Chapter Fifteen
Chaz was excited to see Shoni when he reached her condo. He knocked on the door since he didn’t have a key. That was something he would fix soon by asking her for a spare. It was just after six o’clock in the evening. The thought of taking her out to dinner was a good one. He might even return to the hotel. The restaurant there had served really good prime rib.
Shoni didn’t answer the door. He rang the doorbell. It was possible that she and Garson were upstairs. He could see Shoni talking the VampLycan into doing a puzzle with her. No one responded. He frowned, walking out to the parking area, trying to spot whatever vehicle Garson might be driving. There were no obvious rentals besides his own.
Maybe they went to the grocery store. He knew that Shoni had wanted to do that. He returned to his rental, climbed in, and went to use his phone to find the nearest one. He cursed at the still-dead screen. His charger remained in the upstairs guest bedroom in Shoni’s home. He started the vehicle and left, visually searching for the nearest store.
A few blocks away, he spotted a grocery store and pulled into the parking lot. The first thing he found inside the store was a spare charger. It was always good to have one. He walked through the large warehouse-sized building but didn’t cross paths with Shoni or Garson shopping. He paid for his purchase and returned to his rental.
The first thing he did was open the packaging and start charging his phone. He returned to Shoni’s, parking in her assigned space. He rang the doorbell again, but there was no answer.
It was tempting to break into her garage, turn off the power, and force his way inside her home. Chaz was starting to worry. Garson might have also had the idea of going out for dinner. Jealousy wasn’t an emotion he had ever experienced, but he identified that was how he felt quickly as his anger rose. He’d beat the shit out of the VampLycan if he’d flirted with Shoni.
He returned his rental to wait and watch for them to return. Ten minutes later, his phone had charged enough that he could access it. He’d missed three calls from Fray and three texts. Then he saw missed calls from Garson. There were also texts demanding that he call right away. Chaz tried, but it went straight to voicemail.
He went to his own, finding messages from Garson, along with the missed calls. He hit the first one.
“Hey, I know you said you might be a while, but Tymber and Yern are here. There’s an emergency. They need my help to deal with a big mess. Call me back. You need to tell me what to do.”
“Fuck,” Chaz snarled, opening the next voicemail.
“Seriously, man. I need you to call me. Now. Big mess. Two isn’t enough to handle it. We’re talking about serious shit going down that I can’t talk about on a cell. Shoni agrees it’s important enough for me to leave her alone, but I promised I wouldn’t do that. Call me!”
Chaz would kill Garson if he took Shoni along to whatever situation Tymber and Yern needed help with. The VampLycan could be rash and a little immature. He imagined Garson doing something like that. He’d given his word that he’d keep Shoni safe. That wasn’t taking her along on some emergency assignment.
The third and last voicemail had come in over four hours before. He hit play and ground his teeth together when seconds of silence happened. Then, Garson spoke.
“Okay, I had to go and don’t know how long I’ll be gone. You said she wasn’t yours, so I went ahead and did what you asked me to come here for.”
Chaz’s heart pounded, and he was pretty sure it was dread he felt.
“I went over everything. You met in an elevator, took her to your room for coffee to sober her up, and you’re going for the nicest man award. Then, you took pity on her the next morning with her family, kissed her in front of them, and told her to have a nice life after you walked her from the breakfast table. She went home and just spent some time deciding that her ex-jerk wasn’t worth her time and that losing him didn’t hurt. Her cousin has been trying to spend time with her, so I sent her there for a few days to avoid the ex-jerk. That way, it gives you time to fix what you went to do with the assholes. She’ll be safe there since the ones you’re with don’t know about what sounds like her hot cousin. You’re welcome.”
Garson paused. “She still thinks you’re a nice man who went out of his way to be kind, and you were leaving town to go back home after your business meeting was over. It’s all good. My only regret was that I didn’t have time to hunt down her ex-jerk to mess with him. Maybe you can send some Vs after him. All your belongings are hidden in Shoni’s tiny backyard under a tarp. I had her leave right away to stay with her cousin and suggested she not go back there for a few days. I hope none of her neighbors are into stealing. You’re welcome, Chaz. See you back home when you’re near where I live.”
The voicemail ended. Chaz closed his eyes, gasping in a deep breath. Garson had wiped Shoni’s memory of the most important parts of the time they’d shared. She would recognize him still but only as a stranger who’d spent a few minutes with her twice.
He didn’t know where Ember lived. Chaz figured that was the cousin Garson spoke of who sounded hot. The idea of sending Vampires after Marco was the only thing about the message he liked. Only most Vampires would not only screw with his mind but take his blood as payment.
Chaz numbly left his rental and went into Shoni’s patio space. A tarp was near her sliding glass doors. He bent, lifted it, and saw his packed duffle bag. The sight of it depressed him. Chaz grabbed it and stalked back to his vehicle. He didn’t bother to toss it into the trunk, just dumping it in the passenger seat.
