“Ah, what better way to seize power from the Council than to create chaos that the Council cannot control?”
“Yes, but then why not publicize this? We have been trying to silence the news about mescah, but the architect of this drug should want all immortals to know. It’s still relatively underground.”
“Maybe this is just a test,” Lorenzo suggested, “a pilot program to see how this works, and if it works well it could lead to other experiments.”
“That could be, but we should not dismiss the possibility that destruction of immortals is a motive even though it’s difficult to imagine.”
“What immortal would want that?”
“No immortal,” Lucian acknowledged, “but a human.”
“Impossible,” Lorenzo shouted.
“We should not underestimate them. They suspect our existence and some may know for sure. All the myths and legends about immortals come from somewhere. They are based on facts embellished by stories. They’d rather pretend we’re a myth than face the reality that the monsters they fear are real. It was inevitable that one day we would be discovered -- the question is whether this knowledge is possessed by a limited few that we could easily silence.”
“Should we alert the other Council members?”
“Not yet. They have been relatively quiet about Kaden’s case and I don’t want to contact them and deal with questions. I don’t know if we will be able to resolve this in the time I requested. There are many on the Council that see Kaden’s recklessness as a threat to the stability of our kind. They want him removed. Unless we find proof of his innocence, they may only see the proof of his guilt.”
“You believe he is innocent?”
“I believe there is much more to the story than we know, and we need more time to uncover the truth. I just don’t think Kaden has time.”
One of Lucian’s guards raced into his office. His eyes betrayed his nerves as he struggled to find his words. “What is it, Maxim?”
“W-well sir, the prisoner Gaspard has escaped. I don’t kn…”
Lucian seized Maxim’s throat, using his mental abilities. He squeezed hard enough to hurt, but not to kill. “How did you let this happen? You were responsible for this prisoner.”
Maxim tried to respond, but could not choke out any words. “You may want to allow him to breathe a little so he can answer,” Lorenzo suggested.
Lucian released Maxim and the vampire fell to the floor gasping for air. “I-I was watching him,” he stuttered. “He was with Gaspard’s mama and the superhot vampire with the black leather outfit, never-ending legs, perfect ass, edible…”
Maxim seized from pain. “Focus!” Lucian yelled.
“S-sorry boss. Anyhow, they both were in the room with Gaspard for about an hour or so. Every fifteen minutes I peeked in to make sure they were ok, but everything looked normal. This last time I checked and the room was empty. I thought it might be a trick or something. I opened the door cautiously but there was no trace of any of them. They just poofed away.”
“Poofed away?” Lucian asked incredulously, not hiding his sarcasm.
“Y-yes sir.”
“Lucian, how’s this possible?” Lorenzo asked.
“I believe we have the superhot vamp to thank for this. She certainly has the power to poof away.”
II
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to stop here,” Kaden warned. “This is the first place you ex would look.”
Reysa had brought them back to Julian’s house at Olivia’s request. Although she and Kaden wanted to go straight to Vegas to investigate the first murder, Olivia demanded that they return to Julian’s house first.
“I need to pick up something here, and if Lucian finds us, then it’s for the best. I will convince him that we need your help to solve these murders and that you can be trusted not to flee.”
“Mother, are you delusional? Your boy toy hates me and wants me to rot. He will never agree to this no matter what you say. We need to go now.”
“I can’t!” Olivia shouted, startling herself and Kaden. Her hands were trembling and her skin felt aflame. She knew her control was fading and she needed her medicine before she could continue further. She resented her weakness, but she had to accept it. “I’m sorry. Just give me a moment.”
“What’s so damn important that you’re willing to risk my freedom?”
“Kaden, please. Nothing is more important than proving your innocence. I just need a minute.”
Before Kaden could speak, Reysa grabbed his arm. “You’re wasting more time debating about this. Just let her handle what she needs to handle, and then I will get us out of here.”
