Chapter Seventeen
Home Is Where the Heart Is—Sometimes
Tristian let them out in the front and went to park the vehicle. Hannah fished out her keys and unlocked the door. Stefan pulled the heavy wooden door open while the women walked into the foyer. Hannah paused and motioned for them to follow her down a hallway, leading the way to a huge family room.
Light oak paneling covered two of the walls with a smooth stone fireplace spanning the entire third wall. The hearth was set in matching stone. Warm, rich golden hardwoods covered the floor with southwest-design area rugs scattered for accent. The vaulted ceiling had open beams running the entire length of the room, with floor-to-ceiling windows that alternated between multicolored stained glass panels and regular windows.
Hannah sat down on the light-blue fabric couch. The front door groaned open under protest as Tristian returned and joined her on the couch. Brandy pulled Stefan down beside her on a matching love seat, curling herself under his arm, and snuggled into the curve of his body.
When Stefan looked down at her, his heart swelled, and he couldn’t imagine life without her.
Tristian turned slowly to face Brandy and Stefan. “I imagine that Brandy has told you all about us. But our information about you is limited. Except that several months ago, she was here, absolutely inconsolable over the breakup of what I assume was your relationship. I don’t mind telling you that makes you a very unpopular person around here, regardless of previous encounters.”
Stefan met Tristian’s gaze and again shook his head slightly.
“Previous encounters?” Brandy looked from Stefan to Tristian, then to Hannah.
Ignoring Brandy, Tristian continued. “The next thing we know, she calls to tell us that she is coming for a visit and bringing you with her so we can meet you. She indicated you both needed a change of scenery.” Eyes narrowed, he asked, “Are you running from something or someone?”
“Tristian, you don’t know the whole story. Please don’t be rude,” Hannah begged.
“Hannah, Brandy is your younger sister. Don’t we have an obligation to protect her? We don’t know anything about this person—I use the term loosely—she’s involved with.”
Tristian shot Stefan a menacing glance as he shoved up from the couch, pacing the length of the room in front of them. “What we do know is that he broke her heart a few months ago when she appeared on our door step with unusual wounds that even I had only encountered a few times.
“We nursed her back to health, both mentally and physically, and sent her to Ireland, only to learn that she returned to him” Tristian stopped in front of Stefan, his fists clinched, the veins at his temples bulging. “The type of life we lead requires that we know everything about anyone close to us. They also need to know everything about us. If Brandy, by way of Stefan, brings danger to our doorstep, I need to know. Secrets can get us and anyone we care about killed.”
“Tristian, please” Hannah implored.
“No, Hannah, they need to know that if they decide on an extended visit, their way of life will be affected as well as our own.”
It was apparent Brandy hadn’t counted on this type of confrontation. Nor was she happy that Tristian was laying out exactly what occurred during their separation. Despite Tristian’s unwelcoming manner, Stefan understood exactly where he was coming from.
He respected the guy for wanting to protect his family from what Tristian perceived as a threat. It was reasonable to advise them of the threat that he brought to the equation. Tristian’s eyes lingered on the scars visible above Stefan’s collar.
Emotionally, Brandy was in no condition to explain anything. Tristian had opened old wounds that she hadn’t dealt with.
Stefan stood up, voice calm and body relaxed. “Hannah, Tristian is right. You both deserve to know the truth. Brandy and I had a rough time, but that’s over. We’re working out our differences and nothing is going to come between us again.” He looked at Hannah, then to Tristian, before continuing. “You have been brutally honest with me and I respect that. I’ll return the favor. I am a vampire. With Brandy’s help, I’ve changed my ways so I am—for the most part—not a danger to warm-bloods.” Stefan glanced at Tristian, watching for a reaction while hoping that Tristian would keep their secret a little while longer. Tristian was one hell of an actor. Stefan had to give him that.
Walking over to the window, Stefan looked out for a moment, hands behind his back, then turned to face them. “After quite a while together, a couple of months ago our world got as bad as it could possibly get. We made terrible mistakes. The scars Brandy bears I am responsible for, as I’m sure, Tristian, you have already figured out. I imagine that you figured that Brandy is responsible for the scars that I bear. Though superficial, they’re grim reminders of things that we’ll never let happen again.”
Staring directly at Tristian, Stefan continued in a calm, serious tone. “As far as our way of life being affected by associating with you two, if it’s what Brandy wants, I will gladly make whatever adjustments are necessary to make her happy.”
Tristian nodded thoughtfully.
