by Jane Hinchey
"Does it mean anything?" She gulped, not daring to believe that maybe, just maybe, she might be able to get the ring away from him.
"The ring?" At her nod, he looked down at it and then back at her. "It was my mother's. I'm not overly sentimental, but it's an attractive design, so I wear it."
"Is it valuable? It looks old."
"Its only value is to me. It's made of platinum so you might get a few dollars if you were to pawn it, but it has no precious gems and no historical value. My mother gave it to my father as a gift; it is all that I have of them and as I said, I quite like it, so I wear it rather than having it stuffed away in the back of a drawer."
"Yeah, the design is unusual...can I try it on?"
Zak froze. "No."
"I thought you said you weren't sentimental?"
"On most things, I'm not. Why are you so interested?"
Realizing she was close to giving herself away with her fixation on the damn ring, she shrugged casually and took a sip of her coffee.
"I'm not, really. Just making conversation."
She was a terrible liar. Zak watched her as she rinsed her cup in the sink and left it to drain before heading upstairs. A few minutes later he heard the buzz of some sort of power tool and knew she'd be engrossed in her work for a couple of hours. He'd watched her often, standing in the doorway while she worked, lost in her own world with no idea he was there.
"Frank."
"Sire." Frank appeared immediately.
"Have a couple of the men keep an eye on Georgia's place - I think there is more to these bruises she keeps turning up with than we realize."
"Vamps, you think? Has she been bitten?"
"No. But something's not right. At first, I thought maybe an ex-boyfriend was behind it, but this morning she asked about the ring." He raised his hand and wriggled his fingers.
"Shit. I wish I knew how the fuck these otherworlders found out about it in the first place!" Frank scratched his head, brow furrowed. "First the demons in Elen Hills were after it, now vamps here - if it's even vamps we're dealing with."
"We would have smelled demons on her if that were the case," Zak assured the head of his security. "And they wouldn't have gone so lightly on her with the beating. See what you can find out. Discreetly. I don't want them to know we're on to them."
He looked down at the ring again. The thin red line woven into the design contained the blood of three angels: a heavenly angel, a fallen angel, and a black angel. It had been forged eons ago; no one knew its true age, perhaps the age of the earth itself.
The ring had the power to awaken the original vampire, who had been in slumber for over a thousand years. The angels hadn't been able to prevent the creation of the vampire god, some say the brother to God himself, but they'd found a way to slow him down. Fallen angels can't resist the lure of humans, and many a fallen angel had mated with a human and produced offspring. It was the crossbreeding of an angel and a witch that produced the most powerful witch the earth had seen, who tricked and lured the vampire god into her web. While she hadn't been able to give him final death, she'd cast a spell on him that sent him into an eternal sleep. With every spell there has to be a way to break it, to balance out the energy, so the witch created the ring, keeping the energy balanced.
The ring had been passed down throughout Zak's mother's family. When she became fallen and married his father, the Angels agreed she should bring the ring into the mortal realm, believing it would be safer and well hidden. When his parents had been slain, Zak had taken the ring from his dead mother's finger and pushed it onto his own, her blood bathing his skin. He'd felt the magic flare as the ring connected with him and resized to fit him perfectly. The ring was blessed with magic, creating a field around it so that people didn't notice it; no one ever commented on it or asked him about it. It concerned him greatly that Georgia had asked. She'd noticed it, could see it clearly. He suspected she knew nothing of its origins or power, and that someone who did was using her to try and get the ring from him. She probably wasn't aware that the only way the ring could leave his finger was upon his death.
9
Georgia was sitting on the floor, a large piece of wood resting across her lap as she worked at it slowly with a chisel and hammer, carving an intricate design into the wood that would end up as one of the end posts of the bed.
"I forgot to do something earlier," Zak spoke from the doorway, causing her to jump. Her senses were really letting her down when it came to him. Maybe it was because there were so many vampires in the house that her senses were on the fritz.
