by Lisa Kessler
“Kate went back to Reno today,” Betty said with a smile in her voice. “She said she needed to get home right away. But don’t worry. We did pick up the piano.”
“Good.” He clenched his fists, fighting to keep his emotions under control. “The foundation is lucky to have you.”
“I’m glad you appreciate my work. While you’re on the phone, can we reschedule our meeting that got cut short last night?”
His mind raced. He couldn’t maintain rational thought much longer.
“No. I will be in touch soon. Goodnight.”
…
Calisto soared through the cold night air, heading north. After the phone call, he realized he had a long distance to travel before sunrise. Following his voracious feeding on two gang members, his body pulsed with strength and power. He would need the added energy to complete his flight.
Gluttony was something he avoided, usually only drinking once per night, sometimes even less. As the decades passed, he no longer needed to feed every night in order to survive. At times if he didn’t find a suitable victim, he relied on wild animals, but the blood of animals did not truly satisfy his hunger any longer.
It sustained his existence, but only human blood replenished the strength he was accustomed to.
He knew other blood-drinkers, vampires, who walked this world, were known to rob blood banks. Others indulged in taking small drinks like leeches and wiping the mortal’s memory clean. Those were not choices for him. He refused to live like a shadow, a parasite on humanity, watching the mortal world from an arm’s distance.
He was a Night Walker, and his life still had a purpose in this world. He read the hearts of mankind, and he fed on the lowest forms of humanity, those who would seek to injure the innocent. No longer a healer, instead he found himself a hunter.
So be it.
After hours of flight, his keen eyes made out the flickering neon brilliance that was downtown Reno. His mind opened wide, searching for Kate’s. He needed to find her. Gliding silent on the night wind, the raven flew on.
Calisto sensed the sunrise nearing. It drained his strength and left him lethargic. He would have to give up his flight soon.
Landing in the shadows of a darkened alleyway, Calisto straightened, once again a man. His earlier kills no longer warmed and colored his skin. Burying his hands in his pockets, he walked close to the buildings, trying to stay out of the streetlights.
For two hours, he searched for Kate or others who might know her. He found nothing.
Daylight would cover the earth soon, and he needed to find shelter. With the last of his strength, Calisto forced himself to run toward the mountains on the outskirts of the city. Just as the sun broke over the horizon, he finished digging a hole in the icy soil with his hands. By nightfall, his raw hands would be healed, and his search would begin again.
…
Calisto awoke and punched his fists through the dirt, his lungs awake once more and hungry for air. The arid soil gave way, and he rose to dust himself off. He loathed sleeping in the earth. Although he’d been immortal for centuries, he still couldn’t get used to waking up in suffocating darkness.
He enjoyed opening his eyes to the glow of his oil lanterns and the softness of Egyptian cotton sheets. Not to mention a shower a few feet away.
He raised his arms and took in a deep breath, welcoming the raven’s spirit. Becoming one with the bird felt natural to him now, like breathing, but it wasn’t always that way. He still recalled the pain and terror the first time his body contorted into his spirit animal. He’d fought the change, panicked to lose his human form.
Now he smiled when energy warped the air around him, and his body made a fluid transformation.
Calisto took to the air, soaring over the mountainous terrain. He navigated the wind gusts, alternating between gliding and beating his wings. He loved the freedom and weightlessness of flight while he searched the landscape below.
He’d never been to Reno before. The neon signs of the downtown area sat in direct contrast to the rugged mountain peaks right outside the city. A cold gust of wind hit his wings, and he shifted his tail to compensate. He headed toward the garish buildings and landed in a quiet alley. With a ruffle of his feathers, the bird’s eyes closed and his body expanded, morphing back into a fully dressed man.
Calisto checked his clothes and then walked into the bright lights of the city. Once he found a hotel, he would shower, feed, and continue his search for Kate. He almost smiled.
Then he remembered her final words to him. I can’t do this.
