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  “Then what?” Anderson couldn’t help but think her lead was thin to begin with. Who knew if the investigator had done his job or had just given her the first name that came up?

  Daniel met his gaze again. “How did you figure out that a vampire had killed her? Not many people know they exist.”

  She shook her head. “I didn’t. I couldn’t believe it once I did.”

  “Then how did you know?” Anderson felt her body tremble next to him.

  “I took all the evidence I could get from the police and went to a man who studies the paranormal and knows about supernatural creatures.” She wiped away a tear. “Don’t you get it? Her body had no blood left and only two small puncture wounds in her neck. What else could have done that to her? Even a skeptic would find it hard to explain without coming up with a vampire as the killer.”

  “She’s got us there.” Daniel slid off the back of the van. “And I can see how you’d come up with Deacon. Especially if someone in Shatland pointed their bony finger at him.”

  “Daniel’s right. There are people in Shatland who would love to see Deacon go to the ground. People who blame him for killing the vampire that I’ll bet really killed your sister.”

  She straightened up and grasped Anderson’s arm. “What are you talking about?”

  Anderson loosened her hold on him then pushed out of the van to face her. He took her shaking hands. “Not long ago, a man named Richard Rollingsford came from the Boston area to Shatland. He was a vampire but one that had been thrown out of Boston by both his wealthy family and the other vampires. Was Rollingsford the name of the family?”

  “Y–yes. But the person who told me where to find Slater told me he’d changed his name when he arrived in Forever.”

  “What was the name of the person you talked to in Shatland?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter. The private investigator I hired found out from his sources that Rollingsford murdered Christine then moved to Shatland. Then the man in Shatland told me that he’d changed his name and moved to Forever.”

  “Christine was your sister’s name.”

  Another sob shook her. “Yes. She was the baby of the family, and I should’ve helped her. I should’ve made her leave the streets and put her in rehab. But I never thought she’d die.”

  Anderson cleared his throat, choking down the pain he felt flowing from her. “Shannon, Deacon’s lived here a lot longer than a few months. Did the investigator say he’d found evidence that Deacon was trying to hide his former identity?”

  She pushed away, but Anderson could sense her pushing away emotionally as well. She wasn’t ready to give up her quest or to accept that the vampire she sought was no longer alive.

  Daniel tried to take her hand again, but she wouldn’t have it. Instead, she stood up in the van, her face a mask of torment. “No! You’re wrong. I followed him here, and I’m going to do what I came to do.”

  “Shannon, come on. Let’s talk more about this.”

  She answered Anderson with a slamming of the doors. Daniel started for the driver’s door, but Anderson caught his arm and held him back. “Let her go.”

  “But why? We have to make her understand.”

  The engine turned over, and they stepped to the side as the van lurched backward before jumping forward to speed out of the alley.

  Anderson shook his head. “I think it’s going to take more than us to stop her. But at least we know why she’s hell-bent on killing Deacon.”

  “But she’s got the wrong vampire.”

  Anderson started walking, heading back to the pharmacy. “Yeah, and we need to tell Deacon about it, too. Maybe then, when she tries to stake him a third time, he won’t rip her head off.”

  “Don’t count on it, cuz.”

  Chapter Six

  Shannon curled up under the thin blanket, the air mattress underneath her giving her no buffer between her back and the hard, cold surface of the van. She’d give anything to sleep in a nice bed with clean sheets, but staying out of sight was imperative, especially if Daniel and Anderson told Deacon she was back. Who knew what the vampire might do?

  She tried to ignore the sound of Anderson’s voice echoing in her head. What he’d told her couldn’t be true. The vampire, Deacon Slater, was Christine’s killer. She was sure of it. Wasn’t she?

  The roof of the van taunted her with imaginary images of Daniel and Anderson, their faces earnest and serious as they tried to tell her that the killer vampire was already dead. She groaned, closed her eyes, and rolled over to her other side.

