by Jett Abbott
“I don’t know, but she was acting weird when I saw her, like someone was after her.” A.J. wished she had paid more attention to what was going on around her, but she was so focused on the seeker that seeing Clarissa took her by surprise.
“I don’t know, Kev. I tangled with a seeker in the park this afternoon while I was on my run.” A.J. threw up her hands. “I’ll tell you later. Just put someone you trust on Clarissa and make sure I get a report twice a day. Sooner, if something happens. He has ‘shoot to kill’ orders if anyone tries anything. Got it?” A.J. stared at Kevin and gave him her business face.
“Hmm, A.J. That might be a problem.”
“A problem? For you, Kevin?” The menace in A.J.’s voice wasn’t disguised as she quizzed Kevin. “What kind of problem, Kev?”
“Yeah, well, there are only two people available right now. Brax and Selene.”
The silence was deafening as Kevin waited for A.J.’s response. A.J. and Selene had history together, and it was a history that couldn’t be rewritten, even if she wanted to. And she didn’t want to. Beautiful, sexy, and dangerous were all words used to describe Selene, but so where deadly, vicious and vindictive. A.J. had seen both sides of the beautiful assassin in her former life. In fact, she had loved the danger Selene had brought with her. But Selene had changed after losing her lover decades before and now she walked through the night like a thief, stealing what wasn’t given freely and killing what pissed her off. She had to keep Selene away from someone as innocent as Clarissa. Clarissa would be no match for the gorgeous assassin and A.J. didn’t want to resurrect that part of her life, either, no matter how enticing it was before.
“A.J.?”
“I’m here. Shit. How reliable is Brax?”
“On a scale of one to ten, I’d say he’s a seven or eight. But Selene is the best, A.J. and if you want the best you go with her. She’s trained in this kind of stuff and she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty.”
“Yeah, I remember. I can’t believe I’ve kept her on the payroll.”
“Look, she doesn’t know who hires her. She just works.”
“Go with Brax.”
“You sure?”
“Kev….”
“Okay, whatever you say, boss. Anything else?” Kevin asked, taking out his phone.
“Yeah, I want you to find out what Clarissa likes, what she’s involved with, and if she’s seeing anyone.” A.J. stood and stretched. “Get it to me by tomorrow.”
“Geez.”
“Is that a problem?” A.J. asked, her tone suddenly menacing.
“Nope, it’s all good.”
“Good. Shut the door on your way out.” A.J. started for her bedroom. “And Kevin—”
“Yeah.”
“No screw-ups like last time.” A.J. had trusted Kevin to protect a client. Instead, the client mysteriously died in her limo waiting for her, while the protector was nowhere to be found, leaving A.J. with a lot of explaining to do when the police arrived. “Has he been found, by the way?”
“No, not yet. Look, how was I supposed to know that—?”
Before Kevin could finish, A.J. had her hand around his neck choking him. Her eyes blood red and her fangs exposed.
“You always know, period,” she said, dropping him to his feet. “That’s what I pay you for. There are no more second chances, Kevin. Not this time, got it?”
A.J. left Kevin standing in the front room rubbing his throat as she slammed her bedroom door behind her. If Kevin screwed this up, he would regret the day they met, A.J. vowed to herself.
She grabbed a towel and made her way to the bathroom. A hot bath sounded good right about now, and she needed to think about everything that had happened. She felt like she was losing focus and that was the one thing she couldn’t afford to lose. Not now. Just like she had told Kevin, A.J. knew there were no second chances for her, either. Maybe it was time to start setting up a new life. Things were getting complicated.
Chapter Ten
Clarissa watched as the gate closed behind her. She took a deep breath and parked her BMW in the garage, putting the garage door down. She rested her head against the head rest and thought about what had happened in the parking garage. Something wasn’t right. She had been here for years and never once did she run into another vampire. Now, she had felt them two nights in a row and it left her unsettled. Tonight though, she hadn’t just felt one, she had responded to one. She had a sexual encounter without her consent, and it left her uneasy and scared.
