Everyone’s eyes were now on them as Quinn looked every single person in the face before he carried on. His voice was cool and calm, but also firm which showed the measure of the man.
“We just wanted to take a moment to give you an update on what’s been happening and to assure you that we have been working hard to sort this out. I know you’ve placed your trust in us and Victor and I are extremely grateful for that. We know it couldn’t have been easy for any of you to come here and be among strangers, especially when you didn’t even know where you’d be staying. So, again, thank you. But I know you’re aware of the trouble we’ve had, and I’d like you to know that we’ve been in close contact with Jana Noskova about this.”
Victor had been watching everyone closely, and when Quinn mentioned Jana, he noticed Mila’s brow quirked. Interesting. Did she know Jana? There were a few other reactions at the mention of The Directive’s Second in Command but those were more of the sort he’d expect, like gasps, or widening of eyes. Not the same as Mila’s.
“She’s given us some troubling news and we thought it fair you should know what we do.” Quinn paused, glanced at Victor then back over at the group whose attention was now riveted on them. “We couldn’t figure out why, or how, we were being attacked but now we do. Jana is of the opinion a clerk has leaked the details of our get-together to a Vampire that is…well, the only word for him is insane. He’s dangerous and wealthy to boot so he has the means to be behind all of what’s been happening. She’s on top of this and so are we, but we thought you should know. The Directive has all of their operatives looking for him but we’re of the opinion he is in the area and my men have been instructed to be on the look-out for him. We don’t think there are many of his cohorts left but we still have to be vigilant. You will all be escorted back to your cottages tonight, and guards are posted throughout the property…more than usual.”
Quinn stopped to look around and Victor stepped in, hoping to stem any outburst before they started. “I can assure you that we have enough men to keep you all safe. Your safety is our top priority. You have my word on that.”
Several heads nodded, and Flint gave a soft chuckle from his place at the back. “If I hadn’t been so stupid I wouldn’t have ended up having to be saved by the old man. So you can be damn sure he means what he says.”
Mila turned to wink over at Flint, flashing a thigh with the dagger. “I don’t think you’ve ever been stupid a day in your life, but I know one thing…I’m feeling safe as a bug in a rug with all these big tough guards around, and with Grey here to keep me safe, I know I’ll be just fine. Add to that the fact that Jana Noskova herself is involved, and well, come on folks, we know she’ll do whatever it takes to nab this fucker. So, why don’t we put this nastiness behind us for now and let’s have a party! Who wants another drink? I know I do. Bartender…why don’t you get some cocktails going? Let’s see what you can do.”
And there…the tension was broken, and laughter broke out around them. Mila snuck a glance Victor’s way, one that spoke volumes and once again he wondered about her. This woman was far more than just Grey’s Bloodmate that was for damn sure. Victor just didn’t know what. Not yet anyway.
Chapter 14
Drinks started to flow rapidly with Mila right in the thick of things, ensuring that everyone had their hands full at all times. She spouted orders to the bartender for cocktails, handing them out so fast that nobody was dwelling on what they’d been told earlier. Again Victor wondered about the Blood Fairy…who was she exactly? And why was she going above and beyond to help them?
He kept his eye on her and shortly afterward sidled over, refreshed his drink and gave her a nod. “Thank you for helping us out.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Mila sipped an outrageous-looking cocktail that was multi-colored and had a large paper umbrella sticking out the top.
“Yes, you do,” Victor pressed her. “You’re more than meets the eye, Mila. Tell me, do you know Jana? Or others in The Directive? Are you working for them perhaps?”
Her back stiffened…just for a second before she laughed, but it was all he needed.
“What? Me working for the mighty Directive? That’s ludicrous. What could I possibly do for them?”
“I think you could do a lot and your secret’s safe with me.” Victor looked over his glass as he took a sip. “If you know something that could help us though…I’d appreciate you telling me.”
