Born in Fire (Fire and Ice Trilogy Book 1)

by K. F. Breene

  Did I mention it was all light cream? Walls, chairs, parts of the rug—light cream.

  I did mention I was dirty. Filthy, actually. I was wearing the clothes in which I’d rolled around in the dirt. Dust was fleeing from me in puffs.

  When dust wouldn’t even stick to my person, I knew I had no place among cream-colored decorations.

  I circled the table, trying to stay on the thin slice of wood floor between the rug and the wall. This became difficult when the extra chairs stood in my way, so I stripped off my boots and gasped at the lines of brown on my socks. Those had to come off, too.

  Barefooted, I continued to circle, eyeing the simply wasteful array of food that had been set out. Among the plentiful options was an entire roast beef surrounded by baked potatoes and carrots, a punch bowl of soup with a ladle, a roasted chicken with rice pilaf, a silver tray with crab legs accompanied with melted butter, and shrimp dishes. The spread could feed enough hungry people to fit in all twenty-six chairs, plus a few stowaways besides.

  I blew out a breath as I eyed the lone plate at the head of the table.

  He’d had all this prepared for one person. Me. What a nincompoop.

  “Well…” I sighed. “I better try to eat it all, or he’ll think I’m rude.”

  “What was that?”

  I jumped and my hand shot to my sword as a beautiful woman entered the room. Brown hair tumbled over her shoulders in loose curls, and she wore a strapless dress with a sparkly sort of bodice leading down into flowing silk. With a face that would make cupid sport a boner, she was a knockout. I wasn’t into girls, but even I wanted to stare at her and drool.

  “You’re Darius’s girlfriend, then?” I asked. Because that seemed to fit. Handsome guy, hot chick, A-list friends. What tabloid hadn’t I seen that in?

  She drifted into the room like a poltergeist and waited beside a chair next to the head of the table. I hurried forward and pulled the chair out for her. Logic said it wasn’t my job, but my motor skills seemed to think otherwise.

  She lowered herself into it like a queen and folded her hands in her lap.

  I hovered around my chair like a gobshite, dopey and clumsy. “You really don’t have to hang out with me,” I said. My stomach growled.

  Why didn’t you say that before you pulled her chair out, idiot? Now she thinks you secretly do want her to hang out with you.

  “I’m okay on my own,” I added.

  Why am I sitting?

  “I’m usually on my own, actually.” I laughed awkwardly. In fact, there wasn’t much about that moment I hadn’t made awkward.

  I folded my hands in my lap like she was doing. It was like my brain was on complete hiatus. Was this what guys felt like in the presence of a beautiful woman? Because if so, forgiven. And also, they were idiots. I was an idiot.

  A man glided in wearing a tux and carrying another place setting. I hopped out of my chair. “No, no. Honestly. I don’t need company.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said, but set her place anyway. She didn’t smile or thank him when he was done. It should’ve been weird, but her muteness just added to the mystery, making her even prettier. It wasn’t fair.

  Next he put his hand to the back of my chair and waited beside it for me to sit.

  “Really, I think I’ll just grab a plate and head down to the kitchen.” I glanced at my shoes, and was suddenly mortified that I was barefoot. Who in their right mind went to a friend’s house for dinner and took off their shoes before they sat down to eat? Surely that looked as strange as it sounded.

  I took the chair. It was the least awkward option, and that was saying something.

  “Would you like something to drink, Ms. Somerset?” He bent slightly at the waist to give me his utmost attention. “Wine, perhaps?”

  “Wine would be great, thanks,” I blurted.

  “Of course. Ms. Beauchene?”

  “Goblet of O-negative, freshly poured.”

  That was gross.

  “Of course,” he said, as though it was as simple a request as the wine. He exited the room.

  “So…” I said, swallowing a little too loudly. “I’ll just get this underway, will I? I’d hate to keep you.”

  She turned to me with a demure expression. “He will serve you.” Her voice was deep and sensual, with a thick French accent.

