Free Forever Kiss by Dawn Michelle

made me forget?"
    Penny nodded. "When you—"
    "—die, I know," Beth said. "Still frustrating though. Why can't you just tell me?"
    "I could, but you'd be late."
    "Shit!" Beth hissed. She climbed to her feet and stopped. "Hey, I don't hurt?"
    "My gift to you. It will burn you up faster. You had a day or two remaining, perhaps three. Now I expect tomorrow will be your last."
    Beth stared at her and blinked. She swallowed and nodded. "Wow. That's… wow."
    "Make the most of tonight," Penny advised. "Soon you will find that your nights are amazing and different. More than you can ever imagine, but I don't want to deny you this final memory."
    Beth nodded and then stepped up to Penny. She threw her arms around her and hugged her. She was warm inside, for the first time in days. Penny's skin felt cool to the touch, which sent tingles through Beth. "Thank you," Beth whispered. "I love you, Penny. I hope this isn't your blood that makes me feel this way."
    "Me too," Penny breathed.
    Beth backed away and stared into the sapphire pools in Penny's face. She smiled and bit her lip before leaning forward. Penny stopped her with a firm but gentle touch.
    "Go, pick out something to wear and I'll help you with your hair and makeup. I'll take you to him."
    "Why can't I kiss you?"
    Penny gave her a sad smile. "Because I own you."
    "But—"
    She shook her head. "Go, get ready. We have much to discover and learn after."
    Beth swallowed and nodded. She took a deep breath and let it out. It hurt to be denied by someone who meant so much to her, but she knew she had time. Tonight was nothing. Tomorrow would be a new day. Or a new night. A new night and a new life. A life where she and Penny would be at each other's side forever.
    "Go!" Penny reminded her. "Don't make me order you."
    Beth jerked and grinned. "I trust you, remember? Even before this. Might be kind of fun letting you order me around."
    Penny's lips parted and then she shook her head. She opened her mouth again to speak but thought better of it and closed her lips. She pointed.
    "Aw," Beth pouted, knowing she was torturing her mentor in a way that was fun for both of them. She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she turned and walked out of the bedroom, a little extra swing in her hips as she moved. She was going to dress to kill tonight. Not for John, although she knew he was going to appreciate it. No, she wanted Penny to know what she could look forward to.
     
     

 
    Chapter 9
     
    "Are you worried at all?" Beth asked after she and Penny landed in the dark backyard. "Because you don't need to be. I'm coming back to you."
    Penny smiled. "I know."
    "Because of the blood?"
    She nodded.
    "I'd come back even without it," Beth said.
    Penny smirked. "That could be the blood talking still."
    "No," Beth insisted. "I mean, that's my excuse to admit it, but I went looking for you, remember?"
    "You went to my club because you were curious."
    "The first time, yes. But I came back looking for you," Beth said.
    "You're not gay," Penny teased.
    Beth sighed. "I don't know what I am. This is like being drunk. I can admit things to you— and to myself— that I kept hidden. Or maybe didn't even realize. Whatever, you're all I've got, but I don't know what that means."
    "Go," Penny said. "Have fun. Do whatever you like tonight. Call me when you're ready, I'll come for you."
    Beth grinned. "You will?"
    Penny raised an eyebrow at the tease. "I've seen many sides of you, Elizabeth. I've enjoyed them all. I look forward to seeing your next one."
    Beth's smile slipped away. She cleared her throat and nodded. She glanced at Penny's folded wings and said, "Okay, um, thanks for the ride. Or whatever it was. Can I give you a hug, at least?"
    "Not now. I'm thirsty. Enjoy yourself, Pet."
    Beth opened her mouth but she took a step back when Penny's wings rose and she leapt into the air. The wings flapped, blowing wind and snow at her. She watched the black shape launch into the night sky and blend into the