Page 85 of The Phoenix

Bounty took her hand off Dax’s arm, obviously choosing to let his sarcasm go. “Do you think she’s found peace?” she whispered.

“Don’t know. Don’t care. She sure as hell didn’t have any while she was alive. From what I remember, my father wasn’t mate-of-the-year material. Then she moved on to your dear ol’ dad. The female had no luck with males.”

Chiara’s heels clicked on worn tile as she sidled alongside him in a knee-length skirt and fuzzy sweater. Not her style, but pretty. Hell. Anything was beautiful on his female. She had said she wanted to dress to send off his frerons. Damn near did him in.

“I’m sure she’s happy you’ve visited, Dax. I know I’m glad to meet her. And that’s your father?” Chiara pointed to the next shelf.

“Yep.” His voice betrayed no emotion.

“I want to rest beside you when we die.” Chiara stroked his back, her fingers as warm as her heart.

When a tear escaped her eyes, Dax wiped it away with a gentle thumb.

“Sorry,” she said. “I’m so emotional lately.”

Matty tucked Bounty under his arm as if he could protect her from all the bad shit of the world. Good for him.

Dax cupped Chiara’s face in his hands. “Don’t ever apologize for having a heart.”

Bad shit was barreling their way. The Firebrands and their allies were coming face-to-face with Armageddon. Many of them would die. Likely, he would be toe-tagged because he planned to fight all-out, letting the bludfrenzy loose, anything to keep Chiara and Bounty safe. He was resigned to his fate. He would not fail to protect what was his. This time.

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Chiara brushed her fingers through Dax’s long, black hair. She couldn’t bear to lose her vampire. She was afraid he would face Arisen Dawn with no concern for his own safety. That’s who he was, a male who saw everybody else as worthwhile while exclaiming he was a worthless piece of shit.

When she was ten, he had pulled her from a burning car. Though too late to spare her parents, he rescued her, unknowingly jumpstarting her witch powers. Thank goodness. Not only did her gift save her life more than once, but she had used it to help others.

When she bumped into the surly vampire again years later, it was a rocky reunion. She loved him while he tried to screw things up, believing he didn’t deserve love. Finally, he confessed he was an idiot. She forgave him. Though he was still her hero, she never called him one since he was allergic to praise.

He was into growling, snarling, and showing fang. Fortunately, she was immune. In fact, she loved getting Dax all stirred up. He did his best work when he went full vamp on her. Usually, their arguments ended with him feeding at her neck while he made love to her.

“I’m glad we’re here, Dax. Your mother needs to see the two wonderful children she missed getting to know. Her daughter is smart, funny, and gorgeous.”

Bounty, her fingers smoothing over Elora’s name on the metal plate, smiled at Chiara.

“I agree,” said Matty.

“And Dax. What can I tell her?” asked Chiara.

“Nothing.” Her vampire arrowed a warning glare in her direction.

She ignored him. “He’s shy, kind of snarky to keep others from seeing the real him. He’s a Firebrand like his father. Only better, I hear. He saves people. He rescued me.”

“She wouldn’t care, little witch.” Dax looped an arm over her shoulders.

“A mother would care.”

“She wouldn’t.”

Bounty asked, “Was there anything good about her, Dax? I don’t remember her.”

He scrubbed a fist across his barely there goatee. “I’m sorry, sis. I’m being unfair to you. Maybe it’s time I forgive her. Give you a few sunshine moments.” He paused. “Before she got too bad, she loved to brush your hair. Called you her silky beauty. She sang songs to put you asleep. I’d forgotten. She had the sweetest voice.”

A tear slipped down Bounty’s cheek. “I remember. Lullabies.”

Chiara’s heart melted. She had planned to save the news until they were alone. Fix Dax’s favorite meal, light candles, put on soft music, slap a tumbler of whiskey in his hand. But here, surrounded by family, it seemed right. “I have something else to tell her.” She walked closer to the wall where Elora’s ashes rested. “You’re gonna be a grandma.”

“What?” Bounty separated herself from Matty to pull Chiara into a fierce hug.

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