by Jessica Lee
“Bullshit!” She spun and headed toward the door, but stopped at the foot of the bed. “You can’t do what you did to another person and then say you care about them. You can’t have it both ways, Markus.” She marched toward the door, grabbed the knob, and glanced over her shoulder. “Death is too good of an end for what you’ve done. You’re going to live. I want you to face the choices you’ve made that can’t be undone—night after agonizing night.” She yanked the door open and stepped through. With one last glance, she added, “I’m going to make sure of it.”
The door slammed closed behind her.
Markus grabbed the lamp from the nightstand, roared, and flung the delicate piece across the room. The glass and metal crashed into the tall chest of mahogany drawers with an ear-ringing shatter. “Just what the hell did you mean by that, Vixen?”
Chapter Twenty-One
The fourth shot of tequila scorched a path down Markus’s throat, the heat no less intense than the first. Too bad the burn didn’t accompany a buzz. One of the only side effects he didn’t appreciate when it came to his vampire DNA.
From his spot on the covered patio, Markus faced the shadows of the alley across the street from the Twisted Nipple, a run-down dive bar on the banks of the river. Kicking his heels up on one of the vacant chairs, he slapped the bottom of the glass back onto the wrought iron tabletop. He’d picked the particular location for a reason: after sundown, most of the Nipple’s patrons preferred the pool tables and the flat-screens inside, leaving him to drink in solitude.
“You ready to do this?” Christian straddled the seat beside him and plopped his cell on the table in front of them.
“Like yesterday,” Markus said.
Christian tapped the numbers on the screen, then selected speaker. Time to see just how good an actor the former Calyx could be.
The number rang twice, then suddenly clicked. “This better be some news I want to hear, Christian, like Eve has resumed patrol tonight,” Enrique said.
“I’ve got something even better,” Christian said, giving Markus a lopsided grin.
“And how is anything other than what I initially said better?” Enrique snapped.
“What better male to bring in what you want than the one who’s been living with the Enclave for the past year,” Christian replied.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Damn, Markus could almost hear the veins in Enrique’s temple throb. The male sounded on edge, almost desperate. Perfect. Desperate men made foolish decisions.
“Markus,” Christian said. “I’m talking about Markus.”
“Markus?” Enrique scoffed. “How the hell is Markus supposed to bring me Eve?”
“Because last night, Markus walked out on the Enclave. And believe me, the parting wasn’t nice to watch.”
“You’re shitting me!”
A grin tugged at the corners of Markus’s mouth.
“Fascinating story,” Enrique added. “But how is his departure supposed to help us?”
Christian leaned in over the phone, resting his forearms on the table. “As I said, Markus did not leave a happy male. Kenric was ready to lock the vampire in a silver cage in the mansion’s basement after he ran off with Alex. She’s back now, but the rest of the group wanted Markus’s head for what he’d done. So, based on the guy’s current mental state, he’s ripe for the picking. Ready to dole out a little payback to the Enclave, you know.” He glanced up at Markus as if seeking his approval of his performance.
Well, fuck. He had to admit, the redhead knew how to sell a story. Markus gave him a reluctant nod. But why was he surprised? The asshole had managed to maneuver himself inside the Enclave.
For a few moments, silence hung in the air like a thick, weighted fog, then finally, “I don’t know.” Enrique’s voice sliced through the tension. “He’s been with them for too long. He chose to return to them after Marguerite, so he’s got some loyalty issues to them that he’s never shaken.”
“From what I’ve overheard, though,” Christian added, “that wasn’t how it went down. The dickhead has been in a silver cage for the past several months and has only recently been released.”
“What the hell?” Enrique exclaimed. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Christian said. “That’s why I think this will work. Kenric hasn’t even put him on rotation with the crew yet. Nobody fucking trusts him!”
Markus’s gut clenched, and he quietly slid his boots from the chair. What Christian said was true, but it sucked bigger than shit listening to someone spin it like he wasn’t listening to every word.
