d.a.m.n it, Glory. Flos eyes filled. You dont play fair. She muttered some Italian then pulled out her phone. This was a new one, the cover a brilliant blue with her initials etched in crystals. She hit speed dial then burst into tears. Silently she handed the phone to me.

Florence? What the h.e.l.l is going on? Are you crying? Richard sounded frantic.

Its Glory, Richard. Were at my shop and Flo has a confession to make to you. Can you come over?

Its about time. Shes been blocking her thoughts every waking moment for weeks. I thought maybe shed been on a shopping spree again and didnt want me to know. Is this more serious than that? He sounded calm now.

Afraid so. Better hurry. I ended the call.

He will be so mad. Flo pulled out a linen hanky and wiped her eyes. Waterproof mascara. Of course she still looked beautiful. He can forgive anything except lying. I have told some, what you call, whoppers lately. To keep him from knowing about this.

He loves you. h.e.l.l forgive you but h.e.l.l be worried about you. Miguel, you have the details about this thing the Maurys want? I wiped at my own tears. I hoped I was right. I knew Jerry hated to be left out of the loop on any kind of danger to me too. Wed gone round and round about that issue.

Miguel showed us a picture on his phone. Its a religious thing. I just hope he really has this relic they want. Is Richard into that stuff? The photo wasnt the best, but showed a box lined with red velvet. A gla.s.s tube was inside containing something small and brown nestled into a niche clearly made just for it. Its supposed to be a piece of the True Cross, stolen from a reliquary somewhere. Legend says it has healing powers. Miguel looked up. Apparently one of the older Maurys, the matriarch, is gravely ill. This makes me think this whole deal about the necklace has been a ploy to get to Richards piece.

Well, it wont work. Flo reached for the phone but Miguel wasnt giving it up. I may have seen this before. Ricardo is very religious. Flo crossed herself. Finding ancient artifacts is one of his pa.s.sions. If this is that importante he will have it locked away and well guarded. Or have donated it back to the Church. The True Cross. Mio Dio! Do you know how many people have come to Ricardo claiming they have such a thing?

Miguel laughed. Yeah, Ive been researching that stuff. Why, the cross Jesus died on must have been f.u.c.king gigantic to have so many pieces!

Ai! Flo began frantically crossing herself. Mio Dio! Step back, Glory. The lightning will strike this man any moment. She backed up until she hit the wall then dropped her face into her hands.

If I was going up in flames, it would have happened long before this. Miguel was still chuckling. Flo wasnt. Her shoulders heaved and I heard a sob.

Flo, what is it? I patted her shoulder. Dont let Miguels blasphemy bother you. Ignore him.

She looked up with welling eyes. Its not him. If Ricardo thinks he has an actual relic of this value, so precious, I cannot No! It is too much! I cannot ask him"

Ask him what? Richard walked in from the shop, closing the door behind him. Whats going on, Florence? What in the h.e.l.l is that criminal doing here? He glared at Miguel then exclaimed when Flo threw herself into his arms. She sobbed against his dark blue sweater. Answer me. Has he threatened you? Hurt you? By G.o.d! His hate-filled look would have made most men run for the back door.

Miguel merely smiled but I saw him slide a slim piece of carved wood from a pocket inside his jacket. A stake. The sight of it made me step back behind Richard. Okay, so that was cowardly. But vampires and stakes dont mix.

Relax, Richard. Miguel is helping her. He brought us news that has saved her life. At least so far. I sucked it up and eased out to sit on the table again. Miguel held onto his smile but I knew him well enough by now to know he was wound up, ready to spring into action if Richard made a move toward him. Richard had his hands full with Flo weeping and mumbling against his shirt. He bent down to listen to her.

Thats insane. Saul sold us the necklace. Yes, he was reluctant but, when we agreed on the price, nothing was said about an owner having a previous claim.

I know! Flo leaned back. It is so unfair, Ricardo. Can you believe they hired this man to kill me? Because I would not give them my beautiful necklace. I love it. I remember Marie wearing it. Such happy times before Tears ran down her cheeks. Pah! Maybe it is bad luck. I should give it back anyway.

Im afraid its too late for that to satisfy them now, Florence. Yes, theyd take it back, but they want something else too. You know what. Miguel pa.s.sed me his phone.

Youre not giving back the necklace. What else are they asking for? Money? How much? Richard stuck out his hand. Show me.

I set the phone in his hand. This. Its a religious relic. Apparently you own it.