Kaden nodded reluctantly and Olivia raced to her room. Her speed was not as sharp, as her body was on edge craving her reprieve. With shaky hands, she managed to grab a leaf. She went to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of blood and immersed the leaf. She guzzled it down as it burned her throat, but the pain was worth the relief from the craving. This was the first time she felt so desperate for the drug. Usually, she could just take a little at night to help her relax so she could dream, but now she needed it to help her function while awake. She feared the implication of that fact, but there was no time to deal with it now.
She felt a little stronger as one pain was substituted for a more bearable kind. She took a deep breath and proceeded to head back into the den where Kaden and Reysa were waiting when her heart recognized the welcomed feeling of a comforting, familiar presence approaching. Lucian was near. She wanted to embrace that feeling but her mind realized the impending trouble they were facing.
Invigorated, she used her increased speed to get to Kaden, but Lucian was faster and as she arrived, she saw Lucian fly through the glass and knock Kaden to the ground. She tried to step in, but strong hands grabbed her from behind. Lorenzo.
“Let me go!” Olivia demanded.
“I cannot.”
“They’ll kill each other.” She watched in horror as they tore at one another. Kaden fought well, but Lucian was older and the stronger of the two. “We have to stop this.”
“Eventually,” Reysa replied. “I think these two need to deal with their testosterone issues. Let them fight it out for a bit. If it gets out of hand, I’ll help.”
Olivia wanted the fight to end now, but she relaxed a bit in Lorenzo’s arms. Maybe Reysa was right. So far, they were just punching each other, but neither used their extra abilities. Maybe they just needed to bash each other around a bit. She hated the thought, but men were like that at times. Maybe a good fight could lead to peace.
Lucian allowed Kaden to attack him and he deftly avoided any serious blows while inflicting a few good ones of his own. He did not want to hurt Kaden, but he felt a strong desire to pummel him. He could not help but admire Kaden’s determination. Despite his superior strength, Kaden never surrendered and continued to attack.
Before Kaden could deliver another blow to Lucian’s face, a gust of wind knocked both men to the ground. As they tried to recover, each felt the tip of a blade at their throat.
Reysa stood their calmly between two irate vampires in the midst of a battle. “This was entertaining for a few minutes, but now it’s getting old. We have a crime to solve and we’re wasting precious time. Stop flexing your muscles and trying to prove whose balls are bigger. It’s time to kiss and make up.”
Lucian stood up and Reysa dropped her sword. His face was bloodied and battered, but he still managed to look regal. “Kaden is a prisoner. You set him free without permission. I don’t know if you appreciate the significance of that, but that is a crime.”
“Oh that’s right. You’re the big shot Council chief. Well, listen up. Kaden is innocent and we all know that now. Let’s stop with the silly formalities. You’ve got your rules. Fine. But the most important thing is finding the real killer. If you punish the wrong man, more lives will be lost and that will be your fault. All these smart minds working together should be able to come up with somethin
g. Let’s all go to Vegas where this started and figure out this mystery.”
“What if he flees?”
“I won’t let that happen. You can trust me.”
“You can trust her, Lucian,” Olivia pleaded. “I know my word is not worth much to you, but Reysa wants this resolved as much as we do, if not more. She lost someone she loved also and if she thought Kaden was the killer she wouldn’t help us, help him like this. Please, Lucian.” Olivia gently stroked his cheek. “This isn’t about us, or Daughton. This is about doing the right thing and solving this crime so the monster who hurt these innocent women is finally stopped. This is about justice, not revenge.”
Lucian relaxed his guard. His anger was controlling him, clouding his judgment. He was known for making smart, deliberate decisions, but being here made him tense and reckless. His lust for Olivia was battling his desire for revenge. He finally realized how much he wanted Kaden to be guilty – to punish the son since he could not seek vengeance from the father. The more innocent Kaden seemed, the more unlikely it was that he would satisfy his thirst for vengeance. Kaden was right. He needed to face that truth -- the reality of how wrong it was to punish the son for his father’s sins. Kaden was no innocent, but he was not Daughton Gaspard and it was long past time Lucian saw the difference.
