Wolfe turned to Blade and said, “Get ready. A very angry Vampire is about to come down.”
When Blade nodded, Wolfe shot himself across the room and took a position directly behind Nikki. He leaned down and whispered, “Call to him again, but this time act like you need to be saved.” His last instruction was unnecessary when he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and made her cry out.
Instantly Devin let out a roar and dropped out of the rafters. The second he landed on the floor, Blade was on him.
The battle caused Cassandra to pop into the scene in a panic. Seeing the chaos, Cassandra began to chant a spell in an attempt to stop the fight. Skye ran instantly to her side and said urgently, “No, you must let us deal with this our way.”
“But I must help.”
“We’re Vampire and take care of our own. We know how to handle this.”
Cassandra nodded and reluctantly called back her magic. Like the others, she was forced to watch the battle play out. After a ferocious fight that brought tears to Nikki’s eyes, Blade managed to pin Devin onto his stomach. With a whistle, the other Vampires flashed to Blade’s side. While Jett jumped in to help hold Devin down, Skye and Kara used leather straps to bind Devin’s arms and ankles behind him.
Satisfied that Devin was unable to get out of his bindings, Blade exclaimed while panting hard, “Well done! Excellent strategy Wolfe!”
Instead of Wolfe responding, Nikki was the one to speak, saying “Ahhh, Blade. We seem to have a new problem.”
Blade looked over at Nikki and saw her still locked tightly in Wolfe’s arms. His hunter side had come forward and was sniffing Nikki’s blood covered neck.
Blade picked up his weapons again and walked forward toward Wolfe with his arms spread wide. He said calmly, “Wolfe, fight it and let Nikki go.”
Wolfe replied in an extremely strained voice, “I can’t fight. Her blood…It calls me. I must…taste her.” When he gave in for a moment and licked a trail of blood off her neck, Blade signaled to Nikki. She gave him a nod in acknowledgement of what he wanted her to do. When Blade saw Wolfe bare his fangs to take much more, Blade yelled, “Now!”
Nikki’s body flashed electric bright and her wings swiped hard. The strength of the impact forced Wolfe to release his grip and knocked him several feet backwards. Now free, Nikki instantly dropped flat onto the floor and Blade went sailing over her. Blade and Wolfe flew across the room into a display of swords, sending weapons clattering in all directions.
While attempting to subdue Wolfe, Blade yelled, “Nikki run! Hide yourself, now.”
Nikki wasn’t about to argue and flew off as fast as she could. Once in the bathroom, she locked the door behind her. Trying to lesson her scent, she jumped into the hot tub and quickly washed off the blood. She then got out of the water, put on some pajamas she had tucked in a cabinet, and sat pressed against the far wall.
Hearing a faint meow, Nikki scanned the room and called, “Cupcake? Come here, Sweetie.” Seconds later, Cupcake came out of hiding and jumped into Nikki’s arms. Together they cowered and waited.
Over the next hour, Nikki listened as Vampires roared, voices argued, and things banged against walls. Once she heard the apartment door open and then close, everything started to quiet.
Nikki jumped when there was a knock and then Cassandra’s voice said, “Nikki, you can come out now.”
While staying behind the safety of the door, Nikki asked, “What about Wolfe and Devin?”
“The girls and Jett took Wolfe downstairs and are watching over him. Blade is with my godson in the living room. They’re both pretty banged up, but they’ll be fine.”
Even after everything that happened between her and Devin, Nikki needed to see and touch him. She opened the bathroom door and, with Cupcake in her arms, she emerged. Cassandra gently tilted Nikki’s head to the side to look at her bite mark. Seeing that the wound had already closed and had only left a nasty bruise, Cassandra pulled her into her arms and said, “I’m so sorry this happened. I saw the desire in his eyes earlier, but you both seemed to be enjoying yourselves so I thought you were in safe hands. I should never have left the two of you alone.”
