First & Forever (The Crescent Chronicles Book 4) Read online

  She answered. “Hey, are you home?”

  I listened in to the other end of the conversation. I couldn’t catch every word, but I caught enough. “Yeah, I got in about ten minutes ago. I wanted to apologize.”

  “It’s okay. I completely understand.”

  Allie glanced at the door. Another group of customers poured in. They were a rowdy bunch of tourists wearing beads they must have purchased at a store. Why people would spend money on those crappy pieces of plastic I’d never understood.

  “Hey, where are you?” Jess must have heard the crowd.

  “Out getting coffee.” Allie smiled.

  “With who?”

  “Umm, can I call you later?” She looked down at the table.

  Allie pushed the phone tighter against her ear. I tried to hear but the only thing I caught was my name.

  She played with her coffee cup. “Maybe.”

  I stopped trying to listen. I’d heard what I needed to. She disconnected and sat up enough to slide her phone in her back pocket. I realized she hadn’t brought a purse with her that night.

  “Jess made it back?” I decided to pretend I hadn’t heard the conversation for myself.

  “Yeah, she just got home.”

  “Anything else going on?”

  “Nope.”

  “Exciting.”

  She flipped her hair back. “Isn’t it?”

  “How’s the coffee?” I made conversation but really I was planning things out in my head. If I was ready to reveal myself, I had to show her. Telling her would probably just leave her thinking I was crazy or just making it up as a joke. Showing her would be easy enough, but how was I going to handle the fall out if she didn’t take it well? Should I give her some space to think about it, or force her to face it head on? I’d be willing to give her space, although I really hoped she’d shock me and accept what I was without a problem. It was a delusional thought, but I clung to it.

  We talked about traveling and other random stuff for a while, and it was only a little before nine thirty when she finished her coffee. She set down her empty cup. “This was actually fun. Thanks, I needed it.”

  “My pleasure. See, giving me a chance wasn’t so bad, was it?”

  “Hey, don’t read too much into it. We had coffee. End of story.”

  “Does it have to be the end?” I looked her straight in the eye.

  “What else do you have in mind?”

  “Want to meet up with my friends? I bet Hailey will come if she knows you are. I think she has a girl crush on you.” Hailey had asked about her at least five times that week. She’d even texted me. That had given Jared a laugh and Owen a heart attack. He was always afraid Hailey would push me too far. I didn’t care.

  “A girl crush? What are you, like three?”

  “No… it’s just funny. She talks about you almost as much as I do.” Had I said that out loud? I guess telling her I talked about her wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. She already knew how I felt.

  “I think she’s pretty cool too. Definitely different from my other friends.”

  “Different is good, right?” If she liked different, I might be okay.

  “It can be.”

  “Are you up for hanging out more?” I asked it as a question, but I wasn’t taking no for an answer. Now that I’d built up the anticipation, I couldn’t back down.

  “Yeah, okay.”

  I led her through the French Quarter, watching her reaction to everything. She might be used to city life, but New Orleans was something altogether different. Although touristy, the Quarter was still a special place, and I was glad she seemed interested in it. If things were going to work between us, she’d have to start calling New Orleans home. Leaving wasn’t an option for me. I was crown prince, and the throne was in the basement of the Crescent City Hotel.

  She stopped short in front of a dark bar on the corner. I smiled when I saw what got her attention.

  “Wow, are those people seriously dressed up as vampires?” Her eyes were glued on a couple of humans who were holding up a chalice and pretending to drink blood.

  I laughed. “If you think those people are weird, you’d be freaked out by the real thing.”

  “The real thing? Very funny.” She started walking again.

  “What, you don’t think vampires are real?” Here it was. How much did she believe in the legends already?

  “No, and I’m glad they aren’t.”

  “Why? Do they scare you?” I stopped and took her arm so I could turn her to look at me.

  “Does the thought of blood sucking monsters scare me? Hell yes. Who wouldn’t be scared of that?”

  I laughed again. Allie was in for one hell of a surprise. “Trust me, sweetheart, in New Orleans, vampires are the least of your worries.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m really glad you asked that.”

  Her face paled slightly. “What are you talking about?”

  “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  “Okay, listen, scaring me isn’t a good way to get me interested, so if you have any weird tricks up your sleeve. just shelve them.” She balled her hands into fists. I could tell it wasn’t anger, but nerves that prompted the action.

  “No tricks, hon.” I pulled out my phone and texted Owen. It was still early, but I hoped they’d made it downtown already. The plan was to meet them on my own if things didn’t go anywhere with Allie and to bring her if they did. The part of the plan they didn’t know yet was that I wasn’t waiting.

  You there yet?

  Yeah. Hailey tagged along too. Is it just you?

  No. We’re both coming.

  Cool.

  I’m doing it. There, I’d said it.

  You’re crazy.

  Don’t act surprised.

  I pocketed my phone. “We’re meeting everyone over at Club 360.”

  “What’s that?”

  “The lounge on the top of the World Trade Center down by the river.”

  “Okay, is it a cool view?”

  “Yeah, it’s got a good view.” I laughed again. She had no idea how good of a view she was about to see.

