Real Vampires Know Hips Happen (14 page)

My mother smiled and sent a lightning bolt sizzling down to raise my hair and make it fly around my head. “No, your story is not ended, Gloriana. Not even close. The best is yet to come. Apollo was my opening salvo. You will love man number two. Just wait and see.” And with that she disappeared.

Seven

“We’re
going back to the castle, Glory.” Cait kept glancing at Jerry, who paced restlessly next to the front door. “My brother wants to get on a horse again and we can’t do it here. You’re welcome to come with us or stay here.”

“What do
you
want me to do, Jerry?” I had received another invitation, hand delivered just a few moments ago. My mother wasn’t wasting time. I was expected to meet her second candidate in a few hours.

“I don’t know. Right now I need fresh air, to get away from all these blasted machines and Caitie’s doctor friend.” He glared at his sister.

“Bart’s coming with us, Jeremiah. He should be pulling up any minute. He needs to keep working with you. If Glory’s mother isn’t going to cooperate, then hypnotism is still your best hope for regaining some memories. I don’t want to hear another word about it.” Cait looked from him to me. “Do you want Gloriana with you or not?”

“If she’s willing, she can come. Though in a way this is her fault.” He shook his head and finally looked at me directly. Maybe he could tell I was trying not to sway him but was desperately hoping he’d let me stay close.

“Jeremiah Campbell. That’s not fair and you know it!” Cait stepped to my side.

“Blame it on my blasted headache.” Jerry walked up to me and grabbed my hand. “I’m sorry, Gloriana. Don’t you think I realize this is your mother’s doing? Caitie and I know all about interfering mothers. Our own mother has spent her life doing everything she can to make our lives a misery. Right, Caitie?”

“And you don’t remember most of it.” His sister kissed Jerry’s cheek. “I’m sorry you are still hurting.”

“’Tis no worse than a blow on the head with a rock. It’ll pass.” He still held my hand, almost absentmindedly.

“Will you let me come back to the castle then?” I had to clear my throat to get the words out.

He released my hand then jerked the front door open. “Do what you wish, Gloriana. I’ll be outside. I feel strong enough to fly home and I know the way. Bart can make himself useful, fly with me in case I weaken.” He scowled. “Damn but I’m sick of not knowing my own strength.” With that he slammed the heavy door.

“Oh, Cait, I hate to see him this way.” I sank down on the living room couch. It was comfortable, not like the stiff formal pieces they’d had back when Jerry had first brought me here. I’m sure he’d been shocked to see the new decorations in the old home. One shock after another. I didn’t blame him for being out of sorts.

“We all hate it. If you come with us, you’ll have to face my mother’s wrath. She won’t cut you any slack in this. Once she finds out you were indirectly responsible, all hell will break loose.” Cait sat beside me. “I can’t protect you. Mag scares me shitless.”

I sighed. “I know how you feel. My own mother is terrifying. But we do seem to stand up to them. As much as we can. You divorced the MacLaran boy and I know that just about gave Mag seizures.”

Cait giggled. “Yes, indeed. But between his tightfistedness and his philandering, Mum finally saw things my way. She won’t
speak to any of that clan to this day.” She leaned back against the sofa cushions. “I can’t believe Jerry’s going to fly home. I hope he makes it.” She turned when the front door creaked open. “Bart! Did my brother tell you his mad plan?”

“Yes. Did he feed properly this evening?” The doctor glanced at me.

“Not from me.” I’d offered of course but he’d turned me down with a scowl. “He drank two bottles of synthetic. He’s very moody.” Yes, I’d call it that. Between his constant headaches and his frustrations with his memory loss, who could blame him?

“That should be enough. I’ll be beside him, but keep your cell phone on, Cait. Drive my car and we’ll be above you. I’ll call if we have to land somewhere and need a pickup.” He handed her his car keys. “You coming, Glory?”

“Not tonight. I have an, um, appointment.” I stared down at my hands. “But I’d like to come tomorrow night.” There was no chance I’d get Jerry to remember me if I didn’t stay close. My mother could damn well follow me if she wanted these “dates” to go on.