His jaw tightened at the memory, but he couldn’t let her walk out of his life. If immortality had taught him anything, it was patience.
…
When Kate stepped inside Harrah’s, desperate after a day of moping to feel the energy of Reno, she reveled in the lights, noise, and anonymity of the casino. The hotel was a block from the Reno arch, and it boasted some of the best karaoke in the city. Singing was always a great stress reliever for her, exactly what she needed tonight.
The brightly colored carpet and neon lights were tarnished by the scent of stale cigarette smoke, beer, and cheap cologne. Hope and desperation hung heavy in the air. She made her way through the maze of one-armed bandits and card tables toward the karaoke lounge.
She followed the sound of amateur singing through the casino. When she rounded the final corner and stepped inside, a woman on the stage belted out a pitchy version of “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” It took a moment for Kate’s eyes to adjust to the dim lighting before she scanned the room for an empty booth.
“Kate?” She turned when she heard a familiar voice call her name, and her heart sank when she saw Tom walking toward her.
His blond hair, usually tamed into a typical businessman cut, was mussed with gel, and his skin looked a little more tanned. He could pass for one of the college students now, instead of one of their professors.
Pathetic.
Kate turned and headed for the door, but before she vanished into the casino, Tom caught her hand.
“Please don’t go.”
She stopped and gave him a direct look. “I can’t stay.”
“Yes, you can. You came to sing. I wouldn’t want to stop you.”
Kate tugged her arm free of his grasp. “Well, I don’t want to sing anymore. Enjoy your night.”
“Can we talk?” He gestured toward a table at the back of the karaoke bar.
She sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. “There’s nothing left to say.”
“I want to tell you I’m sorry. I want to tell you I still love you. I never meant to hurt you.”
She scowled and fought to keep her composure. A casino was not the right venue for this discussion unless Tom only wanted to avoid a scene. “It looked like you meant to get busy with your grad student on your desk. You just didn’t expect me to catch you.”
“It was a mistake.” His smile faded, and he reached for her hand. “I am so sorry, Kate.”
She stared up at him as the lounge burst into applause. Unsure what to say and desperate for a way out of the conversation, she pulled away from him. “I’ve got to choose a song.”
Kate walked toward the deejay, ducking through the tables and all the people. Once she was a safe distance away from her past, she opened one of the notebooks and skimmed song titles.
It only took a minute to flip through the pages before she found her choice. She gave the CD number to the deejay and prayed Tom left before she finished. After the past month’s events, all she wanted was some peace.
…
Calisto stepped out of the elevator feeling refreshed after his shower and a clean change of clothes. Renting a room he would never risk sleeping in during the day made for a costly shower, but after a night in the dirt, he would have spent a thousand dollars for a wet washcloth. He planned to feed and continue his search for Kate, but he heard a voice that demanded he still himself and listen.
Her beautiful voice.
He followed the music until he stood in the doorway of a darkened lounge. His gaze locked on the stage, on Kate singing about promises in the dark. He slid through the crowd, his eyes never leaving her.
She held the audience in thrall. The casual chatting quieted so that only her song carried through the large room. She connected with the audience, giving each person near the stage a full second of her attention. When the chorus of the song swelled, she tipped her head back, closing her eyes as her voice soared from her soul. The hair on Calisto’s forearms rose with the electricity of her performance.
When she opened her eyes, her gaze finally met his, and he offered her a smile and a nod. She looked surprised and quickly turned her attention elsewhere. She didn’t frown or glare at him, which seemed like a good sign. The final note rang out, and the crowd erupted with applause and whistles.
Kate stepped down from the stage, and Calisto made his way to intercept her.
“Calisto? What are you doing here?” Her eyes darted away for a moment, then back to his face.
“I am in town for a business meeting.” Would he ever be able to tell her the truth? He silenced his inner voice. Even if he had to live a lie, it would be worth the effort to have Kate in his life. “When I heard your voice, I had to investigate.”