“You’re right. You’re all right.” Lucian turned to Kaden. “I don’t believe you did this, but the rest of the Council will unless we find definitive proof of your innocence. They want this matter resolved yesterday and you as the scapegoat is a good enough option for them. Time is of the essence. We have to clear your name now or you could pay for crimes you did not commit.”
“Why,” Kaden winced as he struggled speak with his swollen lips, “do they want me so badly?”
“You know we like to keep our existence relatively quiet. You seem to make a point of raising suspicion about our existence. Your exploits are well known. There are the fights where you use your abilities in public, the casino card counting, spontaneous combustion of those that annoy you, and the list goes on and on. That may be amusing to you, but not to other immortals. Once someone figures out vampires are real, all the others will be uncovered as well. Many have families, careers, and legacies they fight to preserve while you, on a whim, threaten to destroy it all. You’re endangering the lives of many for your own entertainment. Your selfishness will lead to your demise. If not now, then later. If you do survive this, I hope you learn something. There is a cost for everything that you do and although you may not pay, the ones you love may pay in your stead. My grandmother used to tell me that, and I believe it. I’ve seen it.”
Kaden wanted to utter a snarky dismissive reply, but deep down he knew Lucian was right. He hated the man and hated that he was right even more. Kaden had led a reckless, selfish life and that was the reason he had a target on him now. He might be innocent of these crimes, but he was guilty of many others he had yet to pay for. Would he pay one day? he wondered, as Lucian’s words unsettled him.
“If we’re all agreed, we should leave,” Olivia suggested.
“What about Corinne?” Lorenzo asked.
“She’s with Julian, tracking down another lead. She didn’t offer any details, but she promised to meet up with us later.”
“Well then,” Lucian smiled, “let’s go to Vegas, baby.”
III
Before she could catch her breath, Olivia was blinded by a rainbow of lights flashing brightly throughout a three-story building. Bodies were huddled together dancing so provocatively that Olivia could not help but blush. There were creatures of all types, but many whose origin Olivia could not determine. She had never seen such a variety of unique beauty in one place. More lights flashed above, this time forming words, “Welcome to The Lore.”
Reysa had flashed them to her club. “This is amazing.” Olivia turned to see Lucian, his blue eyes shining as bright as the lights above. “I never imagined something like this existed.”
“Me either. I can’t recognize most of the species here. They are all so different, but somehow familiar as well.”
They continued to survey the atmosphere when a six-foot-tall red-haired temptress focused her attention on Lucian. She batted her blue eyes and swayed her hips seductively as if trying to cast a spell with her movements. Her thin white gown barely covered her full breasts. Each movement bore more skin in an attempt to tease Lucian to seduction. Olivia looked to Lucian to gauge his reaction. He watched the beauty’s movements, but his eyes reflected curiosity rather than desire. Olivia tried to hide her relief.“What is she?” Lucian asked, still staring at the dancing figure. She continued to sway and spin, increasing the sensuality of each movement. She began to move forward a tantalizing inch by inch, trying to lure Lucian. From a distance, she could be harder to resist, but from close up, Lucian might succumb.
The red-haired woman stopped a breath away from Lucian, her eyes shimmering as the color changed from blue to violet. She looked so young, Olivia thought, but she acted like an experienced seductress. Still, there was something innocent about this woman, as if she were playing a role rather than truly living it.
“Hello, handsome,” the stranger said, batting her lashes at Lucian.
Olivia tried to stifle a laugh, not wanting to embarrass the girl.
“Hello, sweetheart.” Lucian smiled sweetly, but Olivia could see the laughter in his eyes. He was just as amused by this girl’s flirtations.
The girl giggled at Lucian’s response. “I’m Lina. What’s your name?”