I dont believe it. How did they know I have it? He practically threw the phone at Miguel. Saul. Such a good friend to you, darling. Hes not very discreet, is he?

Im so sorry. This is all my fault. Flo studied his face. He was a handsome man with compelling blue eyes and white hair that made him unforgettable. Right now, Id run like h.e.l.l if I met him in a dark alley. His rigid jaw meant trouble for someone. Youre mad at me. I dont blame you. I am a greedy, selfish cagna.

I would never call you a b.i.t.c.h, darling. He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. But I could see his eyes. They were cold, disappointed. This had affected him more than he wanted her to know.

But you would call me selfish. Flo wasnt fooled. I had to have the necklace and now it may cost you something dear to you.

Not if I can help it. And I blame myself. I never should have mentioned the relic to Saul. Its just so rare. Such a great find. Richard bit his lip. s.h.i.t. I couldnt resist bragging a little when Saul tried to sell me an ordinary piece pilfered from the Vatican stores.

Flo kissed his firm chin. Im so sorry. It is too bad of Saul to do this. We must find a way Yes, well, fill me in. Richard pushed Flo into the chair, not quite as gently as he usually handled her. Cisneros, exactly what do these people think is going to happen?

That youll give me the relic and Ill bring it to them. Miguel leaned against the back door. You have something else in mind? Id love to double cross these ignorant, greedy mortals.

Yes, I think we can come up with a few tricks of our own. Richard smiled. I dont like what you do.

Did. Im going legit. Glory is helping me improve my image. We are, Miguel nodded to me, friends. Right, Glory?

I guess. Though I cant for the life of me figure out why. And wasnt that the truth. There was something about this man that made me trust him and consider him my friend. Go figure. When he and Richard put their heads together to discuss strategies, I decided to leave them to it. I pulled a drained Flo over to the costumes I was considering and cheered her up with a decision making session.

It was almost laughable when we decided on a toga. My mother is a G.o.ddess on Olympus. Maybe I was taking a big chance dressing like her. I knew if I dared tell her about my wedding shed go crazy. She hated the idea of my being a vampire. The only thing worse? For me to marry one.

Okay, we have a plan. It will come together on the night of the Winter Solstice Ball. Good thing you got me that invitation, Glory. Miguel seemed to be in good spirits. Richard too. He even agreed to wear a costume to match Flos Marie Antoinette. When I heard what they planned to do, I just swallowed. I was going to have to tell Jerry about it. Get him involved. If things fell apart, theyd need another strong vampire in their corner and no one was better equipped to help than my Jerry.

Chapter Six.

The week before the ball, Flo hosted a bridal shower that absolutely blew me away. It was at her house, a gorgeous contemporary home perched on a hilltop with views of Austin glittering below. It seemed like every female vampire and shifter in town had come bearing gifts. Flo had found a caterer, a former Energy Vampire who had gone into business making edible treats for vamps, and we grazed on chocolates that didnt upset our systems and other magical concoctions. The guy handed out business cards. I had a feeling Flo had worked out a deal with him to get a discount so that he could make good connections with local paranormals.

Jerry and Richard sat on the balcony smoking cigars and drinking some of the premium synthetic blood Flo had served in crystal goblets. I now had a dozen of those goblets too. When the last of the guests left, Flo and I stared at each other across the mounds of tissue paper and gift bags. I had luxurious bath towels, satiny sheets and even a set of fine china"in case I entertained some of my shifter friends. The dishes were from the girls who worked for me, the very shifters who hoped for an invitation to my new place. I knew they couldnt afford what theyd given me. Their gift wasnt the only one that had made me blink back tears. My friends had been way too generous. Flo had registered for me at all the major department stores and of course her taste was expensive.

Flo, you are amazing. I cant believe you threw this party together in less than two weeks. I stroked the velvety towel on top of a stack. Fingertip? Hand towel? I didnt know or care. Everything was neutral because Id never gotten around to picking colors.

It was nothing. Now I have one more little gift. From me to you. For the honeymoon. Flo pulled a package from under the couch.

I recognized the wrapping from one of her favorite shops in Paris. It was an expensive boutique that sold lingerie. No, youve done enough, Flo!

Dont be ridiculous. This is fun. I called and ordered this and they shipped it to me. I saw it the last time I was there and thought of you. This will be perfetto for your wedding night. Open it and see! Her eyes were glittering and she clapped her hands. I almost wish we could call the men in to see their reaction. Jeremiahs tongue will be hanging out. But I think if he sees it now, it might be unlucky.

