“Yeah, and I was learning to shape-shift. Rafe and Glory were teaching me when the demons came along.” Penny paced into the kitchen, clearly agitated, and I heard the fridge open and close. She came out with a bottle of synthetic and twisted off the cap. She took a gulp, then a breath.
“Anyway, at one point I shifted into a white mouse, just like the lab rats we use for our experiments.” Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked rapidly, then took another chug from her bottle.
“Penny’s a chemistry major, doctor of something.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was clearly jazzed and positively beautiful with her eyes alight and her energy seeming to fill the room.
“I specialize in genetic engineering among other things. I’m working on a post-doc.” She waved her hand. “The thing is I had an epiphany.”
“About?” I sat on the arm of the couch. Her energy was wearing me out as she paced the perimeter of the room.
“Those rats, Glory! What had I been doing to those rats? Experimenting, causing mutations, giving them diseases!” Tears overflowed and ran down her cheeks. “God, I couldn’t stand it.”
I grabbed her hand to get her to stop. “Of course not. But you were trying to find cures. For mortals. It’s what scientists do.”
“But I can’t do it anymore. Not after I knew what it was like from the rat’s point of view. I was tiny, defenseless.” Sob. “That demon just tossed me from one hand to the other like I was a thing to him, of no consequence.” Another sob. “Then I went into the lab tonight and saw all those cages with all those sweet faces peering up at me.” She dropped her head to my shoulder, unable to speak.
I patted her back and looked at Jerry. “Of course it would be impossible to do that anymore. I understand. Maybe you can change to a different kind of research. Use plants or—” I shut up. What the hell did I know about science?
She raised her head and grabbed a tissue from a box by the computer. Guess this wasn’t the first crying jag to come up over the rat question. She blew her nose and the beauty thing vanished.
“Forget the research. I had to do something to save them. To keep them from any more pain.” She tossed that soggy tissue and grabbed a fresh one.
“Save them?” I stepped back from her. “What did you do, Penny?”
“Well, first I disabled the security cameras.” She smiled at Jerry. “I’m really good at that kind of thing and I don’t want to be booted out of the program for theft, you know?”
“Certainly not.” Jerry nodded. “Good to know you’re skilled at security.”
“Thanks. Anyway”—she wiped her cheeks—“I got a traveling cage and started filling it. It took three cages to get them all. A couple were too sick and I, I had to put them down.” She took a shaky breath. “That was so hard, but the merciful thing to do. I wasn’t going to allow them to suffer another minute for science.”
I shook my head. I was no scientist and never wanted to be one. “So where are these rats now, Penny?”
“Well, I knew I had to be careful. These are domesticated white rats. Where could I take them that they’d be safe and cared for? And the university would find them if I just dropped them off at the local animal shelter. They’d demand them back.”
“Yes, they would.” Jerry spoke up. “I imagine they have identifying marks on them, don’t they?”
“Yes, of course. They’re tagged. That’s important when you’re running controlled experiments.”
“So where are they, Penny?” I was very afraid I knew the answer.
Suddenly slumping and trying to put on a shy and supplicating façade, she looked at me.
“Oh, no, you didn’t.” I leaped over the couch and grabbed Boogie. “Your cat and I cannot live with a dozen white rats.”
“Actually it’s more like fifty-three.” Penny’s face was flushed.
“Fifty-three?” From the doorway, Ray’s voice was strong, his laughter the first sign that he might live through withdrawal. “Oh, Glory, and you thought I was a handful as a fledgling.”
Jerry actually helped Penny drag three cages of white rats upstairs. Boogie and I retreated to my bedroom and closed the door. Sorry, but I just couldn’t see cute and rat in the same sentence. I made Penny promise to keep them in her room. Which was going to be a squeeze. Too bad.
“She’s going to have to buy more cages,” Jerry announced once he coaxed me out of my bedroom.
“I can smell them from here. Boogie’s pacing in front of her door, just looking for an opportunity to get in. Some fun, eh, Glory?” Ray patted my knee. He and Jerry were sitting on either side of me on the couch.
“The council is definitely compensating me for this. I’m calling Damian.” I pulled my cell out of my purse.
