Forever Woman

By January Bain

Dying from an incurable disease, Winter Kennedy wants to become a vampire. After making contact with an ancient vampire of the Pharaoh Clan, she makes the mistake of falling in love with a human. But the vampire, Christopher St. John, won’t accept that she has changed her mind and whisks her away to his Alaskan mountain top home. Will her true love be able to rescue her from her final fate, before it’s too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Champagne Books
• Release date: Feb 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781927454671

January Bain

January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create a series that features strong women who don’t take life too seriously, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope the stories of her beloved Brass Ringers will capture your imagination as much as they did hers when she wrote them. If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with two furry babies trying to prove who does a better job of guarding the doorway. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously replied to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

Book preview

Prologue

The murmur of voices was silenced in an instant by the ancient magistrate’s unearthly cold stare as he stood with full authority, blacked-hooded and paper-white, and read from the book of punishments, his voice heralding the full power of the Condita, the Vampire Establishment.

It is our character and our will that makes and mars our lives. Your defense that you were not aware of the edict against human feeding falters as it does not justify the excessive crime of random acts of terror against humans. Modern vampire lore is clear on this point, as it is written.

With a short pause for emphasis, he continued his diatribe in the echoing tone of an inhuman mountain of stone. The more astute members of his audience felt an infinitesimal flicker of his savoring the silence before his final pronouncement began.

Therefore, it is the verdict of this court that the vampyre, Katrianna Ivanski, in absentia, for her crimes against the Condita, be chained for no less than twenty four hours to the punishment polus in the central courtyard of the templum. May the Confuto have mercy on your undead soul.

One

Winter parked the small black car she’d recently leased from Nome Motors and walked on crystallized snow that popped under her new snow boots into Fast Eddie’s feeling a surge of suppressed excitement lurch in her chest. She took in the layout of the establishment as she made her way through the restaurant and into the bar at the rear. The rustic décor suited Nome, she thought, settling down on a stool at the long, shining mahogany bar, glad to sit after a long afternoon of shopping for acquisitions for her apartment. She was well aware of being covertly watched, but ignored the raised eyebrows as she waited for the bartender to greet her.

Well, pretty lady, I’ve been waiting for you all my life. What can I get for you? The warm, mellow voice of the bartender made Winter’s own eyebrows rise in surprise at his audacity and she coolly replied, A cosmopolitan. Not a drink she would normally have ordered, but she felt the Irish imp rise in her and she wanted to stump the bartender and put him in his place.

Coming right up, beautiful! The man turned to get the necessary ingredients together for her request and Winter watched with interest how smoothly and efficiently the man pulled the drink together. Within a few moments it was expertly placed on a paper napkin in front of her. So, she hadn’t stumped him after all.

She looked up at the bartender and caught his eye and was surprised by the startling violet-blues that greeted hers, so like her own it was disconcerting. Until that moment, she’d believed she was the only one with that eye color. A very rare color that set her apart, along with her natural white-blond hair, she had never expected to see the exact color in another human being, and certainly not in Nome, Alaska.

She watched his eyes widen in interest and in an instant felt her loins tighten in the ancient primitive response that has existed since time immemorial. She dismissed its heat, taking it to mean it had been far too long since she had given into any man. She enjoyed the fact that he appeared to be at a loss for what to say next and grabbed a much-used polishing cloth and wiped the bar down for the second time in the past few minutes since she’d been there. All thumbs, he abandoned the enterprise and looked at her once more. She carefully avoided looking directly into his eyes this time.

So, you must have a story, miss…?

Don’t we all? She knew her response was out of character; the clipped tone was so unlike her usual caring attitude echoing in her head, making her feel a little off-center. Nursing had brought out the best in her, she was well aware; caring for others had filled her life and given it meaning since the age of fifteen when she decided on it as her life’s purpose. She found herself relenting when she saw the flash of hurt pass through his eyes. This man was getting under her skin and they had just met, for crying out loud.

I’m Winter Kennedy, and I just arrived today to work at the hospital—as a nurse.

Holding out his hand to give hers a firm shake, he replied, Hello, Winter Kennedy. I’m Aiden. Aiden Hightower and I just moved to Nome six weeks ago to join my sister Ellie, who’s married to Mike, the man who owns this joint.

She pulled her hand away as he continued to stare at her. She did not know what to make of the encounter; she’d never experienced a first meeting quite like this one. She had even liked the way he said her name, his voice a low, sexy timbre that echoed so enticingly in her nether regions.