You are always worried about luck, arent you? I bet this is naughty. I laughed and pulled off the top of the box. Inside was a sheer silk nightgown in glowing colors of blue and turquoise. Ribbons held up the lacy top and tied at the shoulders. Oh, its so beautiful and feminine!

I thought so. Black is predictable. No? Flo touched the silk that hung from the bodice in stripes that reminded me of waves. I could see her hand through the fabric. And red? Too harsh against the skin. This matches your eyes and will make your skin glow. It will remind Jeremiah that you were once a siren, a G.o.ddess who knows everything about lovemaking.

My hands shook as I carefully folded the gown and closed the lid. Yes, Id been a siren once. But my memory of that had been wiped away. Thank G.o.d I couldnt remember my many years of calling men to me and killing them.

Oh, Im sorry. You look upset. You must forget I said that, Glory. Jeremiah is so in love with you, I know you must make him very happy in the bedroom. Am I right? Flo sat next to me on her long forest green velvet couch and patted my back.

Yes. We make each other happy. Because we love each other. This is a beautiful gift, Flo. Thank you for being my friend. I leaned against her. In my long life, Ive had few friendships that have lasted. You know what I mean.

Yes, I do. She leaned too and we sat there a minute, connected, thinking back to the way a vampires life made moving on a necessity. Changing names and losing mortals who wed grown attached to was a sad fact of our life. Finally, we both sighed then laughed.

Hey, enough of this. Im starting a new chapter as Jerrys wife. No more moving on and leaving everyone I love behind. I swear it. I clinked my gla.s.s against Flos and we drank every drop. Just in time, the caterer came in with fresh goblets of premium synthetic blood.

Im done now. Anything else, Ms. DaVinci? He smiled at me. Miss St. Clair, Ill be catering your wedding reception too. I hope that pleases you. Mr. Blade already talked to me about it.

Yes, thats great. Everything here was perfect. I took a sip of the really nice A-B negative synthetic, my favorite. Once again Id ignored details and Jerry had stepped in to handle the planning. It should bother me but instead I felt relieved. Was I an unnatural bride to let Flo then Jerry take the reins in this important event in my life? I refused to worry about that now. Do you have that blood with the champagne kick?

Yes, of course. Ill make sure we serve that for the toast. He gathered up the last of the gla.s.ses and put them on his tray. You have my card if you think of anything else you want specifically. Ill be coordinating with the mortals at the venue. Only two more weeks! I know youre excited. He grinned. Well have to do some major mind control out there but dont you worry about a thing. Ive done it before. I hope this will be a first of many such events for me. He laughed. A vampire wedding. You dont get many of those. What with the old ball and chain supposedly lasting forever.

I think my husband has a check for you. He is outside. You see him? Flo jumped up and practically shoved the man toward the patio doors. Thank you. I am very pleased. She turned to me as soon as he was out with the door closed behind him. Stop it. I see your face. Youre not getting the cold feet, are you?

I drained my gla.s.s, wishing Flo had gone with the champagne blood. There was a knot in my stomach the size of the fluffy silk comforter CiCi had given me. While it was as light as a feather, it looked at least three feet wide even folded.

Worried? Me? And how could my feet get cold when I have on these great boots? I held out one foot. Id scored some vintage Ralph Lauren riding boots the week before and stuffed my black jeans into them.

Flo wasnt about to be distracted. This is my fault. You have had my little problem on top of wedding plans to think about. And then theres your new apartment. When are you moving in?

Your problem is not little. I got up. Weve been really busy at the store, which is a good thing. And the apartment is almost ready. No furniture yet but we could move in this week if we settled for some of my old stuff and Jers bedroom suite.

Im not hearing about your feelings about this wedding. Talk to me. Flo grabbed my hands. I swear you turned even more pale than usual when that vampire talked about a ball and chain. Dont be scared to marry your lover. He makes you happy, doesnt he?

Of course he does! I squeezed her fingers. And Jerrys doing everything he can to make this perfect. Paying the freight for the wedding of the century when Im pretty sure the brides family is supposed to pick up the tab for that. I glanced up at the ceiling. Okay, I admit Im living in fear that my mother will show up any minute. You know sh.e.l.l throw an Olympus-sized fit when she finds out Im marrying a vampire. She hates anyone with fangs.

Of course Jeremiah will pay. He can afford it. And forget your mother. Flos gesture toward the ceiling was obviously the Italian version of a kiss-off. If your mama does show up, we ignore her. Its way too late for her to interfere in your business. Flo pulled me toward the patio doors. Remember. You are in love. Jeremiah worships you. He is your soulmate. Do you want to let him go?