  Charlie’s words came back, churning a hole in her stomach. “Shannon, are you sure it’s him? I mean, I’m starting to doubt the private investigator’s findings. It just seemed so quick and easy for him to get the information. Almost like someone wanted him to find out who killed her.”

  Could her sister be right? But if she was, everything Shannon had done was for nothing. Her gut churned with the possibility that she might be wrong. That she could kill an innocent person.

  No, it can’t be. Think of something else. Think of something good.

  Fresh images erupted, bringing back the memory of Daniel and Anderson between her legs, pushing their cocks deep inside her, their hands exploring every part of her. But more than those physical memories, she could still remember the way they’d made her feel, as though she was the only woman in the world for them. They’d promised to be there for her, now, tomorrow, and forever.

  The thought alone brought heat between her legs and had her running her hands over her body. She’d dreamed of them last night and had awakened with her hand between her legs.

  But what if they’d told her the truth? Could she find closure without the revenge she’d hungered for since her sister’s death? What if she was targeting the wrong man?

  She flipped onto her back. Did it matter? Deacon Slater was a vampire. He’d surely killed other people even if he hadn’t killed Christine. Yet as much as she wanted it not to matter, it did. She didn’t know if he had killed and could never take his life without being positive he had. Even as a vampire, he deserved that much.

  Vampires. How she wished she could go back to life before she’d discovered that vampires existed. But there was no turning back.

  A knock on the back door of the van had her sitting up and clutching the blanket to her chest. She’d taken the usual precautions by finding an isolated spot to park for the night. What if the vampire had found her and was out to kill her as he’d done her sister?

  “Shannon, open up. It’s Daniel and Anderson.”

  She sighed in the same moment her pussy clenched with yearning. What was it about them that could whip her body into a lust-filled need? They were devastatingly handsome, sexy as hell, but it was more than that. Even without opening the doors, she could sense their presence, her body and her heart telling her she should go to them.

  “What do you want?” She tried to sound tough but failed. If anything, she sounded like she needed a good fucking. Bad.

  “We want you. Ow!”

  Anderson cleared his throat. “What Daniel said is true, but we need to talk to you again.”

  She smiled, picturing Anderson punching Daniel on the arm. But she couldn’t let them get to her. “No, we don’t. I don’t know how you found me, but leave me alone.”

  “We have our ways, and Deacon has his. If we know you’re sleeping in your van out in the middle of nowhere, he knows it, too.”

  She ran a hand through her hair. He was right. “Did you tell him?”

  Daniel’s face appeared in the window on the passenger’s side. “Come on, Shannon. Open the damn doors.”

  “Answer the question.” She hid behind a seat and pulled her clothes on. Did she smell? She’d managed to find a roadside restroom to clean up, but she didn’t think a washcloth bath could do a very good job. She tracked her fingers through her hair. Washing her hair under the sink hadn’t been easy, either.

  “No. But like
I said, we won’t have to. He has his own people, who are probably watching us right now.”

  She frowned. Was Anderson telling her the truth or just trying to get her to open the doors? She jumped as another pounding on the door shook the van.

  Just how strong are these guys?

  “Either open up or we’ll get in whatever way we have to.”

  “You guys are threatening me now?” She shoved aside the blanket and slapped her hand against the window to make Daniel flinch.

  “No. Just promising,” announced Anderson.

  She listened against the door and tried to hear what they said to each other, but she knew she was only prolonging the inevitable. Straightening her clothes and hoping she was at least presentable, she pushed open the doors and searched the area around them.

  She’d parked on the side of the road, away from any trees, bushes, or anything else that would provide a hiding place. “There’s no one around here. I’d have heard or seen them.”

  “Not vampires, you wouldn’t.” Daniel held out his hand and helped her hop to the ground. “You’re really sleeping in your van, aren’t you?”

  “So what if I am?” She couldn’t help but inhale, bringing in their scents. Daniel’s scent was spicier, but they both reminded her of the outdoors, fresh air, and an edge of something wild. She froze when she noticed them sniffing her, too.

