Real Vampires Dont Wear Size Six

by Gerry Bartlett

Chapter Ten

  "CiCi, I have no choice. Who else do we know that is totally evil?" I realized that sounded harsh, but the truth was the truth.

  "He's the father of my child. " Her voice was low and she wouldn't look at me.

  "I know that. How does Freddy feel about his father?" I knew Freddy, and he was a fine man, nothing like Simon.

  "Frederick's been reaching out to him lately. Which scares me, of course. " CiCi looked up, her eyes filled with tears. "I told him not to, but it's only natural for a man to want to know his father. "

  "Surely he's heard the stories. " I threw out my hands. "Hey, one trip out to the Energy Vampire headquarters should convince Freddy that he wants no part of that dynasty. "

  "Power can be very seductive, Glory. " CiCi had the hanky out again. "When I told you that Frederick and Derek were on a road trip? The night we did your exorcism. That wasn't to Houston. They were out there, with Simon, enjoying all the favors the EVs can bestow. " CiCi's hands shook. "His father is offering Frederick the world, his world. But it's evil. I'm praying my son sees that and turns away in time. "

  I grabbed her hand. "What if we can convince Simon to leave his goddess and come over to Lucifer? At least Freddy wouldn't be exposed to the Energy Vampire thing anymore. "

  CiCi looked up with a frown. "You think that creature will just let Simon walk away? Pah. Why should she? And Simon. He's got everything he's always wanted out there. " She took a shaky breath. "When we were together in Paris, Simon would tell me about his dreams of power, to be the leader of the Energy Vampires. You won't believe me, but he can be very charming, very charismatic. I, I loved him. And of course I had no idea what his group really did. It was only later that I heard they took energy from innocent people to feed that monster from the Underworld. "

  "I'm sure he kept his true face and nature very well hidden so he could seduce you. Am I right?" I smiled sympathetically.

  "Of course he did! I was mortal, na?ve. When I became pregnant, he finally showed me what he was really like. He turned his back on me. No explanation. It was as if the love he had professed simply vanished. " She began to tear apart her fine linen handkerchief. "I was glad when he left me and my child alone. Oh, he sent money and wanted reports about his son in return, but he didn't try to see him, not while he was young. "

  "Odd. You'd think he'd be thrilled to have a son. " I wasn't really clear on the born vampire thing, though I knew the males could father children.

  "It depends, Gloriana. " CiCi sighed. "Frederick is a Halfling, you see, since he was the result of a born vampire and a mortal mating. Some Halflings become vampire when they reach puberty. Some do not. Simon was waiting to see how Frederick would turn out. To see if he was worthy of claiming, I suppose. " She frowned. "Born vampires are very arrogant. "

  "So Freddy . . . ?" I figured any information I could get about Simon's family could be useful. Though I'd never involve my friend Freddy if I could help it.

  "Is a born vampire. Of course then Simon wanted him. Tried to take him from me. " CiCi lifted her chin. "But I'd had time to prepare for him and was not so na?ve. I'd married my count and had his entire family and their allies behind me. I wasn't about to let Simon have my son. "

  I leaned forward, riveted. "How could you fight him?" CiCi smiled. "I was vampire too by then. And chose my husband wisely. He had enough connections and power to make it very uncomfortable for the Energy Vampires to remain in Europe. That's how Simon and his followers ended up in America. " CiCi's dark eyes flashed, then filled with tears. "My dear husband is gone now, killed by an ancient enemy, and Frederick is a man with a mind of his own. When my son decided to come here, I was afraid he was planning to finally get to know his father. What could I do except come with him?" She smiled sadly.

  "Let's get Freddy over here and see what he thinks about his father. Since he's been out to the EV compound lately, maybe he'll know if Simon might be interested in switching sides. " I clasped CiCi's hand. "Will you call him?"

  "Why not? It would be a way for Frederick to have a father, if we could lure Simon away from his goddess. I'd think he'd be tired of always pleasing a demanding mistress, wouldn't you?"

  I patted her hand. "My thoughts, exactly. You said Simon moved his crew here from Europe. Does this goddess just pop up in any convenient sinkhole or how does that work?"

  "I've no idea, but maybe the boys will know. " CiCi put her hanky away and pulled out her cell phone.

  I knew the "boys" were her son and his longtime partner, Derek.

  "Derek loves Frederick, but hates his new fascination with Simon. Derek is a good man and he knows evil when he smells it. He's certainly not blinded by riches either. " She hit speed dial. "I'll see if I can get them over here. "

  I stepped out to the shop and left CiCi to make her call. I should call Rafe and let him know I'd made progress. Then I'd run upstairs and check on Ray. I'd left the apartment in absolute chaos. What if a council member stopped by to check on Penny? I'd flunk mentoring, big-time. I was thinking about grabbing my purse when Erin waved frantically from the register.

  "Glory, you have company. " Erin rolled her eyes.

