by Judith Post
Angel did her thing, and he wrote until it was noon and time to wake Voronika.
His mate wandered into the kitchen and scratched her head. "I've been spoiled since I've lived with you. Don't have to worry about sleeping all day. I'm not used to getting up this early."
Hair mussed, fangs unbrushed, bad breath—he didn't care. Voronika was everything to him. When he'd met her, she was hiding in a coal bin of a deserted house. "I like spoiling you."
"I know. You do a good job of it, and I love it. But the women we took in need some new clothes. I promised to take them shopping. What's the weather like?"
Enoch gestured to the French doors with their blinds pulled up. "Cloudy with no chance of sun."
Voronika beamed. "Perfect. Do you want to come with us?"
Did she expect him to? "No, I'll be happy to drop you off and pick you up when you call."
Voronika's yellow eyes twinkled. "I get it. Shopping with five women isn't your idea of fun. Can't say that I blame you."
He placed a Bloody Mary in front of her. "Drink up. I need to meet Danny at one. Perfect timing, I'll drop you off and then go to the station." It was close now, not far from the apartment.
She downed her drink, then went to wake the girls. Angel came to stand before him, dancing from one foot to the other. "How much money can I spend?"
Enoch knew he should have thought of that, but he rarely thought about money. "Buy whatever you need."
"For how long?" Her voice rose, excited. "I only have one pair of jeans. Should I get one more? How long will I be here?"
How long would she be here? Bart and Claudia were both busy, along with most of the other generals. Oh, to hell with it! How many good things had happened in this girl's life? He took a deep breath, then said, "Don't spend more than five thousand dollars."
Her jaw dropped.
He must have guessed wrong. He ticked things off on his fingers. "You need clothes, probably a new coat and jacket, shoes, boots, maybe a new laptop and Ipad."
"An Ipad?" Her voice squeaked.
Damn, did kids use Ipads? He took a deep breath. What did kids use? "Maybe a TV for your bedroom? An Xbox? Kids play online games, right?"
Her face fell. Voice flat, she said, "I'll just get clothes. Mom will sell the rest. You might as well not waste your money."
Oh, shit. He sighed. "Buy them and keep them here. You can stop by any time."
He heard the words come out of his mouth. Did he really say that? What was he thinking? But then she smiled, and his regret melted away. When Voronika found a home for her, she could take her things with her.
Eyes sparkling, she said, "Do you mean that? I can visit you?"
"Why not?" He tried to sound more sure of himself. "You can do your thing, and I'll do mine."
She threw her arms around him. "I won't bother you, you'll see."
He didn't know how to answer, but Angel had lived a crappy life since she was born. She deserved better. He sighed. "Get ready. Voronika has no patience. When it's time to leave, you'd better be ready to walk out the door."
Angel zipped down the hallway. Twenty minutes later, all five women walked into the living room. Lucinda had on a pair of Voronika's stretch pants with one of his button-down shirts over it. Neither fit, but at least, they covered her. Voronika was lean with great breasts, Lucinda—hourglass. Both women were knock-outs, but their styles couldn't be more different. Crystal had cinched one of his heavier, white T-shirts at her waist and wore them over another pair of Voronika's stretch pants. A terrible combination, but better than the corset and red satin she wore at the club.
Enoch shook his head at them. "Buy as much as you need, but don't come back looking like that."
Voronika smiled and patted his cheek. "Love ya, babe. Got a limit for your card?"
He shook his head. "I trust you. Whatever it takes." He led them down to the lobby and out to his Landrover. They were all pretty hyped, talking about the best shops and what was popular in the newest fashion magazines. Scarlet actually looked happy for a change, but Enoch had discovered that most women enjoyed spending money, and he had more than they could ever spend. So no worries. If it made for a good day, he was all for it.
He dropped them off at the mall and headed to the station to pick up Danny.
Danny fastened his seat belt and let out a long breath.
"Bad day?" Enoch asked.
"Maggie couldn't sleep last night, trying to pick a baby name."
