King of Tides (The Immortal Iron Brothers #3)

Chapter 25

Full of Surprises

“ W hat are you up to?” I say as I find Ardan leaning up against my car when I walk out of the precinct at the end of my shift.

I look around to make sure no one saw him appear out of thin air. It’s been a long night, the last thing I need is to have to deal with a noisy human. Not seeing anyone, I walk right into his waiting arms.

“That was brutal. I’ve never wanted to tear a human apart more in my life. I thought I’d do something special for you,” he replies as he wraps me in his embrace.

“God, I thought he was going to force you out of the necklace. Gates was in a particularly nasty mood today,” I groan.

Captain Gates tore into me like nobody’s business. I think he went off on me for an hour. I didn’t even do anything to warrant the blasting. It wasn’t my case or investigation he ripped into me about.

The only reason he took it all out on me is because I asked about the Ricci investigation. I caught a few whispers that Candido is facing a RICO and his businesses are being audited.

Ardan had mentioned wanting to know if Bardo had been in contact with Candido since the murder of the chef. I thought I could ask the captain to fill me in, not tear me a new one.

“He almost did. If it wasn’t against our laws, I would have really put him in his place.”

“Wait, what’s that supposed to mean? You did something, didn’t you? What did you do, Ardan?”

He gives me a mischievous grin. “I may have turned his bowels to water. He’ll have the runs for a day or two.”

I gasp. “You didn’t.”

“You’re not the only one who wants to stake out Candido. By the time he returns, we’ll have the answers we want.”

I can’t help laughing. “I’ll be more likely to be reprimanded for it too. He’s only going to come back irritable.”

“Not as irritable as his bowels.” He shrugs.

“Oh to be a fly on the wall when that situation hits.”

“He’ll make it home if he doesn’t make any stops before his shituation sets in. Now, it’s time to forget about him. Get in. I’m driving,” he says as he opens the passenger side door.

“This is new.”

“I want you to sit back and relax. I can change the car for one of mine if that makes you more comfortable.”

“How would you do that? Someone would see.”

Before I finish my words, my city-issued sedan turns into a candy-blue Mercedes truck. Ardan stands laughing at me as my mouth sits open. I look around quickly to see if anyone is paying attention.

“Get in the vehicle, Billy. I know how to cloak my magic. No one saw anything. Not even a super would have seen my actions.”

“Well excuse me,” I tease and hop into the passenger seat.

He closes the door and moves to get in behind the wheel. I don’t know why I’m so excited. Probably because Ardan doesn’t miss when it comes to his surprises.

I’ve felt so pampered in the last month. I may not know what sex with other guys is like, but I’ve dated enough to know Ardan is the exception when it comes to taking care of his woman. With each day, I know I’m getting closer to saying those words.

I don’t think it’s the bond forcing these feelings. It’s Ardan’s actions. He has made it safe for me to open up to him.

Because of him, I’ve gotten used to forgetting about work once I’m off the clock. I’ve come to appreciate the concept. With a smile on my lips, I sit back and close my eyes.

***

“Come on, baby girl. We’re here,” Ardan rumbles in my ear.

I open my eyes to find his bright-blue eyes staring into mine. He’s standing outside the car as he ducks inside to wake me, brushing a lock of hair out of my face. As I remember he has a surprise for me, I smile and come awake.

He backs out of the vehicle and holds his hand out for me to take. I take his hand and rush out of the car excitedly. Ardan gives me a bright smile and squeezes my hand.

“What are we doing here?” I ask as I look around.

I’m not really sure where we are, but excitement still fills me. It’s around two in the morning, so I’m not really sure where we’re going or what could be open at this time of night.

“You said you’ve only ever been to one concert in your life. I’ve been to thousands.” He shrugs. “I figured after the day you had, dinner and a private concert would be the perfect wind down.”

“You’re kidding, right? At this time of night, you’re taking me to a private concert?”

“We can do something else if you don’t want this,” he says and looks down at me to search my face.

“No, please. I’m excited.”

He gives a little chuckle and a wide smile. My heart swells when he wraps his arm around me and tugs me into his side. I allow my guard to fall a little more.

Ardan leads me into what looks like a garden. In the center is what looks like a stage in the middle of a fountain. I gasp when I read the name of the band on the drums.

“Are you freaking kidding me? Freezes Tides? How did you get them here this time of night?” I squeal.

“You do understand there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. It doesn’t hurt that they are supernaturals. Water and sea fairies,” he replies.

