Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: This is my first try and not being a native English speaker, it's so much more challenging. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART EIGHT
Chapter 10
Tahlia looked long and hard at the syringe before handing it to Michael, who looked back at her, waiting for confirmation. She slowly turned to Jemima. The blue eyes were somber. A quick nod and then she turned back to Michael.
“I'm ready, but I only want you to administer the drug to Jemima once you are sure it is completely safe to do so.”
Michael nodded and handed the syringe over to the tall brunette standing nearby.
“Dr. Carter, if you would, please?”
The black eyes scanned the room until it came to rest on the tall blonde standing next to Jemima. While waiting for her body for absorb the drug, she will be counting on Paloma to take care of her family. The Assassin's eyes flared up and Tahlia nodded. She felt the cold intrusion of the needle in her vein and closed her eyes. For the first time in a very long time she would be rendered helpless, incapable of taking proper care of herself and protecting Jemima. Just the thought that something could happen to Jemima while she was unconscious made her want to pull the needle out of her arm and throw it away from her.
<I will be fine, my love. Paloma, Pierre and Jonas will not let anything happen to us.>
The black eyes opened and probed the blue ones.
<I know, but I cannot stop worrying. If something should happen to you, I don't know what I will do. Why don't you wait a while until I am capable to supervise your transformation? It would make me feel at ease knowing I am there to look after you myself.>
There was a long silence before the reply came.
<I guess I can do that. But make sure that you come for me the minute you are well enough to do so. I too want to know that you're okay.>
Tahlia felt as if a rock was rolled off her chest. Yes, now she was ready.
<I will sleep next to you tonight and when dawn breaks; I will personally oversee the administration of the drug on you.>
She felt a paralysis come over her, almost like the sleep paralysis when the dawn was upon them. She turned to face Pierre and Jonas and Juan quickly stepped forward to help her out of the chair.
She caught a whiff of honeysuckle and smiled weakly.
<I am with you, my baby. You are in safe hands.>
******************
Inger smiled broadly when she stepped out of class and spot Paloma standing under a tree waiting for her. She stopped for a few seconds to just stare at her. Since their first night alone two weeks ago, they had spent more and more time together, fighting renegades and afterwards cuddling up in bed, chatting and making love. Seeing her now, dressed in tight blue jeans and black t-shirt and a tan leather jacket. The long blond hair was brushed out and rested on her shoulders. It was with pride that she noted both men and woman throwing admiring glances Paloma's way. Switching her bag to her other arm, she walked over to her. Standing opposite each other they stared at each other.
“You look totally hot today.” Inger said softly.
“That's good to know. I would really be disappointed if you didn't find me attractive.”
Chuckling huskily, Inger took hold of Paloma's hand. Even in the heat of the day, Paloma's skin still felt cool.
“I find you devastatingly sexy and I'm sure I must have convinced you by now.”
“Yes, you have. I've checked your schedule on the fridge before we left this morning and I know you don't have class for the rest of the day.”
She reached for Inger's bag and swinging it over her shoulder, steered the brunette into the direction of her car.
********************
The moment she had opened her eyes after a long and fitful sleep, Tahlia turned on her side eager to look at Jemima who was sleeping next to her. She gently touched the cool pale cheek and swung her feet off the side of the bed. She was still fully dressed and she patted her pockets to locate her mobile phone. She punched in a number.
“I am awake. Yes… I'll be waiting for you.”
Hanging up, she pulled Jemima into her arms and held her tightly.
<Michael and Dr. Carter will be here soon. I will wake you once they are here.>
She heard a soft chuckle. It was nine in the morning, but being quite powerful, staying awake at this time of the day was demanding for Jemima, but not impossible.
<You haven't seen the sun in over 2 000 years. Aren't you even a little tempted to go outside and feel the sunlight on your face?>
<I want to share that moment with you, my love.>
The blue eyes cracked open and Tahlia felt herself melt at the tender expression in them.
“I sometimes wonder if I truly deserve you.” Jemima voice was husky.
Her hold tightened around Jemima.
“You do. Believe me.” She lifted her head. “They are here. I want you to know that I will be sitting here with you until you open your eyes again. Your dosage will be exactly like mine – for 72 hours.” She kissed the tip of Jemima's nose. “Imagine three sun-drenched days together. We will have a lot of fun.”
There were footsteps on the staircase and their guests stepped in. Michael looked at Tahlia and grinned. “Can you believe that you will be seeing the sun again after 2 000 years. I actually brought my camera with me.”
******************
They parked in front of a posh Italian restaurant and Inger turned to look at Paloma.
“What's this? Are you trying to impress me?” she teased lightly.