Nikki replied, “This wasn’t all Devin’s fault. I got myself drunk and wasn’t thinking straight. I was having a wonderful time and finally gave in to my attraction for him. I tried to fight my desires, but I’m the one that stripped naked and seduced him in the shower. I played with fire and used my own Pixie influence to entice him to take my blood. I wanted so badly to be like his other women. I wanted to feel his Vampire kiss and experience his other legendary talents. But I forgot that I’m not like anyone else and my blood and body have an uncontrollable effect on his kind. Not only was Devin burned by my actions, so were Blade and Wolfe. They saved me and I repaid Wolfe’s valor by electrocuting him and forcing Blade to beat the crap out of him. As I’ve said all along, I’m a Pixie wrecking ball. Everything I touch, I ruin.”
From the living room, Devin heard their discussion and said, “Nikki, please come here.” Hearing the desperate need in his voice, Nikki did as asked. When she stood next to the couch, Cupcake jumped into Blade’s waiting arms to lick his bruises.
Devin feared that Nikki would cower away from him. Instead, she stood in front of the beaten and bound man who had half a dozen empty bottles of blood at his side. She dropped to her knees, leaned over, and pressed herself against the bare skin of his legs. They both sighed as their physical connection calmed the curse.
Devin knew what was coming next so he said, “Don’t you dare apologize for anything. I knew the dangers I was putting us in and had convinced myself that I could handle it. I can’t escape who and what I am, and I hate that you saw the darker side that’s caged inside of me. My desire to have you, and not just your blood, was so much stronger than I could’ve ever imagined. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t contain my hunter side. I can’t explain it. I’ve never responded like that, even to a Vampire female.”
Nikki said, “That’s because you were feeding on the desires that I had caged inside me and didn’t want to admit were there. I wanted you so badly, I ignored the danger signs.”
Devin replied sweetly, “I guess we both lost control on our suppressed feelings.” He then looked to Blade and said, “Thank you for protecting Nikki from me, but your job is far from done. To keep her safe, I’ll need you to help me tame this new animal growing inside me.”
Blade nodded and said, “You know that you don’t have to ask. I’ll do whatever is necessary.”
Hearing Devin speaking calmly and seeing the guilt and despair in his eyes, Nikki looked at Blade and said, “He’s had enough. Please release him.” Cupcake jumped down onto Devin’s leg and took a protective stance in front of Nikki.
Blade looked to Cassandra and, when she nodded, he did as requested. Although Nikki wanted to throw her arms around Devin’s neck, she knew that she still needed to keep her distance to not reignite the still smoldering flames.
To help distract everyone from the tension in the air, Cassandra had everyone move to the kitchen. While Nikki insisted on making Devin an extremely strong Bloody Mary, Cassandra used some of her potion skills to make something for Nikki to help her body quickly replenish her blood supply and counter the alcohol still in her system. While the cursed couple ate and drank, they all sat quietly, contemplating the situation.
Nikki sighed and said, “I’m so embarrassed. I once again turned what I wanted as a fun night into a nightmare. I promise it won’t happen again.”
Blade chuckled and said, “Vampires and Pixies really aren’t that different. We both never do anything half way. I guarantee that this was a night none of us will forget.”
When Nikki swayed in exhaustion, Devin stood and announced, “Nikki needs to get to bed and rest.”
Blade looked at Devin’s empty glass and asked, “How are your cravings now?”
He replied honestly, “Nikki’s blood sated my needs for now, but I would lik
e to contact Grippin to have him come over and stay the night. I want Nikki to feel safe as she sleeps.”
Although the evening made Nikki realize that a physical relationship was out of the question unless a miracle solved his Pixie blood craving, she didn’t want to lose the friendship that had finally grown between them. She shook her head defiantly and said, “We don’t need Grippin to babysit us. I’m not concerned about being alone with you.”
Devin didn’t believe her and replied, “I think it’ll make everyone feel better if he was here.”
Nikki could feel Devin’s lack of self-confidence and knew that he was the one that didn’t feel safe being alone with her. She said, “Don’t call Grippin.” She then looked over at Blade and said, “Bo is watching the front door, so would you stay at my side? It was you and the other Vampires that saved me tonight, so I think it’s only right that you continue to watch over me. Besides, if something does go wrong—which it won’t—you’re the one most capable of handling the situation.”