Mila mirrored him, sucking from her straw, her brow furrowed briefly before she shook her head. “I don’t. I mean that. I’ve got nothing for you. If I did I would tell you. I wouldn’t put anyone at risk. I promise you that.”
“Fair enough.” Victor gave her a nod and another scrutinizing look as he wondered exactly what she did for The Directive but knowing he would probably never learn the truth.
Mila gave him a sly wink as she left him and went back to the bar to shout out another order to the barman…this time for something Victor had never even heard of. The group seemed to be enjoying themselves though and were mixing together which was something he’d been concerned about. The Blood Fairy had been instrumental in that. Her outgoing manner and high spirits helped, together with Flint being on good form…they were a good tag-team.
“Things are going well, darling.” Kimber slipped her hand in his, her scent and closeness igniting his passion once more. Damn, was it only the beginning of the night? Could they slip away for an hour?
No. Probably not.
“Yes, far better than I’d hoped.” Victor ran circles over her hand with his thumb, just to feel it beneath him…feel her because it was all he was going to get for the time being.
“Mila is helping and so is Flint. He’s quite the joker when he puts his mind to it.”
“Sure is.” Victor glanced down, and the view was quite outstanding…his eyes landing on her cleavage. Shit. He shouldn’t have done that…memories from their rendezvous sprang to mind. “How early can we leave?”
“No, Victor. Don’t even think about it. You’re one of the hosts, so we can’t.” Kimber’s words said one thing, but her eyes twinkled as she peeked up at him through her lashes, and he knew she was thinking exactly as he was. Little minx.
“Damn.” He laughed and sipped his drink. “I’ll need a lot more of these then.”
Mila took that moment to decide it was time to ramp up the music and get everyone heading toward the dance-floor…with her leading the way.
Almost everyone followed, but not all. There were a few who looked self-conscious and hung back. They did make their way up the hall to where the music area was set out but didn’t go onto the dance-floor. Instead they stayed on the edge, watching, although Victor saw some feet tapping away and smiles on their faces as they watched the others get right into the music which was now blaring loudly.
Amaya came rushing over as the song changed, grabbing Kimber. “I love this! Come on.”
And with that Kimber was dragged away to join in.
“A success so far…yes?” Quinn sauntered over, glass in hand, eyes on the dancers.
“I’d say so.” Victor inclined his head to the group. “I hate having to say this…but we should join them.”
Quinn’s face whitened and so did his knuckles around the crystal he held. Victor wasn’t sure whether he would crush it or turn tail and run. His friend’s eyes whirled to him, and for the first time, Victor wondered if he saw a frisson of fear in the mighty Quinn Alexander.
“What? You can’t mean we have to take part in…that?”
“I understand it’s not quite your scene. It’s not mine either, but they are our guests. As I’ve told Flint, we have to suck it up, Quinn. You don’t have to dance to that racket. I certainly can’t, but we can stand on the edge of the floor, smile, and generally just be there. Standing down here on our own isn’t really where we should be. And…there’s a bar up there too. We can still have our drinks there while we do our duty.”
“I guess I can do it if
you can.” Quinn grimaced, his face looking like he’d just stepped in something disgusting which caused Victor to pat him on the shoulder and chuckle loudly.
“Come on, it’s not that bad. Maybe the music will improve, and we might even get to dance with our women later.”
He led the way with Quinn trailing behind like he was leading him to the guillotine, which had him smiling broader with every step he took. By the time they reached the bar, he was in a better mood and almost cheery, even with the damn music that was still far from his taste, but most everyone was on the floor having a good time.
One couple was at the bar…Adrian and Lavinia and it looked like Adrian was attempting to talk Lavinia into going to dance but she was reluctant to leave him.
“I’m fine here, Lavinia. Honestly.”
“Then I’ll stay with you.”
Victor heard every word, even over the thudding music, as they moved closer to join them. “I hope you’re enjoying yourselves?”