“Nope.”
“Then what is the occasion? First you rock up in your Porsche and now you're taking me to one of the most expensive restaurants in city.”
Paloma patted Inger's knee and grinned. Paloma got out of the car and she did the same. Tossing the key to the valet, she took Inger's hand.
“We are not even properly dressed.”
“Don't worry about that I've sorted it all out.”
The restaurant was pure glitz and glamour counting all the who's-who of New York society amongst its clientele. Paloma was steering her through the tables towards the staircase in the corner leading to a private dinning area on the first floor of the restaurant, when a female voice stopped them.
“Yoohoo…”
Turning, they both let out a pained groan as they recognized whom the voice belonged to. Verna Gregg's green eyes were lazily moving over Paloma's figure, making Inger bristle.
“Hi. Remember me?” She held out her hand to Paloma. “We met at few months ago.”
Paloma nodded.
“Yes, I remember now. You're the movie star who was celebrating her birthday.”
Verna grinned, showing off a row of pearly whites and Inger couldn't shake the mental image of a hungry Great White. The green eyes fell moved on to her taking in the jeans and t-shirt combo with mild distain before turning her attention back to Paloma.
“Would you like to join us at our table?” She waved to a table near-by and Inger's jaw dropped. Jessica Valentine and Aretha Bourne waved at them from the table. Paloma turned to look at Inger and her eyes hardened slightly at the star struck look on Inger's face.
“Thank you, but we are meeting friends for lunch.” She lightly squeezed Inger's hand to get her attention. “Shall we?” She gave a curt nod in Verna's direction. They've taken only a few steps when Paloma turned a look at Inger.
“Why were you staring at those women like that?”
“What do you mean?”
Paloma didn't break a stride.
“You were practically salivating at the sight of them.” The iciness in Paloma's voice made Inger's falter as she rushed to keep pace with Paloma.
“Please, don't tell me you're jealous.” Inger sounded incredulous. “If you are, you have absolutely no reason.” She remembered the incident with Jeremy Givens and how Paloma had humiliated him in the library. She'll have to tread carefully. She didn't want Paloma to stomp back over to Verna's table and do who-knows-what to the actresses.
“I just find it hurtful that you would look at other women that way while I am with you.”
They reached the foot of the stairs and Inger pulled Paloma back just she was about to ascent the stairs.
“It didn't mean anything, Paloma. I simply admire them for their work. They too are actresses.”
They stared at each other for a few seconds before Paloma nodded; her eyes cloudy.
“All this is new to me.” She threw her arms in the air. “You are still very young and I need to remember that.”
Inger frowned. “My age has nothing to do with it. I am committed to this relationship and to you.”
Paloma's eyes softened. “I never doubted that.”
Inger smiled thinly. There were so many things left unsaid between them, but now was not the appropriate time to delve into them. When she turned away, she caught Verna staring at them with a sly smile. She must've noticed the tension between them and was waiting for her chance to pounce. She turned back to Paloma and found her looking at her strangely. All she wanted was just to put distance between her and Verna's freaking impolite stare.
“Let's not keep our lunch companions waiting. Or was that just an excuse to shake off Verna?” She started up the stairs and heard Paloma follow. Once on the first floor she turned towards the private booths. Paloma walked passed her.
“Follow me.” They came to stand at a booth and when Inger saw who their lunch companions were, she stared in total disbelief. Never in a million years would she have expected to meet them here.
“What are you two doing here?”
Tahlia and Jemima grinned at the shocked expression on their daughter's face.
“We thought we'd surprise you.” Jemima shifted to make way for Inger to sit and Paloma moved in next to Tahlia.
A waiter approached their table and they quickly placed their drink orders. Tahlia's black gaze moved between the two of them before it came to rest on Inger.
“You had a fight.” It was more of a statement than a question.
Inger shrugged. “No, we're fine. We simply had a tiny misunderstanding, but we've sorted it out.”
The black eyes remained expressionless. “No you haven't.” She turned to Jemima. “We are going for a short walk. I would suggest you sort out your misunderstanding.” She came to her feet and held out her hand to Jemima. Without looking back the pair left. The waiter returned with their drink orders and glanced meaningfully at the other two empty places and Inger quickly explained.
“I can sense that you are angry at me.” Paloma said soon after the waiter had left.
Inger took a sip from her wine glass.
“What do you expect, Paloma? Your jealousy is disturbing me.”
“It's not my intention. You know that I love you very much.”
Inger sighed deeply. “All I'm worried about is that you will become like this every time you see me talk to a woman or look at one.”