  "Glory! Ooooh. I didn't realize till I saw the clip on YouTube that you're the same Glory who used to go with Israel Caine!" Jenny grabbed me and jumped up and down like I'd just scored a touchdown. Three clones of her, only with varying hair colors, squealed and jumped too. Trust me, their boobs didn't bounce.

  "Hi, Jenny. These your sorority sisters?" I smiled and reminded myself I had to get along here.

  "Yes. Girls, this is Penny's roomie. Can you believe it?" Jenny had her arm slung around me like we were best buds and made quick introductions. The girls squealed again. I swear dogs could hear them in the next county. "Where's Israel?" Jenny looked around like maybe I'd hidden Ray under a dress rack.

  "Oh, he's upstairs. " Never should have said it. The decibel level rose to shattering-glass range and they surged toward the door.

  "And is Penny up there too?" Jenny dragged me with them.

  "No! She went to the lab. " I put on the brakes and hid my smile at the moans of disappointment.

  "I brought her a treat from home. Mom mailed it to me. Maybe I can take it up and leave it for her. " Jenny pulled a tin out of her Coach tote. The way it rattled, I figured there were six cookies left in it, max, and the Christmas tin was a dead giveaway that this wasn't a recent care package.

  "Give it to me. I'll make sure she gets it. " I snatched it out of her hand and passed it to Erin. The werewolf stashed it under the counter and I knew she'd take care of it personally once the girls were gone.

  "Has Penny met Israel?" Jenny raised her eyes toward the ceiling, like she wished she had X-ray vision.

  "Of course. So embarrassing. She caught him coming out of the shower earlier. " Sorry, but couldn't resist. My fledgling needed some points over the so-perfect Jenny and this was just too choice. Jenny collapsed on one of her friend's shoulders and all of them moaned in Penny envy.

  "How long will he be staying with you?" Jenny was obviously trying to figure out how to meet Ray. "Penny and I really need to get together. "

  "Why don't you just call her and meet for coffee somewhere?" I smiled. "Ray's a private person. I'm sure you understand. Rock stars. It's a nightmare the way the tabloids hound us. I never give out his schedule. " I gestured toward the three cameramen still lounging around the front of the shop, waiting for me to come out or, better yet, for Ray to emerge.

  "Oh, my lips would be sealed. " Jenny actually did the old finger-locking-the-lips thing. "It would be so cool if I could meet him, get an autograph. Maybe he could sing for our end-of-year social. "

  I laughed and walked the girls to the door. "Sorry, not happening. If you were on YouTube, you saw his horrific fall. Ray's still recuperating. That's why he's with me. In fact, I'm going upstairs in a few minutes to check on him. Shouldn't have left him alone this long. " I patted J
enny on the back.

  "But - " Jenny could see opportunity slipping away.

  "So sorry to disappoint you. Maybe I'll get him to sign a few photos or CDs for you. Okay?" I eased them out the door, finally prying Jenny's fingers off my arm. "Bye. I've got to go get my purse. You should call Penny. "

  I shut the door and headed to the back room. CiCi was just coming out.

  "They'll be here any minute. " She looked stoked. "I told them to come to the alley door. "

  "Great. " I hoped Ray was okay upstairs, but followed CiCi into the back room in time to hear a knock on the door.

  Frederick and his partner were both handsome men. It made me remember Penny's comment about vampire males. Yes, they usually were perfect specimens. What was up with that?

  "Thanks for coming, guys. I've got a situation that I need help with. Did your mother explain, Freddy?" I settled on the table while CiCi took my one chair again.

  "Something to do with my father? I hope you know I'm cutting all ties with him. I told him that the last time we were out there. I can't take all that Energy Vampire crap. " Freddy glanced at Derek. "Derek made me realize I was letting Simon's power go to my head. The bastard was doing a mind-control thing on me, trying to get me to come on board as his successor. "

  Derek put his hand on Freddy's arm. "It was because he was proud of you. He thought the offer was an honor. But your mother raised you to be decent, Fred. Obviously you couldn't go that way. "

  CiCi dabbed at her eyes. "Thank you, Derek. You don't know what it means to hear you say that. I was so afraid . . . "

  "Mother, I would never serve a goddess from hell. " Freddy lifted her hand to his lips. "I wanted a father, but not one who could sacrifice people to feed a monster. I told Simon that. "

  "So you gave him an ultimatum?" I couldn't believe it. If I'd planned this, it couldn't have worked out better. Now if only Simon wanted a relationship with his son badly enough, maybe we could work a deal.

  "Basically. But Simon can't leave the EVs. No one can. The goddess doesn't tolerate defectors. You sign on for life. If Simon tried to quit, he'd be terminated. " Freddy's shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry. I really wanted to get to know him. He's a fascinating man. Brilliant, really. And he could do so much good if he hadn't tied himself to Honoria and her demands. "

  "He did that long before he knew he would have a family, Frederick. I'm sure he has regrets now. But it's too late. " CiCi looked at me. "Unless . . . "

  "I don't know. I guess the big question is, can she be taken out? That would free Simon from the EV thing. " I remembered the setup out there. The gold dome where Honoria resided, the moans and groans coming from a dark hole in the earth. Supposedly she sucked the energy from her victims to survive.