“I’m surprised to see you… ” Her voice trailed off when another man approached them.
The man smiled at her and opened his arms, attempting to embrace her. “That was amazing, Kate. Really beautiful.”
Kate stepped back and turned toward Calisto.
Who was this man? Kate’s shoulders were tense, and she crossed her arms as if to shield her heart. Calisto’s gaze cut to the other man. Kate was definitely not happy to see him. Therefore, Calisto wanted him gone.
He stepped close to intercept the man and offered his hand. “I do not believe we have met. I am Calisto Terana.”
The man shook with a firm grip and smiled. “I’m Tom Hardy.”
“Tom is my ex-fiancé,” Kate said.
Calisto’s eyes narrowed and his hold on the other man’s hand tightened. Tom immediately yanked it back with a grimace.
“That’s some grip you have there,” he muttered.
Calisto touched the small of Kate’s back, his eyes never leaving Tom’s face.
“You must have been a fool to let Kate go.” Calisto struggled to keep his voice smooth and calm. Kate moved closer to him, but he wouldn’t take his eyes off the man who had broken her heart. He had no intention of allowing the man to touch her again. Ever.
Tom’s chin rose slightly. “Look, I don’t know who you are, but Kate and I need to talk.”
“As I recall, we were already talking. It was you who interrupted.”
Tom’s smile faded, his brow furrowed. “I don’t know who you are, but Kate and I were engaged until very recently, so back off.” He reached for Kate, but Calisto moved forward, his muscles tight, ready to attack. Tom dropped his hand to his side. “Can we go someplace and talk, please? I never got to explain.”
Kate sighed. “There’s nothing to talk about, Tom. What I saw was explanation enough, okay? I’m starting to feel better. I don’t want to pick at the scab.”
“So that’s it? You’re going to throw away the past two years like they never happened?”
“Why not?” She shrugged, seeming tired and annoyed. “You did.”
Without another word, Kate stormed out of the lounge.
Calisto watched her go before glaring at Tom. He opened himself to Tom’s thoughts, peering into his memories until he saw the look of betrayal and hurt on Kate’s face when she caught Tom with another woman.
Calisto ground his teeth together. He wanted to kill him for hurting her.
Tom turned to follow Kate, but Calisto caught his elbow and yanked him back. “You have hurt her enough.”
“Who are you to judge me?”
Calisto squeezed his arm. “I am someone who cares about her.”
Tom tried to pull away. “Let go of me, asshole.”
Calisto opened his hand, and Tom wrenched his arm free.
“Stay out of this,” Tom said. “You don’t know anything about Kate. And this doesn’t concern you.”
He tried to go after her again, but Calisto stepped into his path. It was all he could do to keep his eyes from glowing with fury. “I know that you hurt her. That is enough for me.”
Tom shoved him hard, but Calisto didn’t move.
“I told you to leave her alone,” Calisto said, his voice low and menacing.
Tom punched him in the jaw. His teeth cut through his lower lip, filling his mouth with blood.
Calisto smiled, grabbing Tom’s shirt and yanking him close. “Remember that you started this fight.” Calisto hurled him backwards.
Screams echoed through the nightclub as Tom crashed into the bar, and his body hit the ground. Calisto walked over to him and jerked him back to his feet. Tom’s shirt reeked of rum and beer, and blood trickled down his chin and along his hairline.
The scent toyed with Calisto’s hunger. He wet his lips, struggling to focus. Tom kicked and struggled until Calisto dropped him on the ground.
“I’m going to sue you for assault!” Tom scrambled to his feet and glanced at the crowd that gathered around them.
“Call my attorney.” Calisto smirked and straightened his shirt.
“What the hell is wrong with you two?” Kate pushed her way through the onlookers and stared at the blood on Calisto’s shirt and Tom’s battered face.
Tom glared at Calisto and reached for Kate’s hand.
