Louie was perplexed. “You said there are no signs of Henna turning.”
“None. She should be sick and raving, but she isn't.”
“How could she have been bitten? You told me there are no vampires near Claremont.”
“One guy, Russell, but he's in Azusa and warned off from Claremont. I'm monitoring him and he always heads west to hunt.”
“Then she left town,” Louie said. “You must not have noticed.”
“How could I not notice? The sense of her is everywhere. I mean, she has strong blocks, but they aren't strong enough to keep me out. I can tell when she lowers her walls, like when she's on stage performing. You would know, too. She's human, Louie. It's just that vamp taste in her blood ....”
“Then why isn't she changing? Maybe she was fed without being bitten. She'd have vamp blood in her system and that's what you tasted.”
“You think, Louie?”
“No, I don't think, but what else could it be?” His voice softened. “I tasted myself in Sonja's blood.”
I twisted in the snow to look at him, surprised he would allude to that particular intimacy with his wife.
Chagrined, he swished his head into the snow. “Yes, I tasted that, too. But I meant my blood, when I fed her. If I'm right, the vamp blood will dissipate within a week or so. Silver, though? Fascinating.”
“Tell me. I was so shaken I could hardly move.” I rolled to my side and pounded the icy crust.
“And she was surprised, too?” He tossed a loose clump on me and I spluttered a laugh.
“She was shocked more than anything else,” I said. “She slammed down barriers like I've never felt.”
I squirmed to my back, the snow seeping damp into my clothing. It felt cold and pure. Something scuttled in the trees above. The darkness was majestic and I relaxed into the rightness of our place in it. Our natural time to roam. We fought to keep the daylight, but night naturally belongs to us and it wrapped around me like a welcoming cocoon.
Louie's voice drifted through that night. “You should probably stay away from her.”
“I can't do that.”
“Then go back and help her.” He squirmed his body deeper into the snow.
“Can't do that either. If I see her now, I'll bite her, Louie.” I half hissed and his hand touched my arm.
“Sooner or later you will bite her anyway, mon frère. Listen, we're up here for the week. Stay and feed and recover yourself, then go down and see how she is.”
I gave a bitter grunt. “If she’s still there. If she hasn't gone on a killing spree. Starting with her cousin.”
Romantic Louie knew when to be practical. “What's done is done. If she's human, take her awareness and find out what happened. If she's one of us, find her and help.”
He was right, but it was hard to accept. “I tried to take her mind once, early on. Just a light attempt but it didn't go well. I can put her into sleep without a problem, but she resisted takeover and I was reluctant to grab hard, so I let it go.”
“Hmm.” He formed a snowball and tossed it at the branches above.
“That's it? Just 'hmm'?” I threw a snowball at the same branch, dislodging a drift that fell on us.
Louie wiped snow from his face and turned to me again. “Let me think on it. Will you stay with us?”
My dark side vibrated at the thought of feeding. “Sherry?”
“She's staying, too.” He snuffed and so did I. “Come skiing with us, Brecken. Wear off some energy. Be who you are for a few days. It'll get better away from Henna, I expect. But right now you're a buzzing coil of tension and it pains me to feel you.”
“I thought I was relaxed.”
“Yeah, like a charged boulder on a steep hillside. You'll start an avalanche if you don't settle.”
I threw another snowball. “How do I stay and not mope around thinking?”
“I don't expect you to. But I can help with the moping. I'll put you to work.”
I snorted. “Doing what?”
“French. Yvonne wants to learn, so I've been teaching her. You could help out. Go European for a few days. Ski your head off and feed every night. Make Sherry laugh, the poor gal. She's looks lonely, seeing me with Yvonne. I know your craving is elsewhere and Sherry is no substitute, but she's good company.” He tossed a scoop of snow over me. “That's my advice for right now, brother. But we'll talk. Figure out something, no matter which way it works out for your Henna.”
“My Henna,” I repeated, liking the sound of those words.
