The trees that lined the far side of the driveway had been thinned, and a clearing was cut directly across from their home. A log cabin sat there. Four rocking chairs sprawled across the front porch, and Shade and Chantel occupied two of them, both in their mortal forms.
"You did this, didn't you?" she asked.
He laughed. "Did you really think I wanted them to stay with us? I have a hard enough time, getting you alone, as is."
Loralei pulled into Shade's drive, and she and Death went to visit them. When they stepped on the first floorboard of the porch, Death's black robe shifted, and her tall, handsome lover stood beside her.
"How did you get this done so fast?" Shade asked him.
Death grinned. "I'm an angel, remember, even if I am the angel of death. I never knew perks existed until I found Loralei. I've decided my assistants should have some, too."
"All of us?"
Death shrugged. "I can provide homes and property. I'm not Venus. I can't shoot arrows and supply love."
Shade rose and crushed Death to him. "I never thought I'd have this, never." Then, embarrassed, he pushed him away quickly.
Death glanced through the trees at their stone cottage with its white trim. "Just don't make me regret making us neighbors."
Chantel laughed, motioning for Loralei to take the rocking chair next to her.
"Where are your kids?' Loralei asked.
"Some boy stopped over and told them about a horse."
Chris and his Chestnut.
"And Tammy?"
Chantel rolled her eyes. "I'm keeping an eye on that little ghost. I don't want her teaching my kids something they don't need—like attitude."
Loralei looked through the trees. The kids had started playing tag in her back yard. This could be nice. A feeling of neighborhood, of sorts. She sighed. She'd have never guessed when she fell in love with Death that her life could be so full…and so wonderful.
Other Titles by Judith Post
If you liked the Death and Loralei series, you might also enjoy these titles.
Babet/Prosper Novella Series
One Less Warlock
A Different Undead
Bad Juju
Beware the Bogeyman
Ally/Dante Novella Series
Flesh & Stone
Gargoyle, Missing
Christian/Brina Novella Series
Uncommon Allies
Keeper of Dragons
The novella More Than BonBons is based on Emerald Hills,
the setting for the novel, Fabric of Life.
Novels by Judith Post
Fabric of Life
Fallen Angels
Wolf's Bane
Empty Altars