Eyes frantic and filled with tears, her lips tightened and she winced. She collapsed against his chest, her breaths heaving out. Her fingernails dug into his arms, but she wasnt trying to hurt him. She was trying to accept.
Kir couldnt relate to such a painful loss. And then he could. His father had left him and his sister when they were little. He could never fill that hole left behind in his soul.
Just when he reached to put a comforting hand on the womans shoulder, she stood up and whispered, Ill get something. When she returned to the room, she handed a stake to Kir. It had a pair of initials carved on it. It was a backup in case either of us wanted to jump ship. He didnt ask for vampirism. He wanted the stake months ago, but I begged him to stay alive for me.
The vampire on the floor whispered, I love you, to the vampiress. And then he said, Get them. The...the...
Kir and Jacques both bent close, hoping the vampire would give them a clue that would lead to the pack that had kidnapped him.
The what? Who? Jacques urged. Can you tell me what pack did this to you?
The...denizen... The vampires body stiffened, his muscles tightening and his jaw snapping shut.
The denizen? Jacques looked to Kir.
Denizen was a term for a group or gathering of demons. The very idea of demons being involved caused Kirs jaw to tense. The last breed he wanted to deal with was demons.
The girlfriend grabbed the stake from Kirs hand. Before he could take it from her to perform the offensive task, she lunged over her boyfriend and staked him in the heart. Jacques grabbed for her, but it was too late. Theyd get nothing more from the pile of ash.
While the girlfriend wept over the ash, Jacques and Kir stepped outside the house. Demons? Kir asked. So, this isnt werewolves?
I dont know.
Well, if its not, its not our problem.
Right. Kir clenched and unclenched his fists. Lets give her a minute, then see if shell let us search his things for clues.
The wolves waited out on the front step until the sobbing settled. A half hour later, quietly and respectfully, they went through the house but found nothing of use for the investigation.
You have a safe place to go for a while? Kir asked the vampiress.
You think theyll come after me? The pack?
Not sure. Why do you think he was taken by a pack? He said something about a denizen. Thats demons.
She shrugged. Hed mentioned something about a wolf following him a few days before he disappeared. I assumed.
Usually the packs grab a vamp off the street. I dont know what the hell your boyfriend was coughing up. Or what a wolf could have done to him to make that happen.
She nodded. I have a friend who will let me stay with her. Thank you.
You shouldnt thank us for what happened here.
Her eyes wandered to the stake sitting on the pile of ash. I couldnt have done it alone. I wish he could have been more help to you.
Well find the pack or denizen responsible for his death. I promise you that.
Leaving her at the door, Kir joined Jacques in the car.
Lets hope it is demons, Jacques said. We have enough on our plate already.
I promised her wed help her. No matter what.
Ah, man.
Shes a woman. Alone. Who lost her boyfriend.
Shes also a vamp, and its not clear wolves were responsible for that vamps death.
Im wont let her down.
Jacques sighed and shifted into gear. You and your damned sense of honor.
Damned or not, if it wasnt a pack, and they werent required to bother with this crime, Kir wanted to stand true to his word. Because he couldnt stand back and allow anyone, even a vamp, to die for reasons unknown.
Chapter 6
The faery had never been shopping before. Bea had told Kir that in Faery she could pull on a glamour to change her clothing and look, but since arriving in the mortal realm her glamour was weak and it was a no-go for clothing changes. So when she strode into the high-end clothing shop on the rue Royale, her squeal might have been heard by dogs.
As well as by wolves.
And Kir liked the sound of her joy. It went a long way in erasing the lump that sat in the pit of his stomach after the call to the vampiresss house this afternoon. He never liked to destroy another living being or witness it. Since he wasnt able to get in to see the doctor hed contacted until tomorrow morning, he decided putting some clothes on his wife would relax him after a long workday.
A salesgirl with brilliant red lips to match her nails led Kir and Bea into the back area of the shop that was more private than the sales floor. He sat on the designated boyfriend couch, which was shaped like a huge pair of red lips, sipping champagne and refusing the chocolates offered by the cooing salesgirls while he waited for his wife to slip into the first outfit the staff deemed fitting for her.
