by Dannika Dark
I held Justus’s gaze. I was uneasy about the idea of a total stranger accompanying me across the country, let alone a Vampire. I’d heard enough warnings about them.
“Novis is right,” Justus said, clearing his throat. “My Creator living in the same city would present an unneeded distraction.” Justus rose from the table and hitched up his sweatpants. “I will ensure your safety.” His eyes slid over to Novis and he gave him a nearly imperceptible nod. “Keep the details of this trip private, Silver. I forbid you from sharing the details with the Chitah.”
“His name is Logan, and I agree.” I didn’t need any distractions. Justus also seemed concerned with how involved he was getting.
Everyone pushed away from the table to stand but I remained seated. “Can I have a minute alone with Novis?”
He waved Justus and Simon out of the room.
Novis scratched his smooth chin and laced his long fingers together. The light in his eyes glittered beneath the dark brows and lashes. It was captivating to see so much age behind such youthful features.
“You can speak your mind freely.”
“I’ve held my tongue because this could be considered slander,” I said in a low voice. “Something’s bothered me since you mentioned that it’s impossible to crossbreed naturally with a human. Are there any exceptions to the rule that are public knowledge?”
“I can’t explain how your birth was possible with absolute certainty,” he admitted. “Many have attempted to crossbreed with humans for over a thousand years. Although before science came along, they tried the natural way.” He grinned slyly. “It makes me wonder if they’ve also tried to impregnate a Shifter or even a Relic with human sperm and… I apologize. I’m listening.”
I leaned in privately. “Do you remember when Adam challenged Samil in front of the Council?”
“Yes.”
“Afterward, Merc said something that didn’t make sense. No one batted a lash, but I guess we were too preoccupied. Do you remember what it was?”
He pinched his lip and studied the ceiling as if invisible words were written on it. “Not specifically.”
“Merc asked if I was a hybrid. Doesn’t that word strike you as odd? If it’s common knowledge that crossbreeding is impossible, then why did he ask that question?”
Novis smoothed his middle finger across his lower lip. “Speak of this to no one until I give it more thought. You know the punishment for slander is severe.”
“Novis?”
“Yes?” His voice was devoid of emotion.
“How is Adam?”
A shadow crossed his face and there was a pregnant pause before he answered. “Adam is permanently scarred. The Relic could do nothing for those that were exposed to the liquid fire.”
“How bad is it? I tried to tell him to get out.” I shook my head as the images came back.
“Adam saved many lives—as did you—but he was too close to the glass wall when the canisters exploded. The Relic tried the only salve he had that might have helped, but liquid fire is the Devil’s formula.” Sadness flickered in his stony eyes. “Adam is understandably not himself, and it will take a long time for him to accept it. He is immortal, and these scars will remain with him forever. But he must accept it and move forward. He was fortunate—some were missing whole limbs, or even worse. One gentleman that I’ve known many years lost half his face. Our healing light helped them recover from the mortal wounds to get them out of pain, but…” Novis couldn’t even finish and he covered his eyes with his right hand, pinching at his brow.
Forever.
That word sank in like a sharp tooth. Adam had a rugged sophistication that could make any woman swoon, yet he was oblivious to it, which was probably the most attractive quality about him. It seemed wrong to dwell on the physical, but that is the impression we give the world, and Breed were especially insensitive to such things.
“How is he handling it?”
“Adam is in denial, but deep down he knows the full impact. He spoke of utilizing his gift as a service, but he’ll never gain clients scarred the way he is. Maybe it’s for the better. He was in an immeasurable amount of pain when the Relic tried to treat him. I’ve seen that kind of injury test a man and only time will tell if Adam passes. When you do see him… be kind, but don’t offer him your pity.”
Chapter 8
I leaned across Goliath—my monster-sized bed—and switched the phone to my right ear.
“Logan. I need you to stay away for a couple of days. There’s a lot going on with the investigation and it’ll give you time to hang out with your brothers or visit Finn and see how he’s doing.”
“Have you forgotten I’m aware of the details?”
“Justus is firm on no visitors, so if you show up, he’s going to blow a gasket. We have some important people over here.” Christ, I hated lying, but at least he couldn’t scent it over the phone. “It’s just for a couple of days—I don’t think it’s too much to ask. Can you live without me?”
“Careful the words you choose,” he warned.
After a brief chat, Logan gave me his word that he wouldn’t show up unexpectedly. I stuffed a few things into a medium bag and put on a pair of black pants and a matching shirt. It was cool in Cognito, so I slipped into my leather jacket and carried my luggage down the hall into the main room.
“Silver, come in here,” Justus said. “I want you to meet someone.”
I approached the dining room and saw Justus standing in the entrance with another man. I dropped my bag and shuffled a few steps back. We never had strangers in the house and it caught me off guard.
The man was leaner than Justus, but his posture was commanding, with sharp angles and a straight back. With his hands clasped together, he widened his stance and greeted me with a smug grin. This guy looked like a young business tycoon ready to dismantle a company, yet he was also the kind of man who could easily blend into a crowd. Dark brown hair and neatly trimmed whiskers toned down the liquid black eyes that were otherwise stark against his features. This was the Vampire from the infamous bombing party—the one that had insulted me.