She took a sip of her drink, hiding a smile, and savoring the expert blending of the flavors. Good drink. She got a quick smile in return, which she acknowledged with a brief nod. Settling back on the bar stool, she surveyed the quiet room. It was too early for the bar crowd, she realized, so she turned back to her new host who seemed to be having trouble with something he was fiddling around with at the bar sink.

Suddenly, a geyser of water sprang from the tap and arched across the bar to come raining down on Winter. In moments she was soaked through to the skin by the ice-cold avalanche and sat dripping in utter surprise. Sputtering, she looked at him in shock as he got in front of the freezing water, soaking himself in the process, but managing to get the geyser down to a steady leak by desperately turning the damaged tap with a noisy, ratcheting wrench that resounded loudly in her ears.

Grabbing a small bar towel, he flung it in her general direction along with the words I’ll be right back! as he raced from the room.

Moments later, he was back with two extra-large, fluffy bath towels and sheepishly handed one to her. He used the other to sponge up the drops flowing freely down his face, riffling his short hair into pointed peaks, and managed to look like a chastised mamma’s boy in the process.

Winter broke out laughing at Aiden’s mortified expression as she sopped up the offending water. She let him off the hook with spontaneous laughter that bubbled up unexpectedly to the surface. He gave a small embarrassed chuckle while he finished rubbing the towel through his own sandy blond hair and set it aside under the bar. She finished blotting up all the water she could and handed hers to him and watched him put it away.

She took note of his well-muscled physique now glaringly apparent through the wet white shirt and realized what a very attractive man Aiden Hightower was. She hoped her wet tee shirt hadn’t become transparent, but was afraid to look down to find out. With both hands, she shoved back her platinum hair, hoping the action would keep his eyes on her face, which she’d been told too many times was perfect. If it was, it had been none of her doing—merely the luck of the draw in the genes she’d been endowed with.

You’re a good sport, Aiden commented with what could only be called admiration shining in his eyes. She instantly looked away from his approval. Looking at him could only lead to trouble. Like the lyrics to the song went, Ya got trouble right here in River City.

It’s just a little water, I won’t melt. Besides, I didn’t have any makeup on anyway. Not much to lose there, Winter answered ruefully.

You’re some woman, Winter Kennedy. My own sister would have been mad as hell if that had happened to her. She’s well known for her quick Irish temper.

What’s your sister’s name again? She had forgotten in the ruckus.

Ellie Hightower. No, make that Ellie Stone as of Christmas Day. Mike and Ellie just got married two weeks ago and are on their honeymoon down in Mexico. I’m filling in for them till they get back tomorrow. I’ve also been managing the local hardware since I moved to Nome. We had a family business in Bluewater, California until it was bought out a couple of years back. Ellie is my only family, so I thought, what the heck, I’d move here to be closer.

No girlfriend left behind? As the words left her mouth, Winter was horrified at her own audacity. What would he think? What was the matter with her?

There was someone for awhile, but we broke up. She wanted to take things to a new level and I wasn’t ready.

"I know what you mean. I think too many people get in over their heads too soon in a relationship, before they really know the other person. Good grief! Look at the divorce rate in this country."

He seemed to backpedal as he added, I think she was just the wrong person for me, you know. I mean, if the right person came along…

She finished her drink. I’d better get back and dry off.

Please, have a drink on the house—it’s the least I can do to make up for the drenching. In fact, could I make it up to you by taking you to dinner?

Aiden’s voice almost convinced her, but she replied, No, but thanks, I have to be going—another time perhaps. She sweetened her response with a soft smile.

I’ll take you up on that, Winter, maybe this coming weekend?

I’ll have to check my schedule.

I’ll call you. His voice was firm as he looked directly at her. She was unable to stop herself from looking into the eyes mirroring her own, seeing the regret and feeling it penetrate to her very soul. She was not going to become involved with anyone, not with what she had recently found out. And certainly not with such a wonderful man as Aiden. It would not be fair. She knew within her heart of hearts. Better to keep things from progressing any further right now.

But what a shame, she thought, as she took her leave, a sad smile on her lips. It was obvious that they had an epiphany moment that was rare in this world of human interaction.

~ * ~

Back at her new apartment, after changing into dry clothes, Winter unloaded her shopping bags onto the bed and surveyed the damage. A massive heap of red cushions in various sizes and red and white silk roses greeted her eyes. She had been quite delighted at the selection in the Dollar Store, also finding inexpensive and beautifully shaped crystal vases to hold the flowers. She was more than pleased with her new eclectic acquisitions that would brighten her allotted time in Nome.

In a matter of minutes, she had snipped the wire stems decisively to the proper height with a special tool she had also thought to buy in her usual military-style execution of any chosen plan. Artfully arranged throughout the suite, they did indeed do the trick of pleasing the eye and giving the apartment a note that someone at least cared.