The waiter stepped closer with a stack of menus, which he quietly placed on the table and left discreetly. Paloma reached over to take Inger's hand and gently stroked it with her thumb. Her silvery eyes held remorse. “Will you forgive me if I apologize for my possessiveness and promise to be more … relaxed when we find ourselves in the presence of other women and… men?”
The blue eyes widened.
“Men?”
“Yes. As if I don't have enough trouble fighting of lusty women. I also have to deal with immature college boys.”
Giggling softly, Inger playfully slapped away Paloma's hand.
“You love to exaggerate. You make it seem like I'm this totally irresistible woman who attracts attention wherever I go.”
The silver eyes melted. “But you are, my love. That's how I first met you.” Paloma almost burst out laughing at the shocked expression on Inger's face. “Soon after I have resurfaced, you called out to me and following your call, I stumbled upon you in the park where Tahlia had hidden you.”
“I don't understand. Are you telling me that you knew me even before we met? But how? I mean…” Inger had a lecherous look on her face as her eyes roamed over Paloma's face. “…I would've remembered meeting you. You're not easy to forget, believe me.”
Paloma gave her a sexy grin and took a sip off her wine. “Many centuries ago I moved to this small seaside village in Italy where the local fishermen swore to the existence of a sea siren, known to them as Lucia. After going out to sea with them on numerous occasions and totally in vain, I must add, I simply wrote it off as a fiction of their imagination. But I still had my doubts.” The silver eyes were devouring her now and Inger felt the heat building up between her legs. She stiffened when Paloma rose and came to sit next to her. She closed her eyes when Paloma reached out and lightly touched her fingertips to her temple.
Inger gasped when she was transported hundreds of years into the past. She saw the tall black-clad figure of Paloma standing on a ragged cliff looking out at a foam-spitting sea. Dazed and utterly confused, she turned around and looked back. A small tranquil village lay below them. What she assumed was candle light painted the windows of the house yellow, giving it a cozy touch and feel to the village. She turned back to Paloma and found her looking at her. Before she could form a question, Paloma spoke.
“I asked them to describe her to me.” The silence that followed was so absorbing that Inger leaned closer and would have stepped over the cliff in her eagerness if not for Paloma strong arm that pulled her up tightly against her. It was quite cold and she was grateful for Paloma's body heat. She smelt wonderful. She smelt of rain-soaked earth after the first rain and a mixture of fresh crisp mountain air. The look in Paloma's eyes was so loving that she snuggled even closer to her.
“What did they say she looked like?”
“Let's go ask them.”
Holding her tightly to her she felt them moving. Fast and effortlessly, they cleaved through space and time. Just as suddenly they came to a stop. The strong smell of fresh fish assaulted her nostrils and looking around she saw a battered wooden fishing boat bobbing on the waves in the harbor. It was quite dark, but after a while her eyes could make out a few shapes moving about on the deck. Paloma took of her long cloak and hand it to her. Inger knew she didn't want her strange 20 th century clothing to raise suspicions.
“Vittorio, my old friend, may I come aboard your boat?” Paloma's voice was gentle and almost immediately the commotion on the boat stopped.
“Cara, I haven't seen you around for a while.” The man was speaking in rapid Italian and she was shocked to find that she understood every word he uttered. She looked up and found Paloma smiling at her.
“Vampire magic.” Paloma whispered back. She turned to answer the man. “I have a friend here who would like to find out what Lucia looks like.”
The man guffawed. “Ah, Lucia… She too disappeared for a while. She was last seen three months ago. Please, come aboard. The men just finished preparing dinner. I would be honored if you could stay and dine with us.”
“It would be an absolute pleasure to sample Toni's seafood special again.” Inger looked up at Paloma who was smiling down at her. “I will not swallow, I promise.”
With that said she led her to the climbing rope which doubled as stairs. Holding her close with one arm, Paloma scaled the rope easily and carefully placed her down on the deck. Vittorio came over to them clutching a lantern and Inger could see the confusion on his face, probably wondering at the speed they'd scaled the rope. With the light falling directly in him, she was surprised to find that Vittorio was in fact quite old. She estimated him to be in his late seventies at least. The fisherman stepped closer and kissed Paloma's hand. His admiration and affection for Paloma was obvious as they shared a warm look before Vittorio turned to her. She saw his deep-set brown eyes widening as he looked from her to Paloma and back.
“It is her.” He took a small step backwards, nervously licking his lips. “But how?” The question was directed at Paloma who took a reassuring step in Vittorio's direction and put a gentle hand around the old man's shoulder.
“When I met her she reminded me so much of Lucia that I decided to bring her to you. She didn't believe me when I told her that she looked like our Lucia.”
