Deep Trouble Read online

  Deep Trouble

  Others of Edenton Novella

  Brandy L Rivers

  Copyright 2016 Brandy L Rivers

  Smashwords Edition

  Edited by Kathy Lapeyre

  Cover Design by Brandy L Rivers

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Box Sets

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 2

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 3

  Others of Seattle – Series Volume 1

  Others of Seattle – Series Volume 2

  Others of Edenton

  New Beginnings

  In Too Deep

  Shadows Fall

  Shadows of the Past

  Falling Into Place

  Fated Love

  Breaking Free

  Mending Scars

  Labor of Love

  Light in Darkness

  Blissful Agony

  Entangled Darkness

  Deadly Design (Coming 10-24-16)

  Untitled: Declan’s story (Coming Summer 2017)

  Others of Seattle

  Nights Embrace

  Storm Mistress

  Accepting Fate

  Red Queen

  Seductive Solutions

  Changing Destiny

  Coming Together

  Storm Wrath

  Twisted Bonds (Coming Spring 2017)

  Nights Embrace Spin Off

  Summer Rhythm

  Stand Alone Contemporary Romance

  Heart on Fire

  Falling Star

  Sweet Tooth

  Backburn (Coming 1-6-17)

  Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke

  Cursed Vengeance

  Vengeance Unraveled (coming 2017)

  To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my

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  Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  About Brandy L Rivers

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Reference Guide

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  To my mother who loves Fallon

  This one is for you

  Chapter 1

  The nightmare gripped him in a terrifying embrace. Brody woke with a start, his eyes flipping open with the first rays of the sun.

  Fallon curled closer, pressing her hand over his thumping heart. He pulled the love of his life tight and kissed Fallon’s scarlet curls.

  Fear swirled too many thoughts around in his head. A million things could go wrong with their twins, or with her.

  Losing his first wife and unborn child had been bad enough. It took four years, and Fallon, to pull him out of the constant reminders and memories. When Sarah had reappeared, Fallon tried to slip away to let him choose the woman he’d mourned for four years.

  From the moment she walked into his life, his choice was made. Fallon. He couldn’t live without his mate. Losing her would kill him.

  Maybe Sarah had no choice, but he couldn’t imagine Fallon giving in to a vampire’s gaze or bite. She would have fought, would have won, and would have come back to him. Sarah became a monster, ready to tear anyone apart to get what she wanted.

  In the end, his first wife sacrificed herself when she realized he’d found his true mate, his other half. Sarah took herself out of the equation.

  During the quiet moments of dawn, Brody let the tears fall. He still didn’t understand Sarah’s choices. Vampire persuasion or not. It shouldn’t matter. Since Fallon came into his life, he’d realized what had been missing in his relationship with Sarah. Acceptance.

  Fallon embraced Brody’s beast. Sarah couldn’t. Then she became worse instead of fighting for their child.

  “Love you,” Fallon murmured, her fingers trailing up and down his bare side.

  “Love you more,” he whispered, afraid his voice would crack.

  She leaned back, capturing his gaze. “What’s wrong?” Reaching up, Fallon brushed away the tears.

  “Nightmare. Can’t lose you.” He covered her flat stomach with his hand. “Or these two.” He could hardly wait for her belly to be round so he could feel their twins moving.

  “You won’t,” she promised. “No matter what, we’re here with you, always.”

  “I know, Sugar.”

  “Nothing will ever come between us. Ever.”

  A sad laugh escaped. Once he had believed that of Sarah. Though Fallon had advantages a human never could have. He’d never met anyone stronger than his fiery druid.

  “Damn right,” he answered gruffly, shoving aside the nightmares, the doubts, everything but Fallon.

  Her leg curled over his hip, drawing him tight against her. Desire burned hot, and his cock sprung to attention.

  “Make love to me, Brody.”

  Every doubt and fear melted away as he sank into her body. “Don’t have to ask twice.”

  * * * *

  After a hot shower, Fallon stepped into the bedroom, hearing quiet voices downstairs. Brody’s tension rolled through her. Her heartbeat picked up as she wrapped a towel around herself before creeping to the edge of the stairs.

  “What’s eating at you?” Adam asked.

  “Shh, keep it down,” Brody whispered harshly at his brother.

  “Is it Fallon?”

  “Nightmares.”

  “About?”

  “Sarah. The baby. What could happen to Fallon and the twins.”

  Adam sighed. “You’re not going to lose Fallon or the twins. From the second she found out she was pregnant, she gave up coffee, alcohol, even freaking tuna because there might be mercury in the fish, and a million other things that might not be good for the babies. Not to mention the fact Fallon would kill anyone who posed a threat to her or her family.”

  “Doesn’t stop the nightmares,” Brody answered.

