Jackie wrapped her arms around Nikki and said, “I wish you would’ve told me. We’re friends in both good times and in bad. I want to be here for you.”
“I know. I’m making such a mess of things.”
“Promise me that, from this day forward, you’ll tell me everything and you’ll call on me for help.”
“Well I did call and that’s why I insisted that you be allowed to come here.”
Jackie said, “I guess you did call…a little late, but that’s better than never. By the way, I have the items you asked me to bring.”
Before Jackie could say anything more, Nikki hushed her and whispered, “Not here. Let’s jump in the hot tub downstairs and we can talk privately. I’ll tell Devin where we’re going and then I’ll join you. Your bags are still by the apartment door. Be sure to grab the items I requested and bring them with you.”
They both went downstairs and Nikki was surprised to find Devin and Blade talking at the kitchen counter, since even Cupcake hadn’t heard Blade come in. Cupcake excitedly jumped up on the counter and rubbed against her favorite Vampire affectionately, while purring so loudly that it made everyone chuckle.
As the women approached, Blade stood and said, “You must be Jackie.” He held out his hand and said, “My name is Blade.”
Jackie took his cool hand without hesitation. As she stared inquisitively at the Vampire, she said, “You’re the one that lives on the first floor and owns that monstrous dog, Bo.”
Blade laughed and said, “No one owns Bo. He and I just share an apartment.”
“Nikki told me how you helped save her the other night. I would like to thank you for that.”
“I would do anything for both my girls.” He nodded toward Nikki and scratched Cupcake between the ears. He then scanned Jackie and said, “Love the boots. They’re Italian, right?”
She raised her eyebrows in surprise. She then scanned his body and, like she did to Devin the first night she met him, sized him up in seconds. Her figure somehow magically became more pronounced, announcing to all that she liked what she saw. She then put on a smile and said, “A Vampire that knows his footwear. Nice.”
Nikki knew Jackie well enough to know that she had found her new target. In an attempt to deter her friend, Nikki said, “It’s always wonderful to see you Blade, but do you think being here is a good idea? You do know that Jackie is Human.”
Without moving his eyes from Jackie’s, he said, “No worries. I thought Devin might need some assistance tonight so I fed well. She’ll be perfectly safe. Scout’s honor. Besides, I had to officially meet the Human that could beat Cassandra’s magic.”
Jackie batted her eyelashes at Blade and said, “I’m still a bit weak from my fight with the entrance. Would you be willing to carry my bags up to the loft for me?”
“I would be honored.” As he picked up the bags, he said, “I thought you were just staying with us overnight?”
“I am. I wasn’t sure what Nikki and I would be doing.” She put her hand on his arm and added, “…or what dashing man might stop by unexpectedly. I wanted to have options for what to wear and, with each outfit, I must have the proper shoes and accessories.” Seeing his GQ ready attire, she added, “It’s nice to meet someone else who appreciates the art of looking good and...” While blatantly enjoying the sight, she said, “You look good enough to eat.” She growled playfully at him. Blade gave her a real growl in return. The sound made her shiver and she said, “That tickles. By the way, your dark aura is pulsing, which means you’re looking for something. Maybe you’re on the prowl. How do you feel about highly fashionable, but magically challenged, women?”
Fearing she needed to save Blade from Jackie, Nikki flew behind the couple and, as soon as Blade dropped the bags, Nikki pulled Jackie away from her newest love interest.
Blade took the hint and said, “I’ll leave you two now. If you need me, just whisper my name and I’ll be at your side in seconds.” As he jumped over the rail, Jackie gasped and ran to make sure he was okay. When she looked down and saw him smiling back up at her with his white fangs flashing in the light, her knees went weak.
Nikki approached her friend and said, “Vampires are truly gifted and, as you are now quite aware, their gaze can be extremely hypnotic.” When Jackie mumbled incoherently, Nikki pulled her friend away from the rail to break their visual connection. She then said, “Let’s grab our things and go down to the hot tub. It’ll help you clear your head.”
