chapter 24
For the next week, Nick and Brandee worked around her schedule so they could spend part of every day together. They met at her apartment and Nick usually brought takeout food. Right after the meal, they found their way to his apartment—and his bed. They couldn’t get enough of each other. They knew every inch of each other’s bodies and then some.
Today, Nick wanted to take her out and show her a good time. He and Brandee strolled slowly through the Museum of Fine Arts’ Impressionists exhibit, with his arm around her waist most of the afternoon.
“I’m glad you have this evening off,” Nick whispered. “I know just how to spend it.”
Brandee gave him a knowing smile. “In bed, I imagine.”
“What a good idea. I never would have thought of it.”
Brandee laughed. “Like hell you wouldn’t have.”
Nick gave her a side squeeze. “Actually, I thought I’d take you out to dinner, and the place I have in mind is kind of fancy. Do you have any formal dresses or skirts you can wear?”
“You mean besides my uniform?”
Nick groaned. “Please tell me you have another skirt besides that one. It probably smells like a brewery.”
“Yeah, I can come up with some options. What’s the special occasion?”
He smiled to himself. “You’ll see.”
He’d already bought the ring. A two-carat, emerald-cut diamond with a smaller diamond baguette on each side. He liked the gold wedding bands that went with it. Hopefully, she would too, and then he’d have them engraved.
He tried not to be nervous. She might think his proposal was awfully sudden, but he couldn’t be more sure.
“I know I can find something to wear. I have a very formfitting dress in blue silk. Would something like that be appropriate?”
“Perfect.”
“Now I’m super curious. Can you give me a hint?”
“Well…”
“Come on. Please?” She batted her eyelashes.
He laughed. “When you’re being adorable, I can’t say no to you.” He took a deep breath and hoped she wouldn’t guess and ruin the surprise. “I’ve heard you like the ocean.”
“That’s true. So it must be a place with an ocean view?”
“You’ll see.”
She stared at the ceiling. “You’re killing me.”
“Don’t die yet. We have a lot of fun ahead of us.” Nick wished she wouldn’t die at all. Perhaps if she’d agree to be changed… No. He shouldn’t get his hopes up. He genuinely doubted any human would go for that electively. His sister-in-law Roz had flatly refused, but Konrad married her anyway, knowing he’d outlive her—perhaps by another hundred years.
A wolf needs his mate by his side as much as he needs to breathe. Nick figured he’d have to be Konrad’s support system when Roz was laid to rest. Now he hoped Konrad would be his. If he didn’t get his mind off this morose topic, he’d bring himself down, and it was too special a day to let that happen.
He pointed to a painting by Monet. “Monet’s first wife, Camille, was his model for many of his paintings. That’s Monet’s wife in the Japanese kimono.”
“I’ve seen other paintings of her. I thought she was a brunette,” Brandee said.
“She was. He had her wear a blond wig to emphasize her Western heritage. Paris was excited about all things Asian in those times.”
“How do you know that? I thought you didn’t like art.”
“I like you and you like art, so I studied up on it.” Nick kissed her red hair.
“Awww.”
When Brandee gazed up at him, her eyes took on a soft blue light, reminding him of the sky in one of Monet’s paintings.
We’ll have some beautiful blue-eyed children someday. Few werewolves married outside the pack, so he had no idea what to expect regarding reproduction. Hopefully their children would be as long-lived and healthy as wolves but as gentle as their mother.
“What do you say? Are you ready to get out of here? Maybe we can get in a little afternoon delight before dinner.”
“Well, since you put it that way.” She grinned and his heart leaped.
“We can always come back another day.”
“That would be nice. It’s a great place for inspiration. Look at the way Monet painted the same subjects at different times of day. It’s something I enjoy doing with my photographs, playing with light and shadow like he did.”
“So, you’re still working on your photography?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Can I see some of your work?”
She hesitated. Eventually she said, “Sure. As long as you don’t expect them to look like a Monet.”
He chuckled. “I don’t imagine you can do that with photography.”
She gave him a sly smile. “You’d be surprised by what I can do.”
“Are we still talking about photography?”
She elbowed him. “Leave it to you to take everything I say in that direction.”
He laughed. “I can’t help it. You inspire me.”
***
Back at Nick’s condo, they kissed their way to the bedroom, stripping off their clothes at the same time. Nick was an incredible lover, and Brandee had never experienced the kind of mind-blowing orgasms she had with him every single time.
