Nightly love

Chapter 2





Thomas had been awake for a long time pondering if what he was about to do was a good idea or not. Pacing back and forth along the edge Thomas folded his wings carefully across his back and remembered how he had become like he was. A jealous fool that choose a woman over blood. His blood. His twin brother. How could he be so stupid?

Not much I can do now. He told himself silently. Oh, how he missed his brother.

Ceasing his pacing Thomas stiffened suddenly as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. A familiar but faint scent teased his nose. Looking towards the ground he saw a figure walking slowly through the now dying garden the moonlight highlighting her hair-making look like molten lava.

Deciding that this was fate Thomas made up his mind that he would speak to her and determine for himself if she was worth living in his castle.



Danika walked slowly through the garden and sighed deeply. The plants and flowers were dying, more than half dead all ready. Maybe with the right touch and time the garden could be as beautiful as she once believed it to be. She had always had a thing for gardens.

Pulling the afghan more tightly around her chilled body Danika glanced up at the sky and smiled. It was almost midnight and she found herself unable to sleep. Ronnie’s story was stuck in her brain, her mind churning with questions.

Hearing a twig snap behind her Danika spun on her heels.” Who’s there?” She searched the darkness for any sign of movement.” Who’s there?” She repeated.

“ A lady shouldn’t be walking out late at night,” Came a deep voice from the darkness.

Slightly annoyed that someone she couldn’t even see was telling her what she wasn’t suppose to be doing Danika snapped back.” And who are you to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do?”

“ Just a concerned citizen.” After a short pause he asked.” Are you not afraid?”

“ Not really.” She too paused than asked.” Should I be?”

“ Depends.”

“ On what?”

A long pause.” On what I am going to do.”

That startled Danika a bit.” What are you going to do?” She asked her voice shaking a bit.

“ Where would be the fun in that if I told you?”

“ Look,” Danika snapped taking a step backwards.” Either show yourself or get lost. I do not have time for your games.”

“ Are you sure you want me to do that?” He whispered.

Danika heard the warning in his voice but choose to ignore it. “ Yes.” Danika remembered nothing more when he stepped from the shadows as she fainted dead away.

Moving like lightning Thomas caught her before she hit the ground. Cradling her gently against his chest he cursed his stupidity for once again scaring the life out of an unexpected woman. Glancing around he made sure no one saw him before he spread his wings and flew gracefully up to her bedroom window.

Kicking the door open with his foot he walked over to her bed and laid her gently on the bed, tenderly soothing her hair back from her face. The resemblance was remarkable. He was in fact staring down at his lost love but how could that be. Angela had died. He had seen her grave.

Hearing her moan softly he glanced down to see that her eyes were gradually opening. Her gray eyes looked around the room in confusion till she spotted him standing beside her bed. Squealing in surprise she roll to her left to move away and rolled off the bed, hitting the floor with a loud thump.

“ OW!” Came from the floor.

“ Are you all right?” Thomas asked trying not to grin.

” Sure, me and the floor do this every night. It’s like a ritual that must be done every night or else the floor will feel left out.” Came a sarcastic remark from the floor.

“ Really?” Thomas asked fascinated.

Suddenly gray eyes were glaring at him from the side of the bed, red hair tossed wildly around.” No, Stupid. I was being cynical.”

Thomas eyes narrowed.” I don’t think I like the tone to your voice.”

“ I really don’t care,” Danika said standing.

“ You should,” Thomas growled moving to the foot of the bed in a blink of an eye.

Crossing her arms over her chest Danika glared at him.” I don’t like idle threats.”

“ I promise you, Lady I don’t speak threats.”

Smoothing her hair back in place Danika gazed at the man or creature standing feet away from her. First thing she noticed was how tall he was. From what she could determine he was almost seven feet tall. Muscles ripped across his massive chest as arms of steel crossed over his chest as he watched her. Long black hair hung straight down his back coming to rest about mid back. Green eyes gazed lazily at her.

“ Oh my,” Danika gasped when she noticed for the first time large black wings extending from his back.” Who, what are you?”

Saying nothing Thomas moved slowly around the bed to stand beside her. Reaching down he hooked a finger under her chin and raised her gaze to meet his. Moving her head from side to side he studied her features intensely.” Amazing,” Thomas mumbled.” Simple amazing.”

“ What are you talking about?” Danika snapped knocking away his hand and stepping back. Her neck was beginning to hurt from staring up at him. Taking a deep breath she asked.” Will you please sit down?”

“ Sit down?” Thomas asked pleased but surprised.

“ Yes, sit down.” Danika gave him a friendly push that sent him flopping down on her bed. The bed groaning under his weight.

“ I rather stand,” Thomas said trying to stand back up.

“ No, sit,” Danika sneered placing her hands on his shoulder to hold him down. She squealed in surprise when he stood up. She quickly wrapped her legs around his waist to keep from falling, her arms locked around his neck.

