Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six (Glory St. Clair #7)

Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six (Glory St. Clair #7) Page 11

I didn't bother arguing with Rafe. When he was right, he was right. I just headed down the hall and scooped up a frantic Boogie who'd started clawing at Penny's bedroom door.

"I have fifty-three white rats in my apartment. I think I'm already in hell." I sat on the couch again and kept a firm grip on the cat, trying to soothe him.

"You're kidding." Rafe laughed. "I thought it reeked in here."

I punched his arm. "Penny related to the little things after the hilltop encounter with our demons. Now she's rescued the batch in her lab. Jerry's gone with her to get more cages." I sighed when Boogie finally relaxed and began to purr.

"I've been thinking about getting Simon away from his EV goddess. I sure hope he knows of a way to take her out, because gods and goddesses are notoriously hard to kill." Rafe tried to pet Boogie and was rewarded with a paw swipe that drew blood.

"But if anyone knows how it can be done, it would be the king himself. That's Simon. If he decides he wants to be free, maybe he can take Honoria out himself." I fought back my fangs as I inhaled the rich scent of Rafe's blood.

Rafe grinned and waved his bleeding hand close to my lips. "Go ahead, taste. I can see you're dying to."

"No, we're having a serious discussion."

"Which you can't concentrate on because you're staring at my blood." Rafe shook his head. "Go for it."

"What can I say? It's my thing. Thanks." I pulled his warm hand to my mouth and licked off the too few drops. "Now where were we?"

"I think this all hinges on whether Simon is willing to leave the EVs to have a relationship with his son." Rafe leaned back into his corner of the couch like feeling my tongue on his hand was no big deal. Oh, yeah? Fine. I stayed in my corner and kept Boogie happy rubbing his ears.

"Who wouldn't want to be close to a man like Freddy? He's smart, successful and handsome. Any father would be proud to call him son. Simon even offered him the post as his second in command." I realized that was a huge deal. There were others in the EV ranks who would have squawked about that if Freddy had accepted.

"All right then. But clearly the demons aren't going to be satisfied with just one soul. Shutting down that goddess should give Lucifer a shot at all the Energy Vampires."

"I get the heebie-jeebies just thinking about that hole in the ground with the strange noises."

"Yeah, well, I was hooked up to the legendary energy vacuum pump once. Not that I actually remember it. Just woke up with an empty stomach, what looked like a burn there, and Simon gloating over the fact that he'd just about drained me." Rafe glanced down at his hand. "Sorry it already quit bleeding. But if you want more, you can always bite me. Anytime, anywhere." He leaned closer and the cat hissed.

"I think the cat senses your former dog persona." I smiled, tired of worrying about Simon, demons, all of it. "Usually when someone says 'Bite me,' it's not a come-on." I shook my head. "Let's stick to business, Rafe. I'm with Jerry now. End of story."

"Your story has many chapters, Glory. No end in sight." He ignored the cat and ran his thumb along the side of my neck. "I'm patient and here for you. If the Scotsman lets you down, keep that in mind."

"Rafe, you're going to get hurt and very tired of waiting." His warm touch disturbed me just like it always did. Then there were his dark eyes on mine, reading me, trying to see if I was tempted and seeking ways to take advantage if I was. If I was? It took everything I had to shift my body away from his.

"I'm going to call Simon and ask him to come to the shop. Freddy says Simon was turned down by the goddess when he asked to invite a female Energy Vampire, but Simon doesn't know I know that. I'll use that as my opener. But what if he just tells me over the phone to forget it?" I threw out the question in a desperate attempt to get this conversation back where it belonged.

"Before all this came up, CiCi called me about a surprise birthday party for Freddy. She wants to hold it at the club. I'm sure she didn't plan to invite Simon but you can mention it and tell him you have the perfect gift for Freddy. Claim you can pressure CiCi to include him on the guest list. That should bring him around." Rafe relaxed at his end of the couch. Apparently he'd seen enough of my confusion to be content.