They stumbled in, hampered by their twining legs, and Brandee laughed as she almost hit the floor. Nick swooped her up and laid her on his bed. He kissed her again, and she melted into a heated pool of desire.
He gathered her ass in his big hand and pushed her against his erection.
God but she wanted him. With every fiber of her being, she wanted to be possessed. Held the way only Nick could, showing how much he cherished his “mate.” She’d gotten used to the word and enjoyed its double meaning.
His hands caressed her excited skin. His breathing was urgent and he leaned heavily into her, pressing his erection against the apex of her thighs. Brandee’s sexual appetite became ferocious, and she whimpered into his mouth.
She restlessly moved against him, trying to appease the ache between her thighs. She longed for him to fill her, and she was wet with need. His warm male skin shivered with her touch. The room was warm and she was burning, so he had to be shaking with lust, not cold. She kneaded the thick muscles that rippled under her hand. Her fingers found his flat male nipples, and she squeezed each one until he gasped for air, then groaned.
“Brandee. I need you.”
She laughed. “And the problem with that is…”
“I want to be inside you—now.”
She was so swept away, she almost forgot to ask. “Condom?”
He nuzzled her ear and whispered, “Do we have to?”
That startled her for a moment, but she was on the pill and believed him when he said he was healthy.
She pulled his mouth to hers for another kiss. He nipped her lips and she tasted a drop of blood. He lapped at it, and the pain quickly faded. When she touched her mouth, there was no blood to be found.
“Oh, God, I love this woman.”
Had she actually heard his thought? He must have been talking to himself and the sound was muffled by the sheets or something.
He cupped her breast and flicked her nipple with his thumb. Her womb clenched as if reaching for him.
He rolled her on top and adjusted so he could capture her hard nipple and suck greedily. She arched back and moaned as a symphony of sensations raced through her body. He lavished the same attention on the other breast, and she thought she’d come any moment. He wasn’t even inside her yet!
She couldn’t make him wait any longer. Hell, she couldn’t wait any longer.
She broke the glorious suction just long enough to sit up straight and lower herself onto his erection. They moaned together. He began to move his pelvis up and down, and she rocked forward and back. Dear Lord, the ripples of bliss started as soon as he hit her G-spot.
Don’t come right away. Try to hold off for him.
“Or come more than once.” It sounded as if his voice had answered her in her head. His lips hadn’t moved, so her imagination must have taken over and formed what she thought he’d be thinking. He added a * rub to their lovemaking and that sent her spiraling.
A few strokes later, all thought deserted her. She came with a crash of sensation, causing her to cry out. She clutched his shoulders as she convulsed against him. The powerful orgasm washed over her in sharp waves, and she couldn’t stop her screams of bliss. Tears actually formed in her eyes.
Nick shuddered with his own release and gentled his hold on her as if intentionally trying not to hurt her. She imagined he could if he lost control, but Nick wasn’t one to forget his strength.
She collapsed against him and he gathered her into his arms. Gently cradling her against his chest, he murmured something that sounded like, “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.” Except it wasn’t a murmur. He was panting the whole time. She had heard his muffled thought.
“Nick?” she whispered when she could form words again.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“This is going to sound crazy, but I think I heard your thought just now.”
He let out a startled gasp, and she lifted her head so she could see into his wide eyes.
“I thought I heard yours too. Quick, what was I thinking?”
“I think you said what a beautiful experience you just had. Did you say that out loud?”
He rolled her onto her side and propped himself on his elbow. Instead of answering her question, he grinned and thought, “I knew it.”
“Knew what?”
He laughed. “That you’re my one true mate. I could tell the first time I kissed you. Others may have doubted it, but I never stopped hoping and, deep down, believing.”
“Does hearing each other’s thoughts mean we’re true mates?”
He leaned over and kissed her nose. “It certainly does. Roz and Konrad are able to communicate telepathically. I had always hoped we would…”
As if so moved he couldn’t speak, he gathered her in his arms once more and tucked her head beneath his chin. “I love you, Brandee. I understand it may take a while to learn how to block our thoughts when we don’t want to share them. But right now I couldn’t be happier about this.”
“Do you mean you’re able to hear every bizarre thought that travels through my brain?”
“Not every thought. Just the strong ones. Konrad told me what it was like for him and Roz. I imagine it will be pretty much the same for us.”