  “You promise you aren’t luring me into some trap?”

  “A trap? No. Let’s just call it a new experience.” The first wave of nerves hit me. Was I really doing this? Was I really taking the chance? Yes. There was no backing down.

  We walked in a comfortable silence, and I held open the door when we arrived. There was a short wait for an elevator, but it was empty when we stepped in. I watched her, trying to hide my nerves.

  The elevator doors opened on the top floor, dumping us out right at the club. I led her through the crowd, noticing that she kept checking out her outfit.

  “Don’t worry, we won’t be here long.” Not that she had to care about being underdressed.

  “Why are we here at all then?”

  “Do you ever stop asking questions?” To handle my nerves, I decided to give her a hard time. That usually worked for both of us.

  “I only ask this many questions when I fear for my well-being.”

  “I assure you that you are in good hands.” I put an arm around her waist, needing her close to me. Her touch reminded me of how important this was. I needed her to know what I really was. She had to accept I wasn’t human, and hopefully she’d like the perks that came with it. I had more to offer her than she could imagine. I spotted my friends. “I see them.”

  The three of them were seated at a small window table. Only Jared had a drink. Owen and Hailey were looking around the room nervously.

  “Allie! I’m so glad you came!” Hailey jumped out of her seat and hugged her. Allie beamed. It seems that the girl crush went both ways.

  Allie smoothed out her tank top, bringing my attention to her stomach. I was sure it was toned and smooth. Picturing her skin helped relax me. “Yeah, I needed a night out.”

  “Where’s your friend?” Jared asked casually.

  “My friend? You mean J
ess? She’s back in New York, thanks to you.”

  I was right. It was about Jared.

  Jared gave me a confused look. “She left? What does that have to do with me?”

  “Nothing. Forget I said anything.” Allie slipped into the empty seat next to Hailey.

  “Okay…” Jared shrugged.

  She gazed out the window, and once again, I wanted to know what she was thinking. Was she still upset about Jess? Was she just enjoying the view? The only view I cared about was her.

  My friends watched me carefully. They were trying to see if I was going to chicken out. I still could. I could just ask Allie to dance and then take her home. Theoretically, I could just do it another night, but I wasn’t a quitter. Just like I wasn’t giving up on getting her, I wasn’t backing down on my plans. Hailey asked me the silent question, and I nodded.

  “All right, are you guys ready to go?” Hailey asked.

  Allie turned away from the window. “What, already? I haven’t even had a chance to enjoy the view.”

  I leaned over close to her. “You think this is a good view? Oh, just you wait.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You sure about this, Levi? You know there is no turning back, right?” Owen looked at me, trying to avoid catching Allie’s eye.

  “Absolutely.” I smiled.

  Jared pushed out his chair. “Well, then, let’s get going. It’s supposed to rain later tonight.”

  “Why does the rain matter?” Allie’s face appeared to be a mix of nerves and excitement. I really hoped the excitement won over.

  “Are you ready to find out just how far the rabbit hole goes, sweetheart?” I reached out a hand to her. She needed to come with me willingly.

  “Rabbit hole?” She seemed to hesitate. “Umm, sure?”

  She put her hand in my mine. I led her through the crowd, and past the elevators. Jared took the lead, and we walked into the stairwell. She turned to look at me once more before starting up the stairs.

  We were about halfway up when she finally questioned our destination. “Okay, why are we going to the roof?”

  She was frightened, and I wanted to fix everything for her. The problem was I couldn’t give her any easy answers. “No more questions.” I tried to calm both of us.

  “But—”

  I gently pressed the palm of my hand into her back, hoping it had an effect on her. Touching her in anyway set me simultaneously on fire and put me at ease. “No more questions.”

  “It’s all right. We’re not taking you up there to kill you.” Hailey laughed. Great. Because that didn’t sound creepy.

  Allie let out a deep breath. “Fine.”

  We walked up the remaining stairs and into the muggy night. The lights of the city reflected off the water. This was it. No turning back. I used her moment of distraction to pull off my shirt. My friends did the same. Hailey pulled off her sweater so she was just in a tank top.

  I moved behind Allie and wrapped my arms around her waist.

  She struggled against me so I loosened my hold. I let out a slow deep breath.

  “What the hell…” she trailed off as she backed away from me. Her eyes widened.

  I tried to keep my voice as soothing as possible. “Now don’t freak out. I promised you I wouldn’t hurt you, and I always keep my promises.”

  “Are you guys in a cult or something? Because if you are, I’m really not interested. I won’t tell anyone anything, but if you don’t mind, I’m leaving.” She crossed her arms protectively.

  “Chill out!” Jared yelled as his eyes changed to black. He was already transforming. He was the one who needed to stay calm.

  I glared at him. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

  He nodded, understanding the warning in my command. His eyes slowly returned to normal.

  Hailey took a few steps toward Allie. I let her. Maybe a female would put her more at ease. “We’re not a cult. It’s more like a very special society.” That was probably a good way to put it.

  “A special society?” Allie’s thoughts were clear on her face. She thought we were high or psychotic.