Winter break is just around the corner, she told herself. The free time would do her some good. She could stay home cooped up in her house, or she could go somewhere cozy and get away from it all. Pulling her briefcase and her books out, she went inside and dumped them on the bench in the mud porch. Nefertiti slid against her legs and purred.
“Well if it isn’t my favorite mouser,” she said, reaching down and picking up the cat. Looking around the house for any “gifts” Nefertiti might have left her, she asked, “So what did you do all day? Huh?” She stroked the cat as she went to the bathroom and started a bath.
“I think I need a glass of wine and a nice long bath, Nef. What do you think?” she asked, placing the cat on her bed. The ringing of the phone made Clarissa jump. “I think I need that glass of wine more than I realized,” she said, reaching for the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey kid, are you all right? I was worried about you.”
“Carol,” Clarissa said, with a sigh. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You don’t sound fine. Why’d you take off? I could have given you a ride back to campus, silly.”
Clarissa wished she could confide in Carol. She needed someone to talk to, but she just couldn’t risk it. She would have to call Marge later and tell her everything. Marge had been her only friend when she left Paris with De Marcus and landed in England. She had befriended Clarissa and for that she would always be grateful. Marge had also helped Clarissa navigate between the human world and the vampire world after De Marcus’s death. Hopefully, she would have some advice for Clarissa.
“No, you needed to get home and do your grading, remember?” she said, trying to sound upbeat. “Besides, I needed to walk off that dinner. I’m not getting any younger, you know.”
“Right, you’re practically rail thin, and you’re worried about your weight. Why don’t you let me give you a few pounds? Besides, you look like you need a cookie or two, Honey.” Clarissa was always surprised when Carol referred to herself as fat. Gone were the good old days when women were nice and voluptuous. Actually, Clarissa reminded herself, those days were a century ago; when being fat was considered a sign of wealth.
“Hey, are you still there? Are you sure you’re all right? I can come over and talk if you want.”
Clarissa was tempted by Carol’s offer, but she just would be lying to her if she came over and they talked.
“Yeah, I’m good. Really. I’m pouring a bath and getting ready to have a glass of wine to relax. How about I call you tomorrow when I get up, assuming you’re not otherwise engaged.”
“Alright, but are you sure you don’t want me to come over for some girl talk?”
“Nope, I’m good. I need to check the bath, so I’ll call you tomorrow. ’Night.” With that, she hung the phone up and sighed. Why did it have to be so difficult being different?
Putting her merlot on the side of the tub, she stripped off her clothes and flung them at Nefertiti, only her tail swishing about. Clarissa slid into the lavender scented bath and sunk up to her neck.
“Hey, Nef, wanna join me?” she asked of the inquisitive cat who now sat on the toilet seat. “Water’s fine, jump in.” Tossing a splash of water toward the cat made her instantly disappear.
She rubbed a kink out of her neck and then laid back against the tub, closing her eyes.
“Pardon, Mademoiselle,” said a sultry voice. “I think you are waiting for someone, no?”
She looked up at the woman whose voice was
responsible for the goose bumps popping up all over her body. Shielding her eyes, she could barely make out the woman.
“Madam Locke?” she said standing.
“Oh, you are cold. Should I ask the waiter for a table inside?”
“No, no, I’m fine. A slight breeze must have caused them.” Clarissa looked down at her arms and wondered what else Madam Locke could see. Perhaps her hardened nipples pressing against her bodice?
“Please, why must you stand? I am no one special. Didn’t we have this conversation the other night at dinner?” Alexandra asked, sitting across from the beautiful woman.
“Of course. My apologies,” Clarissa said, dropping her head submissively.
“Oh my dear, you really need to get a backbone,” Alexandra chuckled. “Or you will be the object of affection of every eligible man, and some not so eligible men, in the city.
“Excuse me?” Clarissa sat pondering Alexandra’s statement.
