I do believe I am about to go ballistic up in here. Erratic behavior? What am I, a child who needs her daddy to smooth things over and make everything better? "I don't need you to explain anything. I'll do it myself. Take me back there." The water is helping. I toss the empty container aside and accept another from Lucian. Apparently he’s helped out with hangovers before. Probably even holds his ladies’ hair while they’ve got their heads between the porcelain walls. Stud.
Keller clears his throat and shoves a hand through his hair. "I think we all need to cool off a bit."
"By we all, you mean me, right?" He's acting like I sliced the Elders into pieces and shipped them off in a gift-wrapped box to the devil. Surely I didn’t do something as crazy as that? I remember everything about my first drug-induced trip. Why can’t I remember the details of this one? I take a deep breath. "Was I really that bad?"
"You were,” Keller says, nodding. “I thought you were just nervous. Understandable with this being your first meeting in front of the Assembly. Even so…"
“Just give me a minute.” I pull the rolling desk chair as far away from the others as I can, which isn’t far, considering the size of my office. Regardless, I need to think, and I can’t do that with six vampires not breathing down my neck.
All of them deserve genius awards because not one of them utters a word. Not to me and not to each other. Think, Josie. I lean forward and put my head in my hands. Closing my eyes, I work backward until I get to the part where Keller tells me I’ve been summoned. Bits and pieces of memory start to bond together like a complex puzzle. Keller transports me. Doors. Runes. Quin. Not doing my job. A test…
Shit. I stand. Turn. Twelve amazingly beautiful eyes stare back at me. Sometimes I wish I were a vampire.
What?
Where did that thought come from?
I like being a huntress. I’m good at it. Matter of fact, I’m great at it when I’m not stoned out of my mind. Man, I’ve got issues.
Pulling the elastic band off my wrist, I twist my hair into a bun and secure it to the top of my head. “Who is Quin?”
“He’s new,” Keller says. “There’s been word circulating through the gossip mill that the Assembly has been in transition mode. Something about new blood versus old blood. Many don’t think the old way is the best way anymore.”
I can’t say whether I agree or disagree with that, and I too have heard ramblings about dissension in the ranks. Maybe this discord explains all the activity as of late. “The Assembly is steeped in tradition. I can’t imagine this will be an easy pill to swallow.” I’m all business now. Harpooning does not sit well with me. “Gut feelings on Quin? Do you know him?”
“I don’t think so, though he never showed his face, so I can’t be certain. I don’t like him. Something’s odd.”
“Like what? I’ve only got small chunks of memory to work off of here.” I rub my eyes. “Wait, Keller. He did show his face.” Didn’t he?
Keller shakes his head. “He kept his hood up the whole time.”
How is it that I saw him and Keller didn’t? Oh, right. I was looped out of my gourd.
Grant sighs and leans against the corner of my desk, arms crossed over his massive chest. “Keller’s never wrong about these kind of things, so I think we should learn more about Quin. Who is he? What is he? Where did he come from?”
“Since we’re closed down for at least today,” Sage offers. “I can search the Internet and make some calls. See if I can find out anything?”
I smile. “That would be great, thanks.” An idea glimmers to life. “Grant, I’ve got an extra laptop in the bottom drawer. Why don’t you stay here and help Sage?”
I sneak a look at my best friend. She’s glaring at me while braiding her pink-highlighted hair into tiny rows. She’ll thank me later.
“Can do,” Grant says, reaching for the bottom drawer.
I do appreciate a man who gets straight down to business.
Matthew says, “Where do you want us?”
“If Keller gives you directions to the pixie’s headquarters, can you three go underground?”
Alex smiles, showing two rows of straight white teeth, and a pair of vicious-looking fangs. “We can.”
“Great,” I say, feeling more optimistic than I have in two days. “I’m looking for a pixie by the name of Esmeralda. She’s got light yellow wings and beady black eyes. She’s wily and fast, so be alert.” As if I have to say that to any of the Team. “Find her and bring her to me.”
The room grows silent as Keller mentally gives them the coordinates.