  "I tried to find out more about the EVs while we were out there, Glory. " Derek sat on the table beside me. "That's one creepy place. It's not just a hole in the ground, it's a tunnel. Simon actually walks down inside it when he confers with her. Which shows he's either brave or nuts. I wouldn't get within a hundred feet of the place. I swear you can hear the screams of the damned coming from there. "

  "Wow. I had no idea. I had pictured a hose of some kind connecting to her. The Oreck from Hell, you know?" I shivered. "Guess the only one who could tell us how to take her out would be Simon. And that's if he's interested. " I turned to Freddy. "What do you think? Would your father give up the EVs for you?"

  Freddy looked thoughtful, then took his mother's hand again. "There's only one way to find out. Glory, you're going to have to ask him. "

  "Me?" I swallowed, trying to picture that conversation. Simon had such power that he could be one of Lucifer's demons. He could turn me to stone, read my mind past blocks, you name it. Probably all powers courtesy of Honoria. Yes, he scared me.

  "Hey, this is your idea. I gave him my 'ultimatum,' as you call it. He didn't exactly fall to his knees and beg me to take it back. Just sat there, like he had to think it over. Right then I realized that I'd probably expected too much. Unless there's a way to kill the goddess, walking away from the EVs wouldn't give us time together. Simon wouldn't survive to be a father to me. Honoria doesn't allow for defectors. "

  "We don't know that, Fred. " Derek frowned. "I say someone has to have a talk with Simon. Get some answers. You started this, Glory. Why not finish it?"

  "Simon and I aren't exactly best buds. " I could feel three sets of eyes staring a hole in me. Yeah, I'd started it. No, technically Rafe had started it. Me and my loyalty. It had really taken me down a dark and creepy path this time.

  "But I think you're the one to do it. " Freddy nodded. "Even if Simon survives leaving the EVs, you want him on Lucifer's team. Mother told me the demons explained that's what is necessary to get Rafe's debt clear. "

  "Yes, that's right. " This was too messy, with way too much margin for error. Freddy put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

  "Relax, Glory. I'm assuming Lucifer can offer Simon some incentives to come over to his side after my father makes the break. Seems like that's for you to explain too. If Simon shows an interest in leaving the EVs. " Freddy looked very serious and Derek jumped off the table to put his arm around him.

  "He loves you, Fred. It was obvious to me that, if there is a way for him to make a relationship happen with you, he'll do it. Don't let pride keep this from working. "

  "It's not pride, Derek. But I don't want to beg him to make the choice. Let Glory handle it. " Freddy leaned against Derek. "I've been without a father this long, I can make it without one forever if I have to. "

  "Ah, darling, I'm so sorry. " CiCi stood and wrapped her arms around her tall son.

  "Okay, I'll meet with Simon. See what he says. " I took a shuddering breath. "You know how I hate this. "

  "Sure we do. " Freddy smiled. "But don't worry. Simon likes you. Even talked about making you an EV. I think Honoria shot down the idea though. Pissed him off. That's another reason my father is ready to leave the EVs. He's tired of taking orders from a woman. " Freddy glanced at his mother and then at me. "No offense, ladies. "

  "Oh, I get it. Typical Simon. " I sighed. "Okay, I'll make a call. Soon. Now I've got to go. This is a busy night for me. Paparazzi out back?"

  "You bet. They were all excited that Israel Caine's SUV is out there. " Derek grinned, obviously determined to lighten the mood. "You are so lucky. Don't get jealous, Fred, but, Glory, any chance that bad boy swings both ways?"

  "Not that I know of. But I'll check. " I winked at Derek when Freddy popped him on the arm. "I'll let you guys know what I find out. "

  "Thanks. And be safe. " Freddy kissed my cheek. "And I've been known to swing both ways. You get tired of Blade, let me know. "

  This time it was Derek who growled and hooked an arm around Freddy's neck. I left them wrestling while CiCi fussed and hit them both with her purse.

  I grabbed my own purse, called Rafe to give him an update, then braced myself for the paparazzi gauntlet. It was fairly painless since I wasn't making statements and they had enough pictures of me without Ray. When I got upstairs, I unlocked the door and figured I'd have a mess to clean up.

  To my amazement, the place was spotless, a little empty, but all cleaned up. No sign of blood on the hardwood floor and the couch was straight. Someone had moved the chairs that went with the dinette set in the kitchen to face the couch and there was a semblance of order in the living room.

  "Okay, what good fairies have been at work in here?"

  "Just one. " Jerry came out of the kitchen, a wet towel in his hand. "I came to my senses and realized we couldn't leave you with this disaster. " He turned to toss the wet towel in the kitchen sink.

