Labor of Love Page 3
Tomahawk stared down at his little girl. It was warm for him, but he was worried Annalise would be too cold. He kissed her head and handed the little bundle to Darla whose smile matched his.
He quickly opened his vest and shirt and removed them both, only putting the vest back on. He’d seen more naked people in the party and wasn’t worried about his tattoos at this point.
Tom helped Darla swaddle their newborn in the fine silk.
Amusement danced through Dawn’s eyes when he looked over. “I’m impressed.”
Darla groaned, and his attention switched back to her. “Breathe, Baby. The labor doesn’t stop yet. You still have afterbirth to go. Even then, you’ll have contractions through the night.”
Someone, out of breath, came charging into the clearing. Tom didn’t bother looking, he was back to rubbing Darla’s belly.
He heard the wet plop and didn’t need to look at the afterbirth he knew was now laying at her feet.
“I have the things you requested, ma’am,” a young man said.
Tom looked up to see a kid in his late teens, pale with shaking hands. Disappointed, he assumed there would be more than a new gown, shirt and a receiving blanket.
Before he could open his mouth, Dawn spoke. “Thank you, now hurry along. I have this covered.”
Tom didn’t question it. He could feel power building around Dawn. She held her hands out for the child. “May I hold Annalise for a moment? I will help with the cleanup.” She winked. Her warm brown eyes sparkled with mischief.
Darla looked back down at their child and nodded. “I know better than to argue,” Darla answered with an amused smirk.
Dawn took Annalise and said, “Stand up, darling, and both of you close your eyes.”
Tom stood, and took Darla’s hand, pulling her up, and wrapping her in his arms. Once her eyes were closed, he did the same, holding her snuggled against his side.
* * * *
Darla leaned her head against Tom, suspecting what was about to happen. She’d witnessed something similar twice in her life. In the past, she assumed it had been a dream.
The wind picked up, and she felt silk sliding against her skin as the dress changed, to what she was sure was the dress in her mother’s hand. Tom gasped as he pulled her closer. She felt silk between his arms and hers, and she knew he was back in a clean shirt.
She even felt clean and refreshed, as if she hadn’t given birth moments before in an extravagant garden at some fancy ball in the middle of New Orleans.
As the breeze died down, Dawn’s voice cheerily broke the silence. “All better.”
Darla leaned back as Tom did and their eyes met. He looked surprised, but happy nonetheless.
He chuckled. “That was easy.”
Looking to her mother, she grinned. “Thank you, for everything.”
Mom stood there with a plastic bag in hand, and Annalise curled in her other arm.
“May I suggest we get you two home? And when you are both ready, I’ll send you back to Edenton on a private jet.”
“Mom,” Darla started to protest.
Tom cut her off. “We’d love that.” He brushed his lips over Darla’s in a gentle kiss. “And soon, because there are a lot of people who miss you terribly.”
“Really?” she asked as tears filled her eyes.
He nodded. “How can you doubt that? You belong there, with me, forever.”
Dawn stepped closer, handing Annalise back to her. “Go on. The limo is waiting to take you home. I need stay until the end.”
* * * *
Once in the car, Darla handed Annalise back to Tomahawk with a groan. The contractions hadn’t ended. He took their precious girl with one arm, but rubbed Darla’s belly with the other.
Melting against the seat she praised him, “That feels amazing, baby. Thank you.”
“I love you,” he told her, “with all my being, so please, let me help anytime something comes up. I’ll always be here for you.”
“I won’t run again. It almost killed me the first time,” she admitted.
Darla reached over to trace their little girl’s face. She had pale skin like her, raven hair like her father, even though it was long and currently stuck up every which direction. The shade of her big deep brown eyes fell between theirs. She was tiny, and precious, and Darla had never been happier in her life.
Darla grinned, “Tonight, we should rest, but tomorrow, I want to go home.”
“Agreed. Though, we should invite your mother. She’s an interesting woman, and she clearly loves you.”
“She does. I don’t always understand her, but she’s an amazing woman.”
“Not as special as you, Baby.” His arm wound around her, and he pulled her close.
Her head found its home on his shoulder. She snuggled in tight. “I missed you. So much, Tom.”
“No more apologies, we’re where we need to be now.”
She nodded, letting sleep take her.
Chapter 8
Two days later, when Darla and Tom climbed down the steps of the jet, Darla was greeted by Jolene and Dakota.
Jolene looked radiant, carrying her baby boy with a full head of honey-colored hair and big brown eyes.