Adrian inclined his head in greeting. The man was tall with aristocratic features and a distinct Mediterranean look with dark hair and eyes. “Yes, although this isn’t quite my type of music. I’m trying to get Lavinia to join in but she’s rather reticent to do so without me.”
“That’s understandable when you don’t know anyone very well, Lavinia.” Victor addressed the girl directly, noticing her eyes flitting again and again to the people dancing. “But you should go and join them and have some fun. I’ll take care of Adrian for you while you’re gone.”
Lavinia looked at him then back to the dancers, then up at Adrian who urged her once again. “Go on, darling. I’ll be right here with a drink waiting on you when you’re thirsty.”
And that was all she needed…she went up on her tippy toes, kissed his cheek then turned and rushed onto the dance-floor to join in the revelries.
“Thank you.” Adrian tipped his head.
“My pleasure,” Victor turned to the bar. “Another?”
“Yes.” Adrian asked for his drink, a rather nice wine, while Victor and Quinn stayed with their whisky and soon they were chatting away…not quite like old friends but he couldn’t sense anything off about the man and he seemed friendly enough if a little private.
It was obvious Adrian was what Victor would call a gentleman…someone who was polite and from a background that was elegant with manners to go with it. He also kept a close watch on Lavinia, his eyes flitting to her over and over. Then again, Victor did the same with Kimber. He couldn’t help himself and neither could Adrian, and he bet Quinn was also watching Amaya.
The music stayed the same for a good half hour, or more, and it wasn’t until Mila screamed at the top of her lungs, “Drinks! More Drinks,” that the sound lowered.
“Thank goodness,” Quinn muttered as the group rushed toward them and the bar. “My ears couldn’t take much more of that.”
Adrian’s lips tugged up at the side but that was the only sign he agreed as Lavinia sashayed closer and he handed her a glass. “Here you go, darling. You must be parched after all that dancing.”
“It was so much fun. I’ve not danced like that for…like forever.” She snatched the offered drink and almost finished it in one gulp before she came up for air.
“Another?” Adrian asked.
“No, I’m fine, thanks.” Lavinia leaned into his side, his arm possessively wrapped around her.
Kimber arrived, breathless and flushed. “I’m just going to check if the food is ready and then we’ll have a break then more dancing.”
“You should have some water, baby.” Victor turned to ask for a bottle, but she stopped him, her hand on his arm.
“I’ll get one in a minute. I won’t be long…be right back.”
Victor could hear her blood rushing through her body, sense her temperature was high, see the beads of sweat on her forehead…she should’ve taken the time to drink some water. It would’ve taken a few seconds. But no. She dashed off toward the area with tables that were being used for food and even more drinks, both soft and alcoholic, with waiters and waitresses in attendance just waiting to tend to their guests.
She spoke to a couple who answered and another who nodded before a tall waiter came from the end to lean down and say something to her, he couldn’t see him clearly, his back to him as he spoke. At the man’s words she frowned, shaking her head. She looked around then back at him with a deep scowl before she straightened her shoulders and nodded.
Victor watched as the man turned and walked away with Kimber following. What the hell was going on?
He zeroed in on her as she carried on walking behind the waiter. Only when they reached the door leading out into the hallway did Victor catch a glimpse…a hint of the guy’s profile. His gut clenched. No. It wasn’t possible. His eyes were deceiving him.
The man had a mask on…Victor hadn’t seen right…had he?
He shook his head as he tried to calm his heart rate which had sky-rocketed…and concentrated on the vision in his head. Victor focused on what he’d seen. Then again, he refocused on the area of the mask…and there it was…a mark leading up and through the man’s brow. A fucking scar.
“Flint! With me now.”
Terror invaded his very soul when he realized Kimber, his love, the mother of his son…his Bloodmate, had just been led away by the fucker behind the attacks on them…Arthur Dawson…and she had no fucking clue of the danger she was in.
Chapter 15
Victor moved at once, knowing Flint would be on his tail even if he didn’t know the reason. Blood thundered through him like a damn tsunami, so loud in his ears he could hear not a damn thing as he sprinted across the room. He was desperate to reach Kimber, frantic to find her before that fucker hurt her…or worse.
