Take On Me (Cursed Kin Series Book 3) Page 8

  Staring at her face, she felt tears well up as her heart broke. Maybe all men were the same and it was deciding which one to settle for that made a relationship work? She could have sworn that Fiacha was different from others by the way he made her feel special. Wiping her eyes, she took a deep breath and knew that she needed space to sort out things that she still needed to handle or address in her past.

  Opening the bathroom door, she looked away from Fiacha as he stood there naked. He reached out to pull her against him and she shied away.

  “I need time,” she admitted softly.

  “Don’t do this, Vanessa. I’m sorry I’ve done something to hurt you or disturb you… but don’t leave.”

  “You don’t understand- do you?”

  “I can’t live without you in my life,” he breathed and reached for her again. She ducked and grabbed her purse instead. His hand dropped to his side as if it was made of lead.

  “I love you, lass.”

  “I love you too – but I don’t want to be in a relationship where I’m not listened to, respected, or cared for. All three of those very things occurred today. I don’t mind helping you at all – I’d do anything for you, Fiacha- but I need a partner and a friend… Not a benefactor or boss.”

  “I woudna…” he began and she immediately interrupted him, putting her hand up defensively as he reached for her again. Backing away slowly, she made her way to the front door as he followed her.

  “But you did… and I need space. I need to think.”

  Vanessa felt like her heart was breaking. He’d been so good to her, but this was beyond anything she was ready to deal with or handle. He’d given her his blood. There were so many diseases, germs and pathogens that could have made it into her body, yet he’d done it carelessly. He wrested all control from her and then made decisions for her, something that rankled her deeply in her soul. That was what Russ had done and she had told herself months ago that she would never be in this position again.

  “I need space,” she repeated, looking away from his stormy eyes that were rimmed with redness. If he cried, she would breakdown and give in…and a part of her would always be angry or hurt.

  “I understand,” he said thickly and reached for his keys on the end table. “Take it. I want you safe and with a means to get away… if you ever need to. I would give you everything, including my heart – but I understand needing some time. I will be here waiting for you… always.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered and walked out of his house.

  12

  The next several months were hellish for Vanessa. If she thought breaking things off with Russ was tough, it was nothing compared to the emptiness she felt in her soul at being away from Fiacha… and he wouldn’t let her forget him.

  Every day he brought her lunch at work or filled the car he’d given her up with fuel. He’d asked her to take his BMW, and she would have normally balked at it – but it was the sensible thing for her to do. There were well over twenty miles between their homes and walking wasn’t an option. He apparently had gotten another vehicle to drive, or had one already, because Shirley told her every day that he’d come by but didn’t ask to see her.

  She understood what he was doing. Fiacha was attempting to take care of her from the sidelines, but giving her enough freedom to do what she wanted. She’d asked for space and he was giving it, even though it was tearing her up on the inside. Everything he did was so sweet, so thoughtful, and it was destroying her resolve.

  Fiacha had a cell phone delivered to her at work. Opening the package, there was a small note inside that simply said ‘I miss your voice’… opening the phone she saw that he’d called and hung up, giving her the option to call him back or delete his number.

  As time passed, she’d waited for any signs or symptoms to flare up. Loving a vampire was completely new to her and she’d never really asked many questions. She caught herself studying her teeth one day while flossing, wondering idly how they were made. Fiacha had said he’d been cursed, but not why it had happened.

  Today at work, the entire team received an email that they were being inspected and audited for compliance. She thought nothing of it because everything was present except for those initial three bags she’d taken back in December. It was now late April. Surely there was no way they’d just now caught up to the missing bags? Since that night, she’d donated the blood to Fiacha in the sweetest way possible… in his arms.

  Each time they’d made love, he’d drink from her and it seemed to override any phobia he had. She wondered now how he was doing and if he was taking care of himself. She hoped he had found a way to get blood into his system and then brushed the thought aside. He was doing it before she came into the picture and he would certainly be okay since she’d left. Fiacha didn’t need her and she needed to be strong enough to keep from being so clingy.