“No! You can’t. He won’t understand and the fewer people who know about this, the better.” Penny walked into the living room with Boogie in her arms. “I’ll find a home for them. With one of the animal rights groups. Just give me time.” She smiled and put the cat in my lap. “A few days.”
“What’s going to happen to your research?” I petted the cat while Jerry stared at Ray’s arm on my knee. “Stop it, Ray.” Jerry looked afraid to move, but his fangs were showing when he gave Ray a “grope her and die” look. Ray just grinned.
“It’s ruined.” Penny slumped into one of the chairs. “But that’s okay. I’m vampire now. A whole new life. Don’t know what I’m going to tell my folks though. They were picturing a Nobel Prize in my future. A cure for some obscure disease.”
“Tell them you decided to join the animal rights thing. Saw the light.” Ray grinned at her and threw his arm across the back of the couch to play with my hair. “Or maybe I can hook you up with my pal Ian. He’ll be here this week. I convinced him to check out Austin. You’d dig his research. He’s going to make it possible for us to walk in daylight someday.”
“Glory mentioned that.” Penny leaned forward. “It’s true then that he’s a chemist? She said this daylight thing was temporary though.”
“Right now it is.” Ray winced when Jerry gripped his wrist. “Okay, she’s yours. I get it.” He removed his arm. “But Ian is a genius. I bet he could use a good assistant. I’ll arrange a meeting for you.”
“Not a good idea.” Jerry glared at Ray. “Never trust a MacDonald, Penny. They’re double-dealing cattle thieves.”
“Oh, well, then. Penny, listen to the man. Guard your cattle when you meet Ian.” Ray chuckled. “Did you just hear yourself, Blade?”
“Stop baiting him, Ray.” I patted Jerry’s knee. “Jerry has his reasons for mistrusting Ian. There’s an age-old feud going between the families. But also, Ian is tricky. I don’t exactly trust him either and his diet drug gave me weird side effects.”
“But he’s brilliant. You said it yourself.” Penny stood and walked to the breakfast room and her computer. “First, I’m finding a home for the rats. I can’t take the smell and it’s not healthy for them either, it’s so overcrowded. I’m not sure where I’d find enough cages for them at this time of night though.”
“I know where to go.” Jerry got up and headed for the door. “Come with me, Penny. We’ll take my SUV and get what you need.” He turned and pinned Ray with a hard look. “Can I trust you to behave?”
“Really, Jerry, what kind of question is that?” I stood and marched to the door. “You can trust me. That’s all you need to know. Now thanks for helping Penny.” I kissed his cheek and watched them both head down the stairs. I knew he’d been trying, but as a “work in progress” he had a long way to go.
I shut the door and turned to Ray. “How are you feeling?”
“Not so hot.” He stretched out on the couch. In low-slung jeans and nothing else, he was still a sight to make a girl drool. “I was putting on a good show, wasn’t I? Didn’t want Blade to know how bad I felt, it’s a guy thing. Though he was actually pretty decent to me before you got home.”
“Yes, you’re obviously a good actor. Jerry doesn’t bother to mask
his feelings, the jealous ones anyway. But, like you, if he’s in pain, he’d rather die than let on he’s less than a hundred percent.” I leaned down and touched his forehead under the silky hair that had fallen into his bright blue eyes. “You’re very cold to the touch. Have you fed today? The Bulgarian brew has real blood in it. I’ll bring you some.”
Ray pulled me down on top of him, showing surprising strength. “I’d rather have some of what you’ve got. You know vampire blood heals us faster than anything.”
“Ray, this isn’t a good idea.” I lay on top of him, inhaling him. This brought back some memories in a rush, some good, some not so great. He had the same charisma that always pulled me in, but then he could be a world-class jerk, especially to the man I loved.
“Please?” He ran his hand up under my hair and just smiled, such a sad smile, like he knew he’d never have me now. Okay, of course I was being manipulated but I went along with it anyway.
“All right. Take what you need. But this isn’t foreplay.” I started to offer my wrist but didn’t bother. Why not let him take what he wanted from where he wanted it? It might keep him from turning back to the alcoholic stuff. I still couldn’t get the visit from Spyte out of my mind. No way did I want Ray to sell his soul to Lucifer and there were things he’d do it for. Spyte had nailed it with that chance to live in the light as Ray used to as a mortal. Or maybe he’d choose to get his mortality back.
