Connor snorted. All it takes is one Malcontent to teleport behind his back and snap his neck. Hed never see it coming. He glanced at Robbys wife. As a former FBI psychologist, shed received some training in self-defense, but he didnt think it was enough. As far as he was concerned, no mortal who was susceptible to mind control should ever attempt to fight a vampire. I hope yere no allowing the mortal women to take part in the battle.

Im discouraging it, Angus said. Ians wife can defend herself well, but now that shes expecting, shes agreed to stay out of it.

Emma smiled. Lots of babies on the way. Caitlyns twins are due in June. Tonis baby in September. And Darcys having her second one in October.

Connor sat back. He hadnt known Darcy was pregnant again. He stayed out of her life now that she was married to Austin Erickson. In truth, she had never welcomed his interference, but at least he knew now that she no longer hated him. She and Austin had named their son Matthew Connor. After the babys birth, nearly two years ago, shed sent him a note saying shed never be alive to have a child if he hadnt saved her.

Olivia reached over to take her husbands hand. Shall we break the news?

Robby grinned. Sure. Go ahead.

She grinned back. Were expecting.

What? Angus jumped to his feet.

Emma leaped to her feet with a squeal. Youre pregnant?

After Olivia nodded, Emma squealed again and lunged toward her for a big hug.

Hot damn! Phineas gave Robby a high five, then slapped him on the back. You da man!

Emma bounced over to Angus and threw her arms around him. Were going to have a grand-baby!

Angus patted her on the back with a stunned expression. Im going to be a great-great grandfather?

Connor suspected he was missing a few greats. Congratulations. He shook hands with Angus and Robby, then sat down and waited for the celebration to end.

The laughter and hugging went on for a good five minutes, then the questioning began. How was Olivia feeling? When was the baby due?

Connor shifted in his seat. First all the Vamp men were getting married. Now they were having children. It was damned depressing.

Can we get back to business? he grumbled. We were discussing the upcoming battle and Sean Whelans foolish desire to fight. Do ye think hell try to make the mortals on his team fight, too?

Emma gave him a wry look. Funny you should ask. Sean has been especially pissed with you lately. Turns out Alyssa has a crush on you.

Connor blinked. Who?

The woman on the Stake-Out team, Emma explained. Apparently, you told her she was pretty.

Connor thought back, trying to remember, then became aware that everyone in the room was watching him with expressions of amusement.

Whoa, Connor. Phineas waggled his eyebrows. I didnt know you were such a ladies man.

I doona remember her, he muttered.

It was a few years ago, Emma said. Austin told me about it. He and Alyssa were holding Shanna prisoner in a hotel room when you teleported in to rescue her. Thats when you told Alyssa she was pretty.

Connor shrugged. Then it was merely a strategic maneuver aimed to distract them while I escaped with Shanna. His face grew warm. Had such an offhand remark really caused a woman to develop a crush on him?

Hot damn, bro. Phineas gave him a thumbs-up. Youve got a fan club.

Connor stood.  Twas no my intent. He headed to the door. I need to take Marielle homeI mean, back to the cabin. His face grew hotter, and he exited quickly.

Bugger. He needed to be more careful. If one silly remark had caused a woman to develop a crush, what would happen to Marielle if he kept touching her? And kissing her? The poor lass wanted to go back to heaven. That was her home. Not the cabin. If he somehow made her feel too much affection for him, it would only be harder for her to leave.

The problem was he wanted her affection. Hell, he wanted her, period. What kind of fool was he to think he could compete with heaven? He was setting himself up for severe heartache. And worse, he could end up causing Marielle heartache, too.

He had to back off, put distance between them. And yet, he had to keep training her and slipping into her mind to know where to teleport.

Damn. What a tangled mess.

He found Marielle in the cafeteria discussing theology with Roman and Father Andrew. Shanna had gone outside to play with the children.

As he approached, Marielle glanced up and smiled. His heart constricted as usual. Im ready to take you back to the cabin, whenever ye wish.

Im ready. She stood and gathered up her dishes. I enjoyed talking to you again, Father. And meeting you, Roman.

He stood. Thank you . . . for saving my life.

