Out of the Dark (Forbidden Love)

by Danielle James

  He had followed her three nights in a row. She left the small diner every night at nine sharp, crossed through the park, and ducked down this alley to her apartment. He had wanted her first, but was unable to find her after the concert. So he had been forced to do the other three first. It seemed luck was on his side when he entered the diner three nights earlier and saw her behind the counter. The uniform the owner imposed on his employees was ridiculous, the striped apron and short skirts, high heels and that stupid hat. Although, the pumps did accent her shapely legs perfectly, he thought.

  The woman stopped at the end of the alley and dared a glance over her shoulder. He could smell her fear, it was stronger than before. It was more potent than any perfume, more than any aphrodisiac. He drew the scent deep into his lungs, relishing the way it affected his body. His own heart sped to a steady gallop, adrenaline buzzed in his ears, and his groin tightened almost painfully. He suppressed a growl and lurched forward. His mouth watered in anticipation. He would taste her soon. Yes, so soon. He wondered if she would taste as sweet as she smelled. He wanted to grab her blonde hair by the fist full, to ravish her body while she screamed. The fact that she would be terrified made it all the better. Fear was like a drug to him now. He was addicted; he could not stop himself. After he took her body, he would taste her. He would taste her until the light disappeared from her lovely eyes.

  TEN

  “How do you feel?” Angel asked, trailing a lazy finger down Brea’s arm. They were laying on Brea’s bed, Angel still clothed, and Brea in an oversized sleep shirt.

  “Nice,” Brea smiled, “wonderfully sated and a little bit tired.” Angel chuckled silently. That was just the answer he wanted to hear. He continued to lightly caress her arm, enjoying the goose bumps his touch caused on her delicate skin.

  “So, about this party,” he started.

  “I have been working with Ricco on it. He has rented a bar for the occasion, and tables too. I am going shopping in the morning with Keelie; we are going to pick out the table cloths and other decorations. Hancock Fabrics is having a big sale, so I think I could probably get enough material to cover all the tables and the bar and the curtains I want to make for the price of precut table cloths alone somewhere else.”

  “Have everything charged to me,” Angel said. “I think you will find that there is enough money to cover anything you need.”

  “I know that, but I can’t just needlessly blow money. Even if it’s not mine. You work hard for your money, and I don’t plan to waste it. My mother would go berserk if she knew I had shopped irresponsibly.”

  “Tell me of you mother. Is she as lovely as you?” he asked, propping himself up on one elbow.

  “No. My mother was the most beautiful woman in the world. She always smelled like honeysuckle. And her laugh! I loved to make her laugh,” Brea said with a twinge of sadness.

  “Was. Have you lost your mother, then?”

  “Three years ago. She had cancer in her uterus. She fought it for five years, even had a hysterectomy, but it was too late. It spread to her other organs, and eventually, the cancer won.”

  “It must have been hard to watch,” Angel whispered.

  “Only the last few months. She was a pillar of strength. When they took her reproductive organs, she had several months where she wasn’t sick. When it came back, they took her breasts. She had a total of six surgeries. And she always had a smile, even when her hair fell out. She didn’t buy a wig like my father wanted her to, she just wrapped a bandana around her head. The chemotherapy made her really sick, and at the end, the last few months, she decided to live what was left of her life without it. She seemed well for a while, but eventually the disease took over. She wasted away to nearly nothing. She must have weighed eighty pounds when she died. And when the day came, she left us with a smile on her face.” Brea didn’t even try to stop the tears from running down her cheeks.

  “I’m so sorry,” Angel consoled her, catching a tear with his thumb as it streaked down her face.

  “Don’t be,” Brea told him. “She lived a good life, she was a good mother, and had many friends. She was surrounded by people that loved her. She wouldn’t want me to be sad now. She would want me to live my life, to make it my own.”

  “Is that why you moved to LA? To make your life your own?”

  “Six months after my mother passed, my father took his own life. He just couldn’t live without her. So, after his affairs were taken care of, I came here on a whim. Maybe I am a hopeless romantic, but I hoped to find what they had.”

  “And what was that?”

  “You will think it’s silly.” Brea’s cheeks flushed, and she smiled a little embarrassed smile.

  “No I won’t, I promise.”

  “I grew up watching my parents together. The way my father looked at my mother was incredible. It was like every single day he fell in love with her all over again. He would come home from work and kiss her, no matter what she was doing. No matter who was there. He would wrap his arms around her and hold her like she was the most precious thing in the world to him. And she looked at him the same way.

  “I never got mad at him for leaving me like he did. After Mom passed, Dad just sank into himself. He barely ate, he barely slept, all he did was mope around like he was completely lost. He tried to be strong for me, but I could hear him crying every night. He wouldn’t even sleep in their bed, I would catch him crying all the time. It was like a part of him died when she left us.”

  “And you thought if you started new somewhere else, you might find that perfect love that your parents shared?” Angel finished for her.

  “Am I really as hopeless as I think I am?” she said with a sad smile.