“There you go, Glory. Now you’re thinking like one of us.” Caryon stood beside the couch, watching as Ray sank his fangs into the vein at my neck.
I expected Ray to jerk and react but he started drinking with a sigh of pleasure, his hand on my back anchoring us together.
“Oh, he can’t see or hear me. Just you can. But now’s your opportunity. Yes, we can give him his mortality back. Or, if he wants to stay vampire? He can get that gift of sunlight. Just like we gave you your reflection. If Israel Caine will sell his soul to Lucifer, he can become a vampire who can walk and play in the sun.” Caryon laughed and I got chills. He was talking in my mind and I answered him the same way.
“You couldn’t really—”
“Need proof?” Caryon gave me one of his full-on creepy fang smiles. “Just look in your bathroom mirror.”
“Then Ray . . .” I felt his other hand slide down to pull me closer, our chests and hips pressed against each other as his mouth worked on my throat. I couldn’t let him drink much longer. He was enjoying this, his mind open as he wondered if making a move on me now was worth risking being shot down again. But it was a brief thought, most of him caught up in the pleasure of taking in ancient vampire blood.
I knew how Ray would react to an offer of daylight. He wouldn’t hesitate. Hell? To Ray that would be an abstract when he was all about the concrete, the here and now. And he’d easily blow off immortality if he could have his old pleasures back. Ray was all about pleasures.
“Oh, I see you know how seductive that would be to the rock star. Do you dare make the offer? Think about it. You say you love the man. If you truly do, why not give him his heart’s desire?” Caryon began to fade away. He’d been in his usual dark suit and tie, not a hair out of place. “Make the offer, Glory. Then Caine won’t need to lose his mind and dull his pain with alcohol. How do you like this proof that I can stay away from your friends? This one, anyway.” That had sounded like a taunt just before he disappeared.
I probed Ray’s mind again and got a glimpse of yearning that made me sigh. I knew what that felt like, to crave something just out of reach. But I also knew that this evil bargain wasn’t the way for Ray to get it. I shoved at him, suddenly sure that I’d been so distracted that I was in danger of letting him take too much of my blood. I sat up and the room swirled around me.
“You okay?” Ray held on to me when I bent over and rested my head on my knees.
“Bring me one of the synthetics out of the fridge.” I took a breath, feeling queasy. I wasn’t sure if it was from blood loss or Caryon’s offer. Both were a possibility. Ray put a cold bottle in my hand, then went to answer the door when I hadn’t even heard a knock.
“What the hell has been going on here?” Rafe was by my side. “Did you drain her dry, asshole?”
“Didn’t think so.” Ray sat on my other side. Seemed it was my night for being surrounded by hot guys. “Drink, Glory. Hell, I’m sorry. Guess I got carried away. You should have stopped me.”
“You should have stopped yourself.” Rafe looked like he wanted to start a fight with Ray when I glanced at him.
“No more fighting in here. I appreciate the concern, but I’m already living in a war zone with almost no furniture. I swear, if I inhale any more testosterone, I’m going to start scratching my crotch and craving Monday-night football. Now, chill.” I drank my synthetic and felt better immediately, though Rafe’s neck looked awfully tempting.
“You need to feed from me?” Rafe shot Ray a challenging glare. “Help yourself, sweetheart.”
“That’s all you need. Bite him, Glory, and let Blade walk in on that. There’d be a dog area rug here before you know it.” Ray sat back and smiled.
“Son of a bitch!” Rafe jumped to his feet. He’d stayed shifted into dog form as my bodyguard for five long, frustrating years, and Ray wasn’t inclined to let him forget it.
“I said chill. I mean it, Rafe. Jealousy is not sexy to me. And hurling insults is childish, Ray. A total turnoff.” I drained my bottle and handed it to Ray. “Thanks. That did the trick.” I sighed and leaned back. “Now, Ray, Rafe and I have some business to discuss.” I glanced at Rafe. “Maybe you could give us some privacy.”
“What? You have secrets from me? What’s the big deal?” Ray looked like he didn’t want to budge.
