Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) Book 2: The Redcliffe Novels Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Series, #2

2

The day passed slowly and without drama. It was my first day back at work  after the ‘incident’ as I had decided to call it. My best friend and business partner Elizabeth Gormond kept an anxious watch over me all day, and barely allowed me to leave the safety of the desk. She wouldn’t let me move stock around for fear of aggravating my injuries, even though I assured her I was healing well, and she needn’t fuss. Besides, she was almost nine months’ pregnant, and she needed more rest than me. 

It was a strange sort of day; flat and boring after all the excitement I had experienced. I did some paperwork to pass time and watched anxiously as Liz insisted on carrying books around the shop, distributing them to the appropriate shelves. She had spent two days in hospital when she was twenty-two weeks pregnant, and I did not want her aggravating her condition. But she was as stubborn as me, maybe more so, and she refused to listen to my tentative protests.

Liz and I shared lunch together, which consisted of our favourite cheese ploughman’s sandwiches purchased from the café two doors away, washed down with a large mocha for me, and a decaffeinated coffee for Liz. We made plans for Liz’s maternity leave. We had a couple of students who worked for us when their schedules allowed, and besides, once summer was over the shop would be quieter anyway, so I should be able to manage it alone.

Jack had offered to help, saying that he was owed some time off from work and might as well take advantage of it. I couldn’t envision him working in a boring little bookshop when he was used to such an active and dramatic lifestyle as a supernatural police detective. In truth I didn’t want him working at such close quarters. I needed some space and time to myself again. I had always been a solitary person, only socializing with Liz and her husband, and my other close friend Simon Bunce. Having so many people around me recently made me feel claustrophobic and even a little anxious.

Liz still worried about me despite our discussion, but it was starting to annoy me. Finally, I lashed out in exasperation. 

Liz, please, I’m fine now, I said tersely, I am healed, all I have is scars.  You need to rest. This baby is the important thing, and you know that. If I need any help with the shop, there are plenty of people I can ask. 

Shocked into silence, Liz’s face fell, and I felt a rush of remorse at upsetting my best friend. But then she smiled and laughed. 

Sorry Jess, she said, You can’t blame me for worrying when you nearly died a month ago.

She took a deep, exaggerated breath.

Alright, she continued, fine, you win. If you say you are healed, then I believe you. 

We relaxed into general conversation and were eventually distracted by a string of customers who gave a welcome break to the dull day. Some were local people who had heard about my accident, and who came to express concern and delight that I was healing so well. It felt nice to see that people cared, even if I didn’t know them very well personally. I laughed and chatted, listening to their tales of life in Redcliffe.

We heard about a recent engagement between a woman who worked in the hairdressing salon, and her long-term boyfriend who was a chef. There was  scandal between a local doctor and his receptionist, to which Liz and I expressed our disgust at his actions towards his wife and family. In truth I wasn’t really listening to their stories. Liz was the people person. I was usually in a dream world, although now I began to wonder about its true reality.

Later in the afternoon my mind wandered back to the dream I had about Danny. I felt embarrassed and was convinced that he and Jack knew about it. I still didn’t know the extent of their abilities, and had to believe that it was private, at least for now. But what was I going to do about Danny? It wasn’t just that I knew he was attracted to me. I felt the same for him, how could I not? He was after all an identical twin for Jack, the man who I was in love with. And both men had been there for me when I needed them. Admittedly it was their fault I had ended up in that situation, but I reasoned that something had led us all to our destinations. It was some form of fate or karma, I was sure. 

Then I was assaulted by another guilty secret. My heart leaped into my throat when the shop door opened and Marcus Scott walked in, smiling politely as he approached the counter. 

Good afternoon, Jessica, Elizabeth, he said warmly, nodding to each of us in turn, How are you both today?   

My throat was suddenly dry, and I coughed before answering. 

Marcus, I said in surprise, what are you doing here? I mean, hi! 

He laughed, and I caught Elizabeth’s suspicious glance. She said a polite ‘hello’ to Marcus, but she wasn’t sure about him. He was an old friend of Jack and Danny’s, and a vampire. On our first meeting he had attempted to seduce me with the intention of drinking my blood, but I was intoxicated and thought he was trying to rape me. When I told Liz she wanted me to have him arrested, but in my confusion at the time Danny talked me out of it. Liz didn’t know anything about the vampires or werewolves, and I could never tell her because it would put her in danger. She was surprised that I had apparently changed my mind about Marcus, but she was still wary of him.

