by Susan Hayes
Once they arrived at the hotel parking lot, Aedan left Dirk to relax as he ducked inside and packed up his things. It didn’t take very long. He’d had nothing when the Brethren found him, and sixteen years later that really hadn’t changed much. He latched his suitcase shut and retrieved his second case out from under the bed. This was the important one, stored inside were the weapons and tools of his trade. There was no doubt in Aedan’s mind he’d have need of them, very soon.
On the way back to Paladin’s headquarters, Aedan started to feel the effects of jet lag and the lack of sleep since he’d arrived the day before. He stretched out on the back seat and closed his eyes, letting his body relax and his mind drift. It wasn’t as refreshing as real sleep, but it would have to do.
For the first time in a long time, he thought about his past. He knew it was the visit to Paladin that brought it all back. His dad had been in the army until he’d gotten injured and been put out to pasture on a disability pension. Bitter and in constant pain, the man had spent most of his time drinking and reliving his glory days. The son he’d never wanted was nothing more than a target for the old man’s fists and drunken discourses, and Aedan had finally left home for good when he was twelve years old.
Aedan had worked when he could and stolen when he couldn’t, damn near starving or freezing to death a dozen times in the years before he’d stumbled onto the Brethren’s radar. By the time they’d found him, he’d figured out enough of his abilities to become a successful thief and a raging party animal. Not necessarily in that order either. He hadn’t done badly for a lad of sixteen, but his choice of lifestyles wasn’t exactly conducive to leading a long life. The Brethren had found him and explained to him what he was, and then offered him a chance to make a difference. Aedan considered his decision to join them one of the finer choices he’d made in a lifetime full of bad judgments.
In all the years since that fateful day, Aedan had stayed busy, kept moving, and never once had he become emotionally attached to anyone. It was easier for everyone that way, but as his thoughts worked around to Val’s brown eyes and determined spirit, he wondered if maybe this time he’d like to stick around. Maybe he’d ask for some time off after this job was done. There was something about the Paladin crew he liked, something that felt right, and Aedan couldn’t shake the sense it might be nice to stay for a bit. That was, if Val didn’t run him out the city the moment Christoph was gone. Tonight Aedan planned to find out just how she felt about him, because if he had his way, he’d be guarding her body up close and very personal.
* * * *
Val’s head was spinning from the amount of new information she was trying to process. Aedan had proven to be a treasure trove of knowledge, and she wished with all her heart she’d known half of what she knew now before they’d gone after Christoph’s fledglings. She would have made different choices, and it would have been a quicker, cleaner operation. And maybe, just maybe if she’d understood things better, Nick would still be alive. Guilt twisted her gut into another set of knots, and she sighed into her coffee.
Guilt wasn’t a useful emotion, and so she rarely let herself indulge in it. It distracted her from the things that mattered, and right now that wasn’t an option. One member of her team was dead, and the other four were counting on her to keep them safe. The vampire nest had been her first mission as a team leader, and she was bitterly aware at how pleased she’d been at the time at the way it had all worked out. She wasn’t so pleased now, not by a long shot.
“You’re frowning at that coffee like it kicked your favorite kitten. What’s up?” Jase asked as he dropped into the chair beside hers.
“Me? I’m just wishing for a time machine. I’d like a do-over on that Oregon mission now that I have a better idea what we were dealing with.”
“It’s not your fault. That mission was a complete success. Not bad, considering how little intel we had.”
“You were in Costa Rica. What could you know about it?”
“I read the report, and the after-mission assessment. From what Aedan told us, if those vampires had been sired by anyone other than Christoph, it would have ended then and there.”
“But it hasn’t ended. Nick’s dead, and four other people are at risk.”
Jase barked with laughter and had to compose himself before he could continue. “C’mon, Val. We’re bodyguards, and that means risk is part of the job description. Trust me, I know. I nearly died a while back, remember? I’m an expert on risk.”
“I’m just glad you’re still with us, even if you are a were-doggy now.” She grinned as he pulled a face at her.
“Wolf. Not dog. I’ll tell Jazz what you said if you don’t take it back.”
“I’m not afraid of Fluffy.”
“I had almost forgotten you’re the one who named her wolf that. Please tell me you don’t have a nickname for my wolf-half.”
“Of course I do.” She smirked at him. She’d been waiting for this since he’d gotten back from vacation.
“I know I’m going to regret this, but I have to ask. What is it?”
“Snuggles.”
Jase groaned. “My ego may never recover.”
“Your ego is just fine.” She paused and then asked, “Do you regret it?”
“Regret what?”
“Not being human anymore.”
“Is that how you think of me?” Jase’s green eyes darkened, and she realized she’d hurt his feelings.
“Not really, I mean you’re still you. You’re a pain in my ass.” She reached out and bumped her fist to his shoulder. “And a good friend. I was just curious.”
“You were thinking about Aedan and the fact he’s not human either,” Jase said with a grin. “And don’t bother denying it. I know you better than that.”
