Chapter 4
SUNSET WASN’T UNTIL almost 9:20 p.m., which meant Aegis wouldn’t even be able to start for home until then. While Kelson began a thorough shakedown of the house, I went grocery shopping. My mother was used to luxurious food, and—as she had pointed out to me in her letters—if the service wasn’t top-notch, she made certain to complain. By “top-notch,” she meant over the top, grovel on the ground, kiss her feet or at least her ass.
As I tossed cartons into the grocery cart, I could already feel my defenses rising. Damn it, why the hell had she decided to ignore my pleas and come anyway. I had written to her back in January after she had mentioned coming out, asking her to please wait. I had done everything but say “I don’t want you here,” but Zara wasn’t one to take a hint. Or an outright order. She ignored whatever she didn’t want to hear.
I started to reach for a jar of caviar and stopped, my fingers inches away from it.
“No, damn it. Just no. You aren’t going to make me spend a ton of money just to please you when I don’t even like you.”
“Maddy? Are you all right?” An all-too-familiar voice broke through my thoughts.
I shook my head and turned around. Ralph Greyhoof was standing there, looking at me with a concerned gleam in his eye. Just who I needed right now. Then again, he was the one I needed to talk to.
Shaking my head, I said, “Not really. I have a very problematic guest coming in tonight and I tried to call you, but you weren’t home. You wouldn’t happen to have a room open that I could rent for her, do you?”
The concern turned to suspicion. “Why? What’s the punch line?” He shifted, his hooves clicking on the floor.
“I’m not joking, Ralph. I don’t want her staying at my house.” I let out a sigh. “If you must know, my mother’s coming to town and we don’t get along. I haven’t seen her in about ten years and frankly, I don’t care if I ever see her again. I told her not to come but she never listens to me. I thought I could rent her a room at your inn and save myself a headache.”
He blinked, dropping the bag of potato chips he was holding into the cart. “Your mother?”
“Yeah, my mother. Trust me, I’m serious. So, do you have a room? I’ll pay you double what you normally charge, just to make certain she’s out of my hair.”
Ralph stared at me for a moment, then tossed his butt-length braid over his shoulder. He was a good-looking guy and the fur on his muscular legs was a very silky brown. But he was also a pain in the ass. We had, thanks to his paranoia, developed an ongoing feud since I opened the Bewitching Bedlam. He was convinced I was trying to steal his business. He and his brothers—George and William—owned the Heart’s Desire Inn. To be accurate, their inn was actually a brothel/hotel for horny, lonely women. And a few horny men. Our clientele had almost no overlap, but Ralph was convinced that we were out for the same guests. After a rocky past six months, we had agreed to try to coexist. I wasn’t sure he had it in him, but I was willing to try.
“You don’t have to pay me double, Maddy. We have a room open.” He worried his lip for a moment, then added, “I want to apologize again about my cousin Honey. I never should have done what I did.”
That gave me pause. I wasn’t used to Ralph actually taking responsibility for anything.
“All right. I accept your apology. I suppose we should let bygones be bygones.” I wanted to add, “As long as it doesn’t happen again,” but decided that was just poking the bear. Or the goat, in this situation.
“We’re good, then?” He flashed me a nervous smile.
“Sure. We’re good. And thanks about the room. I’ll bring Zara over around nine. I have to think of some excuse why she can’t stay in our own guest rooms. I suppose I can tell her that they’re reserved.”
He laughed. “Tell her that you have bedbugs. That should do it!”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh yeah, and have her go blabbing it all over town how her daughter is a slovenly housekeeper? No, thank you. I’ll just say that all the rooms are booked for the rest of the week and we’re expecting the guests starting tomorrow. Hell, if I have to, I’ll dig up Snow and her boys and pay them to come back for a couple days. I know they like their new apartment, but this is an emergency.”
That brought a laugh from the satyr, and I joined in. He had been responsible for Snow White and her dwarves joining our community, but again—water under the bridge.
We said good-bye and I ignored the caviar and headed for the checkout counter. Maybe Ralph could turn over a new leaf. I was willing to at least give him the chance.