“Good. Because I’m still convinced you are the one trigger that could bring him back to this time.” Bart nodded. “Come now, Cait. Tomorrow night, Glory.” He shut the door.

“Drive Jerry’s car down then.” Cait patted my shoulder. “I’ll do what I can to defuse the situation at home. I hope Mum doesn’t find out about your own part in the poisoning. I’ll try to get to Jerry and make him swear to keep it a secret.”

“Thanks, Caitie.” I leaned forward to hug her. “I’m not sure I could take Mag’s temper right now, she’s cold enough to me at the best of times. I don’t need her piling on the guilt.”

“I’ve got your back, Glory. And screw the guilt. If I took responsibility for everything my mother did ‘for my own good,’ I’d have walked into the sun long ago.” Cait knew I’d heard some hair-raising stories about Mag’s interference over
the years. She was right and I hugged her again for the encouraging words.

“Thanks. You’re making me feel better.”

“Good. Now I’ve got to hit the road.” She smiled. “How was your date last night?”

I’d told her about my mother’s conditions. Hey, I had to confide in someone, and Flo wasn’t here.

“Interesting. Apollo showed up. The Sun God? Imagine living in daylight forever.” I fanned my cheeks. “And I have to admit he was beautiful but with an edge.”

“Sounds like just your type.” Cait grinned. “Mine too. Were you tempted?”

“Not even. He had an ego the size of the sun too. And he can’t be out at night.” I followed her to the door. “I realized I’m a night creature after all this time. I really can’t imagine giving it up.” I grinned. “Though I’ll say again, he was great to look at.”

“No surprise there. Olympus wouldn’t produce anything less than perfection, I’m sure. Be careful, though. If the gods are all as powerful as your mother, you sure don’t want to make any of them mad.”

“Don’t I know it.” I shivered, thinking about how furious Apollo had gotten when I’d turned him down. What had he wanted from my mother that he’d been willing to hook up with a mere vampire? I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“Another one tonight?” Cait picked up her suitcase from by the door. She’d given the servants the night off. Jerry had been in such a sour mood, she hadn’t wanted them subjected to it.

“Yep. Can’t wait to see who she drags down to hook me up with next. I’m getting on the Internet as soon as you leave to study these guys. Seems there are quite a few gods and they each have a specialty. I want to be better prepared than I was last night. Ignorance is
not
bliss.” And I knew from my own past that knowledge could be power. I was desperate to figure out just how my mother fit into this whole Olympus scheme. Who was she?

“Hmm.” Cait glanced up. “Wonder what your mother thinks would ring your bell.”

•  •  •

I
didn’t have to wonder long. After the gang left, I hurried up to my room, where yet another fabulous dress waited for me. This one was white and cut toga style. Maybe tonight’s guy was a traditionalist. The one-shoulder design made a bra impossible so the overall effect was pretty interesting. I’m well-endowed and perky. When Jerry is himself, he’s pretty fond of the “girls.” He’d have loved me in this.

I wasn’t so crazy about looking like an escapee from Olympus.

Quick research made me wonder if there was a god any better than Apollo up there. Mom had started with her best shot in my opinion. But it would be interesting to see her next attempt. I was almost in a good mood as I headed downstairs. This date would be a piece of cake. I’d found out something on the Internet that was a deal breaker as far as future dates were concerned. Jerry was as good as fixed.

The same limo and driver picked me up and this time I paid close attention to where we were going. It had taken me too long to find my way back last night. I’d finally had to resort to flying overhead and trying to spot Jer’s neighborhood. It was not something I wanted to make a habit of. While shifting into a bird or bat wasn’t supposed to mess with your clothes, I always thought they were a little worse for wear after the whole thing. Sorry, but these dresses my mother sent me were just too fine to risk even a wrinkle and God forbid I lose one of my designer shoes.

