Saving Grace (5 page)

“Your what?” Roman’s mouth fell slack.

“My offspring. He’s been a vampire for five years now and quite able to control his thirst. Not to worry. Bring Grace.” Gustav winked at her.

Appalled by the insinuation of his wink, she leered at him.

Before another word could be uttered, they vanished into thin air.

“What?” Grace looked back and forth between Colin and Roman. “Why do you two look like you’ve seen a ghost?”

“Vampires,” Colin said, then cleared his throat, “supposedly quit procreating. There hasn’t been a new vampire around this part of the world in decades.”

“So we thought.” Roman shook his head. “I wonder how many new ones there are…”

As if Grace hadn’t already decided to read everything in her possession, the curiosity must have overwhelmed her. She took off to her room, yelling back to Roman she had to finish. That was the two nights ago.

It was well past lunch time when he went to check on her. She was face down on her bed, still in her clothes from the night before. He pulled the blanket over her then left her room, closing the door as quietly as he could.

“Still sleeping?” Tiffany whispered.

He nodded. “Two days without sleep caught up with her.”

She patted him on the shoulder. “So, you two get things cleared up?”

He looked down at Tiffany, who was significantly shorter. Grace saw something special in Tiffany and he had never noticed it before. But she was smart, thoughtful and as loyal as any Lycan in his pack. She’d been good to Grace since her arrival.

“How would you like to go to a vampire party on Friday?”

“Are you messing with me, Roman? Because that’s not funny!”

He smiled. It was true. The vampires threw enormous parties with all sorts of supernaturals. Vampire land was
the
Switzerland of the supernatural world. They had every kind of food or drink anyone could want. Everyone dressed to kill and usually, only the elders would go.

“When Grace comes around, go into town and buy whatever you two need. You know, dresses and stuff.” He pulled his wallet out of his pocket, unfolded it and pulled out his credit card.

“You’re
not
joking!” She snatched his card out of his hand and stared at it. “And I get new clothes?”

He shrugged. “She will be more comfortable with you there. Consider it a going away present from me.”

She quietly squealed and ran down the hall to her room. He gave a satisfied smile before heading down to the kitchen.

Colin’s sister Wendy was just finishing with lunch preparations. “Hello, Roman. How are you today?”

He leaned against the counter. He adored Wendy. She was like a mother hen in the house, always caring for others, cooking and cleaning like it was her life’s mission. She was supportive of Colin during his loss and kept Roman in the loop on Colin’s state of mind while he mourned alone.

“Honestly, I’m concerned about Grace. I’m not sure she’s eating right and she has been working diligently on a project.” He bent down, resting his elbows on the countertop.

Wendy smiled. “Oh, our Beta is worried about a pack member?” She gave him a wink. “Now, let’s make up a tray and you can take it to her in her room. How about if I put your lunch on there too. We can’t have our Beta running around hungry. Can we?”

He stood up and threw his arm around her shoulder. “Thank you.”

“No problem, dear. Now, the trays are in that cabinet.” She wagged her finger off to the corner.

He retrieved a large tray and helped her fill it up with sandwiches, tea, and little cakes Grace had mentioned favoring.

She nodded when it was finished then went about her work. Roman carried the tray up the stairs to Grace’s room. He balanced the tray on his arm and knocked.

“Come in,” a sleepy voice croaked behind the door.

He opened it to find her still under the covers. “Lunch in bed?”

“Lunch!” She shot up and looked around the room. “How long have I been sleeping?”

He put the tray on her bedside table. “About a day. I think you needed it.”

She scooted up, resting her back on the headboard. “Thank you.” She took a plate off the tray. “I was really wiped out.”

He picked up a plate of his own and took a seat by her hip. “Did you finish?”

She nodded as she chewed her sandwich. “The English was old, making it very slow reading for me. Being so tired, I had to reread the same paragraphs a few times to comprehend what it was saying. After I finished the last page I remember closing my eyes. Next thing I know, you’re here.”

He stroked her hair. “Well, did you learn anything new?”

She blinked rapidly. “Yeah, you’re like, wrong about a lot of stuff.”

He laughed. “Okay? Care to enlighten me?”