THEN WE CAN TALK SIMPLY BY THINKING LOUDLY?
“You don’t have to shout. Just form the words as if you’re speaking to me, intentionally.”
“I guess that could come in handy if we’re ever kidnapped again.”
He laughed. “Yes, it could.”
“You heard me!”
“If you were thinking about our ability to communicate, should we ever be kidnapped again, then yes, I did.”
“Oh, my mental megaphone.”
***
Nick anxiously waited downstairs in the bar for Brandee to get ready for their dinner date. He was so filled with nervous energy, he drummed his fingers on the bar while waiting for his glass of water. He didn’t want to have any alcohol until after dinner, and then he’d order a bottle of champagne.
Angie glanced at him as she brought another customer a martini. “I’m getting to you as fast as I can, Nick.”
“Huh? No, I’m not impatient with you, Angie. It’s something else completely.”
She eyed him as she got his water. When she brought it over, she asked, “You’re all dressed up tonight. Does it have anything to do with my roommate?”
He smiled. “Yes, but I can’t tell you what we’re doing. I’m saving it for a surprise—”
At that moment, when the door opened and Brandee walked in, Nick lost the power of speech. She was stunning. Her blue silk dress fit her perfectly. It nipped in at her waist and ended a few inches above the knee. Her hair was left long and loose. The light captured the shine, reminding him of a beautiful gemstone he’d seen once. He thought they were called carnelians. He’d have to look for some kind of jewelry made with them and buy it for her. Right now, he had a different piece of jewelry in his pocket.
She smiled and strolled over to him. She set her beaded evening bag on the bar and telepathically asked, “Are we ready to go?”
He answered her in his mind as well. Yup. But I’m afraid I’ll have to chase off every man who sees you tonight. You look gorgeous.
They had done it! They had established purposeful mental telepathy with one another. He waited a moment to see if any unwanted thoughts passed between them.
Angie walked over and set a hand on her hip. “Are you two just gonna to stand there grinning at each other all night?”
Nick glanced at her. “No. We’re leaving. I’m taking my gorgeous girl somewhere special tonight.”
Angie looked her roommate up and down. “I can see that. So where are you going?”
Brandee raised her eyes to him and they sparkled. “Yeah, Nick. Where are we going?”
“I guess I can tell you now. You’ll find out soon anyway. We’re going out on the Odyssey for a dinner cruise.”
“Oh, Nick. I’ve always wanted to do that.”
“I’ll just call a cab.” Nick reached for his cell phone.
“Why don’t we take my car? The waterfront isn’t that far, and I should start it once in a while so it doesn’t petrify.”
Nick scratched his head. He didn’t want to insult her bucket of bolts, but it didn’t seem right for the lovely evening he had planned. Maybe he should have hired a horse and carriage.
Oh, hell. Who was he trying to impress? If she wanted to go in her ancient Toyota, what difference did it make?
“You don’t want to take my car, do you, Nick?”
Did she hear me? Nah, I was probably just hesitating too long. “No, it’s fine. If you need to give it a little exercise, the short trip to the waterfront is probably good for that.” If we break down, it’s not that far to walk.
“Good. Let’s go then.”
She held out her hand and he enclosed it in his. They waved to Angie and left the bar. Strolling down Charles Street, Nick asked, “Is it still parked on Revere Street?”
“Yup. Same place. I kind of hate to move it and risk losing my spot.”
“So, you’re saying you haven’t moved it in weeks?”
She gave him a sheepish grin. “Not so much.”
The wind blew and she shivered. “It’s starting to get cold.”
“Do you want to go back to your apartment for a coat? The wind off the water is apt to be even colder.”
“Actually, I have a wool shawl in the car that would serve just fine.”
As they rounded the corner onto Revere Street, he dropped her hand and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “I’ll keep you warm until we get there.”
“Thanks, honey.”
He grinned. “That’s the first time you’ve used an endearment.”
“It is?” Brandee sounded incredulous, but Nick was pretty sure it was true.
“I like it,” he said.
“I-I like it when you call me sweetheart too. I’m sorry I never called you anything but your name until now.”
He shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I think I fell in love with you faster, but I’m glad you’re catching up.”
“Me too.”
They stopped just long enough to share a tender kiss. At last they arrived at her car and she dug the keys out of her bag. In a few moments, they were in, although Nick’s knees hit the dashboard and he had to push back the seat. The engine coughed and sputtered a couple times, but eventually it turned over.