"Oh?" She looked up as he strode across the room to her, dropping to one knee in front of her while wrapping a hand around the back of her neck. Her skin sparked where it touched his, his hand hot against her flesh and getting hotter by the second. Her gaze dropped from his dark eyes to his lips, now so close to her. He was going to kiss her, and heaven help her, she wanted him to. Desire thickened the air around them, her heart thumped against her ribs and her eyes drifted closed.
Rather than the touch of his lips, she felt the same flare of hot pain followed by the white healing sparkle of his touch as he smoothed away the bruises on her neck and cheek. She opened her eyes in surprise.
"No more freebies."
"Freebies?"
"That's twice now I've healed you, with nothing in return. From now on, there's a price."
"A price?" she squeaked.
"Mmmm. Depending on how injured you are as to what the price is. A bruise can be healed with a kiss. Broken bones require something more."
"I didn't ask you to heal me." She tried to pull back, but his hand was still wrapped around the back of her neck.
"I can't have you wandering around all bruised and broken, that's not how I treat my women."
"I'm not one of your women."
"You will be." He grinned.
"Don't flatter yourself!" she huffed, pushing at his chest. He left without the kiss she'd been longing for.
10
"Try not to be late. Seven sharp," the text said.
"I'll be there," Georgia texted back.
It was Saturday afternoon, and the band Rhys had talked them into seeing was playing at the pub that night. They'd arranged for a group of them to meet at the pub for dinner first.
She'd finished up in her workshop early so she could wash and dry her hair in time for this evening. Being so thick and heavy, it took a while. She'd blasted it with her hairdryer to get most of the moisture out before styling with a curling brush, creating big loose curls that tumbled down her back and around her shoulders. Since it was a bit of a special occasion, Georgia broke out the makeup, accentuating her eyes with a smoky look, lavishing on mascara to create long, dramatic eyelashes. A touch of blush on her cheekbones and a smear of lip gloss finished the look perfectly.
Knowing that her usual jeans and a tank top wouldn't cut it, she settled on a strapless white maxi dress that swirled around her ankles. She pulled the dress in around her waist with a wide tan belt and slipped her feet into matching tan sandals. She slipped on gold hoop earrings and adorned her wrist with matching gold bracelets.
Arriving in a taxi, Georgia made her way to the table Skye had reserved. Her sister and half a dozen friends were already there. After hugs and hellos, Georgia nabbed the empty seat next to Rhys.
"You look amazing," he told her, mouth near her ear due to the noise in the room. The pub was packed; the anticipation in the room was electric.
Georgia looked at Rhys and returned the compliment. In a black shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbows and the top buttons were undone so she could see a smattering of chest hair, he was exuding a fair amount of sex appeal himself. His wolf also raised the temperature, seemingly on the alert with so many people in the room.
They ordered drinks and food and caught up on what everyone had been up to. The band wasn't due to start playing until later in the evening, so the jukebox was getting a fair workout until then. Georgia laughed and drank
and relaxed in the company of good friends. Her drinking binges of the last month had been lonely affairs; she'd simply turned up at the pub, planted herself on a stool at the bar and proceeded to write herself off.
One of the guys returned from the bar with a tray of shots, which were quickly tossed back. Another round of shots and she was ten foot tall and bullet-proof. Well, actually she thought she was a disco queen and could sing like Delta! The perils of booze.
"Zak's doing a book signing next door tomorrow afternoon." Skye leaned over and spoke loudly in her ear.
"Yeah, so?"
"Perhaps you'd like him to autograph one of your books." Skye teased.
"As if," Georgia scoffed.
"I think you like him," Skye commented. Georgia remained quiet. It bothered her that she did like Zak. Well, she lusted after him anyway, if that counted.
"Zak's here," Skye said suddenly. "Um. He's not alone."
"What?" Georgia leaned forward and followed Skye's line of sight.
