The Taste of Magic

by Gina Rosavin

  Adrian was gone, not a sign he had ever been there at all. Her fingers shaking, she closed the window.

  * * *

  Olga Romanov chanted the spell three times over the flames in the sacred bowl. Beside her a tall, dark man watched with glittering black eyes. Olga finally made a few symbols in the air with an incense stick, and sprinkled powder into the flames. The yellow flared green, then blue, settling to red.

  Olga turned to her companion. "At least she will be safe. Until the time is right."

  "You are sure she knows nothing?"

  Olga nodded. "Positive. The fates are coming together as expected. Katerina's destiny lies with du Lac."

  "Yes, but if she falls in love with him, she will not be able to complete the spell."

  "How could she fall in love with him? She is only trying to repay him for her education. She knows what he is. She could never love him."

  The man said nothing, but his gaze reflected his worry.

  Chapter Four

  As Adrian's driver sped up the mountain, Katerina sat in the back of the limo, staring at the slender black velvet box which had awaited her. She hadn't opened it yet. Anticipation mingled with anxiety as she pondered what could possibly be inside. There was no note, but she didn't need one. What did du Lac intend, offering this? Whatever it was, she was sure it was incredibly beautiful, but its significance frightened her. She couldn't lie to herself, she had missed him these last days.

  After the date at the opera, he disappeared. He hadn't truly vanished, but he hadn't contacted her for three torturous days. She refused to contact him. He would not get the satisfaction. Surely, this was a game to him. If he hadn't called today, she didn't know how much longer she would have been able to hold out. She'd been desperate to hear his voice, see his smile. Straightening, she reminded herself once again what he truly was.

  She silently chanted the spell her mother created. Seeing the box had only confirmed how vital such protection was. Strong of mind and body, she would need all of the spell's power. Adrian would not be able to intimidate her so easily.

  What about the destiny her mother had spoken of? What secrets did Olga keep? She spoke of Katerina being powerful, but Kat wasn't sure she believed her mother. Her parents had not passed on their skills to her, she was sure. Yet, Olga seemed to think she would one day be very strong. The idea seemed absurd.

  Even as she thought it, she wanted to laugh. Absurd? She was on her way to a date with a vampire! The thought sobered her. Dread renewed itself, her throat tightened.

  Adrian was going to influence her life more than she imagined. She could feel it, especially when she considered her mother's reaction to the mention of his name. The alarm in Olga's eyes had been clear. Somehow, he was connected to her destiny. But how? She caressed the black velvet box, sliding her finger into the opening, but not actually lifting the lid. As the car stopped, reciting the spell again calmed her agitation. Repeating the words wouldn't strengthen the incantation, but it gave her a small measure of reassurance. Her mother's magic was powerful and would keep her safe. She had to believe.

  She was ready to stand up to whatever Adrian threw at her. Yet, her body recalled the sensuous pressure of his lips against hers, his hands on her back, holding her near. Anticipation made her heart race and the heat flooding her face caused her breath to catch. The time apart had only increased her yearning for him. The spell would help her stay in control. Fluttering her senses wouldn't be so easy for him tonight. She entered the castle and strode to the Hall, the black box clutched in her hand. Adrian stood, as he did so often, leaning against the mantle and staring into the fire.

  "Good evening, Kat."

  Annoyance tightened her stomach. He could at least turn around and welcome her properly. She descended the stairs.

  "Forgive me, I am a little distracted today." When he turned to face her, his devastating smile made her stomach clench again, but this time with excitement.

  Damn, the spell wasn't as strong as she'd thought. Already she wanted to throw herself into his arms. She forced herself to stay calm, and move slowly.

  "Bad day at the office?" She placed her purse on the table and strode over to him. He drew her close.

  "Yes, but I feel much better now that you are here. It has been too long."

  She silently agreed as his lips brushed hers lightly, and then once more. This was what she'd been waiting for. To feel his arms around her, his mouth against hers. How easily he could make her feel as though she floated in the heavens above.

  "I have thought the same thing many times," he said.

  She drew out of his embrace. "Stop that."

  He shrugged. "It's difficult to ignore. Your thoughts are always quite loud when you are…agitated."

  Heat crept into her face. "I am not agitated."

  He brushed the backs of his fingers along her cheek. "You don't lie very well, my sweet Kat. Your eyes give you away."

  He drew back and glanced at her neck. The golden brow furrowed. "You did not accept my gift?" His gaze cooled.

  She recalled the velvet box, and lifted it. "I wasn't sure…I didn't look."

  His eyes widened in surprise, and a smile slid over his lips. "You are a delight! I have never before met a woman who did not immediately tear into a gift in excitement."