“Lycans aren’t just born. They can be made. Any shifter can be made. It’s just not very likely.” She took a sip of tea. “Because most bites result in death. Or humans kill themselves because they can’t adjust to becoming Lycan. It sort of freaks them out when they instantly have a wolf talking in their head and fur popping out spontaneously.”

“Grace. That’s not possible.”

“Sure is. Says so in that brown book. Plus, I looked some stuff up on the net. You guys aren’t as hidden as you think.”

“You guys? You mean to say ‘we’ don’t you?” He furrowed his brow.

“Yes ‘we’. But I didn’t have any preconceived notions about being super hidden from the world. There are blogs and there’s already a registry online. For the most part, it looks like a bunch of wackos, but still.” She nodded. “People have photos.”

She opened up her laptop and showed him the site. The picture was a Lycan, eyes glowing golden.

“Shit.”

“Don’t worry, Roman. As someone who was raised human, I can tell you the other humans won’t believe this. They’ll blame photoshop or something. But that’s all I think I should say, for now.”

They finished their sandwiches and he filled her in on her shopping trip.

“Thank God! I have nothing to wear.”

He stifled a grin. “Nothing on you still looks fantastic.”

Tiffany and Grace pulled up to the mall. Grace couldn’t help but laugh listening to Tiffany talk about the vampire parties.

“My mother told me everyone dresses sexy and the food is out of this world. There’s lots of Lycan booze there so you actually get a buzz. I’ve heard rumors of orgies too!”

“You’re not nervous?” Grace smoothed her hands on her shorts.
Orgies? Doubtful.
The thought still made her palms damp.

“Hell no! I’m really excited. Roman said to get whatever we want. No one, not even my parents, have ever done this for me.” They hopped out of the truck and locked the doors.

Tiffany took a few steps before she turned to look at Grace, who was still holding onto the handle of the truck door. “Grace?”

“Can we just, talk for a minute? No one seems to give me straight answers but you and I just can’t wrap my head around something.”

Tiffany walked over to her and leaned against the truck. “Go ahead, ask me anything.”

“It might be embarrassing.”

Tiffany rolled her eyes. “For you, maybe. Just spit it out.”

Grace released the door and smoothed her hands on her shorts once more. “Talk to me about Lycan women and the whole triple-bonding-marriage thing.”

Tiffany grinned. “Ah, yeah. Human Americans aren’t really down with polygamous relationships. I can see the confusion.”

“Isn’t there jealousy?” Grace asked. “I mean, I’m not even bonded to Roman, but…I think I’d rip a bitch’s throat out for touching him.”

Tiffany scowled while she thought. “Okay, this might be weird for you but try to follow me. Remember when you were in heat? Do you remember how unbelievably, uh, in the mood you were? It was pretty obvious to me, I could smell your arousal. Hell, it even got me worked up and I’m not into girls.”

“Er—sorry about that.” Grace felt her cheeks flush.

Tiffany held up her hand. “Stop it. The point is, you and I sort of bonded from the start, like girlfriends. There’s a chemistry between us, a non-sexual chemistry. But there was a part of me that wanted to ease your frustration. I considered offering you sex then.”

“But you’re not into girls?” This wasn’t clearing anything up.

“No, but I care about you. And sex is more than sexual or physical pleasure. It’s about love, caring, and a deeper connection. Sex with women is different. It’s softer, slower and satisfying in a completely different way. And when you love someone, you want them to be taken care of, to feel the satisfaction pleasure, the affection, cherishment, and caring. In a three-way bonding, it’s really about the love. Not about the sex. Sex is only part of it. If you ask me, the three-way bonded families seem happier, less stressed. I really don’t think it’s a problem.”

“When you explain it like that…I kind of see your point. The broader emotional connection makes sense.” Grace giggled and tried to hide her embarrassment. “I’m sorry for throwing sex smell at you.”

Tiffany laughed. “You didn’t throw it. Silly. Now let’s go find some sexy dresses.”

The first few shops didn’t excite Grace. The dresses were ordinary, nothing for the sort of party she thought she was attending. The third store had beautiful gowns and cocktail dresses. They each made selections and headed off to the dressing room.