  "You look better too. " I could see that he'd obviously been home to change clothes and his face had healed. That was probably due to a pit stop where he'd whammied some hapless mortal and taken a good long drink. I didn't comment, just walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

 
"I won't object if you examine me for injuries. " His grin made me shiver.

  "Maybe later. First, thank you. " I kissed his smile. "I dreaded what I'd find when I opened the door. "

  "Not my finest moment, trashing your place. So I put in a call. You'll have two new lounge chairs, a coffee table and lamp by tomorrow night. " He ran his hand up my back. "I'm sending half that bill to Valdez. We were idiots, but I admit it felt good. I needed to give that shifter a pounding. I had a lot of issues with him. Still do. "

  "Let's table that for now, Jerry. I've got a hell of a situation on my hands and that's a fact. I can't have boyfriend drama too. It's just too much. Remember that your territorial jealousy thing tends to end up with us taking breaks. You want that?" I looked up at him, really interested in his answer.

  "I'd have an easier time reining in my jealousy if I didn't have your other men in my face all the time. " Jerry rested his palms on my bum and pulled me against him. "And, yes, I plead guilty to being territorial. It's a Highlander thing. You've known that about me for centuries. "

  "Known it and not especially liked it. " I kissed his firm chin. "Can you try to work your way through it without using your fists and fangs?" I angled my head when he leaned down to deepen the kiss. Why not? I enjoyed kissing him and needed a reminder while standing in my almost empty living room that Jerry was my guy. He pulled back first and smiled.

  "Yes, I will definitely try to stay civilized. Though when other men put their hands on you, I want to break out a claymore and use it on the nearest man who even looks at you. " He patted my bottom. "Patience, lass. I'm obviously a work in progress. "

  I pushed away from him. "I get that, but how many years should I give you? Two or three hundred?" I knew my smile was rueful as I kicked off my high heels and walked toward the bedroom. "Any word from Ray?"

  "He's asleep now, finally resting. " Jerry followed me. "Not sure I'd bother him. I took him another bottle of synthetic about an hour ago. He had the shakes and obviously was in the throes of some night terrors. Mortals call them delirium tremens. I looked up alcohol withdrawal on the Internet. "

  I turned and caught Jerry's grimace. "Seriously? You've been taking care of him?"

  Jerry shrugged, obviously almost embarrassed. "Never thought I'd feel sorry for the bastard, but this might do it. He's got a rough road ahead. But clearly he needs to find another bed. This apartment is getting too crowded. " He gestured at the couch. "Sit. You want a bottle of synthetic?"

  "Sure, why not? Thanks. Not sure I can kick Ray out yet though. Not until he's over this stage. I still feel like his mentor, you know. And the paparazzi are lurking out there, waiting for a photo op. " I sat on the couch, resisting the urge to check on Ray myself. Jerry had actually taken care of everything. I smiled at him as he brought me the cold drink, poured into a goblet. Nice.

  "Then I'll move him back to the couch before it's time for us to go to bed. " Jerry sat close beside me and slipped his arm around me.

  "I got something started tonight to satisfy the demons. Freddy's been reaching out to his father. You can imagine how that's freaked out CiCi. We're going to see if Simon is actually interested in defecting. If so, we need to find out how to take out his goddess. That would end the EVs permanently. Then they can all sign over to Lucifer's team. I'm sure the demons have some incentives to offer them. I called Rafe and told him about it. "

  "All right. You brought it up. Let's talk about this demon thing. " Jerry lost his smile. "How are they forcing you to work for them?"

  I realized Jerry had gotten the shorthand version of what Rafe and I were doing. The full story wasn't going to go over well. And that was an understatement. "They can't force a good person to do the Devil's handiwork. "

  "Then you're out of it. Simply refuse and walk away. Let the shifter take care of Destiny and his goddess. Hell, Glory, you remember what it was like out there. No way are you getting anywhere near that cesspool again. " Jerry snugged me closer.

  "I can't abandon Rafe, Jerry. " I knew he was going to hate this. "He can't refuse them. He used his demonic powers when I told him I wouldn't sleep with him again. Flew off the handle. "

  "Not against you. " Jerry's arms tightened around me. "I've seen what the man can do. You wouldn't be here right now if he did. "

  "He burned a bush. That's all. It was freaky at the time, but I know in my heart that Rafe would never hurt me. " I touched Jerry's tight jaw. "Take my word for that. "

  "So he's got to get them Destiny. Let him. It's none of your business. " Jerry grabbed my hand. "You're risking your immortal soul trucking with those creatures. "

  "No, I'm not. I'm only making sure an evil person gets what he so richly deserves. " I knew I'd never persuade Jerry to cut Rafe some slack. "And helping someone I care about at the same time. Let it go, Jerry. I'm doing this. "

  "It's insane. You know you can't trust these demons. They'll do anything to seduce you to their side. " Jerry looked really worried. "We don't have any guarantees we'll live forever, Gloriana. Call me old-fashioned, but I always fancied seeing you in Heaven after this life was over. "

  "Oh, Jerry, of course we'll see each other there. " I kissed his lips. "They've tried to get to me already and I laughed in their faces. I won't be tempted, no matter what they dangle in front of me. " I shivered and looked around. Had I just waved a red cape in front of a bull? I braced myself in case Spyte and Caryon made a sudden appearance. When nothing happened, I relaxed.