  “Why don’t you come home with us? We have lots of room at our ranch.” Daniel’s blue gaze melted into her, and, for a second, she would’ve gone wherever he wanted.

  “Who else lives on your ranch? Does it have a name?” She’d passed a couple of ranches with names like Lonesome Range Ranch and even one called Moonlight Ranch.

  “It does. We call ours Moonbeam Ranch.”

  She clapped a hand over her mouth but not in time to catch her laughter. “I’m sorry, Anderson, but seriously. Moonbeam Ranch?”

  “What’s wrong with Moonbeam Ranch?”

  She fought to keep a straight face. “Nothing, I guess. But it sure seems like people in Forever have a fascination with the moon. Moonbeam Ranch, Moonlight Ranch, and even a bar called The Moonstone. Just seems a bit obsessive.”

  “Says the woman who won’t let go of her vendetta even when people tell her she’s got the wrong man.” Daniel shot her a quick smile. “Now back to the matter of you sleeping in your van. Granted, it’s okay for a fast romp of sex, but not good enough to sleep in.”

  “Are you going to come back to our ranch or not?”

  “No, Anderson, I’m not.”

  Anderson held up a finger, took out his phone, and punched in some numbers. “First, we’re going to find you someplace to sleep. Someplace where we can make sure you’re okay.”

  “And keep me away from your friend, the vampire, right?”

  Anderson turned his back on her as he started talking on the phone, but try as she might, she couldn’t hear what he said. “Who’s he calling?”

  Daniel tilted his head as though he could hear. “Milly. Do you remember her? She owns Milly’s Coffee Spot?”

  “Yeah. I remember her.”

  He stopped, again listening. “She says you can stay with her.”

  “But I don’t want to.”

  Daniel leaned against her shoulder, giving her sparks of desire. “Sure you do. Milly has a little place behind her diner. It’s warm, comfortable, and she likes to cook desserts.” He sniffed, making a show of it. “Besides, no offense, but you could use a good shower.”

  The heat of embarrassment flashed up her neck and into her cheeks. “I guess I could.”

  “Then it’s a done deal.” Daniel raised his hands as he warded off her protest. “Hey, go there and get a shower if nothing else. Once you’re clean, you can decide if you want to stay the night.”

  Anderson heard the last of their conversation as he ended his call. “Good idea. You can get to know Milly a little better, catch a free meal, and then decide.”

  “How about it, Shannon?” Daniel’s grin widened. “Do we have a deal?”

  She pointed first at Anderson then at Daniel, almost touching his nose with the end of her finger. “Okay. But only on one condition.”

  The men exchanged a wary look. “What’s your condition?”

  “No more talk about this mysterious other vampire you say killed my sister.”

  Anderson narrowed his eyes then rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Deal. But just for the night. In the morning, we talk.”

  She considered the hand he’d stuck out for her then took it and gave him a firm handshake. “Deal.” She met his gaze then slid hers away, fearful he’d see the lie in her eyes.

  * * * *

  “Come on in.” The young blonde woman Shannon had seen behind the counter at the diner spread her arms wide as though welcoming her to a spacious mansion. Shannon returned Milly’s smile and stepped over the threshold. The apartment behind the diner was small but nicely furnished with cozy items and knickknacks. Light and airy, the place made her think of her parents’ beach house in the Hamptons, minus the expensive interior and servants. But she liked Milly’s home better. She’d always felt like a guest in any of her parents’ homes.

  “Thank you for letting me use your shower to freshen up.” She dipped her head toward Anderson and Daniel. “I’ve been told I’m quite…fragrant.”

  Milly’s laugh was just as light and airy as her home. “Oh, I get it. They told you that you stink.”

  Shannon couldn’t help but laugh as the men protested, vowing they’d never said anything of the sort. “It’s okay. I don’t blame them. But are you sure I’m not putting you out?”

  “Shoot, no. I’d love the company. It gets a little lonely living by myself.”

