Welcome to the Neighborhood (37 page)
Read Welcome to the Neighborhood Online
Authors: Mary Abshire
Tags: #Fiction, #Romance, #Paranormal, #General, #Contemporary
Vickie’s expression warmed. “I think they look very happy together.”
Alexi smiled brightly as Greg squeezed his arms around her. Words couldn’t describe how blissful she was with Greg. By next summer, he would join her in the world of the undead. Although they were madly in love, they both decided to wait six months to make the big change. For one reason, they wanted to conduct more research about werewolves becoming part vampire. The bit of information the doctor from the hospital in Chicago gave Greg was helpful, but they wanted more to ensure a smooth process and to learn about all the abilities he’d have. They’d already contacted the doctor and set up a meeting to discuss the matter in detail. In the mean time, Alexi was helping Greg set up a private practice to assist and represent families descended from supernatural parents. To date, none existed and mortals didn’t fully understand the needs or problems nonhuman children faced. Greg’s valiant effort to try to make the world a better place was but one of many qualities she loved about him. He was such a rare man, a rare catch, and she’d never let him go.
“I’ve met my mate and nothing will keep me from her.” Greg kissed Alexi’s head.
“Oh really?” Charley asked, then turned to Vickie. Both ladies widened their eyes. “Does this mean wedding bells are in the future?” Vickie asked as they faced Alexi and Greg.
Alexi peered up at Greg. In truth, they had talked about marriage, and more than once. It was Greg’s idea. “I’ll let you tell them.”
He planted a kiss on her nose, then looked up. “We’re working on dates in the spring and fall.”
“Two weddings?” Charley inquired.
“I want to marry Alexi before and after I become part vampire.”
“You’re going to change into a vampire?” Vickie asked, surprised.
“She’s my mate and I never want to be without her, ever.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Charley said. “As long as you’re both happy.”
“I’ve never been happier in over three hundred and twenty-seven years.” Alexi glided her hands over Greg’s arms while he kept them locked around her. “Greg is the only man for me.”
“True love is a blessing, regardless if you are from different races. I wish you both an eternity of happiness,” Vickie said, her eyes glowing with love as she stared off to the side. A dark-haired man came to a stop next to her. He took her in his arms and embraced her with a deep kiss. Alexi assumed it was her husband.
“And if you need help with the wedding arrangements, let us know. You could always use the clubhouse for the reception,” Charley said, not giving much attention to Vickie smooching.
The large stranger pried his lips from Vickie. “Told you I would be home in time.” He twisted to face Alexi and Greg while keeping Vickie in his grasp. “Did I miss much?”
“Welcome home, James,” Greg said. “I’d like you to meet my wife-to-be, Alexandria Cartwright.”
Alexi smiled widely, liking the term
wife
. She shook James’s beefy hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Good to meet you, and congratulations.”
The werewolf had a firm, warm grip and held a friendly expression. His large frame made her look like a stick. He was several inches shorter than Greg and had at least twenty extra pounds extra.
“Wow, the love around here is overwhelming,” Charley said, her gaze sliding from Alexi to Vickie.
“Don’t worry, hun,” Vickie said. “Mr. Right is out there. You’ll find him one day.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Charley gave a casual wave of her hand. “I’m going to get some snacks. If Mr. Right comes along, tell him to meet me after two. I should be free then.”
Vickie chuckled as the witch took a step back. “Have a good time, Charley.”
“Always do.” She waved at them. “Enjoy the fireworks.” She winked at Vickie before she took off behind the happy couple.
“Darling,” James said, gazing at his wife. “I could use a little food and a good run before the show.”
“A little food?” she asked, raising a brow.
He silently chuckled and looked at Greg. “What about you? Ready to eat and go for a run?”
Greg loosened his arms around Alexi as she twisted to meet his blue eyes. “You could come and watch,” he said with a teasing smile.
“Sure, and I know just the place to meet you at.”
Forget real fireworks. Alexi had another version in mind, and she was certain Greg would find her version more stimulating and enjoyable.
“I like the way you think,” Greg said, as if he knew her plans. Well, her idea wasn’t difficult to figure out. After all, they were deeply in love with each other and eager to prove it.
Alexi and Greg walked side by side, arms glued around each other as they followed the happy werewolf couple toward the tables with food. Filled with elation, Alexi gave Greg a hug from the side. She’d found the most noble, charismatic and loving man on earth. And he was determined to make her happy. Without any doubt, many more harmonious days would follow.
Mary Abshire
Mary is a lifetime lover of paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction. She lives in a suburban area of Indianapolis. One night, on her way home from her evil day job, she wondered what it would be like to have supernatural creatures as neighbors in a modern-day world where they'd stepped out of the closet. What if they had their own housing community and had to deal with barking dogs, nosey neighbors, and the typical issues humans face daily? Enter Midnight Gardens to find the answers along with unexpected love, some humor, and hot passion.
The Awakening
Project Eve, #1
She’s the only one of her kind. And she doesn’t even know her name.
Two investigators–one human, one vampire–find a young woman among a mass of dead bodies. She has no memories, and nothing but her clothes, two receipts, and a mysterious dagger carved with the initials ‘SB’.
As she seeks her identity, SB realizes she’s unlike any other creature in the world, making her the most valuable person on the planet. And the most wanted.
WARNING: Language, violence, and graphic sex.
The Quest
Project Eve, #2
Retribution. At any cost.
Now that she knows her name and what she is, she wants justice for everything she's lost. Though her memories elude her, she takes a job for a half-demon Senator and, aided by werewolves from a local clan, intends to uncover evidence that will convict the Senator of more than thirty murders.
Getting to the Senator and finding the necessary evidence is more difficult than she anticipates, especially when there is a bounty for her head. If that were not enough, the vampire who stole her memories returns and reveals unexpected truths. But she's not going to let anything stop her. Not a sadistic assassin or a servant of Lucifer. Not even her ex-lover, vampire God of the Underworld, who turned her. Nothing will stop her from claiming retribution...even if the price is her life.
Immortal Revenge
The Legacy, #1
Vengeance comes with a price.
Grief stricken Katie Dillinger is on a mission to claim revenge for the death of her lover. In a race against time to find the murderer, Katie reaches out to Riker, a man listed as her boyfriend’s emergency contact. The cold-hearted man comes to Katie's aid, but she doesn't completely trust him. To keep her friends safe, she insists they leave town immediately. But her efforts come too late. A friend disappears and a clear message is left in the wake: surrender or more people will die.
Katie’s world is turned upside down when she discovers Riker has vowed to protect her. She’s involved in a prophecy, one which her lover had been preparing her for before his murder. All the combat training he gave her suddenly makes sense, and as Katie fights to keep her friends alive, she’s forced to prioritize. Revenge now, saving mankind next.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence, Language
Lyrical Press books are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2013 Mary Abshire
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.
First Electronic Edition: August 2013
ISBN-13: 9781616504779
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