We scrambled out of the snow and Louie flung his arm around my shoulder. I flung my arm too and we staggered all the way to his car, pretending to be drunk, like we have so many times. “Should be with her,” I fake slurred. “Feeling guilty, Louie. Not something I'm used to.”
“Don't,” he said solemnly. “You didn't bite her, didn't open your veins for her to suck. If all she did was swallow a little blood without the draining first, then all you are is danger to her right now.”
Like a punch in the gut, but he was right. No way could I resist with my vamp pushing so hard to take over. A few days away, a few days of being who I am, as Louie so aptly put it, should strengthen me enough to face Henna and not attack. Guilt served no purpose and I cast it off. But I couldn't so easily cast off longing. Years without a woman and Henna against that kitchen wall wouldn't leave my head.
We drove to the cabin Louie had rented and I settled in. Quick shopping trip the next morning to buy me clothes, and for three days we skied this run and that. I spoke French for hours on end and - yes - drank and drank. Sated my ravenous body every night, taking more than Sherry should give, but doing it anyway. We played cards, went dancing, and I faked eating at one restaurant after another and kept Sherry well nourished to help her body replenish what I took.
Louie kept us busy. Brisk walks in the late afternoon and each evening after dinner, jacuzzi, wine and a cozy fire. We consumed bottles of expensive wine and the women dozed in half stupor, while we rolled alcohol laden blood across our tongues. Louie carried on serious conversations with me in fast, centuries old French - so excited Yvonne failed in her efforts to follow. Then to bed on the living room sofa, waiting until Louie came out, sometimes licking his lips to make me smile. My turn and again I went in to Sherry and drank.
It snowed and I called Mark to excuse my absence from running. And I nearly phoned Henna. Couldn't do it. What if she'd gone vamp killer? Her beloved cousin first?
I shuddered and threw the phone at the wall. The energy charged boulder eventually turned to quiet rock, my vampire grumbled to stillness and solitary night walks became almost joyful. I stalked deer, not thirsting for them, but still thirsting. Back to Sherry for a snack that both satisfied and didn't. It wasn't Sherry that I pictured while I drank.
Chapter 37
The PR office was super busy on Monday and I stayed an extra couple of hours, glad for all the work. Then home for a nap, since I didn't sleep well after Brecken ran off on me. While Christina and I were eating dinner, Jeff called to say that new guy arrived and will perform tonight. If Conor's as nice as his sister, we should get along and listening to him would help keep my mind off Brecken.
I was scheduled for two sets, then Conor would go on at 10:00. Maybe after we could have go for donuts and talk music. Unless Brecken came in. That stirred mixed feelings, but my upset was pretty much gone. I just wanted to see him.
I dressed to impress the new guy, but mostly to catch Brecken's eye. Jeans with a rust colored design crocheted in the pant legs, plus my silky, orange V-neck. Dangly earrings and matching necklace drew attention to my bare neckline, so I looked hot. Even though tonight’s rainy weather would probably frizz it, I still took the time to straighten my hair. Christina came in to talk.
“You'd think all that hair would take forever to style,” she said.
“Not really. Besides, I'm used to it and you won't let me cut it off. And I don't want to either.” I took the front portion and braided it t
o the side along my hairline, leaving the rest to hang down my back.
“What do you call that hairdo?”
“My teasing look.” I fluttered my eyelashes. “Does it work?”
“Girl, everything about you works. I should be so lucky.”
“Hey, you've had more boyfriends than I have.”
She slouched. “First, more years to meet more men. Second, no boyfriend going on right now.”
“I thought that was your choice.”
“Yeah,” she sighed. “I'm wavering on that, though.” She walked me to the door and I hugged Sonar then hurried to the Tavern.
Brecken didn't show. Teasing look wasted. But I sang my heart out, anyway. During my second set, the new guy Conor walked in and wow.
My special abilities and charisma are willful, used to make people feel good and like my music. But Conor's charisma was off the charts. It rolled off him and I turned my whole body to watch as he shook Jeff's hand. He seated himself at the bar and sent me side glances.