"Yes, that should do it. Not looking forward to this." I shuddered and finally let Boogie jump down and run back to Penny's door.

"I can be there with you." Rafe moved close again and picked up my hand. "I'm allowed to use my own demonic stuff in this case without worrying about payback."

"I want to do this on my own." I slipped my fingers from his; this constant touching was not a good idea. "But we've got to have something to offer Simon in return besides this relationship with his son. He seems to have everything he wants as head of the EVs. What else would Lucifer have to offer him?"

"I thought you'd never ask." A man shimmered into view in front of us and I wished for my sunglasses. He glowed with a white light, almost blinding me. Finally he settled into a mortal form. But beautiful, so beautiful I wanted to reach out and touch.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Rafe held my hand again. "This is Lucifer, Glory. Just stay put. No sudden moves."

"Good advice, Rafael. You do the same." Lucifer smiled and his perfect teeth were a dazzling white. He had shiny blond hair, pale skin and brilliant turquoise eyes.

I licked my lips. I've known a lot of good-looking men, though my taste runs to muscular types who know how to fight. This guy was glorious, long and lean with hands that looked like they had never touched a sword or a plow. He was as pale as a vampire but without the fangs. While I watched, he added more muscles and stronger hands. Hmm. Perfect. I realized I'd leaned forward, straining against Rafe's hold on me.

"Don't underestimate my strength, Gloriana. I can break a man or woman with a fingertip, mentally or physically. Can't I, Rafael?"

Rafe swallowed. "Yes, he can. I've seen it. Lucifer has more power in his pinky than Simon's goddess could ever dream of."

"Good man, that's the party line." Lucifer smiled. "I would like to be rid of that vacuum-sucking sex addict but, alas, there are rules. You, however, could annihilate her and no one could object, now could they?" His grin dazzled me. "Do that and just imagine the rewards. I have the power to give anyone their heart's desire. Simon; even you." He waved his hand and I looked down.

I gasped. There I sat, a size six again. Small breasts, narrow hips and - I felt my face, yes! - cheekbones. I had on a different dress too. It was a chic Parisian number, red silk with the kind of tiny straps that didn't allow for a bra. My normal size would never have fit in it. I looked down at my feet and had the gorgeous designer shoes to match in a shiny red crocodile platform heel.

"How do you like that demo, Glory?" Lucifer's voice flowed into me, deep and resonant, stirring me like one of Ray's sexy love songs.

I dragged my gaze up to the gorgeous man again. "I'm tiny."

"Glory, take a breath. Easy now." Rafe squeezed my hand. "This is how he works. Hold on to your soul, honey."

"Now, Rafael, am I going to have to make you mute?" Lucifer clucked. "Guess so." He waved a hand and Rafe was a statue, his hand cold in mine.

I jerked my fingers out of his and skimmed them down this incredible new body. I did so love the way I looked now. I stood and walked into my bedroom where I'd put a mirror. Not full-length, no way, but a big one that I could use when I was doing my hair. I had a hand mirror too, for checking out the back, and I used it now to do a three-sixty. Oh, wow, how about that view? I was tiny. Flo and I could be a matched pair, even borrow each other's clothes. I teared up.

Lucifer appeared behind me. "Look at you. Why, you could be a model. Is there anything else you would like? Natural curl? A paler blond? How about long lashes again? That naughty Caryon, he can get carried away, can't he?" Lucifer waved his hand again and I had all of those. I blinked, fluttered those long lashes, and smiled with perfect gleaming white teeth. I almost didn't recognize myself.

I finally turned and looked up at him. He was irresistible. And he'd given me everything I ever dreamed of. I wanted him, wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss him with everything I had in me. I could drag him to my bed and make love to him. I bet he could make me feel wonderful and I could do things to him, wicked things I'd never even done to Jerry, and we'd both be more satisfied than ever before. I reached out.

