by Primo, Jaz
Her touch sent erotic chills down my spine, and I closed my eyes. Then, I felt her lips against mine and she breathed in as our lips locked, momentarily drawing the air from my lungs.
It felt like pure ecstasy.
The seal of our kiss broke just in time for me to take in a large breath of air, refreshing my senses.
“I love you so damned much,” I said with all of the fiber in my being.
She appeared quite pleased over that. “And I’ll love you forever.”
She tapped me lightly on the end of the nose with her forefinger. “Now, what are we going to cease?”
“Secrets,” I whispered.
“Good boy,” she said with an endearing expression. “Don’t forget.”
She spared me a reassuring look and walked over to open the door to the office as I stood speechless.
“I sincerely appreciate your patience, Alton. I believe we’re done for now,” she said simply.
For now? Oh, please let this meeting end very soon.
I peered out of the corner of my eye at Alton, who observed me with a partially amused expression.
He walked over to his desk and picked up the flashlight again, as if there’d been no earlier interruption.
Kat watched me with a self-assured expression. She winked at me as I regarded her with an imploring look.
She knows exactly what she’s doing to me. I feel like I’m about to explode right now.
“Better now? Good,” Alton said. “About this new invention of yours…”
With great difficulty, I fought to focus my mind and return my attention to him.
“Um, you might want to be careful with that,” I said, holding up my hand.
Ignoring me, he turned it away from him and activated the power button. The light blared out from one end and he quickly switched it off.
“Odds-bodkins, that is powerful,” he said, handing it back to me. “Mere proximity to the beam makes it almost too painful for me to hold.”
“The batteries are specially engineered for high output. However, that limits the battery life to a few minutes, at best,” I said. “At least they’re rechargeable. And I was thinking perhaps we could have some more manufactured. You know, maybe a few for both me and Dori?”
Alton nodded. “Absolutely. Capitol idea, actually.”
I was quickly reminded of an unfortunate funding matter, given the revelation about the initial development costs.
“Although I’m sure not much, if anything, is left in my investment fund,” I said.
“I’ll cover his costs,” Kat said.
Alton held his hand up at her as he stared at me.
“My dear boy,” he said. “You’ve paid for none of this. Consider it part of the Rutherford research and development process.”
I hadn’t expected that.
“Really?”
“I’ve funded your little experiment since the very start, Caleb,” he said. “I’ve happily discovered that you have a promising instinct; one I’m willing to grant some latitude to.”
He stared directly at Kat. “An instinct I believe others should embrace and not discount out of hand, wouldn’t you agree, Katrina?”
She looked at him, then at me, and finally, back at him. “Oh-so-subtle, my old mentor,” she said irritably.
Then she looked at me with a searching expression. “However, I’m willing to concede that your assessment may have merit where a specific human is concerned.”
I mouthed the words: Your human.
She smiled. “I’m willing to grant him some degree of latitude; within reason, of course.”
That seemed like quite a victory, of sorts.
Maybe she’ll begin to trust my observations a bit more.
“No need for either of you to worry. I’m funding the production orders for additional units for Caleb and Dori; and perhaps for special human agents in my employ,” Alton said before his gaze settled upon me. “Don’t forget, you’re family. You’re a Rutherford now.”
I felt very gratified to hear that.
Then I withdrew a smaller version from my jacket’s interior pocket. “Oh, and it comes in penlight, as well,” I said, holding it up.
Kat and Alton looked at the item in my hand, and then exchanged glances.
“I should’ve known,” he said.
I offered him my best smug look.
“Here,” he said, while handing me back the larger version. “You may yet need this.”
“I should hope not,” Kat countered darkly.
A light knock sounded at the door, and we all turned toward it.
“Come,” Alton said.
The door opened to reveal Ms. Kendrick, who wore an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry to interrupt your conference,” she said. “But one of our field agents, Mr. Thomas, requires a consultation with the General. Oh, and Ms. Turner, as well.”
“I’ll be right back,” Kat said.
She quickly departed the office, pulling the door closed behind her.
I watched her leave, and wondered what Paige was up to. I hadn’t heard from her since we arrived at the hotel last night.
I turned to Alton, who appeared circumspect as he quietly regarded me.
“Nephew, while you and Katrina were having your earlier exchange, I couldn’t help but overhear part of your conversation through the door. So, please pardon my boldness, but would you mind if I offered you a small piece of advice?” he asked.
I shook my head, though part of me felt embarrassed that he’d overhead anything that she and I had discussed. “I suppose.”
He walked over to me and placed a supportive hand on my shoulder.
“I recognize that expression on your face, but there’s nothing for you to feel ashamed about. A vampire-human mating is very unique to each coupling,” he said. “There’s no template; there’s no model. There are only two unique personalities trying to make the near-impossible plausible. Do you understand?”
I nodded.
Okay. Where’s he going with this?
“Please remember this if you remember nothing else,” he said. “Yours and Katrina’s dynamic are your own. Whatever that may be, if it’s right for you both, then that’s what it should be.”
