“I’m not risking my family to secure a few radicals. We’ll go to war if need be.”
“Really?” she demanded. “You’re really going to put my life ahead of hundreds of vampires?”
Lucian looked away and triumph surged within her. She had him.
“A few minutes of my time and this will all be over with,” she said. “Tarian will be there to help me, and you’ll be following with the cavalry in minutes. What harm can I come to in that time?”
“You won’t be immune,” Tarian said, his eyes bleak. “If you do this, Melissa, you will have no protection from the necromancers around you.”
She turned back to her lover, blocking out the room around them. “I know,” she whispered, catching his hand in hers. “And I know protecting me can’t be your priority. Too many lives depend on you springing this trap perfectly. If things go bad for me, I don’t expect you to ride to my rescue.”
“And if I can’t help myself?” he asked, his voice rough.
Melissa closed her eyes and savored the moment. For once, she was the first thing on someone’s mind. She wasn’t the afterthought or the daughter. She was a person someone wanted to protect because he cared for her.
“Think of your sister,” she whispered. “I know what I’m signing up for, and if things go south, I’ll handle myself. My life is not on your conscience.”
A hand wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer. “I can’t compartmentalize like that,” he said into her ear.
“You have to,” she replied. “This is about more than you and me.”
As gently as she could she pushed away from him and faced her father. “I’ve been your little girl for a century,” she said. “But you need to let that idea of me go. I am choosing to do this out of my own free will. I understand the risks, and I believe the benefits are worth the danger. A lot of lives are riding on this, and you will not damn them merely because you can’t conceive of a world where I don’t need you.”
“She’s got a point,” Abbey said, running her fingers through Lucian’s hair. “You knew this day would come.”
Lucian grit his teeth. “Loving your child isn’t a switch you can turn off.”
“But respecting her choices is a reality you can adapt to,” Melissa replied. “I will go with Tarian and buy you the time you need to hack the electrical systems. Once you shut off the lights, I’ll run for cover. Promise.”
“They’ll be armed,” Lucian said.
“Then so will we,” Melissa replied. “I’ve got some daggers here, and I’m sure you can supply suitable supplements if necessary.”
“I’ll have backup ready. If we can’t kill the lights quickly enough, then we’ll have to resort to the old-fashioned method and try to overwhelm them with numbers.”
“I wouldn’t advise it,” Tarian said.
Lucian pinched the bridge of his nose. “The main goal has to be capturing Dominic. No matter what. I’ll ensure all my guards know the risks.”
“I just foresee one problem,” Abbey said. “Say killing the lights works and you capture the necromancers in the dark. What happens when the lights turn back on?”
They’ll use their powers and force their guards to release them, Melissa thought.
“We have to knock them out,” Tarian said. “And once they’re down for the count, we will need someone other than a death race member to take over their transport.”
“I’ll call the witches,” Lucian said. “If we handle the violence, I’m sure the council will be willing to step in and transport the criminals.”
“Well,” Abbey said. “It sounds like we have a plan.” She stood and grabbed her purse, rummaging through it as she moved toward Tarian. “There’s just one more piece we need to discuss. Ah, here it is.” She withdrew a gold folder and handed it over to Tarian. “I believe you’ll be needing this.”
“Abbey,” Lucian said in warning.
Tarian flipped open the folder and picked up the first pamphlet inside, reading the title aloud. “‘So you’re thinking about becoming an elder.’”
“If this all goes according to plan and the necromancers are welcomed into the supernatural fold, they’ll need a voice on the council,” Abbey said. “I got all the information from Miranda. Apparently the requirements are being at least six hundred years old, though older is preferred, and a leader of the community. That’s usually determined by a vote, but under the circumstances, I think we can bend that rule a bit.”
“You’re championing his cause?” Lucian asked his mate.
She whirled to face him and crossed her arms. “Yes. From a human standpoint, the necromancer’s banishment is ridiculous. Besides, this is an excellent idea and you know it.”
“I could argue.”
“You could,” she agreed. “You could also spend the next two weeks sleeping on the couch.”
“What do you think?” Melissa said, sliding up to her lover’s side.
“Dos and don’ts of the council,” Tarian read. “Do represent your race and support the unification of the supernatural community. Don’t plot for world domination or commit crimes that can be easily traced back to you.”
“Seems simple enough.”
He closed the folder with a shake of his head. “This isn’t a job for me.”
“You are the only one fighting for your people,” she replied with an arched brow. “Well, at least in a positive sort of way.”
“I’m not a leader.”
She snorted. “I beg to differ. And look at it this way. Half the council meetings are just people arguing with Lucian, and you’re already really good at that.”
A small smile touched his lips. “How about I promise to think about it?”
“Fine,” Lucian cut in. “Because if I don’t get Dominic, you don’t get the council.”
“We’ll get him. How long will it take you to organize your team?”
Lucian glanced at his watch. “We’ve got enough time before dawn. Give me twenty minutes then make the call.”
