by J. J. Bonds
“Maybe,” Nik agrees. “But we still don’t know how to find him. Until he resurfaces, it’s a dead end.”
“Maybe not,” I say, excited by my latest idea. “When they went off the grid, Shaye got one of those disposable prepaid phones. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. I have the number. Do you think Blaine could track it?”
“A burner, huh?” Nik scratches his head thoughtfully. “I don’t know if they’re traceable. The point of a prepaid phone is no paper trail, but I guess it’s worth a shot. Let’s call Blaine and find out.”
Blaine answers on the second ring, and Nik gives him the rundown while I wait with bated breath.
“If it’s on, I can find her,” Blaine confirms. “There’s no contract, but the phone will still leave a digital footprint every time it pings off a cell tower. If you’ve got the number, I can track it.”
I rattle off the number from my call log, refusing to consider the implications of my actions. Shaye will consider this a betrayal, possibly one that our friendship will not survive. I just hope she can understand. I hope she can forgive me. Someday.
“Call us with the location as soon as you get a hit,” Nik instructs Blaine before disconnecting.
“Pack a bag and tell Viktor to do the same,” I order him, feeling dirty. The idea of having my best friend hunted down by Linkuri makes me sick. But we have to find a way to infiltrate the Order and Keegan may be our only hope. “You’re going hunting.”
Nik doesn’t argue, just nods his agreement. I can’t send anyone else. There’s no one else I trust with this mission. Alex can run the guard detail while they’re gone. Now I just have to figure out what lie I’m going to feed her regarding their absence when the time comes.
“And Nik? Whatever happens, do not hurt them.”
Chapter Seventeen
Squaring my shoulders, I prepare myself for an evening of mind-numbing boredom schmoozing with the upper crust of the coven. I probably should have just stayed in bed today and skipped the whole darn thing. I suck at rubbing elbows and making nice. I’m far more likely to open my mouth and chow down on my size-eight Jimmy Choos. Oh yeah. This evening has serious potential for disaster.
I smooth the fabric of my lacy gown and adjust my evening gloves. I woke this morning to find a familiar-looking Saks box at the foot of my bed. Talk about a timely arrival. Once again, Anya saved my skin by shipping all my stuff, including the gown, from Crossroads. Her thoughtfulness saved me from raiding Lissette’s closet for a dress to wear for tonight’s ball. As predicted, the ivory lace gown fits like a dream.
A final glance in the mirror confirms my hair is perfectly styled, not a strand out of place. Not surprising since the maids gave me a bun so tight it feels like I’m getting a nonsurgical facelift. Unfortunately, it was the only way to tame my wild mane of curls. Hopefully the sleek style has the desired effect of making me look older than my eighteen years. My dad always said fake it till you make it. It’s safe to say I’ll be faking it tonight.
Either way, it’s like I told Viktor. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Time to meet the people.
Nik’s waiting outside my room when I emerge. Low man on the Linkuri totem pole, he’s been tasked with the less-than-desirable mission of escorting me to the ballroom. The others are undoubtedly at their respective posts, patrolling the grounds and screening the guests.
“Wow.” Nik looks me over from head to toe and gives an appreciative whistle. “You look absolutely stunning.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” Talk about an understatement. Nik’s hot as hell. For tonight’s event, the Linkuri have scrapped their usual black cargos and leather for tuxedos. He’ll fit right in. Except for the bulge under his left shoulder where his holster resides. “Who knew you would clean up so nice?”
“Right back at you.” His smile reaches all the way to his eyes, and I know he’s teasing me.
I sigh. “I’d rather be taking you as my date tonight instead of as part of my protective detail.”
Nik stops and grabs my elbow, turning me slowly toward him. When our eyes meet, I see my own face reflected back at me. “I’ll be with you every step of the way tonight. You’re going to be great. Just dazzle them with your usual charm.”
We both laugh, and he takes my elbow, leading me to the dragon’s den.
Viktor meets us at the door. Like Nik, he’s donned a black tux. Unlike Nik, he’ll be by my side all evening. Except for my grand entrance, of course. I am to enter alone. Lucky me.