“I understand why you don’t like me. For Brandy’s sake, I ask that you at least get to know me before you pass further judgment. Now, if you will excuse me, I really need to take care of some necessary activities of being a vampire.” I’ve gotta get out of here and sate my thirst.
“Fine, but I would like a few words in private, Stefan.” Tristian motioned for Stefan to follow him.
Stefan stood rooted to the spot.
“It’ll only take a minute.” Tristian walked out of the room, through the glass doors, and onto the back porch. After Stefan stepped onto the porch, still within sight and hearing of Brandy, Tristian shut the doors firmly behind them, and he moved away from the girls’ prying eyes, indicating Stefan do the same.
Stefan stepped to the side and opened his mouth to speak.
Tristian held his finger to his lips and whispered, “In a minute.” He continued to watch and listen through the glass.
Getting quickly to her feet, Brandy started to follow the men.
Without a word, Hannah put a hand on Brandy’s arm and said firmly, “Don’t. Let them work it out. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Brandy pushed Hannah’s hand away. “But you don’t understand.”
“Oh, little sister, it’s you who doesn’t understand. Just let them be. Let’s go check the kitchen and see if there is any wine left. Otherwise we’ll have to go down to the wine cellar.” Hannah gave her a little shove toward the kitchen.
****
“Okay, Stefan, what the hell is going on here?” Tristian clasped his hand and shook it vigorously. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”
“Not bad. You know I left the Vampire Council’s employment.”
Tristian nodded. “You told me when I saw you at the wedding. Was there a problem? Most vampires don’t leave the Council and live to tell about it, especially in your position.”
“I just wasn’t cut out to live that life. Lady Rose was unusually understanding about my leaving. She stood by our agreement when I first joined the Council and allowed me a semi-permanent sabbatical unless dire circumstances require my return. So far that’s not been the case.”
“It went down as you expected. You simply walked away? Unscathed?” Tristian’s brows rose nearly to his forehead.
“Yep, I moved to Montana where I’m the overnight DJ in a little radio station,” Stefan said proudly. “I’m sure Lady Rose still discreetly keeps tabs on me. Apparently I haven’t done anything to draw her ire.”
“You’re kidding me.” Tristian roared with laughter but quickly covered his mouth, not wanting to attract the girls’ attention. “You went from the Vampire Council’s assassin to a midnight DJ working among warm-bloods at a radio station? That must have been quite a trick.”
“It was tough at first. But I couldn’t continue the murder for hire. There was a difference of opinion within the Council. I was caught in the middle. Some of the vampires on the Council were issuing contracts without proof of wrongdoing. It was political and ugly.”
Tristian’s eyes rounded in surprise. “I thought Lady Rose was a strong and fair leader.”
“She is, but others wanted to undermine her leadership. They were in the minority but caused a serious rift. After I left, it’s my understanding that she and the majority of the Council tore the throats out and burned those refusing to follow the rules. Peace was restored. The human body count dropped dramatically.”
“Wow, I didn’t hear about that, only there was some kind of disagreement in the vampire realms,” Tristian said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Now, what are you hiding from Brandy?”
“Not hiding. Omitting. She doesn’t know I was an assassin. Thanks for covering for me. You’re a damn good actor.”
“And you are seriously involved with my sister-in-law. You need to straighten it out now, or I will,” Tristian said firmly, glancing back inside in an effort to locate the girls.
“Agreed.”
****
Stefan strode into the room with Tristian trailing behind.
Brandy met Stefan as he entered the room, wrapped her arms around him, and glanced from Hannah to Tristian. “We’ll be back in a few hours to continue this discussion.” She turned toward Hannah, her face lined with concern. “Please don’t tell Ma and Da anything that would upset them. I realize the brutal truth was necessary between the four of us, but not for them…not yet.”
The muscle in Hannah’s jaw twitched, but she nodded in agreement.
Stefan and Brandy walked past her sister and brother-in-law, then into the deep forest behind the house, traveling several miles to hunt. After Stefan sated his thirst and Brandy’s hunger, they headed back.
She touched his arm. “Stefan, I was so proud of the way you handled that situation at the house. Tristian caught me completely off guard, and I was at a loss. Sorry it was left all to you.”
“That’s okay.” He patted her hand, leaving his laid over hers. “It was apparent he opened wounds that you weren’t prepared to discuss. I figured it was only fair to take responsibility and clear the air. Tristian had every right to say what he did. His only interest is to protect you. From his point of view, I’m a danger to your well-being. Hopefully, he will reconsider that position eventually.”
