Nic recoiled like he’d been slapped, and his voice took on a hard edge. “What did you say?”
“You heard me. Every time you touch me, all I want to do is forget about everything else and lose myself in this fucking bond. But that’s going to get us killed. So just…stay over there. Stop touching me.”
“Evangeline.” Nic ached to crush something—to throw the shelves through the glass doors or pound his fists into something hard. At home, he had a room outfitted for such occasions. Punching bags lined the walls, and he’d ordered a custom sparring dummy that could handle his immense strength. After so many years living with his mutation, he knew when he was this frustrated, he either took his emotions out on something or someone.
“Do not speak to me that way. You do not find my touch unpleasant.”
Evangeline drew in a shuddering breath. “No, I don’t. That’s the problem. I can’t think when you touch me, and that’s going to get us both killed. Yes, we have to figure this shit out, but not now. And don’t ever tell me what I can’t do again. If I want to tell you that you’re full of shit, or that you’re being an asshole, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Carlo grabbed his arm before Nic could lunge for Evangeline. “She is right, capo. Sit down. You need to call Luigi. The Conclave is anxious to speak with you.”
The desperate need to drag his life mate off and complete the bonding warred with his need to protect her.
Carlo leaned closer and whispered in his ear. “If you do not stop this ridiculous behavior, you will lose her. Really, Nicola. You are no cretin, but you are certainly acting like one.”
When Carlo released him, Nic blinked hard to clear the haze of anger and focused on his Evangeline. Fear churned in the depths of her eyes, and he’d been the cause. “I am sorry, cara.”
She gave him a terse nod, then turned away.
Carlo withdrew a thin screen from one of the suitcases. The three huddled around the tablet, Evangeline as far from Nic as she could get, and Nic trying not to think about how close Evangeline was to another male.
“Caspita! Carlo. Computers have come a long way since I was last free.”
Carlo laughed, dispelling much of the tension in the room. “Si. As has the internet. No wires any longer.” He tapped the screen a few times and brought up the BBC’s website.
American Vampire Council calls for support for the Blood Slave Bill.
Vampire Conclave condemns the Anti-Vampire Grassroots Movement.
“The American vampires no longer recognize our—the Conclave’s—leadership?” Nic asked, shocked.
“Things are not as you left them, my friend. We are fractured. Even the Conclave. Antonio wishes to repeal the law prohibiting us from feeding on humans. Luigi is holding firm. But we are evenly split on every vote.”
“We?”
Carlo stepped back, his cheeks flushed. “When we could not find you, Luigi asked me to serve in your stead. My appointment was temporary. I relinquished my seat with pleasure four years ago. I did not enjoy the posturing and machinations. But do not expect Antonio to welcome you back.”
“Antonio enjoyed his courtesans many years ago,” Nic said.
“The Hand of God has representatives in the White House, Nicola. President Mendez has been seen talking with high-ranking leaders of the Anti-Vampire Movement.”
Merda. “How did things regress so dramatically in eighteen years?”
“The Hand of God.” Carlo ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. His eyes bore such strain, Nic could hardly believe he stared at the same man he’d left in Italy only weeks before his capture. “Some of their most loyal subjects…the things they did. Dio. Much like the suicide bombers of the war in the Middle East, they would follow the young American vampires, bating them, driving them into a frenzy, then when the vampires snapped and attacked, they filmed the carnage. This drove a wedge between the two groups. And…we are stronger. More organized. Patient.”
“And the Conclave’s stance on all of this? Nic glanced over at his life mate. He could sense her fear, but more than that, her revulsion at what her father had done.
“No Conclave member has visited America since a new incarnation of the Blood Slave Act was introduced. Luigi refused to let me use the Conclave jet to retrieve you. I had to charter a private plane.”
“I read about the Blood Slave Act years ago,” Evangeline said. “But there wasn’t a lot of information about it. What did it say?”