The guards swing the double doors wide, and Viktor announces my arrival. A hush falls over the room, and I swear you could hear a drop of blood hit the floor. My stomach does a somersault. Or five.
The ballroom is aglow in candlelight. Silver sconces hang from the walls, and candelabras line the perimeter of the room. An abundance of red and black roses spills from crystal vases, and the house staff parade among the guests passing out goblets of blood. It’s a little eerie and very vampiresque.
I force myself to put one crystal-studded heel in front of the other as hundreds of eyes study my every move. My subjects—how weird is that?—bow and curtsy as I pass. I shake so many hands and receive so many introductions that I quickly realize there is no way I’m going to remember them all. I’ll just have to do my best and hope there’s not a quiz.
Once I’ve done the whole receiving-line thing, Viktor is at my side again.
“Just so you know,” I whisper through a tight-lipped smile. “I only got maybe half their names.”
“Not to worry.” Viktor grabs two goblets from a passing waiter and hands one to me. “I know them all.”
“A little too well from the sounds of it.”
“As will you, I’m afraid.” Viktor offers me a sad smile before sampling the contents of his goblet.
I scan the room, looking for Nik. On my second pass, I spot him stationed by the terrace doors. He stands at rest with his hands locked behind his back. He doesn’t see me watching him because he’s focused on the crowd, watching for any signs of trouble. He’s doing his job. And I need to do mine.
“Let’s get on with it,” I tell Viktor, sipping from my own glass. “Who’s up first?”
The evening passes in a blur as Viktor leads me from one power couple to the next. I reintroduce myself and make nice. It completely sucks. How it can be both beautiful and miserable all at once is beyond me. Turns out, the vamps of my coven are far from shy. Hell, they’re more outspoken than I am, bitching and moaning about the Order and every other little thing bothering them. I can’t fault them for demanding answers. I want answers too. It pains me to give them placating responses like “the Linkuri are working on it” and “all of the Council’s resources are dedicated to locating the Order.”
Most grudgingly accept those responses. That is, until I meet the Dragans.
“What is the Council doing to find these criminals?” Vasile demands as his wife Stela clings to his arm.
“I assure you the Consiliul de Batrani is doing everything—”
“It’s not enough,” he spits, stomping his foot emphatically. His fangs descend, glistening in the candlelight as his temper takes over. “They killed my son!”
“He was in that club. Divinity,” Stela explains, trembling. Whether it’s anger or pain that drives her, I’m not sure. “He was our only child.”
“Something must be done!” Vasile demands.
“I am very sorry for your loss.” Flashes of the crime scene assault my brain. I will never forget those images as long as I live. “And I promise you I will not rest until the Order is brought to justice by the Linkuri.”
“Perhaps this is not the best time for this discussion,” Viktor interjects, placing a hand on Vasile’s shoulder. “Let’s make an appointment for you to meet with Elder Lescinka privately.”
Unfortunately, he’s made that offer several times tonight, and I see my schedule filling up quickly to not only discuss the Order but disputes over territories, broken bu
siness arrangements, and requests for additional protection from the Linkuri.
Vasile shoots Viktor a dirty look and turns on his heel. His wife gives a quick bow and scurries after him.
“I’ll follow up with him once he’s had a chance to cool off,” Viktor assures me.
“Speaking of cooling off, I need some fresh air.” I’ve had about as much fun as I can stand for the evening, but I know I’m not off the hook yet. The best I can hope for is a few minutes to collect my thoughts. Viktor moves to follow, and I hold up a hand. “Alone. Just for a few minutes.”
Viktor reluctantly caves, giving me five minutes of much-needed freedom. I make my way across the crowded floor, wishing I had the luxury of dancing the night away with Nik. At least Viktor’s presence has kept the young men of the coven at bay. Thank Hades for small favors; no one has dared ask me to dance.
“Join me outside?” I ask Nik as I approach the terrace doors. Alex is watching from a few yards away but makes no move to join us, just raises a questioning brow.
