Suckers Bite Back (San Francisco Vampires #5) (Vampires of San Francisco series) (22 page)

We walk into the library. Hannah, Diel and Hades are here. Liam and Andrew are hanging out along with Helena and Julian. My family, all of them but Aidan. It feels empty without him. Someday he and Manda can be part of our family. Until then I will work at making Manda comfortable so it can happen. Hannah looks well, but I notice that Diel hovers, with a hand on her arm or her waist as she laughs and talks to Helena.

“Can I have your attention? Lily and I have some news,” Sebastian says, his usually cultured voice raised in excitement, bringing every conversation to a standstill and all eyes on us.

“I just know this is going to be good,” Hannah squeals. I can’t help my grin and she squeals again. Sebastian is covering my ring in his hand so no one can peek. He gets all serious and Andrew is holding his breath and practically breaking Liam’s hand.

“Lily and I are going to get married.” Sebastian can’t contain his joy anymore and sports a huge smile. The room erupts with commotion as vamps, a demon and a slobbering Hell Hound attack us on all fronts to congratulate us and offer hugs and kisses.

“Where’s the ring?” Hannah asks.

“Yes, please tell me, Mr. Sebastian didn’t recycle the old one,” Andrew’s voice is part scandalous and part horror. I can’t help laughing. Sebastian scowls at Andrew. I pull my hand out of Bast’s and hold it out for everyone to see.

“Oooh…” Hannah says. “That is one powerful sparkler. Too bad you didn’t get to hit that fucker Mark in the face with it.” Diel and Sebastian growl in agreement.

“Stunning, I expected nothing less from Mr. Sebastian,” Andrew says easily changing the tenor of his initial question. Liam nods and winks at me.

“A minute ago you accused me of recycling, Andrew. Make up your mind,” Sebastian reminds him. Andrew has the grace to wince.

“Lily, Sebastian, I am so very happy for you both. Many blessings upon your union,” Helena says linking our hands.

“Thank you, Helena,” I whisper I am so touched. Sebastian kisses her on both cheeks.

“Where and when will you marry?” Julian asks.

“Soon, in Tuscany. We discussed it and would like everyone to take a cruise with us that will end in Italy. Then we will make our way to the church for a sunset wedding,” Sebastian says.

“You’ll have to appear at court in Italy. Things are more traditional as you know, Sebastian. We’ll have to get the Queen’s permission, too,” Helena says with a frown.

“I know. She’s been uncharacteristically quiet lately. I know she is scheming. She hasn’t forgotten her big debacle from last year and she never forgives,” Bast says.

“We would like to invite Aidan and Manda, too,” I say, changing the subject from painful memories.

“I know he would like that, Lily,” Diel says, smiling warmly at me. Diel is Aidan’s best friend. He knows how complicated things are between us. “Do you want me to call him now?”

“Yes, let’s get this over with. Have him bring Manda, too. I have to face this sometime,” I say. Bast squeezes my hand and I look up at him with pure wonder at how he can be so supportive. He bends down and kisses me. A chaste kiss soon turns into a long, sensuous affair. Julian clears his throat and Sebastian pulls back but only slightly. He’s staring deep into my eyes.

“Je t’aime, ma cherie.”

“I love you too, Bast.”

In the background I hear Diel on the phone and Andrew and Hannah sighing. I break into another smile and nuzzle into Sebastian’s chest just as Manda and Aidan pop into the library. I see Aidan on the other side of Bast and I notice a flit of pain that passes across Aidan’s face. It’s quickly replaced by a smile.

“I hear congratulations are in order. As well as some champagne?” Aidan says. In the next second everyone but Hannah has a glass of champagne. I hear her cry out in outrage.

“Hannah, my dear, here is some sparkling cider,” Aidan says, placating her.

“Thank you, Aidan, for your congratulations and for the champagne,” Sebastian says while he pulls me into his side.

“You’re welcome. I believe you all remember Manda? I heard you wanted to ask us something, Lily?” Aidan looks curious and cautious.

I tug Bast with me because I want his support. When I get to Manda and Aidan I let go of Bast’s hand and take one of Aidan’s and one of Manda’s, holding them both at the same time. Aidan’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise but he says nothing.

“We are going to be getting married in Tuscany, soon. But we plan on a family vacation via a Mediterranean cruise on the way. We want you both to come. Aidan, you are family and Manda if you are with Aidan that makes you family too. Plus this will give us a chance to get to know each other better,” I say and smile at her.