Vittorio, assured by Paloma's closeness and explanation, took a bold step towards her and reached for her long black curls hair. Rubbing them between his fingers, he shook his head.
“Yes, child, you look exactly like her. If I haven't touched you myself, I wouldn't have been truly convinced that you were not our Lucia.” He traced a rough finger down her cheek and gave her a wide smile. “You are very beautiful too. Come; let me go show you off to the others.”
<We will not stay long, my love. I do not feel comfortable having you here with me in this century. I have always believed that you are a reincarnation of Lucia or perhaps a descendant. If the two of you bump into each other now, we might inadvertently alter the future.>
Inger nodded and followed Vittorio to meet the other fishermen. They had stayed for a delicious Italian seafood dish and then said their farewells. She was surprised to find that she was actually sad to greet the scruffy fishermen with their rough hands, quick smiles and warm eyes.
Back in the 21 st century, the two of them were still sitting next to each other, staring deeply in each others eyes. Inger felt the wetness on her cheeks and Paloma gently rubbed it away with thumbs.
“You knew me before we first met.”
“It was actually the other way around. As a baby, you recognized me .”
Sniffing, she took Paloma's hand in hers.
“Why didn't you tell me before?”
Paloma shook her head slowly.
“I don't know. Maybe I was scared you wouldn't believe me. When I surfaced twenty years ago, I was awakened by your heartbeat. It led me to where I found you hidden in a tree in Central Park . For the next few years I watched you grow up and was stunned by your resemblance to Lucia. I knew then already that I had found my one true love.”
Inger rubbed away fresh tears.
“Have you met her? Lucia, I mean?”
“No. I only saw a likeness of her once. One of the fishermen managed to draw a painting of her while she was apparently sitting on a rock combing her hair, using a clear water pool as a mirror.” There was a slight ripple in the air and Paloma groaned softly before turning to look at the stairs
Tahlia and Jemima came walking up the stairs, smiling and holding hands. They were both dressed in light linen suits. Tahlia in white and Jemima in a dove grey.
“I never thought it would be so nice to feel the sun on my skin again,” Jemima gushed while taking off her sunglasses and folding them. Tahlia on the other hand was more reserved, but not even she could hide the excitement that came off her in waves.
“I see you've managed to sort out your little misunderstanding.” Tahlia reached for her glass of wine and took a sip. “Drink up. I've seen a large group of people playing chess in the park and I fancy a game or two.”
Jemima laughed softly.
“Those guys look like professionals, my love. I don't want you to be humiliated in public.”
Tahlia's brow lifted.
“None of them had two thousand years to refine their skill.” She turned to Paloma. “The two of us started playing at the age of ten already. In our teenage years, we started to play for money or bread which we took home to our parents.”
“It later became a way for us to cope with the violence. In between battles we would play chess to while away time or just to clear our minds.” Paloma had a faraway look in her eyes as she spoke. Inger's hand slipped into the vampire's bigger one and squeezed softly. Their eyes met and Paloma felt the shadows evaporate from her heart.
“But today we will play for the pleasure it brings us both, my friend,” Tahlia said with a gentle smile.
Chapter 11
Her hands were shaking so much that she refrained from reaching for her glass. The beady little eyes of Mercredi were sharp and didn't miss anything. Just as suspected, she looked up and found the creature staring at her. She hated being in the same room with him, but now that a rescue was a definite possibility, she didn't want to draw too much attention to herself. Luckily Mercredi was slightly distracted by his growing hatred for whoever killed his son and his plans of revenge that she knows that he was bound to let his vigilance slip.
She heard a faint echo in her mind and quickly erected mental blocks to keep Mercredi out. She had to find a way to get away from him so that she could verify the identity of this person who was seeking her out.
“My scouts have managed to find out who was responsible for Jonah's death,” Mercredi raspy voice interrupted her thoughts.
“What is keeping you from pursuing them?”
The monster smiled, exposing stained fangs. She looked at him, her disgust clearly visible on her beautiful face. “The time is not right. I know that they are aware of my presence here in New York , but they too don't know when I will strike.”
She sniffed the air and felt her stomach recoil. The scent was unmistakable. Another human was going to die tonight. She had lost count of the number of humans Mercredi had killed in the past three weeks. His murderous bloodlust was the reason why he couldn't leave his lair and go hunting. Even if she still supplied him with her blood at times, to rejuvenate himself, he was already far gone. The stench he carried with him was so hideous that any human would smell him coming a mile away. She pushed her chair back and came to her feet.
“Aren't you going to stay for dinner? This animal blood you are taking is weakening you. One day it will sap your great strength and then you will have no purpose for me.”