Zak stood at the bar, smiling into the eyes of Veronica. The leggy blonde had a hand resting on his chest and was laughing at whatever it was he'd said, her body turned into his in a familiar, intimate way.
"I thought he told you he wasn't dating her." Skye frowned.
"Yeah. He did. I wasn't sure whether to believe him or not. She's the one who warned me off. He told me she's his PA."
She watched the two of them laughing and talking, heads close together.
"I dunno. Watching them, I'm getting the sense he's not that into her. She's trying really hard to make it look like he is." Skye continued to study them.
"It doesn't matter," Georgia said with a shrug.
"Yeah, it does."
The waitress arrived with another tray filled with drinks and Georgia helped herself to a whiskey, the golden liquid burning a fiery trail down her throat. So much for not needing the anesthetic effects of alcohol tonight.
Doing her best to put all thoughts of Zak out of her mind, Georgia threw herself into having a good time. As soon as the band started she was up on the dance floor, body moving to the music, letting the rhythm flow through her. She danced until the band took a break, her face flushed and her brow damp.
Pushing her way through the crowd she leaned up against the bar, waiting for the bartender to come back when Zak pressed in behind her. It was standing room only so she couldn't really tell him off for crowding her, even though she got the feeling it was intentional.
"You're full of surprises tonight," he grinned, a dimple flashing. Before she could stop herself her hand had reached up, her finger tracking the indentation in his cheek. His smile widened. She realized what she'd done and snatched her hand away.
"Sorry," she muttered, "too much drink."
"I think I like you with too much drink"
"You'd take advantage"
"Damn straight I would. You look...stunning, by the way. As I'm sure every male in the room has told you tonight."
"Errr, no, creepy. But thank you. I think."
The bartender arrived and because Zak was setting her nerves on edge she ordered a scotch and coke when she'd meant to order water. She quickly slugged back a mouthful of Dutch courage.
"Why are you here talking to me? Shouldn't you be sweeping Veronica or some other woman off her feet?"
"I'm trying my best, but she's not cooperating," he shrugged. Urgh, the man was infuriating. She pushed past him, ignoring the way her body pressed intimately up against him when he wouldn't move.
"Do you mind?" she sniped.
"Not in the least." His hands settled on her waist to steady her as the crowd surged and pushed her even closer against him. Heat sizzled through her dress where his hands rested and for a moment she was tempted to give in and lean against him. The moment passed and she struggled away, forcing her way through the crowd and back to her table.
Zak watched as Georgia smiled warmly at Rhys and willingly placed her hand in his. He'd seen a different side to her tonight, one that wasn't all work, fear and holding out on him. And he liked it, liked seeing this carefree side of her.
When he'd watched her move so sensuously on the dance floor he'd felt himself harden at the sight of her in that dress. It was the first time he'd ever seen her in a dress, and boy, what a sight she was. She'd left her hair loose and it fell in a tumble of curls and waves down around her shoulders and back. Every now and then she'd lift the long tresses away from her heated skin and giving him a glimpse of her bare shoulders and sleek back.
His interest in her increased tenfold. He was definitely getting her into his bed.
While she stepped into Rhys's arms and swayed with him to the music, Zak sought out Skye, who was only too obliging to accept his offer. He twirled her onto the dance floor, dipping her backward and then pulling her back up into his arms and against his chest. She squealed in delight.
Georgia frowned at him and he returned her frown with another grin. Two could play this game. Pulling Skye in close, she melted against him, her arms wrapping around his neck, her head resting against his chest. The exact same effect he had on every woman in the room except for Georgia.
The song came to an end and he stepped back. Skye was reluctant to let him go, but he murmured in her ear and she soon smiled at him and sashayed away, heading toward Rhys and Georgia who had remained on the dance floor. Skye claimed Rhys for a dance. He was too much of a gentleman to refuse, a fact Zak was counting on.