  “I have lived for three centuries. I have seen love come and go. I would like to think that there is a perfect love for everyone, if only they are willing to accept it. I think far too many people live their lives without ever knowing true love because they are too busy to notice when it is right under their noses. So no, I do not think you are hopeless. In fact, I think there just may be hope for you yet.”

  “You are very different than what I expected.”

  “What did you expect?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

  “I don’t really know, I just didn’t expect you to be so kind, or I don’t know. I am surprised no one has tried to bite me yet,” she said sheepishly.

  “Do you want to be bitten?” he teased.

  “No, but if I change my mind, I’ll let you know.”

  Angel laughed. “I will not hold my breath.” Brea wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or disappointed, and that made her very uncomfortable. Angel lifted his head suddenly, as if he were listening to something. He sat up and straightened his clothes. “What is it?”

  “Sebastian is looking for me. Someone is here. I must leave you now; get some rest. If I do not see you again before dawn, then have a good time shopping with your friend and Ricco. I will see you tomorrow night.” He slipped out the door, closing it behind him.

  “Angel, Sir, you have a visitor. His name is Stephan. He has come to share grievance with you.” Sebastian kept his tone professional, but the corner of his lips twitched in his effort to hide his amusement. Of course he knew what had passed between Angel and Brea. He had exceptional hearing. Even if it weren’t for that, Angel could smell Brea on his own skin, so he was certain Sebastian could too. But his man said nothing about it. Wise choice.

  “I will see him. Accompany him to my office.” Angel made a hasty tie in the back of his hair, hopefully making himself presentable. Moments later, he was in his office with the constituent seeking him.

  “Good evening, Stephan,” Angel said with sincerity. “What brings you here tonight?”

  The vampire bowed his head in respect before he spoke. “I have come to alert you to what I saw tonight.”

  “And what might that be?”

  “A woman was murdered. A human woman. I cannot be certain who did the deed, but I saw the one who dis
posed of her body. He was vampire. Not one from around here.”

  “And where did you see this?”

  “At the park, Sir. He did not notice me, and I didn’t stick around. I should have followed him, but I thought it better to alert you first thing.” The vampire was doing his best to keep eye contact, but it was faltering. Angel thought it was because he was ashamed to not have done more.

  “You have done right, Stephan. Are you certain the girl was dead?”

  “Yes Sir, her throat was torn out. He ran into the park at top speed, carrying her. He dropped her where she is sure to be found. Then he sped away.”

  “And what were you doing in the park, Stephan?” Angel asked.

  The vampire lowered his eyes. “I was having dinner, Sir.”

  Angel could plainly see the swirling tattoo on the vampire’s neck. It was the sign he was mated. “And I assume this ‘dinner’ was not with your mate?”

  “No, it was not. But it was with a willing partner.”

  Angel resisted the urge to chastise him about feeding from one that was not his mate. She would know, soon enough. A mated vampire rarely if never felt the urge to feed from someone other than his mate. It spoke volumes about the man’s integrity that he had been able to do so. Angel felt a bit sorry for the man when his mate discovered his infidelity. Mates could be brutal. He would be lucky to not get himself staked. Or worse. Imprinted mates were ferociously possessive, and gained the strength of the vampire they were mated with. “Thank you for the information, Stephan, I will see that it is properly investigated. I will not chastise you on your indiscretions. I think you understand the ramifications of your actions. Have a good night,” Angel said, dismissing the man. He left without another word.

  Sebastian, who had remained silent in the corner, finally spoke. “What do you think?”

  “I think he’s going to be in trouble when he goes home,” Angel said.

  Sebastian laughed. “Yes, he will. But that is not what I was talking about. I meant about the body. Do you have any knowledge of visitors in the area?”

  “I have not been alerted to the presence of anyone new. It is possible that this vampire may only be one that does not travel in social circles and Stephan just hadn’t seen him before. If he is new, he is being very careful to fly under the radar. Alert the human police. Do not give them any information, just set up a meeting with whoever is working the case and myself.”

  “I hate working with human authorities. They’re damn rules are ridiculous,” Sebastian huffed.

  “I know, but I will persuade them to allow us to enforce our laws on this monstrosity.”

  ELEVEN

  “What about this one?” Keelie offered, holding up a swatch of white lace. Her eyes were especially icy, round with excitement.

  “No, too new looking. I’m looking for more of an antique white.” Brea answered. Ricco was standing at her side, looking lost.

  “Ok, so what am I supposed to wear?”

  “Whatever you want. We can check out some consignment shops after this if you want,” Brea suggested, never looking up from the rack of fabric in front of her. She had been through a dozen racks, and they all started to look the same. How hard could it be to find the right material?

  “So, does Angel know you are planning a birthday bash?” Keelie said with a grin.

  “I don’t think so. At least, he hasn’t given me any reason to think so. He’s too nice to invade my mind, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t picked the brains of his band.”

  “Speaking of which, when do I get to meet this band? Do I really have to wait for the party?” she said, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder.

  “You may get more than you bargained for,” Brea answered.

  “What do you mean?”