Would you like to practice telepathy while we’re driving? Nick asked.
“Sure. What do you want to ‘talk’ about?”
How about your photographs. Taken any good ones lately?
“Oh, yeah. I forgot to show them to you. I guess I got distracted. Are there any other surprises I should expect?”
From telepathy?
“Or from falling in love with a werewolf. I still can’t get used to the idea that I’m actually dating a character from horror movies.”
Hey, we’re sensitive about that, you know.
She glanced over at him and said out loud, “Really? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
Nick laughed. “I’m kidding. Not much bothers me. I’d be more apt to get upset if someone was speaking to you in a derogatory way.”
“I like that about you.”
The drive to the ship’s parking lot was uneventful, thank goodness. Nick was afraid the car would give out in the middle of some busy intersection and their night would be spent getting a towing company to rescue them.
So far, his plan was unfolding pretty much the way he’d imagined it. Maybe better. The unexpected transfer of thoughts he’d worried about hadn’t happened. Konrad made it sound as if he and Roz had a hard time learning how to control the telepathy. Brandee hadn’t said anything he didn’t want to hear…yet. And as far as he knew, he hadn’t either. Whew. It might be hard keeping his proposal a secret otherwise. Speaking of hard, my cock gets stiff every time I look at my lover.
Brandee giggled as she was getting out of the car.
Uh-oh. Did she hear me thinking about my hard cock?
“Yes, she did.”
Damn. I’ll have to watch my thoughts more carefully.
“Or not. I like knowing that looking at me turns you on.”
He swept her into a tight embrace and kissed her passionately, right there in the parking lot. They’d had to wait a while before developing telepathic communication, but maybe that was a good thing. When Konrad and Roz said it was hard to control, he expected more slips of the mental tongue. But the other couple had it thrust upon them so quickly, they barely knew each other.
Perhaps because he and Brandee had been able to deepen their relationship first, it wasn’t as difficult to filter thoughts the other might not want to hear. Regardless, Nick couldn’t be happier to know beyond any doubt he’d found his mate at last.
***
The cruise around Boston Harbor had been wonderful. The ship’s dining room could rival the most elegant restaurant in the city. The fact that they could lean on the railing and watch the city lights float by just added to the experience.
Brandee felt so lucky to have found love at last, and her heart swirled. Just like she did in the arms of her amazingly graceful dance partner.
Nick rose and held his hand out to her again. She happily jumped at the chance to dance with him once more.
As the slow beat began, she asked, “How did you become such a good dancer, Nick—I mean, honey?”
He smiled. “Are you surprised I know how?”
“Not really. Just amazed you’re so good at it. Big guys like you aren’t usually agile.”
“Well, sweetheart, I’ve stepped on my share of toes, but I had to keep practicing so I could function at the policemen’s ball each year.”
“Oh, I forgot they had those.”
“It’s usually a good time. I wish I could have taken you just to show you off.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure you showed off plenty just by bringing a different girl each year.” Had he really been such a player? Brandee knew intellectually that he had, but she’d never have guessed by the way he treated her. He never looked at another woman and never talked about any of his past conquests. She almost felt secure. She wondered if she ever would, completely.
She thought she heard him say something.
“What did you say?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing. I was thinking too loud, I guess.”
“Are you sure? I thought you were wondering about the time.”
Suddenly he stopped dancing. Holding on to her hand, he led her back to their table. Brandee found it amusing that every time they got up, the waiters refolded their napkins. It was as if the napkin fairies had been there when they weren’t looking.
He pulled out her chair for her but angled it so she’d face him instead of the table. She thought it a little odd, but maybe he just wanted her to be able to watch the dancers and talk to him at the same time.
To her shock, Nick pulled a small box out of his suit jacket and dropped onto one knee.
“Brandee Hanson. You’re the love of my life. I want and need you by my side always. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He opened the box, revealing the most beautiful diamond ring she’d ever seen.
At first she couldn’t speak. All the air had rushed from her lungs. Then, as if on cue, the music stopped and she exclaimed, “What are you, nuts?”
People all around them stopped what they were doing to watch the scene. Nick’s smile disappeared. A blush crept up his neck.
“Of course, I’ll marry you!” she cried and threw her arms around his neck.
