Courted by the Vampire

by Sandra Sookoo

  She licked her dry lips, keeping an eye on the shadows at the front of the room. “Listen, Shakespeare, let Narcissa find Edwin. She’s got a thing for him anyway. I need your help to distract those men in the black suits by the doors. After that, if you’d like to stay with me, that’s fine. But let me warn you, I may not make it out alive.”

  The three remaining fairies held a quick conference then turned back to her. “We have decided to remain with you. We will return to your evening bag after our work tonight.” Roosevelt’s Mohawk quivered with seemingly suppressed excitement. “Wherever you go, we will go. We’re family.”

  “I didn’t know you felt that way.” Hannah blinked back sudden tears at the announcement. She grinned then shooed them off. “Go. I’ve got to deal with something else.” The fairy troupe flittered off into the darkness. She chewed the inside of her lip. Without the fairies, she was truly alone.

  Shoving self-pity aside, her attention was drawn to a door on the opposite side of the room. It opened, and a steady stream of partygoers, laughter, and conversation filled the space with quick efficiency.

  Determined to hide among the still-shrouded display cases, Hannah worried about what to do next. Things were rapidly nearing a conclusion, she could feel the expectation in the air, and she was no closer to a solution than she had been when she started.

  “Good evening, Miss Weybourne. Imagine my surprise to find you here tonight. I wasn’t sure if Edwin would consent to bring you as protective as he’s been of late.” Well-modulated, the voice contained a mix of easy charm and heavy power. “My soirée is now complete.”

  When his hand landed on her arm, she emitted a small squeak of alarm. “It was an honor to be invited.” She studied the man before her with curious interest.

  Chestnut hair cut short so it waved at a side part, silver at the temples showed his age. Espresso eyes watched her with hawk-like intensity, his clean-shaven jaw jutted out with a slight hint at arrogance. He was Edwin’s height though not as physically imposing nor as muscular as the vamp. Dressed in the pre-requisite tuxedo, he sported a black satin waistcoat with a black rosebud on his lapel.

  That was bizarre enough, but what really set him apart from everyone else was the egotistical confidence he wore like a shroud. Hannah frowned as her stomach threatened to throw up its contents. This was the man whom everyone feared? Where was the proof he was evil personified? Where did he hide the black vileness? Power emanated from him in cold waves that chilled her skin, but she needed concrete evidence.

  “You are shocked to find I’m not a hideous beast?” His grin oozed magnetism, revealing straight white teeth that flashed in the dimmed light.

  “Damn.” Her cheeks flamed in embarrassment and she hastily erected mental guards, hoping her power would be enough to keep him out for a while. I’d forgotten he’s a telepath. She pasted a false smile on her face. “You took me by surprise, yes, but evil comes in all shapes and forms. Even those of us who don’t have a whole lot of experience in these things know that.”

  She struggled to remember he was the root of all the evil in the room. When he looked at her, he made her feel as if she were the only person that mattered, as if her every word was uniquely fascinating to him. The sensation wasn’t unpleasant.

  “You’ve been listening to the stories the paranormal world has been eager to feed you.” A trace of disappointment laced his low-pitched voice. He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. An easy smile graced his lips, his face devoid of all malicious intent. “At least give me an opportunity to prove the stories wrong.”

  For the moment, Hannah didn’t see what harm it could do to placate him. Maybe he would tell her where Duncan was. “That’s fair. Thank you.” She allowed him to draw her down the first row of curtained display cases. “So, when do we get to see the great unveiling? Surely, you don’t intend us to suffer much longer. I hate the anticipation.”

  The smooth and velvety sound of Andre’s laughter surrounded her like a warm fleece blanket. “I had been told you were rather impatient.” He winked. “The rumors are true. I like an inquisitive woman.”

  Cheeks still warm, Hannah couldn’t concentrate as he talked of meaningless things. The logical half of her brain warned of seduction spells and mind tricks. She glanced at Andre, but there was no outward sign he was anything other than what he appeared to be—a man with a passion for collecting oddities. She shook her head and hoped the jumble of conflicting thoughts would re-order themselves. “Please tell me what’s in the cases.” The comforting weight of Edwin’s ring shifted between her breasts. She wistfully wished for the Mirror of Truth.