“Terrible things,” Nic spat. “Many years ago, cara, I penned a law that prohibited the world’s vampires from feeding directly on humans. The law the American vampires tried to introduce allowed humans to sign their lives over to a vampire for five years. During this time, the human earned a salary but was subject to the incantesimo.
Carlo shook his head. “Now, things are worse. The current proposed law does not require the routine medical examinations or overseer visits. There are no provisions to protect the humans. None at all.”
“Oh, shit.” Evangeline covered her mouth and recoiled from the two men.
“Luigi believes a war is coming,” Carlo said.
Sensing Evangeline’s confusion, Nic explained. “Luigi Nobile is the head of the Conclave. Il Presidente. He has lived for two thousand years—the oldest living vampire in the world.”
Carlo laid a hand on Nicola’s arm. “I do not wish to stay in America any longer than we have to. Tell me your plan so we might quickly return to the safety of Italy.”
“Can you pull up a map of this area?” Evangeline asked.
“Of course.” With a few taps on the screen, a lush, green map appeared.
“Satellite data. Just tap on an area, draw your fingers out like so—” Carlo demonstrated, “—and you can zoom in. If you need live data, we can get that as well, though not quickly.”
“How is this possible?” Nic asked. “Is this detail available to anyone now?”
“No. Luigi granted me access to the Conclave’s technical resources. He is very eager for your return.” A shadow passed over Carlo’s face, and Nic’s gut clenched. Something in his friend’s words spoke of danger. He angled his head, trying to indicate that he wanted a moment in private with Carlo.
“I thought they refused to give you the jet?” Evangeline narrowed her gaze. “Why would he give you this?”
Dio. His life mate was so intelligent—and protective. “Carlo?”
Staring down at his boots, Carlo shoved his hands into his pockets. “You did not seem yourself on the phone, capo. A human sposa, a threat we had no knowledge of, your sudden escape. There is concern over your loyalty.”
“Vaffanculo!” Nic shoved the cash register into the back wall. Evangeline yelped and jumped back.
“Nicola!” Vittoria exclaimed, bursting through the front door with the shovel clutched in her long fingers. “Calm yourself. You are frightening your sposa.”
“She’s not mine, apparently,” Nic muttered.
Carlo rested his hand on Nic’s arm. “There is little patience for the American vampires or the Hand of God. To learn you were their prisoner…we all worried. I will vouch for your loyalties now, but I had to see you again first.”
“If you contact them, will they send help?” Evangeline asked. “Heading back to the catacombs with just the five of us isn’t a smart idea.”
“I cannot be the one to ask. Nicola must call.” Carlo handed Nic his phone. “Try.”
Nic closed himself in the small office. Though his Evangeline remained no more than fifty feet away, he hated the distance between them. Hated that he’d lost his temper and frightened her or given her any reason to doubt what he felt for her.
Staring at the phone, all of his fears raced to the forefront of his mind. Stop this madness. You were well-respected before your capture. Luigi is a reasonable man. Except, so much had happened in the past eighteen years, Nic had no idea what to expect from the elder vampire.
“Pronto?” Luigi’s tired voice whispered ove
r the line. Night had fallen hours ago in Naples, and he’d probably disturbed Luigi’s sleep. Not the way to endear himself.
“Luigi. Capo, it is Nicola.”
“You should have called me first.” Luigi’s harsh tone made Nic flinch.
“Mi dispiace. I had little time. But that is no excuse. Please forgive me.”
“Tell me where you have been, and I will see.”
Nic summarized as best he could: his capture, rescue, and Longo’s plan to distribute the serum and kill as many vampires as he could all around the world.
“This is a preposterous claim, Nicola. A drug that can turn us mortal? And yet you survived for eighteen years? Why did the Hand of God not simply kill you?”
“Because Longo did not perfect the serum until this week.”
“I allowed Giancarlo leave to escort you back to Italy. I did not authorize a strike against the Hand of God, no matter how much I want that vile organization wiped from the earth. You are to return home and turn yourself over for interrogation.”