I glared at his leather pants and unbuttoned shirt that showed off the long silver chain around his neck. The clothes didn’t look his style at all, not to mention he was dressed more inconspicuously at the party. If his intention was to piss me off, then he could have run a victory lap.
“Absolutely not,” I exclaimed. “My mother will never let someone like him into her house. This is your Vampire?”
Christian tossed his arm around Justus’s shoulder with a stern expression. “I’ve never once felt sorry for you until this very day, Justus.” He laughed darkly. “Poor bastard.” His voice was Irish, Scottish, or Piggish—one of those ish countries. “Does she come with instructions? Clearly, batteries were not included.”
“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.” My lips pressed together tightly.
“I should say the same about you; we haven’t even gotten through introductions and there you are, sizing me up to see if I’m acceptable enough to meet your mum. I feel rather insulted, considering you’re only a Learner and I have half a mind to walk away.”
Justus cut across the room in my direction. “Christian, give us a moment.”
He took my arm and led me into the hall.
“That is your trustworthy friend?” I whispered.
“Loyalty is hard to come by.”
Simon eased in and folded his arms, looking between us.
“He’s a twit,” I whispered.
“I can heaarrr youuuu,” a deep voice sang out from the dining room.
I rolled my eyes. “Spidey hearing. Any other talents I should know about?”
Christian whistled in the other room—the kind of whistle that implied he had an answer to my question, and it was dirty.
A light flared in Justus’s eyes for a brief moment before he spoke. “No arguments. Christian is the best man for the job. It was not my decision to have you leave the
city outside of my protection. Remember that there are no safe places from Breed; we’re everywhere. Keep your wits about you and conceal your light. Speak with your mother and then come home.”
Justus walked off and murmured something to Christian in the other room.
“Why the long face, love?” Simon asked.
“Christian didn’t help anyone at the party. Why did Leo ask for a Vampire when we were trying to pull the sword?”
“They’re strong, and their blood can heal.”
“So why didn’t he heal them?”
“What the hell do I look like—a juice box?” Christian shouted from the other room.
I worked my jaw to the side, irritated by the unsolicited comments about my private conversation.
“Vamps think their blood is sacred, so they’re real dicks about it.” Simon brushed past me and we rejoined our guest, who was sitting in the chair nearest to the fireplace with his legs dramatically crossed.
Justus continued with the formalities. “Silver, this is Christian Poe. He’s an old friend and we go back many years. Christian, this is my Learner, Silver.”
The Vampire flew out of his chair theatrically and moved toward me with a one-armed bow, never taking his eyes from mine.
I could handle a man with a smart mouth because I gave as good as I got, but he was just rude. His image did not fit the bill in getting inside my mother’s house. This man had a mission to mortify me—a confirmed suspicion when he stroked the chain around his neck.
Christian put both hands on Justus’s shoulders and shook him, saying in a thick voice, “Don’t you worry, da. I’ll be sure to have her home by ten.”
“Bring her home,” Justus warned. “Safely. Remember what I told you.”
“Ghuardian, you neglected to mention that my partner would be a halfwit.”
Christian squinted as he turned around. “I’ll have you know that my talents are legendary, and my reputation has spread like—”
“A rash?”
As I lifted my bag, I realized the root of my irritation was the fear of going home and facing my mother.
***
“So tell me all about your mum.”
Just after takeoff, my plan was to kill the flight with a nap. Two minutes in, I wanted to kill more than just time.
Our trip to the airport was elaborate; Christian and I rode in separate vehicles. Guards sprayed a liquid on each car that would shield our scent from any Chitahs who worked as trackers. I looked out the tinted windows and remained quiet for the entire ride as instructed. My hair was tucked inside of a loose-knit cap and Justus had lent me his aviator sunglasses. I was beginning to understand what it felt like to be a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi.
Christian was desperate to instigate conversation, despite the fact that I was airsick.
“Could you please not talk?”
“Don’t get your knickers in a knot,” he replied as he crossed his leg over a knee and looked around with bored interest.
A dull ache in my stomach triggered a cold sweat and I leaned forward.
“Why don’t you just puke and get it over with?”
“Is that what you say to the women you pick up?”
Christian reached out and snatched the wrist of the flight attendant. Her short brown hair bounced as she turned, but once their eyes met, her concern evaporated into a vacant smile. She was entranced.
“Yes sir?” she asked in a monotone voice.
“Could we have a stick of gum?”
“We don’t serve gum. Could I bring you a drink?”
Christian’s hand traced her delicate wrist, adorned with a thin gold bracelet.
“Maybe later,” he laughed darkly. “Do you have any gum?”
“In my purse.”
“Be a dear and fetch me a piece?”
She blinked a few times and pulled slowly out of his grasp, walking up the aisle.
“No wonder,” I muttered.
Christian stuck his nose right up to my cheek. “I’m sorry, what’s that you said?”
I shouldered him away. “Now I’m starting to see how you pick up your dates.”