“The last thing I would like is to become a monster like you, Columbus. If you had listened to my advice all those centuries ago, you could still have retained your human form.” Mercredi was better off death than alive , she thought bitterly.
She left the room, walking pass a group of renegades. They were Mercredi's personal security detail and followed her every move when she wasn't in her room.
When her bedroom door clicked closed behind her, she went to sit on the bed.
<Are you still there?>
There was a long silence before the voice answered. She was busy reading when the voice sought her out, but before she could reply, Mercredi had entered the room.
<Yes.>
<Are you really who you said you were?>
<Count Lafayette? Of course. How do I know you are Genevieve?>
She smiled thinly. Pierre was an insatiable lover and like all vampire couples they too had loved to take each other's blood during sex. He would flip her over and drink from her lower-back, sending her off on another series of orgasms. As much as she wanted to confirm the true identity of the person, she didn't feel comfortable revealing such personal details about her marriage. Maybe she could test his memory of the many travels they had taken together.
<In June 1775, my husband and I visited the South of France . My husband would know the name of the inn we stayed in. If you …>
<Valpré. The innkeeper, Erwan and his wife, Claudette had three daughters.>
There was a stunned silence. From both sides. Pierre and Erwan had played chess almost every night for the two weeks that they had been staying there and the two men had become good friends. It was one of the best holidays she'd ever had, with the only unpleasant memory being the amounts of solid food they had to eat to avoid the couple from suspecting anything. Not even Tahlia or Jonas had known about their plans to go on holiday. Pierre had just return from a battle and knowing how shattered he felt after all the killing she had wanted to take him somewhere quiet with only her as his companion. Valpré was an ideal location.
<Genevieve?> This time she heard a soft pain-filled echo in the deep voice.
She had to be sure. It was so long since she'd heard his voice it was impossible for her to recognize it anymore.
<If you are in fact Pierre Lafayette, why didn't you respond all those centuries ago when I was trying to contact you?>
<Once I have searched for you all over and didn't find you, I started to mourn you. To find closure, I blocked our mental channel completely .>
She felt a stirring in her mind. She quickly erected a powerful mental block. She didn't want to lead the monster to Pierre . Not now that she had found him again.
<I need to go now.>
<No. Do you know where they are holding you?>
<Let's talk later.>
********************
Pierre slammed his fist on the table, making Joan and Michael jump in their chairs. Tahlia slowly came to her feet to stand next to Pierre . They were all in the boardroom, waiting patiently as Pierre made contact with Genevieve.
“Is it her?”
Too emotional to speak, Pierre nodded and Tahlia placed her hand on his broad shoulder.
“We will get her back.” She turned to Paloma and then to Juan. “Starting tonight, I suggest we list all the empty properties around town as well as the outskirts. We will divide ourselves in groups and search them all.” She turned to Jemima and Inger. “I would like for you two to do a bit of surveillance. If Mercredi is in town and hasn't been seen out and about, his victims are being delivered to him. Check the local police stations for missing persons. Find out how many reports had been filed in the past three weeks and question family and friends for leads.”
“I know of someone who can infiltrate the renegades and bring back valuable information.” Once she had said it, Paloma almost immediately reconsidered her suggestion. Who said she could be trusted?
“Who is this person?” Jonas asked with a frown. “Unless he is a renegade it will not help us much.”
Paloma nodded slowly. “She's a renegade.”
The silence in the room was deafening. Tahlia's eyes narrowed to slits. Even Pierre and Jonas were staring at her skeptically.
“We do not consort with them nor do we enlist their help. By the way, how do you know we can trust her?” Tahlia's voice was cold.
“I don't. But if Genevieve trusts her, it must mean something.”
“Genevieve?”
“About a week ago, this renegade woman sought me out to deliver a message from Genevieve. She said Genevieve was here in New York , but that Mercredi is keeping their location secret, with a large group of renegades guarding him. Genevieve wanted to make contact with Pierre , but her mental path to him was blocked and Mercredi was suspicious, monitoring her brain patterns to intercept any communication.”
Joan cleared her throat softly. “Do you trust her, Paloma?
It might sound like she was committing high treason, by what she was about to say, but she had no other choice.
“Yes. I can't tell you why, but I think she can be trusted. She was the one who was corresponding with Tahlia.” She saw the angry flare in Tahlia's eyes.
“How did a renegade tap in on my mental channels?”
Jemima sat back in her chair. “I myself wondered about that too, considering different probabilities.” She pushed a hand through her hair. “I believe that she must have been converted by Genevieve. That explains why she could tap in on your mental path.”