He gave her a deep bow and said, “It would be my honor.” In an attempt to make light of a bad situation, Blade looked over at Cupcake, gave her a wink, and whispered, “We’re going to have a slumber party.” After the cat jumped back into his arms and purred in delight, he added, “This is going to be so cool. I’ll get to hear all the jungle sounds that Devin talks about.” He looked over at Nikki again and said, “Although I may have been distracted by all of the wonderful spots, I do recall seeing something unexpected as you flashed by. So, what’s with the cartoon cat on that cute little blue butt of yours?”
Nikki blushed and replied, “So much for hiding my secrets.” Before she walked away, she gave Cassandra a hug. To show her continued faith in her Vampire family, she walked up to Blade and wrapped her arms around his chest. As she held him, she said, “Once again, all of my formerly hidden spots are forever in your debt. I’ll sleep contentedly knowing you’re here protecting me.” As she stepped back, she added, “Please ask Wolfe to come see me soon. Besides wanting to say thank you, I also want him to know I don’t blame him for what happened.”
Nikki then walked over to Devin and took his hand in hers. As she squeezed it, she asked anxiously, “I’ll see you in bed later?”
Devin rolled his eyes at the thought and knew their situation was so much more than just blood lust. He couldn’t risk being close to her, so he said, “I promise that I’ll periodically check on you.”
If Nikki was to make a bet, she would put money on Devin sleeping on the floor next to the bed.
After she was up in the loft, she quickly sent a text to Jackie. “Do you still want to see where I live?”
Even with the late hour, she got an instant response. “You know I do. Will they let me in?”
Nikki replied, “I have a plan. I have something only you can help me with.”
Jackie asked, “I’m assuming you can’t talk right now?”
Nikki texted back, “No, Vampire ears hear everything. Let me do my magic and I’ll get back to you once I work out the details.”
With a grin, Jackie replied, “I’ll be waiting.”
Nikki put down the phone and, taking in a deep breath, crawled into Devin’s bed alone. While she stared at his pillow, she recalled her mother’s advice and she whispered, “The first thing to do when your life is falling apart is to cry your eyes out.” She then let the silent tears fall.
Chapter 23:
I Am Woman
When Nikki woke with the dawn, she found both Devin and Blade sprawled on the bedroom floor. Blade was gently snoring with Cupcake draped across his neck like a scarf. Nikki quietly made her way to the bathroom and, after getting dressed, went downstairs to survey the damage that had been done during the battle. Although much of the mess had been picked up, the weapons area was still a disaster. After a quick breakfast and spending some time in the sun, she began the cleanup effort. While the Vampires continued to sleep, she periodically checked on Devin to appease the curse, but also because she was struggling with guilt. She knew Devin was the one that lost control and attacked her, but she was the one that got drunk and used her naked body to seduce him into her arms.
After coming back down from one of her checks, Nikki found Cassandra sitting at the kitchen counter. Cassandra asked with much concern, “How are you today?
Nikki replied, “I’m fine and, before you ask, we had a quiet night.”
Cassandra said, “I love my godson, but I honestly don’t understand how you can so openly trust him and his kind after what happened.”
Nikki said, “It wasn’t all his fault. I’m just as guilty, if not more. I denied my attraction for him until it exploded like a volcano. But somehow we’ll make it through. Living in the Human world wasn’t easy and, every time it got hard, I hit the road and started over. This time the curse has stopped me from running so, whether I like it or not, my life is in Vampire hands right now. I can fight it or embrace it. This time I’m choosing to embrace it. I just need to learn to curb my Devin appetite.”
Cassandra replied sincerely, “I want you to know that I think your presence has already fundamentally changed my godson for the better.” She stood to leave and said, “I’ll head back down to my apartment but, if you need anything, promise that you’ll call me. All you have to do is ask and, if it’s even remotely possible, it’s yours.”