Fear clutched at Nic’s gut. He’d participated in dozens of interrogations in his long life, but never as a prisoner. He’d be bound in silver once more, locked away from sunlight, fresh air, and Evangeline until the Conclave cleared him of any wrongdoing.
“What crime have I committed, capo?”
“Until we question you, I will not answer that question. I expect you to turn yourself over in twenty-four hours.”
“I need more time. If only to arrange for my…life mate. She has no one. I pledge my loyalty to you. I will submit to your orders—and your ruling—if you promise me that my Evangeline will always be protected.”
“You ask us to protect a human who was raised by the Hand of God? You should know better, Nicola.” Luigi tsked quietly. “And you are in no position to make demands.”
“She saved my life. More than once in the past few days and at great peril to her safety. Without her, we would know nothing of the Hand of God’s plans.” He clenched his fists on the edge of the cheap desk and felt the wood crack under his fingers. “If their plans are successful, we will all be at risk. I cannot let that happen. I am going back to the catacombs to arrest Longo and destroy the serum. Once I do, I will return to Italy if you promise me Evangeline will receive the full rights of any other vampire life mate. And the Conclave’s protection.”
Luigi’s frustrated grumble carried over the line. “This defiance will not reflect kindly on your interrogation, Nicola. But you have my word. Upon your return to Italy, you will have twenty-four hours to settle your life mate in your home before you are expected to report for interrogation. Regardless of our findings, she will be allowed to remain in Sorrento with access to your funds. If we are dissatisfied with your answers, she will inherit your holdings. She will not be punished for your actions.”
“Forty-eight hours.”
“Scusi?”
“I require forty-eight hours. She knows nothing of the world, capo. She has lived underground her entire life. I need two days. Beyond that, your terms are agreeable.”
“Not a minute longer.”
The click as Luigi hung up made Nic flinch. He would endure the interrogation for his Evangeline. The silver cell, the shackles, the hours of questions. He would take the chance that his fellow vampires wouldn’t believe him if it kept her safe.
As Nic emerged from the office, Evangeline opened the bathroom door. Her skin glowed, and the scent of honeysuckle soap clung to her skin. She’d changed into new clothes: a black long-sleeved sweater and camouflage pants that suited the hunter within her.
“You look lovely.” He couldn’t tear his gaze away from her lips.
“Vittoria’s on the roof with Pietro, and Carlo’s outside.” Hugging herself tightly, she skirted one of the shelving units, keeping more than ten feet between them.
If only he’d not lost his temper. Perhaps she wouldn’t be afraid of him now. “If you do not wish to be alone with me…”
“What happened with Luigi?”
Nic stifled his curse. “I must submit to their interrogation within forty-eight hours of returning to Italy. They will not send anyone to help us.”
“Interrogation? Wh-what is that?”
“Do not ask me that, cara. Not tonight. Please.” He turned away to still his shaking hands.
When Evangeline pressed her body to his, he stiffened. “Step away from me, Evangeline. I cannot control myself around you. I want to take you away from here and finish this right now. You are mine. My sposa. I have never felt as certain of anything in my entire vampire life. But I also know you are right. We need to focus on surviving the next few days, not this damnable bonding.”
When she didn’t move, he tore himself from her side, and using all of his enhanced speed, grabbed the suitcase Carlo had brought him and locked himself in the men’s bathroom.
The clothes stained with Evangeline’s blood went into the trash. As best he could in the small sink, he washed his hair and cleansed his body. Black cargo pants and a black wool sweater warmed his skin. The dark material emphasized the severity of his chiseled face, slightly thinner and older now than before his captivity. He rubbed his chin. He rather liked the dangerous look of the stubble that coated his jaw. Perhaps he would not shave when he returned home.
When he emerged, he found Evangeline staring intently at Carlo’s tablet, scrolling through satellite images. As her gaze settled on him, she drew in a sharp breath, and desire flooded him over their bond. “There are access tunnels spread throughout the forest. They should be large enough for us to crawl through. I just need to find them.”
“Can I assist you?”