Everyone applauded, but Nick seemed slow to hold her.
Nick, this is so sudden. Are you sure you want to do this—now?
“Absolutely. I couldn’t be more positive, but you don’t seem sure.”
I’m sure I love you. I just hadn’t thought about marriage yet. Perhaps we should have a long engagement.
“If it will make you feel better.”
She leaned back and held out her hand, allowing him to slip the ring on her finger. It sparkled like sunshine on snow and took her breath away.
Nick rose, angled his chair to face her, and took his seat. She glanced around to be sure people had gone back to minding their own business and they wouldn’t be overheard.
“Oh, Nick. It’s beautiful, and I do want to marry you, but we only started dating in September. It isn’t even Halloween yet.” She lowered her voice. “By the way, is there anything funky about Halloween for you guys?”
He chuckled but seemed hesitant. “Not for wolves. But there is one more thing I have to tell you. It’s not about the paranormal. Just about me. I’ll tell you later.”
Can’t you tell me now?
“I’d rather wait for the right time.”
She sighed. Please? I hate these surprises. Knowing there’s another one will drive me crazy.
He took both her hands in his and smiled. “This news isn’t going to upset you. At least I doubt it will, but I had to be sure you’d marry me for me before I told you this one last secret.”
“Okay. So now that I proved myself, out with it.”
He sighed. “All right. Brandee, I’m rich as shit. I only work because I’d be bored stiff if I didn’t. I liked police work and I enjoy being a private investigator even more. I don’t want to quit, even though I could.”
Her jaw dropped. “But you were a cop. How—I’m sorry, but I know cops don’t make much money. How did you get rich?”
He stroked her cheek. “I’ve always been good about managing my finances. I made a couple of smart investments, my brother and I sold our company, and voila. I’m a millionaire. You don’t have to waitress anymore if you don’t want to.”
“You’d be okay with my concentrating on my photography career full time?”
“Absolutely.”
She laughed. “Un-freakin’-believable. It’s about time you hit me with some good news for a change.”
***
On the way home, Brandee’s car began to sputter. Oh, no. “Don’t give out on me now, Clara,” she mumbled.
“Clara?”
“Yeah. I know it’s silly, but I name my cars. I should have named this one Christine.”
Nick snickered. “Pull over under that streetlamp. I’ll take a look at it.”
“No, we’re almost home. I think she can make it another few blocks.”
Brandee continued on, but the long, steep hill and her car had other ideas. The sputter turned into a choking noise and it died.
“Crap. Right in the middle of the street.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart.” Nick opened his door and hopped out. “Stay there and steer.”
He leaned into the open door and pushed with all his might. The car edged forward.
“Jeez, Nick. Don’t have a heart attack pushing this junk heap uphill. It’s not worth it.”
“Don’t worry about my heart. I’ll be fine.”
“Just help me get her off to the side. I think we passed a parking space back a ways. I’ll let her roll downhill and maybe you can help guide her into it.”
Nick held the car still and looked over its roof. “Yeah. I see it. Let me get behind her in case the brakes give out too.”
“Oh, hell no. I don’t want to run you over.”
“I won’t let that happen. I’ll just brace myself against the trunk and walk downhill so it doesn’t roll too fast.” “I’m plenty strong, sweetheart. I could push Clara home if you wanted me to.”
“Are you sure, honey?”
He leaned down and smiled at her. “I’m positive.” He took off his suit jacket and tie, and tossed them onto the passenger’s seat.
Reluctantly, she agreed and kept her foot on the brake until he jogged around and braced himself against the trunk.
“Okay, sweetheart. Let her go,” he called out.
She let up on the brake very slowly. Please tell me if it’s too much and I’ll step on the brake right away, all right?
“I will.”
She heard him grunt a couple times as they rolled slowly down the hill. Eventually, the car was even with the truck parked in front of the empty space.
“How are you with parallel parking?” Nick asked telepathically.
I have to parallel park all the time. You can let go and I’ll steer her in.
“I’m not letting go, but I might need to move when we get close to the car below.”
Brandee wished he’d move onto the sidewalk just in case. She’d rather hit a parked car than pin her lover between the bumpers.
She applied the brakes lightly and steered Clara into the spot as best she could. If her car were running, she’d go forward a couple feet and straighten out.
She rolled down the window and called out, “I think that’s good enough. At least she’s out of the way.”