Satisfied with the result, she let her rumbling stomach remind her she hadn’t eaten in hours and rummaged in the kitchen to find necessary sustenance, feeling regret that she could not take Aiden up on his kind invitation. Don’t go there, she warned herself, depositing a plate of deli chicken and garden salad on the spotless table that she had covered in a rose-patterned, red and white crochet tablecloth, also compliments of the Dollar Store. At least she would be able to keep up her strength with the good food that Nome had provided, she thought with renewed optimism, digging in with relish. She had been more than pleased to find the fridge and cupboards well stocked.

Washing up the few dishes by hand, she ignored the built-in dishwasher in favor of doing the job to her satisfaction. The simple homey task reminded her of doing the same with her mother. It had been their time to talk about things of import from the day and she had very fond memories of the satisfying occupation; her mother usually washed and she dried with a lemony-scented, gingham dishtowel.

She intended to enjoy her stay in Nome, even knowing what she was there for, and doing the dishes somehow made her feel closer to her mom—almost like she was there with her in spirit and approved of her making the choice of doing the job by hand.

Later she pulled out her laptop and checked the service. Great, good internet reception. She got down to rereading the research she had compiled on Nome since she had found out about Mike Stone’s medical condition from Dr. Springsteen when he had been in consultation with Dr. Emirez of Nome fame. That, along with the news reports from CNN about the murders and the old information about the Aleut Legend that dated back to the Russian Whaler ships of the 1880’s, riveted her attention for a time.

A loud knock at the door startled her, and she jumped up to answer it after checking the time on the computer: eight o’clock. Time had literally disappeared as she had been busy reviewing her stash of files on the subject most dear to her heart, her very reason for being in Alaska.

The bright face of Nancy-Anne, a fellow nurse she had been briefly introduced to earlier in the day, greeted her. The stylishly turned out young woman with chic brown hair expertly cut in a layered bob that framed her face beautifully, said, Hey Winter—cool name by the way, if you’ll pardon the pun—I was wondering if you would like to join us girls for a drink at Fast Eddie’s? Since you have the night off, I thought you might enjoy going out and meeting some people that work at the hospital. Actually, we do this most nights. You’re more than welcome to join us any night you’re not working.

She readily agreed. Sure, that sounds nice. Thanks. Winter reached into the hall closet for her thick wool Hudson Bay parka, purchased off the internet, and her winter boots, ignoring the fluttering in her chest at the thought of going once more to where Aiden was likely to be.

Wow, I like what you’ve done with the place! It looks so much more upscale now. Nancy-Anne said as Winter zipped her boots. I always love flowers, especially silk ones as they never die.

Thanks, I like them too. And never dying, that also sounded good.

Let’s take my van, Nancy-Anne suggested as they headed out the back way and into the parking lot that was reserved for staff. We have a few others to pick up.

Winter was aware that the Norton Sound Hospital was a major employer for Nome. She had done meticulous research while exploring the options available to her. She knew she had a brilliant mind having made the top one percent of her nursing class. Best of all, this had earned her the right to a variety of openings in any state she chose right after graduation, two years ago, at the age of twenty-three. She was now enjoying the freedom that good mind ensured in Nome, Alaska.

Even now, her former boss was holding her position open at the Mayo Clinic in hopes she would change her mind about living in Alaska and head back to Arizona. Her friends had been horrified at her desertion, but had come around enough to throw her a big farewell until we meet again party two nights before—a gesture she’d appreciated and which got her wondering if she was doing the right thing. But then she remembered she really had no other avenue open to her.

On the way to Fast Eddie’s, Nancy-Anne stopped to pick up two more passengers. Ellen was an unmarried, hearty, heavy-set woman who had lived in Nome all her life and had only left for training down south a few years prior. The other, Becky, was an import like Winter and also unmarried. A pert bright redhead, she outshone the other woman and talked up a storm all the way to the bar and restaurant from the back seat of the van, entertaining everyone with her funny, witty slant on doings at the hospital.

The camaraderie between the women boded well for the job, Winter thought with relief. She had always treasured her relations at work in the past because she was there more often than not.

Entering the bar, Winter kept to the rear as she followed the boisterous group inside where they were beckoned over by two other women who had saved a table for them. She was introduced to the women who also worked at the hospital. Sally, a petite blonde with lively pale blue eyes, gave her a smile of welcome while their friend Jo swept her into a big bear hug that had her smiling at the warm reception.