The reason I changed my mind and my attitude was that Marcus had saved me from Jack when he almost attacked me in a vampiric rage. Jack had been badly beaten and saw me as food, and Marcus appeared on the scene to stop him and bring him to his senses. It was Marcus who told me the truth about what they were, and he had offered comfort and support when my world fell apart. I ended up in bed with him, cheating on Jack, and the memories came flooding back. Jack insisted that it didn’t bother him because vampires weren’t so uptight about sex. But it bothered me. I was supposed to be faithful and a good person, not someone who could sleep around.

I stood up, asking Marcus again what he wanted. He wore his customary black pinstripe business suit, expensive and tailor-made. His short blond hair was neatly styled, and his blue eyes sparkled in a face that was young and mischievous yet showed intelligence beyond his years. Or so it seemed. Although Marcus Scott appeared to the world as a young man in his early twenties, he was in fact older than Jack and Danny. He spoke to me now in a quiet, pleasant voice. 

I came by to see how you were managing your first day back at work Jessica, he said in a polite Southern accent, And there is a particular title I would like to order please. 

I think Marcus was originally from Hampshire, but he hadn’t yet told me his history. 

Another shared interest for Marcus and me was our love of reading. He had an extensive personal library at his large home on the outskirts of Redcliffe, and he invited me to enjoy it whenever I liked. So far, I hadn’t had the courage or the energy to return to his house, since that was where all the revelations took place the night Jack and Danny almost died. But I had glimpsed the library through an open door, and it was in the back of my mind now. Perhaps I could go there, borrow some books, maybe speak to Marcus about the vampires and werewolves. I knew he would tell me what I needed to know. The question was whether I could behave normally around him and quash my schoolgirl reaction to his attentions.

We spent some time in polite conversation, and I placed the order for Marcus while Liz busied herself in the stock room. Marcus knew that she disliked him, but he pretended not to notice, understanding that she only remembered our first meeting and that she was just being protective for her friend. I had asked him not to interfere and he respected that. Marcus also asked if I had returned to The Ship Inn recently. That was my local pub, owned by Danny and managed by Simon Bunce. I had received one hell of a shock to find out that Simon was also a werewolf and second-in-command to Danny’s pack. It was in the cellars beneath the pub, in the wolves’ lair, where I had almost died from my injuries. 

When I said that I had avoided the pub, Marcus nodded. 

Perhaps you should return there, Jessica, he said, It is after all your local haunt. Surely Elizabeth will become suspicious soon? 

I nodded. 

I know, I know, I replied, holding up my hands, I can’t avoid it.

I chewed my lip, fighting back tears as the memories flooded my mind.

It all still feels so strange Marcus, I continued after a moment, I mean Simon kept that secret from me for three years! And now the place just won’t feel the same. 

Marcus nodded. 

Well, he said softly, if you wish to attempt a return, I will accompany you if it helps.

I knew he meant well but I still felt awkward. He was so damned attractive still, and my body kept instinctively tensing up around him. I was relieved when he left. When did sex become such an issue? It must be something to do with the supernatural element of these men. And I suppose the fact that they are all incredibly handsome anyway just adds to it. Maybe it was just me. Maybe I am really some wanton, sex-obsessed female who needed an excuse to be promiscuous. I sat behind the counter deep in thought as Elizabeth walked in carrying two mugs of coffee and a packet of biscuits. She had finished her tidying in the stock room and had been in my kitchen at the back of the building waiting for Marcus to leave.

I really don’t like that man, Jessica, she said with a shiver, There’s something creepy about him.

I looked up sharply. She knew! Liz must know that something was different. Her own husband even knew about the vampires and werewolves; it was only a matter of time before Liz found out. 

What do you mean, creepy? I asked tentatively.

Liz laughed.

Oh, you know, he’s weird Jess, she said lightly, I’m still not convinced about what happened that night at the Ship when he attacked you, no matter what you say.

She shrugged and sighed.

I just don’t like him, she said, sorry. It’s an instinct, and you know I always trust my instincts.

Phew! She didn’t suspect anything. I was being paranoid. I stared at her clear, brown eyes and smiled.

He is a little strange, yes, I agreed, speaking slowly, but I think he’s just misunderstood, Liz.

I shrugged my shoulders, wincing slightly when my neck wound spasmed with pain.

He was very supportive after my attack, I said, and he has become my friend over the last few weeks.

Fair enough, Liz replied, But I still don’t like him and that’s all I can say.

With that she dunked a biscuit in her coffee and nibbled at it, a hand on her belly and her eyes watching the ripples as her baby kicked and rolled. I followed her gaze and my heart lifted. This baby was going to be a breath of fresh air for us all. 

