Panic aided her speed as she wheeled across the foyer, she caught her reflection in the mirror, her hair looked black and so did her eyes. This place must really be getting to her. As she rushed across the floor, she could have sworn she saw her toes move but there was no time to waste, she had to get out of there before he followed her.
Outside, Deb pressed her remote and it took forever for her lift to come down, all the while she was checking over her shoulder expecting him to… what? To chop her into little pieces? A shudder raised the hair on her arms and at last she was able to wheel onto the lift. Soon she would be away from here and then what? Tonight had been a disaster. No way would she be able to get close to Markoff now. All she had done was tip his hand. Shoulders tense, breath held she spun the wheels on the gravel and raced for home. She caught her eyes in the rear view mirror and took in a sharp breath; they looked dark, a walnut brown. Deb pulled over to the side of the road and pulled down the vanity mirror. A face that looked five years younger than her twenty years stared back at her with her own eyes. They were a striking gray with tiny gold flecks. What was wrong with her? Was she stupid enough to think that her eyes and hair could change color?
As she drove away from the house, mist began to form and sitting on the property’s old stone gatepost was a large black rook.
Chapter Seven
Darkness was falling as Deb pulled up in her drive. Slamming the car into park, she let out a huge breath and relaxed her arms. It was only now that she realized how much danger she had been in. If Markoff had wanted, he could have killed her… Of course, her logical side told her that he would think the paper knew where she was. But she made the appointment at the last minute and he probably knew she was off book.
She should go in. If she sat here much longer, Brett or Mace would come out to see if she was stuck again. They were always fussing and worrying. As she opened the door and lowered her lift a big black rook flew across the front of the car and landed on a post just three feet from her. With its ink-black eye and carrion beak, it was an ugly bird that filled her with foreboding. It cocked its head and seemed to be watching her. “Shoo,” she said and wheeled toward it.
Deb expected the bird to fly off but instead it turned towards her, opened its black beak and let out a desolate caw. The sound reverberated in her chest and gave her that feeling of someone walking over her grave and she stopped.
“That was a very foolish thing to do,” said a deep voice behind her.
Deb turned and she was back in her nightmare. The handsome man from her dreams stood before her with his haunting gray eyes, prominent forehead and square jaw. The air rushed from her lungs and goose bumps rose on her arms. Deb tried to speak, to say something cool, but the words took their sweet time in coming and all she could manage was, “It’s only a dumb bird.”
“I did not mean the rook, I meant tackling a killer. Do you know me?”
“I… I… in my dreams… W… w… were you there after my accident?”
“Yes, sweet Deborah, I was.”
“Wait, wait just one minute,” Deb said as her earlier anger returned. Was this creep following her? “How do you know where I’ve been?”
The man chuckled and walked across to her. With ease and grace he squatted down so that he was at her eye level and offered her his hand. “Forgive me, my name is Vincent Fox and well, you could say I saved your life.”
Deb felt a tug in her chest and a spark as she took the hand, it was cold but his handshake was firm. Her head was spinning. Why was she dreaming about him and why was he here? “Is that why you’re here, for a thank you?”
“No. Something went wrong and I need to know what you are?”
“I’m a cripple.” Deb’s pulled her hand away disturbed by his presence. The man was rude and she did not need this, not tonight.
“You’re playing with fire,” He said. “Is it fun?”
Deb backed the chair away from him and anger flared inside her coloring her cheeks. “How dare you?”
“That is good and anger may be your biggest ally or your worst enemy. There,” he said. “I thought so, your hair, your leg.”
“What do you mean?” Deb asked looking down at her legs, which sat useless on the foot plates. She looked back up, but he was gone. The drive was empty as was the street. It was as if he had disappeared. How could that be? Was she dreaming? There was a whoosh of air behind her and the rook took off from the post and flew across her head. The wind from its wings batted against her face and lifted her hair and then it too was gone.
The door opened and Mace came out. With a hand on his left thigh, he hobbled across to Deb. “Are you alright?”