Dakota, Tom’s identical twin, was buttoned down in a deep red shirt, his long hair straight down his back. He was the reserved one of the pair. Dakota released Jolene to give Darla a hug.
“We missed you, Darla. Don’t ever do that again. You wrecked Tom. He was no fun to be around.”
Darla returned the hug with one arm and smiled sadly. “Lesson learned. Now, meet your niece, Annalise.”
Dakota gently took her and beamed down at the little chubby face. “She is precious.”
“Very,” Tomahawk answered and leaned over to hug his brother before going to Jolene to take his nephew.
Jolene squeezed his arm. “Welcome back, Tom. It’s great to see that smile of yours.”
He grinned. “It’s good to have my reason for smiling back.”
Jolene stepped by Tom to throw her arms around Darla. “I won’t say it, but you know what I think.”
Darla couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “I have a feeling I’ll be hearing that a lot. Don’t worry, I’m back for good.”
“Why didn’t you tell any of us about your little girl?”
She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I was afraid Izackarus had tainted her. I’m glad to say that wasn’t the case.”
“Well, that I can understand, but you had Tom worried. He was a mess. I never want to see him so depressed again.”
She nodded.
“And, Darla, I know you must have been scared. None of us would have turned our back on you. So please, remember that. We take care of each other.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“There’s a lot for you to catch up with, so come on. I’m excited to fill you in,” Jolene whispered.
Darla nodded, happy to finally be home, with her man, and with the people she loved.
“Remember, Baby, forever mine.”
She nodded, fully agreeing. “Forever.”
About Brandy L Rivers
Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.
An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.
Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.
To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter
Or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Also by Brandy L Rivers
Box Sets
Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1
Others of E
denton – 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
Website – Facebook - Twitter
Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans
Preview: Light in Darkness
Chapter 1
Desire coursed through Victoria’s veins as she found herself moving silently toward Lincoln’s open bathroom window. The call of the running shower was impossible to resist. She pulled the shadows around herself as she stepped behind a tree and peered through the darkness. Water cascaded over Lincoln’s hard body in rivulets.
A work of art before he started training at Jamie’s gym, now he was a masterpiece. His lean body had filled out, coffee and cream skin an exotic contrast to pale green eyes and a splash of freckles. He’d transformed from beautiful young man to masculine perfection in recent months.
His big hands caressed over his muscled chest, spreading tantalizing suds. Victoria wanted to stand under the spray and take over washing the man she craved.
One hand smoothed down his ribbed abdomen as he leaned back against the tiled wall. His fingers wrapped around his thick, hardened length.
What a gorgeous sight he made, stroking his mouthwatering erection. His head fell back as his eyes slid closed, his stomach and hips worked in carnal synchrony with his powerful strokes.
Need pounded through Victoria, urging her to slip through the window and take over the slippery dance. Such pleasure she wanted to bring Lincoln.
Her name left his lips as he spilled his seed. Guilt tempered her desire and she turned to climb over the stone wall separating her property from his.
Closing her eyes, Victoria leaned against the barrier and breathed deep. The moment she’d become aware of Lincoln as a man played through her head.
Lightheaded, Victoria stood after sucking silver-poisoned blood out of Slater’s new mate, and giving Jess her own blood to help heal the wound.
Lincoln caught her before her knees gave out. He gave her a radiant smile that warmed through her soul. His pale green eyes seemed to glow as her weakness dissipated. “You saved Jess,” he murmured.
She was lost in the beautiful orbs as her strength returned. “Couldn’t let Slater lose the one who makes him happy.”
“You’re a true friend. You two were—close.” Was that a flash of jealousy in his eyes? “You ensured his happiness.”
Her eyes widened. The last thing she wanted was for Lincoln to think she still desired Edenton pack’s alpha. Lincoln had the potential to steal her heart. He’d always been shy but when he looked into her eyes, something sparked, igniting a desire she wasn’t expecting.
She couldn’t resist reassuring him she was single. “Oh, we’re friends, always that, never more.”
A shrewd look crossed his face, but faded quickly. “You okay now?”
She thought about it a moment, and realized that yes, her strength was back. Faster than it should have been after giving so much blood. Had he done something? He always seemed human.
The pulse in his jugular pulled her attention, but she blinked and looked away as a hunger she hadn’t felt in years took over. Not for blood, but for the man Lincoln would become. Before she could give in to temptation she quickly replied, “I need to go. Make sure she’s okay, for me.” Victoria disappeared.