“My dear Mademoiselle, men love submissive women. It allows them to train you to their liking.” Alexandra motioned for the waiter. “Besides, you are not ready for marriage are you?”
“Excuse me?” Once again, Clarissa was on the receiving end of yet another question by this seductively, sexy woman.
“Perhaps it is you that I should be concerned with, Madam Locke. I hear many interesting things about you.” Clarissa blushed when Alexandra steadied her gaze on Clarissa’s breasts.
“Touché. See, you can volley across the court.” Alexandra smiled, pouring the tea that had been deposited on their table. “So your boyfriend, De Marcus. Will he be joining us?” Looking up from tossing a sugar cube in her tea, she smiled demurely.
“He is not my boyfriend. We had this conversation the other night, remember?” Clarissa said, stirring her tea fervently. “Perhaps this was a mistake, Madam. If you will excuse me—”
“Please, forgive me, Clarissa.” A hand stopped Clarissa from getting up. “I don’t know when to stop baiting such beautiful women. I promise to behave if you will stay. Otherwise, we will just have to make a date for another time.”
“What makes you think I would do that?”
“Again, I am being presumptuous. See, I don’t know when to stop.” Alexandra sat back in her chair staring at Clarissa. “You are not a prisoner here, Clarissa. You may leave if you would like. I hope you don’t, but I understand if I am too forward for someone so beautiful and so young.”
Clarissa stared into Alexandra’s blue eyes and felt drawn to them. She wondered what power this woman had over her to make her want to stay, to continue the repartee they were exchanging. Clarissa’s goose bumps returned as she watched Alexandra slide her tongue over her top lip, then close her mouth in a pout.
“Oh mon ami, you are cold. Let me call the waiter. No, wait, here. You can wear my shawl. It should keep you warmer.” The soft cashmere shawl slid down Clarissa’s arms and enveloped her with a scent she remembered from the other evening, honeysuckle. “There. Are you warmer?”
“Yes, thank you, Madam.”
“Please, call me Alexandra. We are friends, no?” Alexandra’s eyes twinkled when she smiled at Clarissa. Clarissa felt like she was cheese in the clutches of a very smooth mouse.
“Yes, I would like to be friends.”
“Good. Let’s order something. All of this friendship is making me hungry. Waiter.”
An hour later, Clarissa and Alexandra had finished a light dinner and ended it with interesting conversation of Alexandra’s travels. Clarissa was enthralled with the tails of travel and adventure. Clarissa learned that Alexandra had been married only once. “Once was enough,” according to Alexandra, to know she wasn’t suited for it.
“Well, perhaps next time you can come with me to my summer home. It is beautiful. The vineyards are heavy with grapes and we can relax and swim in the pool at the estate.” Clarissa felt Alexandra’s hands grasp hers and stroke her palms. “I usually have business during the day, but in the evening we can venture into the vineyards, eat grapes and swim in the pool. It will be fun.”
“I would love to come. However, my father would not approve, I’m afraid.”
“Perhaps I can speak with him on your behalf?”
“I don’t think that will change his mind.”
“I can be very persuasive. Trust me.”
Clarissa smiled at Alexandra’s determination. It was clear she rarely took no for an answer.
“All right, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Hmm, don’t be surprised if you’re at my summer home soon.”
Smiling to herself, she realized she liked this dark, secretive woman. Something about her was dangerous, yet protective of Clarissa. Looking down at her arms, the goose bumps were back, and a tingling had vibrated through her body when she took Alexandra’s arm. Clarissa looked up at Alexandra and studied her as they walked arm in arm down the street. Yes, Alexandra was definitely an interesting woman she wanted to learn more about.