They talked for a couple of minutes before Conor gave a full on, typical male up and down look at me standing on the platform. A huge grin and a nod hello, then his eyes on my fingers as they moved over the guitar strings. His leg bounced to the music and he tilted his head. He had crisp, whitish blond hair, nondescript shirt and was football player big. In other words, just what I expected, except for the surprising warmth he radiated. Then Crystal came through the door, smiled hi at me and sat beside him. Smaller than her brother, but twins, for sure.
I formally met Conor at my break and sat with Crystal while he went on stage. Conventional songs, fast on the guitar, deep voice. Completely different from my music in every way. But nice for the Tavern, I decided. I have my nights off back. And nobody to spend them with. I fought back the tears that I hate.
Conor played and sang, then shook a few hands and said a ton of thank you's. A few single girls looked hard and hung around, but he shyly ignored their suggestive poses. Crystal gave him a hug, I gave compliments, Jeff shook his hand again. Then the three of us headed for a donut shop, my treat. Maybe we should have stayed at the Tavern for wine or tea.
“You guys don't like donuts?” Mine was gone and Crystal had shoved her éclair in front of me.
Crystal made a comic face. “Fattening.”
“Huu, I don't think you have anything worry about. You either, Conor.”
He laughed. “Donuts are breakfast food. Or breakfast junk. You've got Crystal's, but you can't have mine. I'm saving it for morning.”
His laugh was deep and I could feel that amazing charisma even here in the stark donut shop. I took a big bite of the chocolate éclair and wiped my fingers. “What do you think of the Tavern, Conor?”
“Love it. Nice people. Did Jeff say anything about me?”
“Just that your gig is secure. I heard that you have a few surprises for us. So, can we talk music? Do you mind, Crystal?”
“Like I've never talked music with my family before? I play piano, too, just haven't got the voice. Talk all you want.”
And we did, until two in the morning. I half expected Brecken to pop in, but no show and the mad that had faded, reappeared.
Dang that guy, anyway, with his stupid disappearing act. He plays it cool? Well, I could show him cool right back. If I didn't melt instead.
Sonar led the way. My shoes slapped the wet sidewalk, splashing water against my calves. Last night’s sudden storm had stopped just in time for a morning jog and the brisk air felt good, making me want to pick up the pace. My dog looked back, tongue lolling. So glad he's with me.
Jogging is good for spacing out. I had a ton of stuff racing around in my head, endorphins had kicked and I was on a high. My thoughts soared, too, straight to the most frustrating part of each day. Absent Brecken de Boer. There was no commitment, we weren't a real couple. But dang it, he came on strong to me and now I've kind of fallen for him. If that's what he wanted, then where is he?
I could picture him clearly in so many situations, from insignificant to important. Somehow they all seemed to matter. Everything was stamped on my memory - even the confusing things.
In my mind I watched him walk into the Village Tavern and move towards me, watched him sip his patio coffee, and thumb through one of the books he always has at hand. I saw him run his hand through his hair, saw him frown in frustration and react when I winked at him. I loved to wink at him. Maybe because I loved to see that reaction. I remembered his long fingers sticky with melted ice cream and could almost feel those same fingers tracing my palm and walking up my arm. And circling my neck. My lips tingled, remembering his lips. And the night in the kitchen. Huuu!
The first few times I saw him, Brecken didn’t smile. I wasn’t talking to him then, but I noticed him all right and searched for him all the time. So the fact that he wandered through my mind at all hours of the day and night was my own fault, even back then.
I turned a corner, Sonar right at my heel now. Bad idea to go over the old, scary encounters with Brecken. Better to think about the good times. But the two mixed together in my head.
For a while, he seemed angry at me, but then, I did call him a stalker and accuse him of breaking into the house. Not something designed to make a guy like you. Still and all, he kept coming back, kept coming to see my show. And, I was certain, he kept on stalking. No proof though, and he denied when I accused him. I still think he lied so why don’t I confront him about it anymore? And where is he?
I looked for him on line. Just a college student taking classes for no credit. No mention of childhood. No high school. Nothing anywhere that I could find. His name should have been somewhere besides the University. How did he apply and get accepted? No explanation for any of that.
