Vampire Mine

Chapter Thirteen

Marielle’s heart was pounding and melting at the same time. Her mind considered that unlikely, but she couldn’t deny something was happening to her. Something different from last night.

Those kisses had been demanding, and Connor’s passion had left her weak in the knees and hardly able to think. She’d been instantly swept into a storm of glorious sensations, making her intensely aware of her new human body.

Now, somewhere in her bedazzled mind, she knew this kiss was different. He was tender. Hesitant. Almost . . . fearful. And in every gentle movement of his lips, she could sense why. He cares for you.

With a moan, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted him to know how much she cared, too. When he deepened the kiss, she melted into it. When he ran the tip of his tongue against her lips, she opened and let him inside.

Her intent had been to give, but with a small shock, she realized she was receiving, too. With each invasion of his tongue, she felt a spark sizzle down her body. It made her tremble. It made her want more.

She dug her fingers into his shoulders and pressed against him.

“Marielle,” he whispered, and trailed kisses down her neck.

More sparks tingled down her body. With another small shock, she realized all the sizzles were gathering between her legs, and a desperate need was building inside her. An empty ache that begged to be filled.

His hands cupped her rear end, and he pulled her against him.

She gasped. His groin was hard. And large. The empty ache inside her could only mean her human body wanted to join with his. And the two shall become one.

Good heavens! She pulled away. “What am I doing?”

Connor blinked, his eyes red and glowing. “I— ’Tis called making love.”

She stepped back. “Do these things really happen so quickly? We only met last night.”

He frowned. “I thought ye were beautiful the minute I saw you. And we’ve been through a hell of a lot together. Are ye denying there is something between us?”

“No. I—” Her emotions were all jumbled up, but there were a few things she knew for certain. She squared her shoulders. “I care deeply for you, Connor Buchanan.”

The red glow in his eyes intensified.

“But I intend to go back to heaven. I need to stay . . .”

His mouth twisted. “Unsoiled?”

She winced. “I was going to say focused.”

His eyes turned back to their normal smoky blue. “I’m a distraction.”

“No! You saved my life. I will always be grateful.”

“Is that what ye were doing? Showing gratitude? Next time, send me a card.”

“That’s not it! I was dangerously close to wanting sex!” She grimaced and covered her mouth, but the words had already come out.

He looked shocked for a few seconds, but then he scoffed. “A fate worse than death.”

She curled her hand into a fist, ready to jam it down her own throat if she said anything else embarrassingly honest. She’d always been able to share any thoughts she had with the Heavenly Host, but the rules in the human world were confusingly different. And the emotions involved were more powerful than she’d ever imagined. “I don’t think you understand.”

“I understand verra well.” His face turned cold and blank. “Ye need to stay pure and innocent. I doona resent that. ’Tis part of who ye are, and I doona wish to destroy yer chances of returning to heaven.”

She lowered her hand. “I do wish to retain my angelic nature.”

“Of course.” He bowed his head. “I apologize for molesting you.”

“You didn’t molest me!” She glared at him. “You are a good and noble man, and I will not have you speak ill of yourself.”

He snorted. “What do ye expect from me, Marielle? I know damned well I’m no’ good enough for you.”

She made a noise of sheer frustration. “You still don’t understand. I do want you, Connor. I am . . . shocked by how much I want you.”

His eyes widened. “Ye want me?”

“Yes! But if the two become one, then you would be a part of me. How would I ever be able to leave you?”

“Ye—ye would have trouble leaving me?”

“Of course, you dolt! I told you I care deeply for you. Words have meaning, you know.” She groaned inwardly. She’d done it again and said more than she should.

He continued to look stunned for a moment, then a twinkle lit up his eyes. “Did ye just call me a dolt?”

She winced.

“That wasna verra angelic of you.” He assumed a wounded expression. “Words have meaning, ye know.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Careful. I can still knock you down with a blast of air.”

A corner of his mouth tilted up. “Still wanting a peek under my kilt, lass?”

She couldn’t help but smile. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Aye. That’s why ye love me.” He winced. “I shouldna have said . . . ’tis merely an expression, I dinna mean to imply . . .” He ran a hand through his hair.