Are you nervous about the birth now Liz? I asked.

No, she replied, I have to go through it to bring our child into the world, and that’s all there is to it. It will be fine.

Her practical attitude was just so normal that my heart warmed, and for the next hour or so I managed not to think about all the scary creatures I was living with. I was simply a normal human with a wonderful best friend.

3

That night I decided to stay home again. The dream was still haunting me, and I worried that if I stayed at Jack’s house something might happen. Not that I would sleep with Danny, but that I would embarrass myself somehow with him. Since I discovered the truth I felt like an awkward teenager, and that made me angry and irritable. I considered visiting Simon at the Ship, but the minute I turned my attention to the pub all I saw was the black corridor of the wolves’ lair and the horrors that lay beyond. My body became weak, feverish, and I felt dizzy just thinking about what had happened.

The doctors had offered me counselling for the trauma my body received. It would have been ideal if I could talk about the supernatural creatures. But since I couldn’t talk to humans about my experiences, it was pointless. Jack suggested I see a non-human counsellor. The thought filled me with dread. I couldn’t trust anyone that I didn’t personally know. I was struggling to trust the ones I did know.

Instead, I soaked in the bath and tried to relax, enjoying some time alone. I had phoned Jack during the afternoon and told him not to hurry home after work. He would be here soon enough, and maybe we could snuggle on the sofa together and watch TV like a normal couple. I hadn’t eaten dinner, but my stomach didn’t feel empty. My appetite had been greatly reduced over recent weeks and Liz was getting worried. She said it was a symptom of post-traumatic stress, but she didn’t try to persuade me to get help for fear of upsetting me further. I hated deceiving her to the point where she was treading on eggshells in my presence, but I felt helpless for any other action. If she was safe, I would find a way to deal with our now altered friendship.

I sighed, closed my eyes, and sank lower in the lavender scented bath water. Bubbles tickled my nose, and I scrunched my face up but didn’t bother to move. The water was soothing and warm, easing my tense muscles and lapping around my scars. The healed wounds protested only slightly, sending faint shooting pains up my neck. I knew it was largely psychological and did my best to ignore it. I listened to the soft music playing on my phone. It was a relaxation playlist I found online, and it was working. I drifted aimlessly to the tune of panpipes and rolling waves on a beach. 

As my mind wandered, I felt a surge of panic as I remembered the crashing, stormy waves of the sea the night my life fell apart. I remembered running along the cliff top, trying to escape from the monsters that pursued me. Marcus had caught me as I collapsed in shock. He took me back to his house, cared for me, soothed me. I choked back tears that suddenly stung my eyes. This was stupid. It was time to move on, and this bath was supposed to be relaxing. Forcing all the bad and confusing memories from my head, I topped up the hot water and sank back into the bubbles, stretching out my limbs and sighing heavily, expelling all negative thoughts.

After a few minutes I shifted in the water, pulling myself more upright, and opened my eyes to find the sponge. There was a man crouched beside the bath watching me with adoration in his bright blue eyes, and I screamed and jumped, crying out in shock, and scrabbling for the bath handles.

Jesus Christ, Jack you scared the life out of me! I shouted, frantically finding a hold on the bath handles, coughing, and spluttering as water splashed into my face and mouth.

Water slopped over the side of the tub, and Jack was on his feet bending over the bath to support me. I pushed his hands away and struggled to stand up, anger flooding through me.

What the hell were you doing? I shouted, shivering violently as my skin felt cool air against wetness, Why didn’t you speak to me?

He lowered his eyes and ducked his head, stepping back and offering me a towel as I climbed out onto the bathmat.

I am sorry, Jessica, he said, I heard you in here, and you looked so peaceful I didn’t want to disturb you. He looked down, and then back up, fixing me with his intense, hypnotic stare, It will not happen again.

I was still bristling with shock, but the anger was fading fast, and I spoke in a gentler tone of voice.

I’m glad you thought so, but please warn me next time, Jack, I said reproachfully, I nearly had a heart attack.

He stepped out of the bathroom while I dried my body, and when I walked into my bedroom a few minutes later he was sitting on the bed. At first, I didn’t speak as I combed out my hair and applied moisturising lotion to my body. Jack sat still, watching. I turned my head a couple of times to check he was still there. This eerie stillness was unnerving, but apparently it was natural behaviour for vampires. I was trying to get to used to it.

How was your day? I asked eventually, breaking the silence.

Uneventful, Jack replied, I spent most of the day doing paperwork in the office.