Slowly she smiles at me and she squeezes my hand.

“I would like that very much,” she says. “When you know the dates let me know and I’ll cancel any shoots during that time. I’m sure Aidan can take me and bring me back.”

“I’d like it too, Lilith. Thank you.” Aidan leans forward and kisses my cheek. “I’ll always love you but I’ll always want the best for you too and this is the best,” he whispers in my ear. I squeeze his hand and kiss his cheek back. Then I step back into Sebastian’s waiting arms. He gently wraps them around me and kisses the top of my head, running his hand up and down my arm.

“To the new couple,” Aidan says hoarsely while raising his glass. Everyone follows and then takes a drink, except for Aidan who can’t drink or eat. Instead he studies me with burning eyes.

36 LILITH

Hannah, Helena and I head off to all the fun baby boutiques we have researched on the internet and Yelp. The shops are spread out all over the city and we plan to make a day of it. Mostly it’s a chance for the three of us to talk and spend easy time together. Of course, I am the main course after I assuage my guilty feelings for having got Hannah in the mix with Mark. She assures me it was like taking a long nap. Diel had the hardest time.

“I am so happy for you, Lily,” Hannah gushes. It is so unlike her to gush. It’s got to be the hormones. “I just knew you would end up with Bast. A wedding cruise is so romantic, too. We will all be together.” She sighs and rubs her belly. “It was really big of you to invite Aidan and Manda.”

“Nonsense. I can’t picture my life without Aidan in it, no matter what’s happened these last few months. If that means having Manda there too then that is what’s going to happen. Besides, she makes him happy and that’s important to me,” I say. I plaster on a fake smile, but realize I mean it.

“You’re not fooling any one, young lady,” Helena says. “Plus I saw how Aidan was staring at you. There will always be something between the two of you. The bigger part of your hearts belong to someone else. That’s what you need to focus on,” she says rubbing my arm.

I smile at her and nod. She is absolutely right. It’s what I feel. Hannah sobs. I gather her into my arms and hug her tightly. I know she hates being treated like she is porcelain.

“I-I’m s-sorry,” she sobs. “Fucking hormones. But that’s just so damned tragic and romantic all balled up in one.”

“Tragic… that sums it up,” I say frowning.

“Don’t overthink it, dearling. It is what it is. There will be more joy as time heals the wounds. Right now, the feelings are raw and new,” Helena soothes.

“I can give it time. I have plenty of that,” I say and give her a genuine smile this time. We both hug Hannah as she quiets. “I think we need a cup of tea before we go shopping.”

“Yes, I think that would be lovely,” Helena says.

We have been standing outside the first boutique on our agenda. Across the street is a café. I order our drinks while Helena and Hannah save us a table outside in the sun. When the drinks are ready, I carefully carry the tray to our table and we sit in companionable silence sipping our drinks. Suddenly Aidan pops up nearby.

“Lilith, I need to get you home as soon as possible. There’s been trouble. Helena and Hannah come too please. I’ll zap the car back.” He snaps his finger and the car disappears. We rush over to him and link hands.

“Aidan, what’s wrong?” I ask.

“Mark,” is all he says and then we transmanifest.

He deposits us in the solarium/laboratory where Julian is stitching up Diel. Sebastian is a mess. Covered in blood and scorch marks. Hannah growls and goes running to her mate with me on her heels to Sebastian. Sebastian looks up.

“Thank you, Aidan,” Bast says as he wraps his arms around me. I could care less that he is ruining my dress, all I care about is helping him heal. I bare my fangs and bite my wrist and bring it to his mouth.

Aidan turns and talks to Diel and Hannah while Sebastian takes my blood. Bast stares into my eyes the whole time. When he’s had enough he licks the puncture marks so they heal faster. He already has more color and the cuts are knitting closed. I move my hands over him, inspecting the damage. Running my fingers through his hair, he leans into my touch.

“You should see the other guys,” Sebastian says and laughs but winces.

“Other guys?” I say, my voice pitching higher at the end.

“There Diel, that should hold you until you heal. Hannah, cut those out just before you go to bed so he can finish healing,” Julian says.

“Okay. Now explain what the hell happened here,” Hannah says voicing my thoughts.

