Burning Ash (Forgotten Brotherhood)

by N. J. Walters

  Something permeated his senses, setting off a low warning at the base of his skull. He kissed a trail along her jaw and up to her ear. She stiffened. “Do you feel it?” he whispered.

  She nodded and cocked her head to the left.

  He ached to be buried in her heat, but this was not the time or place. Not with someone keeping tabs on them. This game was growing tiresome. As soon as he dealt with the problem at hand, he was going to hunt down whoever this silent watcher was. The presence was the same one he’d felt before. Only this time, the malice was mixed with a satisfaction that chilled him to the bone.

  “We need to go.”

  Jo had a bounty on her. Her skills and weapons could only protect her for so long unless the threat was neutralized. Her skin was flushed, her lips moist, but her unique eyes were clear and sharp as she scanned the surrounding area.

  “Who is it?” she asked. “I thought I was being paranoid, but I’d swear someone has been watching us almost since we met. And whoever it is, they’re nasty to the core.” She dug a roll of mints out of her pocket and popped one. “Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Which sucks because the champagne and kiss were superior.”

  “I’ll make sure you have more of both later.”

  She rolled her shoulders and stepped back onto the sidewalk. “We need to get going. You might be sure that Gregori won’t contact him, but I’m not sure Deacon won’t.”

  “Under normal circumstances you might be right, but I got the sense that Deacon will do whatever he thinks is in the best interest of his lover. In this case, that means not putting him in my crosshairs, which is what will happen if either of them makes contact.” Asher clasped her hand in his, twining their fingers together. “Let’s go.”

  The night was still too loud with the rush of sirens that never seemed to stop, the car horns, the yelling as people vented their anger. Both of them were hyper vigilant now.

  “I’ve sensed a presence skulking just at the edges of my awareness. I assumed it had something to do with whoever is behind those emails. Now I’m not so sure. It might be we have two problems to deal with.”

  “Great. As if one wasn’t enough,” she muttered.

  They turned onto a quieter street, and she squeezed his fingers before dropping his hand and lengthening her stride. Clad head to toe in black, she was an impressive sight.

  “Quicker we get this done, the sooner we’ll be home. I mean, back at your place.”

  The faster they could get this done and go home, the better. He contemplated grabbing her and making a run for Bernard’s home but managed restraint. It might earn him a knife in the gut. She wouldn’t mean it, but her reflexes were honed to as fine an edge as the blades she carried.

  He did pick up the pace.

  “In a hurry, are you?” The teasing note in her voice warmed him.

  “In more ways than one.” Whoever was out there had stolen their intimate moment in the shadows. But it had been a much-needed reminder for him to stay sharp. He hadn’t remained alive this long by underestimating an opponent. And now that he had someone to lose, he had to be even more on his guard.

  That didn’t mean he couldn’t give her something to think about. “I want you naked on my bed, spread out in front of me like a feast. Then I want hours to taste you, to touch you.”

  There was a hitch in her breath before it sped up. “I should have kept my mouth shut,” she muttered. “How can I concentrate when you say things like that?”

  “You started it,” he reminded her.

  “What are you? Twelve?”

  They shared a smile, but the tension was palpable. Both were aware of the threat all around them. “I need to apologize for earlier.” They hadn’t addressed their falling out, putting work and survival ahead of their personal relationship.

  “Forget it. We’ve both got a lot on our minds.” She shrugged and kept walking. He got the message. This wasn’t the time to talk about it.

  There were obstacles between them that couldn’t be overcome, but he’d lived long enough to know what was happening between them was a rare and beautiful thing. Whatever it took to protect it, to protect her, was what he would do. And may the gods have mercy on those who tried to take her from him, because he wouldn’t.

  …

  Take a deep breath. Stay calm.

  Not easy to do with adrenaline and arousal churning around inside her. His apology surprised her, not to mention the kiss that had almost short-circuited her brain. If the need to interview Bernard wasn’t so critical, she’d be tempted to drag him back to his place and let him have his way with her.

  The cool professional facade he’d worn while dealing with Gregori was gone, leaving the sexy, funny lover she’d come to know. A huge weight dropped from her. One she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying. Her time with Asher wasn’t done yet. She planned to embrace it to the fullest until it petered out. And it would over time. It was inevitable.

  She resisted the urge to look over her shoulder. The sense of being stalked had dissipated. Her skin no longer prickled. But there had been someone out there.

  Rolling her shoulders, she shook it off and centered herself. All that adrenaline pumping through her veins wasn’t a bad thing considering they didn’t know what they were facing.

  “Why do you think this guy has sired so many children?” It was weird to call them that, but since it was how vampires referred to those they made, she went with it.

  While Asher seemed relaxed, she had no doubt he was constantly monitoring everyone who came anywhere near them. If a threat came at them, he’d know before she would.

  “Some of the older ones get lonely. They create offspring, so they don’t end up alone.”

  A group of young men sauntered down the sidewalk toward them. Asher just kept on going straight for them. At the last second, they split apart, and she and Asher went right through the middle. She kept her head down to hide the grin on her face.

