Little Suckers Bite Too (San Francisco Vampires #6) (Vampires of San Francisco series) (9 page)

“Yes, you seem to have the hangover solution too.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for next time, sex you into sobriety.”

“In that case, there will be a lot of next times.”

I laugh and kiss him on the forehead.

“Can we get off the floor now?” I ask.

“Oui, ma cherie. Let’s take a shower first and then go visit Hannah.”

“Sounds good, I want to wash that Lionel’s scent off me.”

“That fucker is lucky. I should have punched him at the minimum.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t hunt together while down here. By the way, did you see Dominic in the club?”

“What?! Did he see you?”

“No, I got us out of there before he could see us. I thought that the prudent solution.”

“Yes, I’m sorry, ma petite, I should have realized I would get inebriated. She didn’t seem that drunk though.”

“I think it’s what they drink. She must have been guzzling gasoline,” I say sympathetically and pat him on the chest.

“It won’t happen again, I promise you,”

“I kinda liked the side effects.” I wink at him. He growls.

“I don’t think I am completely sober. I think I need another dose of your beautiful body to be sure.”

He chases me into the shower and shows me what he means. Vampires are insatiable and Sebastian must be the most insatiable vampire ever.

We knock on Hannah and Diel’s door to say goodnight.

“Come in,” Hannah says.

“How are you, ma petite mamman?” Sebastian asks as he kisses both her cheeks.

“I’m doing fine. The baby is kicking up a storm and Diel is reading to me.” She smiles sweetly at her mate.

“We’re reading the Kama Sutra. Lots of pictures,” Diel says as he wiggles his eyebrows.

“That’s terrible. Getting all hot and bothered and not be able to do anything about it,” I say.

“It’s all about anticipation,” Diel says and kisses his wife’s head.

Sebastian laughs and asks for the book. He peruses, mentioning the ones he’s tried. It’s embarrassing. I pretend he isn’t there and chat with Hannah and Diel.

“Heard you come home and the after effects,” Hannah says and grins.

“Yes, we went hunting. Sebastian miscalculated his dinner’s blood alcohol level. We also saw Dominic, Diel.”

“Shit, what did he do?” Diel looks truly worried.

“He didn’t see us. I just thought you should know,” I say.

“Thanks. Technically he is not doing anything wrong. So as long as he stays away from you I can’t do anything. It’s best if you don’t run into him again.”

“What could he do?” Hannah asks.

“He could cause a lot of trouble. Especially since his dad is the mayor. We need to stay under the radar right now with this hearing happening. By the way, I heard from my lawyers, Sebastian and Lily. The hearing is here tomorrow.”

“Merde. What can we do to help?”

“Stand up for Hannah and me. We will need a host of witnesses because I heard my parents have several. They are bringing up the fact that Hannah has killed two Demons.”

“Shit,” I say.

“Quite,” Hannah replies. “It was self-defense and Diel’s lawyers have been aware of everything from the beginning. So no surprises for them. They know I was kidnapped and that his parents orchestrated the entire thing.”

“It should be an easy case, but there is always some worry when a vampire has killed a demon. There are a lot of biases,” Diel says.

“What time does this occur tomorrow?” I ask.

“An hour after Hannah wakes up,” Diel answers. He takes Hannah’s hand and squeezes it.

“We’ll be ready. Does Aidan know? I think he went back to Italy to keep searching tonight,” I say.

“Yes, he does. He promised to be back in plenty of time,” Hannah says.

“Let’s pray to the Goddess everything goes well,” I say. I have a funny tingling in my tummy about this. I’ve killed a demon too.

CHAPTER 11 . DIEL

Lily is awake which means Hannah will be up in another two hours. The house is clean from top to bottom thanks to a spell from Helena. We have rearranged the biggest room on the first floor. Several chairs are set up for the magistrate, the recorder, and bailiff. The rest of the chairs are arranged like a courtroom with a big soft chair and ottoman for Hannah.

Helena is baking treats and we have plenty of refreshments on hand. I don’t know the protocol for hosting a hearing. I want to be ready for anything. Julian and I take Hades on a long walk to discuss strategy – though I’ve been over it with my lawyers a dozen times.

“I’ve researched Demon law as much as I can since your parents made their announcement. They do have a small chance because of Hannah killing Josephine and Brandon. The crux will be establishing that it was self-defense,” Julian explains to me.

“We can count my parents out for being honest about the situation. But we do have Aidan as a witness. He was injured in the melee so hopefully his testimony will carry more weight. I also have some clout. I’m hoping that I have more than my parents since they are retired and have given up their titles.”

“I agree. This is all in your favor. I just want you to know what you are dealing with. Besides, they will be won over by Hannah’s sweet disposition, or at least Helena’s cookies.”

We laugh knowing Hannah can be anything but sweet, especially if the baby is threatened.

“Yes, the trick will being able to keep Hannah calm. I can’t expect my parents to be. They feel entitled to act anyway they want to. It makes me sick,” I grumble. Scenarios flash through my head and none of them are good.

“Then we’ll rely on the cookies,” Julian says with a grin.

“I just hope my parents haven’t bought off the magistrate. I’ve had my lawyers working on getting one from another city to make sure he or she is unbiased.”

“Good plan. Yes, after I heard what they did and are doing, I wouldn’t put anything past them.”

I throw a stick for Hades and he catches it doing a fine aerial twist before gamboling back to me. He drops it at my feet waiting for me to throw it again and looking at me like “Is that all you got?”

Julian picks up the stick and throws it vampire-far and Hades is jumping and barking fire in excitement. I hope to hell that he doesn’t catch anything on fire. We are going to have him sitting next to Hannah during the hearing, as well as myself and Lily. Most of our job is going to be making sure that Han stays calm and relaxed.