Before she could answer, Carlo shoved the office door open hard enough to splinter the wood, then stalked outside. Nic glanced between the glass doors and Evangeline.
“Go,” she said quietly as she brushed away a tear. “You’re worried.”
His brows lifted in surprise.
“I can feel your emotions. You’re in my head. Or I’m in yours.” To his surprise, she smiled, though a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes. “Go to him. If I need you, you’ll know.” She touched the marks on her neck. “I think you’ll always know.”
26
Four hours passed, Evangeline’s nerves fraying. Nic and Carlo argued until Vittoria reprimanded both of them for their lack of manners.
She could feel Nic’s every emotion—the fear, the frustration, and the betrayal at learning Luigi didn’t trust him any longer. God, she wanted to comfort him. Go across the room where he and Carlo sat with their heads bent together and wrap her arms around him. But if she touched him, she’d agree to bond with him.
Only a few words reached her—all in Italian. Unable to focus on the satellite images any longer, Evangeline glanced over at Pietro. The young, surly vampire leaned against the end of the counter, clutching his rifle. From time to time, he pulled out his phone and sent a message. A dozen in the past few hours.
“What do your tattoos say?” she asked, trying to distract him from his intense scrutiny of Nic.
Pinning her under his dark gaze for several seconds, Pietro huffed out a breath, then sent another message.
“Does Nic know you’re spying on him?”
Her entire world toppled over. Pietro slung the rifle over his shoulder and grabbed her by the arms, hauling her off her feet and snarling an oath.
Before she could even open her mouth to yelp, Nic had Pietro by the throat. “Let her go right now, or I will snap your fucking neck,” he said, the quiet intensity of his words chilling her.
Evangeline’s stomach roiled, and a cold sweat broke out over her entire body. When Pietro set her down, her knees buckled, and she collapsed back against the counter.
“Give me one reason why I should not kill you,” Nic snarled.
Pietro drove his elbow into Nic’s gut. With a grunt, Nic whirled, throwing the younger vampire across the room into the shelves. Pietro landed with a yelp of pain, but leapt up and r
ushed Nic, raining blows down on his chest, then catching him in the jaw.
“Nic!”
Her cry distracted Pietro enough that Nic pivoted and plowed a right hook into Pietro’s cheek, knocking him out—or at least dazing him enough that he didn’t move.
The commotion brought Vittoria down from the roof, and she gaped at the aftermath. “What is going on here?”
“Did you know?” Nic asked as he rubbed his jaw and glared at Carlo.
“No.” Flipping Pietro onto his stomach, Carlo jerked his head at Vittoria. “Get the bag.”
Before Evangeline could do more than blink, Vittoria returned with a black leather case.
“Evangeline, I need your assistance,” Carlo said. “Open the case.”
She turned to Nic. A bruise darkened his cheek, and his eyes churned a darker shade of purple. With some difficulty, he tore his gaze from Carlo and nodded.
Dropping to one knee, Evangeline lifted the lid. “Handcuffs? What good are handcuffs?”
“Silver,” Nic said.
She feared she knew the answer, but still, she asked, “Why do you have silver handcuffs?”
“For me.” Nic spun on his heel and strode to the glass doors, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“You’re supposed to be his friend,” Evangeline muttered as she snapped the handcuffs around Pietro’s wrists, grimacing as her fingers brushed his skin. Being this close to him felt unbearably wrong.
“I am his friend. I told Luigi I was satisfied Nicola had not been turned.” Carlo retrieved Pietro’s phone and glanced at the screen. “Messages to and from Antonio.”
Nic held Evangeline’s gaze from across the room, sadness overwhelming her until he addressed Vittoria. “E lei? Were you also a part of this?”
“No. You asked me to come, and I did.”
Pietro groaned and tried to turn over, but Carlo grabbed him by the arm and hauled him to his feet. “I am the one in chains? Nicola was lost for eighteen years. He reeks of human.”
“That human is my life mate,” Nic spat. “You will not disrespect her or touch her again. How dare you put your hands on her.”
Secrets in Blood Page 23