“If he doesn’t, it will be his loss. I know Hannah will accept you,” she said determinedly, tiliting her head up, a mischievous smile spread across her face. “There’s always the rest of my family in Ireland.”
Approaching the house, Stefan stopped. It was now or face her while Tristian did. “Before we make any other plans, there is something I need to tell you.” Stefan intertwined his fingers with hers, holding on tight, motioning to the bench on the patio.
“What is it?” She glanced at their hands as the tips of her fingers turned purple. “Stefan, please loosen your grip just a bit.”
“What—oh—sorry.” He loosened his grip slightly, rubbing her fingers to restore the blood flow. “I…uh…well. Aww hell.” Stefan ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Before taking the job as a DJ…” He paused for a beat, swallowed hard. “I worked for the Vampire Council. I was discovered trespassing on their territory. The Council didn’t take kindly to a lone vampire with little training and even less control complicating the difficult peace they were trying to forge between themselves and the humans. Captured and beaten into submission, I was given a choice by Lady Rose, head of the Council—death or join her clan and work for the Council. It was a no-brainer. She assigned a mentor to me since my sire had abandoned me. Which, if you were wondering, was Serena.”
Brandy nodded, caressing his arm with her hand.
“The mentor was an elder of the vampire hierarchy and served as the Council’s assassin. As his apprentice, I learned quickly what he expected. I excelled in my position, earning the trust and respect of the vampire community. I took assignments on my own. On one of those missions, I met Tristian.” Stefan paused to gauge Brandy’s reaction.
Brandy sat with a hand covering her mouth, listening. Now her eyes met his and she folded her hands in her lap. “You know Tristian. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I’d have to tell you everything. I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to forgive my prior life.”
She rose and walked around a bit, then turned back to him. “Stefan, you did what you had to do to survive. How could I blame you for circumstances beyond your control? Did you enjoy your position?”
“No, that’s why I left with Lady Rose’s blessing, which is a very rare situation. Usually, if you defy the Council and ask to leave, you’re released from duty in a pile of ash. Although I am still obligated to her should something extreme happen and she needs my services.” Stefan sat quietly, waiting for Brandy to say something.
Brandy returned to her seat. “Tell me how you met Tristian.”
“It’s a long story. Hannah and Tristian are waiting on us inside.”
“I don’t want any more surprises, so give me the short version.” Brandy insisted.
“Okay. I was assigned to locate the Vampire Council’s stolen Labrys. After a long search, I discovered it within a band of rogue creatures, but there was an innocent involved. After contact with Lady Rose, I discovered that innocent, Angie, was the kidnapped mate of a powerful demon overlord, Bruce. After contact with the overlord, Lady Rose instructed me to stand down and wait for the rescue team headed in my direction. Tristian, Angie’s brother, led the team. We kicked ass that night. Terminated the entire rogue group. Tristian rescued Angie, sending her back through the dream realm where the kidnapping took place. Her essence returned to her body and awaiting mate. End of story.”
“I see. One question, what is a Labrys?” Brandy wanted to know.
“It’s a double-headed, jewel-encrusted magic ax wielded only by vampires of true blood.”
“Oh.” Brandy took a breath, preparing to ask another question, when the door to the house flew open. An unseen force propelled them inside. Stefan suspected Tristian’s magic had a hand in it. They nearly tripped over their luggage sitting inside the entryway.
“Brandy, please don’t be mad,” Hannah said, wringing her hands as her gaze darted from them to the luggage. “Tristian and I would like to get a chance to know Stefan better. You and I have a lot of catching up to do.” She paused, sucking in a breath. “Besides, you both will be safer here than at the motel.” Her hand flew up to cover her mouth, as if she’d said something she shouldn’t, then she waved the same hand in a dismissive fashion. “We’ll explain that situation tomorrow morning. If it’s okay?”
Tristian lounged beside the luggage, one wide shoulder leaning against the wall, his expression dark.
Relaxing her shoulders a bit, Hannah continued. “Realizing your need for privacy, we’ve prepared the bedroom suite on the other side of the house for you. It has a king size bed that should be comfortable for both of you, a small sitting room with fireplace, and its own bathroom. Please stay with us for the rest of your visit.”
Brandy glanced over at Stefan. He nodded slowly. Might as well. Nothing left to hide.
“Okay, we’ll give it a try for a couple of days,” Brandy agreed. “We’ll see how the arrangement works out.”
A smirk curved the corner of his mouth as Tristian snapped his fingers and the luggage disappeared.
