by L.H. Cosway
When she saw my impressed expression, she explained, “My dad gave me a lesson on how to shoot, back before he…” she trailed off, her voice catching with emotion.
Ah, crap. I’d been trying to take her mind off her dad but I’d inadvertently done the opposite. “He taught you well,” I said. “He should be proud.”
Tegan silently nodded, lifting the gun again and firing off a few more rounds.
A couple minutes went by, and I saw she’d started to enjoy it.
“Feel better now?” I asked when we’d both run out of bullets.
She smiled. “Strangely, yes.”
“Good. Now, come on. Let’s get back to the house. You have a vamp party to get ready for tonight.”
“Do you really not want to come? Ethan said he’d ensure your safety.”
She obviously didn’t realise how emasculating that sounded. I shook my head. “No, I’m good. I have my heart set on a quiet night in.”
When we got to Cristescu’s, Tegan rounded up the gang and invited them all to the party at Crimson. Delilah and Ira were the only two who agreed to go while everybody else respectfully declined. We might be guests in a vamp house, but that didn’t mean we wanted to be in a club with hundreds of them—me especially.
Later on, I found Alora sitting on a couch alone in the living room.
“Hey, Goldy. How’s your day been?” I asked as I entered.
Her cheeks got a pretty red tint when she heard my voice, and something about it caused a warm, pleasurable feeling in my chest. Was she remembering the way she woke up this morning in my bed? I hoped so, because personally I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Best morning I’d had in a long, long while.
“Hi, Finn. My day’s been okay. You?”
“Can’t complain,” I replied, stroking the back of her hair affectionately before lowering to sit beside her. She shimmied closer so that our thighs met, and I resisted the urge to pull her onto my lap and kiss her senseless. Instead, I took her hand in mine and ran my fingertips over her upturned palm. I never really connected with people on this level—touching just for the sake of it.
“That feels nice,” she whispered.
A thick wave of arousal swept over me, and I wished we could go back to my place, where I could lay her down on my own bed and make her feel good for hours on end. Being with her under someone else’s roof just didn’t feel right. My hand fell away from Alora when Delilah and Ira entered the room and sat down on the couch across from us. Delilah eyed me intently while Ira picked a book up from the coffee table and began flicking through it. I raised a ‘what the eff are you gawking at?’ eyebrow at Delilah, and she turned away with a little smirk.
Clearly, she suspected my feelings for Alora. Well, goody for her. I wasn’t going to act embarrassed. I liked Alora, and from the way she reacted to me this morning, I suspected she liked me back.
It had all come on so fast, but having her around made my chest feel less tight. There was a light, airiness there whenever she was close. It made no sense since I’d only known her a few days, but her quiet presence was soothing, a balm to my soul.
Leaning forward and ignoring Delilah’s shrewd observation, I gave Alora a tender kiss on the cheek.
“I’m going to do a quick circuit of the city and keep an eye on things,” I told her. “Do you want me to bring anything back?”
She shook her head, a shy look on her face at my show of affection. “I don’t need anything, but thanks.”
“Hey, Finn, I wouldn’t mind some Mexican food if you’re offering,” Delilah said cheekily, and I shot her a wry look as I pointed at her.
“You can go get it yourself,” I said, and she chuckled as I left the room.
Aside from Theodore, I hadn’t seen many witches or warlocks about. Marcel, in particular, had been uncharacteristically quiet this past while. Although, I had spotted him at Campion Row the other morning handing out maps to members of the angry mob.
I drove towards Indigo only to find the place locked tight. There were a few shops nearby still open for business, but most of them were empty. Every once in a while, some police officers walked by on patrols, but otherwise, the streets were dead.
I sat in my van, biting at my short fingernails and worrying if this was what we had to look forward to from now on. People too afraid to leave their homes for fear of being attacked.
It was evening by the time I got back, and all I had managed to do was save one old lady from being mugged by a group of human teenagers. I also gave a man directions to the nearest open grocery store.