I considered his words for a few moments.
…if it’s right for you both, then that’s what it should be.
“All right,” I said. “But that’s easier said than done.”
He regarded me with a sober expression. “Look, to be brutally honest, the two of you seem to complete key components that each needs from the other. You’re essentially mutually nurturing. And that, I believe, is why your future together is hopeful. But that’s only true if you’re both willing to embrace it honestly within yourselves.”
“To thine own self be true?” I asked.
He arched one brow. “Indeed. Shakespeare was no idiot, Caleb.”
“Thanks, Alton,” I said. “I value your counsel.”
“My boy, you’re more than welcome,” he said. “This may sound rather odd, but despite your seemingly unconventional pairing, it’s undeniable; you and Katrina are very much in love, and you’re envied by a number of vampires and humans alike in my midst.”
Okay, that’s a revelation in and of itself.
I smiled at the same moment that my stomach growled, almost like a lion’s roar.
“Have you eaten today?” he asked.
“What? No, not yet,” I answered.
“Shame on you,” he said.
“Really, it’s no big deal—”
The door abruptly opened we both fell silent and turned to see Kat returning. My attention was immediately drawn to the small wooden box she carried.
She hiked her free hand atop her hip and frowned. “You both appear oddly guilty of something,” she said. “What were the two of you just discussing?”
“Oh, this and that,” Alton said.
“Guy talk,” I said with a shrug.
She regarded me with an amuse
d expression as she walked across the office toward me.
“I suppose I’ll allow it,” she said, lightly running her fingernails down the back of my neck. “I’m no tyrant, after all.”
“Oh, please,” Alton said.
“I was speaking to Caleb,” she said.
“Oh,” he said. “Well then, do carry on.”
I looked at Kat with a wide-eyed expression as she regarded me with a wicked grin.
I fear I’m at the mercy of some new kind of alpha-vampire now.
And, oh, how I relished the prospect.
Chapter 30
Caleb
Before we exited Alton’s office, he reminded Kat that she was officially on holiday, and he encouraged us to take in the sights in London. He also recommended a fine French restaurant for us to try that evening called Paris Revisité.
“Come,” Kat said.
“Where to?” I asked. “Maybe back to our suite?”
The feelings for her that had overtaken me in Alton’s office were still vivid in my mind…and body.
She gave me a sly look. “Patience. Wait for it.”
Now, there’s a real challenge!
“Bye, Marla,” I said, passing her office.
“Take care, Caleb,” she said. “And please eat more.”
I halted to peek into her office and gave her a sour look.
“Be nice,” she said with an arched brow. “Or I’ll have a word with you-know-who.”
I shook my head at her and then hurried to catch up with Kat, who appeared amused.
“General,” Adamo stood and greeted Kat as we approached the elevator.
She frowned. “Where’s Kempf?”
“Guarding your suite, mum,” he said, stifling an amused expression.
“Is something the matter?” she asked.
“Oh, nothing at all, General,” he replied soberly. “Kempf greeted Mr. Rawlings quite nicely this morning.”
At first, she had a blank expression. Then, her eyes widened and she looked at me sympathetically. “Oh, dear.”
I gritted my teeth. “No harm done.”
“I’m sure between the two of us we can keep an eye on Mr. Taylor,” she said to Adamo.
“Certainly, General,” he said, sober-faced. “I corrected Kempf already.”
My stomach growled loudly, and both vampires looked at me.
I felt my face flush.
“Haven’t you eaten anything yet?” Kat asked with a suspicious look.
Not her, too.
“Did Alton say something to you?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “Why?”
“Oh, no reason.”
The silence lasted only a couple of seconds.
“Well?” she asked.
I sighed.
“No, not yet,” I said. “When I woke up, I thought I needed to get to Alton’s as soon as possible. Half of the day had practically passed, you know.”
Her displeased expression spoke volumes.
Jeez, it’s no big deal. I can always grab a sandwich somewhere.
“You’ve lost a lot of weight,” she said. “Is this your way of acting out against me for depositing you at Yale?”
What? Are you kidding?
I lost some weight. No big deal.
“I won’t even dignify that with a response,” I said.
When elevator finally arrived, I followed her inside. Adamo also entered and stood facing the doors.
“I’m concerned, that’s all,” she said, wrapping her arm supportively around my shoulders. “Are you at least still taking the daily vitamin supplements we agreed on?”
“Mothering again,” I warned. “But yes, I am.”
“And did you bring them to London with you?”
Aw, crap.
“Um, forgot them, actually.”
I stared straight ahead into Adamo’s back but nevertheless saw her staring sidelong at me in my peripheral vision.
She actually growled at me.
“So, what’s in the box?” I asked, attempting to divert her angst.
“You’ll see,” she said evenly. “And please try to take better care of yourself. You’re the only you I have.”
Just great. I hope I’m not in the doghouse with her again.