“Don’t touch me.” She stepped back.
Tom frowned. “I wanted to apologize and talk things over.” He nodded toward Calisto. “Until Zorro over here decided you were a damsel in distress.”
Calisto raised a brow at the comment.
Kate looked at him with disgust. “Is that what you think? Did you think I couldn’t handle this myself?”
“You made it clear you did not want to discuss the past with him. I followed through on your request.”
“By beating him senseless?”
Calisto looked at Tom, then back to her. “Perhaps he never had any sense to begin with.”
“That’s it!” Tom yelled and lunged toward Calisto. Two men in the crowd held him back, and Kate shook her head.
“You know what? I’m done talking to both of you.” She turned to Tom. “Our relationship is over.” She gave Calisto her attention. The fire in her eyes made his heart pound. “You had no right to come here and get involved in my personal business. I don’t need you or anyone else to fight my battles for me.”
She backed away, shaking her head. “I don’t want to see you again. I’m done.” Her gaze lingered on Calisto for a long moment. “With both of you.”
Without another word, Kate stormed out of the casino.
Chapter Eleven
Father Mentigo’s palms sweated with eager anticipation in spite of the cool La Jolla breeze blowing through his car window. He sat directly across the street from the home of the Night Walker. He held his breath when the tall, dark-haired immortal stepped outside. Father Mentigo trained for years for this opportunity. Finally, he saw with his own eyes a man who defeated death itself.
Cloaking his thoughts with a mental chant, Father Mentigo watched the tall, slender blonde walk with the Night Walker to a black BMW.
He merged with traffic and followed them. The blonde didn’t look anything like the description of the woman in the ancient texts at the monastery. Father Tomas had been so certain in his communications that he found her.
Kate Bradley.
Since he arrived in San Diego, Father Mentigo had watched her house, but it remained dark and empty. Maybe the woman was gone. Perhaps the Night Walker never found her. If they never met, then the threat the monsignor feared was already over.
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and ground his teeth. He had spent most of his adult life preparing for this. He
was not about to see it come to an end so soon.
Not until he got what he wanted.
…
Calisto sat in silence, taking in the view of the coast through the passenger window of Betty’s BMW. After watching Kate for more than a week, he’d finally returned home with a heavy heart.
While he visited Reno, he learned all he could about her, and how she lived. He knew she woke nearly every night with terrible nightmares. He knew she liked hot chocolate with whipped cream, and even after his fight with Tom in the bar, she still saved the blossom he gave her the night she left San Diego.
But none of that changed the fact that she didn’t want to see him again.
Ever since the night in the bar, he warred with himself. It seemed unthinkable that he would have to live without her. Part of him wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her until she loved him in return. He wanted to mesmerize her and make her his again.
He probably should have apologized, but Tom threw the first punch. He wasn’t fighting her battle for her. He was simply punishing the bastard who hurt her.
He wouldn’t apologize when he hadn’t done anything wrong.
The night he sat in the back of the auditorium to hear her middle school choir perform its fall concert, he made the decision to return home without her. Kate beamed that night, full of pure magic.
The music the young people sang came alive, feeding off of her energy. When he reached for the thoughts of the choristers at random, their minds echoed the same sentiments. They trusted her. Her enthusiasm and her faith in them gave them confidence. She believed in them, and their love of music shone like a beacon in their young voices.
She was an amazing woman. Alive. What right did he have to pull her away from the life she carved out for herself? And if he didn’t take her away, then how would he fit into her life?
He hadn’t figured that out yet.
Until then, Calisto loved her enough to walk away. For now.
“Have you heard a word I’ve just said?” Betty laughed.
He turned, forcing a smile and a nod. “Yes, you were telling me about another benefit the Arboroughs have volunteered to host in their restaurant overlooking the cove.” He actually hadn’t been listening. The ability to read her thoughts did have its advantages. “But you believe the restaurant would be too small for the event, no?”