“It’s just that a year ago I didn’t believe in any of this. And now you’re a freaking werewolf and I’ve got vampire-inflicted wounds. Given my dating track record, can you blame me for wondering if Aedan the dhampir might be the next in a long line of bad personal decisions?”
“Well, he’s not totally human, right? Since you suck at dating within your species, maybe you should try dating outside of it.” He laughed and leaned back as if he expected her to smack him.
“Thanks a lot, Snuggles.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I missed you. I’m glad your back, Jase.”
Jase leaned over and gave her a one-armed hug. “If he hurts you, I’ll turn him into my personal chew-toy. And then I’ll sic Jazz on him for good measure.”
“Oh man. She was scary before she got pregnant. He’d never survive an encounter with a pissed-off, hormonal werewolf!”
“Damn straight.” He beamed with pride at the mention of his coming parenthood. “Speaking of which, I should call her and let her know I’m going to be home early. We’re all supposed to be snug at home before nightfall every night until this is over.”
“I guess that means I should go track down my new bodyguard and take him home with me.” She glowered at Jase as he started to smirk. “To sleep on my couch.”
“Uh-huh. That’s what I told myself that first night I took Jazz out for dinner. Good luck sticking to that plan.”
“I have always had more restraint than you,” she answered pertly and stood up, stretching before she remembered that she was still a little battered and bruised from last night’s attack.
Jase caught her wince and said, “You really should go home and get some rest. We’re not going to be getting much sleep in the next few days, and you need to heal up.”
“All right, I’m going.”
“Val, be careful. You’re going to be the easy target tonight.”
“I’ll be careful. I have no intention of letting him get that close to me again.”
She went to track down Aedan. There were only a few hours of daylight left, and they had things to do before the sun went down.
Chapter 5
“Does this really work?” Val couldn’t ke
ep the doubt out of her voice as she stared at the new squiggles and swirls that had been carefully applied to a variety of surfaces around her home.
Aedan looked at her in surprise. “Most people care more about whether it’s going to wash off afterward. And yes, it will work. Short of him blowing the walls off or burning your house to the ground, this is now a sanctuary.”
“If it works, it’s never coming down. I like the idea of being permanently vamp-proof.”
“A sensible woman, I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
They’d been bantering back and forth for the hour it had taken them to ward her house. She found herself at ease with Aedan in a way that wasn’t common for her. They fit together well, and there had been none of the usual awkwardness that came with being forced to spend time with a virtual stranger.
She finished the last glyph and reached down to grab the picture that would be re-hung over it, hiding it from casual observation. As she lifted the heavy frame, her shoulder twinged again and she swore under her breath. Before she could even straighten up, Aedan was behind her, taking hold of the frame as he lifted it out of her hands.
“You could have asked for help,” he chided her.
“I had it.”
Aedan’s body pressed against hers as he deliberately stepped into her space to hang the picture back on its nail. “There, all done.” He didn’t move from behind her. Instead, she felt his fingers trace gently down her shoulders. “Stay still.” His breath fanned over her neck, and that simple contact sent sparks skittering down her spine. Her pussy clenched, and she had to fight the temptation to lean back into the warm comfort of his body. When he started to massage the knots in her shoulders, she couldn’t stop the low groan of pleasure his touch produced.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“No. But I want to. If I had been faster last night, he wouldn’t have been able to hurt you, so the least I can do is help you now.” His fingers were magic. They sought out every tender spot and pressed just hard enough to border on painful without ever crossing the line.
“It wasn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have left Nick alone.”
He worked his way along her shoulders and up to her neck, until his thumbs were just at the base of her hairline, working into the thick muscles. “How could you have known there was going to be trouble? Are you psychic? Did you know there was a vampire hunting you?” His questions hit home just as firmly as his fingers.
“No.”
“You didn’t know, but I did, so if it was anyone’s fault, it was mine.” His hands stilled, the warmth of his touch seeping into her muscles as he just held her. “I am sorry, Val. I’ll never let him hurt you again.”
“I’m not your responsibility.” She turned her head slowly, ignoring the tug of her bandage as she twisted around to make eye contact with him. “I can take care of myself.”
“This isn’t about responsibility.” He took a half step to the side so she could see him better, his hands still resting on her neck. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.” His hazel eyes had lost their usual sparkle as he met her gaze. “This is what I was born to do, Val. It’s all I’m good at. Let me protect you. Please?”
Her eyes dropped to his mouth, and she tried to ignore her burning desire to lean in and kiss him. He was so close, it would only take the slightest move to—
He took the choice away from her as he closed the distance between them and slowly drew his lips over hers. She felt his fingers slide into her hair to cradle her head as he drew her in close and kissed her again. Heat flooded her pussy, and she felt tingles of arousal spread like wildfire through her body.
“Aedan,” she whispered his name, not sure if she wanted to tell him to let her go or kiss her again.
“I like the way you say my name.” He closed the last, small space between them and kissed her again. His lips tasted of peppermint, and she could smell the faint trace of soap on his skin. It was citrus and spice, very different from the musky cologne scent most men wore. She reached up and pressed her hands to his chest, her fingers curling into the soft fabric of his shirt as she tugged him even closer.