“We can make them talk, but we can’t force them to do something if they really don’t want to. The weaker the mind, the easier it is to convince them. That fine thing with the lovely tits wanted to give me her gum. The only thing holding her back was she was afraid she might get in trouble. And if she wants to bang me in the bathroom later, then I’ll be there for her. Think of me as an in-flight therapist.”
“You mean a slut.”
Christian clucked his tongue. “Like you wouldn’t want to bed me.”
The seat cushioned my back and I stretched my legs. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s one carnival ride I don’t care to get on.”
“That cougar over there wants a ticket.”
I glimpsed the woman he was pointing at, who didn’t look a day under ninety. “That’s no cougar, that’s a mountain lion.”
Christian widened his black eyes. “Admit it, you find me attractive.”
He used the same suggestive tone as he had with the flight attendant. Little did he know that I had a number of talents of my own, one of which included an immunity to most Breed gifts.
“From the moment I met you, Christian, I’ve hidden my desire. I want to marry you and be nailed together in a coffin for all eternity.”
He flinched, confounded by my noncompliant response. “Do you not—”
“Sir, your gum.”
Paper ripped and he tapped a stick of wintergreen against my nose.
“Chew. It helps with the nausea.”
Fifteen minutes and another stick of gum later, my nausea abated and I could breathe again.
Christian watched me the entire time, which was unsettling. “So, you don’t succumb to the Vampire magic?”
I pulled off my hat and a mess of hair fell out. “Don’t get your hopes up about shagging me because clearly it’s not going to happen.”
Christian laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself! You’re not my type.”
Which wouldn’t have bothered me had it not been the way his eyes dragged over my body with disgust.
“What? Cheap, easy, and desperate?”
His crooked smile sloped down and painted a look of irritation. “No. Classy, beautiful, and refined. I do have taste.”
My face tightened and he averted his eyes.
I reached over and snapped the shade open, sending a shower of sunlight across his lap. “Shall I have the flight attendant bring a dustpan?”
He lifted a pair of dark shades from his shirt pocket. “I could use a little sun.”
I realized that everything I knew about Vampires came from the movies. “Shouldn’t you be—”
“Slowly disintegrating into a pile of ash? Are you really that new?” He sighed and glanced around, but no one sat in front or behind us. “Our pupils are fully dilated, so it’s irritating, like when you flip the lights on in a dark room. We have a natural tolerance to sunlight, but it takes a minute to adjust. I also enjoy silver against my skin.”
I didn’t acknowledge his pun.
“Worry not,” he assured me. “As I said before, you aren’t my type and I wouldn’t want to corrupt you with sexual goodness.”
“So you keep telling yourself.”
“Justus was right on the money.”
I snapped my head to the right. “About?”
He gave me an appraising glance before he shook his head in disdain. “You always have to have the last word.”
“What else did he say?”
Christian groaned and stretched out his leather-clad legs. A woman in the aisle across from us looked like a cat who just stumbled on a canary without wings. “He warned me that by the time this trip was over, I was going to need a lobotomy.”
“That asshole,” I whispered to myself. Justus didn’t allow others to belittle me, but knowing he did it behind my back really hurt.
“You shouldn’
t curse; it’s vulgar on a woman.”
“I really have no interest in what you think. The only thing I care about is getting information from my mom. Speaking of which, you’re going to have to change into something less… dramatic. Nobody dresses like that where we’re going. You look like Satan on a holiday.”
“You have on a leather jacket,” he said observantly.
“But I’m not wearing leather pants commando.”
“You noticed.” His smug grin broadened.
“As did every passenger on this plane when you walked by—not to mention the female security guard who performed the body search. So when we meet my mom, you’re going to dress like a nice Southern boy because that’s the only way we’re going to get into that house.”
“Let this be a reminder why I never visit hillbilly country.”
The gum had gone stale so I wound it up in the wrapper. “Where are you from?”
“Originally? Ireland. After our mum died, I jumped ship with my brothers for America. My family was Catholic and didn’t own any land; life was hard, not like today where your whole world ends when your cable stops working.”
“Were you made into a Vampire there?”
“Wasn’t until I came to America that I was turned. I was twenty-five when I arrived in New York. Irish had a rough go finding jobs; I changed my name to something less Irish and tried not to talk so much to hide my accent.”
Imagining him not talking was like imagining the sun wasn’t shining on my lap. “How old were you when you were turned?”
“Ah… that came later. By then my brothers and I had gone our separate ways. I was in my thirties.”
“By choice?”
He gave me a pointed look. “Of course by choice. No one makes a Breed against their will.”
I turned away and closed the shade, reminded of the man who made me what I was by force. We didn’t speak for the remainder of the flight.
Chapter 9
“I feel like a regular Dickey Dazzler in this suit,” Christian said admiringly as we rounded a corner in my mother’s neighborhood. One mandatory shopping trip later, he acquired a pair of ashen trousers, a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up casually to the elbows, and a thin black tie. He lifted a pub cap from the mannequin and when I rolled my eyes, he threw it on the register.