  "Then I'll do whatever I can to help you, Gloriana. The sooner this is done, the better. You want Simon Destiny? Just tell me what I can do. I've wanted to bring the man down for a long time. " Jerry grinned. "And if we can speed up the process? Even better. "

  "God, Jerry. You realize the risk? I mean . . . " I grabbed him and kissed him until we were both breathing hard. "Thank you, Jerry. I love you. " I gave him a leisurely kiss this time that made me wish Ray wasn't in my bed. When we finally parted, we were both smiling.

  "What's this?" Jerry looked down as Boogie strolled into the room.

  "Penny's cat. Isn't he sweet?" I reached down and lifted him into my lap. "Poor baby. Did you hide under Penny's bed when all that horrible fighting was going on?" I glanced at Jerry. "It will never happen again. " I stroked the cat's fur.

  "I like cats. " Jerry reached for the cat and rubbed him between the ears. The cat rewarded him with a loud purr.

  "Good to know. " I put the cat back on the floor. "I guess Penny fed him. Her sister came into the shop today. Penny wants to tell her she's a vampire but it's going to be a problem. I can see - "

  The door crashed open and a wild-eyed Penny ran into the room. She dropped her laptop case on the floor, turned and threw the dead bolts.

  "What is it? What's the matter?" I jumped up and grabbed her shoulders. She was shaking.

  "I just did the most amazing thing!" She looked down. "Oh, no! I dropped my laptop. " She picked it up, slid it out of the canvas bag and quickly turned it on. "Okay, no harm done. "

  "Penny! You ran in here like the hounds of hell were after you. " I glanced at Jerry. "And, trust me, I know that's possible. What happened?"

  "Well, you remember on the hilltop? When those demons had us?"

  "Sure, who could forget?" I could feel Jerry's eyes boring into my back. I turned to look at him. "One of their tricks. You know how Aggie turns people to stone? Demons do it too. Rafe and I were statues. "

  "Yeah, and I was learning to shape-shift. Rafe and Glory were teaching me when the demons came along. " Penny paced into the kitchen, clearly agitated, and I heard the fridge open and close. She came out with a bottle of synthetic and twisted off the cap. She took a gulp, then a breath.

  "Anyway, at one point I shifted into a white mouse, just like the lab rats we use for our experiments. " Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked rapidly, then took another chug from her bottle.

  "Penny's a chemistry major, doctor of something. " I couldn
't take my eyes off her. She was clearly jazzed and positively beautiful with her eyes alight and her energy seeming to fill the room.

  "I specialize in genetic engineering among other things. I'm working on a post-doc. " She waved her hand. "The thing is I had an epiphany. "

  "About?" I sat on the arm of the couch. Her energy was wearing me out as she paced the perimeter of the room.

  "Those rats, Glory! What had I been doing to those rats? Experimenting, causing mutations, giving them diseases!" Tears overflowed and ran down her cheeks. "God, I couldn't stand it. "

  I grabbed her hand to get her to stop. "Of course not. But you were trying to find cures. For mortals. It's what scientists do. "

  "But I can't do it anymore. Not after I knew what it was like from the rat's point of view. I was tiny, defenseless. " Sob. "That demon just tossed me from one hand to the other like I was a thing to him, of no consequence. " Another sob. "Then I went into the lab tonight and saw all those cages with all those sweet faces peering up at me. " She dropped her head to my shoulder, unable to speak.

  I patted her back and looked at Jerry. "Of course it would be impossible to do that anymore. I understand. Maybe you can change to a different kind of research. Use plants or - " I shut up. What the hell did I know about science?

  She raised her head and grabbed a tissue from a box by the computer. Guess this wasn't the first crying jag to come up over the rat question. She blew her nose and the beauty thing vanished.

  "Forget the research. I had to do something to save them. To keep them from any more pain. " She tossed that soggy tissue and grabbed a fresh one.

  "Save them?" I stepped back from her. "What did you do, Penny?"

  "Well, first I disabled the security cameras. " She smiled at Jerry. "I'm really good at that kind of thing and I don't want to be booted out of the program for theft, you know?"

  "Certainly not. " Jerry nodded. "Good to know you're skilled at security. "

  "Thanks. Anyway" - she wiped her cheeks - "I got a traveling cage and started filling it. It took three cages to get them all. A couple were too sick and I, I had to put them down. " She took a shaky breath. "That was so hard, but the merciful thing to do. I wasn't going to allow them to suffer another minute for science. "

  I shook my head. I was no scientist and never wanted to be one. "So where are these rats now, Penny?"