  “You really didn’t deal with losing Sarah the last time. Maybe that has something to do with it?”

  “I mourned her for years and felt nothing but anger when she walked back into my life. She nearly drove Fallon away.”

  “Sarah did ensure you had a future with Fallon.”

  “Fuck, Adam, what do you want me to say? I don’t miss her. She betrayed me, whether she had a choice or not. She killed our baby, became a monster, then wanted me back. And now I’m scared to death I could lose Fallon or our twins. What if something goes wrong? What if someone comes for her? What if there’s some fucked up magic thing that does more harm than good to her or our children? I can’t lose them.” A sob tore from him and
tears rolled down Fallon’s face as her heart squeezed tight.

  Adam’s voice softened. “Nothing’s going to happen to them, Brody.”

  “Doesn’t dampen the fear. I can’t make it go away. I wish to god I could, but it never goes away. She’s hard-headed to a fault…”

  Fallon couldn’t listen to any more. She slipped back into the bedroom and shut the door quietly. Sliding down the wall, she let the tears fall.

  There wasn’t much she wouldn’t do for Brody, but she didn’t know how to take the fear away without driving herself crazy. Staying home, doing the homemaker thing, would likely break her.

  Brody stomped up the stairs. Fallon pushed herself into motion, going to the closet to quickly dress. Last thing she needed was Brody seeing her upset. He’d think something was wrong. Then what would he do?

  She wiped at her eyes and yanked on jeans and a t-shirt.

  The door opened and shut, then his hands slipped around her waist, drawing her against his chest.

  “Breakfast is nearly ready,” he murmured against her ear.

  “Be down in a sec,” she answered as his fingers dipped under her shirt and lightly trailed over her belly. She moaned low in her throat even as her heart twisted further.

  “Do you have any idea how happy you make me, Fallon Dean?”

  She turned in his arms, grinning up at him. “Not nearly as happy as you make me.”

  “Now, I don’t know about that, Sugar. I’m the luckiest man on the planet. I have a fierce woman for a mate. No one stands against her. She’s sexy as hell, insatiable, and entirely mine.”

  All his worry from before had evaporated—for the moment.

  She leaned up to capture his mouth in a bruising kiss, before licking his ear. “And she has the only man to ever capture her heart. He’s gorgeous, attentive, and she couldn’t live without him.”

  He groaned, his hands curling under her ass. Taking her cue, she hopped, wrapping her arms and legs around him.

  A laugh escaped. “Before long, my stomach will be in the way, and we won’t be able to do this standing.”

  Her back pressed against the wall as he pinned her, his lips descending on hers.

  A knock at the door interrupted their fun. “Breakfast is about ready,” Adam called.

  “Ugh, why did I invite them over?” he muttered.

  Fallon laughed, pushing him back. “Come on, let’s get down there. Maybe we can kick them out in time to have a few minutes before work.”

  “Now there’s a plan.” Brody stole a quick kiss before releasing her.

  Chapter 2

  “Come get a smoothie with me,” Amethyst begged from the door of the tattoo room.

  Fallon turned with a sigh. “I don’t know. Not sure I feel like having a smoothie.”

  “You could sneak a coffee. I’d never tell,” Amethyst singsonged.

  Feigning offense, she covered her stomach and shot a narrowed look at Amethyst. “And endanger these two?”

  She shrugged. “Some studies say it’s not that big of a deal.”

  “Rather not take that chance.” Her heart twisted. Brody’s fear still swirled around her head. Coffee wasn’t the issue.

  Amethyst’s hands landed on her hips. “Then come talk to me. Something’s bugging you. Might do you good to get it off your chest.”

  “All right, you win.” She grabbed her phone and wallet and shoved them into her pocket before following Amethyst out front. Fallon nodded at Adam. “Be back in a few. Getting a smoothie. Want anything?”

  “Nah, I’m good. See you when you get back.”

  Amethyst took Fallon’s arm and practically dragged her across the street. “Spill. What is it?”

  Fallon let out a heavy breath. “Brody’s scared he’s going to lose the babies and me. After Sarah, it makes sense. I’d never leave him, never put our babies in harm’s way. What do I do to make him see that?”

  “Has he said anything to you?”

  “No. But I heard him talking to Adam. He was crying, Ame. Last night, he woke up so terrified his emotions woke me up. How do I fix this?”

  Amethyst stopped before opening the door to A Good Book. “Maybe it was just that, a dream. And now he’s over it.”

  “He said he can’t stop worrying about it. Sounds like his concerns are eating at him. It’s really bothering him.”

  “Try talking to him. Maybe if you can sit down and get it all out in the open, you’ll find neither of you has anything to worry about.”

  “Yeah. Maybe.” She didn’t buy it, though. Brody was perfect, well, as much as anyone could be, so that had to fade away at some point.

