Free The Lady is a Vamp (The Paranormal Investigations Series Book 1) by Michelle Kelly

Nick’s blood but his love. Though it hadn’t been the ideal way to introduce him to the act, he had saved her life without hesitation, and the last barrier between them and been broken. With the vampire that had attacked her all those years ago dead, she finally had closure from the events she had been running away from for so long. Finally, thanks to Nick, she could believe she had a future.
    When he came back Ruby was awake and she patted the bed next to her when Nick walked into the room, a soft look of desire in her eyes. As Nick sat down next to her however, he looked serious and she sat up in alarm.
    ‘What’s wrong?’
    ‘Nothing really,’ he assured her, ‘everything’s fine. As far as the general public will be aware, Azriel’s the killer. I got a warning for going in alone and not waiting for back-up but at the end of the day I brought them the killer, so it wasn’t too harsh.’
    ‘There’s something bothering you,’ Ruby stated, wondering if it was because of her sneaking off. After all if it hadn’t been for her Nick wouldn’t have gone rushing in alone and she would never have got hurt and needed to feed from him … pain gripped her heart like a vice at the thought that he might be having second thoughts about them.
    ‘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