Danika took a deep breath and glanced at the floor before looking back at him.” The reason I wanted you to see is so I could talk to you without my neck hurting. You are quite tall.”

Thomas looked startled before he nodded his head than sat down. Danika quickly found herself sitting on his lap with her legs locked around his waist. Groaning in embarrassment she unlocked her legs and pushed away to climb off. Suddenly strong arms snaked around her waist and held her firmly in his lap.

“ I think I like you this way.” Thomas grinned mischievously.

Horrified at his words Danika punched him in the chest than tried to move off his lap.” Let me go.”

“ Nah, I think not.”

Squirming with all her might Danika punched him in the chest a few more times until her fist hurt.” Let me go, damn you!”

Thomas’ arms locked tightly around her and brought her forward till her ear was resting gently against his mouth. “ Ease your struggles, Wench.”

“ Why should I?” Danika demanded wiggling more.

Thomas took a shaky breath and willed his body to relax.” If you do not ease you will find yourself on your back and more than you bargained for.”

It took a full minute before Danika grasped his meaning. Easing her struggles she pulled back and meet Thomas’ gaze.” Please let me go.”

Picking her up Thomas set her gently on her feet and watched her cautiously as she took a few steps back and crossed her arms over her chest.” Who are you?”

For the first time since Thomas saw her he finally noticed what she was wearing. The afghan she had placed over her shoulders had covered the thin gray nightgown that hung all the way to the floor showing only a hint of her bare feet and clung tightly against her body. As his eyes traveled the length of her his gaze took in the outline of her nipples through the almost transparent material and how the nightgown highlighted every curve.

Unable to stop himself Thomas shot to his feet and stepped forward pulling Danika hard against him. Lowering his head he captured her lips in a searing kiss that sent his heart slamming against his chest. Maneuvering so her legs were pressed up against the side of the bed he carefully laid her back on the bed and laid out beside her, never breaking the kiss.

Deepening the kiss his tongue slid easily between her lips and softly touched hers. Hearing her light moan reality washed back over him and made him stop. What the hell am I doing? Raising his head he gazed down at her, searching her eyes. In her eyes he saw no disgust or resentment only desire. Desire for him.

Knowing what he was doing was wrong Thomas stood up and was gone. Dazed and confused Danika sat up and glanced around. Had she been dreaming? Lightly touching her lips she could still feel his lips against hers, his hands caressing her body and knew that she had not dreamt it.

Rolling over she crawled under the covers and snuggled deep into them till only the top of her head showed. Closing her eyes she took a deep steady breath and let sleep take her to a different world.





Thomas paced back and forth on the roof. How could he be so careless letting his emotions get the best of him? He had to remind himself constantly that she was not Angela even if the resemblance was undeniably the same.

“ What is the matter, Brother you look troubled?”

Looking over his shoulder he glared at the approaching figure.” I am in no mood for your games.” Thomas growled.

James held up his hands in defeat.” So I see. What troubles you, Thomas?”

Thomas took several deep breaths before answering.” A woman.”

James looked utterly shocked before he grinned.” A woman, you say. How fascinating.”

Glaring at his brother he growled,” How is that fascinating?”

“ It has been a long time since a woman has caught your eye.”

“ Not since….” Thomas’ words trailed off when he saw the look of hurt that flashed in his brother’s eyes.” I’m sorry.”

James brighten.” It was a long time ago.” Leaning closer his grin spread even wider.” So, what is she like?”

“ You don’t want to know,” Thomas growled.

“ Oh yes I do,” He said acting hurt.” Is she beautiful?”

Thomas closed his eyes and smiled.” More beautiful than a days sunset.”

“ More beautiful than Angela?” James realized his mistake to late.” Oh, Thomas I didn’t mean that.”

Thomas opened his eyes and smiled sadly.” It was a honest question.” Taking a deep breath he said,” No, she isn’t as beautiful as Angela because she is Angela.”

“ WHAT? Are you mad?” James screamed.” How can that be? Angela is….” His sentences were never finished as day began to break.

“ Till later tonight, Brother.”

James watched as Thomas became immobile his skin hardening around him, an evil smile on his face. Angela? Alive? How could that be? It wasn’t possible. Walking over to the door that lead back into the castle James decided that he would meet this imposter. Nodding, he had a plan than walked through the closed door.





“ Good morning, Sunshine.”

Gradually opening her eyes Danika lowered the covers and gazed sleepily at Jamie.

“ Are you planning on getting up?”

Stretching, Danika asked through a yawn,” What time is it?”

“ It’s past two,” Jamie said glancing at her watch.” I thought you were dead.” Flopping on the bed Jamie put her face close to Danika’s and asked grinning,” Have a bad night?”

“ No,” Danika said yawning again.” I had a rough but interesting night.”