You know, real hero stuff.
After so many years of constantly fighting a battle, I didn’t trust the quiet. It made me antsy.
At the house, I found Tegan, Alvie, and Amanda in the kitchen preparing dinner. They all seemed to be working together to make a stew, and the counter was a mess of chopped vegetables.
“Ever heard of the saying ‘too many cooks spoil the broth?’” I asked humorously, sitting down on a stool to watch them. I picked up a raw carrot and took a bite.
“Oh, shush,” Tegan said as she turned back to consult the recipe book she was working from. “I’m just not used to catering for so many people.”
“I say you give up now and order a pizza.”
“What’s going on in here?” Lucas asked as he entered the kitchen. Amanda tensed at the sound of his voice.
“We’re cooking dinner,” she replied, meeting the dark-haired vampire’s eyes coolly. She stood with her hands on her hips, staring him down.
His gaze seemed to move along her body appreciatively before a guilty look crossed his features. I remembered Tegan mentioning that he’d been the one to introduce Amanda to the vampire world. That was how she became addicted to being bitten. It was interesting to know he felt remorse about it.
“You look good. Healthy,” he said, and Amanda’s lip trembled.
I watched her actively fight whatever feelings she was having before plastering on a neutral expression. “Thanks.”
An awkward silence ensued. I glanced at Tegan, and she shrugged her shoulders. Lucas cleared his throat. “Right, well, I better get going to Crimson. Are you all coming to the party later, or …” His eyes went to Amanda once more, but she refused to look at him.
“Only me, Delilah, and Ira are going,” Tegan answered. “Everyone else is staying here.”
Lucas nodded. “Right, well, I’ll see you later then. The rest of you have a good evening.”
He left, and Amanda seemed to slump in relief once he was gone. Poor girl. It must’ve been rough getting clean from addiction and then having to stay in a house with the thing you’d been addicted to. Tegan put a hand on her friend’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Amanda gave a little nod to show she was okay, and they continued to prepare the stew.
When Alora entered the kitchen, I was distracted from everything else. She seemed to have that effect on me. I called her over to where I sat on the stool before pulling her between my legs and wrapping my arms around her middle, her back pressed to my front. Tegan and Alvie were not so subtly watching us out the corners of their eyes, but I didn’t care. I wanted Alora to be my woman, and I couldn’t give a crap who knew about it.
Leaning forward, I placed a soft kiss on her neck, and she shivered.
“You hungry?” I asked in a low voice.
“Mm-hmm,” was the only reply she gave, and I could tell she was shy about me being openly affectionate with her in front of everyone. Well, she’d better get used to it because I had no intention of stopping.
I stroked my hand across her belly, and when Tegan began gathering vegetables and dumping them into the pot, she watched us curiously. The front door opened and shut, and seconds later, Cristescu strolled into the room. He laughed tenderly when he saw Tegan fretting over her concoction. The tender way he looked at her gave me pause. I’d never really seen the two of them in an everyday environment like this. It made them both seem so normal … and so in love.
“Are you okay?” she whispered.
“I’m good,” I said, lowering my voice to a whisper. “I’m always good when you’re near.”
The way her long lashes cast shadows on her face as she glanced away sent a bolt of arousal through me. Interesting. It seemed I liked it when she got shy. Sadly, my burgeoning stiffy was a problem. I had to think about something gross so as not to embarrass myself … such as Theodore naked.
Brrr.
Yep, that did the trick.
We all sat down for dinner once Tegan’s stew was ready, and despite the mess they made of the kitchen, it actually wasn’t half bad.
Once night fell, Tegan, Cristescu, Lucas, Delilah, and Ira left for the party at Crimson
while the rest of us retreated to our rooms. I thought about inviting Alora to spend the night with me again, but I didn’t want to rush things. With the city how it was, I couldn’t court her properly, couldn’t take her out on a date like I normally would. There was also the possibility that she might be a virgin, which meant going slow was important. I wanted her to feel safe with me and not pressured into doing anything she wasn’t ready for.