“I am duty bound not to let you out of my sight,” he confirms, opening the door for me. He nods to Alex to let her know things are copasetic.
“How romantic,” I murmur as I step out onto the stone patio. Nik follows, closing the door behind us and scanning the vacant enclosure, presumably to ensure there is no risk. The warm summer air kisses my skin, and the scent of the dog roses is heavy in the air. They’re in full bloom now, the buds creeping over the railing and reaching for the night sky, the stars, the moon. I envy their simple existence.
“How’s it going in there?” Nik asks, stepping up beside me at the railing.
I shoot him a look.
“That well, huh?”
“You don’t know the half of it.” Which is probably why he’s avoided allowing his own parents to push him into politics. “I just needed to get away for a few minutes to clear my head.”
“Take as long as you need.” His hand brushes mine, and I know it’s his way of letting me know he’s here for me if I need to talk.
“I’d much rather be dancing under the stars with you,” I confess, turning to face him.
“Too many eyes on you tonight,” he says wistfully. Our hands brush again, and I want more than anything to steal a kiss away from Alex’s watchful eye. “Our time will come soon enough.”
And he’s right. It does. When the ball finally winds down, Nik is tasked with escorting me back to my quarters while the other guards ensure that all of guests have gone and the grounds are clear.
“Want to come in for a few minutes?” Surely the other guards will be busy for a while. And I’m anxious to pick up where we left off last night.
Nik looks up and down the hall, considering my offer. He must come to the same conclusion I did, that he won’t be missed immediately, because he says, “I would like nothing more.”
Alone in my room, Nik pulls me into his arms. “May I have this dance?”
Is he kidding? He can have this one and every one after. There’s no one else I’d want to dance with. Which is sort of funny when I recall the last time we danced together and I accidentally-on-purpose stomped on his foot.
“Just remember, I have two left feet,” I warn, relishing the opportunity to dance with Nik and wear my ridiculously overpriced dress for its intended purpose.
As we sway in the dark, I let my body melt into his, the hard muscles of his chest and arms wrapped around me like a cocoon. There’s no music and no candlelight, but it’s the most romantic, intimate moment we’ve ever shared. Here, in the dark, only we exist. There are no Elders, no Linkuri, no Order. Just me and Nik. And while my heart beats erratically, his is sure and steady. Typical. Nik is pretty much always in control. Just once I’d like to see him lose that preciously constructed bubble of control…with me.
I reach up, freeing my hair from the austere bun and shake my curls loose. The wild strands tumble over my shoulder, and Nik grasps them gently, twisting his fingers in my hair. Slipping my hands behind his neck, I bring him in for a kiss, my lips moving hungrily over his as our dance comes to an end.
Not wanting the moment to end, I take him by the hand and pull him onto the bed. Nik’s body falls on top of mine, pressing my smaller frame into the mattress. He props himself up on one arm and trails a finger lightly down my cheek.
“That really is an amazing dress.”
His lips descend upon me once again, feathering kisses down my cheek and neck. It’s official. The boy has magic in those lips.
“Don’t stop,” I plead, savoring the feel of his lips on my body.
He does just that. “Don’t stop?”
Hell’s bells! Heat floods my cheeks, and I have trouble meeting his eyes. “I don’t want to stop. I want to go all the way. Tonight.”
Nik grips my chin and turns my face to his so that our eyes are locked. “I think we should wait.”
“Wait? Why?”
“Katia, if you can’t say it, we shouldn’t be doing it.”
Part of me agrees with him. The sensible part. The irrational, embarrassed, hurt part thinks he’s full of crap. As usual, that’s the part that wins when I open my mouth. “I’m eighteen and an Elder for God’s sake. I think I’m old enough to trade in my V card.”
He smiles that crooked, dimpled grin, and I swear I sink into a new level of hell where my embarrassment knows no limit. He brushes his knuckles down my cheek, but it does little to take the sting off his rejection.
“I love you, Katia.”
He. Loves. Me? “I…”
In an instant, his fingers are on my lips, silencing me. “You don’t have to say it back. I don’t want to rush you. I want to wait until the time is right, until you’re sure about your feelings for me.”
