Flirting Under a Full Moon (23 page)

When they finally got there, Adolf opened the outer door and, with a sweeping gesture, indicated that Nick was to enter first.

Instead of following him in, the kid just said, “Get in the elevator. Press the button for the top floor, and good luck.”

“Aren’t you coming with me?”

Adolf worried his lip. “I don’t think so.”

“Are they expecting me?”

Without answering, the kid let go of the door and rushed off.

“What the…”

Nick’s stomach suddenly felt as if he’d swallowed a flock of hummingbirds. He straightened his back, lifted his chin, and said, “I can do this.”

At that moment, the elevator door opened.
Shit. Are they listening?

He concluded they probably were and moved slowly toward the elevator. The doors remained open, as if waiting for him.

Everything
will
be
all
right. This is for Katie and Brandee. Mother Nature will see that as altruistic, right?

Stepping into the elevator, he continued his mental pep talk. Before he could push the button, however, the doors slammed shut and he took off like a rocket.

“Holy…”

When the rapid ascent stopped, his feet felt like they’d left the floor for a second. The doors whooshed open, and he paused a moment to take in the scene before he stepped out.

The glass dome overhead, the white-robed gentlemen strolling and talking to each other, plus the forest in the far-off area indicated he’d found what he was looking for.

It’s go time.

He stepped off the elevator prepared to ask one of the gods where Gaia might be when the woman herself came out of her forest and strode over to him.

“Nick Wolfensen, brave soul. What on earth would bring you here again?”

“Gaia, I need your help in two different matters.”

“Two?” She shouted so loudly that some of the gods stopped talking and stared at them.

“The first is something you’ll want to know about right away.”

“Don’t presume to tell me what I want. Just state your business quickly so I can spit you back out onto the sidewalk as soon as possible.”

Like
gum.
His mouth went dry, but he had to press on.

“Gaia, there’s a dragon on Long Island who is in police custody at the moment, but they won’t be able to hold him forever. He’s dangerous. I discovered his plan when I was protecting a fire mage here in Boston. He hired some thugs to kidnap her so he could use her for her ability.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Lovely.”

That’s all she has to say? One sarcastic word?

“I’m well aware of this dragon. He set the Chicago fire. That’s when I took his power to breathe fire away. Now you’re telling me he hasn’t learned his lesson and wants to burn down Boston too?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She raised one eyebrow.

“I mean, Goddess. He must have wanted revenge on you, and he was ready to use an innocent to do it. The girl hadn’t even come into her power yet. She was just about to when he nabbed her.”

“I see.” She began to pace.

Nick wondered if she “saw” at all. Did she
have
to rely on mortals to be her eyes and ears on the street? Were her powers that limited? And if Mother Nature was his target, how did the dragon know she was based in Boston?

“Did he know the Council hangs out here?”

Her lips thinned. “Yes. I had him brought here for his punishment. I should have sent him back where he came from, but I was busy and angry, so I just spit him out on State Street and let him find his own way home.”

“I thought you could just poof anybody anywhere. You did it with me.”

She threw her hands in the air. “I have to be everywhere at once. Taking care of this, stopping that. Why can’t people just fuckin’ behave themselves?”

She halted and slumped over as if discouraged. When she straightened, she took a deep breath. “Wolfensen, I’m glad you came to me with this. I don’t know what your other question is, and I don’t care. This takes priority over, well, everything. I just let a dam break for this, so in case you were wondering, no, I can’t do it all. But I can and will deal with what’s-his-name.”

“Martin Irwin.”

“Yes. I had forgotten. Well, Martin’s ass is grass. I’ll be back momentarily.”

She disappeared into thin air. Nick didn’t quite know what to do. Should he wait for her? Or should he just leave and forget the other matter?

One of the gods strolled over to him. It was the same one Mother Nature had called “Apollo” before.

“You did well, Nicholas. What was the other question you had for Gaia?”

“I’m glad you asked. I’m not sure if I should discuss it with her or not.”

The god nodded sagely. “Perhaps I can help you with that.”

