Chapter 17

Married to a Vampire

 

Silence and tension filled the room when they asked if they could go to the mall.

Cedric was staring at his feet. Merrick was rubbing his hands on his pant legs as if his palms were sweating. The prince looked like he had a lot to say, but had obviously chosen to hold his tongue. His expression of anger whipped across the room to her. Would he dare start bellowing again in front of Ethan? And that other guard, the one who’d been outside most of the time, the one Danielle didn’t yet know stared at her too, expressionless.

She swallowed and met Ethan’s gaze. “Please?”

“What do you think, Max?”

“Nothing has happened for days now. We could be safe.”

“Richard?” Ethan turned to The Black Prince.

Richard passed his gaze over Danielle, and then surprised her with his reply. “Let them go. We’ll make sure they have at least fifteen men watching them, myself included. And we’ll make sure they pretend to be watching Nadia since Danielle is supposedly immortal.”

After another heavy pause, Ethan released a slow breath and then nodded. “All right. You may go.” He dug his wallet out of his pocket and extracted a gold credit card. “Here take my card.”

“I don’t need that. I—”

Ethan moved closer, and dropped his volume to a mere whisper. “Take it. Please? What’s mine is yours…”

She did believe that, but her gaze automatically shifted to her studio and landed on the two paintings she’d done that week. The two she’d designed to sell so she could have her own money. Knowing she would never be allowed to have a job outside of the home for safety reasons, she’d sold a few pieces in London. She planned to continue that little side business.

“Where are you two going today?” Nadia asked the men, interrupting with a change of topic.

“Car shopping.”

“Oh!” Danielle said suddenly. “I have a Mini at my parent’s house. Can Nadia and I go get it?”

Ethan choked on something, it seemed to be words. “A Mini Cooper?”

“Yes, it’s so cute. Nadia, you have to see it. It’s blue with white stripes—”

Her eyes rounded when Ethan took her gently by the arm and moved her to the other side of the room. She realized that he was trying to avoid embarrassing her in front of the others as he defused, what he apparently perceived to be, a bomb. “I—you can’t—I mean it just isn’t safe,” he cooed gently into her ear, and it seemed it took a great deal of effort for him to coo gently.

To further exasperate the tension mounting between her and her husband, she could almost physically sense the eyes of the others on her back, and knew they could probably still hear his whispers. Though he certainly meant to spare her—the feelings of abashment slithered through her veins anyway, and she attempted to defend herself. “I’m a good driver.”

“I’m certain you are.”

“Then I don’t understand.”

His expression brightened, as if he’d just gotten a brilliant idea. “I want to buy you something. Something special.”

“Really? A new car? Are you sure?”

“I’m more than sure. I’ll pick something out for you today.” He wagged his eyebrows at her, apparently trying to sell the idea.

“Okay,” she said, still feeling a little hesitant. “If you want to. I do like my Mini, though, so it isn’t expected…”

She felt the cold plastic of the credit card touch her hand and looked down at it as her fingers curled around it.

“Have fun shopping.” Ethan kissed her forehead and gave her a hug. Danielle tried really hard to ignore the audience.

 

* * * * *

Six of the guards remained close to them, while the other nine melted into the shadows at the mall. Which had to have been difficult considering how well lit it was. Danielle wondered how they felt about entering shops that mainly catered to just women. Though they were pretending to only be guarding the mortal Nadia, they kept Danielle close to her, and didn’t let her stray more than a couple of feet from her friend.

She recognized most of them: Cedric, Lance, Jack, Richard, Merrick, and the one from outside her home whose name she didn’t yet know. Danielle tried to get to know him. “Would you mind holding these for me?” she asked him.

Mutely he held out his arms and accepted the pile of clothing that she meant to try on.

“Thanks. What’s your name?” she asked softly as she draped a pretty skirt over the stack.

“Dorin,” he said gruffly.

“It’s nice to meet you, Dorin.”

“You shouldn’t be talking to me,” he muttered from behind two feet of fashion.

“I don’t think anyone is watching…” One glance in Richard’s direction and she knew that wasn’t true.

“You can’t know that. I don’t think they’ll ever stop pursuing you, even if they think you’re one of us.” His tone had turned dangerous, and she wondered if he took his job just a little too seriously.

Attempting to soften the sharp edges of his attitude, she said, “Thanks for what you’re doing. We both appreciate your service.”

“Yes, we do,” Nadia agreed as she draped three tops and a pair of jeans onto the many layers of material.

