Prima

by Annie Nicholas

  “Probably not. That’s what I fear. What if I like it too much?” She wasn’t a fool. She knew some vampires went feral. The news loved to sensationalize when someone lost control. Would she be a headline one day?

  “I wouldn’t let that happen.”

  “Because you have so much control over me.”

  He chuckled. “We don’t have much choice at this point. I can promise to be the best teacher to my ability.”

  The fierce pain of betrayal within her heart cooled. “You really didn’t plan on turning me.” She didn’t mean to sound as surprised as she did. What could she say? Doubt of his intentions had clouded a lot of her thoughts recently.

  “One day I hoped you’d agree. Maybe on your deathbed when you were pushing eighty. I thought I would have time to learn what I needed.” He spun her around, his clear blue eyes piercing hers. “This is not how I would have done it.”

  She ran her thumb over his bottom lip. “We feed tonight.”

  He nodded, his face somber with his promise.

  “Will we hunt?” She couldn’t picture hiding in shadows or going to vampire bars to meet food. Ugh.

  “Not in the way you’re thinking.” He tugged one of her wayward curls. “When I get back, I’ll take you out like I promised. You’ll see.” Leaning close, he whispered in her ear, “Wear something I'll like.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Abandoning Sugar in the garden with Clementine for company left Daedalus feeling hollow. The echo of his boots followed him out the front door. He had called his nest home. Soon she would have more company then two crotchety old Nosferatu and a somewhat-damaged vampire female.

  Pallas sat in the driver’s seat of Daedalus’s car.

  “Hell no.” Daedalus pulled the door open and yanked him out.

  “How will I learn to drive if you don’t teach me?” Pallas grinned and ran a possessive hand over the roof of the car.

  “They have schools for that.” He slapped Pallas’s hand off. “Go buy your own.” Daedalus slid behind the wheel and caressed it, wiping away any trace of Pallas.

  His brother plopped onto the passenger seat. “I wonder which you love more, your car or your woman.”

  “You should ask which I enjoy riding more.” He laughed at Pallas’s debased grin.

  “I don’t have to ask. I know your answer. Both at the same time.”

  The car started with its usual purr. He peeled out of the driveway toward the gates.

  Pallas closed his eyes and reclined the chair back. “Where are we going?”

  “Hunting.” He aimed for downtown, on the east side of the city, close to the train yard. If memory served him right, this was where most of the drug dealers and pimps did business. “Blonde or brunette?”

  Pallas snorted audibly. “What kind of hunting are you talking about? I had my fill of pussy yesterday. I want to kill something.”

  As Daedalus had suspected.

  “Don’t frown like that. The council schooled me on modern laws and forbade me from old habits. I’ll be good.” He lifted his head to meet Daedalus's disbelieving gaze with wide eyes. “I promise.”

  “You should start thinking about your future.” Daedalus gave him a year before he was on some slayer’s most-wanted list.

  “Like go to college, Dad?” Pallas had returned to mimicking sleep.

  “No.” What a nightmare that would be. He should limit the amount of time Pallas was sitting in front of the television. “You work for me.”

  “Running security detail?” “I think not.”

  Daedalus's head throbbed. “Will you talk out loud? You’re giving me a fucking migraine switching back and forth like that.” He parked behind an abandoned restaurant. “I have better uses of your skills than security. I’d be too worried you’d eat my customers anyway.”

  They exited the car, scoping out the area. Visually it appeared dead, but mentally he could sense business as usual a few blocks over. “Can you hear them?”

  “Yes.”

  “Let’s stop pretending that you’re not going to break the law.” He faced Pallas. “Our kind isn’t matched for this age, but there are smart ways to find satisfaction in the hunt. You have to pick your prey wisely.”

  “No more screaming women running through the forest?” Pallas actually looked forlorn for a moment. It took all Daedalus's self-control not to smack the expression off his face.

  “You can pay for shit like that, as long as you don’t kill.” Daedalus grabbed his brother by the collar and pulled him close enough to smell the soap on his skin. “Stop fucking around. I’m trying to help you.”