When Nick didn’t answer, she panicked. “Nick? Are you all right back there?”
“Roll up the window and don’t get out.”
Why? What’s wrong?
Brandee set the emergency brake and turned around. Nick stood on the sidewalk with another guy, and it took a moment before she noticed the gun pointed at Nick’s midsection. Oh, my mugging.
“Stay where you are, sweetheart. I’ve got this.”
Shit.
The guy moved up to her window and yelled, “Get out of the cah.”
She unlocked the door.
“No,” Nick shouted. “Stay there and distract him.”
Distract him? How was she supposed to do that? Stick out one shapely leg at a time and hope he liked what he saw?
Can you transform or shift or whatever you call it? That ought to distract the hell out of him.
“Not in front of a human unless I have a vampire handy to erase his memory. Otherwise, I’d have to kill him. Think of something else.”
“Hey, dipshit. We just got engaged and you’re ruining our beautiful memories of this night,” she said. It wasn’t poetry, but it got the job done.
The guy inched closer and said, “Lemme see the ring.”
Oops, that I didn’t count on.
“Let him see it. It’s the distraction I need.”
As much as she hated to think the robber might try to grab it off her finger, she trusted Nick’s reflexes. She gripped the steering wheel, allowing the man to see the ring on her left hand but making it difficult to take it off her finger.
He took his eyes off Nick to look at the diamond, and before he could say, “Hand over the rock,” Nick had grabbed his wrist and twisted it hard.
A horrible grinding and a pop were followed by a male scream. The mugger sank to his knees. Fortunately the gun fell to the ground, and before they could grapple for it, Brandee jumped out of the car and snatched it up. She held the weapon with two shaking hands and pointed it at the mugger.
The guy was breathing hard but managed to laugh and say, “It ain’t loaded, so you can drop it, bitch.”
“I don’t know…” Brandee said. “Maybe I should put it down so I can call the police.”
“Keep the gun pointed at him.” Nick growled. “I’m going to let go, and he’ll probably run.”
So you want to let him get away?
“For now.”
Oookay. Brandee waited until Nick let go, and as predicted, the guy took off. What she didn’t expect was that Nick would run after him.
“Crap,” she muttered, as she watched the chase. He just wanted to get the guy away from me. They disappeared down a side street. She hoped the mugger didn’t have another gun or a knife stashed somewhere. Nick? Come back. He’s not worth it.
Either he was too far away to communicate or too busy with his pursuit—regardless, he didn’t answer her. Brandee got back into her car, locked the door, rolled up the window, and prayed for the best.
***
After he paid the cab driver and walked Brandee to his front door, Nick said, “This was quite a night.”
Brandee let out a breath in a whoosh. “You can say that again.” She waited until they were inside Nick’s stairwell and then whispered, “So, even though you could have sniffed him out as a wolf, you had to let him get away?”
“I couldn’t take the chance of anyone seeing me, sweetheart. If someone had been looking out their window or walking around the corner, I’d have exposed our existence, and I’d be in deep shit again.”
“What do you mean by ‘again’? And shouldn’t we go inside instead of talking out here in the hall?”
“It’s fine. My neighbor uses a different staircase. Remember that conversation I was having out in the alley with a middle-aged-looking woman?”
“Oh, that time the woman you called ‘mother’ bitched you out?”
“Exactly.” He gently rubbed Brandee’s arms. “She wanted to send me to Mount Vesuvius for revealing myself to you. It’s absolutely crucial that you keep my secret—that you keep the secret for all paranormals. You’ll be in danger of a fast trip to Timbuktu if she thinks you revealed our existence to another human.”
“Timbuktu? She could do that?”
“She certainly could.”
Brandee tipped her head. “So she’s paranormal too. Why did you call her ‘mother’ if she’s not your mother?”
He smiled. “Are you sure you want another secret to keep?”
She rolled her eyes. “Why not? Lay it on me.”
“That was Mother Nature.”
Brandee gasped and her mouth hung open as if her jaw hinge suddenly let go. When she snapped her mouth shut, her teeth clicked. At last she gathered herself and whispered, “I met Mother Nature?”
“You did, and you don’t want to see her again—at least not in person.”
A voice from the top of the stairwell said, “Too late, a*shole.”
Both of them gazed up the stairs to where a woman in a long white robe stood. Brandee recognized her as the same woman who had been at the bar before, but wearing an eighties vintage outfit. The “mother” who’d confronted him in the alley.