I was listening to this band this morning while reading. I think they’re awesome and they put me in such a vibe for the book I was reading. Ardan came into the library and found me with a smile on my lips.

He mentioned it and I told him how much I enjoyed the band. That’s when he asked if I had ever seen them live. I told him I had only been to one concert in my life. Now here we stand.

“This is awesome,” I breathe.

“You haven’t seen anything yet. Come sit. Dinner is waiting.”

I give his hand a squeeze as he walks me to the table set for two facing the stage and fountain. I find my second wind as we sit. I’m too excited to be exhausted.

“Ready?” he asks as he stares into my eyes.

I nod and food appears before us. In the next breath, the band appears on the stage, but that’s not all. A light show starts within the fountain. As the band begins to play, a water show joins the lights and the music.

I sit in awe as the water and lights react to the sound of the music, changing colors from blue to yellow to red to purple back to blue. Water shoots into the air like mini geysers, randomly raising from various spots in the large square fountain.

“This is so romantic. You always create the perfect dates. I needed this more than you could know.”

“I don’t need to read your thoughts to know what you need. If you need something, it’s my job to make sure you have it. I will always take care of your needs, Billy, and I will do so happily.”

“Thanks.”

I turn my attention to the plate in front of me and smile. A Philly cheesesteak and fries are on the plate, also something I’ve been craving. I may have thought about it when my thoughts were open to him earlier.

I tend to leave them open more often these days. It does help to strengthen our bond. He has been doing the same.

I take a bite of the cheesesteak and groan. This is hitting the spot. My thoughts go to the first time he fed me this meal.

“You used your magic that night. To get the food for me,” I say.

It’s a statement, not a question. I knew it was too good to be true that night. That joint I wanted the food from makes a killer cheesesteak, but never this good.

I look at Ardan and give him a rueful smile. Tilting his head, he studies me. He lifts a brow as I hold my smile.

“What?” he asks.

“I wonder if you’d be as good at this without magic at your disposal,” I taunt.

“I’m even better when I have to rely on only human methods.”

“This I have to see.”

“We have centuries for you to learn all the ways I plan to love on you, my pretty one.”

“There you go again. I still haven’t had a chance for that to sink in. A month ago, I hadn’t planned anything past the next day. Now you are speaking in centuries.

“What does that look like to you? I mean, will I age? I couldn’t possibly keep my career if I’m not going to age.”

“You won’t age, but you can use your magic to make it seem like you have. It is my hope that you won’t want to be an officer forever. Especially once we begin to have children of our own,” he says.

I look down at my plate and allow my thoughts to race. Do I love my career? I love the idea of finally placing cuffs on Candido and seeing him behind bars.

Do I have it in me to give it all up once that’s done? What would I do with my time? Children?

Feeling vulnerable at the thought of children, I allow Ardan into my thoughts. I allow him into my feelings as a child. I allow him to see why I’ve never thought about being a mom.

“My love, you will be a wonderful mother. You nor I will ever leave our little ones without us. They will be loved and protected. If you think my brothers would allow a child of mine to live without love and protection, you have lost your mind.

“Our community will also be there. If there is ever a reason we can’t be there, know, without a doubt, they will be covered.”

“I get that, and I hear what you’re saying, but they would be my kids, my responsibility, mine to protect. I don’t ever want them to feel like I don’t want them or I’m not there for them.”

“In time, you will see how powerful you are and how long your life will be. You will have the power to protect and care for our offspring.

“I have seen your heart. It’s not in you to abandon our children. Nor will I abandon them or you. You can put those fears to rest, Billy. Let me be your safe place.”

Tears fill my eyes. I let my guard down a little more. I knew I was damaged, but I’ve never thought of how damaged I truly am.

That fucking Candido did a number on me. I’m terrified of failing as a mother. So much so, I’ve never thought of having children of my own.

In all honesty, I’ve avoided serious relationships because of it. I want Candido to feel what I felt as a small child. Then I might be able to heal.

The need to avenge my sisters and me grows stronger by the second. That feeling in the pit of my stomach comes to life and begins to pulse. Ardan gets this strange look on his face as the feeling grows.

“What?” I ask.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

“I’m perfect. Thank you again, Ardan. Your words mean a lot to me. I have a lot to think about.”

“Take your time. I’m not rushing you to make any decisions tonight.”

I nod and turn back to the band as I allow my thoughts to work. Children? Can I be a good mom?