“I’ll be damned,” Enrique whispered, but Markus could hear the excitement in his voice. He knew the tone all too well. Enrique had bitten their hook. Now it was up to Markus to reel him in. “I take it that you know where our prodigal warrior has gone? You know how to find him?”
“Yup. I’m looking at him right now.” Christian smiled. That much was definitely true. “He’s sitting alone at a bar.”
“Good. I’m thinking maybe it’s time for a reunion between me and my old friend. Text me your location, and I’ll phase there in a few minutes. But if he moves, keep him in sight and me informed.”
“Will do,” Christian said, and tapped end call.
Markus wrapped his fingers around the next shot in line on the table and lifted it in salute to the young vampire. “Well done,” he said.
Tipping up the screen on his smart phone, Markus checked the time. Ten past one in the morning. He leaned back and propped his boots on a vacant chair. It had been about an hour since Christian had made himself scarce after contacting Enrique.
Walking out the door of the Enclave, knowing it could very well be the last time he’d lay eyes on the place, had been tough. However, walking out without one last glimpse of Alexandria’s face… Yeah. A taste of the fires of hell.
Better get used to that burn.
He reached for his next dose of tequila.
“Looks like someone could use a friend.”
The hairs on Markus’s arm lifted, and his gut roiled. Enrique’s voice in the flesh, this close, unearthed memories he’d prefer to leave buried in their grave.
Markus quickly tossed the contents of the shot to the back of his throat, the drink making short work of the trip between his lips and his esophagus, and plopped the glass back onto the table. “I think someone needs to get their eyes examined,” Markus replied, leaned back, draped his arms over his waist, and laced his fingers.
Enrique strolled onto the patio and into sight. “Ahh, come now,” he said. “I’m just trying to be friendly.”
“Friendly?” Markus barked a laugh and dropped his boots onto the concrete. “That’s one word I’d never use to describe any kind of association between us.”
“Well, perhaps it’s time you and I change that unfortunate situation.” A smooth smile spread across Enrique’s face. The bastard thought he was so damn slick. The male yanked on one of the chairs, the legs making a loud scrape of metal against rock, and helped himself to a seat.
“I never said a damn thing about it being unfortunate.” Markus shook his head.
“As with our previous…arrangement,” Enrique began, reaching over to toy with Markus’s empty shot glass, “you and I together may be more beneficial to your long-term goals than you sitting here drowning your bruised ego in cheap liquor.”
Markus leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table while capturing Enrique’s glare. “And what would you know about my goals?”
At that moment, Christian appeared behind Enrique’s chair. “He knows that your time among the Enclave warriors has run out.”
Feigning surprise, Markus shoved from his seat, the chair screeching against the floor. “What the fuck?” He glared at the young vampire, slamming him with his best you’re a dead man expression. “I knew it,” Markus snarled. “All this time, you’ve been Enrique’s fucking spy.” He charged around the table, knocking the damn thing off-kilter
, and laid a right hook into the other male’s jaw. Christian’s head snapped to the side, blood slinging from his busted mouth and lip. Markus had to make this look good. Before the redhead could catch his breath, Markus fisted him by the front of his shirt. Hauling him up onto his toes, he shoved his face into Christian’s. “You’re the one who fed this asshole info so he’d know when and where to go after Alexandria.”
“Whoa, whoa,” Enrique interjected, his tone laid-back as he turned in his seat. “Watch who you’re calling an asshole. I’m not after your precious Alexandria.”
“And I’m just supposed to take your word on that,” Markus spat, still holding on to the new vamp.
“He’s telling you the truth,” Christian said, his lip already starting to swell. “Alexandria happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She wasn’t what that was all about.”
Grumbling under his breath, Markus uncurled his fingers and released his hold on the other male’s shirt. “But you’re not denying it was you behind the ambush.” Markus nailed Enrique with a hard stare.
Shrugging, Enrique added, “Maybe.”