“We’re dealing with some demon issues. Nothing to do with you. If you must know, they’d like your soul. Interested?” There, I’d said it. He did what I thought he’d do, he laughed.
“You’re kidding, right? Demons from hell?” Ray got up and took the empty into the kitchen. “What else, angels? Are we living in a graphic novel?”
“No such luck.” Rafe looked like he was grinding his teeth. “Remember, you used to think vampires were fiction. How’s that working out for you?”
“Point taken.” Ray sat in one of the chairs. “So demons are real. Angels too?”
“A couple are guarding my shop right now.” I looked at Rafe. “Emmie Lou and Harvey Nutt are back and protecting it and us as long as we’re in there. Seems a higher power doesn’t like the pressure we’re under.”
“No kidding.” Rafe grinned. “That’s cool.” He glared at Ray. “You going to mock that?”
“Naw. I’m open to whatever you guys are selling. This is a whole new world to me. How can I help?” He actually sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Stay sober. Let us handle this and don’t add to my load.” Oops that had popped out.
“Well, shit, Glory. Didn’t know I was a load.” Ray was on his feet in an instant. He never had managed to get any more clothes and he still just had the black jeans and his boots, which were by the door. No shirt. “If you call Nate and tell him I’m sober, he’ll pick me up.” He looked around. “No, to hell with it. I feel good enough. I’m shifting out of here. From the roof.”
“Ray, wait. I didn’t mean—” I jumped up. “Don’t shift. You haven’t had enough time to fully recover.”
“You got another idea?” He’d started pulling on those boots.
“Stop. You can’t leave.” I put my hand on his chest, knocking him back onto the couch. It was too easy; obviously he wasn’t ready to go anywhere yet.
“I’m sober. What else do you need?” Ray glared at me as he pulled on his other boot.
“Proof you can stay that way. Damn, I wish we had vampire rehab.” I stood in front of him, ready to knock him down again if he tried to get past me. Yes, I could call Nate to keep an eye on him, but a mortal didn’t stand a chance in that situation.
“Maybe we
do. Have rehab. Call Ian. He can set something up. He’s a doctor and he’s coming here anyway. Would that satisfy your urge to watch over me?” Ray stomped into his boots, then leaned back. “Hand me your phone and I’ll put in his number, let you talk to him.”
Ian was a medical doctor. And could be relentless. Maybe this would work. I dug in my purse and handed Ray my phone. “Do it. Dial his number.”
“Shit. You really don’t trust me.” Ray obviously hadn’t expected me to call his bluff.
“History tells me I’d be an idiot if I did.” I smiled as he frowned and punched in numbers.
“Ian? Glory St. Clair here. I’ve got Ray Caine with me and he’s in need of your help.” I listened to the Scottish accent and ignored Ray’s muttered curses as I described Ray’s recent behavior and meltdown. “When will you be here?”
“That soon? Excellent. Oh, I’ll tell him. Thanks so much.” I ended the call, then smiled at Ray.
“He’s flying out tomorrow at sunset. Seems he wants to help you. And needs you clean and sober if you’re to be his lab rat for the daylight drug.” I punched in another number. “Nate, can you have two shifters in the alley in five minutes? Ray’s going home. He’s sober now, and if you can keep him like that for twenty-four hours, Ian MacDonald will take over after that.” I listened for a minute, smiled, then dropped my phone in my bag and pulled out a set of keys. “All set, Ray. Guess it’s safe to give you these.”
“What the hell?” Ray shook his head, then glanced at Rafe. “You hear a train whistle? I think I’ve just been railroaded.”
“When Glory gets a notion, don’t stand in her way. It’s a done deal.” Rafe grinned, obviously glad to see Ray headed out the door.
“Your car is in back. Your wallet is locked in the console.” I tossed him the keys. “I’m also calling Damian. No more booze deliveries.”
“Gee, Mom. What about my diaper change?” Ray got up and strolled over to face me.
“You’re welcome.” I knew Ray was mad, didn’t blame him. And treating him like a child right now didn’t sit well with me either. I reached out to touch his cheek. “I’m sorry if this seems unnecessarily rough, Ray. If I didn’t care about you, I wouldn’t bother.”
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