  “I can give it to her,” Vanessa heard in a sultry, feminine voice that made her look up immediately. A gorgeous, lithe, red-haired woman walked into the room. She was dressed from head-to-toe in a black suit with a red pin on the lapel. Vanessa saw that she took an envelope from Shirley’s desk and walked back, directly to her table. She smiled widely at Vanessa, giving her goosebumps. Her teeth were a stark contrast from the bright cherry red lipstick she wore. The woman had a predatory and powerful aura to her and Vanessa was willing to bet that no one ever told her ‘no’.

  “Hello,” Vanessa said awkwardly as she met her eyes.

  “Well hello, Vanessa Stafford. This came today for you,” the strange woman said in a happy tone. She stood there waiting with her fingers intertwined and tapping her foot idly.

  “Am I supposed to open it?”

  “Isn’t that what you do with invitations?”

  “How do you know that’s what it is?”

  “Just a lucky guess,” the woman shrugged nonchalantly and then addressed the other phlebotomists in the lab. “The inspection is concluded and satisfactory. I thank you for your compliance and we’ll be ordering in pizza as a show of gratitude.”

  Vanessa heard several people applauding lightly and they seemed to be as mystified as she was by the stranger. It was very rare that they were investigated or audited, much less to have someone show up and reward them for doing a good job.

  Curious, Vanessa started to slide her finger under the seal of the envelope and stopped as the woman bent down to whisper something to her. Straining, she barely heard the soft-spoken threat, but it was there regardless.

  “I know what you took and why. I won’t report you as long as you do a little favor for me in exchange,” she’d whispered slyly.

  “What do you want?”

  “You are going to go to that wedding and pass along a message or I will hunt you down – are we clear?” she murmured. Vanessa looked at her sharply only to see her meet her eyes and flash a brilliant smile. “Tell my wonderful, little family that their loving step-mother is always watching.”

  13

  May 2018

  This was beyond awkward, Vanessa thought silently to herself. It was like her world was completely in disarray and she had no idea how to correct things. The last two weeks had been a mish-mash of surprises and events leading up to this day.

  Not only had she received a wedding invitation to someone she didn’t know in Chicago… it took her a few moments to realize that Connall Cael was Fiacha’s brother. That meant that he would be there as well. That red-haired woman that creeped her out looked to be about thirty years old and in no way, shape, or form was she old enough to be their step-mother… yet she was.

  A week ago, Vanessa received a card in the mail at her home that contained several hundred-dollar bills as well as a plane ticket to Chicago. The card was a single message and signature.

  Get yourself a nice dress- Cairene.

  Shocked and surprised, she wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth. If she was going to have to attend this wedding in order to keep Cairene from tattling about her stealing three
bags of blood…so be it. She needed her job and the false sense of independence it gave her. Walking through the airport with her dress in a garment bag and a small tote, she walked over to the terminal and waited patiently for her plane.

  “Miss? Are you waiting for flight 1926 departing for Chicago?” the counter attendant asked. Vanessa glanced around and looked at her ticket in surprise. Wasn’t anyone else headed to Chicago too?

  “Yes I am. Has it been rerouted?”

  “Oh no. It’s fueled up and ready to go if you are ready. Come this way,” the woman instructed and led her down a small walkway and a set of stairs. A small private jet was on the tarmac waiting with the doorway open, creating a set of steep stairs.

  “Is there some mistake?”

  “May I see your ticket?”

  Vanessa handed over the paper ticket and expected to be whisked back upstairs in order to wait for her real flight. Instead, she was handed the ticket back with a wide smile.

  “No ma’am. There’s no mistake.”

  Swallowing hard, Vanessa took a deep breath and allowed herself to be guided to the private jet. Climbing awkwardly up the stairs, she emerged into a luxurious plane that seemed to only have a few seats to it. There was a man sitting at the back of the cabin with a near empty glass in his hand. For a moment, Vanessa thought it was Fiacha, but when he finally glanced over at her there was no recognition, and some of his features were different.