It was almost a relief. She wasn’t the only one saying more than she should. Still, the word love seemed to hang in the air between them. It was strange. She’d lived her entire existence surrounded by love. The Father was love, and she’d always basked in its glow. But now, it had become a fearful, awkward thing that neither she nor Connor could admit to.

“I will do everything in my power to help you get back to heaven,” he said quietly. “Ye have my word on that.”

“Thank you.”

“I should return you to the cabin.” He stepped toward her. “And then I need to drop by Romatech to give Angus a progress report.”

She held up a hand to stop him. “Before we go, can I ask you something? It’s . . . personal.”

He shifted his weight with a wary expression. “What is it?”

“I was wondering . . .” She took a deep breath. “Who is Darcy Newhart?”

He flinched. “What? How?” His eyes narrowed. “While I was pouring my heart out to you just now in a kiss, ye were playing the busybody, snooping around in my soul?”

She scowled at him. “I didn’t see anything then. I was too . . . overwhelmed.”

He arched a brow at her. “No’ overwhelmed enough. Ye were able to stop.”

“If I hadn’t stopped you, you would have kept going?”

“Aye.” He folded his arms across his chest. “A man doesna start something he canna finish.”

She recalled how hard his groin had felt. He really had been prepared to have intercourse with her. Heat rose to her cheeks.

“Then ye spied on me when I entered yer mind to see where to teleport?” he asked.

She shook her head. “It happened last night. It wasn’t intentional. Her name and face flashed through my mind while we were kissing. The second time.”

“In the bedroom?”

“Yes.”

“When I touched yer breast?”

She gave him an annoyed look. “Not at that precise moment, no.”

He nodded slowly with a glint in his eyes. “So I can safely fondle yer breasts without revealing more information?”

“Excuse me?” When he chuckled, she realized he was teasing her, and she slapped at his shoulder. “Brynley must be right about the Three-Step Rule.”

“What is that?”

She narrowed her eyes. “I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to distract me from the main topic of conversation.”

“Nay, our main topics are merely different. I want to talk about yer breasts. Actually, I’d like to see yer breasts. And then I’d like to kiss them.”

She huffed. “Three steps. Brynley was right.”

The phone rang in his sporran and he pulled it out. “Aye?” He listened for a while. “Verra well. I’ll see if she’ll come.” He dropped the phone back into his sporran.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Shanna wants to meet you. Will ye come to Romatech with me?”

She nodded. “Yes, of course.” She owed the poor woman an apology. And Connor was sadly mistaken if he thought she would forget to question him about Darcy Newhart again.

When Connor teleported with Marielle to the side entrance of Romatech, Phineas was there to greet them.

Connor introduced the young black Vamp. “This is Phineas McKinney. He works for Angus, too, and he’s in charge of security here.”

“God bless you, dear soul.” She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.

“Wow.” Phineas’s eyes widened. “Robby just said she was dangerous. He didn’t mention she was smokin’ hot!”

Connor glowered at him. “Her hearing works well, too.”

“It’s not her ears I’m worried about,” Phineas muttered. He turned to Marielle. “We have a few mortal and shape-shifter employees here tonight. They have been warned to remain in their offices until you leave the premises.”

She nodded, her face growing sad. “I understand.”

“She wouldna purposely harm anyone,” Connor grumbled.

“I know.” Phineas gave Marielle an apologetic look. “I don’t mean to insult you, but as head of security here, I would feel personally responsible for any . . . accidents.”

She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her hooded jacket. “I’ll be careful.”

Phineas opened the side door and motioned for them to enter. “Shanna’s waiting for you in the cafeteria. Roman is outside with the children. Radinka and Father Andrew are with them.”

“Radinka is Gregori’s mother,” Connor explained as they walked down the corridor, followed by Phineas. “She’s mortal and helps Shanna with the children.” He winced. Radinka would have to watch over the children all day now.

“Gregori has a mortal mother who is still alive?” Marielle asked.

“Aye, he’s a young Vamp. Transformed in the parking lot here after Casimir attacked him. Radinka found him barely alive and begged Roman to save him.”

Marielle nodded. “I thought he was younger. Not as . . . heavily burdened as others.” She gave Connor a worried look.