BY THE TIME I got home, Kelson had some good news. “We’ve booked the rest of the rooms. Delia called. She has cousins—on her father’s side, I’m from her mother’s side—coming in from Bellingham and she doesn’t have enough room for them. A mother and father, and twin girls. I hope you don’t mind, but I booked your personal guest room, too. They’re bringing their nanny.”
“I heart you too, woman.” I grinned. “Finally, something is going our way. Now Zara will have to stay with Ralph. By the way, I ran into him at the supermarket. He’ll save a room for her.” I glanced at the clock. It was three p.m. “I should run back over to Sandy’s and see how she’s doing. Can you handle things here? By the way, I’ll take my mother out to eat, so don’t worry about dinner for her.’
“I’m fine. You go on. Bubba can keep me company.”
As I headed back to the car, I snagged a bottle of espresso-flavored vodka and tucked it in the back seat. Never let it be said I came without bearing gifts.
SANDY WAS IN front of her computer, arguing with the voice controls. “Stupid Oxbow, I said ‘Open new document,’ not ‘Open news site.’ ” She looked up as Jenna escorted me into the library. “Thank gods you’re here. This thing is driving me out of my mind. Can you tweak it?”
I groaned. I knew basic programming and how to work around a lot of software glitches, but I had spent a full week helping Franny tighten up the voice command recognition program, and it wasn’t a quick undertaking.
“All right, but we’ll have to schedule a time to do that. It’s not something I can help you adjust in just a few minutes.” I paused, setting the bottle of vodka down on the desk. “You on pain pills?”
Most of the pain medications for Otherkin were specialty blends, given the difference in our genetic makeup from humans. We couldn’t take ibuprofen and aspirin like humans. Every race within the Pretcom had its own mixtures that worked, and a list of those that could kill.
“Yeah. But they don’t contraindicate for booze. I asked Dr. Beems to make certain of that.”
Sandy and I were the original party-hearty girls, and we liked our cocktails.
“Good, because I’m going to need a pity party before the week is out.” I dropped into a chair, staring morosely at the computer. “Guess who’s coming to visit?”
Sandy squinted, then let out a groan. “Zara?”
“Yeah. Zara. She’s coming in tonight before Aegis will even be awake and on his way home. I’m boarding her at Ralph’s.”
That brought a snort. “Oh, she’ll just love that. Your mother is a…”
“You can say it—she’s a snob. She’s also a bitch. I wish to hell she would have listened to me when I told her not to come, but there’s nothing I can do now except try to make her stay as unwelcome as possible. If I just outright tell her to leave, she’ll put on a betrayed melodrama of angst and anguish.” I paused, then asked the question that had been needling at the back of my mind. “Do you think I’m wrong? Should I try to iron things out with her?”
Sandy rolled her eyes. “Maddy, how many times have you asked me that?”
I thought back. “Too many times to count.”
“How many times have you actually tried to make the relationship with her work?”
That one was easier. “More times than I want to admit.”
“And does it ever work out?” Sandy leaned forward as far as she could in her wheelchair. “I’ve watched you bend over backward for that woman and no matter what you do or say, it’s never been enough. You could hold your breath until you turn blue and she’d still say you’re using up too much oxygen. Isn’t it time to just admit that you and Zara are never going to find a comfortable place together?”
Max was edging toward the door, Jenna by his side. I glanced over at them.
“Don’t go. This is all common knowledge, at least with Sandy. She knows my mother and she knows what hell the woman has put me through.”
Jenna cleared her throat. “I feel like that with my mom.”
Sandy jerked her head up. “What?”
“My mother…I can never do anything right.” The girl lowered her eyes. “To be honest, when she said she was going on a world tour and that you were going to be my guardian for the time being, I was relieved. You don’t constantly nag me.”
I gave Sandy a quiet look. True, Jenna had never indicated that she was unhappy, but whenever we mentioned her mother returning, she had always quickly changed the subject.
“Well, maybe your mother is unhappy with her own life,” I said, trying to navigate a potential minefield. “That’s my mother’s problem. Zara doesn’t like herself or her own life. She’s never satisfied, and she always feels like the world owes her more than it ever has. So, nobody can measure up to her standards.”