A warm heat pumps through my veins like lava, spreading all the way to the tips of my toes. Nik loves me. I don’t know what to say. I care deeply for Nik. Being apart from him was hell, not knowing where he was or what danger he was facing. He’s so deeply ingrained in my new life that I can’t imagine it without him. Isn’t that love? It sure feels like it. But I have to be fair to Nik. I have to be certain before I say it back. So for now I’ll just have to be content with cuddling. And a cold shower.
**********
It takes three long days. Three long, torturous days for Shaye to turn on her phone and for the Linkuri to mobilize and apprehend them. My stomach clenches when I get the word that Viktor and Nik are bringing Shaye and Keegan in. I hope I haven’t made a mistake. Shaye may never forgive me as it is.
I’m waiting in Aldo’s office, doing my best to steel my resolve, when they arrive. I watch from the window as Shaye and Keegan trudge up the front steps of the manor. Shaye walks rigidly, as though anger fuels each movement. Keegan is handcuffed to Nik with heavy steel cuffs. I guess that’s one way to prevent an escape attempt.
When Nik and Viktor usher my friends through the office door, my heart breaks just a little. The disappointment in Shaye’s eyes cuts deep. Keegan, on the other hand, looks defeated, something I never thought I’d see in his face after all he’s been through.
“How could you?” Shaye accuses me, flicking her eyes at the cuffs that bind Keegan to Nik.
“Shaye—”
“No!” She’s on a roll now and has a lot to say. Guess she’s had plenty of time to stew during the flight to Romania. “Is this what we can expect now that you are one of the elite, Elder Lescinka?”
“I am sorry,” I say, looking at both Shaye and Keegan. Does she really think I wanted this? Doesn’t she know me better than that? She’s my best friend. This is the last thing I want to do. “Bottom line, I’m running out of options, and there are too many lives at stake to ignore the evidence of Keegan’s involvement with the Order.”
“Are you crazy?” Shaye demands. “Keegan’s done nothing wrong! He’s not involved with those vampires.”
“Are you sure about that?” I ask, pinning Keegan with an icy glare. “Why don’t you tell her the truth?”
/>
He shifts his gaze to the floor and says nothing.
“Tell them!” Shaye pleads, grabbing his arm. “Tell them and put an end to this craziness.”
I hold my palm up to silence Shaye. “Keegan, I have done everything I can to give you the benefit of the doubt and protect you from the Council, but I have to know how you’re involved.” I hate resorting to threats, but they need to understand I’m serious. I can’t let our friendship come before innocent lives. I won’t. “If you won’t talk to me, I’ll be forced to turn you over to the Linkuri Commander.”
Shaye’s eyes grow wide. “Please, just let us go.”
“You are free to go at any time.” Oh, man does this suck. Sometimes I hate my life. I’d rather face another hundred mundane balls with the coven than have this conversation. “But I can’t let him leave. It’s too risky. Whether you want to admit it or not, Keegan has blood on his hands. All those dead bodies at Crossroads? That’s on him. Just because he wasn’t there doesn’t mean he wasn’t equally responsible. And I believe he was involved in another attack as well.
“If—and that’s a big if—he was involved somehow, then he didn’t have a choice. You have to know that!”
“There’s always a choice,” I remind her quietly. I know it as well as anyone. Sometimes you have to become the monster to defeat the monster. Look at the things I’ve done. For blood, for friends, for family. But there’s always a price, and Keegan’s going to pay because I’ll do whatever it takes to get Aldo back. I’m already on the highway to Hell. There’s no turning back now.
“Shaye, the maids have prepared a room for you. You are welcome to stay as long as you like.” I turn to Viktor. “Please have Keegan escorted to the cellar, and ensure there are two guards on his door around the clock. No visitors allowed.”
I try to ignore the look of pain on Shaye’s face as I take one last shot at Keegan. “I already know what you did. I’m not looking for a confession, I’m looking for cooperation. You can make this easier on everyone by helping us. Let me know when you’re ready to talk.”