Lucifer smiled. "Look but don't touch, Gloriana. Not yet. Of course I could make you feel wonderful. Beyond anything a mere man of this world could." His glittering eyes lingered on my breasts long enough to make them ache, then moved down until my thighs clenched and I had to lean back against my dresser. I had a naughty vision of us together and closed my eyes.

Yes, there we were, tangled on silk sheets. His mouth slid over my skin as he stripped away my dress. He tasted my breasts, between my thighs, everywhere, until I couldn't stand it and begged him to take me. He showed me ways to use my body that I'd never dared imagine. To reach a fulfillment that had me riding wave after wave of pleasure. I sighed and finally opened my eyes again. It was almost as if we'd actually been together, touched each other, done those incredibly erotic acts with more yet to come. I was damp, aching and trembling.

"Oh, yes, Gloriana, the rewards are unimaginable. But first you'd have to sign a contract. You've heard my boys mention it. Are you ready?" Lucifer's smile teased me to hurry so he could make my dreams come true.

Ready? Weak, shaking and still not sure where fantasy ended and reality began, I shuddered. I was tempted, so tempted. But I finally managed to shake my head.

He sighed and waved his hand. "So be it."

I looked down and I was back to my same old size, the one I'd been stuck in for more than four hundred freaking years. Unbearable. My bra strangled my heavy breasts, the straps dug into my shoulders to carry the weight. My panties cut into my upper thighs and into my waist. I wanted to tear them off and throw them across the room.

"Lucifer! Please! Wait! Can we talk about this? Where is the contract? How do I - " I searched the bedroom for him.

He was gone. No sign of him. The hall door opened and Jerry and Penny came in, dragging two metal cages apiece. I heard Penny chatter about how they'd fit them into Penny's bedroom. Rafe jumped up from the couch and ran to my side. He wrapped his arms around me and held me tight.

"Are you all right? I could hear what was going on but couldn't do a damned thing."

I shook my head. "Don't say anything to Jerry." I leaned against Rafe. What had just happened? In the moment, I'd almost been willing to sell my soul for a dress size. That and pleasure. Clearly Lucifer knew how to probe a person's mind, heart and dreams and then dangle paradise. Simon, who was a cold and greedy son of a bitch, didn't stand a chance.

I guess that had been the point of Lucifer's visit, though if we hadn't been interrupted . . . I shivered. What else would that Devil have offered that might have pushed me over the edge? He seemed to know me better than I knew myself. And that was his power, of course.

I looked down, then stared into the mirror. I saw myself as I'd been for four hundred plus years. I was fine. Men who I loved, had loved me just the way I was. I loved myself this way. This obsession with size was ridiculous. I wasn't about to trade what I hoped was an afterlife of ease and joy for the creepy tortures of the damned and a body, no matter how incredibly . . . No, not even going to think about it again. No freaking way. I ignored what was suddenly damned tight underwear and put some space between Rafe and me.

"Gloriana? What's going on?" Jerry stood in the bedroom doorway.

"Just showing Rafe my reflection again. I never get tired of it." I laughed and squeezed Rafe's waist like I always hugged him when I was excited. Which was true, come to think of it. Hugged him when I was scared too. He made me feel safe. Just like Jerry did. Both men were blessings in my life and I wasn't taking either of them for granted.

"Where did you and Penny get the cages?" I eased away from Rafe, then walked up to Jerry and kissed his lips.

"We went back to her lab. I figured since she'd disabled the security that was our best bet and I was right." Jerry studied Rafe, who'd put on an innocent face. "So now we're going in there and sorting out the animals. We picked up some supplies too."

"Good. I hope she can get them all new homes by tomorrow night, though." I walked back to the living room. "Boogie and I aren't comfortable with the crowd. Have you seen Penny's bedroom door? There goes my security deposit."

"I'd say you lost that a long time ago." Rafe grinned. "Didn't some of the broken furniture come with the place?"

"Why are you smiling?" I shook my head. "Jerry's ordered new and you're paying half. I hope it was expensive, Jer." I smiled at him.