  "Well, I knew I had to be careful. These are domesticated white rats. Where could I take them that they'd be safe and cared for? And the university would find them if I just dropped them off at the local animal shelter. They'd demand them back. "

  "Yes, they would. " Jerry spoke up. "I imagine they have identifying marks on them, don't they?"

  "Yes, of course. They're tagged. That's important when you're running controlled experiments. "

  "So where are they, Penny?" I was very afraid I knew the answer.

  Suddenly slumping and trying to put on a shy and supplicating fa?ade, she looked at me.

  "Oh, no, you didn't. " I leaped over the couch and grabbed Boogie. "Your cat and I cannot live with a dozen white rats. "

  "Actually it's more like fifty-three. " Penny's face was flushed.

  "Fifty-three?" From the doorway, Ray's voice was strong, his laughter the first sign that he might live through withdrawal. "Oh, Glory, and you thought I was a handful as a fledgling. "

  Jerry actually helped Penny drag three cages of white rats upstairs. Boogie and I retreated to my bedroom and closed the door. Sorry, but I just couldn't see cute and rat in the same sentence. I made Penny promise to keep them in her room. Which was going to be a squeeze. Too bad.

  "She's going to have to buy more cages," Jerry announced once he coaxed me out of my bedroom.

  "I can smell them from here. Boogie's pacing in front of her door, just looking for an opportunity to get in. Some fun, eh, Glory?" Ray patted my knee. He and Jerry were sitting on either side of me on the couch.

  "The council is definitely compensating me for this. I'm calling Damian. " I pulled my cell out of my purse.

  "No! You can't. He won't understand and the fewer people who know about this, the better. " Penny walked into the living room with Boogie in her arms. "I'll find a home for them. With one of the animal rights groups. Just give me time. " She smiled and put the cat in my lap. "A few days. "

  "What's going to happen to your research?" I petted the cat while Jerry stared at Ray's arm on my knee. "Stop it, Ray. " Jerry looked afraid to move, but his fangs were showing when he gave Ray a "grope her and die" look. Ray just grinned.

  "It's ruined. " Penny slumped into one of the chairs. "But that's okay. I'm vampire now. A whole new life. Don't know what I'm going to tell my folks though. They were picturing a Nobel Prize in my future. A cure for some obscure disease. "

  "Tell them you decided to join the animal rights thing. Saw the light. " Ray grinned at her and threw his arm across the back of the couch to play with my hair. "Or maybe I can hook you up with my pal Ian. He'll be here this week. I convinced him to check out Austin. You'd dig his research. He's going to make it possible for us to walk in daylight someday. "

  "Glory mentioned that. " Penny leaned forward. "It's true then that he's a chemist? She said this daylight thing was temporary though. "

  "Right now it is. " Ray winced when Jerry gripped his wrist. "Okay, she's yours. I get it. " He removed his arm. "But Ian is a genius. I bet he could use a good assistant. I'll arrange a meeting for you. "

  "Not a good idea. " Jerry glared at Ray. "Never trust a MacDonald, Penny. They're double-dealing cattle thieves. "

  "Oh, well, then. Penny, listen to the man. Guard your cattle when you meet Ian. " Ray chuckled. "Did you just hear yourself, Blade?"

  "Stop baiting him, Ray. " I patted Jerry's knee. "Jerry has his reasons for mistrusting Ian. There's an age-old feud going between the families. But also, Ian is tricky. I don't exactly trust him either and his diet drug gave me weird side effects. "

  "But he's brilliant. You said it yourself. " Penny stood and walked to the breakfast room and her computer. "First, I'm finding a home for the rats. I can't take the smell and it's not healthy for them either, it's so overcrowded. I'm not sure where I'd find enough cages for them at this time of night though. "

  "I know where to go. " Jerry got up and headed for the door. "Come with me, Penny. We'll take my SUV and get what you need. " He turned and pinned Ray with a hard look. "Can I trust you to behave?"

  "Really, Jerry, what kind of question is that?" I stood and marched to the door. "You can trust me. That's all you need to know. Now thanks for helping Penny. " I kissed his cheek and watched them both head down the stairs. I knew he'd been trying, but as a "work in progress" he had a long way to go.

  I shut the door and turned to Ray. "How are you feeling?"

  "Not so hot. " He stretched out on the couch. In low-slung jeans and nothing else, he was still a sight to make a girl drool. "I was putting on a good show, wasn't I? Didn't want Blade to know how bad I felt, it's a guy thing. Though he was actually pretty decent to me before you got home. "

  "Yes, you're obviously a good actor. Jerry doesn't bother to mask his feelings, the jealous ones anyway. But, like you, if he's in pain, he'd rather die than let on he's less than a hundred percent. " I leaned down and touched his forehead under the silky hair that had fallen into his bright blue eyes. "You're very cold to the touch. Have you fed today? The Bulgarian brew has real blood in it. I'll bring you some. "

  Ray pulled me down on top of him, showing surprising strength. "I'd rather have some of what you've got. You know vampire blood heals us faster than anything. "

  "Ray, this isn't a good idea. " I lay on top of him, inhaling him. This brought back some memories in a rush, some good, some not so great. He had the same charisma that always pulled me in, but then he could be a world-class jerk, especially to the man I loved.