Oh, I said, It must be strange to be quiet after everything that happened.

For the past four years Jack and Danny had been working undercover as gang members for Seamus Tully in Scotland. They had finally closed the operation when they killed the gang lord, and apparently all remaining members were now either under arrest or on the run. Jack and Danny didn’t seem concerned about the ones that had escaped the law. They were confident that they would capture these criminals in time. I was still nervous, worrying that they might find us and take revenge on the death of their master. All I could do was trust that the Mason brothers were handling the situation.

It is rather strange, yes, Jack agreed, still sitting like a statue.

I pulled on a pale pink vest and matching shorts, along with a soft blue cable knit cardigan, and motioned toward the door.

Shall we go watch TV in the living room? I asked.

He nodded, slid to the floor in a smooth, unnatural motion, and followed me from the room. I collected a drink and some snacks from the kitchen while Jack waited in the living room. We snuggled on the sofa as I had envisioned, and eventually retired to bed after a quiet and boring evening.

4

Iwas lying on Redcliffe beach, listening to gently rolling waves. It was early evening; I could tell by the slight wind and the cooler temperature. The sun was low in the sky, and I felt warm sand beneath my body. A man lay beside me, and I welcomed his embrace as he leaned over to kiss me. The kiss felt strange, different, and I realised with a shock that it was Danny. I sat bolt upright, pushing him away, and opened my eyes.

The bedroom was in darkness, and I panicked as I looked at the man sleeping next to me. It was Jack. Of course it was Jack. This was my bedroom at home, Danny had never been here. I closed my eyes and breathed in and out slowly and deeply. This was really starting to annoy me. How could I stop these crazy dreams? They were so vivid, that was the worst part. It was like an altered state of reality, and I was angry with myself for fantasizing about my boyfriend’s brother. Jack stirred and sat up beside me.

Jessica, he whispered, are you well?

I’m fine, I replied, still breathing deeply, Sorry, Jack, I just had a weird dream.

You are burning up, he said with concern, touching my forehead, Are you sure it is not your wounds?

I looked down at my bare stomach, glimpsing the angry red scars of Seamus’ claw marks where my vest had ridden up, and then I put a hand to the thick scar tissue on my neck. No, it was not the wounds. They had healed remarkably well in a short time with a little help from some vampire blood. When I was on the brink of death right after Seamus attacked me, Jack had given me his blood to try and save me. It worked, but now I worried that I wasn’t completely human myself, even though Jack assured me it would have left my system by now.

My wounds are fine Jack, I said, You know that.

He was silent for a moment, and I knew he was thinking of a response. I lay back down in bed. Jack lay beside me, pulling the duvet up over my body and gently stroking my cheek with his fingertips. I sighed and closed my eyes, enjoying his caress.

There is something troubling you Jessica, he murmured, Please allow me to help you.

I felt a lump in my throat and tears sprang to my eyes. No, I would not be weak again. This was ridiculous. I fought to hide my emotion, but it was too late. Jack slowly leaned forward and kissed my face.

You are not weak to feel emotion, Jessica, he said quietly, It is part of being human. Please allow me to help you.

The tears poured down my cheeks now, and I cried out in anguish and frustration. I jumped out of bed, throwing the duvet off, and I charged out of the bedroom, downstairs into the kitchen. The air felt cool against my skin, and I welcomed it. It woke me up, helped me to chase away the tears and this stupid helpless need for support.

I switched the kitchen light on, grabbed a glass from the drainer, and turned the cold-water tap on forcefully, jumping back as water splashed up onto my bare skin. The tile floor was cold beneath my feet, and at first, I focused on the sensation, until the cold seeped into my bones. I saw a pair of flip flops near the back door, and put them on, then picked up my hooded sweater from the back of a kitchen chair and slipped it on over my shivering body. That was better.

Jessica, please, I want to help you, Jack said from the stairwell where he stood in shadow, You are not weak. Please talk to me.

Gulping the cold water as I strode across the room, I turned and slammed the glass down, glaring at him. He was naked, and his body seemed to glow in the darkness, tormenting and tempting me at the same time. This was not a man. This was a vampire. I am in love with a vampire. Because of him I was almost killed, and now I am scarred for life, both physically and mentally. Because of him my life will never be the same again, and yet still I can’t leave him. And now, to top it off, I am having erotic dreams about his identical twin brother, a man who has made it clear he wants to sleep with me. What kind of a soap opera is my life right now?

Jack, it’s late, or early, whatever, and I need to sleep, I said moodily, "And I