“Yes.” Rodán studied me. “You have proven yourself to be an effective leader. You are respected by others and you have a charisma about you which is not learned. You were born with it. You will still primarily track, but you will be involved in more strategy development, training processes, and team assignments.”
Surprise kept me from speaking as he continued.
“I am not considering you full-time in another position by any means,” Rodán said as he studied me. “However, having more responsibility in the over operations will make better use of your skills.”
When I finally found my ability to speak, I said, “I had no idea you thought of me this way.”
Rodán’s gaze was focused, intent, like he was evaluating even my response. “As a Night Tracker you have already provided balanced leadership, and your judgment is sound.
“I am thinking of one behavior, however, that must change,” Rodán said. “This has nothing to do with my feelings for you outside of being your Proctor.”
“Okay.” My words were slow and deliberate as I spoke. After what had happened during the Zombie op I was wary of what he might say. “What in your opinion do I need to work on in relation to the soundness of my judgment?”
“The only caution I have, you have heard before,” Rodán said. “You are an exceptional Tracker. However, at times you have had no regard for your own personal safety. You need to think through what is best overall, before you jump into certain situations.
“For example,” he continued, “too often you have charged forward without waiting for backup. It has almost cost you your life on more than one occasion. An effective leader needs to remain alive, or he or she cannot be effective. Do you agree?”
I wanted in some way to fire back that I’d done what I’d had to. As a Drow princess, I was raised around warriors and I had trained as a warrior myself. Dark Elves don’t sit back and watch—they act. But I knew Rodán was right.
With an inward sigh, I brought my fingers to the collar I’d worn to favor my father. When I considered the last operations, I had to admit Rodán was right. I’d put myself into some pretty bad situations, including getting injected by a deadly virus. Dark Elves are aggressive fighters, but they still lay battle plans and work as a team.
To a point, my restraint during the last case may have had more to do with my team than me. They had been adamant that I not charge in on my own without them, as I had during previous ops. The members of my team had been right, and I’d known it.
“Yes,” I said, “that’s fair. It’s not easy for me, though. It’s my nature to give it everything I have, despite the dangers, but I understand what you’re saying.”
“Consider what I have to say.” Rodán wore a serious expression. “I believe you, above all others, have the skills necessary to lead the entire team. Under my guidance, of course. I don’t have all the details worked out, but I wanted you to know what I was thinking for your future.”
Wow. I took a deep breath. “It means a lot that you have so much confidence in me and my abilities.”
“You have earned it.” Rodán steepled his hands on the tabletop. “Time and time again, on operations you have been assigned to, you have proven to be an exceptional leader. I only have the one concern.”
“I think I understand.” I clasped my hands in my lap. “But I’m not management material. You know me—I can’t sit back and watch.”
“I would never expect you to do so.” Rodán smiled again. “That is not the Nyx Ciar that I know.” I felt perplexed at his words but he continued. “I am only asking for a little restraint on your behalf.”
“Can I think about it?” I brushed my palm over my belly, absently smoothing the silk of my dress. “I need a chance to let this digest. Not only that, but I do have my PI agency to consider. I’m not sure adding extra responsibility as a Tracker will help me in my day job as a PI.”
“Of course.” Rodán raised his glass and sipped his wine. I watched the movement of his throat as he swallowed, observed his fluid grace as he set his wine glass on the table.
“It is my intention to groom Colin to take a leadership role,” he said. “I would like him to start leading a special ops team.”
Warmth spread through me at the sound of Colin’s name. Yet that warmth was followed by the feeling of confusion that had plagued me ever since my break-up with Adam, and Colin’s insistent pursuit of me.
Now was not the time to think of either of the two males. Detective Adam Boyd was no longer in my life, and Colin, a Dragon paranorm, wanted me to take things a step further with him.
It was times like this, being comfortable with my Drow appearance in this paranorm restaurant, and not worrying about how I looked at night, that made me realize it could never have worked with Adam. I couldn’t look like I did right this moment and be out with him. However, I didn’t have those same reservations with Colin, as far as dating another paranorm went.
At this moment there were more pressing things to consider, though, than my love life.
“Is Desmond the only new Tracker who you and the GG are considering?” I asked.
“I believe Tristan would make an excellent Night Tracker also,” he said. “The Guardian agrees.”
“My brother?” I thought about him as a Tracker candidate. Tristan had been locked in a stone for twenty-two years, but to him it had been as if no time had passed. He’d returned, not recognizing me since I was no longer the five-year-old younger sister I’d been when he disappeared. He was now in Otherworld visiting with our parents.
“I hope he can be convinced,” I finally said. “Though he was an artist before he was taken, never a warrior, I think he could be a tremendous Tracker.”