“Somehow Mark had a backup clause to his whole kidnap and convert Lily plan, Cherie. He arranged to send some brutes over to work me over and I think to kill me.” He looks over at Diel who nods at him. I gasp. Bast tightens his hold on me as my knees go weak. “Easy, ma petite, it will take more than six demons to take me away from you.”

“S-six! Oh my God Sebastian. How are you still walking? How? Diel how did you get hurt? What the hell happened?” I demand.

“I went to go to the club to do some paper work. When I stepped out of the house I was jumped by them. I almost didn’t get away. Some dirty fighting I learned before they were born saved me. I got it under control. I sent all of them but one back to Hell. Diel felt the disturbance from it and came out. He banished the last one who gouged him with his claw trying to escape,” Sebastian says.

“Thank you, Diel,” I say. My barely beating heart as close to racing as it can be. He nods, his face full of fury.

“I knew it was Mark because they were stupid enough to tell me they were sent by him and that I was messing around with Mark’s mate,” Sebastian snarls.

Diel leaves the room to dish out some Duke shit with everyone Mark had contact with. Top side and down under.

“Aidan, please go with him,” Hannah pleas. Aidan doesn’t bother to answer, he just follows Diel.

“Fucking demon. He was deluded and dangerous, who knows what traps he set up. I don’t want you leaving the house anymore without protection. We don’t know what he set up. Especially if they find out we are engaged and Mark is dead,” Sebastian says. He runs his hand through his hair then kisses my forehead. I’m pretty sure I could handle myself but I acquiesce because I know Bast is only coming from a position of being scared for me.

“Diel will be okay, Diel will be okay, Diel will be okay…” Hannah repeats like a prayer over and over with her eyes closed.

I reach her side as she sways and catch her, carrying her to the couch where I pull her close to my side and cover her up with the cashmere throw. I hug her tightly.

“Andrew, get Hannah some hot cider please.”

“Yes.” He streaks from the room. Helena joins us.

“Hannah, my darling, he will be okay. Especially with Aidan beside him. Everything will be okay,” Helena says soothingly as she rubs some life into Hannah’s hands. “Remember he is a Duke and very powerful. All the demons that were at Mark’s disposal are lesser demons and will be easily dispatched.”

“You’re right. He is a Duke. My Duke. My Mate. I know how strong he is. I shouldn’t be so afraid. It’s just seeing him hurt. I just can’t lose him.” Hannah shudders and I hug her again. “He’s always been so safe here that I was shocked. I mean when we were in Hell he got beat up pretty badly trying to save me from that one demon, but those monsters aren’t supposed to be allowed topside.”

“He will be fine, Hannah,” Sebastian says to her. He takes a seat on her other side and takes her into his arms. She rests her head on his shoulder.

“I know I’m being over emotional. Damn hormones. This is so not like me. I would be going with him ready to kick some butt. Oh, how will I do that with little Bobby or Patty.”

Andrew coughs discretely. I feel the same way about the names.

“What? We’re trying out names. So those weren’t winners. I’ll know the ones when I say them,” she says confidently.

“Hannah, I know what you feel like. Seeing Sebastian like that scares me to second death,” I whisper, looking at him over Hannah’s head. Our eyes lock and he reaches for my hand. I grasp it greedily seeking my own solace when my friend needs it instead.

Aidan and Diel pop into the library. Diel sees Hannah surrounded by us and panics.

“What’s wrong, Hannah!” He’s quickly at her side and we scatter leaving them to reconnect.

“I’m fine, Diel. I was just so worried about you.”

“Oh, honey, it would take more than that little punk ass to do damage to me,” Diel says with the arrogance that is well developed by his rank. Hannah visibly relaxes. The rest of us give them a moment.

“Diel, let’s get you and Hannah home, shall we?” Aidan asks.

“Thank you, once again, Aidan,” I say and smile at him. He winks at me.

“You know I will always have your back, Lilith.”

He takes Diel’s hand as Diel is carrying Hannah and they blink out.

I look up at Sebastian. “Come, let’s get you cleaned up. You look like you were in a fight.”

He grins down at me and lets me pull him towards the stairs.

“Later I would like to talk to you about this business, Sebastian. I don’t think we have seen the last of Mark’s influences and twisted plans,” Julian says.

“Of course, Jules. I hate to agree with you on this, but I do.” Julian nods his head and then goes back to his computer.

“I want to be part of this planning, too,” I pipe up.

Sebastian picks me up and carries me up the stairs and into our bedroom.