Hannah smiled happily and motioned them to follow her up the massive wooden staircase. Their room was huge. In the corner of the room, a fire crackled in the little stone hearth, giving it a warm, cozy feel. There was a comfortable-looking steel-blue-and-cream loveseat and matching rocking chair positioned in front of the fireplace. The bedroom carpet was a frosty gray, butting up to steel-blue tile at the entry to the bathroom. The walk-in shower was bigger than the whole bathroom in his cabin. Stefan touched the cool marble walls, noting the several spray nozzles and a bench running lengthwise.
Hannah opened the linen closet, indicating the towels and extra toiletries. “If you need anything else, let me know.” With a smile and a wave, she bustled out the door, leaving them to settle in.
Pausing for beat, she turned. “We’ll be downstairs for a while longer if you want to talk. Otherwise we’ll see you in the morning.” She reached back and closed the door softly behind her.
“I’d like to go downstairs for a few minutes and say goodnight to Tristian and Sis,” Brandy said, stifling a yawn. “This has been a strange day.”
After putting their clothes away, they walked down the right side of the ornately-carved split wooden staircase that opened into the large family room. Stefan ran his hand over the banister and examined intricate carvings on the newel posts. “Wow, there is a lot of Old World craftsmanship in the woodwork of this home.”
Tristian and Hannah sat curled up, arms around each other, beside the crackling fire in the room, talking softly, their heads close together. Tristian glanced up as Stefan and Brandy quietly padded into the room, not changing his intimate position with Hannah, yet his expression was relaxed and inviting.
“The carvings are ancient charms my parents used to protect this house. Join us.” He motioned to a couple of enormous royal-blue velvet pillows lying on the floor next to them. Stefan sank down on one and Brandy wound herself into his lap, relaxing her body into the curve of his. I could definitely get used to this. Brandy is so relaxed and affectionate here.
“I’m glad you decided to join us,” Tristian said slowly. “I appreciate your complete honesty this evening and apologize if my behavior made you uncomfortable. As you know, diplomacy has never been one of my strong suits. Though I am learning.” Tristian smiled at Stefan. “Unfortunately, where my family is involved, I tend to act first and ask questions later.”
“No problem,” Stefan said in a relaxed and friendly manner. “Your concern is understandable. It’s good to have everything out in the open.”
Over the next couple of hours, the conversation revolved around what Stefan and Brandy wanted to do during their visit and how long they were planning to stay.
Tristian asked, “You’re a DJ in Montana now?”
“I am the overnight DJ for Big Fish Radio, a classic rock radio station in Whitefish. I’d worked there for a while before meeting Brandy. During my time at the station, I’ve covered extra shifts and took very little vacation. When I asked for an extended leave, my boss was willing to let me take a couple of months off. An intern will fill in. They’re a great bunch of people.”
Tristian raised one eyebrow questioningly. “You worked among humans on a daily basis?”
“Yeah, sort of. The midnight shift is pretty solitary. The human contact is limited to the guy I come in after and the one who relieves me in the morning.”
“Oh, so they know what you are?” Tristian asked incredulously.
“No, not exactly. My good friend and coworker, Cody, has an idea, but he never pushed the issue. The rest just think I like my privacy because I don’t socialize much. I have made a few good friends and they are very accepting.”
“And the situation with Synn?” Tristian asked again.
Tonight was not the time to discuss it, so Stefan merely said, “Later.”
Tristian raised a brow, then nodded. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Brandy yawned and snuggled into Stefan’s chest. A few minutes later, she dozed off.
Hannah’s lips curved and her expression softened as she watched Brandy, then looked up at Stefan with true compassion. “The situation today has been very hard on her, though she will never admit it.”
“I know,” Stefan whispered, running his hand gently through Brandy’s hair, curling a strand around his finger, then letting it spring free.
“You handled it with grace and dignity.”
“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take her upstairs. Goodnight. It was a pleasure to see you again, Tristian, and meet you, Hannah. See you in the morning.” Stefan stood up in one fluid movement with Brandy in his arms and climbed the stairs to their room.
Quietly, he closed the door with his foot. Stefan stood there, savoring the moment, holding her tightly to his chest.
She stirred, blinking open her emerald eyes, brushing her soft warm lips against his jaw, and bit lightly at the side of his neck. “Make love with me tonight. We’ll deal with the other issues when necessary. They’re archaic at best.”
He sensed something inside her change. She seemed more empowered by her decision, knowing it was the right one for her—for them. Brandy had given in to her fiery desire and aching need for him, which had been building for weeks.