Nick took a deep breath and hoped for the best. “My girlfriend, Brandee, knows about me and Anthony and the bar, but she’s cool with it. She promised never to tell a human soul and I believe her completely. I want to marry her, but I don’t want Mother Nature worried about Brandee spilling her guts. Bottom line is, I don’t want to worry about Gaia sending me or my girlfriend to Timbuktu. A wolf never deserts his mate—willingly.”

Apollo smiled and a warm glow seemed to radiate from him. “There’s a saying: ‘Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness later than to ask for permission now.’ Or something like that.”

“So, you’re saying I shouldn’t tell her? And if she finds out, I should apologize?”

“Pretty much.”

“I’d never apologize for making Brandee my wife. She’s already my marked mate. I’d just be giving her the legal benefits.”

Apollo shrugged. “It’s up to you, but you know how moody the goddesses can be—Gaia in particular.”

“Why is that? Do goddesses have a monthly…event?”

Apollo laughed. “No. That’s one of the downsides of being a human female.”

“Or a werewolf,” Nick added.

Apollo set a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Look, I shouldn’t tell you this, but Gaia has a reason for all her frustration.”

“Really? She hasn’t always been like that?”

“Oh, heavens, no.” Apollo spoke in a whisper. “Keep this to yourself.
I’m
not even supposed to know, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. Gaia is the primordial goddess. She was born of Chaos and she’s only had four paramours. She fooled around with Ouranos in the sky, and all the heavenly gods and Titans were born. Then she fooled around with Pontus in the ocean and all the sea gods came from that union.

“She even tried a tryst in the hell-pit with Tartarus, and the giants were born. Finally, she gave Zeus a whirl on Mount Olympus and guess what?” He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “That’s how the rest of us showed up. That’s when she called it quits. She swore off sex, not knowing what other immortal creatures she might accidentally create. That was a looong time ago.”

Nick scratched his head. “So, you’re saying she’s sexually frustrated?”

Apollo shrugged. “It would seem so. I mean, she’d have no trouble enticing a lover and she’s still fertile. It was the aftermath that did her in. Can you imagine giving birth to giants?”

Nick shuddered. “Ouch. Well, that has nothing to do with me, so I think I’ll risk it.”

“Good luck with that.” Apollo slapped him on the back, then wandered off to join a poker game.

A moment later Mother Nature reappeared, brushing off her hands. “There. The situation is all taken care of, thanks to me.”

“What happened?”

“Well, first I had to find the right jail, because
someone
forgot to tell me which one our dragon was in.”

Nick remained silent despite wanting to point out that she hadn’t given him a chance to tell her much of anything.

“Then I appeared in his cell and removed his immortality. He took one look at me and had a heart attack on the spot. I love situations like that.”

“Like what?”

“Incidents that take care of themselves. In other words, self-solvers.”

Nick had to be sure. “So he’s dead?”

“As a doornail.”

“What about his men? He had a lot of people in his employ.”

“And they’re all singing ‘Ding Dong, the Dragon’s Dead’ right now.”

She seemed satisfied with the outcome and Nick relaxed a bit. “That’s great. Thanks for your help. My client can rest easy now.”

She offered him a rare smile. “And I thank you for your help too. I rather like Boston.”

It’s now or never, I guess.
“Goddess, there’s one more thing I’d like to discuss with you.”

She sagged and rolled her eyes. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot you had
two
questions for me. Well, what is it?”

“I want to marry Brandee—”

“And you’re asking my permission? How very old-fashioned of you.”

“No, not exactly. I realize that you’re concerned about humans knowing the ins and outs of the paranormal factions.”

“Yes, yes. We both know this. Get to the point.”

“I want you to know beyond the shadow of any doubt that Brandee can be trusted. She’ll
never
reveal what she knows to anyone. She promised Anthony and kept that promise, even when it would have been tempting to tell me what she knew. But she wants the truth. She’s my mate and I need to be honest with her.”

“What if you’re overheard when you’re opening up to her?”

“We won’t make that mistake again. Besides, if she moves into my place, the possibility of someone overhearing us becomes highly unlikely. I can’t let anything separate me from my mate.”

“Hmmm…” Mother Nature tapped her chin. “Your being overheard
would
be less likely if you two were living together.”

“Exactly. I had hoped you’d see it that way.”

“Fine. Marry the human as soon as possible.”

“I’m glad I have your blessing, but there’s one more little thing…”

“Oh, for the love of—All right. What is it?”