The dressing room door opened and out wobbled a faery in a white sheath that hugged her petite figure yet went all the way up to her neck. Pink high heels, higher than the Eiffel Tower, hampered her walk as she clung to the wall and tried to stand upright and maintain a modicum of dignity.
High heels are new to me, she said. Whod have thought, eh? So is lace. Theres so...much of it. I dont think white is my color.
Nope, Kir said.
Beas lips dropped into a sad moue.
I wont lie, he offered. Its too much, he said to the saleswoman. Shes brighter and more fun. And sexy.
And maybe not so tall? Bea said as she wobbled behind the saleswoman back into the fitting room.
The next outfit was introduced with a jump as Bea landed expertly on heels half as high as the previous ones. She wore black suede thigh-high boots that were laced with white ribbons from thigh to ankle. The skimpy black dress was cut out at the torso to reveal both hips, and the neckline exposed her breasts nearly to the nipples.
Now, this is me, she said, sashaying before Kir. She bent over and flashed him a view up under her skirt. Hot-pink panties. You like?
Kir croaked, then he checked himself and sat up straighter, catching the saleswomans knowing smirk. Uh-huh, that ones good. Shows off your...fun. Right, your fun stuff. He cleared his throat. But you need more than one outfit. You cant wear that all the time.
Ill mostly be wearing nothing around the house, but if you insist... Bea twirled into the dressing room and called for more, more and more.
Wearing nothing at all around the house? Kir could handle that. Hed probably have to put up curtains, though, since the neighbors yards hugged his closely. He didnt want to risk anyone catching a glimpse of his naked and winged wife. He worked hard to maintain his secrecy among the humans. If they were to learn his true nature, it could affect not only him but the whole pack.
But he suspected Bea was going to be one hot little number to keep under control. Yet, if he could appease her with clothing and jewelry, he didnt mind doing so. The joy and the utter delight she displayed at receiving such things went a long way toward securing his comfort with her.
Maybe this marriage thing wouldnt be so awful. His new wife appealed to his lust. He wouldnt mind having sex with her daily, if she was on board with that. The fangs were an issue, but hed keep her in line. And he didnt feel a hunger for blood, so he was crossing his fingers the doctor said he was in the clear. And she was self-sufficient, taking care of herself while he worked. So far, this marriage was a win-win situation.
Next up: a pink dress. It was made out of high-gloss latex that hugged her body and pushed up her small breasts nicely. Black thigh-high stockings that sported matching pink bows at the tops ended in pink heels as glossy as the dress. Kir gave the look two thumbs-up.
A punky black number with a big white cross slashed across the shirt that stopped just below her breasts was paired with tight red jeans that sported black zippers down the sides. Black sandals that exposed her delicately marked feet? Yes, please.
Bea danced out of the dressing room wearing a long sheer black dress that had patches of flowers embroidered here and there. The embroidery covered nipples and her crotchand nothing else. She wore a black fedora pulled down over her eyes. Her hips shimmied seductively, having mastered control of the high, black heels. He could see almost everything beneath the dress, and what he couldnt see he could imagine running his tongue over and tasting until she came in shouts of pleasure.
And faery dust. He absently brushed his fingers over a temple.
My favorite, he offered, setting the champagne goblet aside and focusing on the sashaying faery.
You want me, werewolf? she teased, dashing out her tongue and tipping up the brim of the hat with one finger. A nod of her head toward the dressing room spoke louder than any audible invite. I sent the sales chick away for a bit.
Kir lifted a brow. Here in the store? He had no argument with that; nor did his erection, which had sat up to take notice.
Standing, he tossed Bea over his shoulder and strode into the dressing room, closing the door behind them. The floor was scattered with dresses and various pieces of colorful clothing. Shoes toppled here and there. He stepped on a long heel and wobbled but landed an arm against the wall, pinning Beas back against the floor-to-ceiling mirror.
Pink eyes danced with his. He could feel her smile moving over his skin and teasing at his desires. He shimmied the long skirt up around her thighs as he dived against her neck to kiss up under her chin. She smelled like the perfume shed been doused with upon entering the store. Chemical but a little spicy. He preferred her natural candy scent.
