Burned

by J. Nichole Parkins

  That type of talent could both be both a curse and a blessing. In his line of work it would be useful to know when people are being deceiving or threatening, personally it might make him better at relationships. Who didn’t want to be with someone who could accurately gage their moods and know when to back off, or come closer? At the same time, I wondered how exhausting it was to constantly feel what others were feeling. My own inner turmoil was wearing on me, I couldn't imagine having to deal with the emotions of everyone I came into contact with. However, I bet that made him great in the sack. He could tell what his partner liked and didn’t, and what was working. I raised my eyebrow, considering that thought further.

  “I bet you are pretty useful to have around.” I left it at that. He smirked, clearly reading where I was really going with my unspoken thoughts.

  Tapping my pack of cigarettes, I brought one to my lips, not missing his flash of disapproval. Gathering the surrounding energy and focusing it, the tip flared and caught. Spencer’s eyes widened, shock splashing on his face. The acrid scent of the smoke curled around us as I pulled the biting vapor into my lungs.

  “Fascinating. I bet you are pretty useful to have around.” He echoed my earlier words.

  “You have no idea. But you will grow to appreciate me.” I leaned back, smirking. I know he read my file, but it was a little different to see a new talent in person, especially one as unique and rife with possibilities as mine.

  “Like a fungus I’m sure.”

  Snorting at his clever comeback, I covered my mouth embarrassed.

  Despite our differences, I had a feeling this partnership might work out beautifully.

  The VIP room overlooked the dance floor, behind a wall of tinted one-way glass. The dancers on the main floor couldn’t see who was watching - or in many cases stalking - them. I enjoyed observing the mass of writhing bodies moving as one on the floor.

  Rhonda sashayed over to where we sat, the staccato beat of her heels drumming on the tile as she crossed to our table.

  “I hear you’ve had a rough night Rho.”

  “Girl, you have no idea.” Despite her obvious irritation she gently settled our drinks onto the low table. “Just a bunch of rowdy frat boys with too much money and too little sense.” One hand rested on her curvy hip, the other strangling the tray, she shifted her weight back cocking one leg forward. A deep sigh exploded from her lips. “If they weren’t throwing so much money my way I’d have kicked them out already.” She gestured in their direction with her chin. “Do they really think girls like that?”

  I surveyed the boys. The most inebriated of the bunch leaned over and pinched another server on the ass as she walked by. Red hair swirled around her as she spun, glaring at the Neanderthals. Her hands fisted at her sides. Impressively, she kept her cool only snapping something at them and stalking off.

  “Even if we don’t throw them out of the VIP, they are definitely banned. This isn’t that kind of place. Management doesn’t allow patrons to abuse their employees, no matter how much money they flash around.” She drew herself up, taking a deep breath. “I’m off shift in a couple of hours at least.”

  “Let me know if you want me to teach them some manners.” Cracking my knuckles in an exaggerated threat, my eyes narrowed menacingly. My display had the intended effect as her pinched face split into a smile, her laughter following her as she walked away.

  I threw back my first two Cirocs, aiming for a good buzz to start out the night. With my fast shifter metabolism it would take quite a bit. Spencer, on the other hand, nursed his drink like it would be his only one all night. I’m not sure if I could have been matched with someone who was more my opposite if I tried.

  Leaning forward, I surveyed the crowd below, trying to pick out one specific dancer. From up here I couldn’t distinguish human from other, they were just bodies throwing themselves around on the dance floor, trying their best to lose themselves in the beat.

  “Looking for someone in particular?” His drawl broke into my focus.

  Nodding, my eyes continued to scan the crowd. Almost passing him at first, they swung back to his lithe form on the edge of the crowd.

  “There you are.” Leaning back into the soft cushions, I signaled Rho for another vodka with my final shot in hand.

  “Are you going to clue me in on the plan?” Spencer grumbled, still sipping his first drink as I downed my third.

  “Just making contact with someone who might get me in.” Winking, I stood smoothing the wrinkles from my pant legs. “I’ll meet you back here in a few. Let’s see how this plays out.”