  Pallas shoved away. “Fine.”

  “It’s best to go after murderers. They’re most likely not to be missed by the police. The less of a trail you leave, the better. No witnesses.”

  Pallas stared at him.

  “What are you waiting for? Go.” He waved him in the direction of the evildoers.

  “You’re not coming?”

  “I’m saving my appetite for later. I’m taking Sugar out. There are a few nice places in town that cater to our kind. I want to introduce her to my favorite one tonight.” He raised his eyebrow. “Would you rather I take you there instead?” He could only hope.

  Pallas shook his head.

  “Very well, I’ll wait here for you. Try not to take all night.” He got back behind the wheel and turned on the radio. When he looked outside, Pallas was gone. “Good hunting, brother.”

  ***

  “I like approaching from behind.” Clementine leaned over the kitchen table, mini watermelon between her hands. “There’s less body contact that way.” She glanced up at Sugar. “Unless you’d rather more—”

  Grimacing, Sugar shook her head. She wanted to learn the simplest and easiest technique. She’d bitten Daedalus during sex, but it hadn’t been for feeding. A human stranger would need more finesse.

  “Very well. I support the donor's head and tilt it to the side for better access.” She slanted the watermelon. “Then aim.” Opening her mouth, she pointed her more developed fangs at the green flesh. The strike made Sugar jump as Clementine moved quick like a snake. She released her bite and pointed at the two clean puncture wounds. Clear juice trickled out.

  Sugar's stomach turned.

  “Once you puncture the vessel, you have to pull your fangs out so the blood will flow into your mouth.” She bent once more to suck on the melon then held it out to her. “You try now.”

  A nervous giggle bubbled from between Sugar's lips. “This is surreal.”

  Setting her hand on her hip, Clementine darted a stern look at her. “Would you practice on people first?”

  “Is this how you were taught?” She set the melon on the table and found a clear spot. After Daedalus left, she had sought out Clementine and asked her to teach her how to bite a person. She knew he would want to do it, but she was tired of looking like a fool in front of him. For once, she’d like to surprise him.

  Clementine's expression went flat. “Sort of. We didn’t have any watermelons, so we used pumpkins. Watermelons have a better pop to them, like humans.”

  “That’s disturbing.” Sugar bent over the melon and angled her head.

  “Tilt the fruit, not your head. It’s a cleaner strike if you keep your head straight.”

  Sugar repositioned her body, mimicking tilting the victim's head, then she aimed her fangs. “Like this?”

  “Lean your head back more so there’s more force. The cleaner the strike, the less painful for your donor.”

  Doing as told, she no longer could see the melon. “Better?”

  Clementine moved behind her. “I think so. Try it.”

  She struck. The melon crashed against her lips as her fangs slid into its cold flesh. She grunted at the impact. That had gone better then she’d expected. Part of her had thought she’d chip a tooth on the first try.

  “Good. Now retract from the bite and suck the juice.” Clementine leaned forward coming to eye level with the
watermelon.

  Sugar retreated, but the weight of her prey still hung on her teeth. Using her hands, she yanked on the round fruit. “It’s stuck.” Her words came out muffled with her mouth full of melon.

  “What?”

  “I’m. Stuck.” She stood and pulled, trying to free her fangs.

  Clementine eyes went wide as she struggled with a grin. “I’ll pull the melon, and you try to get free.” A small laugh escaped her. “Sorry.”

  “Yeah, so am I.” But it came out more like Yeb, O M I.

  They got into position.

  “Wow.” The exclamation came from behind her and sounded very much like Pallas.

  Sugar closed her eyes. Flaming heat burned a path right up to the tips of her ears.

  “Shut up.” Clementine’s command shocked Sugar's eyes open. Had this meek vampire goddess just given an order to the Nosferatu jerk? Clementine yanked on the watermelon.

  Sharp pain zinged over Sugar’s fangs, and she yelped. The melon remained attached.