“Tonight?” Melissa said. “We’re not going to take a day to plan this out?”
Tarian shook his head. “I agree with Lucian. Dominic will be expecting me to act quickly, given Eilin is in his grasp. Prolonging the inevitable may raise his suspicions.”
Abbey exhaled, puffing out her bangs. “Gotta say, this night definitely took a turn. I had dreams of getting to bed early and forcing Lucian to watch something dreadful on the reality TV network.”
“Tomorrow, darling,” he said, pressing his lips to her forehead.
Melissa reached out to link her fingers with Tarian’s. “This will work,” she said, more to herself than to him.
“It will,” he promised, bending low to her ear. “And tomorrow we’ll be free of all this.”
It was a happy thought. Tomorrow would be the start of their fresh beginning.
All they had to do was survive the next few hours and take down the one necromancer strong enough to rival Tarian.
Chapter Seventeen
The city lights flashed by the window as they sped downtown.
“You’re sure about this?” Tarian asked again.
“Yes.”
“Because we can come up with an alternative plan.”
“We really can’t,” she said. “I’ll be fine.”
“Only if you’re sure.”
“I am.”
“We could—”
“My God, I think I’ve changed my mind.” She put her hand to her forehead. “I can’t possibly take on this responsibility. Let me out so I can swoon on the street.”
His lips twitched. “All right. I won’t ask again.”
Melissa reached out for his hand. “This will work. You and Lucian have been over every scenario. We’ve got Dominic’s location, and my father’s vampires are ready and waiting. All we have to do is talk until the lights go out, and if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s charming, meaningless chatter. I tell you, my past as a socialite has prepared me for
just this moment.”
Tarian raised her hand to his lips. “I still don’t like the idea of putting you in danger.”
“We need this,” she replied. “Besides, you’ll be right beside me.”
“Always.”
Silence fell between them. Melissa tried to tell herself this was no big deal, but if she had a heartbeat, it’d be racing. Walking into Dominic’s trap was like a rabbit skipping happily into a wolf’s den.
But at least she had backup.
She studied Tarian’s profile, bathed in the neon lights from beyond their window. He’d been rigid, his jaw clenched, since he’d made the call to his grandfather. Though she trusted him to do what was best for his people, she couldn’t imagine the pain of betraying a family member. One who had been in his life for the better part of a millennium.
“You’ll make an excellent elder.” The words slipped out of her.
Tarian turned to her with shuttered eyes. “What?”
“I was just… When this is all over, you should take up Abbey’s suggestion.”
“It isn’t a position I ever wanted to fill.”
“I know but it’s one you deserve. Everything you’ve done since we’ve met has been for the greater good. Your community needs a leader like that.”
“For the greater good, or for a woman I found intoxicating?” he asked, turning back to the window.
She shook her head, even knowing he couldn’t see her. “If the choice really came down to me or your people, I know what you’d pick,” she whispered.
“Do you?” he replied. “That makes one of us.”
Pleasure suffused her, but it didn’t completely silence the nagging voice in the back of her mind.
“Will things change?” she asked.
“Change?”
“When you’re an elder. I know it won’t be the same as when we first met. You’ll have to make decisions for thousands of people instead of just yourself. A vampire girlfriend might not be in your best interests.”
For a moment he didn’t move. When his head finally swung her way, Melissa found herself captured by the intensity of his gaze. He didn’t twitch, didn’t make any attempt to move closer, but still she felt the power of his presence pulse through the car. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until you ask me to leave,” he said.
“Then you’ll be here forever.”
A ghost of a smile passed over his lips. “Good.”
The car turned before she could say more. They drove into an underground parking complex, and tension filled her body.
“We’re here,” she said unnecessarily.
“Call your father.”
She nodded, her phone already dialing.
“Here,” Lucian said when he answered.
“We’re arriving. How much time do you need?”
“We’re surrounding the building, and my computer specialists are hacking the system, but it’s more complicated than we suspected. We need at least fifteen minutes if not more.”
She chewed her lip. Stall for fifteen minutes with an evil genius who will want to throw a hood over her head and hustle her out immediately. Easy peasy.
“We’ll do our best,” she replied, and disconnected.
“Fifteen minutes,” she said to Tarian.
“Damn,” he said, no doubt echoing her concerns.
The car hit the lowest level of the structure and stopped.
“Remember to act scared,” Tarian whispered as he reached for her.
“Not going to be hard.”
He caught her chin and tilted her face up for a brief moment. “I’ll never let anything hurt you.”
“Back at you,” she replied, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met and clung as if neither of them wanted to face the reality waiting beyond their doors.
Mine, she thought as she parted her mouth and flicked her tongue along his. They had to survive this night, because she was never letting Tarian go. Not to his grandfather and not to his position as elder. He was hers, whatever that meant. And she protected what was hers.