"Of course it was. Only the best for my girl." Jerry kept his arm around my waist.

"Mr. Blade, will you bring those other cages? Boogie, no!" Penny sounded frantic.

"Duty calls." Jerry frowned. "I'll want an update on the demon thing after this."

"Of course." I glanced at Rafe. "We're going to go straight to the source. Ask Simon if he's interested in leaving his goddess. That will let us know how to proceed." I shooed Jerry down the hall when I heard a crash from Penny's room, then turned to Rafe. "Do you think Lucifer will come himself and make the offer to Simon once the goddess is dead?"

"He's not allowed to. Remember? We've got to get him to agree before the contract comes out. Part of their 'rules.'" Rafe collapsed on the couch. "I'm worried, Glory. Now you know how seductive Luc can be. Are you sure you can keep resisting him if he tries to reel you in again?"

"I have to." I sat and noticed how much space I took up on the couch. "I just have to."

The next night, I heard squeals over the roar of my blowdryer and finally turned it off to investigate. I opened my bedroom door just as Penny came down the hall lugging two crates of rats.

"What's going on? The animal rescue people come through for you?" I was due down in the shop in a few minutes and running late because I'd taken time to supervise a visit to the beauty shop for Penny. The result was a cute haircut for her but I'd been left no time for my own cut to be blown dry. Now, if mortals were coming, I might need to call my clerk and let her know I'd be even later. I didn't trust Penny yet unsupervised. I'd been lucky the night before. She'd been so intent on the rat rescue, she'd left any mortals who'd crossed her path alone.

"No. I ran into your neighbor and she's found homes for all of them." Penny set the cages by the door. "That's the last. Don't know why they're so upset. Guess it's all the motion." She knelt down and tried to soothe the frantic rodents. "Can you believe the luck? Lacy says her family loves white rats."

"Lacy?" I stomped over to the hall door and jerked it open. "Where is she?"

"She's taking the crates down to her car. She'll be back up to get these in a minute." Penny sighed. "I wish I could keep at least one rat, for a pet, but Boogie has been crazed by this."

"Yes, and he was here first, weren't you, big guy?" I picked up the cat when he stuck a paw into the wire cage. "Have you e-mailed the rescue people yet to cancel?"

"No. I'll do it later." Penny stood. "This week has been insane. Jenny's been texting me every few minutes wanting to meet Israel Caine. More e-mails from the university. My advisor and everyone at the lab's freaking over the rats being stolen." She ran her hands through her hair. "I just got my hair cut by a shape-shifter. And . . ." She grinned. "Josh called and asked me out for Saturday night!"

"Wow!" I hated that I was about to add one more insanity to her list. "Congrats on the date. We'll talk about it later." I was sure she wasn't ready to be alone with him yet but she was so excited . . . I mentally went through my schedule. I wondered if Jerry would enjoy following Penny on her date. That image almost made me smile. Until the rats squealed again. "You'd better take these rats back to your bedroom."

"Why? I hear Lacy coming up the stairs." Penny looked puzzled.

I grabbed Lacy's arm and jerked her inside, then slammed the door. "Okay, Lacy. Why don't you tell my roomie why you're so crazy about white rats? Why your whole family loves them?"

Lacy grimaced and glanced down at my hand on her arm. I let her go, but stayed in her face. She and I both knew that in a fair fight she could probably take me. She was a werecat who had some serious skills and I'm too softhearted to rip out the throat of someone I consider a friend. Lacy? I wasn't so sure she wouldn't get caught up in the moment and claw me to pieces. Her real disadvantage was that she worked for me as my day manager and beating up your boss didn't translate to job security. On the other hand, finding good reliable day help wasn't easy either. It was a standoff.

"Lacy? Is something up here?" Penny had quickly figured out that her rats weren't exactly going to a happy home.