Father Andrew moved out of her way. I look forward to seeing you again, my dear.

Connor picked up her glass and salad bowl. Ill help you.

Connor. Roman paused with an uncomfortable look. I judged you too harshly.

Tis my job to protect you and yer family. Ye had every right to be angry.

Im convinced now that we need Marielle, Roman said. Please take good care of her.

I will. He accompanied her into the kitchen where they set her dishes in the sink. Ready to go? He took her gently by the arms.

Dont you need to hold on tighter? She wrapped her arms around his neck. I dont want you to lose me on the way.

He would have to lose her eventually. He enveloped her in his arms. I have you. For now.

The black void sucked them in, then they materialized in the cabin next to the couch. As soon as she was steady on her feet, he released her.

She gave him a shy smile. Its been another long night.

Aye.

She sat on the couch. Now that were alone, Id like to talk. She motioned to the space beside her.

He didnt sit. He knew where she was headed. I have some errands to run before the sun rises.

Youre going to leave me here unprotected? Darafer might show up.

Connor winced. She had him there.

She patted the sofa cushion. I want to talk.

Theres no point.

Yes, there is. Youre suffering from too much pain and remorse

Tis none of yer business.

You said I was healing you. How can I if you wont let me?

He shifted his weight. Ive done fine for centuries. I doona need yer help.

But I want to help. I cant stand the thought of you suffering all alone

I doona want yer pity!

She stood. Then take pity on me. Because I will be miserable in heaven if I know youre here suffering and feeling lonely.

He took a deep breath to ease his frustration. Once yere back in heaven, yell forget about

Dont tell me that! Her eyes flashed with anger. I will always remember tonight, and I will always treasure it.

But yell still leave me. He turned away and rubbed a hand against his brow. I doona think it is a good idea for us to get any closer. It would make it . . . harder to say good-bye.

If I have to leave you knowing I didnt help you, that would be the hardest blow to endure. I told you, Connor Buchanan, that I care deeply for you.

He looked at her, and the tears in her eyes ripped at his heart.

I told you about my mistakes, she continued. It was my fault that a serial killer was let loose on Earth. Those women died because of me. Doesnt it make you angry? Do you want to hate me because

Nay! I doona think ill of you. Ye took mercy on a dying child.a

She lifted her chin. So you didnt judge me. Give me credit for being as understanding as you are. Tell me about yourself. I wont think poorly of you.

She would, if she knew everything hed done. She had erred out of mercy, believing she was doing the right thing. He had acted out of rage, knowing full well it was wrong.

She sat on the couch.

He waited for her to say something, but she simply waited, watching him with a hopeful look.

He sat stiffly beside her.

Still she said nothing. Why couldnt she nag him? It would be easier to refuse her then.

He sighed. What good could come of this? I was born in 1512.

So young, she murmured, her eyes glinting with humor. Practically a baby.

He frowned at her. I thought ye wouldna judge.

She smiled. How old were you when you were transformed?

Thirty. He slanted a nervous glance her way. Ye couldna guess? Do I look much older?

She looked indignant. I wouldnt presume to judge.

His jaw shifted. He was sorely tempted to poke her or tickle her. Then kiss her senseless. Actually, he could skip the tickling and go straight to the kissing.

Were you always this handsome?

His eyebrows shot up. Aye.

She laughed.

His mouth twitched. Of course ye might think that was immodest of me, but thankfully, yere no judging me.

I wouldnt dream of it. Her eyes grew tender. So how did it happen? Roman was the one who changed you?

Yes. Ian MacPhie and I were fighting in the Battle of Solway Moss, just south of the Scottish border. The lands there were always under dispute, the English and Scottish kings snarling at each other, and puir sods like Ian and me paying the price. He sighed.  Twas a humiliating defeat, even more humiliating when I realized I was going to die.

She touched his arm. Im so sorry.

He shrugged. That night, Roman and Angus found us and asked if we wanted to keep on living and fighting for a just cause. We both said yes, no quite realizing what lay in store for us, but neither of us wanting to die.

Of course not.

Roman changed me, and Angus changed Ian. The puir lad was only fifteen.

He looks older now.