"I do believe they're playing our song." He stepped in front of Georgia and pulled her into his embrace, taking her by surprise.
"Bullshit they are," she growled.
"Let's call a truce and enjoy the dance, hmm?" he murmured, slowly easing her closer, brushing his hips against hers and allowing his large hands to skim down her bare back. She shivered in his embrace.
"Okay," she murmured, her surrender catching him by surprise. He must give her alcohol more often.
He swept one hand up beneath the heavy curtain of her hair to rest on the nape of her neck, while the other he kept at the small of her back, enjoying the feel of her pressed up against him. She relaxed against him, one arm sliding around his waist, the other resting on his chest.
The song went on forever but was over all too soon. At least that's what it felt like. He could have stayed in that moment with Georgia, forever. It shook him to realize he felt that way. Women were not creatures he considered entering into a relationship with; he enjoyed them for the mutual pleasure they could bring each other, for the food source they were, and nothing more. And he wasn't used to being told no. Again he cursed that he didn't know what she was thinking, but she seemed as content to be in his arms as he was to have her there.
One song flowed into the next and still, they swayed to the music. He'd slowly maneuvered them around the dance floor, away from the flashing of mobile phone cameras. He'd have to glamor some of the townsfolk again; their interest in him was ramping up and he knew from experience that a group of rabid, lust-filled fans ended up being nothing but an annoyance he wasn't in the mood to deal with.
Floating on a cloud of bliss, Georgia could have stayed in Zak's arms forever; however, the reality was intruding. She needed a bathroom break - all that alcohol was making itself known to her bladder. She lifted her head, moving a fraction of an inch away from him. He immediately tightened his grip, his lips moving to her ear.
"What is it?" His lips touched her ear as he spoke, sending shivers of desire through her. She felt her nipples harden beneath the dress, worried he'd feel her reaction since she was pressed so tightly against him.
"I need a break," she murmured, looking up at him, losing herself in his hot gaze.
"A break?" he frowned, not understanding.
"A toilet break. I need to pee."
He chuckled, "Well then, by all means...it's a shame though, things were just...heating up." His eyes fell to her chest and she knew he could see her arousal. Embarrassed that her body gave her away she pulled her hair over h
er shoulders so the strands covered her breasts. Without another word she moved away, heading for the ladies'.
The pub was hot, and she felt slightly dizzy, the effects of the alcohol making her clumsy as she bumped into a chair. Next drink was definitely water, she vowed. She'd been maneuvering between abandoned tables and chairs when someone blocked her path. A stunning blonde in a red dress who inexplicably reminded her of Jessica Rabbit. She grinned. Veronica scowled.
"Enjoy your dance?" Veronica hissed. Her hostility took Georgia by surprise. Before she could respond Veronica continued, "I've already warned you. Zak is mine. Oh, he may play around with a new toy from time to time, but he ALWAYS comes back to me. Without fail. So save yourself the heartache, sweetheart."
"He told me you guys weren't an item." Georgia accused, not sure if she should believe the woman or not.
"Oh did he? Did he tell that it's been only a matter of days since he was in my bed?" Georgia felt the color leave her face, "No?" Veronica taunted, a wicked smile curling her blood red lips, "I didn't think so. You're a game to him, little girl, a challenge. He'll fuck you and then be bored. He'll be back in my bed, where he belongs, where only I know how to please him."
She felt sick. Afraid she was going to vomit on the floor right there in the pub, she pushed past Veronica and hurried to the ladies', hand over her mouth. Thankfully most of the women were up on the dance floor, so there were no queues. Quickly locking herself in a cubicle she stood for a moment, assessing whether she was going to puke or pee first. The feeling of nausea had passed, so she elected to pee, her mind going over the conversation with Veronica. She wasn't really sure the woman was telling the truth - Skye had a point when she'd observed that it looked like Veronica had a thing for Zak but that perhaps he didn't feel the same way. But then again, maybe that was wishful thinking.