"Oh, well, sorry I didn't tell you the truth." Lacy backed toward the door. "I'm, um, a werecat." She smiled and let her canines show. "White rats. To be honest? They're absolutely delicious."

"Oh, my God!" Penny clutched a cage to her chest. "You didn't - You haven't - "

"Relax. The tasty treats are still in the station wagon, waiting for Mom's secret sauce." Lacy winced when I kicked her in the shin. "I'll go get 'em."

"No. Stay here. Where Glory can watch you." Penny held out her hand. "Give me your keys."

"Car's not locked. Who's going to steal rats? Any other werecats in the area are, er, were invited to the barbeque." She sighed. "It's the red station wagon out back. Just wish I hadn't called Mom first. She's already fired up the grill and called the cousins."

"Ewww." Penny lurched out of the apartment holding her stomach.

"Really? Was that last necessary?" I frowned and grabbed Boogie before he could make a dash for freedom through the open door. "If you value your job, I suggest you disappear before Penny gets back up here, Lacy." I showed fang. "I'm not happy with you right now."

"It's my nature, Glory." Lacy shrugged and reached out to give Boogie a scratch under his chin. His purr was epic. "The newbie's gonna have to learn to deal."

"Lacy . . ." I really did need her at the shop or she'd have been fired on the spot. But what she said was true.

"Now if she ever wants to get rid of this sweet fella, he'd be treated like a king at Mom's place." She scratched him again and he closed his eyes in ecstasy.

"Get your freaky claws off my cat!" Penny had a cage in each hand as she shoved Lacy out of her way. The rats scrambled into a trembling pile, as far away from the werecat as they could get. "I'm doing a head count. If even one rat is missing . . ."

"Chill, vamp child. Like I said, Mom makes a secret sauce. It's killer." Lacy put up her hands when Penny dropped the cages and lunged at her. I jumped in between them.

"Stop! Penny, take care of your rats. Lacy, don't taunt her. Please?" I sent my manager a mental message to work with me here.

"Yeah, well, good luck, Glory. You'd better teach your gal here not to make idle threats."

Penny was right behind me, her fangs bared. "You want to try me?"

"No one's trying anyone. Good night, Lacy. Say hi to your mom for me." I looked back and gave Penny a mental message to chill.

"Sure. I'm outta here." Lacy held up her hands. "But now I've got to stop and pick up something else." She eyed the crates wistfully. "Salmon. Guess Mom can grill that." Lacy glanced at me. "Course these would have been free."

In the interest of harmony, I grabbed my purse and handed her a couple of twenties.

"Thanks, boss!" Lacy smirked at Penny and sauntered out the door.

I closed it, then leaned against it, hugging Boogie who was struggling to get to the rats.

Penny glared at me. "I can't believe that woman! And you gave her money?"

"She works for me and lives across the hall. It's important that we all get along." I stroked the cat. "And she would have mopped the floor with you, fledgling. Believe that."

"Humph." Penny took a minute to calm down and think that through. "But I'll get stronger as I get older."

"Sure you will. But each species of paranormal has its own skill set. There's lots to learn in this new world of yours. Werecats, werewolves, you name it, shape-shifters of all kinds exist and live in this building, Penny, along with other vampires. You should call Trey. Get him to help you identify the different kinds of paranormals by smell like he offered at N-V. And let him teach you some other things too, whatever he's willing to share." I glanced at the door. "That scent thing would have sure helped you tonight."

"You're right about that." Penny picked up two crates and started toward her bedroom. "You think that he meant it? That I could call him?"

"Sure. There aren't a lot of young, cute paranormals available. Trey was happy to see a new girl in town."

Penny stopped. "Oh. I get it. Supply and demand."

"I didn't mean to insult you. I'm stating a fact. Didn't you hear the cute part?" I let Boogie down, shutting him inside my bedroom. "Take advantage of the situation. And I have no problem with you dating a shifter. He can handle you if your bloodlust becomes an issue."