Connor nodded. Roman invented a drug that can keep a Vamp awake during the day, but it also ages him a year for each day. Ian took the drug so he could look older.

How interesting. And now hes married, and theyre expecting their first child. Marielle smiled. Im glad it worked out so well for him.

Aye.

Why did Phineas say you were in a mid-life crisis?

He scoffed.  Tis a ridiculous theory that a vampire will develop some . . . emotional issues after hes lived half a millennium.

She tilted her head, considering. Five hundred years doesnt seem long to me. But I would agree that you are overly burdened with remorse.

He crossed his arms over his chest. Ive lived with it for centuries. Im used to it.

And who is Darcy Newhart?

He winced. A mistake.

She was on the fringe of your remorse, not well hidden.

Aye, I suppose thats true. Things have worked out well for her, so I doona feel as bad as I once did.

What happened?

Gregori dragged me to a bar where mortal youngsters like to pretend theyre vampires. Darcy was a television reporter, doing a feature on the place, and when she tried to interview us as make-believe vampires, we thought it was great fun. But then she was attacked in the alley by some Malcontents, and by the time we found her, she was close to death.

How terrible.

I couldna bear to see her die like that, so I transformed her. Connor sighed. I thought I was giving her life, but I was actually taking her life away. She lost everything that was important to her. Her job, her family and friends.

She didnt like being a vampire?

Nay. She hated me for changing her and no giving her any choice in the matter.

Marielle nodded. And thats why you feel guilt and remorse. But you said everything worked out for her?

Aye. Roman discovered a way to make her mortal again, and now shes happily married to another mortal. They have a wee bairn and another one on the way. She and Austin work for MacKay S and I, too.

Marielle smiled. Thats wonderful. I love happy endings. She lounged back against the sofa. Thank you for telling me. It wasnt too painful, was it?

I may be traumatized for a few centuries.

She scoffed. I let you off easy. I know theres a lot more youre hiding in there. She touched his chest.

He squeezed her hand, grateful that she wasnt going to push any further. It was surprising, though, how easy she had been to talk to.

She scooted closer to him on the couch and leaned her head against his shoulder. When he glanced at her, his chin rubbed against her hair, so silky and soft. The scent of her shampoo filled his nostrils.

He looked away. We should be careful no to get too close.

But I consider you a close friend, Connor. Surely two friends can embrace without it causing problems. She wrapped an arm around his torso and rested her head on his chest.

He swallowed hard. I suppose an occasional hug would be all right. He extended his arm around her shoulders.

She snuggled closer. I do like being able to touch you. For so long I couldnt touch anyone without making them shrivel up and die.

He certainly didnt shrivel up when she touched him.

She skimmed her fingers along his jaw. I like the way your whiskers feel. A little ticklish.

A vision popped into his head of him tickling her bare breasts with his whiskers.

Thank you for a wonderful evening. She kissed his cheek.

Lass. He touched her face. We shouldna kiss.

It was just a tiny one on your cheek.

He pressed his lips against her brow. Then we willna kiss . . . on the mouth. He kissed her temple.

Thats probably wise. Her hand slipped around his neck.

He trailed kisses down her jaw. We shouldna get too involved.

Exactly. She tilted her head so he could more easily nuzzle her neck. Did you mean what you said earlier about my breasts?

That I wanted to touch and kiss them?

Yes.

Aye, I do, he whispered in her ear. But we should be careful. He planted kisses across her cheek.

With a moan, she leaned closer.

We should practice . . . restraint. He kissed the corner of her mouth.

Yes.

He paused, his mouth only a fraction away from hers. Her lips were open, full and moist. Her breath stirred gently against his lips.

Stop it, ye fool! Before it was too late, he turned his head and kissed the other corner of her mouth.

Someone cleared a throat across the room, and he jumped back. Bugger.

Vanda, Marta, and Brynley were back, and by the looks on their faces, they were enjoying the show.

Chapter Fifteen

Marielle gasped. Heat rushed to her face. She didnt know which was worsethe way the women looked amused or the way Connor looked appalled. Mortified, even.

She rose to her feet. Connor did the same, standing stiffly a few feet away from her.