  “One of them made the comment that wolves were animals in bed.”

  “We are. Why? Was he interested? Which one was it?” Keelie demanded, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

  “You are incorrigible.”

  “Oh my God, this is it! Look!” Keelie was holding up a fabric for Brea to see. It was antique white, soft, but polished. It would suit well for table cloths and drapery.

  “Keelie, you are the best. It will go great with the green I’ve already got picked out. You want to help me? I’ll pay you. And you could meet the guys.”

  “Sure, I could use the money, and I would love to be in the Knight Estate. I promise not to embarrass you! When do you want to do this?”

  “Depends on if they have enough of it in stock. Let’s go talk to the sales clerk.”

  They were in luck. The store had eighty yards in stock. Brea took it all. It would be delivered the next day to the Knight Estate, leaving precious little time to shop for anything else. The tables were to be delivered the day before the event, as were the extra chairs. And, Brea had been right. She got a substantial discount having bought such a large quantity. Proud of herself, they left the store, Ricco following silently behind.

  The women talked and talked. Ricco found that he couldn’t get a word in edgewise, even if he had the slightest clue what they were talking about. He watched the two shop, and saw them to one consignment store after another. He enjoyed watching the wolf, in particular. She was stunning, long brown hair and eyes the color blue quartz. She carried herself with confidence and pride, a characteristic of her breed. And she was funny. He had caught himself smiling at something she said, or look she made more than once. Not that the women even noticed he was there.

  “It’s hopeless,” Brea huffed. “I have no clue what to get him.” They were in the fifth store in the mall, and still no luck. “What do you get a man who has everything?”

  “I don’t know, maybe a piece of jewelry?” Keelie suggested. “Of course, you could give him something else. Something all men like,” she said, wagging her eyebrows.

  “I already gave him that,” Brea blurted out, turning red in the face.

  “Oh. My. God. You didn’t!”

  “Well, I couldn’t help it.” Brea proceeded to tell her friend in a hushed voice the things that happened between Angel and herself. Ricco tried not to listen, as he had heard it all before about one member of the band or another.

  “So, are you going to let him?” Keelie asked.

  “I think if he had pushed it, I wouldn’t have stopped him. It’s as if I have no self-control around him.”

  “Well duh, he is powerful, dangerous, and damn sexy. Who wouldn’t?”

  Brea shrugged her shoulders and added, “It’s not just that. I mean, yes, physically, he’s perfect. But he is so unlike anyone else I’ve ever met.”

  “What do ya mean?”

  “He’s kind. And gentle. He really cares about the people in his house. They are not only his band or employees, but his family. They all act like a family. Even the housekeeper,” Brea drawled.

  “Oh. My. God. You like him. You like him like that, don’t you?” Keelie smiled. “And did you notice, you called them people, not vampires. People. My little pop tart has stopped making the distinction.”

  “I think you might be right.” Brea thought she knew what Angel would like for his birthday at that moment. Brea walked along silently beside her friend, and neither of them saw Ricco’s smile behind them.

  ******

  “Good evening, Detective Corbin. Can I offer you something to drink?” Angel said to the portly man in his office. He was dressed in blue jeans and a cotton shirt, but also with a sports jacket. His features were worn, no doubt from the stress of his job.

  “No thank you. I was told you had information on the recently murdered women. I can’t imagine what a rock star would know of it, though.”

  “There is much I know about many things,” Angel replied. “First of all, what I am about to tell you needs not leave this room. I have checked into your background, and I have found nothing to indicate you are anything but honorable. Can I trust you with information that could very well put my own life at risk?”


  “Of course,” the detective replied in his gravelly voice.

  “Very well. I am not just a mindless musician. Although I do love music and performing, I am much more in the vampire community. I am the leader of the California clan. I am responsible for the actions and affairs of every vampire within my clan.”

  “And how is this information dangerous to you?”

  “If certain people, especially some of the purists found out, they would see a vampire as powerful as myself as a target. I have known too many attempted slayings in my time. I would prefer to keep my position secret from humans in general.”

  “So, why are you telling me? I am human,” Samuel said.

  “Because I have information that may help you. And in return, I would like you to share what you already know with me. Together, we can stop any more women from becoming targets.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “There was another body found last night, was there not?”

  “Yes, but how did you know? We haven’t released that information yet.”

  “A constituent of mine came to see me, said he saw someone dumping the body.”

  “Why didn’t he call the police?”

  “I am his police,” Angel answered. Samuel understood. The informant was a vampire.

  “What did he see?”

  “A vampire dumping the body of a woman in the park. She was left out in the open, blonde hair, maybe twenty years old. Her throat had been ripped out.”

  Samuel nodded. “At first, we thought the killer was a wolf. Who else would tear out the throat? And would be strong enough to carry the body away from the crime scene? We knew the women weren’t killed in the park because of the lack of blood evidence. But then we weren’t so sure. The cuts on the throats were made after the victim was already dead. And they were made by a knife, not teeth. So then we figured, hell, this is a human trying to make it look like a wolf.”