Markus groaned. “Stop pissing around and get to the point. Alexandria was injured during whatever kind of game it was you were playing. So I’d start talking if I were you, because I’d much rather snap your neck than look at your ugly mug.”
“Damn, Markus.” Enrique shook his head. “Ever thought about taking one of those…what do they call them…anger management courses?”
“You want me to talk about my anger?” Markus seethed, reached low, and pulled out the dagger stowed in the side of his boot. Before the male could twitch in response, he pressed the jagged edge against Enrique’s throat. “Okay. Let’s do that.” Markus curled his upper lip, revealing his fangs. “Yeah. I’m pissed as hell. My blood boils at the mere sight of you. So let me make myself clear.” He scraped the serrated edge against the other male’s neck. “You even think of putting Alexandria in your sights, I will cut your eyeballs from your skull before I stab my blade into your heart.”
Without a tremor, Enrique rolled his eyes up at him. “Draw blood with that dagger of yours and expect a great deal of your own to flow,” the dark-skinned male stated.
Markus glanced over his shoulder and spotted Christian with a knife aimed at the back of Markus’s neck. Nice move.
“You’ve got him well trained, Enrique.” Markus flicked his weapon away from his target and painted on a smile for Christian. “Down, boy,” he added.
“Cute.” Christian grunted and turned away, sheathing his blade. “You’re a real comedian.”
“Thanks. That’s nice to hear every once in a while,” Markus said, facing the male. “I’ve always thought my sense of humor was unappreciated.”
Christian flipped him a middle finger salute and brushed past Markus toward the unoccupied side of the table.
Markus sauntered toward the patio’s wooden support pillar across from the crazy bastard and leaned against it. “You still haven’t said why the hell you’re here and in my face. And if Alexandria wasn’t your target the other night, what the fuck are you after?”
“A little birdie told me that you’ve finally come to your senses, and you walked out on that sanctimonious bunch of”—Enrique held up two fingers from each hand and air-quoted—“warriors.”
“By little birdie, you mean Christian.” Markus cranked his head toward the quiet redhead. “So, what if I have?”
“From what I hear, Kenric hasn’t been the most understanding and sympathetic to your plight,” the dark-haired male said, stood, and strolled toward Markus. “He’d love nothing more than to lock you back up in that silver cage for not agreeing with the drivel that comes from his mouth. Kenric knew Marguerite, but we understood her on an entirely different level.” Enrique didn’t stop his approach until he’d put himself directly in front of Markus. “None of them know you like I do, Markus. You and I have a history they couldn’t possibly relate to.” Enrique’s mouth curled into a sly grin, as if he truly believed he’d gotten under Markus’s skin. “I know what gets you off—what makes you tick.”
For that last comment alone, Markus would’ve loved nothing more than to rip the other male’s heart from his chest. But he had to play it cool. Allow Enrique to think he’d begun to sway him toward his team. “Sounds like Christian’s got a big fucking mouth,” Markus snapped.
“Mmm…” Enrique cocked his head in the other male’s direction. “Why, yes, he does.” He smirked. “And it has served me well thus far.”
The blatant innuendo had bile crawling up Markus’s throat. “Don’t make me vomit.” He rolled his eyes and shouldered his way past Enrique.
After grabbing his glass from the tabletop, Markus made his way over to the side entrance to the club. At the threshold, he held up his empty shot glass, grabbing the brunette waitress’s attention. She nodded and smiled, indicating she’d bring another round.
Markus turned back around. “Let’s pretend you’ve succeeded in acquiring my attention, Enrique. And at the risk of stating the obvious, you’ve been getting a blow-by-blow of what’s been going down at the Enclave from your sub over here.” He waved the dry glass in his hand at the young vampire on the other side of the table and settled himself in Enrique’s vacant seat. With a one-two thump, Markus propped his booted heels up on the wrought iron table, crossing them at the ankle. “Yet you still haven’t answered the million-dollar question.” Markus tsked and shook his head. “Why? What do they have that you want so badly, and why do you need me to get your hands on it?”