Enoch turned to glance at him. "You know if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Not yet. She's hoping for a girl."
"But she doesn't have a name in mind?" Everything about kids seemed difficult, even naming them.
"She doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. If it's a girl, she thought about Ronni, after Voronika."
Enoch grimaced. "Awful. Don't. Voronika wouldn't be impressed."
"She thought about Joyce Elaine, after her mom… or Sara, after her sister, but if she chooses one of them, it will hurt the other one's feelings."
"I never realized choosing a name was so complicated."
Danny nodded. "Neither did I. My sisters picked their kids' names from TV shows and romance novels. I voted for that."
That would keep the name current. Names seemed to follow trends. "Sounds like a good system. And if it's a boy?"
"She wants to name him after you, since you saved her life and all."
"No." Enoch shook his head. "A horrible idea."
"I thought so, too, but you know my Maggie."
"A little on the sincere side."
Danny rubbed his forehead. "She asked about my family, but I don't even want to go there."
Enoch turned onto Covington Road, and both men looked for the street sign that led to Candi's house. Narrow asphalt led to her pot-holed, gravel drive. A pumpkin sat on the front stoop. Unexpected. Enoch didn't picture Candi as the type to celebrate holidays. He and Danny walked to the small house and knocked on the front door.
No one answered. Danny knocked louder. He didn't stop until they heard movement inside.
Disheveled, Candi cracked the door and stared at them. She'd fallen asleep in her makeup, and black liner smeared her cheeks. She didn't bother to pull her terry robe closer, and lots of skin showed. "Go away."
Danny held up his badge. "Sorry. Official business. Open up."
She pulled the door wider and walked to the kitchen sink to fill a glass coffee pot. The robe stopped mid-thigh. She had long, lean legs. For the wear and tear of her life, she looked good, but vampire venom would do that for you. "What do you want?"
Enoch started. "I got the idea that you could still mess up your girls. I don't want that to happen."
She turned to study him. "How much will you pay me?"
He fought the urge to hold her head under the water faucet. "Nothing. But we haven't told your ex that Angel isn't living with you yet." A twinge of remorse started, but he squelched it with the thought that the ex just wanted out of paying child support. "He knows Crystal isn't here, but she was going to turn eighteen soon anyway. Angel's only eleven. You have lots more support coming, unless I contact your ex."
"Liar." She whirled to face him.
He'd been called worse. He shrugged and let it pass.
She filled the tank of the coffee maker and added grounds. "He's already stopped payments on both girls. What am I supposed to do now? How am I supposed to make ends meet?"
Enoch didn't state the obvious. She'd have to find more customers.
"We didn't tell him," Danny said.
"No one had to. He kept dropping in to visit his girls. All he really wanted was to prove they weren't here."
"Kids cost more than most people get for child support," Enoch said. "If we find Angel a good home, you won't have to worry about her."
"Angel didn't need much. She was easy."
"Which means most of the money went to you." Enoch was surprised by how bitter he sounded. It would be interesting to see what Candi consid
ered a need, instead of a want. How would she rate meals? Clothing?
Candi waved at her surroundings. "It's not like I live in luxury. I kept a roof over the kids' heads."
Enoch didn't want this woman anywhere near the girls. If he paid child support, would she stay out of their lives? He had the uneasy feeling she'd keep demanding more and more. "We're trying to do what's best for Angel and Crystal. You're not it. I want you to stay away from them."
"Or what?" She poured herself a cup of coffee and sipped it. She didn't offer them any. Fine by him.
Danny answered. "I'll report you to child services, and Enoch doesn't sleep. He can record your activities if any money changes hands."
"I can play hardball, too," she told them. "Aren't you worried the world will find out about vampires? Wouldn't that inconvenience you?"
Enoch raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you worried? Feral would love the publicity. She'd probably express her appreciation."
Candi wasn't a fan of sarcasm. Her eyes narrowed to slits. "I hate you."
"I can live with that." He turned toward the door. "As long as we understand each other."
"I hope you rot and go to hell."