Julian and I head back to the house after Hades has retrieved his stick.

“This is a truly beautiful spot,” Julian says passing the lake and its plethora of gem stone colored birds. Every once in a while a fish jumps in the air.

“I like it too. Hannah is the one that wanted to buy it. It’s perfect for our needs and just the right amount of distance out of town.”

“Yes, I believe you three will be happy here,” Julian says. “And there are plenty of rooms for visitors, which I hope I may be one of them. It’s so fascinating here. I could spend years cataloging the flora and fauna alone. I haven’t even been in the city yet.”

“You are always welcome here, Julian. The whole family is. That’s what we consider you all. Especially since I have pretty much disowned mine.”

“We can’t pick who we are born to, but we can pick who we love,” Julian says.

We climb the stairs to the patio off the back of the house and I can hear Hannah yelling for Lily to get her sweet butt in there so she can take a shower. I chuckle and run up the rest of the stairs and up to our room so I can spend some time with her and help her myself.

“Lover, I’ll help you. Lily, would you help Helena get everything set up? I want to spend some time with my wife.”

“Of course,” Lily says and smiles. “Hannah, I’ll be right at your side during everything just like Diel. I’ll see you later. By the way, I laid out your clothes for today, they’re on the bed.” Then she blurs out of the room.

“Hey, babe. How are you feeling so far?” I ask Hannah as I pull her nightgown up and over her head.

“Pretty nervous to tell you the truth. I’m just trying to take it minute by minute so I don’t get overwhelmed,” she says climbing into the shower.

“It will be okay, Han. I promise,” I shout above the running water.

“You don’t have to shout, Diel. I can hear you quite well,” she reminds me.

“Sorry, I forget sometimes.”

“No worries, love.”

She is soon done and is climbing out of the shower. I help her out and have a towel ready for her. Helping her dry off, I feel the baby kicking. I swear her stomach grew overnight. She has to be so uncomfortable.

“Good thing I heal fast. This baby would leave me black and blue otherwise. He’s so active.”

“I know, I can see him move all around the place. You have to be so uncomfortable. I’m sorry I can’t share this part of it.”

She beams at me.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m enjoying every minute of it. I love knowing that I am keeping him safe and warm inside me.”

“Okay, so now I’m jealous.” I smile back at her.

“Don’t worry, babe. You’ll have plenty of time to snuggle while I sleep. It will be your special daddy time,” she says and runs her hand down the side of my face. I lean in and kiss her.

“Mmm… I love you, Diel. With you at my side I know that everything will be okay.”

“It will be okay. Everyone is pulling for us, babe.”

I dry her back and beautiful belly – pear-shaped with my son. She grabs another towel to towel dry her hair. She plugs in her hair dryer and it is soon completely dry.

I lead her into the bedroom and notice she is leaning on me more than usual.

“Are you okay, babe?”

“Yes, it feels like the baby has dropped, though. It’s a little uncomfortable to walk. I feel pressure.”

“Good thing Dr. Hildebrand is here. He has to testify,” I explain.

“Oh goody, another exam by the good doctor. Good thing I’m not shy.”

I rumble my approval and kiss her neck letting her know just how happy I am that she isn’t shy. She leans into me and I turn her around to kiss her fully. She moans against my lips and I let my tongue explore her mouth. It seems like a lifetime since we made love.

I break away and sigh.

“We better get you dressed and downstairs. Lily said your clothes were on the bed.”

“I can hardly wait to see what she has laid out.”

We look over and both of us grumble. Lily has purchased, or had Aidan summon, a pink dress with an empire waist. A line of little pink roses wrap around the waistline. It couldn’t be less Hannah. But it will give a good impression.

“I’ll give her credit for picking something comfortable and appropriate. But I will have to kill her later for dressing me in pink,” Hannah grumbles.

“I agree. What kind of shoes did she pick out?” I ask looking around.

“Ballet flats, in pink of course. And look at this lingerie!”

“I can’t stop looking at the lingerie. Imagining you in it. Gods.”

“Well you can stop imagining and help me get into it.”

I help Hannah with her panties and bra and then slip the dress over her head. She bitches the whole time and I can’t help but laugh. She gives me a dirty look.

“Help me with my shoes too, please. I haven’t been able to see my feet for the last few weeks.”

I pick her little foot up and slip it into the shoe. I feel like a prince to my Cinderella.

“Do they fit all right?”

“Yes, of course they do. Lily knows everything about clothes and shoes. Ugh!” She brushes a stray lock of hair off her forehead. “Just get me downstairs so I can start yelling at her.”

“I heard that,” Lily yells.

“Good,” Hannah replies and smiles.

I pick up my princess and carefully carry her down stairs, depositing her in her chair and propping her feet up.

“I feel so useless. I want to do something to help,” Han says.

Lily comes walking in with Helena, each carrying a huge tray of cookies and tarts.

“I baked a truth spell into everything. Also the punch. Everyone is going to be honest today if it kills me. No lies,” Helena says with a determined look on her face. I’m shocked. Why didn’t I think of that?

“Great thinking, Helena,” I say. I’m touched by all their help and love.

“I thought so, too,” Julian says as he enters the room. “Sebastian and Aidan will be letting everyone in and encouraging them to take a treat before we start.” Nothing like vamp glamour or Djinn charm.

“Excellent,” Hannah says. “Doxie and Millicent are gluttons. They won’t be able to help themselves.” She rubs her hands together, looking like a Machiavellian character.

CHAPTER 12 . DIEL

People start showing up a few minutes later. Everything is ready. They throng to the snack table and start chowing down. Almost everyone is someone here to testify. The magistrate is here. A female demon in her forties from another district. Score one for team Diel.