She was obviously referring to him and the black pit of remorse she kept trying to dig into. He didn’t want to talk about it or even think about it. Tonight had been a magical night, buying her first ice cream cone and sharing her first ride on a carousel. And hearing her admit that she cared deeply for him.

Tonight had filled his heart with joy. It would be a memory he would treasure long after she returned to heaven. He flinched inwardly with a pang to his heart. He didn’t want to think about that, either. It would hurt like hell when she left.

But of course, he was on the list for hell, so it was exactly what he deserved.

They reached the main foyer, and Connor turned left, motioning for Marielle to follow.

“I guess an angel like you has to be really old,” Phineas said as he walked behind them.

Connor glanced back with an irritated look.

Phineas smirked. “I bet you’re even older than grouchy old Connor.”

Marielle smiled. “I am.” She looked at Connor. “How old are you?”

His jaw shifted. “I doona discuss my private life.”

“I can translate that for you,” Phineas offered. “It means he’s embarrassed he was a caveman and ate brontosaurus burgers for lunch.”

Connor arched an eyebrow at him. “The correct translation is ‘sod off.’ ”

“Dude, that’s no way to talk in front of an angel. Just because you’re having a mid-life crisis, it doesn’t mean you can be rude.”

Connor scoffed. “I’m no’ having a bloody mid-life crisis. And I’m no’ rude, so bugger off.”

Phineas leaned close. “I can give you some pointers on how to sweeten her up.”

“She can hear you,” Connor muttered.

“Right. And she heard you, too, bro. You’re in desperate need of some professional help from the Love Doctor.”

“You’re a doctor?” Marielle asked.

“Of love,” Phineas clarified, then puffed out his chest. “You’ll never find so many happily married couples as there are around here. Is it a coincidence that all this romance occurs when the Love Doctor is around? I think not!”

Connor shook his head and led them down a glass-lined hallway to the cafeteria. Through the glass, he could see Roman playing with his children on the basketball court. Radinka and Father Andrew sat on a bench nearby.

“Now let me tell you how to set up the perfect date with your lovely lady,” Phineas continued. “You gotta take her somewhere romantic.”

“Like a park?” Marielle asked.

“Yeah, that would work,” Phineas agreed.

Connor slanted a glance at Marielle, and she was watching him, her eyes twinkling with humor.

“And then, bro, you gotta buy her something sweet to eat,” Phineas said.

“Like ice cream?” Marielle asked.

“Yeah, that’s it.” Phineas slapped Connor on the back. “You just do whatever your angel here wants. She’ll tell you what’s romantic.”

She smiled at Connor, and his heart did its usual squeeze. “My goal is no’ to date her, but to get her back to heaven.”

“Oh.” Phineas looked disappointed as he turned to Marielle. “You don’t want to stay here with us?”

Her smile faded. “I don’t belong here. I live in constant fear of brushing up against humans and causing their death.”

Phineas nodded. “That’s a bummer. Roman’s still kinda pissed about what happened.”

Marielle sighed. “I’ve come to apologize, but I know that’s woefully inadequate.”

Connor’s jaw clenched. “ ’Twas my fault.” He stopped outside the cafeteria doors. “Shanna’s in here. I can leave you alone a few minutes while I report to Angus.”

“Angus isn’t here, bro,” Phineas said. “He and Emma went to Nebraska. Robby and Olivia went with them.”

Connor stiffened. “Dead bodies?”

“Yeah. Sean Whelan called to let us know that a local sheriff discovered ten bodies in a small town. They went to see if Casimir was behind it.”

Marielle hung her head. “I’m so sorry. I should have sensed that.”

“ ’Tis no’ yer fault,” Connor said. “I asked ye to find a peaceful death close by. We’ll try again tomorrow night.”

“You were able to teleport to a death scene?” Phineas asked.

“Aye.” Connor nodded. “When ye see Angus, tell him the training is going well. We should be ready in a few nights.”

Phineas nodded. “Will do.” He turned back to Marielle. “I need to get back to the office to keep an eye on everything. Thank you for helping us.”

“You’re welcome.” She touched Phineas’s shoulder. “Bless you.”

As Phineas headed back to the security office, Connor opened the cafeteria door and escorted Marielle inside.