He raised a black eyebrow. "Not gonna happen, but you might."
Danny pressed behind him, forcing him out the door. Once outside, he laughed. "You really don't like that woman!" At Enoch's dark look, he added, "Not that I blame you."
"She's a worthless piece of crap." Enoch stalked toward the Landrover, Danny close behind him.
Danny waited for him to get in and start the engine. "Welcome to my world, but there are plenty of people worth protecting."
Enoch nodded. "Those two girls are special."
"Then they're safe. Once you're attached to someone, you'd move heaven and earth to take care of them."
Enoch exhaled a long breath. "I have a bad feeling. I'm not sure my gifts are going to be enough."
"You're too attached, pal. Kids make a person worry. Why do you think parents go gray? But you've always come through. You will this time, too."
Comforting words. Or at least, they were meant to be. But kids got kidnapped, didn't they? Some died in accidents or were murdered. No matter how hard you tried to protect them, it didn't always work. With vampires, the odds were worse.
Chapter 12
After Enoch dropped Danny at the station, he drove to the mall. Voronika hadn't called yet, so he strolled up and down its hallways, window shopping. He rarely bought clothes off the rack. He had a vampire tailor who personalized anything he ordered, but he might be able to find a cashmere jacket in a men's shop to replace the one he'd lost.
His cell buzzed as he stood in front of a jewelry display case, trying to decide if Voronika liked gem stones. He pressed the phone to his ear. "You ready?"
"Meet us at the main, front entry," she told him. "Park at the curb. We have lots of things to load."
Why did that not surprise him? "I'm already at the mall. I'll be there soon." He drove to collect the girls and their things. He was glad he'd brought the Land Rover. The Jaguar's trunk wouldn't have held everything.
He was happy to see Lucinda wearing a tight pair of rust-colored jeans and a form-fitting, black top. Lots better than his white T-shirt. Crystal wore jeans and a sweater. She and Angel stood close together, bumping against each other happily. He smiled. Money well spent.
When everything was loaded, he drove everyone home. They grabbed bags and boxes and had to make two trips up in the elevator. When he finally joined them, the women were talking nonstop. He dropped the Xbox carton on the dining room table and shrugged out of his light-weight, wool coat.
Voronika dangled a bag in front of him. "For you," she said.
He read the label—Victoria's Secret—and smiled. It was for him. Not that he'd get to enjoy it until the girls moved out of Voronika's bedroom.
Angel tugged on his silk shirt. Why did kids do that? It was damned annoying, but he forced a smile and looked at her.
Her words and sentences flowed together, she was so excited. "I got the Xbox and four games because there was a sale—buy three, get the fourth one free...I've never been able to do that...Ever…And I have three, new pairs of jeans and the best gym shoes I've ever had, and more tops than I can wear in one week, and a laptop and earbuds and…."
She ran out of air and Enoch laughed. "Did you find everything you needed?"
She looked at him, and the sheer joy on her face made Enoch's heart lurch. The joy was followed by tears. She blinked them away, embarrassed. "No one's ever been this nice to me. Thank you."
Voronika came to wrap Angel in a hug. "We're happy that you're happy."
Grateful, Enoch looked at Voronika. He wasn't sure what to say, and Voronika had thought of the perfect thing.
All the women took turns, showing him their purchases. He could feel his brain glaze over and was just about to overload when someone knocked on the balcony's French doors.
His palms itched. If it was Feral, she'd be sorry she'd come. He stalked toward the balcony and felt relief flood through him. A blond, bearded, blue-eyed Viking laughed in at him. He tossed the doors open. "Ulrich!" His vampire friend knew how to deal with newly made vampires and women.
Ulrich quirked an eyebrow. "Have you started a harem, old friend?"
Enoch waved away his nonsense. "Did Bart tell you about the nightclub and the women we rescued?"
Ulrich's blue eyes sparkled with humor. "You're a brave man. For an angel who enjoys solitude, you've managed to collect enough females to make your life hell."