Nick slapped a hand over his eyes. “Oh no. What did I do wrong now?”
Mother Nature descended the stairs until she stood only two steps above them. “This time I’m not here because you did something wrong. I’m here because you did something right.”
Nick dropped his hand. “You’re kiddin’.”
“No, I’m not. And I’ve been thinking about what you had asked me the last time we met.”
“Wait.” Nick paused as if recalling the conversation. “You mean when I asked if there was a way you could make Brandee as long-lived as I am?”
Brandee gazed from Nick to the woman and back again. Is this conversation really happening? In Nick’s stairwell?
“Let’s go inside where we can sit down and discuss this further,” Mother Nature suggested. Without waiting for them to agree or disagree, she ascended the stairs so gracefully, she appeared to float.
Nick grasped Brandee’s hand and followed the white-robed woman upstairs. He dug the door keys out of his pocket, but before he could use them, the door opened of its own accord.
Freaky.
Mother Nature led the parade inside and sat on one of the armchairs. Nick closed the door behind them and sat on the couch next to Brandee. He took her hand and tucked it around his arm at the elbow, then he covered her hand with his.
“Hang on to me, sweetheart. If either of us is sent anywhere, maybe we’ll go together.”
Focusing on Mother Nature, he said, “I don’t know whether I should introduce you two formally or not. I don’t want to slip up again.”
Mother Nature smiled. “Smart. It’s all right since I’m right here, but let me do it.” She gazed at Brandee. “I’m Gaia. You may call me Mother Nature or Goddess. I think Gaia is a little informal, but that’s my name.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Goddess,” Brandee said.
Mother Nature raised her eyes toward the ceiling. “At last. Someone who shows me a little respect.”
Nick gave Brandee’s hand a squeeze and smiled at her.
“Now, as I was saying,” Gaia continued. “Ever since the Industrial Revolution, I’ve been thinking about adding a couple of new muses. With all the inventions and advanced technology, the usual nine really can’t handle it all.”
Brandee had to clarify for herself what the woman was talking about. “Do you mean the nine muses, as in the muse of poetry, the muse of dance…like that?”
“Yes, Brandee. Exactly like that. My muses are lesser goddesses who have traditionally been immortal. Each takes care of a different area of the arts and sciences. In a nutshell, there’s Clio whose area is history; Urania takes care of astronomy; Melpomene, tragedy; Thalia, comedy; Terpsichore, dance; Calliope, epic poetry; Erato, love poetry; Polyhymnia, songs to the gods; and Euterpe, lyric poetry.”
“Wow. There’s a lot in the poetry field.”
“No kidding, and poetry has really fallen out of fashion, so they’re kind of useless.” Mother Nature rose and paced with her hands clasped behind her back. “I tried reassigning them to things like steam-powered engines and other inventions as they came along, but now with high-tech advances, they’re having a hard time handling it all. I often catch them grumbling about the good old days.”
And this affects me, how?
She whirled on Brandee, who immediately shut off her thought. Nick, can she hear what goes on in our heads?
“I don’t know, sweetheart. Maybe we’d better think about kittens and puppies just in case.”
Mother Nature smiled, but that didn’t comfort Brandee.
“So, you see, dear, I could use your help. I understand you have a background in photography.”
“Oh.” Brandee sat up straight. “Yes, Goddess, I do.”
“Great. I want you to be my muse of still and motion photography.”
“Digital or traditional?”
Mother Nature raised one eyebrow. “All of it. I’m going to give you some limited powers, and you’d better be prepared to use them.”
“Gaia, wait,” Nick interjected. “I need to ask a question.”
She let out a deep sigh. “Yes, Nick. I’ll extend her life span.”
“Awesome!”
“Wait.” Brandee rose. “I’m not sure I want to be immortal. I-I don’t want to outlive Nick any more than he wants to outlive me.”
Mother Nature crossed her arms, and Nick rose quickly. He clasped Brandee in a protective embrace.
“She has abandonment issues,” he said defensively.
“Hmmm…” Gaia began pacing again. When she stopped, she faced them squarely. “I’ll grant you limited immortality.”
What the heck does that entail?
“I’ll let you live as long as your husband, and when he passes into pure energy, you will too.” She waved a dismissive hand. “By that time, there’s sure to be some kind of newer technology, and I’ll need another young one to pick up the slack, so it’ll all work out.”