  She held it out. "I never was one for all of that. I don't think I can accept this." He shook his head and took the box, slowly opening the lid and holding it out before her. She gasped. A thick band of rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds glittered in the candlelight. Shimmers of colored light danced brightly around the room. Despite herself, she was drawn to the sheer beauty of the stones, her fingers reaching forward to gently caress them.

  "It's beautiful," she whispered. She raised her gaze to his. "But it's too much."

  "Please, Kat, this was made for you. Allow me…"

  She hesitated, his gaze holding hers, and finally, she nodded. The beauty of the necklace bedazzled her, but she hated that a gift could so easily sway her toward him. Yet, as his hands placed the band on her, his touch made her doubts melt. Tiny shivers passed along her spine as his fingers brushed the nape of her neck, fastening the clasp. He gently re-arranged her hair and slowly turned her to face him.

  "Exquisite. As are you." His fingers moved slowly across the stones, and the necklace warmed beneath his touch.

  And then she was crushed against him, his mouth hot on hers. His hands played along her back, to her hips, pulling her tightly against him, as his tongue stole her wits and her breath. Through their clothes, she felt his arousal, and a moment of clarity straightened her jumbled senses. She broke the kiss. In the ensuing silence, their harsh breaths made a sensual music.

  "Come here." His voice was thick with passion. His fingers rested lightly on her jaw, slowly sliding down her throat. A soft mewing sound escaped her as he followed the path with his lips. When he reached the place where her pulse jumped erratically, she stiffened.

  "Adrian, no, I…"

  "Kat, my Kat, let me show you how to reach the very stars themselves."

  She shook her head. No, she couldn't let this go any further. He pushed for something she simply couldn't give him. She tried to recall the words of the spell, but to her dismay, she could not. He held her close, and though his embrace was not forceful, she knew she could not escape. His mouth still rested against her neck, and despite the warmth his embrace stirred, she trembled, anxiety colliding with her desire. She placed her hands on his shoulder and gave him a gentle shove. He lifted his head, piercing her with his crystal blue gaze. Slyly knowing, the hint of a smile almost dared her to let herself go. She shook her head.

  "This…this is wrong. You're a vampire! You could…I won't let you…"

  He chuckled. "I am first a man. A man who wants you very much." She tried to back away, but his grip tightened almost imperceptibly. A frisson of fear stiffened her.

  "Adrian?" She met his steady gaze, and felt herself unable to resist as he lo
wered his mouth to hers once more. And she couldn't think anymore, all she could do was give herself over to his power, the hunger in his kiss. The fear of moments ago was forgotten, nothing mattered now except the incredible delight he offered.

  Then abruptly, he released her and swore savagely. She glanced around. She didn't know how it had happened, but they were in a cavernous chamber. With a large, inviting bed, surrounded by thick velvet curtains. He turned to her and shrugged.

  "It would seem you make me lose control much too easily."

  "What?" She could barely think. What did he mean?

  "I transported us here. When I wished we were in my bed."

  She swallowed. His chest still heaved with his labored breath, his hair slightly mussed from her fingers. When his gaze met hers, she was lost. She wanted nothing more than to let him take her into his bed and love her the night through. She had to escape, before she did exactly what she knew would signal the end. Of her innocence, of her soul.

  "Adrian, I should probably…"

  The door burst open and a young man and woman entered, the man holding a silvery pentagram, encased in a circle of glowing gold. Adrian held up his arms to shield himself and backed away, but she registered fear in his eyes. She'd never seen that particular emotion before. The realization he could feel fear startled her, but she put aside her surprise as her guards went up, her protective instinct flaring to life at his vulnerability.

  "Who are you?" she demanded.

  "Joshua Taylor." The young man stepped closer to Adrian, holding the amulet out before him and keeping the vampire at bay. Adrian backed away and stumbled, falling onto the bed.

  "Joshua, what an unexpected surprise. How long has it been? How did you get in here?"

  Adrian's voice grew softer, weaker. Her breath caught in her tight throat.

  "Your security's good, du Lac, but I still have a few secrets of my own. My good luck, your bad luck." The young man was tall, muscular, with short blonde hair and dark brown eyes, and his gaze never left Adrian.

  "Joshua, I assure you, you won't get far, even with that thing." Adrian waved a trembling hand at the pentagram.

  Katerina stared at them in confusion. "What the hell is going on here?"

  The young woman answered. "Thanks to a witch's spell, du Lac is immune to most traditional vampire repellants. But not this one. This one drains his powers, giving us an opportunity."

  Suspicion brought clarity. A witch's spell? What was that all about? She narrowed her eyes at Adrian, and he shrugged, giving her an innocent, "who, me?" expression. She turned back to the intruders.

  "Sophie, go," said Joshua. "Let me take care of this."