“As you know I have a very long life span. I was wondering if there’s anything you can do to extend Brandee’s life as well. The thought of her mortality shakes me to my core.”

Mother Nature reared back and stared at him as if she’d been slapped. “Haven’t you heard? You’re not supposed to mess with Mother Nature.”

He lowered his gaze. “I’m sorry. I just thought… Well, never mind. I appreciate what you did.”

“You’re welcome, but don’t push it. All right? It’s time for you to go. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope I never see you again.”

“Understood.” To tell the truth, Nick hoped he wouldn’t have to see her again either.

For the next week, Nick and Brandee worked around her schedule so they could spend part of every day together. They met at her apartment and Nick usually brought takeout food. Right after the meal, they found their way to his apartment—and his bed. They couldn’t get enough of each other. They knew every inch of each other’s bodies and then some.

Today, Nick wanted to take her out and show her a good time. He and Brandee strolled slowly through the Museum of Fine Arts’ Impressionists exhibit, with his arm around her waist most of the afternoon.

“I’m glad you have this evening off,” Nick whispered. “I know just how to spend it.”

Brandee gave him a knowing smile. “In bed, I imagine.”

“What a good idea. I never would have thought of it.”

Brandee laughed. “Like hell you wouldn’t have.”

Nick gave her a side squeeze. “Actually, I thought I’d take you out to dinner, and the place I have in mind is kind of fancy. Do you have any formal dresses or skirts you can wear?”

“You mean besides my uniform?”

Nick groaned. “Please tell me you have another skirt besides that one. It probably smells like a brewery.”

“Yeah, I can come up with some options. What’s the special occasion?”

He smiled to himself. “You’ll see.”

He’d already bought the ring. A two-carat, emerald-cut diamond with a smaller diamond baguette on each side. He liked the gold wedding bands that went with it. Hopefully, she would too, and then he’d have them engraved.

He tried not to be nervous. She might think his proposal was awfully sudden, but he couldn’t be more sure.

“I know I can find something to wear. I have a very formfitting dress in blue silk. Would something like that be appropriate?”

“Perfect.”

“Now I’m super curious. Can you give me a hint?”

“Well…”

“Come on. Please?” She batted her eyelashes.

He laughed. “When you’re being adorable, I can’t say no to you.” He took a deep breath and hoped she wouldn’t guess and ruin the surprise. “I’ve heard you like the ocean.”

“That’s true. So it must be a place with an ocean view?”

“You’ll see.”

She stared at the ceiling. “You’re killing me.”

“Don’t die yet. We have a lot of fun ahead of us.” Nick wished she wouldn’t die at all. Perhaps if she’d agree to be changed… No. He shouldn’t get his hopes up. He genuinely doubted any human would go for that electively. His sister-in-law Roz had flatly refused, but Konrad married her anyway, knowing he’d outlive her—perhaps by another hundred years.

A wolf needs his mate by his side as much as he needs to breathe. Nick figured he’d have to be Konrad’s support system when Roz was laid to rest. Now he hoped Konrad would be his. If he didn’t get his mind off this morose topic, he’d bring himself down, and it was too special a day to let that happen.

He pointed to a painting by Monet. “Monet’s first wife, Camille, was his model for many of his paintings. That’s Monet’s wife in the Japanese kimono.”

“I’ve seen other paintings of her. I thought she was a brunette,” Brandee said.

“She was. He had her wear a blond wig to emphasize her Western heritage. Paris was excited about all things Asian in those times.”

“How do you know that? I thought you didn’t like art.”

“I like you and you like art, so I studied up on it.” Nick kissed her red hair.

“Awww.”

When Brandee gazed up at him, her eyes took on a soft blue light, reminding him of the sky in one of Monet’s paintings.

We’ll have some beautiful blue-eyed children someday.
Few werewolves married outside the pack, so he had no idea what to expect regarding reproduction. Hopefully their children would be as long-lived and healthy as wolves but as gentle as their mother.

“What do you say? Are you ready to get out of here? Maybe we can get in a little afternoon delight before dinner.”

“Well, since you put it that way.” She grinned and his heart leaped.

“We can always come back another day.”