I lay down on the bed, bunched up the pillow until it was just right, and closed my eyes. Several minutes later, I started to feel cold, and I realised that the temperature in the room had dropped drastically. I glanced out the window, and there was frost on the glass. The weather wasn’t exactly warm today, but it certainly wasn’t cold enough for frost.
Sitting up from the bed, I walked over to the window and ran my hand along the surface of the glass. I quickly withdrew my hand when a zing of what could only be described as magic flitted across my skin. This was just too weird.
The frost had grown so thick that I couldn’t see out anymore. I jumped when something moved across it, clearing some of the ice, and my heart thumped when I saw a hand. Someone was on the other side of the window—a window high up on the second floor.
Moments later, a circle had been cleared, and I found myself staring through the pane only to be met by Rita’s dark gaze. An unnatural grin formed on her lips as she crooked her finger at me.
Tegan
I’d say one thing for Nicu Arcos, he really knew how to throw a party. I entered Crimson arm in arm with Ethan. Delilah, Ira, and Lucas were behind us, and all I could see was glittering gold and red confetti as it fell from the ceiling. It was sort of magical how the lights reflected off the confetti, making the entire place seem as though it was sparkling.
The vampires all cheered at Ethan’s arrival, some of them even thrusting bouquets into his arms. If it was anyone else, they might look bewildered, but not Ethan. He took it all in his stride with an urbane smile and genteel words of appreciation.
For a second, I was reminded of the victory march of an ancient Roman general, returning home with the spoils of war. Only I wasn’t sure that holding power in Tribane was a victory so much as a poisoned chalice. I considered the fates of every governor I’d met. Herrington, Pamphrock, and Whitfield had all suffered distinctly gruesome deaths.
A large table had been set up in the VIP section, and Nicu guided us over to be seated. Those who drank liquids other than blood were provided with glasses of champagne, while the vamps sipped what appeared to be red wine, but I was pretty sure it wasn’t.
Our table was a flurry of activity as vampires came and went, all wishing to have private words with Ethan. The two occasions where he showed them what happened to traitors must have made them extra eager to convince him of their loyalty.
I wore a tight black sleeveless dress that was moulded to every curve of my body, courtesy of Delilah. I’d already caught a couple of vampires surreptitiously giving me ‘I vaaant to suck your blood eyes’. It didn’t mean they were going to do it, of course, not when Ethan would tear their heads off for so much as laying a finger on me.
Still, I drew my magic to me as a precautionary measure, just in case any of them decided to act on their instincts. Delilah and Ira were on the dance floor, and I watched as Ira lifted her off the floor and twirled her around as though she weighed nothing. For a big guy like him, she probably didn’t.
A warm hand slid up my thigh, and I turned to see Ethan’s eyes practically glowing as he stared at my cleavage.
Knocking back a sip of champagne, I asked, “Feeling frisky, are we?”
His smile held an erotic promise. “With you, always.”
The next thing I knew he was leaning forward and capturing my mouth with his. His fingers moved farther up my thigh to my underwear, and I gasped when he pressed his palm between my legs. His other hand sank into my hair and gripped the base of my neck, pulling me closer to him.
“Ethan,” I whispered hoarsely. “This is a little public for my taste.”
“Shall we go somewhere private then?”
A tremble went through me. “That would be terribly rude to your guests.”
A waiter walked by and replaced my empty glass of bubbly with a new one, while Ethan’s heated gaze zoned in on my tongue as it snuck out to wet my lips.
“I suppose I’ll just have to get you later then,” he murmured right before Nicu appeared at the table with another old vampire who wanted to be introduced to Ethan.
I took the opportunity to pay a quick visit to the bathroom. After I’d done my business, I was accosted by two lady vamps who oohed and aahed over my dress and my hairstyle, complimenting me endlessly about every little detail of my outfit. I never realised just how much there was to be said about a plain black dress and matching heels, I thought to myself sarcastically.