  “Right. Yes. Actually, I think I’ll just serve myself. I’m used to it. I wouldn’t want you to wait on ceremony and…uhm, it would be a pity for your blood to get cold. You know.”

  I slid from my chair on the opposite side of the table so as to hide my bare feet. Quickly, I scooped heaping portions onto my plate, helping my overall barbarian look, and scurried back to my seat.

  I took up my fork and knife, about to dive in, before glancing over at the empty plate in front of her. Suddenly I was at a loss. “Do you eat, or…?”

  “I will attend you,” she said pleasantly.

  Was that a no?

  I was too afraid to ask and look even stupider.

  Slowly, I put the first bite of food into my mouth and chewed, staring in front of me while kind of hunched over, wondering if I was being incredibly rude or just incredibly weird.

  The vampire in the tux entered with drinks. He stood next to me and opened my bottle. He left it to the side and opened a bottle for her.

  Apparently getting blood was that easy. How, I had no idea, nor did I want to ask. They might wonder if I was volunteering to be crushed and bottled.

  “May I get you some soup, Ms. Somerset?” the man asked.

  “Yes, please,” I responded.

  “Where are my manners?” The very pretty woman set her drink down. “Je m’appelle Marie.” She lightly touched her fingertips to her chest and smiled.

  “Hi, I’m Reagan,” I said, nodding. My face flamed in embarrassment, though I had no idea why.

  The soup landed in front of me a moment later, at about the same time Darius wandered into the room. “Reagan,” he said.

  I’d just put a big chunk of meat into my mouth, intent on getting this dinner over with as fast as possible. I raised my eyebrows. “Mhm?”

  “I will be heading upstairs for a day slumber. It can be resisted in the Brink, but it is difficult for more than a day at a time. I’d sooner take it now than when I am needed awake.” He paused, possibly awaiting my approval.

  I threw him a thumbs-up.

  “When you are finished,” he went on, “Mr. Giles will see you to your room before retiring.”

  “Mhm.” Another thumbs-up.

  “I will see you at sundown.” He glanced at Marie. Before exiting, he hesitated. “There are other humans in the house who will be given the opportunity to eat when you are finished. Is that acceptable?”

  I looked at Marie, waiting for her to answer. After a moment, she switched her gaze from Darius to me, also waiting.

  “Oh.” I took another sip of really delicious wine to help wash down my more-than-exquisite food. I could get used to this setup. “Sure. Yeah. They can come in now. Wait, why do you have a bunch of humans here?”

  “Several of my older children use this as a safe house in which to dine. The humans are easily acquired, and are invited to stay as long as they are useful.”

  “Sorry I asked. But yeah, whatever. They can come in now, I don’t care.”

  He scoffed, “Don’t be ridiculous,” and left the room.

  Marie gazed at me. It felt expectant, somehow.

  “He’s a good guy, huh?” I offered, tapping an invisible spot in the air with my fork.

  Not waiting for an answer, I went back to my plate. In truth, I didn’t think what I’d said was exactly true. Darius was a hospitable guy, surely. A gentleman, definitely. But I had no illusions. He needed me at the moment, and it was in his best interests to keep me alive and happy. Afterward was another story. He was a vampire, first and foremost, and they served themselves. Even their protection of the unicorns was self-serving. It was an important distinction to remember.
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  “One of the best,” she said, thankfully not able to read my mind. “I enjoy having him near.”

  “Did he make you, then?” I asked, hopefully using the right words.

  “He did, yes. He’s been the most excellent teacher and confidant. One of the best, as I said. I am very lucky.”

  “Mhm.” She got a thumbs-up, too. I was passing them out like business cards.

  “What is your involvement with him?”

  “Oh. Just working together. On a thing.” I nodded, like that was a sufficient answer.

  “You have a delicious aroma. Tell me, does Darius find your blood as delectable as it smells?”

  “He wouldn’t know.” I eyed the rest of the food as I scraped my plate clean. I was still hungry, but I didn’t want to be in her company any longer.

  “No?” she said. “Interesting. I wonder, would he rather that we be the first to taste and judge?”