  He did have a way of clearing space. And he was giving off a “fuck you” vibe that would be obvious to the most oblivious person in the world.

  I’m glad he’s on my side.

  “But couldn’t that backfire?” She picked up their conversation. “Wouldn’t a larger number be difficult to control? What happens if one of them decides they want to inherit their sire’s money and assets? Couldn’t they destroy him?” She wasn’t sure how it all worked, having never encountered any “families.” Her hunts were almost exclusively one and done.

  “Theoretically it could happen.” They crossed a street at the lights and kept going. “But the sire will always be older and likely more powerful.”

  “But not always.” Anomalies did happen. “And what happens if they all band together?”

  “For some of the older ones, the threat gives them a reason to keep on living.”

  “That’s just messed up.”

  “It is indeed. After existing for centuries, some become lost, unable to handle the massive changes in the world. But they’re afraid to die, to face the afterlife.”

  “That’s actually sad.”

  They stopped in front of swank apartment building, complete with doorman. He gave them both the once-over and started to sneer until he reached Asher’s eyes. Then he went very still.

  “We’ll let ourselves in,” Asher informed him. He slipped a fifty into the man’s jacket pocket and opened the door. “We were never here.” The doorman’s eyes glazed over, and he nodded.

  Impressive. Handy, too.

  They crossed the lobby to a private elevator that normally needed a key to access it. The doors parted, and they stepped inside. Once again, Asher was flexing his mental muscles. It was a heck of a lot better than having to wheedle their way in or bypass the locking mechanism. He pressed the button for the penthouse suite. “He will not remember us.”

  She leaned against the
mirrored wall. “I get that it was necessary. We needed to get in, and he wasn’t likely to let us, not without contacting Bernard first.” And the element of surprise was important. While she understood, it still bothered her that he could mess with a person’s mind so easy. He didn’t even break a sweat.

  “It is but a momentary glitch. He’ll find the money in his pocket later and be pleasantly surprised. There is no harm done to him.”

  His eyes were deep and dark pools that seemed to hold the secrets and pain of the universe. “I know,” she reassured him. “It’s just—” Being frozen in place, unable to move, was an experience she’d like to forget. Yes, it had been to save her from the vampire, but it scared her to the marrow of her bones. Knowing he could steal her memories? Yeah, she didn’t want to think about that.

  “I will always regret what I did to you.” His face went completely impassive, which told her just how upset he was. His withdrawal was a defensive mechanism. She was very familiar with the tactic since she used it herself.

  Going on impulse, she hugged him. “I know you do.” And that was a miracle, considering how much power and authority he wielded. He was the hand of justice—hard and unyielding—falling on the guilty without hesitation or regret.

  “We’re here,” he announced as the doors chimed. “We don’t know how many there are, so keep behind me and stay alert.”

  The foyer was painted in a restful cream color with artwork adorning the walls. “It’s like a mini gallery.” It was tasteful and sophisticated, the complete opposite of the club.

  She admired one particular painting, her heart skipping a beat when she noticed the signature. “Is that a real Rembrandt?”

  “Yes.”

  Who had a Rembrandt in their entryway? It boggled the mind.

  She had to hurry to catch Asher, who was already at a gigantic pair of double doors that looked as though they’d come out of a historic mansion or castle somewhere in Europe. Given that the art was real, this probably was, too.

  No knocking for Asher. He simply placed his hands on the portals and shoved. The locks gave way and the heavy wooden doors sprang open.

  A young man with reddish hair dressed in black jeans and a white dress shirt jumped up from behind a desk in what appeared to be some kind of reception room. He vaulted over the desk, landing in a crouch in front of them, prepared to defend his home.

  She yanked up her crossbow and went into a fighting stance but held back, allowing Asher to take the lead. She wasn’t sure she liked this new way of doing things, but it didn’t suck to have partner, one who was committed and deadly.

  Adrenaline pumped through her body, but she channeled it by controlling her breathing. It was like being on any hunt. These vamps might pretend to be civilized, but they were primal and dangerous.

  Asher was calm and collected, simply nodding at the young man. “Tell Bernard he has guests.”

  “The sire is busy.” The male slowly straightened when he realized he wasn’t under attack, in spite of Asher’s grand entrance. He sniffed the air. “You brought a human.” He sized her up and sneered. “A present for the sire?”

  “I’m no one’s present, kid.” She tacked on the last knowing it would rile him.

  Sure enough, just like clockwork, he hissed at her. She casually raised the crossbow. “Want to rethink your next move?”

  “Bernard Sellers. I won’t ask again.”

  The assistant or receptionist or whatever he was seemed unsure what to do, so he fell back on what was probably standard protocol. He picked up the phone on the desk and pressed a button.

  “My lord, I am sorry, but there is a gentleman here to see you, and he’s brought a human.” Pause. “No, they were not cleared.” The young vamp cleared his throat. “The sire wishes to know who is calling.”

  “Tell him Asher and companion are here and that I am getting tired of waiting.” The cold tone of his voice slashed through the air like a broadsword. Jo was surprised the other man wasn’t bleeding. He did pale, quite an accomplishment since he was already as white as flour.