His raw nerves jangled. He went hard at the thought of finally running his hands over her luscious curves, feeling her warm naked body under his, taking her completely.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, he lowered her to her feet. She tangled her fingers in his hair, curving her long, lean, sensuous body to his. Need and desire consumed him as her body moved against his.
She traced her full lips with the tip of her tongue and ran her finger along his jawbone, sending jagged shards of lust straight through his loins. He eased her on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of her.
He laid his cold hands on either side of her beautiful face, enjoying its warmth, looking deep into her bright-green eyes, and whispered, “Are you sure? What about…”
She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Shhhh.” Then she nodded, murmuring, “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.” Her lips were warm and sweet on his as he swept her away with the dreamy intimacy of a kiss.
Sliding her blouse off her soft shoulders, his lips followed the smooth curve. His hands slowly explored the soft lines of her waist and hips as his mouth followed.
Heat flashed into her as she moaned, and her eye lids fluttered closed. When he caressed her skin, her heart raced. He felt her desire, and they both wanted more, wanted it all.
“No, don’t close them. I want to watch how my touch makes you feel.” His gaze still holding hers, with one hand he yanked his shirt over his head and flung it to the floor.
Brandy slid her hands down the side his neck and over his wide shoulders, her fingers lightly exploring the muscles across his back. Finally, she reached down, unfastening his jeans and sliding them onto the floor with her foot. He stepped out of them. Her gaze lingered over his powerful naked body as if she were seeing it for the first time.
He unhooked her pants, letting them pool at her feet. “Step out of those, beautiful,” he whispered, then he kicked them out of the way.
Easing her back onto the bed, she gasped as he lowered his body over hers, then rolled to the side and lay beside her. Propped on one elbow, he slid a hand between her thighs, caressing, exploring, easing a finger into her.
She thrust up against him. “Stefan, please…I want…I need you inside me,” she urged, reaching for him, guiding him to her, feeling his moist tip at her opening. Yet he held himself back.
She was so tight, there was no way she was ready to accept him. “Not yet. I want to know every part of you. I want to taste all of you.” He continued running his hand over her smooth Irish-cream skin.
When he placed his mouth over her breast and curled his finger into that sweet spot deep inside her, a shiver ripped through her. Heart jolted and pulse pounded as she slid off the edge and cried out his name. Then she was pliant, like melted wax at the base of a candle. He continued to caress her, drawing out her pleasure until the last shudders faded away.
Moving his hand to the small of her back, he held her against him and pushed his erection between her legs, and, rubbing it gently against her until she spread her legs wider for him, he slid his hand between her legs and his fingers into the heat, exploring, stroking, and arousing her again. When he slid farther down, wedging his shoulders between her thighs, she opened for him. Sweet.
Brandy writhed underneath him, moaning, and thrust her hips up toward his talented mouth. “Stefan, now, please. I can’t stand anymore,” she pleaded.
“With pleasure.” He moved over her and slipped slowly into her tight, pulsing center, finally filling her.
Joined now, he moved with long slow strokes that pleased and pleasured. She arched up against him, wrapping her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into her as she stretched to accommodate him. She tensed and pulsed around him. She bit her lip to keep from screaming as she soared to a shuddering peak for the second time. The corners of his mouth curved in a satisfied smile.
Riding the wild passion radiating from the soft core of her body, he still held on and held on until her breath came in long surrendering moans, then buried his face in her wonderfully tangled hair, groaning as he shoved deep inside her, allowing release. Finally, he laid his cheek against her warm breast, snaking his tongue out to caress her rosy nipple as he lay spread over her moist, warm body, still enjoying the afterglow.
Peace and contentment washed over them before he rolled on his side and nestled her head in his shoulder. His arms wrapped securely around her, she succumbed to sleep. Beside her, he watched her full lips pucker, then relax into a smile as though pleased with her dreams. He fervently hoped she wouldn’t regret this in the morning.
****
As the first bright-orange rays of sunrise entered their room through the panoramic windows, he enjoyed the way she snuggled against him with their legs intertwined, then considered last night. It was the best night of his existence. Brandy had slept tucked in the crook of his arm. She seemed so at peace here. He wasn’t sure whether the change of their relationship or the brutally honest exchange last night was responsible, but he was sure this was how life should be.
Brandy opened her eyes and looked deep into his, sharing such unconditional affection that the passionate feelings, still smoldering from last night, stirred, threatening to ignite.
She murmured, “You are so right,” responding to his thoughts. Her warm, sweet lips caressed his bare chest and continued up his neck as her body slid closer into his. As the sun’s rays warmed their entwined bodies, he slid between her legs again.