She and Nadia added four more items to the others, and then began weaving their way to the dressing rooms at the back of the shop. Dorin followed silently. Danielle winked as she lifted half the pile and reached for the handle of the dressing stall.

His lips twitched and she wondered if he’d almost smiled, almost.

Nadia was close on her heels after she snagged the remainder of the clothes and took the stall next to hers. They sifted through the mess, passing things back and forth underneath the wall divider between them, and then began trying things on.

When they emerged with their purchases, after about forty-five minutes of stripping and redressing, Dorin addressed her again. “Why do you purchase clothing that you won’t be able to wear when you’re swollen with that child?”

Danielle halted in her steps and he nearly ran her over. She tipped her chin up to look into his unreadable gaze and realized that her nose only reached to his chest. The man was massive, and she was relieved that he was on the good side. However, she wondered if he even knew how rude that comment was, and didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry about it. It was true, she was going to get fat, but she liked clothes, and they were on sale, and she wouldn’t always be swollen, as he so gently put it. And it was comforting to shop when, deep down, she was troubled by all of the little things that go along with pregnancy. Gaining weight. Doctor’s visits.

“Look, Danielle, let’s go try on some shoes,” Nadia interrupted, and Danielle was deeply grateful for it. Without answering Dorin’s question, she followed Nadia to the store.

The men, of course, tailed along behind and she could hear their continuing conversation. “Did I say something wrong?” Dorin asked Merrick.

Merrick chuckled, a low rumbling sound. “Oh, nay, of course not.”

“You only just said the worst thing you could have possibly said to her, that’s all,” Cedric said, shaking his head.

“Should I apologize?”

Danielle twisted to face him, clutching a pair of shoes in her hands. Did he really mean to say he was sorry?

He looked down at her. “Miss Darcey ... er ... Mrs. Deveroux, pardon my thoughtless exchange.”

His expression still held nothing recognizable as any sort of remorse, but she accepted anyway. “It’s all right.”

The men remained quiet during the rest of their shopping, but graciously carried their bags for them when they got to be too much.

 

They returned home after going out to dinner, and stuffed the booty into their bedrooms before Danielle met with Nadia in the kitchen for a treat before bed.

“I want ice cream. What about you, Danielle?”

“That works for me. What flavor do you want? Ethan’s got this freezer loaded,” Danielle said, tugging the freezer door open.

“Let me see.” Nadia peeped over her shoulder to look inside. She gasped and pointed. “What’s Death by Chocolate? Is that good? It sounds sinfully divine.”

Danielle snickered, and pulled the carton out. “I think you’ve made a good choice for yourself, here.” She handed over the ice cream, then selected her own. “I think I want vanilla with bananas and nuts and hot fudge topping.”

Nadia already had a mouthful of Death by Chocolate when she said, “That sounds good too.”

Smiling, Danielle got out her fruit and toppings and began making her banana split. However, Nadia squeaked when Danielle pulled out a knife to slice the banana. “Oh, no, not you too. I’m not going to hurt myself.”

Nadia’s eyes widened and Danielle wondered what her deal was until she heard that all too familiar male voice behind her. “Darling, I thought I said you weren’t to use anything sharp”

She turned, wide-eyed to face her husband. “Bananas are easier to cut than apples.”

“I don’t mind cooking for you. You know that. All you need to do is ask.”

“But you’re not always around to ask.”

Silently he took the blade from her hand and quickly prepared it for her. He even put two of those maraschino cherries on top.

“Wow, Ethan, would you make one of those for me too?” Nadia asked when she saw the fancy-looking treat he’d made for Danielle.

“Of course.” He quickly prepared another banana split and set the bowl down in front of Nadia, who dug in happily.

After watching them spoon this cold treat into their mouths with a blatant, envious expression, he said, “It’s time for me to go hunting. After the other men return, Max and I plan on going.” He really didn’t look happy about the prospect of hunting.

 

* * * * *

When he and Max returned, Danielle and Nadia were watching a movie while munching on popcorn. Ethan strode to the sofa with his eyes on that item that had been one of his favorite foods. It seemed he couldn’t help himself when he shoved one hand into the bowl and removed a handful of popped corn. He sniffed at it then stuffed it into his mouth, and cursed as he chewed. “That’s just wrong!” He then plopped into the chair next to the sofa dusting his hands of salt and butter.

