Real Vampires Have More to Love (42 page)

“I’m not blocking you, Jerry. No one can hear my thoughts now.” I sighed. “Sit and listen.”

“What the hell’s going on, Gloriana?” Jerry touched my cheek, his concern so real, so complete, I wanted to throw myself into his arms and sob.

“I had a couple of visits in the shop from a she-demon who claimed to be married to Rafe.”

“Claimed? I
am
married to that cheating asshole. The Mayori’s annulment is a nonstarter. It’s till death do us part, sweet cheeks.”

“Shit.” Jerry put his arms around me. “How bad was it?”

“She attacked me. I called in Richard, and he did some things to try to get rid of her. He thought he’d obliterated the bitch. But instead, she slithered inside me.” I took a watery breath.

“Bitch? Take this, bloodsucker.”
Alesa hit me so hard I collapsed, a wave of nausea and heat sucking the life right out of me. Anything she’d done before seemed like a love tap.

“Gloriana? What’s the matter? Love?” Jerry laid me on the bed. He patted my cheeks, then bit his wrist and held it to my lips. A drink from him and I finally came back from wherever I’d been.

“When Alesa gets mad, she hits me with heat. That was worse than usual.” I sat up with Jerry’s help, but the room spun.

“Watch your mouth, that’s all I’m sayin’.”
Alesa huffed and puffed, so maybe a serious hit took something out of her too.

“Damn it. You mean she’s still inside you?” Jerry paced the rug next to the bed after I nodded. “Can’t Richard do something about this?”

“I’ve asked him about it. He’s researching. Maybe he’ll know something tomorrow night.” I sighed. “She talks inside my head, Jerry. It’s a running commentary.”

“You can’t be serious.” Jerry stopped in his tracks.

“Oh, yes. She’s driving me crazy.”

Jerry pulled me to my feet to hold me. “I’m sorry.”

“I like this guy. He’s hot. So quit talking and get with it.”
Alesa just had to remind me she was on board.

If I bitch slapped myself, would she feel it? I almost tried it.

“Gloriana, this is intolerable. I never should have hired a demon to guard you.” Jerry stroked my hair, his arms strong around me.

“You had no way of knowing this could happen.” I sighed and pushed back to sit on the bed again. “But maybe this is a sign. You should let him off the hook. Rafe told me all about it.”

Jerry frowned at me. “What is this? Best buds sharing secrets? That’s why he still owes me, Gloriana. Valdez’s first loyalty should have been to me. A demon bride. Damn it, I guess it’s a miracle he kept you safe for five years.”

“He’d die for me, Jerry. You know that. He’s proved it more than once. Give him a break.” I reached for his hand.

“This is between Valdez and me, Gloriana. I’m worried about this demon. You say Richard will be at the club tomorrow night? I want his take on the situation. We’ll get rid of this demon for you. No matter what it takes.” Jerry ran a hand through his hair, his sure sign of agitation.

It was now or never, and never wasn’t really an option. “I have something else to tell you.”

“What?” Jerry sat beside me. “Something about the demon?”

“No, it’s . . . well, maybe it’s connected to the demon.” I took a breath and tried to unclench my fists. Couldn’t do it. Oh, God, but I hated to hurt Jerry. “While you were gone, I, well, Rafe and I hooked up.”

Jerry moved fast, like only an ancient vampire could. He suddenly stood across the room, his hands fisted, his back to me. His nearly naked body trembled with rage.

“Hooked up.” He said it so quietly only vamp hearing could have picked it up. “That’s modern slang. It means ...”

“We slept together.”

He turned in a blur and pinned me with blazing eyes. I squirmed and wanted to disappear.

“Tell it like it is, Gloriana. Vampires don’t ‘sleep together.’ Sleep is death to us. Vampires fuck. You fucked Rafe. He fucked you. Is that right?” His voice was cold, hard.

“Yes.” I picked at the bedspread. Tears filled my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Jerry.”

“Are you?” He stared at me like he was trying to figure me out, this woman he couldn’t read and no longer knew. I shuddered with a chill and for once wished Alesa would throw me some heat. “Why?”

“Because I love
you
. It was a mistake. Rafe is my friend. I was a fool, thinking what I felt for him was more than friendship. It wasn’t.”