Her lips parted against his, and she took their kiss deeper. His mouth was warm and welcoming, and she teased him with her tongue. His hands tightened in her hair, holding her still as he took back the control she’d briefly stolen. He explored her mouth slowly, claiming it a piece at a time. Her blood roared in her ears, and she rubbed herself up against him, their lips still mated.
His heart was beating hard enough she could feel the tattoo beneath her fingers, and she knew it was racing as quickly as her own. It had been a long time since she’d felt like this, like her skin was too tight and her blood was blazing with erotic heat.
When he finally dragged his mouth from hers to lay a line of feather-soft kisses down her jaw to her ear, she groaned in protest.
“I know,” he murmured against her skin. “I feel it, too.”
His teeth teased and then nipped at her earlobe, and a spike of raw need went through her, followed immediately by a thought that acted like an ice-cold shower to her overheated libido.
“Dhampir don’t bite, do they?”
She felt him pause and then a rumble of laughter rose from his chest. “No, luv. At least not in the way I think you mean. If I bite you, it will be purely for pleasure.” He lifted his head and smiled broadly. “No fangs.”
“Sorry, dumb question.”
“Given what you’re going through, I think it was a reasonable thing to ask.” Aedan let one hand slip from her hair to cup her cheek, his thumb stroking over her lips. “I’ve wanted to do that since I saw you last night. You were standing in the rain, so brave and so beautiful.” He grinned a little. “I don’t even have to duck my head to kiss you. You’re a perfect fit.”
Val couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Is that your only dating criteria? Must be tall enough to kiss without stooping?”
Aedan just blinked at her, silent for once.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No.” His fingers moved up to sweep her bangs back from her face. “It’s just that I don’t date, Val. I’m never in one place long enough.”
“Oh.” Val wasn’t sure how she felt about that announcement. On one hand, it meant this wasn’t going to be complicated or messy. She could enjoy Aedan’s company and not worry about things getting out of hand. But as she stared into his hazel eyes and felt his gentle caress, part of her was disappointed. For this guy, maybe the risk might have been worth it.
She shoved the stray thought down deep and stomped on it with a mental equivalent of a combat boot. She’d sworn off men, all men. Even hot vampire hunters, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy some smoking hot sex if it was offered with no strings attached. She turned her head to nuzzle into his hand, letting her tongue flick out over his palm. “Well, then. I guess I’ll just have to take what I can get.”
She heard his breath catch, and she stepped out of his arms. “But first, I should find us something for dinner. I hope you’re not a vegetarian.”
* * * *
As Aedan watched Val move purposefully around her kitchen, he found himself completely relaxed for the first time in ages. Not just taking a break, but a soul-deep decompression that made every breath feel a little easier than the one that had come before it. The last time anyone had cooked him a meal like this, he’d been a little boy. His grandmother had loved to cook. Whenever his da had pulled one of his disappearing acts or gotten himself tossed back into jail, his mother’s mother would come to fetch Aedan home with her. Those were the only happy recollections he had of his childhood. The scent of spices and the warm energy Val gave off as she prepared their dinner brought back those memories.
“Where did you learn to cook like this?” he asked as she finished stirring the cream sauce she’d made from scratch as he watched.
“The women of my family are all good cooks.” She wrinkled her nose slightly, as if she
found the concept somehow distasteful. “Good cooks, good cleaners, good seamstresses. Good wives.” She grabbed a loaf of French bread and started cutting, using enough force that she nearly tore it apart with each sawing hack of the knife. “I’m a terrible disappointment to them all.”
“Why would they think you’re a disappointment? How could they be anything but proud of you? You’re a capable, confident woman and a veteran of the military, for God’s sake.”
She laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. “I’m too skinny and too tall. Oh yes, and I have too many muscles. They always asked me what sort of man could want a woman who has no curves and can beat him up. I’m thirty years old, unmarried, and childless. By my family’s measure, I’m a complete failure and an embarrassment.”
“We have that in common, then,” he muttered and stood up from the kitchen table. “Where do you keep the booze in this house? Suddenly I’m in need of a drink.”
“Beer is in the fridge. The good stuff is in the pantry.” She inclined her head toward a door at the far end of the kitchen.
“The good stuff it is.” He opened the door and whistled low as he took a quick inventory. There had to be nearly a thousand dollars in high-end whisky and scotch lined up neatly on the shelves.
“You’ve been holding out on me, luv.”
“There’s a twenty-five-year-old Middleton Irish whisky on the right, third shelf. If we’re going to discuss family, then I’m going to need it.”
As his hand closed around the bottle, he realized he was holding several hundred dollars’ worth of liquor in his hand, and revised his estimate of the liquor cabinet’s worth up by a few digits and a zero. “Just how well does Paladin pay you people?”
She laughed again, and this time her voice was full of amusement. “Remington doesn’t have my family’s issues about my true value. Paladin pays very well, which is only fair given that a goodly portion of it is danger pay. Some of the guys like fast cars. Some like electronics. I happen to like very good liquor.” He turned around to find her holding out two cut-crystal tumblers, a look of challenge in her brown eyes.