Sandy shook her head. “Give it up, Maddy. Just tell her this time that you don’t want to keep up contact. That you’re both happier when you don’t try to connect.”
I nodded. I knew I needed to do that, and to some extent I had tried. But I had never just sat down with Zara and bluntly told her the truth: I didn’t like her, and she didn’t like me.
“I guess you’re right. Anyway, I should go. Kelson is cleaning, even though she already cleaned. Gods know why I even bother. It never matters anyway.” Feeling defeated, I stood up.
“Maddy, if it makes it any easier, I know your mother and I know what she’s like. It’s not you, sweetie. It’s Zara. Nothing will ever be good enough for her.”
As I headed home, I decided that Sandy was right. It was time to confront my mother and to be upfront with her. Straightening my shoulders, I decided to meet the dragon head-on.
EIGHT O’CLOCK. I tensed. My mother was notoriously late, but this time, I wished she’d just show up so we could get it over with. I was determined to have her back on the plane tomorrow morning. I also wanted Aegis by my side, more than I’d wanted anything in a long while.
Kelson was rinsing the last of the dinner dishes and stacking them in the dishwasher when the doorbell rang. I smoothed my skirt. I was wearing a vibrant royal blue sundress, heels, and my hair and makeup were impeccable. I needed to feel as pulled together as I could, because Zara was extremely good at pushing buttons.
“Do I look okay?” I glanced over at Kelson for one last bit of reassurance.
“You look wonderful, Maddy. Go on, and don’t let her cow you.”
Taking a deep breath, I answered the door.
And there she was. Just as I remembered her, though a little bit thinner and a little bit sharper looking. At five-foot-three, my mother was about two inches shorter than me. She had long black hair like mine, only it was starting to show streaks of silver. Her face was narrow and angular, her eyes a glittering blue. She plastered on a smile and held out her arms for an air hug.
“Maudlin, it’s so good to see you again.” She brushed my cheek with a whisper of a kiss and then skirted past me, pushing into the living room. “It’s been too long. You never visit your old mother anymore. I suppose you’re too busy with your new life.”
I pulled back. The zings were already starting. “Leave your suitcase there, Mother. Would you like some coffee? How was your flight?” I was determined to keep the conversation on a superficial level. Just keep it light and simple, Maddy, I thought. Don’t give her any more ammunition than she already has.
“Abominable, as usual. And I would love some coffee.” She stopped in the middle of the room, looking around. The newlyweds were out, and Mr. Mosswood was in his room. “Rather empty for a hotel, isn’t it? You call this a lobby?”
“I’m not running a hotel, Mother. I’m running a bed-and-breakfast. My guests have eaten dinner and are off doing whatever it is they planned on doing for the evening.” I motioned for her to follow me. “This way.”
“I was surprised to see you bought such an old house. It looks like it was plucked right out of the English countryside. So quaint. I imagine it’s just falling apart at the seams.” She finally started moving, and I led her into the kitchen.
The Bewitching Bedlam was a long, tall house. I had been calling it a Victorian until Sandy had corrected me not long ago. A long stone mansion, it actually did resemble a number of houses found in England. Almost like a colonial, only made out of old stone. Two stories, with an attic and a basement, the house had been abandoned when I bought it, left to fall into ruin. But Aegis and I had restored it, bringing it back to life.
“Actually, this house has really good bones. Aegis and I have put a lot of work into it, and we’re returning it to a lot of its former glory in a modernized way. Which reminds me,” I said, entering the kitchen, “I’m going to have you stay with a friend of mine in his inn. I don’t have any empty rooms here.”
Zara froze, her eyes narrowing. “So you don’t have room for your mother?”
“No, since you didn’t give me any warning that you’d be coming in until today.”
“I sent you a letter several months ago—”
“Yes, with a vague mention of coming to visit. To which I replied, maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. No arguments. You’re staying at Ralph Greyhoof’s inn.” I stopped, biting my tongue as the words came out sharper than I intended. “Sit down. I’ll bring you some coffee.”