Jamie was interested.” Really? What happen?”

Danika smiled.” You would never believe me.”

“ Try me.”

Shrugging, Danika told Jamie about her mystery man and what had happen.” It was like stepping into a dream. He was tall and intimidating but god was he gorgeous.”

Jamie couldn’t believe her ears.” He kissed you?”

“ Not only did he kiss me,” Danika said leaning forward.” But he made parts of my body I never thought could throb. God, I wanted him so bad.”

Jamie was taken back.” That good?”

“ That good.”

Jamie stared at Danika for a long time before she grinned.” You like him.”

Ducking her head Danika smiled.

“ Oh my god,” Jamie squealed jumping to her feet.” You only met this mystery guy one night and you are all ready infatuated with him.”

Before Danika could answer a voice from the door drew their attention.” How are we today, Ladies?”

“ We’re good,” Jamie said.” Now that miss sleepy head is awake.”

Ronnie looked surprised.” You feeling all right?”

“ Oh, yes,” Danika smiled.” I just didn’t get to sleep till early this morning. Case of insomnia.”

“ Understandable being in a new place.” Walking over to the window she glanced out.” There is still a few hours of daylight left. After you get some lunch would you two care to go for a ride? The horses have been pinned up for a while and I am sure they would love for a little exercise.”

Nodding excitable Ronnie smirked at the two girls.” In your bureau are riding clothes meet me in the stable in an hour?” Seeing their nods she bowed her head and left the room, a frown appeared on her face as soon she rounded the corner.

What the hell was Thomas thinking? She asked herself silently. One thing for sure she knew she had to keep Thomas from seeing Danika again but first she needed to talk to come. She would be waited for him once he woke.



Danika felt like she was in a fairy tale story. First the amazing lunch than t the three-hour ride. She was in heaven. It was the most fun she had in a while.

Climbing off her house Danika gave his side a swift pat before he was pulled away from her.” Hey!”

A man in his early sixties poked his head around from the front and frowned.” I am sorry, miss. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“ Danika,” Ronnie said coming up behind her.” This is George. He works in the stables.”

“ Oh,” Danika smiled warmly as he fidgeted nervously.” It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“ Like wise.” Shifting uncomfortable from foot to foot he asked quietly,” If it is all right I’ll take the horses and take care of them?”

“ Oh yes, please do.” Stepping back Danika watched him take the horse into the stable and begin to take off the saddles and brush them.

“ What is that delicious aroma?’ Jamie asked heading for the castle.

Ronnie laughed and followed at her.” From the smell out it the cook is waiting on you two.”

“ Will you be joining us tonight?’ Danika asked.

“ I will in a minute. You two go ahead.” Seeing Danika’s suspicious look Ronnie smiled.” I need to take care of something first. I’ll be there shortly.”

“ Okay, but don’t be surprised if there is nothing left.”

Ronnie giggled and watched the girl’s race off to the kitchen. Glancing up at the sky she would make it their a few seconds before he awoke. She would be ready for him.



Opening his eyes Thomas stretched and shook off the last remaining piece of stone than yawned loudly. Walking over to the edge he peered down hoping to get a peek at her for a brief second. No matter how hard he tried he could not get her out of his mind. Even in sleep she haunted his dreams and made his body ache for her closeness.

“ She isn’t down there.”

Startled by the unexpected voice Thomas lost his balance and fell over the side only to reappear seconds later and land gracefully on the edge.

“ What are you trying to do, Woman? Give me a heart attack?”

Not answering Ronnie only stared at him. She didn’t know whether to kick him in the shin or jump up and slap him senseless.

Seeing her angry look Thomas asked,” What?”

“ How could you be so stupid?”

“ Stupid? What are you talking about?”

“ How long have I serviced you?” Ronnie asked.

Thomas shrugged.” I did not keep track.”

“ Fifty years. Fifty years I have watched over you and made sure this castle was kept vacant from strangers. There isn’t much I do not know about what goes on in here.”

Thomas knew exactly where this was going but planned dumb.” What are you babbling about?”

Taking a deep breath Ronnie stepped forward.” I was on my way upstairs to ask the girls if they cared to take a ride on the horses when I happen to hear a conversation that was quite disturbing.”

“ What was said?” Hope flared inside Thomas.

“ Danika was telling Jamie about a stranger she meet while exploring the castle. A handsome stranger that swept her off her feet. A stranger that she would very much like to see again and will seek him out tonight.”

“ Really?’ Thomas gasped grinning like a fool, his heart slamming against his chest.

“ Thomas, this is a serious matter!” Ronnie yelled.

Sighing, Thomas sat down.” I don’t see why you are making a big deal out of this. It was only one kiss.”

“ One kiss, Thomas could lead up to many things.”

“ Not if I don’t want them too,” Thomas said staring off into the night sky.