Grace stepped out from behind the curtain and looked in the mirror. The blue chiffon looked fabulous on the rack, but in the mirror, it looked like a prom dress from disco era. Tiffany, however, stepped before the mirrors and twirled. She had a beautiful red strapless dress that fit her form until it reached mid-thigh where it transitioned into a sheer, flowing material.

“That’s beautiful!” she said while gazing at her in the mirror. When she looked above Tiffany’s shoulder, she saw a man watching them over a rack in the reflection. She tested the air with her nose. There were so many perfumes and odors her nose strained to smell something else.

She ducked back in the curtained area and quickly changed into the next dress, this time looking in the mirror’s reflection for the man, instead of at herself. He was gone.
I’m being paranoid.

“Grace!” Tiffany gasped. “It’s lovely!”

She turned her gazes to her own reflection. The black cocktail dress was perfect. It hugged her body, flattering her curves and boosting her buxom.
It might just put Roman on his knees.
She grinned deciding she’d found the right dress.

After they paid for their dresses, they made their way to the next store for shoes and accessories. Grace kept her gaze moving, assessing the area. Colin and Roman’s talk of kidnappings had her feeling suspicious of everything, and worried about Tiffany’s safety.

Inside the store, she began to relax as the distraction of shoes commanded her focus. The lack of any men in the store didn’t hurt. Grace settled on the perfect pair of open toed heels and Tiffany found shoes in the exact tone of red as her dress.

“Let’s stop at the café over there and grab some coffee,” Tiffany asked with pleading eyes.

“Tiff, we should really get back,” she urged. She couldn’t shake the paranoia that someone was lurking, even though she’d yet to spot a real threat.

“Oh come on! Don’t be a stiff. It’s just coffee and Roman expects us to be gone all day shopping.” She smiled and wrapped her fingers around Grace’s wrist. “Let’s go. One cup and I’ll surrender.”

Coffee did sound good and it was the pick-me-up she really needed. Grace relented and allowed Tiffany pull her into the small café. They paid for two cups of overpriced mocha cappuccino and kicked back in a booth. After another glance around, Grace tried to force herself to relax.

Her eyes on Tiffany as the girl rambled on about school, Grace tried to be hyperaware of her surroundings. She sipped at her cup of coffee and offered a smile when Tiffany would pause. She tested the air again, still feeling unsettled. This time, she detected a heavy metallic smell. The hairs on her arm stood up.

“What?” Tiffany sniffed. Her eyes widened.

“Lycan?” Grace whispered.

Tiffany nodded.

Grace pulled out her phone and checked the reflection of the glass. She spotted a man quickly tugging at money in his pocket. He dropped the bills on the table and bolted through the door. Grace and Tiffany watched as he walked a little too swiftly through the crowd.

“Could be a traveler, Grace. He didn’t pay any attention to us.” Tiffany looked down at her cup.

“Still, let’s get going back to the pack where it’s safe.” She didn’t want coffee any longer. Her stomach churned as she considered whether or not she could fight off a Lycan male. She scolded herself repeatedly as they made their way back to the truck. She tried to be vigilant, especially after catching that creep staring in the dress shop.

Once inside the truck and moving toward their territory, she began to relax.

“I was wondering, Grace. Would you mind being the one that drives me to school? I mean, my parents aren’t excited at all and if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be going. I can’t think of a better person to send me off than you.”

Warmth flooded Grace’s heart. “I’d be honored.”

“Thank you.”

When they arrived back to the pack house a group of young Lycan men had gathered in the driveway.

“This isn’t good,” Tiffany said as she turned the truck off.

“Why?”

“They’re all pissed about something.”

Grace hopped out of the truck. “What’s the deal, boys?” She spotted Xander standing at the back of the group, leering at Tiffany.

A young dark skinned male who looked like he was all of fifteen stomped toward them. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong, what’s wrong is that
she
,” he pointed his finger at Tiffany, “is taking someone else’s place in college. What right does she have?”

Grace rolled up her sleeves, grabbed the boy by the shirt and threw him against the truck. Her arms shook as the adrenaline raced through her veins. “What right do
you
have to say she can’t go? To say that
any
woman can’t go? Why the fuck are you little pricks still living in the stone ages?”

“Males are just smarter, Grace. Everyone knows that.” Xander’s words oozed out of his smart little mouth.