His next stop was back at the hotel. He rented another room on the fourth floor, dropped his bag there, and went down to the restaurant. His appetite was almost non-existent as he ordered the prime rib. The server was the same one. She flirted a little with him as she took his order.
“You’re back. Did you change your mind? I get off at nine tonight.”
Chaz shook his head. “I have a girlfriend,” he lied.
“Oh. I see. That explains why you didn’t call or come back the other night. I’ll have your order out fast. Be right back with the beer you ordered.” The human server fled.
His mood was utter shit. All Chaz could think about was Shoni. Anger came next. Garson shouldn’t have wiped her memories without his permission. He knew that was slightly unreasonable since he’d asked the VampLycan to come for that specific reason.
He pulled out his cell and tried to call Garson again. It went straight to voicemail. He hung up without leaving a message. Chaz was about to put his cell away when it vibrated from a call. He answered, thinking Garson must be returning his call.
He hissed out the words. “That better have been one hell of an emergency. You had no right!”
“Um, what’s wrong?”
Chaz leaned back in the booth, making sure no humans were within hearing. “Sorry, Fray. I thought you were Garson. I left him in charge of Shoni while I dealt with something.”
“You sound mad. Did he fuck your human?” Amusement sounded in his twin’s voice. “It’s not like you to get upset about something like that since you never get attached to the women you bed. You do tend to go for the ones who aren’t looking for commitment anyway.”
“He…” Chaz had to pause as the server brought him his beer. He nodded, taking a sip.
“He what?”
“Sorry. Ears were present.” That was his way of saying someone had walked up to him. “He wiped her while I was gone without me telling him to do it.”
Fray seemed to ponder that for a few seconds. “Isn’t that what you wanted him to do?”
“Yes. When I was ready. I wasn’t,” Chaz admitted.
“Shit.” His twin loudly sighed. “What are you going to do about it? You could force her memories to return. It won’t be pleasant at first since she’ll see you as a stranger forcing her to spend time with you.”
“Garson left a few memories of me with her. Just not the important ones.”
Fray went silent.
Chaz didn’t like that. “What? Say whatever you’re thinking.”
“Important? Are you falling for her, brother? Grab this Shoni, bring her here, and we’ll help you keep her sequestered while all her memories return.”
Chaz closed his eyes. “No. This is for the best. I wanted to spend more time with her, but that’s me being selfish. What we had would’ve only been temporary.”
“If you say so.”
“What in the hell does that mean?”
“I know you better than anyone. You sound depressed. She mattered to you more than you’re willing to let on. I’m right, aren’t I?”
“I’m not you,” Chaz reminded him. “You wanted to change your life forever to be with Lenore. Shoni and I could never have worked out in the long run. She’d have wanted things I couldn’t give her. We’re too different.”
“Tell yourself that, brother. I hope it helps. Come here. We’ll talk about it and figure this out together.”
“Tomorrow,” Chaz sighed. “I checked back into the hotel and am waiting for my dinner to arrive.”
“You don’t want me to look into your eyes because I’ll see what you’re really feeling. Damn it, Chaz. Hold onto this Shoni if she means something to you. What’s your gut instinct saying?”
“That I don’t want to talk about this anymore, and I see the server bringing my dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He ended the call and shut off his cell. It would be just like his twin to keep calling him, demanding they continue talking. He was in no mood for it.
* * * * *
“Damn. He was such a hottie. I’m glad he was into playing hero, but I was really hoping that stuff he said was true.” Ember flashed Shoni a grin. “I wanted to hear all the details about what it was like to have sex with someone that yummy looking.”
“He’s on his way back to his small town in Alaska. Chaz could overhear what was being said at our table and took pity on me by pretending we were dating. I really liked him because he was the nicest guy ever and the best-looking, but that’s life. I’m a realist. Fives don’t end up with twenties.”
“Shut up. You’re not average. Any guy would be lucky to have you.” Ember pointed at her. “You’re a ten on the outside and a fifty on the inside.”
Shoni rolled her eyes as she took a bite of her lasagna. They’d gotten takeout from her favorite Italian restaurant and were sitting on Ember’s folded-out futon in her bedroom. “Thanks for letting me stay here for a few days. I’m afraid Marco might show up at my place. I blocked him after he left me some texts and voicemails. The only way he can talk to me is if he shows up on my doorstep. I didn’t want to risk it.”
“I hope he isn’t stupid enough to think you’ll take him back after Della dumps his stupid ass. We all know that she will. Regina said her sister’s longest relationship lasted two weeks, and that’s only because the guy was rich. That sure as shit isn’t Marco. He’s a leach who just lies about having money. I wouldn’t be surprised if Della has already moved onto the next sucker when she realized he wasn’t taking her to Hawaii.”