Once Jackie was standing by her bags, she shook like a dog. While giggling, she said, “I feel almost drunk. He may be Vampire, but wow. He can rock my world any time he wants.”
“Be careful what you wish for or you might end up being the next one wet, naked, and being chased by a blood-crazed Vampire. Trust me, it isn’t as fun as it sounds. Grab your stuff and let’s go.”
While Jackie and Cupcake went into the downstairs bathroom, Nikki flew over to Devin. After telling him their plans, she had him fix a drink for Jackie and a glass of plain fruit juice for herself. She then took his hand in hers to appease the curse and, when she went to release him, he held on and stared into her eyes.
He asked, “So are you ready to tell me what you’re really up to?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m getting pretty good at reading your emotions and my inner radar is telling me that you’re up to something again.”
She replied innocently, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He gave her a smirk and said, “Jackie isn’t the only one that can sense lies. I may not be able to influence your mind to force you to tell me, but I will figure it out. You should know by now that you can’t hide anything from me, Girlfriend.”
Accepting the challenge, she replied, “You can try, Boyfriend.” She leaned in, kissed his nose and then blew Pixie dust into his face. His mind went instantly fuzzy and he lost his hold of her hand. As she flew away, she finished her thought, “...but you’ll fail.” Under her breath, she added at a whisper but knowing that Vampire ears would hear, “Top of the food chain? I don’t think so. Pixies rule, Vampires drool.” She giggled and disappeared.
Blade chuckled at the exchange and said, “She’s a devilish little creature. Do you think Jackie is part of her scheme?”
Devin nodded and said, “You can count on it. I know that’s why she’s here.”
*~*~*~*
After Nikki joined Jackie, she locked the bathroom door behind her and then tapped a keypad on the wall. Suddenly the bubbles in the tub started and music filled the room. When she thought there was enough background noise, she said at a whisper, “Did you bring it?”
Jackie nodded and pulled out the equipment needed for drawing blood, asking quietly, “Can you explain to me again how you see this plan of yours working?”
“It’s simple. Devin and the Vampires crave my blood. Devin lost control in the last attack because his cravings for me had grown too strong and mixed with my desires. The combination caused his animal instincts to take over. But after he got over the guilt, his blood lust around me has been much less powerful. That gave me an idea. If I control my own lust and he takes a small amount of my blood on a regular basis, it might keep his instincts caged longer and make our living arrangements easier. I’ve tried to spend time with the others that live here and it’s extremely difficult for them to be near me for any length of time. Skye finally admitted to me the other day that it was the desire to know what I taste like that drove them all crazy, so I plan to sate their curiosity. Basically I’m going to give them all a Pixie allergy shot. I know that I can’t let them take it from my vein without them losing control but, if I could bottle it, they could drink it. They could do it at Mistyx while I’m safely tucked away back here with Devin.”
“So you want me to help bottle Chateau du Pixie?”
Nikki nodded. “You’re a trained phlebotomist and you volunteer your time at the Red Cross drawing blood, so I need your help to do this.”
; With a wicked grin, Jackie replied, “Drawing blood is a great way to get close and personal with available men when they’re lightheaded. Besides, many of them like being manhandled by me.” She sat up tall and proud and added, “I actually have a fan club and there are a few regulars that I’m considering getting to know even better.”
Nikki replied, “Well I’m putting my veins in your very capable hands. The tricky part will be finding a hidden place that Devin won’t see until after we play pass the bottle.”
“So no dancing in the rain for a while?”
Nikki snorted and said, “Seducing a Vampire in the shower was not one of my most brilliant ideas.”
“That man wet, naked, and aroused. Saying no is almost criminal.”
“Or in my case, almost lethal.”
As she continued to set up the equipment, Jackie asked, “Why don’t you just tell Devin your plan? He might help you with it.”
“After the last attack everyone, especially Devin, would think it’s too dangerous and would never agree.”