  “Take a seat. We are waiting on you to take off again,” he told her bluntly and Vanessa dropped into the nearest seat, staring at him. He looked out the window away from her and took another sip of his alcohol.

  “Would you like a drink miss? We are getting ready to shut the door and depart.” An attendant silently walked up from behind her. Vanessa quickly declined and buckled her belt while the attendant stowed her things for her in one of the overhead compartments.

  It was a long and silent flight. She spent most of the time looking out the window at the clouds and landscape down below. That seemed to suit the other passenger as well. He said absolutely nothing and stared out the window himself, avoiding her. She couldn’t stand the silence much longer and tried to engage him in conversation since the attendant had disappeared.

  “Do you have business in Chicago or headed home?” she asked politely, and got the surliest frown she’d ever seen. It rivaled anyone else’s- hands down. She immediately smiled brightly, trying to play it off, and only received a terse offhanded look before he resumed nursing his drink.

  “Okaayyy…” she drawled and turned back to her own window.

  “My brother is getting married.”

  “Oh, so you do speak?” she retorted glibly and smiled. “Same here. I’m going to a weddi…” He immediately cut her off with a curse that made her face redden in surprise and dismay at his abrupt rudeness.

  “Look- we are both going to Conn’s wedding. Fiacha said to be nice to you- so this is me being nice. We are going to the same wedding and using the same aircraft. I’d like to enjoy my whiskey and recommend you have one.”

  Vanessa gaped at the attitude that he exhibited. Fiacha seemed so light-hearted and this man… he was definitely the exact opposite.

  “So Fiacha told you to be nice to me?”

  “Yep.”

  “How is he doing?” she asked softly. She was surprised to see him look at her with sincere interest and mirth in his eyes. Wishing she’d have kept her mouth shut, she turned and looked out the window again.

  “He misses you a lot.”

  Her eyes began to mist and she sniffed to hold back tears. She missed him so much and felt so stupid at her fears. They felt so irrational compared to the idea of hurting him or never seeing him again.

  “He’ll be there, you know. The whole family will be at the wedding,” the man said keenly, watching her. “My name is Maine. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Vanessa was glad that Maine seemed to be a bit politer and nicer to her once they’d started talking. Perhaps he just needed to warm up to people, or was a loner like Fiacha was. As they landed and exited the plane, he was cordial and offered her the use of his limo as well. Apparently Maine didn’t do things on a cheap budget; rather he liked to travel in comfort and style.

  The wedding was this evening and she had time to drop off her things, change clothes, and get to the church. Apparently each member was staying in a different hotel in a different part of the city. They were to meet in the lobby at five tonight and the wedding started at seven. According to Maine, he was her ride to the event and her ‘babysitter’ in town. That rankled her; however, she did like that she knew one person here and could get a ride with him. Her pay didn’t allow for a lot of frivolous things and taking a trip was one of them.

  * * *

  Early in the evening, Vanessa emerged from her room in time for them to catch the limousine that was waiting. Maine poured her a small champagne and one for himself, explaining that it wasn’t every day that someone in their family got married…and it was cause for celebration. The bitter fizzy drink made her nose sting slightly and her eyes water. She’d accepted the drink hoping it would shore up the anxiety that she was feeling now.

  Vanessa felt like a princess right about now, complete with the carriage, and the only thing missing was her Prince Charming. She honestly both hoped and dreaded seeing Fiacha again. She was worried that things would be different now that she’d destroyed what was building between them.

  She wanted to tell him that she realized that he was supporting her, not ordering her about. She was also amazed that he’d been able to take care of her and not pass out from the blood. That in itself was a miracle and showed his devotion to her. His love for her overcame his severe phobia that he’d struggled with for a long time.