Shanna was across the large room, standing by the window and gazing out at her children. When the door banged shut behind them, she turned.

Connor kept his face blank, but a sharp jab speared his heart. Shanna had always seemed so vibrant and full of life, but now she had joined the ranks of the Undead. There was a new fragile paleness to her skin, and something a little different about her eyes. The blue irises were more intense.

“Thank you for coming,” she said softly and smiled.

Connor flinched inwardly. Shanna’s fangs were retracted, but he could still see the sharp points. Bugger. He didn’t understand it. How could so many of his friends marry mortal women, knowing full well this would be their future?

Shanna’s eyes widened as she looked Marielle over. “You’re really an angel.”

Marielle knelt and bowed her head. “Dear soul, I have caused you terrible wrong. I pray you will forgive me.”

Shanna approached her. “Father Andrew told me how upset you were when you learned about the accident.” She leaned over. “It was an accident. There’s nothing to forgive.”

Marielle looked up at her with tears in her eyes. “I’m so relieved you’re all right. God bless you and your family.”

Shanna’s eyes glimmered with tears, too, and she extended a hand. “Thank you.”

Marielle took her hand and stood.

Connor looked away. They were probably able to forgive so easily because neither one had been at fault. He was the one who had brought Marielle here, ignoring all her protests that she mustn’t be touched.

He sat at one of the tables, giving the ladies some distance so they could chat. Still, with his heightened senses, he could hear everything they said. As always with Shanna, the conversation soon turned to her children.

She led Marielle over to the window to point out Constantine and Sofia, who were still playing on the basketball court with their father.

“They’re beautiful,” Marielle murmured. “You and your husband are truly blessed.”

Shanna nodded, tears shimmering once again in her eyes.

“How are they doing?” Marielle asked.

Shanna sighed. “It’s not easy for them. Since they were born, they grew up knowing their father was unavailable during the day, so they just accepted it. And they always had me.” A tear slipped down her cheek. “Now they don’t.”

Connor noted the pink tint to Shanna’s tear and turned away. Tears crowded his own eyes. Guilt bore down on him.

“We’ll adjust,” Shanna continued. “They’ll learn to sleep more during the day so they can be awake more at night. And they can spend more time at the school. Thank God I have Radinka. She’s like a grandmother to them. And my sister, Caitlyn, is a big help.”

“I’m glad your family is here for you,” Marielle said.

Shanna sighed. “Not all my family. My father is the head of the CIA Stake-Out team. He hates vampires. And shifters. I—I don’t know how I’m going to tell him.”

Marielle touched her shoulder. “What is his name? I will pray for him.”

“Sean Whelan.” Shanna smiled sadly. “It’ll take a lot of prayers to sway him. He’s still furious that Caitlyn turned into a were-panther.”

Marielle’s eyes widened. “How did that happen? Was she attacked?”

“She married a were-panther,” Shanna replied. “She risked her life to be with the man she loved.”

“Good heavens,” Marielle whispered. “She was very brave.” She turned toward Connor and their eyes met.

His chest tightened. God help him, he was falling for her. He looked away. What a bloody fool he was. Always berating the other guys for falling in love, and here he was falling faster than any of them had. It was pathetic.

“Caitlyn’s expecting twins in a few months,” Shanna continued. “We’re all very excited about it.”

Marielle smiled. “That’s wonderful.”

A tap on the nearby window snagged Connor’s attention. He glanced up to find Father Andrew motioning for him to join them outside.

He trudged toward the glass door and nodded at the ladies. “Excuse me.” He let himself out onto the patio.

Radinka was still seated on the bench, but she was staring at the window with an expression of awe. “I can’t believe I’m seeing a real angel. She’s so beautiful.”

“Aye.” Connor glanced toward Roman.

A glint of anger flashed in Roman’s eyes, then he turned back to his children.

“He’ll come around in time,” Father Andrew said quietly, then gestured toward a cement bench farther away.

“He has every right to be angry,” Connor muttered as he followed the priest.

Father Andrew withdrew three vials from his coat pocket. “These contain holy water. To help you fight the demon. Has he returned?”

“Nay, no’ yet.” Connor dropped the vials into his sporran.