  Daedalus appeared before her, frowning with his brow furrowed. “Should I even ask?” He peeled her lips back. “This has got to be the silliest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  A growl rolled in her chest, something she’d heard everyone else do, but something she’d been incapable of doing until now. She dug her nails into the watermelon flesh.

  Clementine set her delicate hands over hers. “Master, many of us used this technique to learn.” She gave him a pointed stare. “It is not silly.”

  His gaze traveled from her to Sugar, then he shrugged. “I’ve never heard of it.” A huge smile spread across his face, and amusement danced in his eyes. “Can I take a picture?”

  She snarled and kicked him in the shins. “Bat-turd.”

  He winced as her foot made contact but didn’t stop smiling. With gentle fingers, he eased each fang loose, then handed her the melon. “Want to try again?”

  “No thanks.” She set it on the table.

  “Please.” Pallas leaned against the door, blocking her escape. “I’ve never heard of this technique. I think this could be educational.”

  “I doubt you need to learn more about biting people.” She glared at Daedalus. “I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.”

  “Obviously, since you’re not ready.” His gaze traveled to her casual clothes. “Pallas is a fast eater.”

  “I was starved.” The Nosferatu gave her a low bow. “Prima, that image will forever be engraved in my memory. Thank you.” He rose and twisted with unnatural grace, leaving her gaping like a suffocating fish.

  “That male could try the patience of a saint.” Clementine straightened her blouse. “Sugar, we can continue this in private if you want.” She spoke to her, but her eyes were on Daedalus as if telling him to get the fuck out of the kitchen. Sugar could have hugged her. It would have been terrible being trapped in this house with the Nosferatu twins for teachers.

  “I’m done for now.” She tongued her aching fangs.

  Daedalus went to the freezer and returned with a bag of ice. He set it against her jaw. “Trust me. It helps. You’re not the only one who’s had their fangs stuck in something.”

  She looked up at him under her eyelashes. “Yeah?”

  “A tree trunk. Not as tasty as a melon.” He made a face. “I was tossed against it during battle. That night, I learned to keep my mouth firmly closed while fighting.”

  She chuckled. “You’ll have to tell me more one day—uh, night.” Who would have guessed there was a learning curve to being a vampire?

  He guided her out of the kitchen. “Go get dressed. I’ll teach you how to feed tonight.” He tossed a glance at Clementine. “You can take care of the watermelon.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Daedalus parked in front of the entrance to a brick building on Main Street. Small lights twinkled in the darkened windows like a starry night sky. A red awning sheltered the entrance where the valet opened Sugar’s door and assisted her to exit the sports car.

  Her stilettos clicked on the pavement as she wobbled. Using her cane with an expert's ease, she caught her balance. It had been ages since she’d worn heels. She’d borrowed these from Clementine. She’d also lent Sugar a dress, but her generous curves filled it indecently and drew the valet's gaze. The clothes she’d packed were more utilitarian and boring for a second first-date with her vampire warrior.

  Daedalus strode around the vehicle and tossed the keys to the valet. They bounced off his chest. “Eyes forward, boy.”

  She set her left hand onto the arm Daedalus offered. His black dress jacket felt soft and silky under her palm. She didn’t recall him packing it in Chicago. It must be part of the corporate life he’d left behind. Daedalus didn’t appear awkward in his tailored suit like some large men, but even formally dressed, he still moved like a predator.

  He hesitated by the entrance and stared at her hand. “You haven’t worn your engagement ring in a long while.”

  Anticipation fluttered in her chest. The diamond sparkled even in the dim light. “I lost a lot of weight while in the hospital. It would have fallen off.” But she’d always kept the ring with her even though her future had been stripped away. Daedalus had returned this future back to her. She could now think about marrying him once more.

  “Resizing it wouldn’t have been difficult.” Not for him, but for her this ring symbolized who he’d fallen in love with, and it hadn’t fit anymore. Both of those versions of her were gone, yet he somehow managed to care for each no matter the differences.