Sitting by the fire, Declan looked up from his book as she stepped inside her home. Victoria had invited him to move in after being made into a Shadowstalker. She was his self-proclaimed OBA sponsor. OBA stood for Others Blood Anonymous, an inside joke between them. Vampires could become addicted to blood from anything not human. Both their masters had been, and she wanted to prevent him from the same pitfalls she’d encountered in the beginning.
Humor danced through his emerald eyes. “Watching him again?”
The guilt deepened. “I shouldn’t.”
“No. Might I suggest actually talking to him?”
“So I can corrupt him?” She shook her head. “No, he’s innocent, Dec. And I’m sin incarnate. He’s pure light and I’m shadows and evil.”
“Evil?” he balked. “Victoria, I’ve seen evil. You may not be a saint, but you’re a generous woman who deserves happiness as much as anyone else.”
“You don’t know my past. I haven’t always been this… civilized.”
“Yet, somehow I doubt you were ever as horrible as you try to claim. You want him, go after him.”
She couldn’t. He was a man, and if he wanted her, he needed to choose that for himself. He had yet to approach her, to say even a single word to her. Perhaps she was only a fantasy to him.
Her laugh was bitter. “It would be different if he came to me. He may be taunting me, trying to get me to make the first move, but I won’t ruin his innocence. I can’t even begin to count the men I’ve been with over my long life.”
Declan shifted, sitting forward to give her a stern look. “Sex won’t ruin that young man. Even from a woman with your experience. You clearly feel more than lust. I’ve seen you on the prowl for sex. What you desire from him is far more.”
“He’s too young.”
“No, inexperienced perhaps. He’s a man. I’ve seen him watch you. Let him decide what he wants.”
Looking down, she twisted her hands with a sigh. “He doesn’t know better. Besides, he doesn’t have the confidence to approach me. I certainly won’t prey on his misguided desire. I don’t want to discuss Lincoln.” Hoping to redirect, she smiled at him. “How are Fallon and her babes?”
A genuine smile spread on Declan’s face. “My daughter is healthy and happy. She’s growing round with two perfect babies. She found an amazing man who wants nothing more than to take care of her. And my son has finally found something real that makes him happy. It’s all I can ask for.”
Victoria nodded. “They’re lucky to have you.” She felt the pull of hunger and considered going out to drink. There was one person’s company she craved, one she could never set her fangs into. “Have a good evening, Declan. Don’t concern yourself with me.”
* * * *
Lincoln felt Victoria creep away as he came down from his climax. Disappointed once again, he slid down the wall and let the warm water wash over him.
She loved to watch, but never stayed. Was moving next door not enough to signal his interest? He gave her a show nearly every night, and she hadn’t done a thing about it. Maybe he needed to suck it up and approach her.
A month had passed and he had yet to come face-to-face with the one woman guaranteed to get his blood pumping. She seemed to be avoiding him. Clearly she liked what she saw, but all he’d gained was a familiarity with
his body he previously lacked.
With a groan, he climbed to his feet and shut off the shower, then stepped out to towel off. He felt foolish for the game he insisted on playing. There had to be a better way to get her attention.
Every time he tried to approach her, his feet froze and his words dried up. With this one exception, starting conversations was no longer a problem for him. Lately, he was comfortable and found himself gaining true friends.
He hoped to invite her to dinner at his house that night. Not that she could eat. As a vampire, she lived off blood. Still, she went out often, and he was going to invite her to join him and his friends.
Dacia flat out told him she wouldn’t do it for him. That he was the host, and so he should be the one to call. Or better yet, show up at her door and ask.
He checked the clock. It was five, giving him two hours to prepare dinner. His phone buzzed and he jumped. Rushing to his room, he glanced at the display and smiled.
Taking a breath he answered on the next ring. “Evening, Dacia. Tell me you aren’t cancelling.”
“Definitely not. Though I was calling to see if you managed to invite you-know-who over?”
Sighing, he sat on the bed and stared out the window. “Afraid not. Haven’t figured out what to say.”
“Hey, Victoria, I’m having a dinner party. Come join me so I’m not the odd man out.”
“Really think that has a chance of working?”
“Maybe bring one of those roses from your yard. The ones that have no business living in this cold, and yet they thrive,” Dacia offered.
“Thank you.”
“For?” she asked in confusion.
“Giving me an idea, and hope. I’ll see you two when you get here.”