Matthew steps forward. “Consider it done.”
I cross the room to stand in front of Keller. I place my palm against his cheek. I need to talk to you privately. How much of what happened was real? Did Quin really say I had to pass a test before I could officially be part of the Assembly as a Team Leader? I have to know.
“Everyone meet back here in four hours,” Keller says, wrapping his arms around my waist.
I lean my body against his, waiting for it. The world around me blurs and we’re gone.
Chapter Nineteen
“This is bullshit, Keller. Complete and utter bullshit. I’m a huntress. That’s supposed to mean something. I’ve proven my worth over and over again. Now this? Treating me like a newbie?” He’s brought us back to my place. I’m wearing a hole in the stained carpet, feeling like a caged lion, while Keller is perched on the kitchen counter, watching me like one would watch the path of a grenade. Resentment laced with a potent dose of anger prickles under my skin, desperate for escape. While the part about the tracker was just a hallucination, the part about the tests was all real.
His jaw tics. “Times are different now.”
What’s that supposed to mean? Is he with me or not? “Are they?” I ask. My tone is so full of frost I could ice a cactus in the desert during summertime. “I’ll have to disagree with you on that one. You’ve,” I jab my finger toward him, “never been treated like this. Did you have to pass a test with the Assembly? Did they question your worth and capabilities? You don’t even have to answer that. I’ve worked these streets for years. I’ve protected my people. I’ve been stabbed, bitten, clawed, and shot on more occasions than I can count. I’ve paid my dues. Who have you protected? Who have you bled for? They probably treat you as if you floated in on golden wings.”
He sits perfectly still, but his eyes are as intent as an eagle. Everything about him screams danger. “I might be a lot of things, but I am not your punching bag. I’d appreciate if you watch where you throw your anger, Josie. While my path may not line up exactly with yours, there are some parallels. You are not the only one who has ever suffered.”
“I—”
“But to answer your question… No. I was asked to join.”
I stop. It’s not often that Keller needs to put me in my place. When he does, it stings worse than being attacked by a swarm of hornets. He’s right, though, and I’ll take this spanking and get over my selfish self. Being turned couldn’t have been easy for him. Sage has told me stories about their sire. As bad as those stories are, I know she’s only giving me vague details. I tend to forget that when I have blinders on and traipse headfirst into my all-about-Josie world. Dragging a hand through my tangled hair, I blow out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry.”
He nods and offers a forgiving smile. Done. It’s as simple as that. I wish I were a little more like Keller in that regard. Actually, I wish a lot of people would adopt his mentality. Wishing for that is like wishing the pope would invite me to his wedding.
Now that our verbal skirmish is over, I’m right back to pacing. “You’ve made my point a little, though, right?” I can’t let it go. I went to school and I killed every test they threw at me—written, oral, and physical—so it’s not like I’m doubting my abilities.
“They asked you to join. Sought you out and invited you in. Rightfully so. They’re lucky to have you. I’m lucky to have you.” I glance over my shoulder. He shak
es his head at me. Irish knows me too well and is totally not buying my suck up. “But I’m being put through a string of obstacles like an obedience dog testing to be on the police squad. How many baddies do I have to dump on their doorstep before they wake up and stop judging me for my DNA?” Seriously. I’m so fucking fed up with the prejudiced ways of the world. Humans aren’t the only ones that have to deal with closed minds.
“I can’t help that my mother was human, and I sure as hell wouldn’t change anything about her. If it weren’t for the help I know they can provide for my city, I’d tell them to suck my ass.”
Keller lifts an eyebrow. I can tell he’s containing his laughter. Barely. Yeah, I’m a total riot right now. Perhaps I should take my show on the road. Not a bad Plan B should this job with the Assembly not pan out.
I take a deep breath, plop on the bed and throw an arm over my eyes. “What would you do?”
Stretching his arms over the top of his head, he says, “This has to be your decision. I’ll stand by you no matter what you decide.”