“You must come shopping with us sometime,” said the blonde one. “I know a little boutique that you’d just love.”
“Oh, yes,” said the other, “and come for book club at my house. We always have small get-togethers on Thursdays, and we’d love if you’d join us.”
On and on they talked, and it finally dawned on me what was going on. They wanted to get in good with Ethan’s girlfriend because getting in good with me was a step closer to getting in good with him. For a brief second, the blonde’s eyes flashed black and her fangs slipped out. She seemed embarrassed as she quickly regained her composure, and her fangs disappeared back inside her mouth.
“I apologise,” she said. “You just smell so good.”
The other one laughed. “I didn’t want to say anything, but I was thinking the exact same thing.”
Suddenly, I didn’t feel all that comfortable being stuck in the ladies’ room with these two, so I hastily made my excuses and left. Sometimes I felt like a pot of honey next to a swarm of hungry flies when I was around vampires. Also, the champagne probably wasn’t such a good idea because I was starting to edge into the realm of ‘too tipsy for a vamp party’. Eager eyes seemed to watch my every move as I made my way through the club.
I was struck with the thought of how easily any one of them could attack me, and my heart skipped a beat. Panic gripped me. I really needed to find Ethan.
The place was so crowded that it took what felt like forever to get back to the VIP section. I couldn’t see Ethan anywhere, and my breathing quickened. Then someone gripped my arm, and I turned to find Lucas standing over me, his expression surprisingly etched with concern.
“Tegan, are you okay?”
I swallowed hard. “Um, yes. I mean, no. Yes. Uh, I think I might be having a panic attack.” I put my hand to my chest and rubbed, trying to calm myself down. “The crowd is freaking me out,” I said, and Lucas nodded.
“Come on, I’ll take you to Ethan’s office. You can have a moment to relax in there.”
He led me back to the office and opened the door to the empty room. I stepped inside and instantly felt much better. Lucas stepped in after me, but he le
ft the door open a little, and I was grateful for that.
“Thanks,” I said to him. “There were these two women in the bathroom who wouldn’t leave me alone, and I just panicked.”
“They wouldn’t leave you alone?” he questioned.
“Well, not in a bad way. Not really. They were just being nice, too nice. And then they started getting all fangy and saying how good I smelled, and I had to get away.”
Lucas chuckled. “Fangy? Really?”
I waved him off. “You know what I mean.”
Lucas walked into the adjoining bathroom and returned with a glass of water, handing it to me. “Drink this. It might sober you up a little.”
“I’m not drunk.”
The only response I got was a cynically raised eyebrow.
“I’m serious. This is what I call tipsy. Drunk is a whole other ball game.”
His eyes trailed to the ceiling, and he seemed bored now. I sipped on the water and studied him.
“So, what was that all about with Amanda earlier? Ethan said you’d agreed to steer clear of her, and yet, there you were, getting in her space.”
“I wasn’t getting in her space. I was merely being polite. She needs to know I’m no danger to her.”
“It’s not that you’d be a danger to her. It’s more like she’s a danger to herself when she’s around you. She might feel the urge to offer you her blood.”
“Even if she did, I’d never take her up on that offer. I told you before, I care about her wellbeing.”
I eyed him now, curious. “Do you care about her romantically?”
His shoulders stiffened. “That’s none of your concern.”
“Oh, my God, you have real feelings for her, don’t you? You loooove her,” I sing-songed, something I’d never do if I wasn’t tipsy from champagne.
“Alright, you’re obviously feeling much better now. Come on, we should get back out there.”
Lucas guided me from the office, and we walked down the corridor that led back out to the main area of the club. Something felt off though, and when we emerged, I noticed that the previously crowded dance floor was deserted. Vampires huddled around the outskirts of the club, an air of fear permeating them. When I moved to get a closer look at what was happening, my heart literally stopped beating for a second.