The Royal Vampires looked at each other. This was a hard but necessary decision to take. Never before in their history have they enlisted the help of a renegade. But one of their own were in dire need of their help. The nodded simultaneously.
“Do you know where to find this woman?” Jonas asked.
Tahlia sat back in her chair, comfortable with Jonas taking over the rest of the proceedings.
“No. I will have to go look for her.”
“If you can, find her as soon as possible and arrange for her to meet with us.”
“I will leave as soon as we are done here. I have her scent and it won't be difficult to pick up her trail.”
****************
Central Park looked peaceful bathed in the silver rays of the moon. She had seen daylight scenes of the park on TV, crawling with humans, congesting the walkways. She suddenly stiffened, sniffed the air and almost gagged. She was here. Her scent was overpowering. How the hell could she have allowed her to sneak up on her like this? She wasn't a fledgling and at her age it was a disgrace that she was such an easy target. But then, she wasn't dealing with an amateur.
She turned slowly and froze. The Assassin was standing a hairsbreadth from her, forcing her to take a hasty step backwards. The silver eyes were expressionless, but she could feel the tightly contained aggression radiating from her. Her weapons were in her waistband, but with the master vampire standing so close to her, it would be suicide to try and reach for them. Paloma would cut her down even before she'd opened her jacket. Wait a minute… If the vampire had wanted her dead she would've been dust by now. There must be something else.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your deadly company, Assassin?” She tried to sound cocky and fearless and was glad when her voice didn't come out in a croak. She was surprise to see a faint flicker of amusement in the silver gaze, but it was gone so quickly that she almost thought she'd imaged it.
“I want to talk to you?”
Trinity heard the reluctance in the other woman's voice and stifled a grin. They must really need her if they were willing to ask for the help of a lowly renegade.
“I'm listening.”
There was soft rustle behind the vampire and a tall beautiful brunette stepped out from behind Paloma. She was very young maybe in her early twenties. The expression in the silver eyes when they touched on the human was astonishing. Paloma looked back at her and didn't even hide the fiercely possessive look in her eyes. The human on the other hand, was staring back at her with fearless blue eyes. The woman's bulging knee length jacket, she knew instinctively, concealed an arsenal of firearms. A kindred spirit, she thought wryly.
“What is it you want to talk to me about?” She was talking to Paloma, but her eyes still rested on the dark-haired beauty standing next to her. She's heard so much about the legendary Vampire Assassin, but she had never thought she would one day meet her, let alone see this side of her. She was indeed lucky to have captured this deadly warrior in such an unguarded moment as she had earlier when she had looked at her mate.
There was a sudden power surge in the air and quickly scanning the area she frowned when four heavily armed vampires appeared behind her. She relaxed slightly when her eyes fell on the tall handsome blond vampire. She would know him everywhere. He was in her dreams – rather Genevieve's dreams which she had inherited. If Genevieve was her mother, then this man would be her father. She cautiously took a step in his direction, but a tall dark woman held up her hand and glancing her way, Trinity gasped softly. The Vampire Queen. She truly was in the presence of greatness, surrounded by the three Royal Clan Vampires and the Assassin. The other dark male she didn't know, but that didn't make him less dangerous. The blond vampire was staring at her intensely, making her squirm inwardly. He stepped forward and held out his hand.
“My name is…?”
“I know who you are?”
He nodded slowly. “Would you mind if I could talk to you in private?” A sad look crossed his face, but it was gone almost immediately. “Please.” The last word was uttered so softly that she knew even if she'd wanted she wouldn't be able to say ‘no' to him. She nodded and followed him when he walked away from the group.
*****************
It was late when they reached the dorm and Inger was leaning heavily against Paloma's solid frame. She unlocked the door, but before she could enter, she was roughly pulled back and shoved behind Paloma's back.
Shaken, she looked at Paloma to find the Assassin's eyes were blood red. She looked behind Jemima and that's when she sensed it too. There was something in her room.
“There's someone in there.” Paloma slowly pulled the door closed and sent out a mental alarm to Tahlia, Jonas and Juan. They weren't that far away, since Pierre was still in deep conversation with the renegade. Her plan had been to escort Inger to her dorm room, rejoin the group and spent the night with Inger. She coked her head to one side. The others were on the balcony, trapping whoever or whatever was laying in wait for Inger.
A sudden cool breeze in the hallway made Inger turn sharply to find Jemima standing behind her. Jemima's face looked like it was cast in stone and Inger knew that tonight Jemima was not here in her capacity as a clan member, but as a mother who was extremely pissed off at the possible threat to her daughter.
“Stay behind us, Inger.”