His fingers tightened on her jaw as he deepened the kiss. Fire flashed through her with the skilled glide of his lips. Closing her eyes, she gave herself up to the moment. Every inch of her wanted to pull him closer and forget about their mission. It’d be so easy to give up responsibility and go home to bed. She could have him naked under her, his head thrown back, his mouth gasping for fulfillment as she drove her fangs into his throat and drank.
With a groan she pushed him back against the tinted black windows. Her fingers curled into the soft material of his jacket as she kissed him with renewed desperation.
Not the last time, she tried to console herself. In fifteen minutes they’d be free. But the logic did not have the calming effect she’d hoped for.
She wanted to taste every inch of him, imprint his touch in her memory. She could live five centuries and never feel for another what Tarian made her feel with just a few well-placed caresses.
I love you. The words pressed against her lips but she bit them back. No, she scolded herself. This isn’t the time or place.
“Let’s go,” she said instead, pulling back.
His dark eyes studied her but he made no comment. “Stay behind me,” he said. “And leave the talking to me.”
He opened the door, one hand moving to grip her arm.
It’s acting, she reminded herself as he jerked her from the car. It was all a show for the man awaiting them in the center of the parking deck.
They left the car and started walking toward Dominic. Melissa gazed at the rows of parked cars and noted dark shapes keeping abreast of them. Looked like all Dominic’s followers had decided to come tonight.
Despite the strong electric lights fighting back the gloom, the garage had a distinct menace to it. She reasoned it must have something to do with the looming threat of being kidnapped. Again.
“Grandfather.” Tarian greeted him when they stopped a good ten feet away. “Where’s Eilin?”
“Safe,” Dominic replied, his eyes on her. “I see you managed to hold up your end of the bargain.”
Melissa tugged at her arm for good measure and Tarian yanked her forward a few steps. “It was surprisingly easy.”
“I would have thought those pesky morals of yours would get in the way.”
“There is very little I won’t do when it comes to my sister,” Tarian replied, his voice cold enough to make her shiver. “Where is she?”
“You’ll see her after our exchange.”
“No,” Tarian said. “I’ll see her now or you will never get Melissa.”
Silence stretched as the two necromancers tried to stare each other down. Melissa risked a glance at her lover and flinched at the icy look on his usually expressive face.
“Fine,” Dominic spat. “You can have a look.” He waved a hand and shadows from the edges of the lot moved.
Two necromancers dragged a struggling blonde into the light, and Melissa got her first look at the woman Tarian was determined to save.
Even knowing the girl was only a few decades younger than her, she still looked young. The regret in her eyes tore at Melissa’s heart. She could only imagine being betrayed by blood.
“There,” Dominic said. “All healthy and whole, just as promised.”
“It was a mistake to take her,” Tarian growled.
“We’ve been over this, dear boy. In a few years, I’m sure she will forgive the indiscretion.”
“And me, Dominic? Do you think I’ll forgive you?”
The older man sighed. “There is too much of your mother in you.”
“My mother was the strongest woman I knew,” Tarian snapped. “She kept me, and then Eilin, alive and out of your clutches.”
“And think of how different your life would have been had she not. You fought for our cause once, Tarian, you could do it again.”
“Never.”
Dominic’s empty eyes shifted to Melissa. “I don’t know
about that. With this act you’ll be tarred with the same brush as the rest of us.”
“I’m only doing what I need to in order to protect my family.”
“What do you think about that, vampire?” Dominic said to her. “How do you like knowing your lover is ready to sell you out if the right offer comes along?”
“I think you can both go to hell,” she hissed, hopefully convincingly.
“How ever did you catch her?” Dominic asked with narrowed eyes.
Tarian’s grip on her arm tightened slightly before he opened his mouth. “It wasn’t all that difficult. A little seduction and a few words of praise and she was eating out of my hand. It’s not hard to get the better of a vampire desperate for a little attention.”
This time there was no stopping her flinch and Dominic seemed to take vicious glee in her reaction.
He’s acting, she reminded herself. Don’t pay attention to his words. You know you’re more to him than that.
“Yes, I’ve heard about Lucian’s sheltered daughter. I imagine it wouldn’t be very challenging to open her legs with just a bit of flattery and a show of interest.”
Don’t kill him, she repeated to herself in a running mantra. Buy time.
“Like I would ever stoop to considering a necromancer as a viable partner,” she said. “A girl can have a good time without envisioning white picket fences and starry futures.”
“You should thank your lucky stars that one of us even deigned to notice you.” Dominic sneered. “Tarian is much in demand.”
She stiffened even as her lover drawled, “I can do better than the walking dead, Grandfather. She was fine for a single night but not an inventive enough lover to keep.” His laugh sent spikes stabbing through her heart. Though she knew every word was an act calculated to buy Lucian the time he needed, she still couldn’t help wondering if any of it was true. He hadn’t fought for her when they came to New York. Not to mention, he was eons older than her. The old ones were notoriously hard to please in every aspect of their lives, especially the bedroom.
Dying to Date Page 18