“Tristan has always been a warrior,” Rodán said. “A warrior with an artist’s skills. It is time to use all of his abilities. As a Tracker he could add much to the team with some training.
“We’ll let him out in the field with you for a couple of days to give him an idea of what a Tracker’s night is like,” Rodán said. “Then we’ll send him to the training program in Chicago. Once he’s fully trained, we’ll team him up with an experienced Tracker in New York City.”
“Rodán!” The pair of voices exclaiming his name came from a pair of blonde Nymphs who stopped at our table. They looked like excited, giggly airheads as they bounced up and down on their toes. I recognized them—they were backup singers for Festival, a new paranorm rock band that I’d seen for the first time last weekend.
“Trixie.” Rodán nodded to Nymph One. “Bubbles,” he said to Nymph Two.
Trixie and Bubbles. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. It might not have been the first time I’d heard their stage names, but it still got me. By the looks of the pair of airheads, I wondered if those were stage names, or their real names.
I settled back in my chair to watch. This should be good.
“We haven’t seen you for a while.” A small pout was on Trixie’s lips. “Bubbles and I were just saying how much—” the Nymph glanced at me then back at Rodán—“we have missed you.”
I didn’t think that was exactly the sentiment she’d wanted to express.
Then Bubbles said, “After we perform at the Pit next, are you going to invite us back to your chambers?”
Uh-huh. That statement confirmed what I’d been thinking.
I toyed with the stem of my crystal wine glass as Rodán gave them a sensuous smile. He couldn’t help it. He could simply have been trying to be polite, but no matter, his expression would still have the power to set a female on fire.
“I will talk with you beautiful ladies at another time.” Rodán said it in a way that was appealing rather than off-putting. “At this moment I am enjoying Nyx’s company.”
“Can’t wait!” Trixie said with a giant explanation point in her voice. “We’ll see you soon.”
Bubbles nodded with enthusiasm, her blonde curls bouncing. “We’ll be ready!”
I bet they would.
Rodán gave a slight inclination of his head. “Have a good evening, ladies.”
The bubbling airheads slipped into the bar crowd, but I could still hear their giggles. I wanted to roll my eyes but I smiled at Rodán instead. “Your adoring public.”
Rodán leaned back, holding his wine glass. He looked at me for a long time without saying anything.
I tilted my head. “Are you all right?”
“You know that for you I would give up everything,” he said quietly.
My cheeks burned a little at the intimacy of his expression and his words. “We both know you couldn’t, Rodán.” I continued, even though he looked like he wanted to say something. “It’s how you’re wired. You’re a sexual, sensual being and I get that,” I said. “You would never be happy with one person.”
“With you…” He looked thoughtful as he paused. “With you, everything is different. You make me want to be with you alone.”
I was surprised. I had never heard Rodán say this before in quite this way.
“Then why weren’t you?” I said, more out of curiosity than anything else. “You continued to see others while you and I slept together. If I made you feel different, then why didn’t you stop inviting others to your bed?”
During the time I was with him, I’d never considered Rodán enjoying sexual pleasures with others as abnormal. He’d invited me to join in on the experiences, but I’d always refused. It wasn’t my thing.
“One female would never satisfy you. Oh, maybe for a time, but I refer to a lifetime,” I went on before he could respond. “I could never share the man I decide to be with. It just wouldn’t happen.”
His green eyes were dark with something I couldn’t identify. “For you I would give it all up.”
Warmth filled me as I studied the beautiful male sitting across the table. Rodán was truly like no other. Not a soul on this Earth Otherworld, or any Otherworld for that matter, could fully compare to my Proctor, former lover, and friend who was dear to me in more ways than I could count. What I felt for Rodán was different than my feelings for any man.
“You know that I love you,” I said quietly. “But I’ve always known that you have desires, you have lust for others. And I realized, in the end, I couldn’t change that. I simply am thankful for our deep friendship now.”
Rodán opened his mouth to speak, but I pushed back my chair and got to my feet.
Rodán’s eyes raised and his brow wrinkled. As he stood, his slight smile and a slow shake of his head indicated his understanding.
“I’m late getting to work and my boss is real hardcase,” I said as I gave him a teasing look.
“Your employer told you to take the night off,” Rodán said with an equally teasing expression. “Perhaps you should listen to him.”
“I don’t think listening is one of my strengths.” I moved toward Rodán and tilted my head to kiss his cheek. “I’ll consider your offer on the leadership position,” I added as I drew away. “Not the girlfriend spot.”
Rodán took my hands and kissed my cheek in return. “You would be the one, Nyx.”
At the same moment, three females came toward us from the direction of the bar. They were dressed in next to nothing. When they reached us, two of them took one of Rodán’s arms as one of them said to me, “You must learn to share.”