  Hitting the dance floor like usual, I made my way to my mysterious stranger from the other night. I skirted by two vampires on the floor, each peering at me with narrowed eyes. Even vampires were unsure of what to make of me, knowing instinctively that something was off. Knew I was something else, something different. It was unsettling. Neither of the two was very powerful, in fact they were pretty young in vamp standards - neither over a century. They may not even belong to the House, but they were in the House’s house – that made me chuckle – so they had to be allowed here or they’d be dead. I blinked slowly considering. Well, deader anyway.

  His eyes widened as he caught sight of me coming his way, a smile kicking up one corner of his mouth. Sharp with interest, his gaze narrowed, focused solely on me. Like I was the only person in the room. The volume was deafening, so we didn’t bother saying a word. Pulling me close, every inch of his body made contact with mine. We moved together, following the sensuous rhythm that surrounded us. His fingers gripped my hips, biting into my skin. Circling my arms around his neck, my breasts rubbed against his chest. His sharp inhale telling me he wasn’t unaffected.

  I was barely able to see the bite on his neck even this close, but I could smell the healing wounds. Unable to resist, I trailed my lips down his neck, scenting the blood so close to the surface. He shivered in response, his heart racing. Enjoying where my attentions were focused. Powerless to combat my desire, I bit down gently. A moan rumbled through his chest, reverberating through mine. The muscles in his arms tensed, the grip on my hips bruising my skin. It sent a thrill though me, instantly flaming the lust that pooled in my gut.

  Backing away until there was a breath of space between us, his crystalline eyes met mine. Need coiled in their depths, drawing me in. They promised an unforgettable night, and one way or another I’d find out if he could deliver. Regardless of the complications involved I ached to feel him.

  Considering the combination of multiple healing bite wounds and the fact that he was in a House club and still breathing with all of his limbs intact, I was sure I was dancing with my in.

  When sweat was pouring off our bodies and my feet were aching again, I pointed upstairs to the VIP room and gestured for him to join me. Monroe shut the thick curtain behind us, effectively muffling the music from below. Flopping down across from where Spencer continued to nurse his SoCo and Coke - for his sake I hoped it wasn’t the same one - I tugged my dance partner beside me. I stretched my legs wiggling my ankles which had begun to throb painfully.

  Rho appeared as if by magic with two drinks, another Ciroc for me and what smelled like a rum and Coke.

  “Hey Daniel. How’s it going?” Rho smiled brightly as she handed the other drink to my new friend.

  “Great as always, Rho.” His smoky voice rolled over me as they exchanged small talk, stoking the want that coiled within me. My partner eyeballed me; I didn’t need to be an empath to feel the irritation emanating from him in waves. Rolling my eyes, I downed my drink, hoping the alcohol would help my aching feet as well as my buzz.

  As Rho sauntered away, Daniel’s piercing cobalt gaze swung to me. It peered inside me, stripping me bare.

  “Good to see you again.” Ice clinked as he took a sip of his amber drink. The sound startled me back into the present. “I was hoping you’d be here tonight.”

  “Daniel, huh?” At his nod I provided my name and introduced Spencer
as my partner.

  Spencer glared at me behind Daniel’s questioning gaze. I clarified, “Spencer works for me.” I grinned at my partner’s sullen expression, aware of his displeasure at being demoted, even if it was fictional. “I own a PI firm.”

  “That explains a lot.” Daniel’s eyes laughed. I wondered how many times he’d observed me on cases here. This was a popular spot for my clients lately.

  I pulled my cigarettes and lighter out of my purse, needing to do something with my hands before I grabbed him.

  “Do you mind?” I could be polite when the situation warranted.

  Plucking my silver Zippo from my hand he deftly lit it, cupping the flame so it wouldn’t go out. I leaned forward with my cigarette to light it, rewarding him with a generous amount of cleavage.

  Under the pungent odors of the burning tobacco and sweat, I caught Daniel’s scent - a combination of almonds and leather that made me ache to get him alone. Having sex with him was probably a bad idea, morally questionable for sure, but I had certainly done worse things in my life.