She went to stand next to Paloma and the two of them silently communicated before Paloma pushed open the door. They didn't even bother to switch on the light, relying on their perfect night vision. The same time they entered the room, Tahlia entered from the balcony. A quick scan of the room revealed a dark silhouette standing pressed up against the wall.
“What are you doing here?”
At the sound of Paloma's curt question, Inger burst into the room and quickly flicked on the light. She gasped when she recognized the person standing there clutching a gun. Marsha! But how? Why? She really liked Marsha. She felt a dull ache in her chest. Marsha had been the only friend she had on campus. She recalled the one day after class when Marsha tried to fish out about having seen her with Paloma on the balcony the previous night. She pushed pass Paloma and came to stand in front of Marsha.
“Why, Marsha? I though we were friends.”
Marsha eyes spat fire and at her.
“Friends?” She waved her hand at the vampires surrounding her. “While you fraternize with these…these monsters?” She lifted the gun, but Jemima lifted her hands and with a curt wave the gun was flung from Marsha hand. The next moment the girl was dangling in the air, Jemima's had was fisted in girl's t-shirt.
“Why do you want hurt my daughter?” She grabbed a handful of Marsha's hair and exposed her neck. Inger knew that Jemima wasn't in the mood for long interrogations. She was going to bite Marsha. Blood didn't lie. Exposing her fangs, she opened her mouth wide; looking into Marsha horrified eyes and bit down. She wasn't even trying to do it gently. Instead she was trying to scare the hell out of Marsha. After a few sips she pushed Marsha away from her.
“She's a blood cow and I think we have found a possible lead.”
Tahlia stepped closer. Her black eyes were so cold, that even Inger felt a shiver run down her spine. “You call us the monsters, while you offer yourself as live feed to them.” She reached for the girl's throat, but Jemima gave her a quick warning stare. Instead she grabbed the girl and flung her onto the bed, planting herself in front of the cowering girl.
“Your friend disappeared a few days ago. What do you know of the people who took her?” As she talked she made sure that her fangs were showing. “I've taken your blood and you cannot lie to me. Now talk.”
Marsha's tear-stained face was pulled in a stubborn mask and Jemima held up her hand and looked at it intently until it transformed into a claw. She reached out, but before she made contact, Marsha began to talk.
“Karin told me that she had this client who was a regular. The night she disappeared she went to this bar to meet him. I couldn't go with her because I had a reading report I had to finish.” She sat up and brushed back her messy hair with a shaky hand. “When she didn't come back to her dorm room, I called the police to report her missing and told them to go look for her at the Joe's Bar, across town.”
“And?”
“She is still missing.”
“Are you blaming Inger for the disappearance of your friend?” Jemima wanted to make the link between the girl's obvious hatred of Inger. Inger moved closer, eager to know the answer. Instead of answering, Marsha looked up at Inger and her eyes glowing with a fanatical light.
“She is a murderer,” she spat and her spittle sprayed over the vampire standing in front of her.
“Would you care to explain?” Jemima's voice was dangerously low.
“About a month ago, she and that …” Marsha pointed a shaking finger at Paloma. “…that monster killed my brother and his friends at Joe's.”
Inger stepped closer, understanding dawning.
“You were with the blood cows in the back room?” She shook her head incredulously. “Those men we killed were all renegade vampires. They are ruthless killers. You and all the other blood cows place yourself in great danger every time you allow them to feed off you.”
Marsha sat up.
“No. You are the danger. You and your family kill indiscriminately. I promised myself that I will avenge my brother's death,” her voice dripped venom.
“I didn't kill your brother. I killed a monster who preyed on humans.” Inger said softly.
“And what about your family? They too are monsters who live on human blood.”
Inger shook her head.
“You are so wrong, Marsha. It's because of them that we humans can still walk around freely at night without being attacked or killed by renegades. They keep the balance and protect mankind from renegades like your brother. Your brother comes from a bloodline which began with a rogue vampire called Drake. He was a dangerous killer who had to be stopped, but by then it was too late. He had spawned followers everywhere her went and his spawn created more depraved followers.”
Her eyes became somber as she looked long and hard at the rumpled-looking girl sitting on the bed.
“A very dangerous renegade vampire is in town. We need your help to track him down because we believe your friend was taken to him and for us to save her we need to know where find him.”
Marsha slowly lowered her face in his hands as her shoulders began to shake. Coming to sit on the bed next to her, Inger pulled her closer to her and held her tightly. They sat like that for a few minutes until Marsha's tears subsided.
“I promise that we will do our best to save her if you can lead us to the people who recruit blood cows.”