Danielle laughed because he looked like he needed to go brush his teeth to remove that disgusted and puckered twist of his lips. She sprang from her seat and jumped into her husband’s lap for a kiss, hoping to cheer him.

“Danielle!” He stood and dumped her off his thighs. “Don’t! You can’t forget I’m cursed!”

His blue eyes swirled with anger, and the magic of them stole her knees right out of their sockets. She managed to hold onto consciousness as she dropped to the rug, then drew her knees to her chest and covered her face which was quickly streaked with mortified tears.

They’d all witnessed that: Nadia, Max and several other men.

Humiliating.

So this is what it’s like to be married to a vampire. The Ethan she fell in love with was there most of the time, but this dark, cursed side of him could strike at any moment after sunset. Had she really foolishly thought she’d married Mr. Darcy? Perhaps Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were more accurate descriptions. She remembered how he’d kept his distance from her physically even at the ball, even when he’d visited her bedroom, even when he’d rescued her from Lucas. And now she remembered how he was never in the best mood after having killed for his dinner. And here she’d just thrown herself into his arms. Danielle knew his anger was her fault, and she couldn’t stop the sobs that began to rack her.

“I’m sorry.” She heard him mumble as strong arms lifted her from the floor.

But it wasn’t Ethan holding her. “Let’s get you to bed, all right?” It was Max. And that hurt too. Why wasn’t it Ethan? Yes, she had acted too abruptly, but hadn’t he been able to tolerate her presence when he’d tested his magic on her and she pretty much threw herself at him? Or was this somehow different?

She couldn’t respond as Max carried her to her bedroom and set her gently on the bed. She listened as his footsteps receded from the room. Danielle wanted to be alone. After shoving the moisture from her cheeks, she rushed to the door, slammed it, and locked it.

Seconds later, however, she heard a knock at it, followed by Ethan’s calm voice. “Danielle, can we talk?”

“Go away,” she muttered, knowing he could hear her anyway.

He jiggled the locked knob. “Honey, I’m really sorry I snapped like that. Please let me in.”

She replied with silence.

Ethan responded by breaking the lock and entering.

Danielle scrambled under the covers to hide her returning tears. She could feel the bed tip as he settled onto it next to her and placed a gentle hand on her hip. “Would you like to see the vehicles we bought?” he asked, an obvious tactic for distraction.

Again, she answered with nothing.

His hand began to work out the tension in her back and neck through the blankets.

“Come-on, I got something in red. You need to see it.”

“You know where the guest bedroom is.”

Ethan tugged the sheets from her, pulled her to her back, and forced her to look at him, though he kept his eyes closed, not even narrowed as he’d done in the past. A line had formed between his golden brows. “Danielle, I’m truly sorry. It’s just that your lovely scent is more intense now that you’re pregnant, and the knowledge that I’m a cursed man never releases my conscience. What if I hurt you? What if I jeopardized this precious new life?” He took a breath. “Even so, I overreacted, and I deeply regret that. I can fight it like I did in Lucas’ dungeon, but it will always be a challenge because it’s an evil spell that holds me captive at night. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

“Will you ever be able to return to mortality?” She wanted that part of their relationship back so badly. The way he snuggled with her and kept her warm all night long. The way he woke her with hugs and kisses. The way he hummed when he enjoyed food.

There was a heavy pause, where the only sound was their breathing, and then he said, “As soon as things are safe, I’ll go back to that. I swear it.”

“Can you stay with me tonight?”

Ethan placed one kiss on her cheek and looked down at her through a lash-filtered gaze, and instead of answering her question he suggested, “Let’s go see our new transportation.” His hand slid around hers and he helped her from the bed.

She was towed gently from their room, down the hall and then he turned toward the garage, silently bypassing the others. All the while she wondered how far in the future it would be before she got her mortal Ethan back. He’d been right on their wedding day when he’d said she wouldn’t like being married to a vampire. She’d always sort of liked his possessive side, but right now she wasn’t so sure. Before this they’d been enjoying wedded bliss. Then he’d been turned and it wasn’t until he’d joined her in Colorado that she’d been able to spend this much time with him ... as a cursed man. Of course they’d dated like this, but now they were in the same home and that was becoming a problem.

Ethan flipped the switch and flooded the garage with light.

Her mouth slackened and hung open as he led her further into the room and stopped next to a red monster of a…. “What is that? It looks like something from the military.”

“Well, these things are only made for the US armed forces now.”