  “I’m teaching Spencer the ropes. He just started working for me a few months ago.” I demoted him further, enjoying the wrathful looks he was sending my way. I’m sure he’d extract his revenge soon enough, but until then I was going to enjoy myself. “What do you do?” Besides being a walking snack for the undead?

  “It’s not as glamorous as being a PI.” I rolled my eyes playfully at him. “I’m a courier for a few local businesses. I run errands, take care of odds and ends. That type of thing.” His shoulders rose in an offhanded shrug. “It gets my foot in the door anyway. Pays the bills.”

  “Foot in the door to what?” I asked, leaning forward slightly as if I didn’t already know.

  “Better prospects, a better career - the usual. It’s not like I want to be a courier for the rest of my life.” Excitement danced in his eyes, as he discussed his creepy chosen path.

  In our world a courier was often a common term for a starting position in a House. A stepping stone for rising through the ranks. Part of me was elated, because this confirmed he was the connection to the vampires that we sought. The fact that he was in the House’s club was a pretty good confirmation he worked for them. But another part of me was dejected. Here was this hot drool-worthy man who I was unbelievably drawn to, who I wanted to do dirty, dirty things with, and he was coffin bait.

  I tried not to judge others, especially since my life was no walk in the park. Well maybe a walk in Central Park. After dark. But the idea that someone would choose to end their life and become a vampire, weirded me out. I didn’t understand it. Granted, I had not spent a whole lot of time in the company of vampires. I knew a few on a strictly business basis. Since I had my own secrets to hide, I tended to shy away from non-humans. The fewer that realized I wasn’t exactly human, the better.

  “Enough talk about our day jobs,” I blurted rising back to my feet. The DJ was playing Rob Zombie and the hard beats summoned me to the dance floor. “It’s playtime.”

  I caught Rho on the way out and casually slipped her a fifty, gesturing to Spencer. His gaze followed me across the room, narrowing suspiciously. He’d ream me later, but the tongue-lashing would be worth it. At thirty-two he was too young to be that stodgy - a lap dance was exactly what he needed.

  Daniel followed me onto the main floor, immersed in the music. Dancing was an escape, a coping mechanism we both utilized. The connection was strong, a thread woven between us that compelled me to scrutinize. To poke and prod. To discover what demons tormented him. Nothing shouts I have issues, quite like wanting to die and be reborn as the blood sucking undead. The laughter on the surface masked a darkness that he hid well. Most people would never see it, never consider the well of pain and broken edges buried deep. But I saw it. Because it answered mine.

  Anticipation bubbled in my veins, but on its heels a familiar desire to run that I chose to ignore. Had I known what dominoes would be set into motion, I would have listened.

  Fortunately for us, his place was just a few blocks away in a four story walk-up. It wasn’t much, a simple one bedroom like mine, but it didn’t have my bitchin’ view. The windows overlooked the brick facade of the next building over. Honestly I didn’t care what the view was since I was focused on his mouth on my neck. I was not surprised that he had an obsession with necks. And biting. Nor was I complaining. In fact, I had no complaints about the entire experience. He did things that would make a prostitute blush. And I enjoyed every moment.

  Afterward, as we lay exhausted on the floor of his bedroom – we had fallen out of the bed in the last round – I struggled to stay focused. To remember what I was there for. I could not get attached. Daniel was a means to an end – a really hot one, but I was using him nonetheless. I needed to keep myself distanced, in spite of the draw I felt.

  “Well, I’m sure you’re aware,” he panted, “that was fantastic.”

  “You do have mad skills.” I confirmed.

  Smiling into my hair he added, “You’re no slouch.”

  “Such high praise. I’d slap you but I still don’t have feeling in my arms,” I mumbled into the crook of his neck, as his chest shook with laughter.

  When my breathing returned to normal I pulled my clothes back on and stumbled around searching for my boots.