“Based on what you’ve told me, you’re playing with Vampire gasoline. One spark...”
Nikki put on a large, artificial smile and said, “My luck has to change sooner or later. Maybe this will be my day.”
Jackie faked like she was choking and said, “Yeah, right. Well, if we’re going to do this, let’s get started. Where do you want me to draw blood from?” Nikki pointed to her inner thigh. Jackie cringed and said, “That’s a highly sensitive spot and it’s going to hurt like hell. Are you sure?”
“Vampire eyes are extremely observant and, if it leaves a bruise that he can see, he’ll notice instantly.” Seeing Jackie still hesitating to agree, she added, “It’s just this one time. If my plan works, he’ll have no choice but to agree to the process. Then we can use my arm.”
Jackie sighed and said, “Okay. I’ll give it a try.”
As Jackie worked, they covered their actions from prying Vampire ears with girl talk.
When Nikki’s blood started to fill the bag, Jackie gasped and whispered, “Nikki. Do you know that your blood is purple?” As she held up the liquid in the bag toward the light, she said, “It actually looks like thick wine.”
“I know; it matches my hair. It’s also why my skin gives off a bluish hue.”
Just as they were cleaning up, the conspirators both jumped when Devin knocked on the door and asked, “How are you two doing in there? Nikki you’re not drinking are you?”
Nikki whispered in Jackie’s ear, “Crap. I should have thought of this. He probably feels that I’m a little lightheaded from the blood loss.”
Jackie replied to Devin for Nikki, “She isn’t drinking, I promise. I like the water really hot. I think I may have overdone it a bit and boiled her.”
The curse was making Devin anxious so he said, “Let me in so I can check on her.”
Without skipping a beat, Jackie giggled and said, “Sorry, but we were skinny dipping. We’ll get dressed and I’ll bring Nikki out to you shortly.”
Nikki whispered, “You’re good at this.”
Jackie replied, “It’s a gift.” She dug through her bag, pulled out some clothes, and said, “I was going to give this to you later, but I think it would make a wonderful distraction now.” She held up new pajamas and said, “Let’s have some fun and take advantage of being women.”
Moments later, they were both dressed and had the incriminating contraband safely hidden again. Jackie downed the last of her drink and said, “Watch and learn. I’ll have them under my spell in seconds.” She fluffed up her breasts, which were now prominently on display, and picked up Cupcake. The tiny cat was sporting a new neon pink, sequin collar. Jackie said, “Come on girls. Time to show those two the magic that only a woman can wield.” She then dramatically swung open the door.
As Nikki expected, they found Devin nervously pacing with Blade at his side. All questions or suspicions the Vampires had were instantly yanked from their minds and they stood dumbfounded by the sight.
The women were dressed in matching polka-dot covered soft cotton night pants and open-backed halter tops that were made completely from sheer lace other than a band of silk that covered their breasts. The effect teased their eyes and forced their male observers to visually imagine what was hidden underneath. Nikki’s material was in a deep wine color that matched the color of her blood. Jackie was in a red so bright that she let off a glow. Once they had the men’s undivided attention, they turned around to reveal the words ‘Bite Me’ emblazoned in sequins across their backsides.
Jackie played it up and said, “I saw them and instantly thought of Nikki. Do you like them?”
While Devin fumbled for the right words to say, Blade was locked on Jackie’s curvy assets and was letting out a low growl.
Feeling that their distraction was successful, Jackie picked up her bag, took Nikki’s hand, and said, “If you’ll excuse us, boys. I’m going to get Nikki something to drink to cool her off.”
Nikki left a trail of Pixie dust that caused the Vampires to be frozen in place and forced them to watch them saunter their way toward the kitchen. Jackie played up her movements to keep the men’s eyes locked on her curves and whispered to Nikki, “I love being a woman.”