“Do missiles come out of the top of it?” she scoffed.

His deep laughter echoed from the cement and metal. “This is a custom H1 Humvee. I suppose we could soup it up that way, and maybe we should with how many vamps you have gunning for you. And maybe we should deck it out in camo, although I’m quite fond of the red. Anyway, as of now, it’s just an awesome thing to cart you and your detail around in. Would you like to test drive it?”

“This is what you expect me to drive? I’d need two parking spaces for that! What’s wrong with my Mini?”

She watched the overprotective worry return as the muscles in his jaw flexed. It was obvious that he pretty much had to force himself to calm down before he spoke. “This is safer. And if they give chase, we could escape through just about any route.”

“The Mini has a really high safety rate—”

“It doesn’t have 4-wheel drive.”

“It’s—” Another ripple of muscle in his cheek made it clear he couldn’t be budged in the matter. So she dropped it. “You said ‘vehicles’ earlier, what else did you buy?”

His entire expression sparked with excitement as he pulled her around the Hummer and revealed the fancy blue car hidden behind its massive frame. Ethan rushed to the passenger side door and swung it open for her. Danielle settled into the seat, and was surrounded by the smell of new leather. Ethan moved hastily around, and then dropped into the driver side seat.

He ran his hands over the control panel like a boy in love, then slid the key into the ignition and turned it. A low rumble and the car came to life. He pressed a button and opened the garage door to let the exhaust out. “Don’t you love it? I’ve secretly wanted one of these for a while now.”

Danielle twisted to look into the back seat, but there was no such thing. “How do we go anywhere in this with a baby? There’s no room for a baby, Ethan.”

His shoulders lifted with a shrug. “We’ll take the Hummer then.”

“What is this?”

He smiled. “A Phantom Coupé.”

“Who makes it?”

She got the impression he wanted to say You’re such a girl for not knowing that, but responded patiently with, “Rolls.”

“As in Rolls-Royce?”

“Of course.”

“I take it you were feeling frugal?” she mentioned sarcastically.

He laughed, a fun, boisterous sound.

“Can I drive it?”

And he choked on that laughter.

She knew that meant no. “Why not?” she asked feeling her bottom lip jut out.

“It’s simply not safe enough. You couldn’t escape in this.”

“I’ll bet it goes plenty fast for that.”

He pursed his lips. “Yes, of course, but you couldn’t take to the woods.”

“Figures,” she grumbled, folding her arms over her chest, then jumped when someone rapped on the glass of her door. She turned to see Max there. Danielle tried not to feel embarrassed about what he’d witnessed earlier.

Ethan set his finger on a button to unroll the window.

“Like what we picked out?” Max asked, his gaze averted.

“If I could actually drive them, sure…”

Max grinned. “You should have seen Ethan driving the Humvee home—just like a Brit—on the left side of the road. And the fool that I am, I followed him!”

She turned to Ethan. “You didn’t! Really?”

His guarded expression became defensive. “I’ve been driving longer than you’ve been alive. It was an easy mistake to make.”

“But dangerous.”

“Oh, trust me, people were more than eager to get out of the way of that thing.”

She laughed. “I’m sure they were.”

Danielle considered the Humvee again, then asked, “Is this really what you selected for me to drive?”

When he didn’t respond she realized the truth. “You didn’t really get anything for me, did you?”

“Well,” he looked so guilty, “technically this is for your safety…”

“But not really for me to drive.”

“I’m certain you can drive it.” With your guards with you, she figured he added in his head.

“I have my own car, Ethan.” She set her jaw when he didn’t respond again. “Max, help me out.”

He’d been snickering to himself through this whole debate. “Just seduce it out of him, Danielle. I’ve seen you do it quite successfully before.”

She measured her husband for a moment and knew it would never work this time. “Please?” She tried desperately. “Can I go get my Mini?”

“Oh, you have a Cooper?” Max said, his expression brightening with the topic of cars. “What color is it?”

“It’s blue and it has—”

“I cannot allow that,” Ethan ground out.

Max was forced to lunge backward when she threw the car door open and left. The sound of Ethan following caused her to scowl and pick up her pace, even when knowing she could never outrun him, especially at night.

She made her way back to her—their—bedroom and shut the door again. But she couldn’t lock it since Ethan broke that.

She tried to ignore him when he rejoined her in bed.

“Leave me alone,” she muttered when he curled next to her and looped one arm around her waist.