“How nice that you found that out by screwing him first.” Jerry’s laugh killed me. “How was it with the shifter? Did he do it doggie-style?” He streaked across the room and lifted me by my shoulders. “Did he? Was this the first time? Or did he shift into human form when he was with you before for five long years. Your dear friend. How close were you, Gloriana?”

“I swear, Jeremiah, it wasn’t until after Alesa got inside me that I gave in to the urge—” I shut up. Too late.

“So the urge was there, but then the Devil made you do it. What a convenient excuse. And then I left town so you didn’t have to sneak around.” Jerry released me, and I fell back to the bed. “Obviously you didn’t bother since I’m sure Richard knows and Flo, of course. Who else?” Jerry’s dark eyes bored into me. “Christ, is every vampire in Austin laughing at me because my woman lifted her skirts for a damned dog?”

“Rafe’s not—”

“You will not defend him to me, Gloriana!” Jerry roared, yes, roared until plates in the downstairs china cabinet rattled.

“Please, calm down. I love you, Jeremiah, only you. I will never be with Rafe again. I told him that. That it was a mistake.” I wanted to touch him, to melt some of the steel out of his jaw with a kiss. But the blaze in his eyes and stiff posture warned me away. He didn’t say another word, his face hard. Just stalked into his closet and grabbed black trousers, stepping into them and zipping them up. Next came a white shirt that he buttoned while he slipped into black loafers.

“Go home, Gloriana. You can find your way. Go to your lover. He is still living with you, isn’t he?” Jerry’s gaze scraped over me, brutal as a fist, as he waited for my nod. “How . . . convenient.” He picked up his wallet and cell phone and strode out of the room. Then I heard the back door slam. A plate shattered in the dining room. Too many vibrations.

I sat there for a minute or maybe five. I didn’t bother to check a clock. I was numb. Well, not exactly. Numb would have been way better. This ache radiated from my chest. Like I’d been body-slammed into a concrete wall.

What had I expected? I’d cheated and, even worse, betrayed him with a shape-shifter he’d trusted. Jerry’s pride was hurt, and I’d acted like the lowborn slut his mother had always called me. Mag Campbell would love this.

I jumped up, suddenly scared that Jerry had left here with violence in mind. He could be hurt, or worse, going up against a man with demon skills. I tried to call Rafe to warn him but got voice mail. I left a two-word message. “Jerry knows.” It was enough. Surely Rafe knew I’d never forgive him if he killed Jerry. Then I ran to the closet. Broadsword still there. Stupid, of course it was. I think I would have noticed if Jerry had gone charging out of here with it.

He had two. I hurried down the stairs and sighed with relief to see his spare hanging over the mantel, where it belonged. Okay, he was using his fists and fangs, not his usual weapon of choice. Then again, maybe he wasn’t going after Rafe at all. Maybe he’d decided I wasn’t worth it.

I didn’t know how to take that. Jerry’s disdain was what I deserved. But to never be with him again . . . Worse. To lose his love and respect. I fell to the floor in front of the fireplace and gave in to the sobs that had been building inside me.

“He’ll come back. He was hot for you before, he’ll be hot for you again. I’ll give you pointers.”
Alesa’s voice hit my last nerve.

“Shut up, you stupid bitch. Don’t even pretend to understand an honorable man.” I slammed my head against the floor. “I’ve lost the best thing I had in my life.” Jerry. God, I hated what I’d done. Didn’t see any way he’d ever forgive me. Alesa stayed silent, rightly figuring I’d reached my limit with her.

I shuddered and wiped my eyes on my petticoat. I had to get going, and indulging in tears wasn’t getting me anything but swollen eyes. I let myself out of Jerry’s house, leaving my key on the kitchen counter. It was the right thing to do, but it started the waterworks again. So, as I shifted and flew home to change, it was a crying mockingbird that flew through the night toward Sixth Street.

 

N-V was packed, with a long line of ticket holders eager to hear Israel Caine at the door. Not that I had to wait in a line. I whammied my way to the front and was ushered inside, a special guest of the owners. Nadia greeted me, radiant in a red mini. She was actually friendly, obviously certain I was no competition, and claimed Rafe was busy in the back. Just as well. I didn’t have a clue what to say to him except to ask him to hide from Jerry, and I doubted he’d do that.

I settled into my chair at our reserved table. Flo and Richard were there, along with CiCi, Freddy and Derek. Damian arrived with Diana on his arm, causing all of us to wonder if that old affair might be heating up again. The empty chair next to me caused comment, which I waved away with a vague mention of Jerry’s business problems.