  Asher tilted his head to one side. He was listening to the conversation.

  I wish I could do that. Without the having to be a vampire part.

  “Tell him not to bother,” Asher interjected. “We’ll see ourselves to the lounge.”

  Staying close, she followed him deeper into the large home. “There’s a lounge?” she whispered.

  “So it would seem.” He pushed open a set of wood and brass swinging doors and stepped inside. The place looked like a classy tavern, complete with mahogany bar, a half dozen tables, and comfy chocolate-brown club chairs arranged near a gas fireplace.

  Every head in the place swung their way. Heat prickled down her spine. Six young men—one of them behind the bar—and one woman—presumably all vamps—stared as they walked across the room. Several of them sized her up from head to toe.

  This isn’t uncomfortable. Not at all. Her finger twitched on the trigger of her crossbow. She’d never been surrounded by this many before. The club didn’t count. It was a public place. This was private.

  One of them licked his lips, flashing his fangs.

  Just try it, bloodsucker.

  Things could get messy in a hurry.

  A booth sat in solitary splendor in the corner. The man seated there was more relaxed than the others. This had to be Bernard.

  It was always a jolt to see a man who had to be several hundred years old look like someone in his twenties. His hair was jet black and sleeked away from his arresting face. He wasn’t handsome, but his features were strong, his cheekbones high. His eyes were dark as midnight.

  “You’ve upset young Stanley,” he said in way of greeting. “He prides himself on his professionalism.” His voice held a hint of Eastern Europe.

  Asher rested his hands on the back of the plush leather bench seat across from Bernard. Jo kept an eye on the others in the room. Everyone was pretending to be calm. She wasn’t buying it.

  “It was not my intention to upset him,” Asher began, all genial. He might fool the rest of them, but she knew better. “As you say, he is young. He should be aware of who his sire needs to see and act accordingly.”

  “Maybe I did not want to see you.” Bernard picked up a thick crystal tumbler, the wide glass filled with red liquid. He took a long sip of the blood. “I have done nothing wrong. Nothing to warrant such a visit, as pleasant as it is.”

  The two of them were masters at the politeness game. Having not encountered many older vamps, she wondered if this was a characteristic they all shared due to their ages. They came from times when manners counted for something and seemed to enjoy the battle of will and wits.

  She, on the other hand, wanted to speed this along. The younger ones were getting restless, obviously not enjoying the path of the conversation. Her heart kicked up a beat. One of the vamps smiled.

  “You may have done nothing,” Asher conceded with a nod.

  “Ah.” Bernard took another swallow of his drink and savored it. “Who has put themselves in your path?”

  “Harrison Rucker. Joseph Meyers. Malcolm Twitch. Nevin Spears.” He listed the names as he had back at the club. “Have you wondered where they were? I know at least three of them were yours.”

  The words were barely out of his mouth when one of the younger ones attacked. In a blur, Asher had the man by the neck and held him aloft, with seemingly no effort at all.

  She put her back to the wall and inhaled deeply through her nose to level herself out. While she’d seen him in action before, it was always a jolt to be reminded how fast and strong he was.

  “Will you call off your children, or will you force me to put them down?”

  They were all up now and circling. Jo raised the crossbow and withdrew her sword, picking out the likeliest targets.

  “A hunter,” the only
other woman whispered. “She’s a fucking hunter.” Her voice grew louder. “Did you kill them? Did you?” She was screaming now, her pretty face contorted with anger.

  “I did.” The woman sprang. Jo fired without hesitation. Bernard was there to catch the bolt in one hand and the woman in the other.

  “Enough,” Bernard thundered. The rows of bottles and glasses behind the bar shivered and tinkled.

  Asher shoved the man he was holding back toward the others, who were all standing behind their maker. Bernard slowly released the woman and brushed a kiss over her forehead.

  “No,” she moaned and started crying. A momentary pang of pity pierced Jo, but she shut it down. The woman was still young enough to not be jaded, to care about someone else. Too bad the four in the alley hadn’t been more like her. They’d still be alive.

  “They need to pay for what they’ve done to our brothers,” another piped up.

  Bernard sighed and shook his head, acting like any weary parent when confronted with angry children. “Do you remember me telling you about Asher?” They all fell silent.

  “That’s just an old wives’ tale, a boogeyman to scare us into doing what you want,” another of the men spoke. This one was wearing ripped jeans and a T-shirt that had seen better days. He’d fit right in at any concert from the grunge era of music.

  “I assure you.” Asher’s presence expanded, dark energy spreading out until it filled the entire room. “I am very real.” He looked to Bernard. “Death or life? What will it be?”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Verbal sparring was part of any battle, but Asher’s patience had run thin. Gregori’s assessment of Bernard was wrong. He was very much interested in life, not a recluse at all.

  Bernard flipped the crossbow bolt he’d caught so the point was facing him and offered it back to Jo.

  “You can’t be serious,” one of the young men grumbled.

  Making a point now would save time and trouble in the long run. With no more than a thought, he constricted the male’s airway. The guy immediately grabbed his throat and fell to the ground.