  “All will be revealed in good time, my dear.” Andre patted her hand, his lips curled in amusement.

  Desperate times called for harmless flirting. Hannah swallowed her fear, and felt like a beauty pageant contestant with another fake smile. “Do you think you could give me a tiny peek? A hint maybe?” Unashamed, she batted her mascara-coated eyelashes. Hot pleasure stirred in her stomach when a satisfied smile lit his face. “I’ve heard you’re holding an actual full-blooded vampire.”

  “Curious?” As he escorted her down the next row of cases, her fingers itched to yank the black velvet away. His dark gaze captured hers, compelled her to look at him. “Did you come alone tonight, Hannah? I haven’t seen the esteemed bounty hunter.” He made a big show of glancing about the room. “He’s only a partial vamp, correct?”

  She shook her head, her brain heavy and muddled. “He came with me, but he left me in the foyer for some reason…” She couldn’t remember why he left. A thick murky fog like condensed milk coated her mind, hindering her ability to think clearly. Her stomach lurched as she realized her mental guards weren’t strong enough and Andre had slipped through anyway. She teetered on the heels, grateful for Andre’s steady grip. “Edwin gave me a glass of champagne. He should have been back by now.” Trepidation mixed with the haziness. “He wouldn’t leave me.”

  “Allow me to fill the gap the bounty hunter left.” Andre snapped his fingers. A waiter appeared with two glasses of the fizzy wine. When he handed Hannah a glass, his fingers brushed hers. Raw power hovered within him, warm and throbbing as it snaked its way up her arm. “May I propose a toast?”

  Nodding, she stifled a sneeze as the bubbles tickled her nose. “Go ahead.” The fog settled in her brain like an opaque cloud, dulling her senses. It deadened her ability to discern truth from fiction. “What are we toasting?”

  “To the future. Here’s hoping our paths will cross often.” He tapped his glass to hers with a smile. “I’m hoping for a business partnership of sorts.”

  “A partnership.” She returned the smile as the word bounced around her brain. Another glance into his unfathomable brown eyes sent Hannah’s internal organs into a meltdown. Andre knew exactly what he wanted out of life. She shivered. What would his lips feel like on hers.

  He leaned in close. “It’s too bad your date ditched you. An attractive woman like you shouldn’t be alone.”

  Cold slivers of unease caressed her skin. “Thank you.” He smelled of sickly sweet patchouli. “Tell me about your party. What’s it for?” She felt weird, not quite drunk but strange, as if she wasn’t quite herself. Fuzzy sparkles filled her mind. Each time she attempted to recall the vital missing piece of information, the blanket descended once more. “Is it a celebration?”

  “My dear, I am a collector of all things unique and different. I’m compelled to own things no one else has seen or possessed.” He skimmed his fingers down her bare arm then he drew her along another row of glass cases. “I don’t want much in this world, except a few beautiful things now and again. Surely that isn’t too much to ask for?”

  “It’s quite a noble aspiration.” She bit her lower lip and raised an eyebrow. Wasn’t I called by a different name? She tried to remember but nothing would come into her addled brain. Giving up the cause, Hannah sighed and beamed a smile at Andre. “How wonderful of you to want to share your collect
ion.”

  Partygoers thronged into the area while expectation hung heavy in the air. Somewhere within the bowels of the house, a clock chimed the midnight hour.

  Hannah blinked. What was it that I needed to do? She twirled the stem of her champagne flute between her thumb and forefinger, gazed at the people that streamed around them. “Would you please give me a tiny peek?” She ran a finger over the nearest soft velvet sheet and smiled, feeling much like a tradeshow model.

  Andre’s eyes glowed a deep rich brown as he gazed at her. “I suppose I could allow you a quick look.” He twitched the velvet covering aside, clearly anxious to see her reaction to what the case contained.

  Hannah narrowed her eyes at the man behind the glass. She sucked in a surprised breath and clutched Andre’s arm. “Oh.”