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “It fits now.” Becoming a vampire had changed her, just like the attack had. Those things were out of her control. What she did with her life after these events wasn’t. She saw that now.

  After the attack, she’d felt like her life was over, so she didn’t bother living. Funny how it took dying for her to see that mistake. She wouldn’t let this second chance go to waste.

  He tapped the cane she still carried. “You shouldn’t need this anymore.”

  She glanced at it with a sad smile. “Call it a comfort. I used it for so long it felt strange leaving it behind.”

  Daedalus opened the door for her and followed close behind with a possessive hand on her waist.

  The interior’s dim lighting cast the room in shadows. Unlike human restaurants, tables didn’t fill the space. Couches lined the walls, some with curtains drawn, others not.

  She swallowed, her mouthwatering as the scent of blood drifted around her. Without realizing, she took a few steps toward the smell until Daedalus’s strong hold stopped her.

  “I reserved a private dining room.” He spoke with the hostess.

  “Name?” She opened her book.

  “Daedalus Pal Robi.” He stepped into better lighting.

  Her eyes went wide. “Th-this way please.”

  Thick carpet softened Sugar’s steps. She held Daedalus’s arm for balance. Hunger burned in her gut like glowing coals. Living off a diet of dead cells had left her starved.

  They passed a couple sitting on a lounge chair in the public room. A man dressed in a collarless white shirt sat between them as the female vampire fed from his neck. Sugar’s legs stalled. The donor’s eyes closed and he sighed. She half-expected the male vampire to tear out his throat, but he ran his hand over the female’s leg, watching with earnest interest. Nothing erotic, just intimate.

  “Shhh,” Daedalus crooned by her ear, his hand caressing the back of her neck and easing the tension building there. “We’ll take this slow.”

  “I don’t know if I can manage that.” Prying her gaze from the feeding took all her willpower.

  “We’ll get an appetizer to start. It will ease your hunger and then you can take your time feeding.” He pulled her toward the back of the restaurant where the hostess waited by a door.

  She handed him a menu. “Your waitress will be with you soon.”

  “Does Nick still work here?”

  She nodded.
/>   Daedalus returned the menu. “We won’t need this then.” He gestured for Sugar to enter the room.

  A set of lounge chairs faced the door that matched the restaurant’s ambiance. The burgundy wallpaper absorbed the dim lighting and softened the edges of the room. Fresh flower bouquets decorated the side table next to a glass pitcher of ice-cold water. She ran her fingertip over the wet condensation on the outside of the vessel. “Who’s Nick?”

  “A career donor.” Daedalus undid the buttons on his jacket and settled on the closest sedan. He patted his lap. “Let me do the ordering tonight. Eventually you’ll learn what flavors you like.”

  She set her cane against the wall and approached him, but the urge to pace kept her from accepting his invitation to sit upon his lap. “People have flavors?”

  “Sure. Their lifestyle makes them taste differently. Innocence, drugged, athletic, promiscuous…” He shrugged. “You know my favorite.”

  “Bad guys.” She grimaced. “I imagine they’re bitter.”

  “Depends on how much fear and adrenaline is pumping in their system.” He grinned, flashing his full, long fangs. The smile of a devil. Her devil. “It’s an acquired taste.”

  “How did you acquire it?” She plucked a flower from the vase, inhaling its sweet scent.

  He pursed his lips and stared at the wall. “I think my kind is programmed to like it.”

  “How?” She set the flower back.

  He watched her and rubbed his chin, as if trying to decide something. The silence grew thicker in the room. “From the time we awaken as vampire, Nosferatu fledglings are tossed into a camp. The training is brutal, and so is the feeding. No watermelons for us.” A small, wistful smile played on his lips. “They send humans into the camps when it’s time to feed but they make sure there’s never enough to go around. Hunger makes you sharp.”

  “That’s awful.” She hurried to his side. He rarely shared anything of his past, and she didn’t want to end this small miracle, but she sensed his guilt. Tonight wasn’t about hurting each other. She wanted them to find a connection to bind them together forever.