We arrived at the same town house so maybe Mom had rented it for the duration. I walked in and the same servant took my purse and wrap. Mom had sent along a satin cape lined with gold this time. Even though I didn’t feel the cold, it was a nice accessory on a chilly night. Once again, a fire blazed in the fireplace. This time the man waited for me. He played a small instrument, an odd-shaped guitar. The name
came to me in a flash. It was a lute. Okay, that was definitely an Olympus thing. I couldn’t deny the music was hauntingly beautiful. He looked up and smiled, obviously reading my mind, and set it aside.

“Good evening, Gloriana. I see you wore traditional dress. You look enchanting.” He stepped forward and took my hand, kissing the back of it.

Another beautiful man, this one with dark hair that fell onto his forehead. His sapphire eyes gleamed as he studied me. He was in the traditional toga himself, a short one to show off his muscled legs. Yum.

“Good evening. You know my name. May I ask yours?” I eased my hand from his grasp. He was normal temperature. Well, for a human. Still warmer than a vampire. Were they human on Olympus? Of course not. But he was doing a good imitation. He smelled wonderful, like old money. What? Where had that come from?

He laughed. “How delightful. My name is Hermes. And besides music, money is one of my favorite things. Though actually I prefer gold.” He walked over to a small table and opened a lacquered box. A rope of gold glimmered inside and he lifted it out and admired it for a moment. “This would look exquisite on you. Here.” He slipped it over my head and adjusted it until it nestled between my breasts. “Lovely. You were made to wear gold. It matches your hair. I like your earrings. Eighteen carat?”

“Yes.” I’d checked them out when I’d found them tucked in my gift box tonight. Mom was being very generous. You knew I wasn’t going to toss her presents in her face, didn’t you? This necklace wasn’t going back either if I could help it. It felt like several ounces of treasure.

“I see you appreciate value. I like that in a woman.” He grinned and picked up his lute again. “Your mother tells me you also appreciate music. Shall I play for you?”

“I’d like that.” What in the hell had my mother done? Was she snooping into my past? Yes, I’d had a fling with rock star Israel Caine. And his music was one of the things I’d
loved about him. Still loved. Would always love about him. But our affair was over. I could love his music and realize I was meant to be with Jerry. That had been a tough decision but the right one. I sat on the silk sofa in front of the fire while Hermes tuned his instrument. I doubted he’d break out into a rock song. I prepared to be bored.

Uh-oh. I was not bored. He sang in a deep and seductive voice of love. A love that could last forever. Oh, Jerry. A love that would span the test of time. I swayed to his perfect strumming, closing my eyes as his voice wound a spell around my heart and thoughts of Jerry drifted away. I knew this was magic and tried to fight it. But he was so talented and I’ve always been a sucker for a great song. I still have an Israel Caine shrine in my living room, though it’s tinier than it used to be. It made Jerry insanely jealous. Or used to. Now? He probably…

Forget history. I lay back on that silk sofa and just imagined listening to that exquisite music every day. Even when the lute went silent, the song played in my head.

“Gloriana, look at me. We are meant to be together. Your mother tells me you run your own business.” Hermes sat beside me, his hip hard against mine. “You have no idea how sexy I find a woman who enjoys commercial endeavors. We could do such great things in Olympus.” He toyed with the gold chain, his fingers brushing the curve of my breasts before he let it drop. “I can see us cornering the jewel market. How would you like to be the premier jewelry distributor to all the gods and goddesses on the mountain? Believe me, the men and women there are insatiable when it comes to adornment.”

I took a moment to imagine bathing in jewels, becoming the spokesmodel for fabulous accessories. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds. Wait a minute. I wasn’t really into such things. Or hadn’t been. Of course that was because I’d made my peace with owning CZ studs and passing them off as diamonds long ago.

“You wear fakes?” Hermes shook his head. “Poor Gloriana.
You should never have been brought so low, the daughter of such an exalted figure. Your mother must weep each night over your plight.”

Now he’d made a serious misstep. My mother weep over me? Ha! She’d forgotten me for centuries. Then she’d chosen a harsh way of showing an interest. Had she come to me and asked for a sit-down? Showered me with presents and then begged me to forgive her? Hell no. She’d poisoned my lover and threatened to keep him locked in a past that didn’t include me.