“Grace, it’s okay.” Tiffany tried to loosen her grip on the young Lycan.

She snapped her head toward Xander’s. “Actually, you nitwit, females are smarter. They’re faster too. Which is why they’re highly sought after in the human military, especially as fighter pilots. Just because assholes like you try to keep them meek, mild, and uneducated, doesn’t mean they have less worth, only less opportunity. I’m going to change that.”

“So now you’re taking education away from the men?” Xander asked.

“No. I’m not.” She wanted to rip his face off. Heat rose around her neck. Her hands shook. Her already edgy mood was being shredded…again…by Xander.

“How do you propose we pay for everyone to go then? Huh?” He strolled over to her, more confident than he had been when he’d interrupted in the woods.

She released the young, shaking Lycan in her hands and stalked toward Xander. “How about if you do what everyone else does? Apply. Get in on your merits. Get a student loan, for fucks sake. Stop whining and crying that the pack isn’t wiping your ass.”

He shifted into his wolf form and circled her, snarling. She took a sharp breath. It was the first time she’d seen his silver wolf and it was much larger than hers. She’d not been in a battle in wolf form yet. It didn’t matter, she smirked and focused her energy to force him to shift back to human.

“Don’t be a pussy, Xander. If you want a fight, fight me like a man.”

He staggered. “How’d you do that?”

“I’m the fucking princess,” she said with a smile. Saying the words out loud gave her a feeling of elation, as if consenting to consummating a relationship.

“Calm yourself. He’s just a pup.”

She heeded her wolf’s words. “This pack will start treating its women with some goddamned respect! If you have a problem with Tiffany going to college, take it up with me. She had no say so in the matter.” She turned her back to him in a bold move and stomped back to the truck. “Tiffany? Grab your bags.”

Tiffany scooped up the shopping bags, handing Grace’s off as she ran toward the house.

“Anyone else have an opinion they’d like to voice?” She lifted her chin. When the boys stared at her, she calmly took a few steps toward the house before looking over her shoulder. “I didn’t think so.”

She had been in an edgy mood before the altercation, and in spite of her rushing around, she’d found a fabulous black dress that hugged her curves. Before the confrontation she couldn’t wait to show it off to Roman. But now the mood was ruined, something about Xander irked her, and left a sour feeling in her stomach.

“Grace, you didn’t have to—”

Grace held up her hand. “Do you know how to fight?” Her eyes grew foggy. She had visions of women in battle but they were from the past. She fought to understand.
What now? Am I hallucinating?
Then within a few seconds they stopped.

Tiffany nodded, speechless.

“Are you any good?” She attempted to hide the confusion of her visions.

Tiffany grinned. “Are you kidding me? I’m awesome.”

“Next time you’re confronted—take the Lycan down a peg. Show them a thing or two. No major injuries, but for Christ sake, assert yourself.”

She shifted her weight as she considered Grace’s words. “That’s odd.”

“What?”

“Um, you must have more power than the Alpha. My wolf isn’t objecting.” Tiffany scratched her head. “We all have orders from Colin not to fight.”

Great.

“What the hell happened outside?” Colin barked as he entered the foyer.

Grace spun on her heel. “Do you want a scene right here?” She was going to be indignant, of that much she was sure. Roman had asked her not to challenge the Alpha in front of the others.

He leered at her for a moment before easing his features and standing a little taller. “Conference room.”

She followed him down the hall. It seemed longer than before and time dragged on as if she were going to meet her end. When they reached the room, she carefully stepped inside and closed the door behind her. “Listen, I can’t just stand and watch an entire group of young Lycan men disrespect a pack mate. It’s just wrong.”

Colin shook his head. “No, of course not. That’s not what I was asking.”

Huh?
“I don’t understand. What’s your problem then?”

“You forced a Lycan to shift. That’s my problem. How in the hell did you do it?”

Indignant intentions flew out the window. Colin was shocked. Worse, he was surprised and she could only surmise Alphas didn’t appreciate surprises of that magnitude.

“He wanted a wolf on wolf fight in front of the others, where he had the advantage. I was trying to get him to use his words instead.” She stretched her neck. “The forced shifting thing is sort of a family gift.”

Colin nodded. “Anything else?”