“I’ll stay with you...” when he trailed off she realized he really meant: I’ll stay until you fall asleep.

“I changed my mind.”

“I’m not that easy to get rid of.” He kissed her hair, and she could feel his breath drift through to her skin. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you about the Cooper. I just want what’s best for you and this little one…” he said softly as he stroked her stomach.

 

* * * * *

The next morning she awoke in her husband’s arms just as she’d wanted. She could hear his heart beating inside his chest underneath her ear, and she knew the sun had risen, so it was more than possible that he’d left her after she’d fallen asleep and returned before she’d awakened as he’d done in the past.

She twisted her face up toward his and asked about it, knowing she shouldn’t. “Where did you sleep?” Her voice came out on a sleep-rich whisper.

“Does it matter?” he responded while shifting like the bed had suddenly filled with rocks and was incredibly uncomfortable.

It was the most comfortable bed she’d ever slept on, so she knew the source of his discomfort. It was the distance growing between them because he was immortal and she was not. At least he was mostly mortal right now. She believed that deep down he was still probably trying to smooth things over from last night.

Danielle moved up his chest so they were face-to-face. Their eyes locked and she felt herself fainting again. She really needed to eat before she tried that because while he was mostly mortal she was still extra sensitive to the curse within him. Day or night. Barely holding onto consciousness, she dropped her head to the cradle of his neck.

“Are you still with me, Danielle?”

“Uh-huh,” she managed weakly.

When the silence stretched out between them, Ethan rolled their bodies, placing her on the bottom and matched his gaze with hers again. It helped to be flat on her back when he did that, but the bed started to move and her eyes slid shut.

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Just a little dizzy.”

“Nauseated?”

“No.” Still feeling like things between them were unresolved, she was prompted to say, “About last night—”

“Shhh, I’m sorry about that, about everything.”

When she opened her mouth again, he asked, “What can I do to make it better?”

“Let me drive my Mini,” she tried.

“You can drive the Phantom,” he offered after a long pause.

“I’m not sure I’m satisfied with that.”

“Please. Go easy on my protective nature, would you?”

“Your overprotective nature, you mean.”

“I just worry. About you, about our child.” He sighed. “This has been really hard for me.”

“All right, fine. I’ll drive the Phantom.”

“And the Humvee?” He flashed a toothy grin at her when she opened her eyes again.

“Fine, and the Humvee.”

“So we’re settled then?” he asked a little too hopefully.

“Sure, I guess so—”

“Thanks,” he cooed as his mouth forced hers to silence. Lips, tongue, breath. Oh, that breath…. He began touching his lips to her skin with soft butterfly kisses, covering every inch of her face and throat. Each kiss set her flesh on fire, then it cooled just as his mouth left one place to ignite another. He ministered to her in this way until she was overwhelmed with sensation and forgot what they’d been talking about in the first place. He was just too good at manipulating her but she couldn’t find it in herself to be mad at him for it.

As his scent engulfed her, those hormonal tears stung her eyes again. “I love you so much,” she sobbed. She loved him even though he worried too much, and even though he used his magic on her. In her heart she knew it wasn’t really to control her but to help her cope with things that were likely stressing him out as much as her.

Ethan said nothing as he brushed the tears from her face, and then turned that passion into need with intimate caresses. She felt his hands sliding up the sides of her hips and ribs as he removed her nightshirt....

 

* * * * *

“Are you sure I’m forgiven?” Ethan asked, tightening his arm around her waist. And that’s when she realized how much he didn’t like having her mad at him. Clearly he wanted to be forgiven very badly yet....

“For what, exactly? Because I can’t remember much of anything at the moment.”

“For yelling at you. For hurting your feelings. For embarrassing you in front of the others. For not allowing you to drive the car you want.”

“Oh. You shouldn’t have reminded me.”

He blew that magical potion that she couldn’t resist into her face and she drew it inside as greedily as ever.

“Does that help?” he asked, again sounding very hopeful.

She didn’t want to admit it, but after releasing a soft groan, she said, “Yes, that always helps.”

Danielle looked up into his remorseful pools of blue, with more than a hint of vertigo hitting her and she came to understand he wasn’t using his magic on her to control her but to comfort her.

“I just want you happy. More than anything. And safe,” he said confirming the thoughts in her head. She watched as his gaze shifted to the clock and back. “You have an appointment with the doctor in two hours.”

Danielle groaned at that bit of news, but laughed. “Way to ruin it.”