No, of course not. I stopped her before she could open the French door. But this is suddenly moving so fast. In less than two weeks He will be yours. All yours. Flo hugged me. You are so lucky to have found each other. Think about how many women never meet the man they are destined for.

I stood in the circle of her arms and let that thought soak in. She was so right that it helped me push down my nerves. I nodded. Thanks. Im off the ledge now.

I dont know what you mean, but I like your smile. Now lets get the men and load your treasures into Jeremiahs big car. For once I am glad these men like their SUBs. He can carry all of this to your new place in one trip.

Right. And Im ordering furniture tomorrow night. Everything new. For the first time in my life. I heard myself giggle. Well, excuse me, but after hundreds of years of penny pinching it was cool to get to throw money around. Too bad there was still that nagging little voice inside me insisting that things were too good to be true. Glory St. Clair didnt deserve a brand new life with a man who adored her. And no money worries? Something was going to go wrong. Guaranteed.

It took six trips to Jerrys car to load all the wonderful gifts and then we were on our way. Jerry kept his hand on my leg during the drive to Sixth Street, obviously content that things were moving right along. He seemed confident that even the showdown he and Richard were planning with Miguel at the Winter Solstice Ball next week would go off without a hitch. I just smiled and pretended I was on the same page as he drove us downtown. But after dragging pile after pile of gifts up to the second floor and our apartment that smelled of fresh paint and the future, I knew I was due for a meltdown.

Okay, theres something wrong. I know you. Look at all these presents. Your friends are generous. You should be happy. Instead youre sitting there brooding. Whats on your mind? Jerry sat on the floor across from me.

He was right. Wed dumped the loot in the middle of our empty living room floor. All except the dishes and gla.s.sware. Oh, excuse me. Crystal. That was in the kitchen on the granite countertop. Flo insisted I should line my shelves with some sort of paper before I put that stuff away. Shelf paper? I couldnt imagine. So the boxes were on the black granite. Jerrys pick. Dramatic. I admit I liked it.

Check out this loot as you called it in the car. Notice anything? I nudged a pile of towels with my bare foot. Id left my boots at the door. The wood floor had just been laid and I dreaded the first scratch. It certainly wouldnt be from one of my heels.

Jerry picked up a towel and rubbed it on his cheek. Nice. Soft. Lots of them. Similar colors so we wont have to worry about mixing them up, I guess. They go with the tile in either bathroom.

Yes, exactly. I looked around. Off white walls. I didnt have to get up to know that every finish in the apartment was neutral"beige, off white, stone, whatever. Damian had come by the night before and gone on long and loud about resale values, approving all the choices as perfect if we decided to move on and look for a buyer.

You hate this place. Jerry leaned back on both hands, his legs out in front of him. Why didnt you say something? You could have picked out the colors, finishes. No, you said, go ahead, do whatever you want. First it was that you were busy with the shop and then it was the wedding. Finally you ended up getting involved in Flos mess.

I dont hate this place. I scooted next to him and threw my arms around him, my head on his shoulder. Its big, bright, and the closets are enormous. A dream come true. I sighed, frustrated with myself for letting things slide. When had I lost control? Or had I ever had it in the first place? It seemed like once I set a date, some kind of momentum had taken over and here we were. But look at this stuff they gave me. Jer. Ecru, beige, stone, wheat, ivory, cream, desert sand, khaki I rolled off of him and fell back to lay staring at the ceiling. I could go on and on.

He leaned over me. And whats the problem again?

They arent colors, Jer. Theyre, uh, neutral! I sat up, almost hitting him in the nose. Am I neutral? Am I? I heard my voice rising but couldnt stop. Look at me. Okay so I had on my usual black pants, but my top was a brilliant raspberry vee-neck. Do I try to blend into the woodwork? I glanced at the walls and wood trim, Which in here is a color no doubt called Tuscan white.

Well excuse me for going with the logical choice. Jerry laughed and wrestled me to the floor until he was on top of me, our body parts fitting together in a most logical way that got me immediately distracted. No, my love, you are not neutral, which you seem to equate with boring. You want to paint the walls purple? Have at it. Take this stuff back and exchange it for bright colors? I say go for it. When our friends come we can bring out a token hand towel in boring beige. Does that make you happy? He slid one hand under me, pulling me tight against him.

Well, yes. I knew I was acting the fool, but I didnt care. Call it nerves or whatever, this road to domestic bliss had seemed headed to Jerry Land. It had to have my stamp on it somewhere or I was very afraid Id lose myself. Become Mrs. Jerry not Glory at all anymore.