At that moment, the server carrying his next dose of tequila reappeared on the patio. “Hey, boys,” she said, flashing a smile and strutting over to him. Leaning over, she sat the shot glass on the table in front of him, making sure Markus got a good view of her cleavage. “Want to keep your tab going?” She straightened, placing her hands on her hips, her bar apron longer than the ragged edge of her denim shorts.
Markus nodded. “Keep it open.”
“Can I get anyone else something from the bar?” The twentysomething female glanced from Christian to Enrique.
“We’re good,” Enrique answered for them both. “For now.”
“Okay then.” Her glossy red lips curved into a smile. “You know where to find me if you change your mind.” She sashayed her way back inside, oblivious to the fact that she’d been in the presence of two of the most dangerous males on the planet.
Youth.
After Enrique’s cool “for now”, he worried about her life if she left the bar alone tonight. If so, he could end up blowing everything to hell by having to save her ass from becoming a late-night snack for the vampire and his DEADs.
Weird. A year ago, he wouldn’t have given a damn if Enrique had wanted to turn her into a buffet. Yet now…it looked like he’d regrown a conscience. He cared about how Alexandria saw him. That was a large part of it. But perhaps most of all, he was so damn sick of treading water in this sea of darkness. Wasn’t it about time he opened his eyes and swam toward the light?
Fisting his new shot, Markus made quick work of tossing it back, savoring the burn as it followed the path of the others down his esophagus. He lowered the empty glass back to the table with a hard clunk and rolled his head up to his former comrade. “You were saying…” He tossed the opening out there for Enrique to take a bite.
Enrique pushed away from the edge of the patio and strode over to where Markus sat. Bending over, he shoved Markus’s feet to the floor, making way for him to plant his two wide palms on the table. Markus sat forward, trying his best not to chew a hole in his tongue so as not to tell the arrogant bastard to go fuck himself.
“Eve,” Enrique finally said.
“Eve?” Markus shrugged, despite the fact he knew exactly why the female was of importance. “She’s Guerin’s mate. Who gives a shit?”
Enrique tilted his head and lifted a brow. “You don’t do coy well, Santini. You know exactly who and what Eve is.”
> For what seemed like several minutes, Markus met the other male glare for glare before finally responding with, “You’ll never get your hands on her.”
A taunting chuckle bubbled up from Enrique. “Not alone, of course.” He straightened and squared his shoulders. “That’s why I’ve brought in reinforcements.”
“Christ,” Markus groaned. “Reinforcements? Why the hell do you want her?”
“Oh, I don’t,” Enrique sharply professed. “I couldn’t give a shit about her. But others do, and they’re willing to pay very nicely for a born vampire. One that I’ve heard can walk in daylight.”
“Sounds like you’ve got this all planned out.” Markus lifted his hands and dusted them off. “So why the fuck are you telling me about it? If I were you, I don’t believe I’d have taken such a risk revealing your plan to a male who just walked out of the mansion you’re so eager to get inside.”
“I have no intention of ever going in there,” Enrique said. “And I’m pretty damn sure you’d rather burn than set foot in the Enclave again.”
Markus laughed. “Yeah. You got that shit right, at least.”
“Good.” Enrique nodded. “Then why don’t I help you dole out some payback on the master of the Enclave?”
And there it was. The offer he’d been waiting on, right fucking there on the table. All Markus had to do was pick it up.
“And how do you figure you’re going to do that?” Markus leaned back in his chair, narrowed his eyelids on the conniving bastard, and crossed his arms over his chest.
“What better way to draw her out than a prodigal warrior who wants to come home?” He grinned. “You’re the bait. All you have to do is reel her in for me, Markus. And I’ll do the rest. And you get the pleasure of sticking a virtual stake in your former commander’s self-righteous heart.” Enrique lifted his hands as if in worship of his own brilliance. “It’s such a sweet-ass plan.”
“There’s just one problem,” Markus interjected.