Scarlet raised a pale eyebrow. "Who are you?" She was wearing a midnight blue tunic over skintight, winter white slacks. Very sophisticated and very sensual. She looked Ulrich up and down. "You look like some damned Norseman."
"Do I?" Ulrich glanced at his brown, leather pants and white, tunic top. "Odd, since that's exactly what I am. Thank you."
Lucinda stared. "Really? You're that old?"
"Not nearly as old as my friend, but I spent enough time in a longboat."
Angel reached out and poked him with a finger. "I've watched the TV show, Vikings. They fought a lot and killed a lot of people."
Ulrich tugged at his beard. "The good, old days, how I miss them! But Bart's an honorable general. He has rules. I only hunt rogues now."
Angel didn't know what to say and glanced at Enoch. "You're not giving us to him, are you?"
Ulrich frowned and sniffed. "Not you, little one. I don't deal with humans."
Angel's shoulders relaxed, then she stared. "He's not giving you Crystal, is he?"
"Was she just turned?"
Crystal looked ready to run, and Angel reached for her hand.
Ulrich bowed before her. "It's my privilege to train you. I can help you control your cravings." When Crystal looked unsure, he smiled. "I don't bite…unless you're an enemy."
Scarlet crossed her arms over her chest. "You look like a drinker and a womanizer."
It was meant as an insult. Ulrich beamed with pleasure. "That I am!" He glanced toward the kitchen. "Got any beer?"
"I stocked up, I knew you were coming." Enoch always prepared for Ulrich's stays.
At Scarlet's frown, Ulrich said, "No worries, fair lady. When Bart sends me on a mission, it gets done. Ask Enoch. He'll vouch for me."
When everyone focused on him, Enoch nodded. "Ulrich and I have battled together many times."
Scarlet narrowed her eyes, studying him with new interest. "Do you like mortals?"
"Bart's generals are forbidden from drinking humans. You're safe from me."
Scarlet looked offended. "I worked at Feral's club. I've been sipped many times, and no one complained."
"I have to forego such pleasures."
Lucinda stepped forward. "How long does this training take? A week? A month?"
Ulrich raised his eyebrows, looking her up and down. His slow smile implied appreciation. "Depends on how fast you learn."
Lucinda followed his lead, looking hi
m over carefully. She gave him a thumbs-up, clearly enjoying every inch of him. "I've always been told I'm fast."
Ulrich threw back his head and laughed. He turned to Enoch. "When Bart sent me to play nanny to new vampires, I wasn't thrilled, but this might be fun. Thanks for inviting me, old friend."
"Pleasure to have you." And Enoch meant it. He didn't have a clue how to train these women.
Ulrich started for the kitchen. "It was a long trip."
"I got two kegs." Enoch followed after him. "Want to start now?""Might as well quench my thirst while these women tell me their stories." Ulrich grabbed the tallest glass in the cupboards and filled it, then went to sit on one of Enoch's expensive sofas. He nodded to Lucinda. "You first."
They all settled together, and Lucinda told him her tale. "Nothing very exciting. My sire changed me, then got sick of me. Said I was too much trouble. He sold me to Feral. Incisor chained me to a wall in a small, downstairs room and vampires came to partake of me."
"Drinks?" Ulrich asked.
Lucinda glanced at Crystal and Angel, unwilling to spell it out. "All of me," she stated.
Ulrich's glance slid to Scarlet. "And you?"
"I was getting nowhere as a waitress, heard about Feral's club, and applied. I thought I knew what I was getting into. I was wrong."
Ulrich looked thoughtful. "Vampires in fiction are tame compared to vampires in reality."
Scarlet gave a curt nod.
"I'm glad you're free again." Ulrich sipped his ale, then looked at Crystal. "You?"
"My mom took me to Feral, so Desya would visit her once a week."
"Your own mother?"
Crystal nodded and tears threatened. She swiped her hand across her eyes.
"Do you want me to kill her?"
Crystal gasped, then shook her head.
Ulrich's gaze settled on Angel. "What about you, little one? What's your story?"
