The Lady is a Vamp (The Paranormal Investigations Series Book 1) (8 page)

‘I’m just starting to question things about my position at work. Something the werewolf saidabout the police – the ones aware of their existence that is – treating paras like second class citizens. Well it’s true isn’t it? Back when I was working with just humans I wouldn’t have been authorised to use telepathy and allowed to execute on sight. Not that I regret dealing with that monster today.’

Ruby frowned, concerned but unable to stop herself feeling relieved that it wasn’t her. Even so …

‘If we’re together, that’s only going to compromise your position further isn’t it?’

He nodded.

‘Yeah. So I quit.’

Ruby stared for a minute, not understanding.

‘You quit the police force?’

When Nick didn’t answer, Ruby clutched his arm.

‘Nick, you can’t do that. Not for me. You love being a detective.’ Ruby’s mind was whirling. She wanted to be with Nick more than anything, but she couldn’t let him make such a sacrifice for her. But she realised that although he looked serious – and utterly determined – he didn’t look unhappy. In fact when he spoke again, his eyes shone with enthusiasm.

‘And I still will be. Only a private one. Specialising in preternatural and paranormal cases. I spoke to the wolf pack and their representative at the Alliance, and he agreed it was a great idea – I might even get one of them on my team. There’s a lot more that goes on in this city than a secret police department can cope with, and the Alliance only deal with issues that affect their own security – and they certainly don’t work within the law. It’s perfect, Ruby.’

By the end of his explanation he looked so excited it was infectious and she couldn’t help but smile with him. She kissed him, long and lingering, then he pulled away.

‘There’s more. I want you to work with me. Be my partner. If you want to of course.’

Ruby’s eyes went wide.

‘Really?’

‘Sure; you proved last night you’re more than capable. But sweetheart,’ his tone became serious, ‘you can’t pull any stunts like you did this morning. Whatever you were thinking, it was foolish.’

Ruby looked down. She felt so foolish now for going off on her own, for not confiding in him. When she looked back up there were tears in her eyes again.

‘I’m sorry, Nick, truly. And it will never happen again, I promise. I’d love to be part of this with you, and to be part of your life. I love you.’ As she said it, she knew it was true. Nick kissed her again, harder this time.

‘I love you too, sweetheart.’

She went into his embrace, and their mouths explored each other as they fell back onto the bed. Partners; in every sense of the word.

The Paranormal Investigations Agency series

For more of our titles please visit our website

www.xcitebooks.com

Published by Xcite Books Ltd – 2014

ISBN 9781783752874

Copyright © Michelle Kelly 2014

The right of Michelle Kelly to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The story contained within this book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be copied, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publishers: Xcite Books, Suite 11769, 2nd Floor, 145-157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PY