“Richard, do you have a minute?” I smiled at him and nodded toward the hall.

He glanced around the table. “Darling, Gloriana and I will be right back. Need anything?” He kissed Flo on the cheek.

“No, take care of my friend. Tell her about your conversation with Jeremiah earlier.” Flo smiled at me, but I could tell she was worried.

“We’ll only be a few minutes.” I touched Flo’s shoulder. She looked gorgeous as usual in a bright blue designer dress with a fabulous diamond pin holding up one shoulder. Her dark hair was pulled back, and she glowed with happiness, except when she looked at me. “I’ll be okay. You’re the bride. Enjoy this week. Promise not to let my messes worry you.”

“We will fix your messes, I hope. Last night’s party was the best.” She stood and hugged me, then shooed Richard away. “Go, take care of my BFF.”

“On it.” Richard smiled and took my elbow. He found a storage room, and we stepped inside, then shut the door.

“Can you help me get rid of this demon, Richard?”

“Oh, please. Like this pious asshole can help you. Remember who got us together in the first place?”
Alesa turned up the thermostat, and I grabbed a pamphlet to fan myself.

“I brought my things. When the show is over, we can go to your place and try an exorcism.” Richard put his hand on my shoulder, then snatched it away. “God, Glory, you’re burning up.”

“You don’t have to tell me that. Alesa shoots me with hellfire on a regular basis.” I wished for ice and looked around. A vent was overhead, and I stood under it. Thank God Rafe had the air-conditioning going.

“I have to warn you, Gloriana, this demon is stronger than any I’ve dealt with before. The very fact that she was able to get inside you after what I did in the shop proves that.” Richard took the paper I handed him and began to fan me too. “Obviously you’re desperate.”

“Damn right.” I sighed. “Just do your best, Richard.”

“Hah. Let him try. I’m not afraid of his puny holy water routine.”
Alesa cackled, and the hairs on my arms stood up.
“By the time I get through with you, Glory St. Clair, you’ll be Lucifer’s sock puppet. Just wait and see.”

“Flo said . . . You talked to Jerry?” I realized Richard wasn’t meeting my gaze. “I told him about Rafe. He lost it.”

“I know. He came by the house. I tried to calm him down. Put the blame on this demon. It seemed as good a reason as any for you and Rafe.” Richard’s smile was wry. “My bride told him the same thing. Flo will do anything to make you happy, Gloriana, and thinks you want to be with Blade.”

“She’s right. Flo’s the best.” I sniffed but refused to cry again. I usually healed fast, but too much drinking and demon were taking a toll, and I knew I looked like hell. I’d pulled out a low-cut red dress to distract but had a feeling my fake smile wasn’t fooling anyone.

“I hated hurting Jerry, but what’s done is done. I just hope Jerry can look past it and we can figure out a way to move on.” I sighed. “Thanks for trying, Richard. I know he’s your friend, and I don’t want you caught in the middle.”

“Oh, that won’t happen. Flo and I are leaving on our honeymoon right after the wedding. We hope you two will resolve things before we get back.” Richard tried to touch my shoulder again but shook his head. “The heat. Still can’t believe it.”

“Believe it.” I headed back to our table. Jerry was there, looking so good and so completely unconcerned that I’d arrived that my heart broke. He was laughing with CiCi and the rest of the crew, then signaled the waiter for another round before he stood to hold out my chair, always the gentleman. As soon as I was seated, he turned back to Damian.

“Bachelor party tomorrow night at my house to give Richard a proper send-off.” He smiled at Freddy and Derek. “You two’ll be there, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” Freddy glanced at me. “Glory, can you send over that male stripper you had here? Mother won’t quit raving about him. The rest of the guys won’t appreciate him, but Derek and I’d like a peek.”

“Nope, that was a onetime deal.” I grinned at them. “Flo, you allowing Richard to have a female stripper at his party?”

“Allowing?” Jerry finally looked at me. “Surely Richard doesn’t ask permission to do as he pleases. Do you, Richard?”

“No, Florence is free to pursue her interests, and I’m free to—” Richard grunted. “Well, maybe not.” He laughed. “I have a very expensive shoe pointing . . . Well, gentlemen, since I hope to enjoy my honeymoon, we’re changing the subject.”

Everyone laughed, and the waiter arrived with refills of the Blott-O Nadia had available for vampires who came to the club.