Nikki stealthily stashed the blood in a section of the refrigerator that she knew Devin would never touch—the vegetable drawer. She then grabbed the orange juice and fixed herself a glass. Knowing she needed to sit for a while, she turned to Jackie and said, “Let’s go to the living room and watch a movie.”
While scratching Cupcake between the ears, Jackie stared at Blade and called, “You’re welcome to join us.”
Not only was Jackie able to resist Blade’s influence, she now had the target Vampire completely under her spell. When Jackie walked purposefully toward the couch, Blade’s feet followed her outside of his control. Being influenced by Jackie’s estrogen power overflow, Nikki gave Devin a smile and motioned for him to follow her.
He did as requested without question but, along in the way, he whispered to himself while imitating Nikki’s voice, “You won’t even know she’s here.” When light reflected off the sequins on their backsides, he rolled his eyes and added. “Yeah, practically invisible.”
Jackie and Cupcake strategically sat in a loveseat so that, if Blade sat with her, he would be forced to sit close. Cupcake fought for his attention by patting the spot on the cushion next to her. Blade sat between the two vying for his attention. Once sitting, Cupcake positioned herself against his arm on one side, while Jackie curled up next to him on his other side. Both snuggled in with a matching contented sigh.
When Blade extended his arm along the back of the couch behind Jackie, she said, “Keep it rated G, Fang Boy.” She then gave him a playful wink.
Nikki tossed Jackie the flower blanket and then, after crawling onto the couch, she wrapped herself in her wings. Devin sat down next to her. She wanted him to put his arm around her and pull her in next to him but, instead, he took her hand in his, keeping a gap between them so that the rest of their bodies didn’t touch. Although disappointed, she was relieved that their distraction plan worked and, during the movie, Devin didn’t ask a single question about what she was secretly scheming. Even if he had wanted to, it would have been difficult for him to ask Nikki anything, because Jackie kept them all busy with questions about life in the warehouse and the others that lived there. When she wasn’t asking questions, she was sharing her life story and her reactions to what she had learned so far about the magical world.
When Jackie paused in her non-stop bantering, out of the corner of her eye, she caught Blade staring intently at her. She turned to him and asked, “Why are you staring at me? Trying to find the best vein to bite?”
He shrugged and said, “I’m always thinking that, but actually I wanted to ask you something.”
“Ask away. I’m an open book.”
He snickered, knowing that was an understatement. He had known her for less than an h
our and already knew more about her than most of the people he had known for many years. He gave her an inquisitive stare and said, “I was just wondering if you can go five minutes without talking.” He then gave her a smile that made her toes tingle.
She replied, “I could, if I wanted to. I just need something else for my mouth to focus on. Are you offering suggestions?”
He laughed and said, “A few ideas are starting to form.”
“Maybe, if you’re a good boy, while I’m visiting Nikki, we can discuss the merit of a few of those ideas.”
He gave her a low, playful growl to tell her he accepted her challenge. She felt the resulting vibration as if his fingers had caressed across her skin, making her shiver. She liked the sensation and replied, “We definitely need to discuss this further later.”
Jackie went back to watching the movie, although she had no idea what was playing. She attempted to remain quiet, but four minutes later, she started a discussion about how Vampires keep their feeding a secret from Humans.
None of them actually watched the movie, but they didn’t mind. They couldn’t help enjoying Jackie’s addictive outgoing nature, which made her almost glow. Although Jackie was very different from Nikki, Jackie’s zest for life was one of the reasons that Nikki liked being around her. Based on Blade’s reaction, he seemed to appreciate this characteristic just as much.
Chapter 25:
Sway
Once the movie had the credits scrolling down the television screen, everyone stirred. Jackie wanted an innocent reason to get physically closer to Blade so she announced as she stood and stretched, “I taught a new Zumba class at the crack of dawn this morning and I’m a bit stiff.” She looked over at Devin and asked, “How about showing off more of your bartending skills by fixing us a few drinks? We can then dance to loosen me up.”
Mistyx Sonata (Mistyx Series Book 1) Page 29
