A Guardian's Love

by Stein Willard

  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.

 

 

  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.

 

 

 

  †

  Pierre slammed his fist on the table, causing both Joan and Michael to jump in their seats. 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 she?”

  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 has not 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 have been filed in the past month 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 is 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.

  “If Genevieve trusts her, it must mean something.”

  “Genevieve?” Pierre asked slowly. “How do know that?”

  “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.” Paloma gave Pierre an apologetic look. “I wanted to be sure before telling you.”

  Joan cleared her throat softly. “Do you trust her, Paloma?”

  What a loaded question. It might sound like she was committing high treason by what she was about to say, but she had no other choice. “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?” Tahlia snarled, but Paloma knew that Tahlia was more disturbed over her answer. Royals and renegades are mortal enemies and looking at Tahlia’s granite face, it wasn’t going to change soon.

  Paloma sat back in her chair. “I wondered about that too and have been considering different probabilities.” She pushed a hand through her hair. “I believe that she must have been converted by Genevieve. That is the most probable explanation I could come up with. If she was created by Genevieve then she is of our blood and could be a great help to us.”

  The Royal Vampires looked at each other. This was a hard but necessary decision to make. Never before in their history had they enlisted the help of a renegade. But one of their own was in dire need of their help. They nodded simultaneously.

  “Do you know where to find this woman?” Jonas asked.

  Tahlia sat back, 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, so it will not be difficult to track her down.”

  †

  Central Park looked peaceful, bathed in the silver rays of the moon. She had seen daylight scenes of the park on TV. It was always crawling with humans who congested the walkways. She suddenly stiffened, sniffed the air, and almost gagged. She was here. How the hell could she have allowed her to sneak up on her like this? She wasn’t a fledgling. At her age, it was a disgrace that she was such an easy target. But then, she wasn’t dealing with an amateur either.

  She turned slowly and froze.

  The Assassin stood 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 the woman. Her weapons were in her waistband, but with the master vampire standing so close, it would be suicide to try to reach for them. Paloma would cut her down even before she’d opened her jacket. The vampire simply stood there looking at her and that was when it hit her.

  If the vampire had wanted her dead, she would’ve been dust by now. No use wondering, she thought to herself and straightened her shoulders.

  “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 surprised to see a faint flicker of amusement in the silver gaze, but it was gone so quickly that she almost thought she’d imagined 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 am listening.”

  There was soft rustle behind the vampire, and a tall gorgeous brunette stepped out from behind Paloma. She was 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 her possessiveness. The human, on the other hand, stared back at her boldly. The woman’s bulging knee-length jacket, Trinity 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’d 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 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 anywhere. He was in her dreams—rather Genevieve’s dreams that she had inherited. If Genevieve were considered her mother, then this man undoubtedly 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 speak 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 wanted to, she wouldn’t be able to say no. 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, Paloma roughly pulled back and shoved her behind her back. Shaken, Inger looked at Paloma to find the Assassin’s eyes had shaded to red.

  “What’s wrong, Paloma?”

  “There is someone in your room.” Paloma placed her hand on the door handle.

  An unexpected cool breeze brushed against her. Inger turned sharply to find Jemima standing behind her. Jemima’s face looked cast in stone.

  “Stay behind us, Inger.” Jemima ordered sharply.

  Paloma pushed the door open. They didn’t even bother to switch on the light, relying on their supernatural sight. Inger cautiously peered into the room.

  “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 knife 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 details about having seen her with Paloma on the balcony the previous night. She pushed past Paloma and came to stand in front of Marsha, but she made sure she was out of touching range.

  “Why, Marsha? I thought we were friends.”

  Marsha eyes spat fire and at her.

  “Friends?” She waved her hand at the vampires surrounding her. “You fraternize with these...these monsters?” She lifted the knife, but Jemima lifted her hands and with a curt wave, the knife was flung from Marsha hand. The next moment the girl dangled in the air, and Jemima had a fistful of Marsha’s t-shirt.

  “Why do you want to hurt my daughter?” She grabbed a handful of Marsha’s hair and exposed her neck. Inger knew what Jemima was going to do. Blood didn’t lie. Exposing her fangs, she opened her mouth wide; looking into Marsha horrified eyes and bit down. After a few sips she pushed Marsha away from her, sending the girl sprawling on the floor.

  “She’s a blood cow. I think we may have found a lead.”

  Tahlia suddenly materialized in the room. 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 to them as live feed.” Tahlia reached for the girl, but a warning look from Jemima made her step aside.

  “I know your friend disappeared a few days ago. What do you know of the people who took her?” Jemima made sure that her fangs were showing as she spoke to Marsha “I’ve taken your blood, so you can’t lie to me. Now talk.”

  Marsha’s tear-stained face pulled in a stubborn mask. 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 brushed her tousled hair back 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 Joe’s, a bar across town.”

  Inger grimaced at hearing the name. Joe’s was one of her regular hunting spots.

  “And?” Jemima prompted the shaken girl.

  “She's still missing.”

  “Are you blaming Inger for the disappearance of your friend?” Jemima wanted to make the link between the girl and her 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's a murderer,” she spat and her spittle sprayed over the vampire standing in front of her.

  “How did you come to that conclusion?” 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 grave danger every time you allow them to feed off you.”

  Marsha glowered at her, and Inger knew that no matter what she said, the girl was not going to listen.

  “You are the danger,” Marsha replied. “You and your friends 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 that preyed on humans.” Inger said softly.

  “And what about your friends? 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 renegades attacking or killing us. They keep the balance and protect humankind from the real monsters.”

  Inger’s eyes became somber, as she looked long and hard at the rumpled-looking girl. It was still painful to think that the only other person on campus she regarded as a friend had been plotting her demise. Her duty as a Consortium member was to protect and serve no matter what the circumstance. She couldn’t leave Marsha to continue on this destructive path. She shuddered to think that one day she might be the one who might have to destroy Marsha if she were accidentally converted.

  “A very dangerous renegade vampire is in town.” She tried to draw Marsha’s attention. “We need your help to track him down because we believe your friend was taken to him. For us to save her, we need to know where to find him.”

  For a few moments, she thought Marsha was going to ignore her, but the girl lowered her face into her hands, and her shoulders began to shake. Helping her off the floor, Inger led Marcia over to the bed. 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 one of 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 wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Our contact always hangs out at Joe’s. His name is Toro. He’s a big muscled man, with a bald head and a silver ring through his nose.”

  Tahlia quickly stepped forward and before Marsha could pull away, Tahlia framed her 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 have erased her memory and planted new ones. 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 do not think it is safe for you to come back here anymore.”

  Nodding, Inger walked over to where Paloma and Jemima 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.” Physically and 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 replaying the events of the night. She was very lucky that Paloma escorted her to her room or she probably would’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 compel you.”

  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 they would look incredibly sexy on Paloma. She had been right. That same night Paloma had tried them on, Inger, turned on by her lover’s appearance, 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 am 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 and her mouth falling 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 that Inger was comfortable, Paloma quickly checked the safeguards and went to the lounge. Tahlia and Jemima were sitting on a couch chatting softly. They came to their feet when she appeared.