Nick tipped up Brandee’s chin so she could see his eyes. They danced with excitement. “How about it, sweetheart? I don’t think we could ask for anything more.”
She had to mull this over. “It sounds like a big responsibility. To tell you the truth, all I wanted was a little gallery where I could showcase my own work and that of other up-and-coming photographers.”
Mother Nature shrugged. “You can have that. You’ll need a base of operations anyway.”
Brandee’s heart leaped. Her own gallery. Nick. A long and fruitful life. What more could she possibly want?
“Is there some kind of on-the-job training that comes with this muse gig?”
“Of course. Hold on a minute.” Mother Nature turned her back and called out, “Erato, Come!”
A beautiful younger woman appeared out of nowhere. She was wearing jeans and a clingy red sweater over an impressive rack.
“You called, Gaia?”
“Yes, I did. I want you to take this young lady under your wing. Teach her how to be a muse. She’ll be taking care of everything in the area of technical photography, all still and moving images.”
“Everything on film?”
“And digital images, too,” Gaia added.
Erato slapped a hand over her heart. “Thank you, Goddess. Finally. We can use the extra help keeping those idiot war correspondents alive.”
“I knew you’d be pleased.”
Brandee held up her index finger. “Just one thing…”
Mother Nature’s eyes narrowed.
“Nick and I just got engaged.” She bravely forged on and hoped for the best. “I don’t want to leave him and go traipsing all over the world.”
Erato clapped. “Oh, fab. I love a good love story.” She spoke behind her hand, as if hiding her words from Mother Nature. “I’m the muse of erotic poetry. I can teach you some things for your wedding night.”
Nick laughed. “I think we’ve got that area covered, but thanks for offering.”
Gaia smiled at Brandee. “You won’t have to traipse anywhere anymore. Simply think about where you want to go and snap your fingers.”
Brandee’s eyes widened. “You mean I have supernatural powers now?”
“Try it and see.”
“Can Nick come with me?”
Mother Nature shrugged. “That’s up to you. Simply think about the two of you in a new place. Just be sure no one sees you as you come and go.”
“How do I do that?”
“I’ll teach you,” Erato said.
Brandee faced Nick and held both of his hands. “How do you feel about this, honey? Do you want me to take the job?”
“It’s your decision, sweetheart. I’ll support you no matter what you decide.”
Gaia nodded. “You’re a good man, Nicholas Wolfensen. I always knew you’d be an asset if you could just keep your paranormal trap shut.”
“An asset? Do you have a job for me too?”
“Not at the moment, but if I ever need a private investigator, I’ll know where to find one.”
“You can count on my help anytime, Goddess. And thank you.”
“For?”
“For making Brandee’s and my dreams come true.”
“Oh, that.” She waved away the compliment as if it were nothing. “Come, Erato. Let’s give your new sister and her fiancé some privacy.”
Mother Nature vanished.
Erato took a step closer. “I’ll check in with you tomorrow, Brandee, muse of film and digital images.”
“Wow. That’s a mouthful of a title,” Nick said.
“When should I find my gallery? And how will I pay for it? Oh, my promotion. I have so many questions!”
Erato took her free hand and patted it. “We’ll work it all out tomorrow. Meanwhile, get a good night’s rest and practice for your honeymoon.”
“Aren’t those things kind of mutually exclusive?”
Erato smiled. “I’ll give you some stamina tips.”
“Thank you.” Before Brandee could say another word, Erato winked and was gone.
Nick enveloped Brandee in a huge hug. “This turned out to be an even more memorable evening than I thought possible.”
“No kidding. It sounds like we won’t have to worry about airfare when it comes to our honeymoon, and I guess we could have our pick of places to go.”
“Are you still thinking about a long engagement?”
Brandee tipped her head and tapped her lower lip. “Not so much. Let me talk to Erato tomorrow. I have the feeling she’ll have some pre-wedding advice.”
Nick lifted her off the floor with a whoop and lowered her just enough to kiss her. “I love you, Brandee Wolfensen.”
Brandee threw her arms around his neck. “And I love you, Nick Hanson. That’s another thing we can work out tomorrow,” she said, and they both laughed.
“Good, because right now my mind is on other things.” He scooped her up into his arms, and she held onto his neck as he carried her up the stairs to their bedroom.