Grinding his hips against her mons, he milked a wanting moan from her. Her fingernails dug in at his shoulders. Yeah, he liked it rough. Kir growled and bit at the fabric over her breast. No time for complete undressing. He wanted inside Bea now.
Fortunately, the pink panties were history. With a flick of her fingers, she unbuttoned his leather pants and drew down the zip. He shuffled them down to his knees. Bea wrapped her legs about his hips and coaxed him closer.
As he glided inside of her, his wife said, Oh, yeah, thats the sweet spot, big boy. Youre so thick. You really want this, dont you? Yes!
He pumped inside her twice before he came in a shuddering, thundering orgasm. But he never forgot about the woman. Thumbing her clit as he came gave her a rousing cry of release only moments after his.
I love shopping, Bea said as she wilted against his chest, panting.
Hell of a lot more interesting than Id expected it to be. Who the hell cared that Bea had been loud and the whole store might have heard?
Whew! Were going to have to buy this dress now that its gotten a workout.
I have no problem with that at all. You think you got enough for a while?
Enough? Hardly... She glided her hand down to her breasts and fluttered her lashes at him. Oh! You mean clothes, not sex. Im good. But lets hit the jewelry store next. I need some sparkly things.
Kir laughed against her hair as he felt his erection soften while still sheathed within her. She was already at the next store, and he was just getting his breath back. The woman liked sex. But maybe it was like candy to her. She wanted more and more and could eat it or not, but never refused a treat if offered.
Pulling out and zipping up, he stepped back as she tugged down the dress skirt and sorted through the shoes on the floor. He ran his fingers through her hair lightly; she didnt notice the touch.
You know what you want? he asked.
She popped upright, her pink eyes flashing on him like some kind of Christmas lights inviting him closer for a present.
I mean with the clothes, he said. Stroking a hand down his chest, he took some pride in the fact that she wanted him. But upon inspecting his hand, he noted the faery dust.
Everything, she said, nodding, hands on her hips. Absolutely everything.
* * *
Bea sat on the king-size bed surrounded by clothing, jewels and shoes. Shed never thought personal items could mean so much, but these frilled, glossy and sparkling bits of pretty were all hers. No one could take them away.
She pulled the T-shirt with the rhinestone skull emblazoned on the front over her head. Who would have thought mortal fabrics could feel so sensual against the skin? The pink panties with the bright purple bows at each hip were more decorative than to actually cover anything. Didnt matter. She wore them because they were pretty. And the blue high heels with the red soles were her favorite.
Or maybe the chrome heels with the spikes on the toes.
No. She grabbed the green sandals with the gossamer laces that wrapped up her ankle and put on one of those. Kicking out her feet, one still wearing the blue shoe, the other in the lace-up sandal, she squealed.
I take it you are pleased, Kir said as he landed on the top of the stairs that opened into the attic bedroom. He strode over. I ordered in some food. Im starving.
Me, too. And, yes, I am pleased with all my goodies. You like?
The whole look? His eyes danced over her attire: skull shirt, pink panties and mismatched shoes. I dont think you should be caught on the streets in that getup, but it works for me.
I bet I know which part of this outfit you like the best. Bea rolled onto her palms and knees and wiggled her derriere at him.
The wolf lost his footing against the mirror and had to catch himself in an awkward save.
I dont understand why mortals like to wear a string between their butt cheeks, though. Its uncomfortable. She tugged off the panties and flung them toward Kir.
He caught them and crushed the pink fabric in a fist. So, thats what it takes to make you happy? Pretty shoes and sparkling jewels?
She dangled a fine silver chain before her, deciding she could weave that into her hair later. Mostly. Though I have to be careful with mortal metals like this. Cant wear it for too long without getting a rash.
Youre easy. He crossed his arms and brought the panties to his nose. Mmm...
I know what it takes to make my wolfie husband happy, too.
He looked at the panties, as if realizing what hed been doing, then shoved them in his pants pocket. There is that. But isnt there anything else?
What do you mean?
Like something you want to do. To aspire to? What would make you happy beyond the material things?