“If I don’t do this, they’ll pull all of you.” Me alone on the streets of Nashville again. Me against a million baddies. I didn’t mind that in the past. Things have changed. I’ve changed. “Either that or they’ll take me down,” I mumble to myself. Like a horse with a bum leg. Dig the hole, shoot, and I’ll topple into the dark abyss.
“You can’t really believe that.” His tone is flat.
I sit up. My gut clenches into a knot. “Yes, I do. And so should you. Granted, I’d like to speak with them when I’m not doped out of my mind, but you got the same impression I did, and you weren’t looped up. Something is up with Quin, and he’s not going to change his mind about this. The other Elders will follow him like dogs after a meaty bone.” I don’t know how I know that, but I do. Quin is powerful, and the others have turned into his sheep. Which gives me all the incentive I need to make this decision. “I’ll do it. I’ll pass every fucking test they throw my way. And when I’m done, they’ll wish they would have done this decades ago. If Quin doesn’t watch his step and his mouth, I might make him the final exam.” Matter of fact, I vow it to myself. There is something to be said about honor and tradition. I have a feeling Quin has stomped all over everything the Assembly has always stood for.
Keller smiles and I nearly pass out from the dazzle. “Now that’s the Josephine Hawk I know,” he says.
I smile and curtsy. “Josephine Badass Hawk at your service, my lord.”
Keller jumps off the counter, a sexy gleam flickering in his eyes. “At my service?”
He’s so insanely attractive I can’t even stand it. I bite my lip. “Uh huh.”
Before I can say another word, I’m shoved against the wall, one of Keller’s taut legs nestled between mine. He cradles my face between his hands and my world becomes his in the space of a breath. Kissing Keller is my favorite pastime. Screw baseball. Irish is the only man I know who can knock it out of the park with nothing but a kiss. I moan as tension builds in my core, winding tightly. One more caress of his tongue against mine and I catapult over the edge as a climax rocks me unsteady, spiraling out of control and whipping through my body. I’m not even ashamed. He pushes for more, making sure he drains me before he steps back.
“You ready?” he asks, his tone sure and calm.
How does he do that? I’m dizzy as hell and he’s Mr. Solid Ground, seemingly unaffected by our tongue tango. I run my hands across his abs. The tension in his body tells an entirely different story. Blinking my way back from LaLa Land, I say, “Sure. Yeah. I’m totally ready. For what?”
Laughing, he grazes my swollen lips with the pad of his thumb. “We need to go see Hector, remember?”
I bite at his thumb, scraping my teeth along his skin, wanting more. “I remember. Don’t we have a couple hours to kill?”
“Already killed those. We’re killing moonlight, babe. I’ll give you twenty minutes.”
“Just enough time for me to grab a shower.”
“Funny,” he says and leans his forehead against mine. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“You wanna go first?”
“I want to come with.”
I push him back and give him my sauciest smile. ‘That can be arranged.” Keller and I can do a lot of damage in twenty minutes. “Race you!” I leap past him, laughing and feeling a heck of a lot lighter than I did an hour ago. This vampire is good for me. I need to remember that. Keller catches me and tosses me over his shoulder. He crouches to make it through the bathroom door without bashing my head. Much appreciated.
Shower’s on and we’re naked faster than a pair of horny teenagers in the backseat of a car. I find myself pinned against the wall again. The tile is cold against my heated skin. I’m not complaining. And I sure as hell don’t fight the next orgasm that nearly paralyzes me as Keller sinks his fangs and his cock into me simultaneously. I sag against him. He holds me up, pumping his hips leisurely one second, harder the next, all the while pulling strength and pleasure from my neck. I hold tight, tugging him closer in an effort to have him crawl inside me. He is the only drug I’ll ever need. This is the high people should crave. This is real. Intense. Overwhelming. Undeniable.
I shatter again, calling his name, begging for more. He gives me all that and then some. Pulling his fangs from my neck, he seals the wound with his tongue, whispering against my skin. I don’t understand what he’s saying until he slips into my mind.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
This time I can’t argue with him.