  Had she really just licked her lips?

  “You know what?” I put my napkin on the table—then decided better of it, and rose and placed it on my empty chair. “Mr.…” I stared at the man in the tux, off to the side. What had Darius called him? “Sir?”

  He turned toward me with an air of patience. “Yes, ma’am. Would you like something else?”

  “Actually, I think I’ll retire and do a little studying before hitting the hay. Do you think I can just take a plate on the run? Paper plate, maybe. And that wine. I’ll just take a plate to go, a cup—plastic is fine—and that whole bottle of wine. That way I can get out of your hair.”

  “I apologize—was that rude of me?” Marie stood gracefully.

  “Oh no, you’re fine.”

  She took a step toward me. I did not like that look of hunger in her eyes.

  “Mr. Durant has specified that Ms. Somerset is to have full access to his home,” the vampire in the tux said to Marie. “She is not to be touched, and is permitted to take action should she feel threatened in any way.”

  “Hmm,” Marie said, her eyes shining with mischief. The hunger was still there.

  “Do you have a paper plate, sir?” I asked, backing toward my boots.

  “I will have a plate brought to your quarters. Marie, I will warn you one final time. If you flout Mr. Durant’s command, you are liable to find your permanent resting place.”

  She laughed, a delightful sound. “He has never carried through with one of his punishments, William. You should know better by now.”

  “I was not warning you on behalf of Mr. Durant. Something you might pass on.” William passed behind her and made his way to the door. “Ms. Somerset, please follow me.”

  She eyed me like a cat would a wriggling fish: dinner that she planned to play with first. Thankfully, it kept her from noticing the dirty boots and socks in my hand. That was really the biggest deal, after all. I grabbed the neck of the wine bottle and hurried out after William.

  “Please accept my apology,” William said as he led the way to a staircase in the rear of the house. “She is not used to the word no. Not in her human life, and not now. Mr. Durant is much too lenient with her. To her credit, she is good at ascertaining information for Mr. Durant.”

  “I bet.”

  “Have no fear. She will not kill you. The worst that could possibly happen is for her to happen upon you suddenly and taste the origin of that del—of your smell. You will be quite safe.”

  “Our definitions of safe are…somewhat different.”

  “Mr. Durant assured me that you are proficient in fighting.”

  “Very.”

  “Well, then. If she gravely offends you in that manner, kill her.”

  He said it without emotion. If she crossed the line, he expected me to rectify the situation. I wondered if he lacked loyalty to her specifically, or if many vampires had no loyalty in general.

  We passed by a few closed doors before stopping in front of one. He turned the handle, walked through, and stepped out of the way. “These are your rooms.”

  “Rooms, plural?”

  “Yes, of course.” He waited for me to enter and, once again, marvel, because I couldn’t get used to a house this nice. “There is a hidden passageway that will lead you to Mr. Durant’s quarters. He is currently with one of the humans, but afterward, he will be available should you need anything.”

  “No thanks.”

  “I apologize.” William crossed the room and slid his finger along the side of a picture frame before clicking a hidden button. The frame popped open like a door. “I didn’t mean to imply that he hoped you’d join him for feeding or intercourse. Those needs should be sated in a couple hours. No, use this passageway if something should happen, whatever it might be.” He paused before continuing. “He must realize the draw you have on us. You are very unique. I have never smelled anything quite like it. The curiosity, in this case, creates a powerful urge. Almost as alluring as if your blood were to taste as good as it smells.”

  “You’re tap-dancing on the line, bro.” I put a hand to my stomach, trying unsuccessfully to deaden the growl.

  “Of course. I apologize. I am not usually in the presence of humans who do not wish to…entertain our wishes.” He paused for a beat. Hoping I’d relent and stick out my neck, perhaps? “I will bring you something to eat. You have the wine bottle there, I see. I’ll bring you a glass. Would you like some water?”

  I flushed a little at his mention of the bottle, but really, could he blame me? “Water would be fine, thank you.”

  “Of course.” He exited the room with a slight bow.