Then thats what well do. He reached behind him and grabbed one of the decorative bags covered in wedding bells. It was full of king-sized sheets. Look, theres a gift receipt in the bottom of this bag. It tells where this set was purchased. Now Im very interested in what color sheets you favor for our bed. Not those awful pink flowered things Richard complains about I hope. He leaned down to nip my earlobe then ran his lips to my jugular. What about a dark red, the color of your blood?

That seems a little, mmm, yes, bite me there, Jer, I sighed when he did. too vampirish. I look good in blue. Blue sheets. Or green. Though that sounds predictable.

Cant have that. Jerry laughed, going to work on my pants. Gloriana, you know youre driving me mad, dont you? First because you are too busy to help with the apartment and now Oh, h.e.l.l, just keep surprising me.

I will. I wiggled out of my pants, glad to help him change the subject to something much more interesting. Animal print. I slid my hands under his shirt. To bring out the beast in you.

Do we need sheets for that? He growled and dragged a soft pillow under my b.u.t.t.

We should go shopping together. I grinned when he groaned and leaned back.

Now youre threatening me. On-line shopping? Maybe. Ive got the wi-fi already set up. And I bought you something to go with it. A shower gift. Wait here.

Youre leaving me here, on the floor half naked and ready to play? I couldnt believe it.

Patience, love. I think youll like this. And we have a lifetime to explore this apartment together, naked and otherwise. He tossed his shirt aside as he walked away. I had to admire his broad shoulders and the way his jeans hugged his firm b.u.t.t. I couldnt wait to strip them off.

A gift? I lay back, beginning to see a pattern. Jerry was going to keep buying me things and I was going to have to get used to living the pampered life of a rich vampire. It was Monday and my shop was closed. I was a lady of leisure. So maybe I should relax and just enjoy the thought of a future drinking premium synthetics and not worrying about rent. He was back in moments with a case that I recognized, though this one was hot pink. I sat up.

What have you done? I kept my hands in my lap though I wanted to reach out and s.n.a.t.c.h that case.

I cant stand to watch you struggle with your ancient laptop another night. So I bought you a new tablet. Not a very romantic gift, I know. Flo thought I should buy you jewelry. But Richard helped me pick this out. He installed all the software and"

I love it! I grabbed it before he could say another word. I love you! I pulled him in for a deep kiss then practically tossed him aside so I could open the case and check out my new toy. I had pride, sure I did. But Im not stupid. Flo could keep her jewelry. My guy knew me. This could help in my business. I recognized my favorite programs and bookmarks. Richard must have borrowed my laptop when Flo and I were out shopping and downloaded everything I liked. I opened a shopping site.

Okay, lover, come here and pick out new sheets. I grinned when Jerry groaned. Kidding. I gently set the tablet aside. Come here and let me show you how much I love your idea of a perfect gift. I stripped off my sweater and threw it aside.

Now youre talking. He growled again and launched himself at me.

The Winter Solstice Ball. I felt free and easy in my long white toga. The evening was relatively mild and my sleeveless gown hugged my curves in a way that had Jerry sticking close. Hed pleased Flo when hed bought me a diamond pin to place on my shoulder. It was a bat, which made me giggle. When my mother donned a toga, she always wore a diamond pin but it certainly wasnt anything that could possibly be related to vampires. Looking at Flo in her fancy and very difficult to wear Marie Antoinette gown and Diana Marchand in her Scarlett OHara Southern belle costume, I was very happy with my choice. There were plenty of other women dressed in fancy gowns, along with flappers, Egyptian queens and even a mermaid. That was Lacy who had come with Rafe. I was a little surprised to see him there but apparently he was a good customer of Damians.

I hope youre having a good time. Damian, our host, had gone for the swashbuckling look, a masked pirate complete with ruffled shirt. I had a feeling the sword he wore was the real thing. Hed tried to get everyone to wear masks and some had gone along with the idea. Jerry wouldnt allow it, too into defense for the upcoming showdown with the Maurys.

Damian and Miguel had hit it off and their talk of a fencing club had moved forward. It was the talk of the ball. There were several men wearing swords, even a trio dressed as Musketeers. Jerry and Richard were interested in joining the club too. Ancient vamps did like their swordplay.

You arent dancing. Gloriana, you wont let him waste this music, will you? Damian grinned, obviously loving his role as host.

Of course not. I held Jerrys hand. You know how I love to dance.