His feet skidded on the sleek floor when he tried to slow down for the turn at the door, his hand shooting out to hold the frame and using it to propel himself around and out into the hall. When he slid across the wide hall, crashing into the opposite wall he stopped, looking up and down for Kimber but it was empty. There was no sign of her. Even her scent had disappeared…what the hell?
“Fuck!” he straightened up, anger, fury, and despair fighting inside him as Flint arrived with Quinn at his back.
“What the hell is going on?” Quinn asked.
Flint had already taken up a defensive position with a blade in each hand.
“Kimber…she left with a waiter, they were talking and then they left together. When they reached the door, I caught a glimpse of his face.” Victor stopped as raw fear stampeded through him. He had to draw in several breaths to get it under control before he could continue. Flint came over, his hand on his shoulder which calmed him…somewhat. “He had a scar…over his left eyebrow. It’s fucking Dawson. I know it is. I just know it. And now there’s no sign of her.”
“Shit.” Flint turned away, pacing up and down the hallway like a wild animal. His raw power radiated from him as he grew angrier and more lethal.
“We’ll find her, Victor. They can’t have gone far. You and Flint go down that way. I’ll get my men, and we’ll go this way.” Quinn pulled out his cell and called for Ace and Thorne who were outside on the patio standing guard with their men. “They’ll be here in minutes and we’ll go through this place with a fine-tooth comb. He won’t get away, Victor.”
Victor knew that, but he also knew that Dawson had Kimber. “That’s as may be, Quinn, but what is he doing to her now? While we stand here fucking talking?”
Flint prowled back, snatching Victor’s arm and hauling him away. “We’re going to find her. Now. She’s this way…I can feel it. Don’t ask me how I know that. I just do.”
“What? How?” Quinn sputtered as Flint dragged him off his feet.
“Because…it’s where I would’ve taken her.” Flint scowled back at Quinn. “It’s dark down here…it’s all lit up back there with people and staff. This fucker doesn’t want witnesses or anyone that Kimber can call to for help. So…he’s this way. As
I said, this is where I would’ve taken her if it were me.”
His words sent an icy chill up Victor’s spine, but they also struck true. Flint was right. “Lead on.” He looked his friend dead in the eye, knowing Kimber’s life was being decided in the next moment. “I trust you to get me to her.”
Flint met his stare. His gaze didn’t flicker or waver from him as he tipped his chin up. “We need to hurry. We have no clue what he’s got planned but it won’t be anything good.”
With that Flint turned on his heel and set off…far slower than Victor anticipated.
“Thought we had to hurry?” Victor hissed out, his jaw ached as he clamped his teeth together to stop him from yelling out obscenities.
“I’m checking everything out, Vic,” Flint snapped back, his head swiveling from side to side. “I can’t afford to miss anything so will you shut the hell up?”
Victor did as ordered even though it went against everything his body screamed at him to do. But he trusted Flint. He had to. He was Kimber’s best chance and at this moment in time that was all he cared about…his Bloodmate.
Flint moved methodically down the hallway, stopping at several places. Victor’s heart sped up and his hope rose only to fade when his friend moved on once again. He could hear Quinn and his men in the background, Ace and Thorne shouting orders as they raced around opening and slamming doors and they systematically searched rooms. He knew their hunt would be fruitless…Flint was on the right track. Still, Victor wished he’d move faster, quicker, and that they could cover ground as rapid as the others.
His concentration on the other search parties, Victor was taken aback when Flint’s hand shot up before he crouched down, his nose almost to the floor where he inhaled sharply. Next, Flint turned to look up at him with a fierce determination on his face.
“Witchcraft. I think he used some sort of spell to mask their scents, but I think it’s wearing off. I can sense something…it’s faint but I’m certain it’s Kimber.”
A Deadly Masquerade: A Vampire’s Thirst Page 10