She took a seat at the kitchen table. I carried over a tray with the coffee on it and the rest of the cake that Kelson had bought for dinner. As I sat down, I wondered how the hell I was going to get through however long it was she planned to stay. Which brought the question to mind…
“Just how long are you going to be visiting?”
“I have to give you a date?” She accepted the coffee and poured in a smidgeon of creamer. “I was planning on a week, if you must have a time frame. I’m thinking of relocating.”
Oh no. No, no, no.
“I guarantee you wouldn’t like living here in Bedlam, Mother. It’s too provincial for your tastes, and I doubt if you would find much here to interest you.” I held her gaze, wondering if it was too soon to shoo her over to Ralph’s.
“Well,” she said softly. “I suppose that answers one of my questions.” She paused, then glanced around. “So where’s this new boyfriend of yours?”
Feeling simultaneously like a heel, yet also relieved, I let out a long breath. “Aegis will be home tonight. His band has been on a regional tour for the past week. They’re actually doing very well.” I took a sip of my coffee, so wired by now that I would never get to sleep.
Another awkward pause. Then Zara let out a soft laugh.
“I suppose you still have that fluffy ragamuffin of a cjinn?”
“Yeah, Bubba’s around here somewhere. He’s really a sweetheart, if you would just give him a chance.”
She put down her cup and leaned back. “I have some things to talk over with you while I’m here. Don’t worry, I’m not planning on moving to your little hamlet here. But there are subjects we need to discuss. I won’t wear out my welcome, Maudlin, since I see it’s on such thin ice. Why don’t you take me over to this inn now, so I can relax and unwind from the flight.”
Startled by her forthrightness, I led her out to the car and, loading her luggage into the trunk, drove over to Ralph’s. We got her situated in her room and I left, relieved to have a moment to think. By nine o’clock, I was home and drowning myself in a bag of sprinkle-covered animal crackers.
At nine-twenty, my phone rang. It was Aegis. We didn’t bother with Skype or video, since I wouldn’t be able to see him.
“Hey love, I’m about to head for home. It will take me a couple of hours, but I’ll be there as soon as I can. How’s Sandy doing?” He sounded a bit sleepy, which didn’t surprise me, given he had just woken up for the night.
“She’s pretty banged up, but she’ll survive. Which is more than I can say for me. Guess who came into town this evening?”
“Uh-oh, I don’t know who but by the tone of your voice, I have the feeling it isn’t someone on your list of favorites.”
“My mother. She texted earlier today that she was coming in tonight, and sure enough, she showed up. I farmed her out to Ralph’s. Thank gods we have new guests coming in tomorrow so I have a good reason for not letting her have a room. Delia’s relatives are coming to town and they’ll be staying here.” I let out a sigh. “I miss you. In more ways than one.” Aegis was the best lover I’d ever had—even surpassing Tom. We meshed in a way that neither one of us understood and didn’t even try to explain. It just worked.
“I miss you, too. I’ll be home as soon as I can. Hold on till I get there. I love you.”
“Fly safe.”
“You know I will.” He hung up. Aegis would travel home in a mist, though once he reached the ferry, he would have to take form in order to travel over the water to Bedlam, but that would be the longest leg of his journey. Luckily, Bedlam’s ferry ran once an hour, every hour, until two a.m.
I glanced at the clock. It was going on nine forty-five and he would be home by midnight. I decided to take a bath and lie down for a nap before he got home. Leaving Kelson to lock up, I headed upstairs, weary and ready to call it a day.
“MADDY? MADDY? COME on, love, wake up.”
I blinked, confused at first. Aegis was sitting on the bed, leaning over me as he whispered my name. As the realization that he was home washed over me, I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him down beside me. His lips met mine and I sank into the kiss, in a blur of sleep haze, desire, and relief.
“You’re home,” I whispered after a long, luxurious kiss.
“I’m home,” he whispered back, kissing me again. Aegis was tall, six-two, with long black hair that waved down to his mid-back. He had deep brown eyes that were ringed with crimson, and he was muscular and trim, with abs so chiseled you could grate cheese on them.