We stopped at the tenth floor which provided me with a hint as to where we were headed.
My suspicions were confirmed as we approached the doors to one of the nicer restaurants on that side of London, Shakespeare’s.
Naturally, it was one of Alton’s diversified companies. We’d eaten there with him in the spring during my first London visit.
Adamo held the door open for us, and we walked into a plush-looking entryway with a large, airy dining area beyond. The place was already bustling with the lunch crowd with an assortment of men and women in suits or other fine attire.
I glanced down at my casual pants and Oxford shirt.
Well, it beats the jeans I had on the last time I was here.
The maître d’, Mr. Gibbons, a middle-aged man wearing a finely tailored black suit, stepped forward to greet us.
“Ms. Rawlings, Mr. Taylor, how good to see you both again,” he said. “May I have the pleasure of seating you?”
“Please,” Kat said. “If you have something available, that is.”
The man appeared almost shocked.
“Oh, Ms. Rawlings, please,” he said. “A discreet seating, perhaps?”
“That would be marvelous,” she said.
He led us to a small private dining area along the far side of the restaurant that was separated from the main dining area by a set of French doors.
“The Rutherford Room,” Mr. Gibbons announced grandly.
“Of course,” Kat said.
Adamo took up a position outside the doors as Kat and I followed Gibbons inside.
“This is new, right?” I asked, appreciating the elegantly decorated table that seated ten.
“Added only a month or so after your spring visit,” Gibbons replied. “Please note the marvelous view of London. And, of course, it’s specially adapted for our more discerning clientele.”
Secret code for vampires.
I gazed outside at a spectacular view, made safe for daytime vampire viewing via the coated glass.
Kat immediately went to a seat at one end of the table that permitted her a view of the city while also seeing the entrance to the room.
I held her chair and took a seat facing the window.
Within minutes, our places had been set and drinks and fresh-baked bread were brought out for us. I ordered the Beef Wellington while Kat ordered a fruit and cheese assortment. A fine bottle of chardonnay was brought to our table soon afterward.
“I ordered something high calorie, high protein, and even fattening,” I said. “Truce?”
Kat stared at me in a manner that was almost unnerving. “Fine for now. But I want to see more meat on your bones in the near future.”
I winked at her, and after a moment, she smiled back.
It was the perfect setting for us, and I felt very happy to be there with her. Fortunately for me, her recent displeasure with me seemed to have abated.
Once the wait staff left and we were alone, I looked at the small box sitting on the table to her right.
“So, as for the box,” I said.
She adopted an amused expression. “You’re very curious about that, aren’t you?”
I shrugged.
“Clear a spot,” she said.
I moved my plate and she placed the box before me.
“It’s a gift,” she said. “From Paige and me, and with Alton’s blessing.”
Okay, now I’m really curious.
“Go ahead,” she said. “Open it.”
I snapped open two small brass clasps and slowly lifted the lid.
Oh, wow.
Nestled into red felt were two small combat knives with matching black leather sheaths.
I looked up at her and she was grinning back at me.
So that’s what you were called out of Alton’s office for.
I removed one of the knives and it immediately felt comfortable in my hand. The weight was light and easy to wield, and as I raked my thumb across the dual-sided blade, I found it to be lethally sharp.
“We wanted to wait for a special occasion to give them to you, but after last night, Paige and I agreed we simply couldn’t wait,” she said. “Your clever gadgets may be excellent for defensive action, but you need to be able to follow up with a killing strike.”
I looked up sharply at her. “Killing vampires?”
“Or anyone else that attacks you,” she said.
“Got it,” I said.
She stared into my eyes in a penetrating fashion. “Listen closely to me, Caleb,” she said. “Don’t get a false sense of security from carrying these. If possible, you’re to withdraw to safety when threatened; at least to the safety of those protecting you. However, if you’re forced to fight, you’re to kill anyone facing you, whether vampire or human. Rely upon the training you’ve been given; let it be fluid and automatic. Don’t think; react. But most of all, if forced to fight, don’t struggle merely to wound, don’t falter…kill.”
I must kill?
It was an odd edict to accept. But, like the vampire in the alley the previous night, I’d been an intended victim in their minds.
A dead victim.
“Do you understand?” she asked.
I swallowed and nodded.
I’ve killed a human and a vampire before.
Although that was using a briefcase bomb, and not entirely by design.
I can do this.
“What will you do if you have to?”
My eyes widened. “Kill.”
“Good. Very soon, I’ll instruct you in how to conceal them, and Paige will continue your training when you return home,” she said. “In fact, Roman will be of excellent assistance, as well.”
“Yeah, but these are illegal to carry around,” I said.
“Perhaps in some settings and locations, but they’ll do you no good unless you carry them,” she said. “Obviously, you’ll need to be careful to watch out for screening centers and metal detectors. However, Alton or I can work to address any issues that might arise from them being discovered on you, legal or otherwise. I simply can’t risk you being killed or injured from lack of protection.