  “Quit doubting. He hasn’t asked you to stop doing anything, has he?”

  “No.”

  Amethyst rolled her eyes and grabbed her arm, pulling Fallon into the bookstore.

  Tremaine’s brow arched as he looked up. Then he frowned. “What’s going on?”

  Fallon groaned. “Nothing. Drop it.”

  “Don’t do that, Fallon. I know you better than that,” Tremaine warned in a low tone.

  Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Drop it, Trem.”

  He glared back.

  One lavender brow arched as Amethyst’s gazed ping-ponged between them. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you two had history.”

  Fallon winced.

  Tremaine smirked.

  “Oh, my goodness. Really? How did I not know?”

  Fallon sighed. “That was forever ago, and he wasn’t an ass. We just didn’t work.”

  Tremaine chuckled. “You were too young and wild.”

  “Too young?” Amethyst asked.

  “Nineteen. My fearlessness made him nervous, not to mention my age.”

  Amethyst shook her head. “And Liz isn’t too young?”

  Tremaine snorted. “She is. However, she didn’t nearly get me killed by trying to save my ass when I was fine.” He gave Fallon a look.

  “You had a knife in your back. Literally.”

  “You went up against a dark mage assassin. He could have drained you dry.”

  “He didn’t. I kicked his ass, in case you don’t remember.” Fallon smirked at him.

  “Sorry, my consciousness was in and out because you waited to pull the blade out instead of letting me help you.”

  She tossed her hands up, a look of indignation on her face. “I suck at healing. I did more good making sure he stopped attacking you than attempting to put you back together. That’s what Emily’s good at.”

  Tremaine sighed. “Only problem, he got away.”

  “But you haven’t heard from him since, right?” Her brow arched, stepping closer, glaring up at him.

  He rolled his eyes. “No. But I guarantee Jarod didn’t crawl away to die.”

  “Then where did he go? No one has heard a peep about him since. Wasn’t he the go-to assassin for the times?”

  Amethyst balked. “You stopped an enforcer from dealing with an assassin?”

  “I mentioned he had a dagger in his back.” She shot Tremaine a look. “While Jarod’s hand was still wrapped around it, I turned to make sure he couldn’t finish the job.”

  “Gabriel still blames me for you breaking your hand!” Tremaine spat.

  “Wasn’t your choice to get in a fight. And he left with more than a broken hand. Fucking translocating asshat.”

  Amethyst’s brows shot up. “So he could pop in any old time like Robert?”

  “That was forty-five years ago. He’s never come after either one of us since.”

  “Yeah, because a nineteen-year-old druid girl humiliated him.” Tremaine pointed out.

  “One who you were fucking at the time.” Fallon’s brow arched as she crossed her arms over her chest.

  “And I didn’t realize how young you were until Gabriel jumped all over my case for getting you into a mess with Jarod,” Tremaine added hotly.

  “I was legal. It wasn’t like I lied about my age.”

  “Techni
calities. You knew how old I was.”

  Fallon threw her hands up. “And I didn’t have a problem with it.”

  “How old were you, Trem?” Amethyst asked, excitement building in her tone of voice.

  He groaned. “Hundred and seventy-five.”

  Amethyst giggled. “Hayden has a few hundred years on you.”

  “You were in your twenties at least.”

  Fallon sighed. “I was almost twenty. And like I said, I didn’t have a problem with your age. You were being a good guy.” She snorted.

  “For Mystra’s sake, I’m sorry I felt weird robbing the cradle. There is no way around the fact you made me feel old.” He rolled his eyes. “And I’ll admit feeling inferior when you took out the assassin I was supposed to be hunting.”

  “Sorry, old man. Never meant to bruise your ego. Only keep your ass alive because I was pretty fond of it.”

  “Shit. Fond? That’s what you’re calling it? You…” he shook his head, looking up at the ceiling. “That was ages ago, and last I checked, we’re both quite happy where we landed. You were certainly memorable, and I did regret leaving a time or two, but let’s face it, we weren’t meant to be.”

  Fallon grinned. “True.”

  “What are you two drinking?”

  Amethyst hopped up on a stool. “My smoothie.”

  He dipped his head.

  Fallon answered, “Surprise me. No caffeine.”

  “Yes, mama.” He ducked behind the counter with a grin and made their drinks.

  “Talk to him,” Amethyst whispered to her.

  Fallon nodded. “I will.” Though maybe not about what she’d heard.

  “Talk to who?”

  “Brody,” Amethyst answered.

  “About?”

  Fallon groaned. “Goddess, can we drop it?”

  “She overheard him after he had a nightmare. He voiced fears about their babies, about her.” Amethyst shot her a pointed glance. “Now she’s convinced he’s going to expect her to stop doing everything.”