Obviously, Brecken was mystery guy. The thing is, though, I like mysteries. Especially this one. So what can I pin down? Not much, in spite of my questions game.
When I asked about his job, he just said that not all students work. Not my business, but where does his money come from? I've seen when he pays at the Tavern. A lot of big bills in that wallet.
Then there's his personality. Sparkling attractive, but Brecken has a temper. I saw that right away when he glared at me so much. Intense, angry glaring, which was odd. No, Henna, think of the good things.
I love he way he comes up with new stuff to do. And I love the way he takes my hand and kisses each of my fingers, his eyes looking so deep into mine that I my heart races. Of course, he still acts kind of proper and old fashioned, except for Sunday night. Three days ago. Long, boring days. Where is he?
He’s always touching and leaning in to me. He brought me flowers that he didn't buy. He picked them. I found that funny and had to wonder - did he steal them from somebody’s garden? Would he do that?
At my half way point, I turned to jog back towards the house. This is the uphill part and used to be harder. I was sweating a little and pulled energy to increase my speed. Lucky for me I can do that, but of course real runners do it all the time. Still, the exercise has really gotten easier. Maybe I should increase the distance or run faster.
We turned into a small park and Sonar started circling on the grass, looking for the perfect spot. Dogs look so awkward hunched up like that, but at least no one was there to frown. I pulled out the plastic baggy to clean up after him, gave him a thump of approval, then tossed the bag in a trash can and back to running.
Maybe Brecken didn’t smile at first, but lately he smiles a lot. And I could listen to his laughter forever. Like bells ringing, I told him once and it made him chuckle. Like river water gurgling, I told him. I’m such a poet, he said back. When he smiles sometimes it doesn’t reach his eyes, but when he laughs, it always does. He loves to tease and he almost doubles over when I get frustrated and then I have to laugh, too. My whole life I’ve never laughed as much as I do with him.
His hair is getting longer, which I told him I liked. I remembered sitting in the park massaging his shoulders like he does mine and mess
ing with his hair like he's messed with mine. I was combing it this way and that, tugging on it really hard to make him say ow. He finally did, but I knew it was fake, like he forgot or something, then remembered it was supposed to hurt. So he rubbed his scalp and frowned and said hey. I saw the lie and let it slide. After all, he’d done it for me.
We take walks a lot, which both of us enjoy. We’ve been bowling and we went to the movies and shared popcorn. Well, sort of shared. He kept stealing, until I slapped his hand. Then he stole but fed the popcorn to me. Cute.
We played tennis, took that incredible motorcycle ride. And then his first visit to my house, when everything was exciting and weird. Deep kisses, legs around his waist and him starting something for sure and me wanting every bit of it and more. Then that unexplained, wispy silver color between us. I was pretty freaked and so was he. Is that why he stays away? Better not think of the kitchen.
Not that I mind all that much, but we never go out to eat. We never stop for pizza or hamburgers or do Chinese take out. Maybe I need to cook for us. Salmon. Or steaks. I could bar–b-que when it warms up. He doesn’t know what a great cook I am, so I’ll surprise him, homemade pie and all. If he ever comes back. He will. I hung on that longing thought. Tried to convince myself it was true.
I spent several minutes planning a menu. Like the last time, I’d pick an evening when Christina wasn't there. I wanted just me and Brecken. And wine. And candles. If he still wants to see me....
I love everything about the way he looks. Expensive clothes, even the casual ones, and his car is really clean. Fabulous leather and all. I wonder if he'll like Conor. He should, since they both feel the same intensive charming to me. What's my Mom's old expression? Two peas in a pod? But it's like Mendel's peas in my science class - one pea is dominant.
For some reason, he’s never invited me over to his house and I don't even know where it is. I asked him and he didn’t lie, but after all the messing around was over I still didn’t know. Just that he rents. He has a landlady. And that roommate, Louie, who is never there. Who Brecken won't talk about.
Silver Page 22