Chapter Twenty
Hector is waiting for us by the time we make our way across town. He gazes up at Keller the way a kid stares at his favorite athlete after he scores the winning points in a triple overtime game. Slack-jawed and mesmerized. Total envy. His energy is almost to spastic level. I’m waiting for his eyes to do that ah-ooga thing like a cartoon character. I hide a smile by lowering my head and pretending to check out my engineer boots.
Rather than let it feed his ego, Keller treats Hector with mutual respect and pretends he doesn’t notice the eager-beaver attitude. A lot of vampires are so cocky I’m surprised they can walk upright, considering the size of the chips on their shoulders. Keller’s never been like that. He blends. Sure, he draws a lot of attention with his looks, but after you get to know him, he’s just one of the guys.
After a round of friendly greetings, hand shaking, manly back patting and all that, Hector finally pulls his gaze from Keller, though I can tell the task practically kills him. He drums his blunt fingers on the sleek metal table and arches his brow at me. "You brought me a doozy this time, Red. What have you gotten yourself into?"
As much as I adore Hector, I know a set up when I see one. Like I’d totally spill the details or something amateur like that. I concentrate on his cleanly-cut nails. I'm not falling into his trap, though I have a feeling he’ll will find a way into my world one way or another. Looking up, I simply smile innocently, bat my lashes a few times and wait for him to continue. Tonight he’s wearing oatmeal-colored linen pants with a matching shirt and brown sandals. Very island-y. Somehow he pulls it off and has me jonesing for a frozen strawberry daiquiri served at a tiki bar. I can almost hear the melodic sound of steel drums in the distance.
Disappointment briefly flashes in his eyes, but is quickly replaced with his let’s-get-down-to-business stare. "This is some really bad shit. Worst I’ve seen. I'm sure Keller already told you, but what you've got here is a very lethal cocktail. Angels’ Trumpet. Opium. Deadly Nightshade. These are all hallucinogenic on their own. Angels’ Trumpet has been banned in several places. It’s exotic and prefers balmy climates, but you can grow it indoors if you know what you’re doing.” He scratches his forehead. “Opium, as we all know, has been used for thousands of years. Nothing new there, as it seems to be the go-to ingredient for a lot of the newer drugs out there, as well as your standard crop of heroin and such.
“This drug combination attaches to your neurons, flood
ing you with euphoric energy. It’s probably touted as safe and fun, an escape from the harsh reality of life. But the euphoria is short lived. Then you tank. I’m guessing you come down so hard, you’ll fight tooth and nail for your next dose.”
Not me. I’m fighting to eradicate this drug from my streets. I’ve witnessed its effects first hand and I wouldn’t wish its toxic horror on anyone.
Hector snaps a pair of gloves on and pulls a container from an overhead cabinet. He opens the lid and removes a plant with green leaves, deep purple flowers, and dark blue berries that could easily be mistaken as small blueberries. “What we have here is Deadly Nightshade, or Atropa Belladonna, if you will. It’s native to Europe and Asia. Every part of it is poisonous. The berries, the leaves, the roots. Your concoction here is root based, which, of course, happens to be the most poisonous part. Anyone stupid or unlucky enough to get this drug in their system is in for a nightmare that very well could end in death. Sadly, that’s already happened.”
Hector shakes his head like a man who is either impressed or disturbed by what he sees. I’m certain it’s a heavy dose of both.
“And, as most drugs are, this is highly addictive,” he continues. “Either someone has one hell of a greenhouse in Nashville, or this is being imported. Doesn’t really matter, I guess. It’s here and it’s bad."
Chewing on my nail, I nod. Nightmare and death. He's got that right. "How'd you figure out this is what caused those other deaths?"
He carefully replaces the plant before removing his gloves and discarding them in an orange bin labeled biohazard. Turning to me, Hector slides his tongue across his teeth once and then crosses his arms over his chest, wrinkling his shirt. "You've got your secrets. I've got mine. Let’s swap information."
Keller laughs. I narrow my eyes at the two of them. Fat chance. This isn’t one of those sit around a campfire and sing folk songs kind of gigs. "You playing hardball with me, Hector?"
Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Romance Anthology Page 144