  “Maybe it would be better if we just showed her.” Owen smiled at her, and I appreciated him trying to help even though I knew he didn’t support my decision. “You were sure you wanted this Levi, so there is no turning back.”

  He walked over to the edge of the building and raised a hand in a small wave before taking a backwards step and disappearing from sight.

  “Oh my god! What the hell? Did he just kill himself?” Allie started shaking and crying. I wanted to reach out for her, but I wanted to let everyone go first.

  “Owen’s fine,” Hailey said before jumping off with Jared right behind her.

  Allie closed her eyes. I moved behind her again and wrapped her up in my arms. Her warm body fit perfectly against my bare chest.

  “You said you wanted an adventure.” I tightened my hold.

  I let myself transform, reveling in the familiar feel of my large black wings extending from my back. I felt a wave of strength roll over me as I prepared to jump. I’d never flown with someone in my arms before, and Allie wasn’t just anyone. She was everyone.

  I stepped off.

  I could tell she still had her eyes closed. Her body was so tense. She needed to see that everything was going to be okay. “Open your eyes,” I whispered.

  She let out the tiniest start of a scream before going silent. I continued our decent and then leveled us out just above the water. Part one was over. If she accepted me, wings and all, I may have found my mate. If she didn’t, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. In the deepest part of my heart and soul, I knew there was no one else for me.

  Forever

  a crescent chronicles novella

  Chapter One

  Flying with Allie in my arms was a whole new experience. Her closeness set off something inside me that made the usual rush from flying so much better. I let myself enjoy the flight, pushing aside any lingering doubt over how she’d react. If this was going to be my only flight with her, I was going to enjoy it. But it couldn’t be the only one. There was no way I could let her go.

  Eventually I landed. Putting off the inevitable wouldn’t help. She seemed to be handling herself well, but there was no reason to push my luck any more than necessary.

  I set her down, and she stumbled away from me. Her quick movement surprised me, and she fell down onto the grass. She clutched the green strands for dear life. I thought back on my first flight. It was different for me. Flying was like breathing. I tried to put myself in her shoes. She must have been terrified.

  She stared up at me through her long, damp eyelashes. “What the hell are you? Oh-my-god you’re angels, aren’t you? I’m dead. I’m actually dead?”

  I laughed. “Do you really think I’m an angel?” I was used to the comparison. With long black wings, people had gotten us confused on many occasions.

  “A fallen angel?” She asked, looking around at all four of us.

  I laughed lightly, hoping to put her at ease, but I was determined that she see me for who I really was. “We’re not angels of any sort.” I stepped toward her.

  “Then what are you?” She scooted away from me, and my chest clenched. Was she afraid of me? She squeezed her eyes shut.

  “Open your eyes, sweetheart.” I kneeled down and placed my hands on her trembling shoulders. “Open your eyes.”

  “No, this has to be some messed up dream.”

  “It’s not a dream.” I kept my voice low, soft. I needed to put her at ease.

  “Yes, it is.”

  “No, it’s not. Accept it already,” Jared snapped at her. I glared at him. If he screwed this up for me he was a goner.

  She looked ready to snap back, but then she pressed her lips together and paused for a moment before turning her eyes to me. “If this isn’t a dream, then what are you? What’s going on?”

  “We’re Pterons,” Hailey said gently.

  “
Pterons?” Allie asked, repeating the word carefully as though she were trying it out.

  “We’re shifters, Allie,” I tried to stay gentle and calm. I needed to put her at ease. One slip up and she might run.

  “Shifters? Like what, a werewolf?”

  Jared laughed. “We’re not like werewolves. That’s like saying humans are like chimps.”

  “Humans? Wait, because you guys aren’t human…” Her gorgeous green eyes widened with a mix of shock and fear.

  “Like I said, we’re shifters. At one time our people shifted into crows, but over time we became more of a hybrid. It’s more efficient.” I simplified the explanation as much as possible.

  “Like natural selection or something?” she asked absently. She was staring off in the distance. I hoped she wasn’t in shock.

  “Something like that.” I picked up her hands. “You okay?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “It really doesn’t change anything.” Hailey took a few steps closer to us.

  “You’re standing there with giant wings coming out of your back, yet you tell me that nothing has changed?”

  “What she means is that we’re still the same people you wanted to hang out with in the beginning of the night, just enhanced,” Owen said with a small smile.

  “Enhanced? So other than flying, what can you do?”

  “Other than flying?” I couldn’t help but laugh—not at her, but at the idea. “Yes, because flying is so commonplace. But to answer your question we have some other skills, but I think this is enough for tonight.”

  “Oh.” She closed her mouth as though she couldn’t possibly say anything else.

  “You’re funny, you know that?” I tried to help her to her feet, but she pulled away from me. I tried not to let the physical rejection worry me.

  “Umm, can you put those things away?”

  “Those things? Our wings? Yes, we can put them away.” If it was just the wings freaking her out I could take care of it. I retracted them.

  “Turn around.” She stood up and took a step toward me.

  I turned and reveled in the feel of her hands on the ridges of my back. She wouldn’t be able to see much in the faint moonlight, but the spot was sensitive, and her touch sent a thrill through me. My mind flashed to an image of having her in my bed while in my true form.