“Lina!” Lina’s smile transformed to a look of horror as she turned around to see Reysa. “Lina, you’re supposed to be home with Tatiana. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to have some fun. You never let me have fun,” the girl whimpered.
“Flirting with strange men is your idea of fun?” Lucian tried not to be insulted by Reysa’s comment. “You have to be careful, and until you have better control of your powers, you need to stay home unless you’re supervised.”
“Stop treating me like a child! I’m eighteen now. You’re the bossiest and meanest sister ever.”
“Yes, you’re eighteen and your powers are increasing, but your control of them is unstable. I know you’re not a child, but until you learn to control your abilities, you could end up getting hurt and I will not let that happen. You’re my sister, and I will love and protect you even if you hate me for it.”
Lina frowned as if tempted to have another tantrum, but she relented and nodded her head. “Fine. I’ll go home.”
“Thank you, Lina. As soon as I finish with this case, we will spend time together and I will take you to one of the human clubs on the strip.”
Lina’s eyes sparked with delight. “You mean it?”
“Absolutely.”
Lina jumped into Reysa’s arms, holding her tight. “You’re the best sister ever.”
Reysa laughed as within moments she went from being the worst to the best sister. The fickleness of teenagers. Reysa whistled loudly, drowning out the blaring music. A few seconds later, a large jaguar approached, with yellow eyes and teeth sharper than any vampire’s. Reysa bent over and petted the cat, which purred at her touch. She spoke to it, asking it to take Lina home, and it nodded.
The jaguar looked appraisingly at Olivia and Lucian as well as Kaden, who had been standing in the background quietly enjoying the scene. The cat focused its eyes on Kaden. It moved closer to Reysa, never taking its eyes off of Kaden. Kaden stared determinedly at the jaguar refusing to show any sign of fear. The cat hissed as if preparing to attack. Reysa steadied the cat, petting its head and telling it again to take Lina home. When she assured the cat she was fine, the cat finally took slow steps out the door, keeping a close watch on Kaden.
“What’s up with the pussycat?” Kaden asked. “I get the impression he’s not a fan.”
“Well, you have that effect on people.” Reysa turned to Lucian and Olivia and offered her apologies for Lina’s behavior. “I’m sor
ry about Lina’s flirtations. She did not mean any harm. She’s young and struggling like most teenagers.”
“No need for apologies,” Lucian offered. “She’s so young. She does need to be careful. If she came on to the wrong man, would she be strong enough to defend herself? She’s just a kid.”
“Oh, she could defend herself. I’m more concerned about the man who dares approach her without invitation.”
“What is she?” Lucian asked. “She acts like a siren, but that’s not her gift. I felt power from her—incredible power. She is no weakling, but something very lethal.”
Reysa was not surprised that Lucian could detect Lina’s power. Power radiated from that young woman. Reysa would not reveal too much to Lucian and his Council. “We’re not sure. Like most creatures here, we have no idea what they really are. Mostly everyone is a mixed breed who was abandoned. We formed this place so that all of us would have a home no matter our abilities or differences.”
“You’re a family,” Olivia acknowledged.
“A family of misfits. We stick together and protect and defend one another.”
“Like the cat protecting you from me?” Kaden noted.
“Alejandro. He’s a jaguar shifter who can also shift into any other cat. No other shifter we know can do that. Instead of embracing that special ability, his clan threw him out for being different. Here he can freely be whomever or whatever he wants.”
“What about the two standing by the door?” Olivia pointed to a blond, golden-eyed man leaning casually against the bar watching them closely. He looked like something out of an Armani underwear advertisement. Next to him was a feral beast that appeared to be at least seven feet tall. His body was coated with white hair and he had a build like a polar bear, yet his face had a wolfish appearance. “What are they?”
Reysa smiled at the blond man, who flashed a grin in her direction. His eyes were warm with affection. Kaden instantly disliked the pretty boy. “The handsome blond is my Christian. He’s my best friend, my partner in crime. We run this place together -- and more importantly, we raise our daughter together.”
Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series Page 18