  “So, you’re not staying the night?” Sprawled on the floor, he still hadn’t bothered to get up. His eyes followed my progress with too much interest. I was worn out, even he couldn’t be ready for round three - or was it four - yet.

  “I just met you.” I shrugged. “I don’t know you enough to sleep with you.” His laughter followed me into the living room where I finally located my second boot.

  “Let me get this straight,” he called from the bedroom floor, “you’ll screw my brains out after knowing barely more than my name, but you don’t know me well enough to sleep with me.” After hearing him move around for a minute he appeared in the doorway wearing gray gym shorts, his eyes sparkling with laughter.

  “Well, yeah.” Made sense to me. Sleeping involved a lot more intimacy and trust than knocking boots. It made you vulnerable.

  Walking to the door to his apartment before I could open it, he leaned against the frame. “You have to give me your number.”

  Jotting it down on a receipt I found on a nearby shelf, I explained, “I have trouble with cell phones.” Boy was that ever a simplification. If I wasn’t losing it, it was getting beat all to shit during a fight, or I was frying the thing. Electronics and my energy surplus didn’t always work well together. “Just leave a message and I’ll get back to you.”

  “Sure, will I see you at Phoenix again?” The words tickled my ear as he leaned close, causing a shiver to skitter down my spine.

  “Most definitely.” I turned and strode down the hall. Always leave them wanting more, I thought to myself as I made my way back home to get some needed sleep.

  Chapter Five

  The call to the scene arrived halfway through my morning run. Thankfully I had the run home to prepare myself for what I was about to be elbows deep in. I wasn’t going to risk throwing up at the scene by eating anything before I left. It wasn’t like I’d never seen carnage before; I hunted in my other form. I had even killed humans before I learned how to control my other half. I shivered, pushing the memories back where they needed to stay hidden. This wouldn’t be the only time I’d wish that I had just walked away from this job.

  The body was nothing more than a pile of skin and meat. Blood was everywhere. It was splashed upon the dumpster and the brick walls that surrounded the scene, splattered on the ground, pooled under the pieces. The scene was unbelievable. Similar to when I reviewed the pictures in the file, my eyes took a few moments to adjust. To actually see what I was looking at.

  “Did you find any of the bones?” I asked, my voice cracking on the last word. While the human inside me was disgusted at the carnage, the darker part was a little too interested. What a waste.

 
; The copper scent of the blood was overwhelming. I tried breathing through my mouth but then I could taste it, which was worse. So much worse. I swallowed as my pre-run protein bar rolled unsteadily in my stomach.

  “Nope.” Popping the p on the end of the word, Spencer’s brow furrowed. He knelt, peering closer to the pile. I’d read the reports; we probably wouldn’t find a single bone.

  “Every scene has been like this, a bloody messy carnage with every bone missing. None of our experts have seen anything like it.” Gesturing with his pen towards the pile, he pointed to what remained of a pair of pants. “I’m hoping they carried ID or something so this one is easier to identify than the last victim. Thank God for DNA or we’d have never been able to notify the next of kin.”

  Every instinct screamed for me to run, to leave this case behind. But I had to know what did this. I had to know that this would stop. This pile of flesh and skin was once a person. They had a life, friends, loved ones. They didn’t deserve to end up like this.

  I scanned the scene again, but as objectively as possible. Detached. As if this was just another puzzle to solve.

  A few droplets blood caught my attention off to the left of the scene, leading from the bodies. Perfectly round surrounded by several smaller elliptical dots. I blocked the sun from my eyes as I looked up, examining the buildings that enclosed the alley. The high concrete walls were broken by few windows. None within the vicinity of the scene. We were in an abandoned industrial area. None of the buildings were occupied and hadn’t been for a few years. The only reason the body was discovered in the first place was because a Realtor had stumbled on it while prepping for a viewing. Who knew how long it would have been here otherwise. How many other bodies were we missing that the animals got to first?

  Despite my reluctance, I drew in a deep breath, trying to separate the overwhelming coppery scent from the others hidden beneath. My sense of smell was much better than the humans that surrounded me, but it was paltry when compared to other species.