“That’s his problem. I just hope Marco doesn’t cause a scene when I go back to work. It’s going to be bad enough having my coworkers pity me for being stood up on my wedding day.”
“Your two bosses will get him fired from his company if he dares show up there to pitch a fit. Ron and Brenda are good people who wouldn’t allow that kind of crap to go down at their place of business. I’d also bet Jessie would punch Marco in the face if he did cause a scene. He’s pretty fit for a real estate broker. I’d ask him out, but he’s too old for me.”
“He’s only thirty-eight.”
“I don’t date guys more than ten years older than me as a rule.” Ember picked up a breadstick and dipped it in sauce. “You know that. Remember John? He rode me about getting married and having babies. I made that rule after I broke up with him. I’m not even thinking about that stuff until I’m at least thirty.”
“You do keep pretty busy.”
“I love animals more than people. What can I say? I’d rather spend my nights sitting with pet patients than going out on dates, anyway. Did I tell you about my last one?”
Shoni shook her head. “No. We’ve mainly been talking about my wedding the past few weeks when we’ve gotten together.”
“Ah. A pet owner set me up with her son. She kept insisting that he’d be perfect for me and showed me pictures of him. She also bragged that he had a great job in the medical field. Like me, but with people. I agreed since he looked cute and had a nice smile.”
“There’s an until in there, right?”
Ember enthusiastically nodded, a mischievous look in her eyes. “It’s on me. I should have asked her to be more specific about what he did. We met up at that new French cuisine place that opened. He seemed great and even pulled out my chair for me. His pictures did him justice. We order our food, and then…”
“What? Don’t drag it out. Did he talk non-stop about his ex? Stick you with the bill? I know men have done both of those things to you on dates before.”
Ember shook her head. “Worse. He started talking in detail about his job. He’s a medical examiner for the county. He went into graphic detail about dead bodies. I couldn’t even finish my meal.”
“Oh no.”
“Yeah.” Ember comically widened her eyes. “Let’s just say I now know more than I ever wanted to about identifying burned bodies and how they determine what really killed them. Spoiler alert. His most recent case was a homicide. The poor victim was murdered, and then whoever did it set his home on fire to try to hide the crime.”
“I’m sorry you went through that.”
“Me too. You should have seen the dessert menu I was looking forward to choosing from. I had our waiter bag the rest of my dinner to go, and I paid half the bill since I knew there wouldn’t be a second date. One was more than enough. He’s a great guy, but I see why he’s still single. I’m swearing off men again.”
“We could go back to that place to have dinner together soon. I promise not to talk about dead bodies.”
“You’re the best. Wait until you see what they have for dessert. We might have to just order those instead of actual meals.”
“It’s a cousin date,” Shoni agreed.
A door suddenly slammed from the other room, and a television was turned on. The volume was loud enough to hear. Ember grimaced.
“Trouble in paradise?”
“Roommates can be hell. You’re lucky you don’t have any.”
“I offered to let you move in with me.”
“I like being this close to work. You know that. I don’t have to drive back and forth when I’m checking on overnight patients.”
Another door slammed.
Ember turned to glare at her closed door before facing Shoni. “Here’s an idea. Let’s go to your place. I don’t have night duty for a few days. The driving back and forth during my regular shift is fine.”
Shoni opened her mouth to agree but suddenly found herself shaking her head. “I can’t go home for a few days.”
“I dare Marco to show up while I’m there. I’ve already got one restraining order against me for beating on a moron. I don’t mind earning another one. It would be my pleasure.”
Again, Shoni wanted to agree. She and Ember would be more comfortable at her condo. They wouldn’t have to stay inside a bedroom to avoid the roommate from getting upset at her being there. “I can’t go home for a few days,” popped out of her mouth.
Ember cocked her head, staring at her with a confused look. “Did Marco hit you? Do something to make you terrified of him?”
“No.”
“Then let’s go to your place. Rhonda is obviously in a foul mood. I’m willing to drive to and from work every day. Spending time with you will be worth it. I’m not letting you avoid me anymore.”
Shoni tried to get up, but after moving a few inches, she sat back down hard. “I can’t go home for a few days.”
Ember leaned forward, studying her. “What in the fuck is wrong with you?”
“I…” Shoni frowned. “I can’t go home for a few days.”
“Why?”
“Marco―”
“—Will get his ass beaten by me if he dares to show up. I still have his number and will be happy to tell him that so he doesn’t bother. He’s afraid of me. I’ll even say I took time off so he doesn’t come around while I’m at work. I can take your car and leave mine in visitor parking.” Ember stood and reached down, tugging Shoni up.
Shoni stood, watching as her cousin bagged the to-go food. Ember even packed an overnight bag. When it was time to go, though, Shoni’s legs refused to allow her to walk toward the bedroom door.