Nikki said, “There is something you could do for me. I want Jackie to be able to visit me here and at Mistyx, but both of these places have your magical barriers blocking out Humans and other less desirables. I know that my growing popularity makes this magic more important now than ever and you’ve even had to reinforce them both. I’m not asking you to undo the magic but, if there’s any way to make it less painful for Jackie to get in, I would really appreciate it.”
Cassandra nodded and said, “I’ll see what I can come up with.”
The two women hugged and then Cassandra used her magic to pop back to her apartment. Nikki returned to the weapons area and, by the time her roommates were about to wake, all signs of the battle were gone. As soon as she heard the Vampires stir, she closed the light hatch in the skybox and flew to the kitchen. Knowing the request she was about to ask them, she wanted their breakfast waiting for them.
When Blade and Devin came downstairs, Nikki was standing by the edge of the kitchen counter holding their liquid breakfast. Blade accepted the gift and, after he took a sip, he nodded approvingly and said, “Not bad, Blueberry.”
Cupcake jumped onto Blade’s shoulder and, as he sat on a kitchen stool, he began to sing her a song about living in a jungle. Nikki knew that the song was in honor of all of the noises she and Cupcake made during the night that Blade had to attempt to sleep through.
Hearing the out of tune serenade, Devin punched Blade and said, “Stop it. It’s way too early for that screeching noise you call a singing voice.”
Nikki asked Blade, “Did you actually get any sleep this morning? Between my bird calls and Cupcake strangling you, I doubt you closed your eyes for more than a minute or two.”
Blade scratched Cupcake’s chin and asked, “Are you kidding? I don’t know what Devin was complaining about. I’ll admit that it took a little while for my Vampire hearing to adjust, but I found the whole experience fascinating. There’s something hypnotic about the combination of bird calls, breathing in air filled with Pixie dust, and feeling the vibration from Cupcake’s purr. I think you could make a living offering the experience to others. It’s a better high than any drug I’ve tried.”
Nikki handed Devin his breakfast. After he drank it down, she said, “My wing missed her favorite burrito filling.” She gave him a playful wink.
Devin knew that she was still trying to make light of what had happened to her and he appreciated her efforts. He put down the empty glass and replied honestly, “So did I.”
Seeing him dropping the wall that he had put up between them, she gave him a smirk and said, “It isn’t too late.” She flung her arms and w
ings around his chest and hugged him so tightly that he grunted. After he wrapped his arms around her, he kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. He focused all of his senses on not just the sensation of the curse calming, but also the missed warmth that her embrace offered.
After they finally separated, Devin looked around and, seeing the apartment’s pristine state, he said, “You made breakfast and cleaned...you’re up to something. I can sense it. What do you want?”
Nikki played innocent and replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about but, before you start your day, I do have something I want to discuss with both of you.”
Blade said warningly, “Look out Devin; here it comes.”
Nikki ignored Blade’s smirk, cleared her throat, and announced, “I want Jackie to come visit me here in the apartment.”
Given the disaster of the night before, Devin wanted to yell ‘No’ but, after what he had put her through, he decided to appeal to her instead. He replied calmly, “I know how much she means to you, but do you really think it’s wise to bring a Human into a den of Vampires? She’s a prime food source for my kind.”
Nikki was prepared for this response and asked with her eyebrows raised, “Worse than me?”
Devin said, “No. You’ll be happy to know that you still hold the first prize on that one by a Grand Canyon margin.”
Nikki said, “You’ve been able to deal with me for months and I’ve survived.”
“Only by a thread. Have you forgotten last night already?”
Nikki waved off his concerns and said, “If I hadn’t gotten drunk, drugged you with Pixie dust, stripped naked, and gave into my own urges by attacking you in the shower, last night wouldn’t have happened. If I behave, surely you can handle a single Human for a few hours.” She gave him a pleading expression, resembling a lost puppy, and said, “Please. Do it for me?” To add to the effect, her wings fluttered endearingly, like long eyelashes.
Mistyx Sonata (Mistyx Series Book 1) Page 27
