Free Real Vampires Get Lucky by Gerry Bartlett

finding Lucky. We need to figure out who tried to kill her." He'd lost his smile and wasn't that a shame?
    But I'm not the airhead I sometimes pretend to be. If whoever tried to kill Lucky really wanted her dead, he or she'd be damned mad that Lucky had survived and not too happy with the vamp who'd saved her either. But I get pretty brave when there's a million dollars at stake. Hmm. Richard could be a help. The former priest believes in justice in a big way. And nobody's better than he is at finding rogue vampires-those out of whack freaks who think taking out mortals is their right. I sat beside him. No need to bring up a reward just yet. "Lucky told me she'd met with a were-cat earlier, but claims that meeting was uneventful." I had to smile. To someone not in the paranormal world, a were-cat meet would seem anything but ordinary.
    "She give you a name?" Richard had actually whipped out a notebook from his jeans pocket. He grabbed a pen from the coffee table.
    "No, but I have my suspicions. You have to wonder why they met in our alley." I gestured toward Lucky's large tote bag, which was now mine, mine, mine. "Lucky's cash was missing and one of her credit cards, but they didn't take all of them. So I don't think it was a typical robbery. They did pick up a pair of diamond studs and a Rolex though." Richard made a note. "That bag looks expensive." He smiled. "I guess I've gone shopping with Florence one too many times, but I've gotten to know a designer bag when I see one."
    "You're right." I smiled back. "It costs the earth and whoever attacked her left it." I leaned closer. "Lucky's surprisingly cool with our world. Her family runs a loan business for paranormals. She calls herself an 'enforcer.' " Richard frowned. "Someone is damned careless to send a mortal female out to collect from paranormals."
    "It's an unusual family."
    "But an ambush in your alley. Damn it, she is lucky you happened along when you did."
    "I was tempted to let her die." I said this in a small voice, like I was making confession to the former priest. "Now I've created another vampire." I grabbed Richard's arm. "I'm responsible for her, Richard. Forever."
    "Now you know how I feel about you, Gloriana." The hall door had opened and closed silently, and Blade, hunky in worn jeans and an untucked white shirt, stood just inside. He nodded at Richard, then at Valdez, who'd hopped up when Jerry had appeared.
    "Responsible." I left my hand on Richard's strong arm and smiled tightly. "Like a stone around your neck."
    "Gloriana, I have always loved you and you know it." Jerry pulled me up and into his arms. "If you would consent, we could let Father Richard here marry us right now."
    "I hardly think words spoken by a defrocked priest would be binding, Jerry." I resisted the urge to lean into him. I do love Jeremiah Campbell the third. And I'd be taking on a cushy lifestyle as Mrs. Jerry. He's amassed a nice fortune along the way. But I like my independence and, call me a slut, variety too.
    Then I took a deep breath. Oh, God, but he smelled delicious and familiar and like the home I'd left behind centuries ago. I slid my arms around his waist.
    "I'm sorry, Jerry. That wasn't very nice of me." I cleared my throat and looked up at him. "While I am honored by your proposal, I must regretfully decline."
    Valdez growled and flopped down in front of the door. "You wouldn't know a good deal if it bit you on the ass, Glory. Take Blade up on his offer. Then I could get on with my life."
    His life as something other than my guard dog. He was the latest in a long, long line of guard dogs Blade had insisted I keep with me. That old responsibility thing.
    "Not selfish, are you, pup?" I had felt Jerry stiffen at my refusal. I stepped back from him before he could push me away.
    "No more selfish than you are." Valdez gave Jerry a sympathetic chuff. "Give it up, man. Any woman who flipped me off like that would be a speck in my rearview mirror."
    "I wasn't flipping him off,