“Thank you for agreeing to protect Marielle.” Father Andrew sat on the bench. “I’ve been pondering how we can return her to heaven.”

Connor sat beside him. “She hopes that helping us defeat Casimir and the Malcontents will prove her worthiness, and the Archangels will take her back.”

“She believes she can earn forgiveness?” Father Andrew frowned. “In my experience, it doesn’t usually work that way. The Lord honors a truly penitent heart.”

Connor scoffed. “She is truly penitent, and look where it got her. Wounded and left bleeding in the dirt.”

The priest sighed. “I cannot presume to understand everything that is going on, but I do feel that we are witnessing divine providence. Perhaps the Lord has loaned her to us for the express purpose of defeating Casimir.”

“And then afterward, He intends to take her back?” Connor glanced toward the windows where she was standing next to Shanna.

“I believe so,” Father Andrew said. “Can I count on your assistance in getting her home?”

He continued to watch her. “I gave her my word I would do everything in my power to get her back.”

The priest was silent for a moment. “Perhaps your assistance will help prove your own worthiness.”

He snorted. “I am past redemption, Father. Even the demon knows my name and said I was on his list.”

“There’s a word for a man who believes what a demon tells him.” Father Andrew gave him a wry look. “He’s called a fool.”

Connor scoffed. “I’m a realist.”

“God is real.”

“So is the demon. I’ve seen him.”

Father Andrew sighed. “Does she understand how dangerous this mission could be?”

“Aye. We worked tonight on a way for her to defend herself. And we successfully teleported close to a place where she sensed death.”

“How did you know where to teleport?”

Connor shifted on the bench. “I had to . . . slip inside her mind for a few seconds.”

The priest sat back. “You were inside the mind of an angel?”

“For a few seconds.”

“That must have been incredible. What—what did you see, if you don’t mind my asking?”

He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “It was . . . a beautiful, peaceful place full of love and compassion.”

“I bet it was.” Father Andrew sat silently for a moment. “I’ve never met a man whom the Father couldn’t forgive. If you confess—”

“Nay. I confess nothing.” Connor stood. “I’m a lost cause, Father. That’s why I’m the perfect choice to protect Marielle. I have nothing to lose.”

“And everything to gain,” the priest muttered, then rose to his feet. “Come. Let’s see if we can convince Roman to talk to Marielle.”

“So he can forgive her?” Connor asked dryly. Or forgive me?

Father Andrew walked toward the glass door to let himself into the cafeteria.

“Father, no!” Roman strode toward him. “It’s not safe.”

The priest gave him a bland look. “I talked to her last night without any problems.”

“You had several Vamps to protect you,” Roman argued.

“Then come in with me.” Father Andrew opened the door and walked inside.

“God’s blood,” Roman muttered, then glared at Connor. “Aren’t you going in?”

“After you.”

Roman’s eyes narrowed, then he glanced back at the children. “Stay here with Radinka. I’ll be right back.”

“I want to meet the angel,” Constantine said.

“Me, too!” Sofia skipped toward him.

“No!” Roman winced, then softened his tone. “I need you to stay here. You can watch her through the glass.”

“Come, my darlings.” Radinka gathered the children in her arms. “We’ll have a lovely view right here.”

Roman shot Connor an annoyed look as he entered the cafeteria.

Connor followed and saw that the priest was talking to Marielle, but keeping a safe distance.

Shanna grabbed Roman’s hand and led him toward Marielle. “You would think a former monk would be eager to meet an angel.”

Roman looked properly chastised as he stopped in front of Marielle. “It is an honor to meet you.”

Marielle inclined her head. “I am so very sorry for the pain and grief I caused. I will remember your children in my prayers each day.”

“Thank you.” Roman extended a hand.

She took it, then flinched and looked more closely at him. “I have encountered your soul before.”

“Yes.” Roman nodded. “I met you last night, though you were mostly unconscious.”

“No, it was . . .” She tilted her head, studying him. Then with a gasp, she released his hand and stepped back. “Good heavens! It can’t be.”

Connor moved to her side. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “It was so long ago. How can . . .” She looked at Roman, her expression a mixture of shock and horror. “You were my first mistake.”