  "Please?" He ran his hand up under my hair and just smiled, suc
h a sad smile, like he knew he'd never have me now. Okay, of course I was being manipulated but I went along with it anyway.

  "All right. Take what you need. But this isn't foreplay. " I started to offer my wrist but didn't bother. Why not let him take what he wanted from where he wanted it? It might keep him from turning back to the alcoholic stuff. I still couldn't get the visit from Spyte out of my mind. No way did I want Ray to sell his soul to Lucifer and there were things he'd do it for. Spyte had nailed it with that chance to live in the light as Ray used to as a mortal. Or maybe he'd choose to get his mortality back.

  "There you go, Glory. Now you're thinking like one of us. " Caryon stood beside the couch, watching as Ray sank his fangs into the vein at my neck.

  I expected Ray to jerk and react but he started drinking with a sigh of pleasure, his hand on my back anchoring us together.

  "Oh, he can't see or hear me. Just you can. But now's your opportunity. Yes, we can give him his mortality back. Or, if he wants to stay vampire? He can get that gift of sunlight. Just like we gave you your reflection. If Israel Caine will sell his soul to Lucifer, he can become a vampire who can walk and play in the sun. " Caryon laughed and I got chills. He was talking in my mind and I answered him the same way.

  "You couldn't really - "

  "Need proof?" Caryon gave me one of his full-on creepy fang smiles. "Just look in your bathroom mirror. "

  "Then Ray . . . " I felt his other hand slide down to pull me closer, our chests and hips pressed against each other as his mouth worked on my throat. I couldn't let him drink much longer. He was enjoying this, his mind open as he wondered if making a move on me now was worth risking being shot down again. But it was a brief thought, most of him caught up in the pleasure of taking in ancient vampire blood.

  I knew how Ray would react to an offer of daylight. He wouldn't hesitate. Hell? To Ray that would be an abstract when he was all about the concrete, the here and now. And he'd easily blow off immortality if he could have his old pleasures back. Ray was all about pleasures.

  "Oh, I see you know how seductive that would be to the rock star. Do you dare make the offer? Think about it. You say you love the man. If you truly do, why not give him his heart's desire?" Caryon began to fade away. He'd been in his usual dark suit and tie, not a hair out of place. "Make the offer, Glory. Then Caine won't need to lose his mind and dull his pain with alcohol. How do you like this proof that I can stay away from your friends? This one, anyway. " That had sounded like a taunt just before he disappeared.

  I probed Ray's mind again and got a glimpse of yearning that made me sigh. I knew what that felt like, to crave something just out of reach. But I also knew that this evil bargain wasn't the way for Ray to get it. I shoved at him, suddenly sure that I'd been so distracted that I was in danger of letting him take too much of my blood. I sat up and the room swirled around me.

  "You okay?" Ray held on to me when I bent over and rested my head on my knees.

  "Bring me one of the synthetics out of the fridge. " I took a breath, feeling queasy. I wasn't sure if it was from blood loss or Caryon's offer. Both were a possibility. Ray put a cold bottle in my hand, then went to answer the door when I hadn't even heard a knock.

  "What the hell has been going on here?" Rafe was by my side. "Did you drain her dry, asshole?"

  "Didn't think so. " Ray sat on my other side. Seemed it was my night for being surrounded by hot guys. "Drink, Glory. Hell, I'm sorry. Guess I got carried away. You should have stopped me. "

  "You should have stopped yourself. " Rafe looked like he wanted to start a fight with Ray when I glanced at him.

  "No more fighting in here. I appreciate the concern, but I'm already living in a war zone with almost no furniture. I swear, if I inhale any more testosterone, I'm going to start scratching my crotch and craving Monday-night football. Now, chill. " I drank my synthetic and felt better immediately, though Rafe's neck looked awfully tempting.

  "You need to feed from me?" Rafe shot Ray a challenging glare. "Help yourself, sweetheart. "

  "That's all you need. Bite him, Glory, and let Blade walk in on that. There'd be a dog area rug here before you know it. " Ray sat back and smiled.

  "Son of a bitch!" Rafe jumped to his feet. He'd stayed shifted into dog form as my bodyguard for five long, frustrating years, and Ray wasn't inclined to let him forget it.

  "I said chill. I mean it, Rafe. Jealousy is not sexy to me. And hurling insults is childish, Ray. A total turnoff. " I drained my bottle and handed it to Ray. "Thanks. That did the trick. " I sighed and leaned back. "Now, Ray, Rafe and I have some business to discuss. " I glanced at Rafe. "Maybe you could give us some privacy. "

  "What? You have secrets from me? What's the big deal?" Ray looked like he didn't want to budge.

  "We're dealing with some demon issues. Nothing to do with you. If you must know, they'd like your soul. Interested?" There, I'd said it. He did what I thought he'd do, he laughed.