I shifted, turning fully on my back as he pressed down on me, his hips slowly moving against mine. He kissed me again and again, and then pulled back, stripping off his T-shirt and unbuckling his jeans as I pushed back the sheet. I was naked. I had managed to fall asleep while I was lying on the bed to dry off after my bath.
Aegis slid between my legs, leaning down to take my nipple in his mouth, worrying it as he circled it with his tongue. He slid one hand down my stomach, to between my thighs where he began to stroke me. I moaned, placing one hand over his as he circled my sex, rubbing gently at first, then starting to speed up.
“I want to fuck you,” he whispered, looking up from my breast. “I want to fuck you hard.”
“Yes, yes, please.” My body ached. It had been a week, and Aegis and I were still hot and heavy after nine months together. I slid up beneath him to sit, propped up by the headboard. “What do you want, my love? You want to watch?”
Aegis liked to watch me—he had a touch of the voyeur in him. He knelt back on his heels, staring at me. “Touch yourself.” His voice was low, commanding. “Run your fingers over your breasts.”
I began to stroke my nipples, tracing the aureole with my fingers, then cupped my breast—what I could fit of it in my hand—and squeezed. Letting out a little moan, I shifted, holding Aegis’s gaze as I did so, pursing my lips.
“What now?” I asked, my voice raspy.
“Slide your hand down,” he said, his eyes glittering.
I slid my other hand down, running one finger over my clit, stroking slowly at first, then increasing my pace as I moaned again. Then, I lifted my finger to my lips and flickered my tongue out, very lightly licking my finger.
Aegis let out a low growl and pounced, dragging me into his arms. I put my hand on his chest and shook my head. “No. On your back, vampire.”
He rolled over, stretching out, his erection strong and firm. I reached down and grasped his cock, squeezing just hard enough to make him gasp. It was odd, loving a man who didn’t breathe, who was silent as the grave unless he spoke. His skin was cold like silken snow, but not clammy. I leaned down, taking his shaft in my mouth, gliding my tongue around its considerable girth. I pursed my lips at the tip, then let him force his way through them, parting them with the width and strength of his passion. At first, I ran my tongue around him, then began long strokes, taking the length of him in my mouth time and again.
Aegis moaned, reaching to run his fingers through my hair. “Oh, Maddy…”
I speeded up, my tempo increasing as he clenched his butt, his balls and dick thrusting upward. Another moment and he reached down to tap my shoulder.
“Stop,” he said with a ragged voice. “Ride me, Maddy. Ride me.”
I crawled up his body, my breasts pressing against him. I straddled him, arching to shake out my hair, and then, with his hands guiding my hips, I slid down his length, taking him into my body as he filled me up. He began to stroke me with one hand as the other rested on my hip. I rocked, moaning as the flames between us built. He thrust upward to meet me, and we fell into a rhythm as he grabbed hold of my waist and rolled me over, shifting his weight between my legs as he penetrated my body, driving hard with his hips.
I bent my knees, bringing them up and wide so he could have the best leverage possible, and then raised them over his shoulders. He stretched me, his shaft driving deep. My breathing was the only sound in the room—I was panting, moaning as he silently ravished me, his eyes burning crimson and triumphant.
“Faster,” I said, my teeth chattering from hunger.
He responded, plunging into me time and again, his weight heavy against my body. “You want to come? Tell me you want to come!”
“Yes, I want to come.” I could barely breathe now, the words coming out in ragged pants.
Aegis laughed then, and reached down with one hand to stroke my sex again, and his touch—icy cold against the heat of my body—was enough to set me off. I couldn’t hold back any more. I let out a small shriek as the orgasm rippled through my body, and then, with one last thrust, he held himself taut, coming with me, growling low and deep.
I dropped back, my body shaking with the aftershock, and closed my eyes.
Aegis began to laugh softly. “You made it rain roses again, love. I guess you really are happy to see me.” He stroked my face.
I opened my eyes. Once again, as happened every now and again, as I came a shower of rose petals drifted lazily down over the bed, their touch caressing our bodies.
“Oh love,” I whispered, “you don’t know how happy I am to see you.” And I closed my eyes as, without a word, he began to move again, this time making long, slow, love to me in the quiet of the summer night.