
“Are you serious?” He edged away, horrified. “I don’t want you hurting yourself so my folks still like me. I’ll earn their trust back the regular way. If I don’t, it’s okay.”
She pressed his hand to her cheek. “No, it’s not. I can easily survive without the power I’ll lose today. Remember, I’m the one who doesn’t like being a witch and would prefer doing things the mortal way. Earning a living, helping others, making you happy.”
“You’ve done more for me than you can know.”
“I have a faint idea.” She matched his grin then scooted back and popped the locks. “Ready?”
“No. But I’m doing this. Not for me. I can’t wait for them to meet you.”
Sudden concern filled her face, her previous confidence taking a nosedive. “Did I dress all right?”
She wore a modest white blouse, beige trousers, high-heel sandals, and underwear. As far as donning lingerie beneath her clothes was concerned, she’d told him this was a first for her, which she figured middle-aged, conservative mortals would appreciate.
She searched his face. “If I don’t look okay, let me know. I can change in a sec.”
He grabbed her hand before she could conjure anything. “You’re perfect. Ready?”
She slapped on a smile. “Sure.”
“Liar.” He chucked her chin. “Let’s face it, we’re a mess. The only solution I see other than fleeing—”
“We’re not taking the coward’s way out.”
“Then, for this suicide mission, I suggest we better help each other through it.”
She glowed, her cheeks pinking up. “What else? Together is the only way to go.”
“Agreed.” After they exited the car, he laced his fingers through hers.
She winked.
He fell in love even more.
As one, they approached his parents’ front door. The first steps in what they’d chosen for their future and throughout eternity.
Honesty between them. Caring for each other. Joy that enriched their days.
Love without end.