  "You're kidding, right? Demons from hell?" Ray got up and took the empty into the kitchen. "What else, angels? Are we living in a graphic novel?"

  "No such luck. " Rafe looked like he was grinding his teeth. "Remember, you used to think vampires were fiction. How's that working out for you?"

  "Point taken. " Ray sat in one of the chairs. "So demons are real. Angels too?"

  "A couple are guarding my shop right now. " I looked at Rafe. "Emmie Lou and Harvey Nutt are back and protecting it and us as long as we're in there. Seems a higher power doesn't like the pressure we're under. "

  "No kidding. " Rafe grinned. "That's cool. " He glared at Ray. "You going to mock that?"

  "Naw. I'm open to whatever you guys are selling. This is a whole new world to me. How can I help?" He actually sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.

  "Stay sober. Let us handle this and don't add to my load. " Oops that had popped out.

  "Well, shit, Glory. Didn't know I was a load. " Ray was on his feet in an instant. He never had managed to get any more clothes and he still just had the black jeans and his boots, which were by the door. No shirt. "If you call Nate and tell him I'm sober, he'll pick me up. " He looked around. "No, to hell with it. I feel good enough. I'm shifting out of here. From the roof. "

  "Ray, wait. I didn't mean - " I jumped up. "Don't shift. You haven't had enough time to fully recover. "

  "You got another idea?" He'd started pulling on those boots.

  "Stop. You can't leave. " I put my hand on his chest, knocking him back onto the couch. It was too easy; obviously he wasn't ready to go anywhere yet.

  "I'm sober. What else do you need?" Ray glared at me as he pulled on his other boot.

  "Proof you can stay that way. Damn, I wish we had vampire rehab. " I stood in front of him, ready to knock him down again if he tried to get past me. Yes, I could call Nate to keep an eye on him, but a mortal didn't stand a chance in that situation.

  "Maybe we do. Have rehab. Call Ian. He can set something up. He's a doctor and he's coming here anyway. Would that satisfy your urge to watch over me?" Ray stomped into his boots, then leaned back. "Hand me your phone and I'll put in his number, let you talk to him. "

  Ian was a medical doctor. And could be relentless. Maybe this would work. I dug in my purse and handed Ray my phone. "Do it. Dial his number. "

  "Shit. You really don't trust me. " Ray obviously hadn't expected me to call his bluff.

  "History tells me I'd be an idiot if I did. " I smiled as he frowned and punched in numbers.

  "Ian? Glory St. Clair here. I've got Ray Caine with me and he's in need of your help. " I listened to the Scottish accent and ignored Ray's muttered curses as I described Ray's recent behavior and meltdown. "When will you be here?"

  "That soon? Excellent. Oh, I'll tell him. Thanks so much. " I ended the call, then smiled at Ray.

  "He's flying out tomorrow at sunset. Seems he wants to help you. And needs you clean and sober if you're to be hi
s lab rat for the daylight drug. " I punched in another number. "Nate, can you have two shifters in the alley in five minutes? Ray's going home. He's sober now, and if you can keep him like that for twenty-four hours, Ian MacDonald will take over after that. " I listened for a minute, smiled, then dropped my phone in my bag and pulled out a set of keys. "All set, Ray. Guess it's safe to give you these. "

  "What the hell?" Ray shook his head, then glanced at Rafe. "You hear a train whistle? I think I've just been railroaded. "

  "When Glory gets a notion, don't stand in her way. It's a done deal. " Rafe grinned, obviously glad to see Ray headed out the door.

  "Your car is in back. Your wallet is locked in the console. " I tossed him the keys. "I'm also calling Damian. No more booze deliveries. "

  "Gee, Mom. What about my diaper change?" Ray got up and strolled over to face me.

  "You're welcome. " I knew Ray was mad, didn't blame him. And treating him like a child right now didn't sit well with me either. I reached out to touch his cheek. "I'm sorry if this seems unnecessarily rough, Ray. If I didn't care about you, I wouldn't bother. "

  He tried for a smile and failed. "Yeah, I get that. Don't think I don't appreciate what you've done. I hit a low. Falling off the stage may have knocked some sense into me. " He glanced at Rafe, then pulled me into his arms. "Thanks, Glory girl, for everything. " He gave me one of his "you can have all I've got" kisses and my knees buckled. He grinned, settled me into Penny's computer chair, and saluted Rafe as he walked to the door.

  I watched him go, not sure it wasn't to his doom. God, if Caryon or Spyte decided to approach him themselves and offered a trade - soul for sunlight - what would happen? I didn't want to think about it. And then there was his drinking. He closed the door and I tore my gaze from it to Rafe. How many times had he watched a scene like that and felt left out of the mix?

  I shoved myself to my feet and stumbled over to him. I collapsed on the couch and leaned against him.

  "Rafe, hold me a minute? I swear I didn't feel a thing just then. "

  "You know, you could go to hell for lies like that. "