Winter soon learned Mondays were bowling nights in Nome. Furthermore, the hospital had a team that wasn’t in the playoffs, so they had the night off until fall when the cycle would begin again. Jo asked if she wanted to join come fall.

Sure, that sounds like fun—the Mondays I don’t have to work, that is. I could be your spare. She knew the advantages of socializing with co-workers, as it made the day go easier in her experience.

Just then she caught sight of Aiden. Her heart leapt when their eyes met across the crowded room. The cliché made her smile before she thought, oh God, I really don’t need this kind of instant attraction to anyone. And why now of all times? The timing couldn’t be worse, in her opinion. She smiled coolly at his quick wave to keep from giving him any enticement to come over, but that didn’t work because there he was—big as life with those amazing eyes staring down at her. She felt once more that strong magnetic pull of his maleness, no different or less than the flow of the unceasing tides of the ocean, and shivered involuntarily at his closeness.

Winter. Please accept my apologies about this afternoon. I can’t believe that happened. His eyes beseeched her and she had to look away to keep from falling into them once more.

All eyes at the table and a few more in the vicinity turned to Winter to see her reaction, as if at a tennis match where she now held the ball.

Don’t worry, she told him again. I don’t melt.

He smiled hugely at her, his appreciation for her looking as if it were expanding as they spoke.

Can I get you gals another round on the house?

A chorus of yeses filled the air and he left to fill their order.

That man has it bad! Sally observed as she watched Winter, a coy half-smile lighting her face.

So, exactly what happened between you and Aiden? Nancy-Ann piped up.

She shrugged, A pipe burst in the bar sink and water got all over us. No big deal really.

Well, it appears to be a big deal to Aiden, Sally noted, arching her eyebrows.

She was silent, uncertain of how this was going to play out. She needed to somehow dodge this possibility. It was the right thing, no, the only thing to do, she thought with fresh determination. In fact, she would make sure that Aiden realized there was absolutely no chance of anything happening between them now or in the future. She had other plans that could not wait and, furthermore, she could not burden him with her choice. It was freely made, though not one many others might choose. But who knows, maybe in the exact same set of circumstances, they would also do what she had planned. You need to walk in other’s footsteps before judging, a truism that Winter believed and adhered to.

Aiden was back with fresh drinks, driving Winter from her musings and bringing a few more smirks from the crew in her general direction.

Would you lovely ladies like a snack or a bite to eat—on the house, of course.

No, we’re fine! Winter responded, wanting to quash any chance of that happening. She was too antsy around Aiden as it was and didn’t need to watch him make more trips to their table. He was a dream guy as her childhood friend Ashley would have gleefully announced: too handsome and too charming for words. To get her mind off Aiden, she brought up work and soon a familiar discussion of the pitfalls and antics of the hospital dominated. The conversation segued right into the rash of murders in Nome as the women filled Winter in on the horrible events of the previous fall.

Thank goodness there haven’t been any more murders since August. Five men dead in three weeks—it was really hard on people. Nancy-Ann shook her head, concern tightening her pleasant face as she made the sign of the cross, hoping to ward off evil doings.

Winter noted Nancy-Anne’s gesture. I heard something about it on CNN.

And you still came to our part of the world, knowing about the murders? Sally looked at her in surprise.

Well, I didn’t let it stop me, she replied succinctly. Not when the answer to my prayers could be right here in Nome.

You should have been here when Katrianna worked in the bar. Man, was that some sexy broad. The way she dressed…wow, she didn’t leave much to the imagination, Sally responded, remarking on the woman who had been in Nome about the same time the murders were committed.

Wasn’t she also Russian and had something to do with the passing of old coins at Roma’s? Nancy-Ann inquired as she sipped her drink. I know Roma was thrilled with the extra cash when she found out what they were worth.

Becky leaned forward, her arms on the table. "Yeah, I think so. She sure had attitude. She had the town spinning for awhile—kind of fun to watch though!"

What happened to her? Winter asked.

Jo added to the information being shared by the crew. Just up and disappeared one day. No one has seen her since, to my knowledge.

Nome has sure been attracting some lookers this year—first the gorgeous Ellie Hightower, then sultry Katrianna of uncertain origin and now the awesome Winter Kennedy.

Winter felt her face heat under the undisguised appraisal of the group and was glad when Sally asked, What made you choose Nome? She’d rather talk about that than her looks.

I just needed a complete change of venue. She had been expecting this question to come up.

Don’t we all from time to time. Sally nodded, tucking her hair behind her ears. Bet it was a man.

Now, don’t get too personal. She might not want to talk about it. Nancy-Anne’s comments on her behalf were a welcome diversion.

Winter shrugged and let the statement stand, not really concerned what they