  Dressed head to toe in black, his platinum hair hung ragged about his shoulders, his skin a pasty white, his dark eyes glared fire as he rushed to the glass. With a gasp, she backed up a couple of steps as her heart thumped against her ribcage. Andre’s arm about her waist gave small comfort.

  “What is he?” The man inside the case beat the glass with an angry fist, complete with yellowed, broken fingernails. He bared his teeth. Hannah could definitely see pointed fangs. The fog occupying her brain temporarily cleared. I know the creature’s name. “Duncan?”

  “That’s right, my dear. The bounty hunter’s quarry, but as you can see, I found him first.” He made a small, mocking bow to the paranormal and laughed as the vamp flew into a rage within his glass prison. “He is full of life, as you can see. I look forward to tapping into that power.”

  “But, he’s not—”

  Andre held her gaze once again, and another dollop of thick, murky white numbed her brain. “What did you mean to say, my dear?”

  “You must be very brave to capture such a beast.” Hannah took another sip of her wine and shivered as her eyes strayed back to the vampire.

  “If you’d like, we can adjourn to one of the rooms upstairs, for a private… chat. Intimate conversation.” He traced a finger along the décolletage of her gown. “We can get to know each other better without these distractions.”

  “I’m not sure—” Chaos interrupted her speech.

  Shrieks echoed throughout the room. Glass tinkled against the floor. The crowd of people immediately around them parted. Warm weight crashed into her chest, throwing her to the floor. She struggled to suck air into her lungs. “Get off.” She wheezed as her lungs burned. “Ow!” She rubbed the back of her head, annoyed when her fingers traced the small swell of a bump. “What the hell?” She blinked in confusion at the enormous wolf perched on top of her chest, his blond hackles raised. Hannah’s eyes filled with tears at the pain exploding through her head. Still befuddled, she gasped for breath and stared into the snarling face of the animal. “Your breath smells like road kill.”

  He growled.

  She tried to shove the canine off her body, but he wouldn’t budge. Awareness crept over her skin like ants. Peering into the bright citrine eyes, the fog cleared from her brain, and she remembered where she was and why. “Xavier, what are you doing?”

  Andre assisted Hannah to her feet. “Are you all right, my dear?” He glared daggers at the wolf. “Someone call security to get this mangy beast out of here.”

  Xavier leaped between Andre and Hannah, growling low in his throat.

  She laid a hand on his head. Her fingertips tingled when she felt the barely restrained rage within the beast. Hastily attempting to resurrect her mental shields, she ignored the rising hysteria. “Andre, I’m afraid I have been remiss in my intentions this evening. I wasn’t myself for a bit, but now I am quite lucid.” Stickiness coated the palm of her free hand. Hannah looked down in some surprise to find it cut and bleeding, most likely from the champagne flute, which broke during the fall.

  “Come, Hannah. We have much to discuss.” His voice was hard.

  “Where’s Edwin?” He could heal the injury. She glared at the man before her, in awe at the unadulterated hatred reflected in his chocolate brown eyes. “Where are you holding him?”

  The party guests clustered around the edges of the room, giving Xavier a wide berth. A handful of serving staff positioned themselves near the glass display cases, waiting.

  Andre smiled. The predatory gleam in his eye matched the arrogant stance of his body. “All will be revealed in good time.” He slipped a sleek silver headset over one ear, adjusting the small mouthpiece on his cheek.

  “Tell me now.” She gnawed the inside of her lip and twisted her fingers into Xavier’s fur. Electronic static hissed over loudspeakers, but Hannah’s anger continued to grow.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the display cases throughout the room. You have the rare opportunity to see the private collection of Andre Valkaret.” He nodded at someone at the back of the room. The black velvet curtains tumbled to the floor with a soft plop.

  As Andre collected praise and adoration, Hannah bent to whisper into the wolf’s ear. “Find Edwin. We need to make our move soon.” She patted his head.

  He loped through the crowded room, screams and shouts trailing in his wake.

  Softly lit display cases captured her attention, and just like in her dream, she drifted toward them in fascination.