Clarissa relaxed in the bath as she thought about the masquerade ball. She loved the opportunity to dress up in period clothing, especially a period familiar to her. There was still so much left to be done that she needed to make sure the students stayed on task. There was only one problem. This year a major donor had pulled their funding because of the rough economy. She was surprised more donors hadn’t done the same thing, but was thankful for the few who had assured her of their long-term support. This event wouldn’t be a success if the club couldn’t replace that donor. The economy had hit everyone hard, including the university. Dean Marsh had made it clear no money would be coming from the university. Carol had recommended a few of the bigger companies that did research for the university, so tomorrow she would send a letter to each and find out what their level of interest might be. One company looked promising. A research and development company had recently set up a lab on campus and had made it clear that they were interested in helping the university in any way they could. No one on campus knew much about the company so the details were light. She had asked the grants and finance department to send over what they could about the new company.
She thought about Marge and the call that she needed to make. After the experience in the garage, she needed some grounding and Marge was just the person to help her. Marge had lived twice as long as Clarissa had and would be able to give her some much needed advice.
Clarissa had led a protected life for the past eight years, but now she was worried she had been too careful. With the exception of Marge, she didn’t have any friends like herself. She stayed out of the culture for a reason, but now it looked liked her past might be looking for her. She had heard of a sub-culture of vampires called seekers, but she hadn’t seen any evidence of them. Maybe last night had changed all of that. Clarissa tingled as she remembered how easily her body had worked into the orgasm. The only person who could do that to her would be an older, established vampire like De Marcus. De Marcus wouldn’t hide though, he would take what was his. And she was still his, if he was alive.
Dunking her head under the warm water, she tried to rinse the prior evening’s memories from her head. Things were getting complicated and maybe it was time to start thinking of moving. But, first things first. The masquerade ball and then deal with the insanity that was starting to swirl around her.
Chapter Eleven
A.J. grabbed the first available elevator and made her way to the back. Her shoulders pressed firmly against the wall. She always stood in the back, watching who got on and who got off. This time though, she noticed there were a lot of new faces. She didn’t like new faces, even if she didn’t get a vibe off them. She liked knowing who worked for her. It was what kept her safe. Getting off at her floor, she half smiled at the receptionist in the lobby and went straight to her office. It was still early and Kevin wouldn’t be in for another half hour. That would give her plenty of time to walk the floors and check things out. She didn’t like it when she lost focus on what was important, and this co
mpany was important to her.
The new high-grade blood replacement could change the way she lived, and she was enjoying the stuff R & D had sent for her to try. A.J. was the guinea pig when it came to stuff like that. If something went wrong, she could handle it, so she tried all of it out. This new drug showed a lot of promise, and she was happy with the results. She hadn’t fed on real blood in ages, and she felt better than she ever had. It had taken years to develop the formula that they experimented with now. The highly concentrated blood in the pills acted fast enough that A.J. could resist the urges that took over her body when she needed to feed. Her motivated staff was well compensated for their discretion and it was amazing what money could buy. Loyalty, privacy, dedication and an iron clad contract that made it impossible for her employees to work in the industry if they quit. Few left, and on the rare occasion one did quit, she had ways to protect herself. She told them that the project was top secret for the military, a blood replacement for war that was both convenient and portable. Rehydration was the reason for the high concentration, she told them.
“Hey boss lady.”
A hand slapped her back causing her reflexes to spike, her body to go rigid and her nails to grow before she could control it. Taking a long deep breath, she stuffed her hands in the pockets of her tailored black slacks before she sliced the idiot.
“Mike, how many times have I told you not to surprise me like that, or call me ‘boss lady’?” A.J. felt the bones in her neck pop when Mike slapped her on the shoulder.
“Hey, lighten up. Life’s too short to be so uptight. Right?” Mike sat down at his desk and turned his computer on. “Besides, we haven’t seen you in a while. You okay?”
Mike was an underling that hadn’t learned his place in the world yet. Perhaps it was time she gave him a lesson in decorum.
“A.J.” A.J. heard Kevin call her down the hallway by her office.
“Mike, you and I are going to have a conversation on employee and employer boundaries this afternoon,” A.J. said, finally able to pull her hands out of the shredded, interior pockets of her pants. “See you at 1 p.m., and I wouldn’t be late if I were you.”