  I bet if she had her way, she’d let Anderson and Daniel keep her from getting lonely. But she couldn’t blame her. No woman with half a brain would kick either one of the men out of her bed.

  “Follow me, and I’ll give you the grand tour.” Milly pointed at parts of the open room, gesturing to the flat-screen television decorating the entire space of one wall then waving at her tiny kitchen, exclaiming as though it was a chef’s gourmet kitchen. She carried on down the hallway, giving Shannon no room to get a word into the conversation.

  “And here’s my bedroom with the en suite bathroom.” Milly pushed the door wide and let Shannon into the small bathroom. Milly had decorated it well, turning it from a simple, ordinary bathroom into a mini-spa. Perfumed, shell-shaped soaps sat at the edge of the combined shower-tub while more soap rested in a crystal vase next to the pedestal sink.

  “You have a very nice home.” Shannon ached to turn the shower on and feel the mist of hot water flow over her body.

  “And I bet you’re just dying to get a shower, aren’t you? I tell you what, let me make sure the boys put your duffel bag where you can find it, and I’ll get out of your hair. I have a great herbal shampoo in the shower, and towels are in the linen cabinet right there. Take all the time you need, and don’t worry about using all the hot water. I won’t be needing the bathroom.”

  “Oh? I hope I didn’t mess up any plans you have.”

  Milly took her hand and squeezed it. “Of course not. I usually go on a run at night, so you just make yourself at home. The sleeper sofa’s already outfitted with sheets, so whenever you’re ready, you go on to sleep. There’s a clean nightgown hanging on the back of the door. I’ll try not to wake you up when I come in.” She winked at her. “And don’t wait up. I might swing by The Moonstone Bar later on, and who knows what might happen.”

  “Are you sure—”

  Milly held up one finger. “Hush. Not another thought about it. Do you like blueberry pancakes? Of course you do. Everyone likes my blueberry pancakes, so that’s what we’ll have in the morning. Are you all set then? Good. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

  Shannon didn’t have a chance to respond, but she didn’t think Milly minded. She’d kept talking without hesitating for an answer.

  Milly
wiggled her fingers in a good-bye wave, closed the door behind her, then opened it again. “And if you feel like doing some of your laundry, feel free to do mine, too.” She playfully slapped Shannon on the arm. “No, I’m just funnin’ with you.”

  Shannon liked the woman even if she did talk a lot. And fast. She turned around and took a deep breath and opened the cabinet to find large white towels. They were soft and just begging for her to wrap her body in them.

  Pushing the flowered shower curtain aside, she turned the knob and adjusted the heat of the water streaming into the bathtub. She stripped, more than ready to climb under a warm spray. Testing the water, she stepped into the shower and thought she’d died and gone to heaven.

  Water coursed over her body, running down her back and between her butt cheeks, over the rise of her breasts to flow down her flat stomach and into the crevice below. She shampooed her hair with the herbal shampoo then rinsed and resisted the urge to do it again. Turning to face the shower, she lathered up the washcloth then ran it over her body, luxuriating in the pure pleasure of being clean.

  Placing her foot on the shower ledge, she washed her leg, letting the suds skim down to her toes. “Thank goodness I had my legs waxed before I came.”

  “I was going to mention how smooth your legs were yesterday.”

  She gasped, almost slipping as she brought her foot down and clutched the washcloth to her breasts.

  “I was, but then you took off like a bat out of hell.”

  She pulled the curtain aside and gaped at Anderson. “What the hell are you doing in here?”

  “Milly’s gone for a run, and Daniel had a horse he had to check on, so I figured that left me to wash your back.”

  “Who said I needed anyone to wash my back?” She widened her eyes as he started pulling off his T-shirt. “What are you doing?”

  He dropped his shirt to the tiled floor. “What does it look like?”

  “Anderson, no. We can’t. Not here.”

  His wicked grin added a different kind of wetness between her legs. Kicking off his boots, he added his jeans to the pile on the floor.