“That would be nice. It’s a great place for inspiration. Look at the way Monet painted the same subjects at different times of day. It’s something I enjoy doing with my photographs, playing with light and shadow like he did.”

“So, you’re still working on your photography?”

“Of course.”

“Good. Can I see some of your work?”

She hesitated. Eventually she said, “Sure. As long as you don’t expect them to look like a Monet.”

He chuckled. “I don’t imagine you can do that with photography.”

She gave him a sly smile. “You’d be surprised by what I can do.”

“Are we still talking about photography?”

She elbowed him. “Leave it to you to take everything I say in
that
direction.”

He laughed. “I can’t help it. You inspire me.”

***

Back at Nick’s condo, they kissed their way to the bedroom, stripping off their clothes at the same time. Nick was an incredible lover, and Brandee had never experienced the kind of mind-blowing orgasms she had with him every single time.

They stumbled in, hampered by their twining legs, and Brandee laughed as she almost hit the floor. Nick swooped her up and laid her on his bed. He kissed her again, and she melted into a heated pool of desire.

He gathered her ass in his big hand and pushed her against his erection.

God
but she wanted him. With every fiber of her being, she wanted to be possessed. Held the way only Nick could, showing how much he cherished his “mate.” She’d gotten used to the word and enjoyed its double meaning.

His hands caressed her excited skin. His breathing was urgent and he leaned heavily into her, pressing his erection against the apex of her thighs. Brandee’s sexual appetite became ferocious, and she whimpered into his mouth.

She restlessly moved against him, trying to appease the ache between her thighs. She longed for him to fill her, and she was wet with need. His warm male skin shivered with her touch. The room was warm and she was burning, so he had to be shaking with lust, not cold. She kneaded the thick muscles that rippled under her hand. Her fingers found his flat male nipples, and she squeezed each one until he gasped for air, then groaned.

“Brandee. I need you.”

She laughed. “And the problem with that is…”

“I want to be inside you—now.”

She was so swept away, she almost forgot to ask. “Condom?”

He nuzzled her ear and whispered, “Do we have to?”

That startled her for a moment, but she was on the pill and believed him when he said he was healthy.

She pulled his mouth to hers for another kiss. He nipped her lips and she tasted a drop of blood. He lapped at it, and the pain quickly faded. When she touched her mouth, there was no blood to be found.

“Oh, God, I love this woman.”

Had she actually heard his thought? He must have been talking to himself and the sound was muffled by the sheets or something.

He cupped her breast and flicked her nipple with his thumb. Her womb clenched as if reaching for him.

He rolled her on top and adjusted so he could capture her hard nipple and suck greedily. She arched back and moaned as a symphony of sensations raced through her body. He lavished the same attention on the other breast, and she thought she’d come any moment. He wasn’t even inside her yet!

She couldn’t make him wait any longer. Hell,
she
couldn’t wait any longer.

She broke the glorious suction just long enough to sit up straight and lower herself onto his erection. They moaned together. He began to move his pelvis up and down, and she rocked forward and back. Dear Lord, the ripples of bliss started as soon as he hit her G-spot.

Don’t come right away. Try to hold off for him.

“Or come more than once.”
It sounded as if his voice had answered her in her head. His lips hadn’t moved, so her imagination must have taken over and formed what she thought he’d be thinking. He added a clit rub to their lovemaking and that sent her spiraling.

A few strokes later, all thought deserted her. She came with a crash of sensation, causing her to cry out. She clutched his shoulders as she convulsed against him. The powerful orgasm washed over her in sharp waves, and she couldn’t stop her screams of bliss. Tears actually formed in her eyes.

Nick shuddered with his own release and gentled his hold on her as if intentionally trying not to hurt her. She imagined he could if he lost control, but Nick wasn’t one to forget his strength.

She collapsed against him and he gathered her into his arms. Gently cradling her against his chest, he murmured something that sounded like,
“That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Except it wasn’t a murmur. He was panting the whole time. She had heard his muffled thought.

“Nick?” she whispered when she could form words again.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“This is going to sound crazy, but I think I heard your thought just now.”

He let out a startled gasp, and she lifted her head so she could see into his wide eyes.

“I thought I heard yours too. Quick, what was I thinking?”