  “You can’t help yourself, can you, Hannah?” Andre asked quietly. He gripped the soft skin of her upper arm with one hand. “You’re drawn to the abnormal, the unique, and the odd. Is it because you sympathize with their plight? Is it because you yourself are not quite common?” He held her gaze as he spoke into the microphone. “Please feel free to look your fill. These creatures will be on display for one night. After that, they will be added to my private collection and will be seen by invitation only—unless they don’t survive life in captivity.” Andre handed the headset to a waiting lackey. “I’m the one who brought this exhibit together because I care about these poor, unfortunate beings.”

  “Yeah, right, you care.” She protested as he propelled her toward the center aisle.

  As they passed them, Hannah glanced into the display cases, paused for one second to admire the beautiful shimmering green scales on a mermaid’s tail. At the last moment, she remembered Andre essentially held the fish prisoner. Annoyance burned a path through her chest in outrage. “Why are you doing this? Why collect living, breathing beings and hold them against their will?” Red starfish clung to her mossy hair and a necklace of clamshells hung about her neck, floating gently in the water. The mermaid’s saddened gaze tugged at Hannah’s heart.

  “I learned long ago that various beings in the world held special powers. Being a telepath, I realized I could tap into that power. It was a rush, and I fed on it. Like with any drug, I wanted more.” He glanced at Hannah, his eyes flat and cold. “I traveled the world, listening to the old tales and hunted out these heretofore mythical beings. When I found the first one, my confidence grew. Many people don’t believe these creatures exist outside of legends and stories. I set out to prove them wrong.” He waved a hand to indicate the cases. “No one else in the world has such a collection. Do you realize how much money I could accumulate on admission if I chose to do so?”

  “Surely controlled admission to a highly eclectic museum isn’t the reason you spent the better part of your life collecting these creatures? What do you hide behind?” She caught a quick glimpse of an elf before Andre pulled her down another aisle.

  Oh my lord, is that really a unicorn? She skittered to a halt in front of the large case, complete with a small landscaped forest. The beast’s smooth white fur glistened under the dimmed lights, its horn a pearly iridescent wonder. Pressing a palm against the glass, her fingertips tingled again as power surged through the restrictive barrier. What would his coat feel like? Would he let me ride him? Resentment stirred in her gut. She needed to set it free.

  “Even you can’t resist the lure of the unknown.” Andre’s grin was wicked and smug as his grip on her arm tightened
. “Cast your lot with me, Hannah. You can share all of this.” He studied the unicorn. “I assembled this collection to draw from their power. If I take a little bit at a time, the beings remain alive long enough to regenerate that lost power, leaving me with a virtually infinite supply.”

  “What do you hope to gain?” Out of the corner of her eye, colorful sparks of light twinkled that she could only hope was the fairies. She turned her head, scanning the room, but couldn’t discern any sign of the magical beings.

  Andre led her to another case. “I have enough energy within this room to take over the White House. My aim is to become president, and make this country great again. Can you imagine how powerful the country will be with all of this behind it?” The broad sweep of his arms encompassed the whole collection. His attitude bordered on mania, his eyes lit with determination. “We will lead the world in military might supplemented by the strength of ogres, technology advances built on the cunning of the elves, knowledge increased by the minds of wizards. No more will we be slaves to the work forces of other countries. No more will we need to pussy foot around with diplomacy when we can bring foreign policy to its knees.”

  “What then, Andre? World domination? That’s a lonely life.” She gaped at him, tearing at the fingers that held her arm. “What will happen when there’s no one left for you to bully? What of the creatures you’ve imprisoned here? Surely away from their natural habitats and families they’ll die.” She glanced in appreciation at a phoenix. “It’s magnificent.” Hannah admired its bright plumage of orange and yellow. How had Andre managed to capture all of these beings?

  “I have very loyal employees, my dear.”

  She cringed. Why can’t I remember he can read minds and how the hell does he keep slipping past my defenses?

  Andre brushed her cheek with his fingers. “A small but powerful army of telepaths. Between us I have a vast array of energies to call upon.” The finger dipped lower to trace her collarbone. “There’s always room for an Enhancer on my staff.” His hungry gaze slid down her body. “Such a powerful woman like you would enjoy so much more, though.”