"Oh, yeah? What? Will he let me drink his blood?" She moved closer. "Have you had some of Rafe's? Would I like shifter blood?"

"Okay. First, let's not get personal. Second?" I thought about Rafe and his blood, so hot, so, um, delicious. I shook my head. "Yes, you'd like it. Shifters have a very fast metabolism; They have to in order to shift. So their blood is hot and, in my experience, pretty fine." I smiled. "But they have different types just like mortals do. With any kind of luck you'll live a long, long while. Plenty of time to try them all."

"So vampire blood . . . ?" Penny forgot about the rats for a minute.

"Is fairly cool, temperature-wise. And you already sampled the mortal kind. It's warm. So the shifter's feels hot in comparison." I sighed, remembering. I'd really miss that. But I just couldn't go there again.

"Interesting." Penny picked up her crates again. "Yes, I'll call him. I can't do research with the lab closed and an investigation going on. I texted Jenny that Ray wasn't here now so she's calmed down."

"You're not a suspect, are you? In the great lab rat heist?" I picked up the other crates and followed her to her bedroom. Phew. These guys had to go soon because it definitely reeked in here.

"No, my research was trashed by the theft. I'd be the last person they'd look at. So far it's a dead end." Penny clipped food and water trays to the crates and arranged paper and litter as it should be. "Poor babies. What a close call. I definitely need to know a werecat when I smell one."

"Yes, you do. And, seriously, don't blame Lacy. She needs prey, as you would if you didn't have the synthetic blood available. Neither of you can help what you need to live."

"I wonder. I'd like to run a chemical analysis on our DNA, among other things. The genetic changes since I've been turned vampire. The whole thing is fascinating. Our metabolism. You name it. Since my old research isn't satisfying me anymore, I figure I need to move on to something new." Penny opened her window, turned on a fan, and shut the bedroom door. She led the way to the living room. "Ray texted me. Ian MacDonald is here and will meet with me later tonight. I'm definitely going. I think I'd like to work with him."

I sank down on the couch. Of course I knew Ian was here. I'd talked to him at length about Ray's rehab. For once, I felt in sync with the Scottish doctor, though I hadn't shared that information with Jerry. My Campbell still had the MacDonald prejudice and couldn't see past an old feud.

"Oh, Penny, you have no idea what you'd be getting into with Ian. As much as I respect his brilliant mind, he has a pretty unique perspective on science. Instead of lab rats, Ian experiments with mortals and other vampires."

"That's radical." But instead of being horrified, Penny looked intrigued. "Not good that he uses mortals, though I can see he'd need blood samples for comparison. But the vampires are immortal, so how could he hurt them?"

I threw up my hands. "We're talking about people, Penny. Vampires are still human, my dear. And you're not going near Ian MacDonald without me."

Penny smiled. "Great. I admit I was a little scared about it. You and Mr. Blade keep throwing out dire warnings, though Ray thinks Ian's cool."

It didn't escape me that Penny was still calling Jerry "Mr. Blade" but had gone to "Ray" immediately.

"What time is this meeting? And how are you supposed to get there? Are you driving? The paparazzi are still camped outside, you know. Though they won't bother you, I don't think." They'd gotten shots of Ray leaving in his SUV out back. Some still followed me every time I left the apartment. They'd got a swell shot of me with a wet head after our visit to the beauty shop tonight. I kept hoping they'd give up. Business was still booming, though, which was why I really needed to get down to the shop.

"I'm meeting them at three." Penny sighed. "I guess I'm getting used to these crazy new hours. I didn't think twice when Ray told me that. The meeting's at his house on the lake and he said it was hard to find so he's sending a car for me before then."

"True. You're adapting very quickly." I gave her an encouraging smile. We were settled on the couch in my newly refurnished living room. The chairs were a beautiful caramel leather and the coffee table was a sturdy black enamel that could hold a man if he landed on it. My favorite new addition was the lamp. It was an Oriental ginger jar decorated with a red, caramel and black dragon design. I was grabbing it at the first sign of trouble next time. I figured Jerry had called a high-end furniture store and had a decorator pick these things. The only problem was that it made my thrift store couch look pretty sad. I was going to have to at least splurge on a new throw and some pillows.