  "But what about her?" Sophie asked. "Besides, this isn't what we came here for. The other vampire, remember?"

  "Other vampire?" Adrian asked.

  "An Italian," Joshua explained. "We've been tracking him. He can wait. You can't."

  Adrian leaned back against the large pillows. "An Italian vampire?"

  Katerina's fingers clenched against her sweaty palms, as her stomach rolled in fear. Adrian sounded so weak. He met her gaze, and waved his hand as if to say, "don't worry." She couldn't help herself.

  "Machiavelli?" asked Adrian. He tugged at his tie, loosening it and unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt.

  "Shut up, du Lac." Joshua stepped closer still.

  "He's looking for you," said Sophie. Joshua paused and gave her a brief, irritated glance. She lifted her chin, and Katerina wondered at the silent message passing between them.

  "So you came to warn him?" Katerina asked.

  "At first, I thought I'd do him a favor," Joshua replied. "I changed my mind."

  "So instead of helping me, you decided to kill me." Adrian's voice faded further.

  Joshua smiled coldly. "When I saw you two, I couldn't let you…It's clear she doesn't want what you're offering."

  "You little fool, you never did know when to mind your own business," said Adrian. "Katerina is in no danger from me." He heaved a deep breath, the simple act of speaking draining him further.

  "He's right." Katerina folded her arms across her chest. "So you can just turn around and leave the way you came."

  "He can destroy you." Joshua reached into his backpack and advanced again on Adrian. "Soph, I need your help here."

  Sophie moved closer, ready to prevent Katerina from aiding Adrian. But Katerina had already reached his side, and placed herself between Adrian and Joshua. She was alarmed by how much weaker Adrian was growing. His eyes were heavy, his arm lay limply at his sides. The speed of his deterioration directly related to the proximity of the amulet. The closer it got, the faster he weakened.

  "Adrian, what is that thing?" she asked.

  "The Sacred Pentagram." He struggled to speak. A deep fear ignited in Katerina. She sat beside him, drew him into her arms and dared a glance back at Joshua. He held out a wooden stake. Adrian's head lolled back against Katerina. Her fear flared into an inferno.

  "No!" She carefully released Adrian and stood. Joshua stopped, staring at her in confusion.

  "What are you doing? Get out of the way."

  "No! Don't you dare!"

  Before he could react, she'd reached out and grabbed the amulet and ran. Joshua and Sophie chased her, but she flung the pentagram out the window before they reached her. Joshua leaned out over the windowsill, but the amulet was gone. He turned, his face reddened with fury.

  "What have you done? Sophie, run!"

  Katerina turned back to Adrian. He already regained some of his strength with the amulet gone, rising to his elbows on the bed. Joshua made a move toward him with the stake, but Katerina blocked him, keeping a wary glance on Sophie, who hovered close by. She sensed Adrian nearing but kept her gaze on Joshua as he slowly backed away.

  "Get out."

  "But, but he's…he's a…"

  "I know what he is. Get out or I'll let him have you."

  Sophie ran for the door, her footsteps fading as she retreated. Katerina glanced over her shoulder. Adrian stood steadily, his eyes burning with anger. He was all right. She heaved a sigh and turned back to Joshua.

  "Joshua!" Sophie's voice came from down the hall, filled with panic. Joshua held his ground for a few moments. As Adrian stalked closer, the bravado in Joshua's expression changed to alarm.

  "Time's running out," Katerina taunted. Adrian's hand was on her shoulder as he eased her aside. Joshua fled the room.

  Adrian picked up the telephone on the nightstand. "Get up here now." Almost instantly, a tall muscular man materialized in the room. He nodded respectfully toward Katerina before facing Adrian.

  "There are two intruders on the premises. Sophie Mannfried and her companion, Joshua Taylor. Find them."

  "Yes, sir." The vampire made as if to leave, but hesitated, looking questioningly at Adrian. "There is more?"

  "Yes. The Sacred Pentagram is also on the grounds somewhere, thanks to Ms. Romanov. Send word when you've located it. Don't touch it, or get too close, it will harm you. It must be handled with extreme care."

  The vampire nodded and evaporated from the room. Adrian turned to Katerina, grinning broadly.

  "You saved me. Thank you. If you hadn't stopped them…I shudder to think what they would have done. I thought I was done with them, but I'd forgotten about the amulet."

  "Is this a regular happening around here?"

  Adrian shook his head. "It's been a while, but they've been trying to destroy me for many years now."

  "Really? But they don't look like…"

  "Sophie Mannfried's grandfather and I had long been…adversaries. Her grandfather raised her to carry on the family tradition."

  "Which is…?"

  The corners of his mouth lifted in a sardonic smile. "Vampire hunting."

  Katerina stared for a moment. "Hunting? I don't understand."