Rodán met my gaze and I raised my hands, amusement rising in me. “See? Have fun.”
He smiled at me, then at the females who had swooped down to take him away. “One moment please,” he said to them. “I will join you shortly.”
“You’d better,” one of the females said with a coy look on her delicate features. “Or we’ll hunt you down.”
St. Martin’s Paperbacks Titles By
CHEYENNE McCRAY
NIGHT TRACKER NOVELS
Demons Not Included
No Werewolves Allowed
Vampires Not Invited
Zombies Sold Separately
LEXI STEELE NOVELS
The First Sin
The Second Betrayal
THE MAGIC NOVELS
Dark Magic
Shadow Magic
Wicked Magic
Seduced By Magic
Forbidden Magic
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Moving Target
Chosen Prey
ANTHOLOGIES
No Rest for the Witches
Praise for these other novels from New York Times bestselling author
CHEYENNE McCRAY
VAMPIRES NOT INVITED
“Something weird is going on, and it is up to half-human half-Drow Nyx to figure out what it all means. The versatile and talented McCray is slowly unveiling a supernatural society fraught with menace and plagued by prejudice and discord. Her Night Tracker series continues to be fast-paced and populated with intriguing characters. Hang on, for McCray is about to send things into overdrive.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Set in an intriguing new world, romance, adventure and non-stop action fill the pages.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“If you enjoy a kick-ass heroine, a sexy romance and a compelling story that leaves you begging for more, this is the series for you.”
—Nocturne Romance Reviews
“An excellent continuation of the compelling Night Tracker series.”
—Fresh Fiction
NO WEREWOLVES ALLOWED
“Nyx is back and ready to kick more butt in the second installment of the Night Tracker series … McCray introduces some interesting secondary characters that add depth to this developing world. As always, there is a seductive sensuality mixed in with the hair-raising adventures.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“McCray has written a wonderfully hot story that has characters we will love … beautifully fleshed-out, believable, and intelligent. The storyline is fascinating, intriguing, and fast-paced. This book is a fantastic page-turner that has great romance, lots of the paranormal, adventure, thrills, and chills.”
—Night Owl Romance
“Interesting characters, [a] fast-paced plot, and fascinating world-building make this a must-read.”
—Fresh Fiction
DEMONS NOT INCLUDED
“The hot new Night Tracker series promises plenty of thrills and chills. McCray does an excellent job establishing this world and its host of intriguing characters. The action is fast and furious, and the danger escalating. Add in some sexy sizzle and you have another patented McCray gem.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (Top Pick, 4½ stars)
“McCray weaves a supernatural tale of mystery, murder, and blossoming romance. Demons Not Included has a well-rounded cast, a captivating storyline, and plenty of suspense to keep readers guessing.”
—Darque Reviews
DARK MAGIC
Winner, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Paranormal Action Adventure of the Year
“McCray does a stellar job layering the danger, passion and betrayal. Awesome!”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (Top Pick, 4½ stars)
“Action, romance, suspense, love, betrayal, sacrifice, magic, and sex appeal to the nth degree! [McCray’s] heroines kick butt and run the gamut from feminine to tomboy and her heroes … well, they’re all 200% grade-A male. YUM! Her love scenes left me breathless … and I’m surprised I have any nails left after the suspense in this last book.”
—Queue My Review
“Vivid battles, deceit that digs deep into the coven, and a love that can’t be denied.”
—Night Owl Romance
“A fabulous finish to a great urban fantasy … Master magician Cheyenne McCray brings it all together in a superb ending to her stupendous saga.”
—Harriet Klausner
SHADOW MAGIC
“Erotic paranormal romance liberally laced with adventure and thrills.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (Top Pick, 4½ stars)
“A sensual tale full of d
anger and magic, Shadow Magic should not be missed.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“Cheyenne McCray has created a fabulous new world. You won’t be able to get enough!”
—Lori Handeland, USA Today bestselling author
WICKED MAGIC
“Blistering sex and riveting battles are plentiful as this series continues building toward its climax.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (4 stars)
“Has an even blend of action and romance … An exciting paranormal tale, don’t miss it.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“Sure to delight and captivate with each turn of the page.”
—Night Owl Romance
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
ZOMBIES SOLD SEPARATELY
Copyright © 2011 by Cheyenne McCray.
Excerpt from Vampires Dead Ahead copyright © 2011 by Cheyenne McCray.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
EAN: 978-0-312-94643-2
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / June 2011
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
eISBN 978-1-4299-8575-8
First St. Martin’s Paperbacks eBook Edition: May 2011
Zombies Sold Separately Page 37
