19
1096 Words
“You know, I think you’re right. It’s easy for me to get all turned around about leading the pack. I never had the chance to grieve my dad’s death. I just jumped in on the pack leadership and ran the family business. I was just trying to keep everything running smoothly.”
She gave him an understanding smile. “Grief catches up with you. Now, we’re in unfamiliar territory, so it’s easier for the grief to leak out. Remember that and be kind to that brain of yours. It got you this far, didn’t it?”
“Wow, that is pretty impressive, Ruby. I wanna keep you around forever.”
The second the words were out of his mouth, he wanted to take them back. Not because he regretted saying them, but rather, it was all a little too true.
Thankfully, the landscape was beautiful enough to steal the moment. The black-sanded beach was slightly transformed. The twinkling lights were no longer just white but red and orange and gold. It was scenic and almost beyond words. Definitely a holiday vibe.
Soft music played over the speakers cleverly disguised as bushes. Ocho … or a creature that looked exactly like him … was walking around with a silver tray loaded with drinks in vibrant colors. Whoever was in charge of the menu sure had a penchant for neon shades by the looks of the yellows, blues, and greens sparkling in the glasses.
“Take, take.” The imp stopped by their legs and looked up at them, offering the tray. “Take, take.”
“No, thanks. We’re good.” Ethan held up his drink. He had only just gotten a couple of cocktails for them.
The imp didn’t like his response. It proceeded to kick Ethan in the shin. “Take, take,” it insisted.
“Might as well just grab another before he gets mad,” Ruby warned with a laugh.
“It isn’t mad?” Ethan asked with a laugh.
“This is the first imp you meet, isn’t it?”
He nodded.
“Yeah, just take another. It’ll save us a whole lot of time.”
Ethan complied. “Thanks.”
The imp held out its clawed hand and curled his fingers expectantly. “Gimme, gimme.”
“f**k, I don’t know what I’m supposed to tip this thing.”
Ruby laughed. “Yeah, you really need to get to the gift shop and trade …”
“Human money for whatever terrifying tip this thing wants.”
Ethan saw the laughter in Ruby’s eyes. “It’s okay to laugh at me. I get it. I’m a little bit of a fish out of water.”
“You should tell Portia that this place needs some kind of brochure to explain to the lesser involved paranormal creatures how to be here without insulting everyone they run into.”
“That isn’t a terrible idea. If I had to talk to a vampire, I wouldn’t know how to behave.”
She giggled. “You really love your pack to be here and this much out of your comfort zone.”
“You’ve got no idea.”
“I’m starting to catch on. That’s a pretty noble thing you’re doing. You’re a good leader. Coming here yourself instead of sending someone else is a very good move, in my opinion.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for saying that.”
“Well, I mean it.”
“I figured you did, Ruby. You’re not at all what I would expect from a succubus. I know you say you’re not like the rest of your family, but I like who you are.”
He loved seeing the way she blushed at his words, and so he continued. “You’re very wise. Definitely perceptive. Those are some good instincts to have.”
Her brows arched into her hairline. “Oh. Yeah. I guess those are good things.”
“For sure. Do … “ There had to be something in the music. Something magical and witchy. Why else would Ethan suddenly be overtaken with the absolute urge to kiss Ruby?
“Are you okay?” she asked. “You didn’t finish your thought there.”
He cleared his throat. “No, I don’t even remember what I was going to say.”
“Don’t you just hate that when thoughts just fall out of your head?”
“Yeah,” he croaked without actually understanding that was even possible. “Would you like to dance?” Ethan held out his hand and motioned his head toward the little dance floor in the sand. “I’m a wonderful partner.”
She nodded as she slid her hand into his. Her fingers were soft and warm under his, and it sent a thrill up his spine. Taking the lead, he set their drinks on the table and then led them to the dance floor. He spun her around once and settled them into a sway to the music.
“This would be a great place for a honeymoon,” she commented.
“Oh?” his heart thundered loudly, but he didn’t know why. Not entirely, anyway.
“My sister Roja is getting married, and I think I should tell her about this place.”
“I thought you didn’t get along.”
“We don’t, but I still want her to be happy. I want the best for her even though that sentiment might not be reciprocated.”
He nodded, noting again that mentioning her sister always made her a little sad. He wanted to change that for her. Or, at the very least, make her smile again. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Just one paranormal creature being kind to another.
That was all this was.
He pulled away from her, but only enough to look into her eyes. He pressed the tip of his fingers under her chin. “You’re a wonderful person. Caring even when it hurts, but you don’t deserve that, Ruby. You deserve so much more.”
Her lips parted on a small gasp, and he felt her shiver in his arms. A small smile quirked his lips as he realized that he had done so much more than make Ruby happy.
Nope.
Something else happened on that dance floor.
She wanted to kiss him. And f**k it, he wanted to kiss her too. Throwing caution to the wind, he leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing into him with her full body.
- Writer