“Yes… I’m fine it was just a bird,” Deb said as Mace pushed her into the house. Rocked into safety by the proximity of her guardian, Deb wondered if it had all been a dream. Maybe she was tired and what -- seeing things?
Chapter Eight
Alix Sakharov stood beneath the shade of the sprawling old oak tree and waited for the sun to go down. The blue sky changed to red and then faded to a deep purple before turning into the semi-darkness of dusk. It was an enormous relief; he removed the sunglasses and took off his gloves. He was too young for this and today had been difficult; he just hoped it would be worth it. The sound of an engine shocked him out of his thoughts. A limousine pulled up and the back window rolled down. Alix walked across, he knew this meeting was coming but he dreaded what it meant and willed that he could talk himself out of the trouble he was in.
Sitting in the back was Dagmar Van Pattern and Alix owed him his life. It was a debt of honor and he must repay it. “Good evening, Mr. Van Pattern,” Alix said.
“Have you made contact,” Dagmar asked. As always he was straight to the point.
Alix peered into the luxury of the car. Dagmar looked about fifty-five, but Alix knew he was much, much older. With shoulder length brown hair and light blue eyes in a face that was so pale it was almost luminous, he appeared to be weak. But he was not and could easily end Alix’s life if he chose to do so. For now, he sipped an aged whiskey from a fine cut crystal glass and suddenly Alix was thirsty. His throat craved something thick and warm and he had to fight down the urge. It had been so long since he had taken such a drink, he would not give in now simply because life was hard. “Yes I have, but I do not think it is her who you seek.”
“I did not ask you to think. Can you get close to her?”
“Yes,” Alix said. He did not add that they had a date tonight and that he had felt anticipation and excited about the prospect for the first time in… well, in a long while.
“Good. I need to know if it is her. The portents say she is… dangerous. Maybe the wheelchair is some kind of trick.” Dagmar took a sip of his drink and smiled.
The gesture reminded Alix of a crocodile he had once seen just before it bit off the arm of the keeper who was demonstrating how safe the creature was. Dagmar was like that crocodile only much more dangerous and much less predictable. “I do not think so. I stuck a pin in her leg earlier and there was no reaction.” Alix had to fight down the bile that rose in his throat as he thought of what he had done. But it was necessary, if Deb was the one they were looking for then she was dangerous and he needed to be on his guard.
“Keep me informed of anything you find out and remember your first loyalty is to me until your debt is paid.” Dagmar nodded to his driver and his window closed as the car slid off into the night.
Alix watched the tail lights as they disappeared into the darkness. What should he do? A sadness overwhelmed him. Dagmar was right, he was honor bound to obey the man until this was over. He just hoped that Deb was not the danger that was foretold, the danger that could destroy his race.
***
Alix stood in front of the oak paneled door of Mace Coltrane’s mansion. There was a hunger in his stomach that he hoped was nerves, and he was sure if he could have sweated that his palms would be wet. Brightly colored lanterns decorated the front of the house and he coul
d hear music coming from within. It had been many years since he had been on a date and he knew that his suit must be a little old fashioned but for some reason he wanted to look smart. As he waited, he ran a hand through his thick blonde hair and pulled it back away from his face. At last, the door opened and he came face to face with Mace Coltrane. The man looked angry, his forehead furrowed beneath his receding auburn hairline.
“You must be Alix,” he said and offered a hand.
Alix took the hand. It was warm to the touch and stronger than he had expected from Mace’s soft appearance. “Yes, is Deb ready?”
“No. She will be down in a moment.” Mace stood back.
Alix had played this out many times before but for some unknown reason, tonight he was nervous. The door was sealed to him unless he was invited in. Looking like a nervous suitor he hovered on the threshold, making sure that he kept his eyes low allowing Mace to believe he was acquiescing to the man’s authority. It was clear from the glint in Mace’s eyes that he was enjoying this and that he loved his niece. For that, he made Alix suffer for a couple of seconds longer and then he smiled.