  I had no idea who would want to be an eternal butler, but I knew exactly why Darius would want one.

  I pushed the picture frame closed, hoping Darius couldn’t get through the other side, and noticed clothes on the end of the bed. Leather pants, a red tank top, sexy underwear…clearly Darius had rifled through my pile of dirty clothing while I slept in his bed in the Dungeon and had his people pick me up some spares. It was hard to care, since the clean clothes were welcomed.

  A few hours before dusk, I was lying on my bed, wide awake. I’d eaten two more plates of food, finished the bottle of wine, showered, and slipped into a food coma that did not last all day. Being that I’d also slept in the Dungeon, I could not make myself go back under.

  I looked around the room for the millionth time. Despite all the finery, there was a complete lack of entertainment. No computer. No TV. Not even a book.

  I debated wandering downstairs to find a library, of which I was certain there was one, but my gaze fell on the heavily curtained windows. Without another thought, I hopped up and got dressed. No sense wasting time waiting for Darius—I could get some information while he slept off his blood and/or sex coma.

  The house was silent as I made my way down the stairs and then out the front door. Clouds rolled overhead, dark with warning. I walked briskly along the sidewalk, knowing I should take off my weapons, since it was daylight, but also that I had nowhere to put them. Speed was my friend, and it had the side benefit of getting me to my destination in no time. Once there, I loitered for a moment, looking around the corner of a building.

  Loud jazz music blasted into the street. Pedestrians holding drinks or shopping bags meandered along, peering into the bars or talking to each other. As the bodies shifted and moved, I spied my favorite snitch leaning against the wall, sucking on a cigarette.

  He kept randomly looking my way, probably waiting for someone. I circled around the block and walked toward him from the opposite direction. Hiding behind a wide man who bobbed and swayed like he was on a ship deck, I kept my head down and out of sight. At the last moment, I stepped out from behind the man, wrapped my arm around Red, put one hand to the side of his face, and applied my thumb to the hollow at the base of his jaw, just below his ear.

  Applying pressure, I leaned in. “Let’s do this calm-like.”

  His hands flew up, but he relaxed into the pain shortly thereafter. We’d been down this road before, after all. He knew
that if he didn’t struggle, I wouldn’t hurt him.

  “You’re choosing the wrong time for this,” he warned.

  I always did, as far as he was concerned.

  I marched him into the closest bar. He staggered, the difference in the light hard on his eyes. Mine adjusted immediately. I led him to the back and into a booth.

  “Have you been drinking?” he asked as he fell onto the seat. He rubbed at the offending spot under his jaw.

  “It’s been, like…a whole day since I finished the bottle. I hardly think that counts. Which reminds me, time for a top-up. Stay here.”

  I got myself a beer from the bar, and one for him. I drained half of both of them. Props were good.

  After setting his beer in front of him, I kept a handle on mine. “Got a question.”

  “You always got a question.” He peered down at his bottle. “They’ll know you set that in front of me, Reagan. Everyone knows I don’t drink.”

  “They’ll wonder if you started again, and have a moment of worry.” I had no idea who they were, but his expression darkened. “See how smart I am? Now, I’m looking for a really powerful mage.” I dug the casing out of my pocket and showed it to him. “Do you recognize this?”

  “How would I recognize that? I don’t use those.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Has anyone mentioned anything?”

  “About a casing? No. About a mage? Yes. But it sounds like they’re in the same boat you are.” He looked at the bar door. He was definitely waiting for someone. Probably a shifter, but I was here on legit business, so it didn’t matter.

  I had to keep reminding myself of that fact.

  “What boat is that?” I asked, putting the casing back into my pocket.

  “Not the booze cruise, at any rate. Your teeth are red.”

  I leaned forward, losing patience.

  He read the writing on the wall. “Okay, okay.” He put his hands on the table and glanced at the door again. “That guy you picked up the other night?” I nodded. “I asked around about him, out of curiosity. I wanted to know why the vampires were after him. That’s newsworthy, right?” He waited for my nod. “He was selling a sort of drug. It came in the form of blood.”