“I think you said what a beautiful experience you just had. Did you say that out loud?”

He rolled her onto her side and propped himself on his elbow. Instead of answering her question, he grinned and thought,
“I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

He laughed. “That you’re my one true mate. I could tell the first time I kissed you. Others may have doubted it, but I never stopped hoping and, deep down, believing.”

“Does hearing each other’s thoughts mean we’re true mates?”

He leaned over and kissed her nose. “It certainly does. Roz and Konrad are able to communicate telepathically. I had always hoped we would…”

As if so moved he couldn’t speak, he gathered her in his arms once more and tucked her head beneath his chin. “I love you, Brandee. I understand it may take a while to learn how to block our thoughts when we don’t want to share them. But right now I couldn’t be happier about this.”

“Do you mean you’re able to hear every bizarre thought that travels through my brain?”

“Not every thought. Just the strong ones. Konrad told me what it was like for him and Roz. I imagine it will be pretty much the same for us.”

THEN WE CAN TALK SIMPLY BY THINKING LOUDLY?

“You don’t have to shout. Just form the words as if you’re speaking to me, intentionally.”

“I guess that could come in handy if we’re ever kidnapped again.”

He laughed. “Yes, it could.”

“You heard me!”

“If you were thinking about our ability to communicate, should we ever be kidnapped again, then yes, I did.”

“Oh, my mental megaphone.”

***

Nick anxiously waited downstairs in the bar for Brandee to get ready for their dinner date. He was so filled with nervous energy, he drummed his fingers on the bar while waiting for his glass of water. He didn’t want to have any alcohol until after dinner, and then he’d order a bottle of champagne.

Angie glanced at him as she brought another customer a martini. “I’m getting to you as fast as I can, Nick.”

“Huh? No, I’m not impatient with you, Angie. It’s something else completely.”

She eyed him as she got his water. When she brought it over, she asked, “You’re all dressed up tonight. Does it have anything to do with my roommate?”

He smiled. “Yes, but I can’t tell you what we’re doing. I’m saving it for a surprise—”

At that moment, when the door opened and Brandee walked in, Nick lost the power of speech. She was stunning. Her blue silk dress fit her perfectly. It nipped in at her waist and ended a few inches above the knee. Her hair was left long and loose. The light captured the shine, reminding him of a beautiful gemstone he’d seen once. He thought they were called carnelians. He’d have to look for some kind of jewelry made with them and buy it for her. Right now, he had a different piece of jewelry in his pocket.

She smiled and strolled over to him. She set her beaded evening bag on the bar and telepathically asked,
“Are we ready to go?”

He answered her in his mind as well.
Yup. But I’m afraid I’ll have to chase off every man who sees you tonight. You look gorgeous.

They had done it! They had established purposeful mental telepathy with one another. He waited a moment to see if any unwanted thoughts passed between them.

Angie walked over and set a hand on her hip. “Are you two just gonna to stand there grinning at each other all night?”

Nick glanced at her. “No. We’re leaving. I’m taking my gorgeous girl somewhere special tonight.”

Angie looked her roommate up and down. “I can see that. So where are you going?”

Brandee raised her eyes to him and they sparkled. “Yeah, Nick. Where
are
we going?”

“I guess I can tell you now. You’ll find out soon anyway. We’re going out on the
Odyssey
for a dinner cruise.”

“Oh, Nick. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

“I’ll just call a cab.” Nick reached for his cell phone.

“Why don’t we take my car? The waterfront isn’t that far, and I should start it once in a while so it doesn’t petrify.”

Nick scratched his head. He didn’t want to insult her bucket of bolts, but it didn’t seem right for the lovely evening he had planned. Maybe he should have hired a horse and carriage.

Oh, hell. Who was he trying to impress? If she wanted to go in her ancient Toyota, what difference did it make?

“You don’t want to take my car, do you, Nick?”

Did
she
hear
me? Nah, I was probably just hesitating too long.
“No, it’s fine. If you need to give it a little exercise, the short trip to the waterfront is probably good for that.”
If
we
break
down, it’s not that far to walk.

“Good. Let’s go then.”

She held out her hand and he enclosed it in his. They waved to Angie and left the bar. Strolling down Charles Street, Nick asked, “Is it still parked on Revere Street?”