Looking up, Marsha's eyes were swimming in tears.
“I don't think she's alive anymore.” The girl's voice sounded so lost, that Inger gave her arm a gentle squeeze.
“Why do you say that?”
“I know of four other people in our circle who were recruited and were never seen alive again.” She sniffed and dapped at her eyes with a crumpled tissue. “Our contact always hangs out at Joe's and is known by the name Toro. You can't miss him. He's a big muscled man, with a bald head and a silver hook through his nose.”
Tahlia quickly stepped closer and before Marsha could pull away, she framed Marsha's face in her hands and stared deep into her eyes. After a few seconds she let go of Marsha who fell back on the bed, unconscious.
“Will she be OK,” Inger asked worriedly.
“Yes. I wiped her memory of the past hour. She will not remember anything beyond coming to your room. You will have to overnight somewhere else. I know your final exams are coming up, but I don't think it's safe for you to come back here anymore.”
Nodding, Inger walked over to where Paloma and Jonas stood. Taking Paloma's hand she left the room. In the hallway, she turned and pressed into Paloma's tall frame. “I'm really tired and would like to go to bed now.” Emotionally drained, she leaned heavily on her partner. “I…I just want you to hold me until I fall asleep.” She felt the soft lips of the Assassin press on her crown and she sighed deeply.
^^^^^^^^^^
Lying next to Paloma, Inger's mind was clogged by the events of the night. She had really liked Marsha and had thought of the two of them as friends. All the while she had been plotting to avenge her brother's death. She was very lucky that Paloma escorted her to her room or else she would've … could've been dead by now. She rolled onto her side and smiled weakly when she found Paloma looking at her, concern etched on her face.
“Do you want me to help you sleep?”
She reached out and traced the luscious lips with her fingertip.
“How do you plan on doing that?”
Paloma playfully nibbled on Inger fingertip.
“I can put you under a deep sleep.”
Inger snatched her hand away.
“That's it? You're going to use a spell?”
Paloma lifted herself onto her elbow, her grey eyes warm.
“Yes. You had quite a shock tonight and your body needs to process that.”
Reaching out Inger pushed her hand under Paloma's pajama top. A few days ago they had gone shopping and she couldn't resist the black silk pajamas knowing it would look incredibly sexy on Paloma. She had been right. That same night Paloma had tried it on and Inger was so turned on by her lover's appearance that she had shamelessly ravished her. Her hand skimmed over a taut nipple and she heard Paloma suck in her breath.
“You really need to rest, my love, and as much as I'm tempted to surrender to your seduction, I will have to do the right thing.”
Gently tweaking the nipple, Inger frowned. “Which is?” She grinned when she saw Paloma's eyes flutter closed; her mouth slightly open. Leaning forward, she pressed a hard kiss on Paloma's lips. “There are many other ways you can try to help me sleep, you know.”
“But not tonight.” The silver eyes looked into hers with an intense light glowing in their depths.
Inger felt a sudden sleepiness come over her and she turned accusing eyes on Paloma.
“Sorry, my love, but you need the rest.” Inger felt a soft peck on her cheek and then her eyelids felt too heavy to keep open.
Once she was sure than Inger was comfortable, Paloma quickly checked the safeguards and strolled into her lounge. Tahlia and Jemima were sitting on a couch chatting softly. When she stepped into the lounge, they came to their feet.
“She's asleep.”
They dissolved and solidified in an alley behind the bar.
******************
Tahlia sniffed the air and grimaced.
“There are blood cows inside. These kids have no idea in how much danger they are.” She turned to look at Jemima and swore.
Jemima was nowhere to be seen. She must've transported herself inside, she thought with sudden alarm.
<Pray that you are safe, my love, because if not, I will personally make you pay.>
<Sometimes you and Paloma are too slow for my liking. I'm waiting for you inside.>
Inside, the bar was fully packed and a quick sniff confirmed that more then half of tonight's patrons were not human. Paloma wrinkled her nose in distaste and followed Tahlia to where Jemima was standing at the beer stained bar counter. As they were walking through the throng of renegades, they could feel their eyes on them.
“He's not here tonight. Maybe we should move out and wait for him outside.” Jemima said and as she was speaking, she picked up a movement out of the corner of her right eye. Bingo! They've managed to flush out another lead.
Tahlia's black eyes followed the movement and nodded slowly. Pierre, Jonas and Juan were waiting outside. They will follow the renegade.
“That was easy. Now all that's left is to clean out the bar.”
The door to the bar swung open and a sexy redhead in a tight black leather outfit walked in. Paloma's eyes narrowed in recognition. What the hell was she doing here?