I was about to comment on it when Penny's phone rang.

"It's my mom. She's been leaving messages. She wants to come check on me, especially after I told her about the rats being stolen and my research trashed." Penny kept staring at the phone.

"Answer it. We'll figure something out." I leaned back. Obviously I was going to be really late to the shop.

"Hey, Mom. Sorry I missed your other calls."

"Penny, why didn't you tell me you were moving?" Penny's mother had none of the Texas drawl I expected as I leaned close to listen in. I guess she was a Yankee transplant as they called them around here.

"It was kind of spur-of-the-moment. Glory and I clicked and she needed a roommate. It was a good deal for me." Penny rolled her eyes.

"Well, Daddy and I want to come up and meet her, see the new place." Mom obviously wasn't taking no for an answer. "How about Saturday? I'll bring a pot roast and we'll have lunch. I know how you miss my home cooking, honey. Jenny can come too."

"Sounds just wonderful, but that's not good for me." Penny heaved a big sigh that I was sure her mother could hear. "Still trying to deal with the mess at the lab and I have a big date Saturday night. I'll have to get ready."

"A date!" Mom was excited now. "Of course. Take all the time you need. Jenny could help you with that."

"Yeah, right." Penny looked at me. "Actually Glory has a clothing shop. She's been super helping me with my wardrobe. You won't recognize me when you see me. I'm totally transformed. Even got a haircut."

"That settles it. We're coming. Name the day. I mean it." Mom sounded firm.

I grabbed the phone. "Hi, Mrs. Patterson? This is Glory St. Clair, Penny's new roommate."

"Glory? Well, I'm glad to meet you. I hope Penny isn't making a mess in your place." Mom laughed. "She does have her mind on other things."

"I'm enjoying having Penny here. And she keeps her stuff in her room except for that big computer. But I'm sure you know how important her research was to her." I listened while Mom lamented about the lost research.

"Well, why don't you and Mr. Patterson come on up this Monday night? My shop's closed and Penny and I can have you here then. In the apartment." I laughed at the look on Penny's face. Obviously I'd just given her a deadline for having the rats gone and the place aired out.

"Oh, I love pot roast. With potatoes and carrots? Bring it on. I can't tell you the last time I had a home-cooked meal." I sighed. I couldn't have meant a statement more. "Yes, I'll make sure Penny calls her sister and gets her to come too. Penny says she's a vegetarian. Guess you know that, though. More pot roast for me." I laughed. "See you Monday." I hung up and faced Penny's glare.

"My parents are coming here? Monday night?" She looked significantly toward her bedroom. "What am I supposed to do about them?"

"Find them a home. Pronto." I got up and went to grab my purse.

"And how are we supposed to eat pot roast?" Penny was on my heels as I headed to my bedroom.

"We don't. We whammy the entire family to make them think we did." I picked up my brush and finished fixing my hair.

"Damn it, Glory." Her eyes filled with tears. "That seems so creepy and like cheating."

"What do you want to do? Show them your fangs?" I put down the brush. "You want creepy? Mom and Dad would absolutely die. Maybe literally. I don't know what kind of shape they're in or how old they are, but . . ."

"Dad's had a few heart issues." Penny frowned. "Mom's in great shape. They're both teachers. Dad teaches math but Mom's sponsor of the cheerleading squad and coaches soccer. You can imagine what a disappointment to her I was. I'm not into sports."

"But I bet you're Daddy's little girl." I patted her shoulder. "Get over this. We'll handle it. Since your computer is on our table, we'll set up TV trays and pretend to eat. Figure something out." I was getting really tired of all these complications.

"Gee, Glory, sorry to be a complication." Penny stomped back into the living room and picked up the TV remote.