Growling in frustration Ronnie stormed over and grabbed Thomas’ chin, jerking his gaze to meet her.” She is not Angela.”

“ Don’t you think I know that!” Thomas roared standing up and knocking Ronnie backwards.” Do you know how hard it is to sense her presence every night and know that even though she looks a hell of a lot like Angela that she isn’t and I can’t have it even though I ache for her.”

“ You ache for Angela,” Ronnie pointed out.

“ Angela is dead. Killed by my foolishness. “ He stepped forward till she had to look up at him.” Don’t you think I suffer enough by knowing that without you coming up here and telling me what I can’t have?”

“ I am only looking out for you, Thomas.” Ronnie whispered.

“ I appreciate that. I do but listen and listen well. If something was to happen between me and Danika than it happens but nothing you can say or do will keep me from seeing her again.”

“ Are you sure about that?” Ronnie challenged.

“ Oh I know so.”

“ We will see.” With that she spun on her heels and stomped off, disappearing back into the castle.





Sitting back in he chair Danika sighed deeply.” Oh my god that was good.”

The cook, who had been standing by the kitchen door smiled proudly.” Would you care of dessert, Miss Rivers?”

Sinking lower in her seat Danika shook her head.” No thank you, Greta. If I eat anymore I will surely burst.”

“ Danika, I was thinking…. Danika? Where are you?” Jamie could of sworn she was sitting in the chair as few seconds ago.

“ I think I died.” Came Danika’s muffled voice.

Looking over at Greta in confusion Jamie lifted the tablecloth and looked under. Covering her mouth she stifled a giggle. Danika had slipped out of her chair and was now laying on her back under the table.

“ What are you doing?” Jamie giggled.

“ One minute I was in the chair,” she said waving her hand above her,” the next I was on the floor. I tried to get up but I am to full.” She patted her stomach.” I’ll just lay her for a while.”

Suddenly a gasp echoed through the room.” Milord, what are you doing here?”

Sitting up quickly Danika murmured a few choice words when her head came in contact with the underside of the table. Shaking her head to get rid of the stars before he eyes Danika looked at Jamie.

Jamie and Danika both stared at each other, both barely breathing.

“ Who is it?” Danika whispered.

“ How should I know,” Jamie said.” I was talking to you.”

“ Well, look and tell me who it is.”

Nodding her head Jamie sat up straight only to reappear a few seconds later, her eyes the size of saucers.

Seeing her startled look Danika asked,” Who is it?”

“ I’m…. I’m…” she paused and swallowed loudly.” I’m not sure.”

“ What does he look like?”

“ Well, he’s tall, incredible tall.” She paused and thought about it. Her head disappeared for a few seconds than reappeared.” He has black hair and dark green and he’s drop dead gorgeous.”

Danika stiffened.” Does he have wings on his back?”

“ No, he…. What? Wings? No he doesn’t have wings. Are you crazy?”

“ Okay, okay. Calm down. Sorry I asked.” Danika took several deep breaths.” What should we do?”

“ First, you can get out from underneath the table.”

Sticking out her tongue Danika slowly crawled out from underneath the table and slowly stood up. Greta was no where in sight. Ronnie and the handsome stranger were standing by the door talking. The conversation sounded a little tense.

“ I do not care!” His voice boomed through the room startling the girls.” I am hungry and I will eat something.”

“ This is not a good idea, Thomas!” Ronnie said a little too loud.

“ What to eat? You don’t want me to starve, do you?” He smiled warmly.” Calm yourself, Veronica. You do not want to take in an early death.”

“ With you around I might,” Ronnie mumbled than disappeared out the door.

Walking towards the table he paused to smile at Jamie than wink at Danika before pulling out a chair and sinking heavily into it. He began to fix himself a plate than stopped and looked up.” Care to join me?”

Both girls glanced at each other than back at him.” We all ready ate,” Jamie told him.

“ Please join me. I could use the company.”

Hesitating for a few seconds the girls pulled out chairs and sat down. Finishing making hid plate the girls watch his every move, unsure of what they should say. Finally, the tension in the room was too much for Jamie to handle.

“ You going to be all right?” Jamie asked Danika softly.

“ Sure, why?”

“ I need some fresh air.”

Danika smiled despite the butterflies that danced in her stomach.” Go ahead. I’ll be heading to bed soon.”

Nodding, Jamie stood and hurried from the room. Taking several deep breaths she slowly looked over at the handsome stranger and gasped. He had pushed aside his empty plate and was staring at her.

Swallowing the lump in her throat she said,” Greta is a fabulous cook, isn’t she?”

“ Aye, but that’s not why I came,” He said softly. Pushing his chair back he stood to his full height and gradually made his way around the table.

‘ Why…. Why did you come?” Danika stuttered.

“ To see you,” He answered bluntly.