“Why don’t you…” He moved back to allow Alix to enter but before he could finish the sentence. “Ah, here she is,” Mace said as Deb entered the hallway.
Alix gasped as she wheeled out of the kitchen with a smile on her face. Deb looked so young and innocent, with her long caramel hair loose over her shoulders. The color of brown sugar it made him feel warm in a way he had not experienced for many years. Her lips were a natural shade of pink and her face looked young and perfect. Making a rookie mistake that he had not made in forever, he walked into the barrier that kept him from the house and was slammed back. Luckily for him, no one noticed. Mace was watching Deb, and she appeared to be asking her uncle something, her eyes pleaded silently with his. Alix coughed to hide his indiscretion and waited patiently at the door to allow her to come over. “You look beautiful,” he said as his eyes roved over the green top that accentuated her slim figure and rosy complexion. It was cut low across her neck and he could see her perfect bone formation and deep within her neck her jugular vein pulsed with life. Alix pulled his eyes away from the temptation and scanned down to the skinny legged jeans and her neat black court shoes resting on the footplates. “May I come in?” he asked.
“Uncle,” Deb said as she rolled past the man. “Of course, please come in. Would you like to come through to the garden? It is quieter there,” she said, looking up at him with an expression that pleaded for this to be alright.
“That would be great,” he said. “Here let me.” Gently he put his hands on the handles and pushed the chair through the house. Deb guided him along and he could not help but admire the surroundings. It had an opulent feel with all wood panels, books, antiques with high ceilings and muted lighting it was more like a mansion than a home. As they walked past the foyer, they started to see the party makers. Small groups were huddled together in almost every corner. Alix got the feeling Deb was uncomfortable in front of so many people and he wanted to reach down and hug her, but he knew that would just make her feel worse. It had never occurred to him how vulnerable she looked until just now. When he had met her earlier, he was unsure what to expect and his opinion had been skewed by what he had already been told. Looking at her now, how could he believe she was dangerous?
Chapter Nine
The house pulsed with music as Brett walked down the stairs. It was great to have a party here, but not so good that his uncle and Deb would be watching every move he made. The first thing he spotted was Hanna. She leaned against the wall pouting and she was alone. A surge of hope ran through him. He ran a moist hand through his mop of hair and made his way across, weaving through the popular kids, the ones that still had parents.
Hanna looked radiant, all summer she had been spending time with him and now he wanted more. It was a real blow when she turned down his invite tonight, but still she was here. Maybe she changed her mind? “Hi Hanna, you want a drink?” he asked.
“No, I’m waiting for Nick; he said we would hang out tonight.” She flashed her big eyes at him and chewed her gum.
“Yeah, well maybe we could hang out? You know like we did all summer.” Brett tried to keep the desperation out of his voice, but if she were going with that ass Nick, it would make his blood curl.
“Listen kid, we had fun but Nick and me, we have this thing.” With that, she flicked her hair and strolled away.
Brett felt heat in his groin as he watched her sashay across the room. The tight denim mini-skirt made the most of her long legs and was accentuated by her three inch black heels. Right now, he felt she was the most beautiful woman he knew. Why the hell was she hanging out with that that douchebag, Nick? Brett walked to the side of the room and pulled a beer from his pocket. Twisting off the cap, he swore as Nick walked in with Summer on his arm. The bastard got all the girls and didn’t even realize that Summer had the hots for him. Brett took a slug of the beer and watched from the corner as Hanna threatened to explode.
“I thought you were coming with me,” Hanna shouted as she pushed Nick’s shoulder.
“I just gave Summer a lift, her car’s broke. Look it’s not like we’re going steady.” Nick let go of Summer’s arm and turned towards Hanna. “Come on, let’s get a drink and get outta here.”
Summer crossed her arms and stared at their backs as they walked toward the bar. “Damn,” she said and then spotted Nova sitting in the corner. At least she had someone to talk to. Running her hands down her smooth, black mini-dress, she walked across the room. As usual, her friend was wearing a disaster. She had on a busy floral print blouse and a dark blue pinafore dress. “Where’s Deb?” Summer asked.