"Did you just read my mind?" I grabbed my purse and followed her.

"Of course I did. I do it all the time." She frowned when I snatched the remote and muted the Syfy channel.

"It's rude. You do that to some paranormals and they'll hand you your head." I tossed the remote on the couch.

"Well, now you tell me." She slouched on the couch.

"Yes, now I tell you. Pay attention. The only time it's okay to read someone's mind is defense. You can try it during this meeting with Ian if thing's get dicey, but he'll have his thoughts blocked anyway. Guys like that do as a matter of course." I stared at her. "Just like you seem to do."

"Well, sure. I don't want just anybody strolling through my brain." She finally managed a smile. "It's a jungle in there."

"Of course. And swear to me on your mother's life, and I do mean that literally, that you'll stay out of Ray's mind. Totally X-rated." I kept my eyes on hers.

"First, cool it with the dire threats. I've done enough unauthorized strolls through your thoughts to know your bark's way worse than your bite, Glory." She ignored my snarl. "And second . . . " Now she blushed and giggled. "Who could resist a chance to get inside Israel Caine's head?" She grabbed my hand. "X-rated? Is there such a thing as Z?"

Now she had me flushing.

Penny sighed. "Wow, Glory. If you didn't fall into that guy's bed, you're crazy."

"Guess I am. Crazy enough to see Ray for what he is, a man who will never settle down with one woman for the long haul." I leaned back, sighing myself. Oh, the memories. We'd had some really close calls, but I just never could let myself go with Ray. And my reasons had always been valid. "I was scared to love him too much because I knew he'd just break my heart."

"I can see your point." Penny sighed. "But what a fine time you could have short-term."

I smiled and patted her knee. "There are guys out there who are much better bets, for both of us." Penny was wearing black jeans I'd picked out for her. Tonight she had on a black cardigan and turquoise V-neck shell. She looked good, especially with her new haircut and simple makeup. She'd pulled out some dangly topaz earrings that matched her eyes, a gift from her parents that she never wore. I'd complimented her enough that I had a feeling she'd be wearing them a lot now. Funny how becoming a vampire had brought life to her look.

"Speaking of bets . . ." She leaned forward. "I've been thinking about this meeting with Ian. If he's a genius like you say he is, he could be on his way to figuring out how to resurrect a normal life for vampires. Maybe get me some quality time with my folks before" - her voice cracked - "before it's too late."

"It's a dream we've all had, Penny. Nothing more than that. I hate to see you get your hopes up just to be disappointed." I sighed when she shook her head.

"With science, anything is possible. Don't be so pessimistic, Glory." Penny crossed her legs and bumped her knee on the new coffee table. "Damn, that thing weighs a ton."

"Not pessimistic, realistic. But I've seen too many miracles in my long life to count anything out. So you can meet with Ian and see what he says." I got up and walked carefully around the table. What had Jerry told that designer about his requirements in a coffee table? It was too big and way too heavy for this room. But it was beautiful. I arranged my latest issue of InStyle in the middle of it, then set the remote on top. Penny was quiet and I finally turned to her.

"I'm going down to the shop. I'll meet you there at two thirty. Are you going to just stay here and watch the tube till then?" I could see she had a good six hours to kill. For Penny, that was plenty of time to get up to mischief.

"I'll call the rat rescue people again, tell them it's urgent, then I may call Trey, see if he has a break and if I could meet him at N-V for it." Penny grabbed the remote but didn't touch a button. "What do you think?"

"Sure, why not? But let me know if you go out. Please?" I knew that was asking a lot. "The council wants me to keep tabs on you for now. It's important."

"Fine. You are helping me." She glanced back toward her bedroom and wrinkled her nose. "And I am kind of taking advantage here."

"Great. That's all I ask, that I know your schedule. Just stay out of trouble and we'll be cool." I picked up my purse and headed out.

Penny and Trey. Surely they could hang out without fallout.

Oh, Glory, when will you learn not to tempt fate?