Ember scowled at her as she opened it. “Let’s go.”
“I…” Shoni couldn’t make herself leave. A sense of nearly overwhelming anxiety hit just thinking about her condo. “I can’t go home for a few days,” she blurted.
Ember closed her bedroom door, putting down her overnight bag and the one containing their dinner. Then, her cousin walked up to her, stopping inches away. Ember cupped her face, almost going nose to nose with her as their gazes locked.
“Shoni, why do you keep saying the same damn thing?”
She swallowed, feeling confused. “I can’t go home for a few days.”
Her cousin suddenly slid her hands up to pull down the skin under her eyes, seeming to look for something. “You don’t seem anemic.” Ember released her face and grabbed her hands, examining them next. “Did you meet any men the night of your wedding? This is important.”
“Just Chaz.”
Ember released her and suddenly grabbed her head, twisting it enough to look at each side of her neck. “You said you went home after the hotel and stayed there. Was that a lie? Did you run an errand at night? Have anyone over? This is important.”
Shoni’s confusion only grew. “I stayed home and didn’t see anyone. I told you that I needed some time to think.”
Ember released her and stepped back. “Then let’s go to your place. Come on. We’re going there right now.” She moved back to her bedroom door, putting her hand on the handle. “Doesn’t that sound like a good idea?”
“No.”
“Because?”
Shoni hesitated.
“Say the first thing that comes to mind.”
“I can’t go home for a few days.”
Ember’s features showed pure anger. “I’m going to fucking kill someone.” Ember suddenly lunged for her, cupping her face again. Tears filled her cousin’s eyes. “Oh honey, some prick has done a number on your head.”
Shoni jerked away. “What are you talking about?”
Her cousin chewed on her bottom lip. “There are things I never told you about when I was working for the animal rescue. I gave my word and still can’t tell you, but trust me. Someone fucked with you. I’m going to find out who did it and make them sorry.”
“Ember, what are you talking about?” Shoni was confused.
“You’ve been compelled. Someone has made it so you can’t go home.” Ember released her. “Sit. Stay.” She walked over to her closet, opened it, and pulled down the safe she kept on the top shelf. “I’m going to your place to see if some asshole is in your condo. I can’t think of any other reason they wouldn’t want you to go home.”
Ember used her fingerprints to unlock the safe and pulled out a handgun. Shoni knew her cousin owned one. She just hadn’t seen it before. It was big, and Ember also pulled out three clips for it, pocketing them. She shoved the gun into her waistband and pulled her baggy shirt over it.
It alarmed Shoni. “What are you talking about?”
Ember put away the safe, closed the closet door, and then walked back to Shoni. “Would I ever fuck you over? Do you wrong?”
“No. But―”
“I need you to trust me. Please don’t ask questions. Just… trust me. I need to go out for a bit, but I’ll be back. Stay here. Don’t call anyone. Don’t answer your cell. Hell, turn it off for me right now. I don’t know if you’ve been programmed to come to them if they give you a verbal command over the phone.”
“You’re talking crazy.”
“I know.” Ember cupped her face again and leaned forward until their foreheads touched. More tears filled Ember’s eyes. “Someone has messed with you. That’s all I can say. Trust. Me. Please. I love you. We’re sisters at heart. I’d fucking die for you. You know that, right? So just do as I say and chill out here. I’m going to handle this shit.”
“You’re scaring me and making me wonder if you are doing drugs,” Shoni admitted.
Ember suddenly released her and laughed. “That’s fair. Just turn off your phone, lock my bedroom door after I leave, and stay here.” She jerked her head toward the bathroom. “Good thing I got the main bedroom with one attached. You stay here. Promise me. Just do what I ask, please. Even if I do seem insane or high as shit.”
“What’s going on?”
“Let’s just say an injured animal that came in when I was with the rescue taught me some things I’m not supposed to know. But I do. Now stay here and do as I’ve said. Turn off your damn cell. Don’t leave or open my door until I get back. Promise.”
“You’re still talking crazy.”
“It’s a crazy fucking world. Cell off. Lock the door after me. Go with my crazy. Do this for me. Let’s pretend I’m planning a surprise. You know I’m up to something, but I’ve asked you not to be nosey. We’ve done this in the past since we know each other too well. Can you do that?”
It was Shoni’s turn to scowl. “You’re not making any sense, but okay. I’ll humor you.”
“I love you. Thank you for trusting me.” Her cousin spun, went to her bedroom door, and opened it. “Lock this behind me, and cell off. Just watch my TV until I get back.” Her cousin left, firmly closing the door behind her.
Shoni hesitated but locked the door and took her cell phone out of her purse. She had some notifications but held down the button until it shut off from the screen saver. Her cousin could be weird, but not quite that much.
She planned to ask a lot of questions once Ember returned. A lot.