“Oh wow, didn’t she tell you?” Nova paused for a second, her pale blue eyes so wide they looked like bottle tops. “She has a date, that hunk from this morning.”
Summer knew that the shock on her face showed. Even Deb had a date and here she was with no one. “Where are all the decent guys?” she asked.
“Here comes one,” Nova said as she pointed to the entrance.
Deb was being pushed through the door by Alix. The dark suit and white shirt he modeled accentuated his long, lean thighs and muscled arms. The chair turned toward them and the two girls giggled with delight as he wheeled Deb over.
“Summer, Nova, this is Alix,” Deb said staring up at her two friends with a smug expression on her face.
“Nice to meet you,” Alix said and reached out to shake their hands.
Sitting below them, Deb was starting to feel left out and the view up Summer’s nostrils was far from pleasant.
“Nice to meet you too,” Summer said, holding his hand much longer than necessary.
Alix pulled his clear and lifted the heavy wooden table with one arm, making room for Deb’s chair. “Why don’t we…? He pointed to the seats.
Much to Deb’s relief everyone sat down, they were back on her level and she started to relax. A soft breath caressed her ear.
“Let me get you that drink,” Alix whispered as his lips slid across her skin.
Deb blushed and then he was gone. She lowered her head to hide a smile and concentrated on her hands. This was going to be a good night after all.
“Wow,” Summer said. “He’s lush.”
“He certainly is a bit of a hotty,” Nova added. “But how did your day go?”
Deb felt the joy simmer out of her as she remembered the look in James Markoff’s eyes as he leaned across the desk and called her stupid. Still, he was right, she had been stupid and she could have been hurt or even killed. The hairs rose on her arm and suddenly she felt cold.
“Are you okay?” Nova asked as she gently shook Deb’s arm.
“Sorry, I’m fine. Yes, it wasn’t that bad, in fact, the dog was delightful.” Deb put on a big smile just as Alix placed a tray of drinks on the table. He pulled a chair up next to her and sat down. Deb found her cheeks flushing and she dropped her head again, letting her soft
caramel hair hide her embarrassment.
“So, did the same thing happen like it did with that other dog?” Summer asked with her usual tact.
Alix sprang to attention and his deep blue eyes sought out Deb’s. “Don’t dogs like you?” His words were harsh demanding and he seemed to shake himself. “I mean, have you had a problem with dogs?”
This time Deb felt mortified as the heat hit her cheeks. “It’s been since my accident. Dogs don’t seem to like the chair.”
“It’s quite weird,” Summer said. “Deb was always so good with animals and now every dog she goes near, barks at her, like she’s some kind of freak or something.”
“Damn it, Summer, shut up,” Nova said as she slapped the girl on the back.
“What, what? I never meant… Oh God, I never meant the chair, just its… weird that’s all.”
“It’s hot in here,” Alix said. “Can I take you in the gardens?”
“Oh God, please,” Deb said.
As they approached the doors, Hanna pushed past with tears streaming down her face. She sobbed as she ran across the garden and then pulled off her heels and disappeared into the woods that bordered the property.
“What was that all about?” Alix asked.
“Oh, it’s probably my brother, he has a crush on her and he can cause trouble. Look maybe I should go see if she’s alright?”
Alix put a hand on her shoulder. “That is such a lovely thought, but I think we should give her a minute. Let her get herself together and then we will both go see how she is.”
“Okay, maybe we can sit by the pond. It’s lovely at night.”
“Point the way.”
Deb smiled and pointed to the path that ran around the property. To the right side next to the conservatory was a Koi pond. She loved to sit there and watch the fish as they appeared to float in the crystal clear water. “Just around here.” The other thing was he could sit down and they would be the same height again.
Greenwood: Paranormal Vampire Romance (The Darker Side of Deb Book 1) Page 4