  Smoothing her dress nervously, she grimaced at her un-manicured hands. She would be meeting his whole family at this event and she wanted to look polished… proper. She didn’t want to embarrass herself or Fiacha. Russ had always told her that he struggled to bring her because she didn’t quite fit in – and she desperately wanted to be accepted by Fiacha’s family.

  There was a large gathering of people there in the sanctuary and Vanessa caught her breath. It was stunning. She’d never attended an evening service and it was simply breathtaking. Each pew had a bouquet at the end and tulle was draped elegantly from the columns with vines. Candles were lit everywhere and the room smelled heavenly of vanilla wax. There was lilting music playing softly in the background. This would be spectacular to witness and she was so glad she’d packed tissues in her purse.

  And then she saw him.

  Fiacha stood at the front of the church with several other men and women nearby, several of them wiping their eyes and hugging each other desperately. He immediately broke from the group and hurried over to her. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. She noticed his red bowtie was askew just a bit, but it was his eyes that captured her heart. He looked at her like she hung the moon. She knew deep down inside that being with him was so right. Any doubts were gone the moment he smiled at her.

  “You look breathtaking,” he murmured, and she saw that he was nervous by the way he immediately pulled at his collar.

  “You look pretty handsome yourself… may I?” she asked, stepping forward and adjusting his tie to sit evenly. Looking up at him, she saw the warmth in his gaze like nothing had happened – as if their lives had been paused. Instinctively, she leaned upwards as he bowed his head to kiss her. He was hers… and she would always belong to him.

  “I’m so glad to see you,” she admitted and saw his tender lopsided smile as he nodded in agreement. He took her hand and brought it to his lips just like a knight from a fairytale. He treasured her and it showed.

  “Would you like to come meet my family?”

  “I’d love to.”

  The next twenty minutes were spent being introduced to his siblings. She had no idea that he had so many brothers and sisters. She’d already met Maine, who nodded easily a
nd actually smiled at her – a true genuine smile. The others immediately pulled her into their arms for hugs, pats on the back, and questioned her repeatedly on how they had met. Holly stepped out from behind Niall and comically the man jumped as she pinched his bottom lewdly. He was the oldest in the group and was in a relationship with her.

  “I am so glad you are here, Van!” Holly squealed and threw her arms around Vanessa’s neck. “And little Fi-Fi is your kinky boy-toy?”

  “Shite man, can’t you tell her to quit calling me that?” Fiacha instantly turned to Niall. Vanessa looked at Fiacha and both of their faces had to be flaming with embarrassment. She remembered that she’d told Holly about their tryst at the bar – and apparently Niall knew as well.

  The others started ribbing Fiacha, teasing him about being called ‘kinky’ and ‘Fi-Fi’, making fun of his old-fashioned name – including Maine, who was laughing wholeheartedly at his brother. A tall red-haired woman pulled Vanessa aside and smiled.

  “Just ignore them,” she coached gently and continued, “My name is Loegaire. I think you’ll be a good fit for Fi… he’s so shy and introverted sometimes. Welcome to the family, Vanessa.”

  “Oh, but I’m not…we’ve not…” she stammered and saw Fiacha watching her closely over Loegaire’s shoulder.

  “You’re his choice,” she said sagely, tucking a brilliant red curl behind her ear. “The only ones you’ve yet to meet are Conn and Daphne – and that is because we are starting soon.”

  Fiacha walked over and took her hand, escorting her to the first pew that was reserved for family. She felt flattered to be seated in a place of honor when she barely knew them all.

  “We are all groomsmen,” he explained softly. “Wait for me and I’ll be here as soon as I can.”

  “Go,” Vanessa shooed with a smile. “I will be here waiting for you.”

  The wedding was spectacular.

  The moment the music started, everyone got to their feet, turning to look at the back of the church. She saw that Fiacha was lined up with several dark-haired men. As they stepped forward, she felt a surge of jealousy hit her wondering who was walking down the aisle with Fiacha – until she saw it was Loegaire, his sister.