Dark Secrets

by P. L. Midnight

  There was no one in the room with me now. I vaguely remembered someone sitting with me until my fever had subsided. I was certain it was the same man who’d brought me inside. He’d seemed immensely tall and strong as he carried me inside, but he’d been very gentle as he tended my wounds. I recalled him tenderly wiping my face with a cool cloth as the fever raged through me. He’d even lost the look of irritation for a while.

  I wasn’t sure how long the fever had ravaged my body, but I felt better now, even under the thick comforter.

  The man had the most amazing sapphire eyes I’d ever seen. He’d looked at me and seemed to compel me to drink a deep red liquid. I recalled that it had tasted bitter and coppery. I’d fought the glass. I’d knocked it out of his hands, but the spell his eyes seemed to weave had quieted me. I drank what little was left in the glass without further incident. It was likely hallucinations from the fever, but at one point, I thought he’d also induced me to drink from his wrist, which couldn’t be right. Whatever he’d given me had helped almost instantly as the fever subsided, I’d fallen back to sleep as he cradled me against his firm bicep.

  I could still taste the coppery tang on my lips. Perhaps the taste lingered from the fluid in the glass.

  I gingerly moved my head to look at the rest of the room. I still felt weak and like I’d been knocked off a horse and possibly stomped on by giant hoofs.

  I took a closer look at the other elegant objects in the room. Everything in the room looked expensive as if someone important and very wealthy lived there. Near the bed was an old-fashioned ceramic bowl and pitcher on a sophisticatedly carved antique wooden table. A great dresser sat on one side of the room with an exquisite looking tiffany lamp atop it. It, too, looked as if it was from another era.

  The room wasn’t masculine in the least. It was definitely a woman’s room with the delicate flocked wallpaper and a vanity complete with a silver comb and brush atop it. There seemed to be no mirror on the vanity and no hand held mirror, which seemed odd. A few fancy glass decanters, which appeared to be perfume bottles sat atop it, too. Perhaps he had a grown daughter who was a tomboy and didn’t require a mirror.

  My thoughts were interrupted as the very person I was thinking about entered the room. I knew it was him, the minute I saw his eyes. I’d never forget those beautiful eyes as long as I lived. Today they looked almost black so deep was the blue as he looked at me a moment longer than was polite before he spoke. Although he’d saved me, I had the distinct feeling I wasn’t a welcomed guest. I hadn’t had that feeling while I was recovering, but I did now.

  “I see you’re finally awake. How are you feeling?” he said as his intense stare almost bore a hole through me as he looked down at me, from his high vantage point, seeming to take in every detail.

  The man was tall, as I’d remembered, at well over six feet, probably almost six-and-one-half feet. As he stared at me, I peeked at him from under my lashes. He was even more handsome than I remembered, so that it almost hurt my eyes to look upon him. His long midnight hair was tied back in a ponytail at his neck. One strand had fallen out of the tie and hung over his shoulder, which was very sexy. I wondered for a moment if he was a fallen angel and I was in some alternate world. As if he could hear my thoughts, his mouth turned up a bit at the corner.

  “I’m afraid I’m far from an angel, not even a fallen one.”

  I stammered embarrassed at my strange thoughts and the sensations running through me caused by his intense gaze, glittering eyes and alluring voice, “I’m, um, fine. I think. I’m sorry to have caused you so much trouble. Thanks for saving my life, Victor. It is Victor, isn’t it? I thought I heard someone call you that name.”

  “Yes, it’s Victor Negrescu. No thanks are necessary, but I am curious as to what you were doing out in such a horrible storm so late at night. It was very foolhardy to be driving, when all the roads were closed by order of the Sheriff. You could have been arrested, and very nearly died, young woman.”

  I had the distinct feeling he knew my name, but was calling me young woman to distance himself from me. Had the earlier warmth I’d glimpsed in his eyes been just my imagination?

  “Yes, I know. It was foolish. I apologize, again, for causing you so much trouble, but I really didn’t know how bad the roads were until it was too late. When I left, they weren’t closed. It hadn’t even started raining much either.”

  “Surely you heard about the predicted storm of the century that the media had been forecasting for days. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t have found somewhere to stop when you realized how bad it was.”

  “I didn’t know about the storm or I obviously wouldn’t have been out in it, would I? Where was I supposed to stop, when I was out here in the middle of nowhere? I wouldn’t have seen the castle if it hadn’t been for a light being on inside.” I became a little defensive at the censure in his voice and the coldness in his eyes. I guess he had no way of knowing that I’d been holed up in a cheap motel with no television. I’d been so focused on getting out of the area that I hadn’t even bothered to listen much to the radio in the van.

  “Indeed, I don’t know how you could’ve missed all the warnings, but nevertheless you’re here. This is where you will remain for the time being until you’re well enough to leave, which will be as soon as possible, I assure you. You’ll be safe here until then.”

  I ignored his inhospitable comments, “Thanks to you, I’m finally warm, too.”

  “Yes, and thanks to me for finding you half frozen in that storm. I still can’t believe you thought you’d be able to walk in that ice.”

  “I couldn’t very well stay in the car and freeze to death, could I?”

  “No, freezing outside was a much better choice.”

  “Look, I said I’m sorry. Can you please stop lecturing me? I’ll be happy to pay you for any inconvenience. I know you gave me some coppery tasting medicine and some broth. I’ll pay for that, too. By the way, how long have I been here?” The dark, unwelcoming glare I was getting from Victor didn’t dissipate, but his lip did turn up a bit at my snarky remarks.

  “You’ve been in bed for over a week now, getting constant care for some nasty cuts and that ungodly fever. Oh, and of course I wrapped your ankle, which you seemed to have sprained in your trek through my icy yard. There is no need to pay me for anything. It isn’t always a matter of money, young lady.”

  “As I said, I’m sorry to have imposed on you and your hospitality.” Or lack thereof, I thought as he continued with his unfriendly stare. “I’d still be glad to pay for whatever costs you’ve incurred on my behalf, including your time.”

  “I have plenty of time, but as I said, it’s unnecessary, unless you’d like to work off your debt by cleaning the house.” There was the merest spark of a twinkle in those dark sapphire eyes as he spoke.

  When I started to get up, he placed his hand on my midsection to keep me pinned to the bed. I blushed at the intensity I felt from his touch, which seemed to sear my flesh, even through the thick comforter. Would these feelings never end? It was the same kind of stomach tingles and heated flesh that I’d felt with the guys. I didn’t even know this man and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to, even if he was hot enough to melt an igloo in the middle of a frigid Alaskan winter.

  He immediately pulled his hand away from me as if he had been burned. I wondered if he’d felt the intensity of the touch as I had. He looked away for a minute and seemed to catch his breath or something. He sighed, and then spoke again with a slight smirk on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “It’s not necessary to get up. I was only kidding. As you can tell, I’m not without wealth. I have no need of anything from you.” Wow, could he have said that in a colder voice? I could almost see the icicles hanging off his tongue, so harsh was his voice. The sooner I could get out of there, the happier we’d both be. My body’s attraction to him be damned, as soon as I was healed, I was leaving.

  I guess he hadn’t heard my thoughts as he continued, “The
woman’s voice you probably remember is my housekeeper. She stays here during the day and leaves before nightfall. We wouldn’t want you taking her job, would we? Besides you’re not ready to leave your bed. You’re probably still pretty sore and a little woozy from the medicine. I don’t want to have to nurse you through another fever should you get up too soon. It is easy to catch a chill. This old place is pretty drafty, so kindly stay in bed.”

  “You’re probably right. I don’t want to be a burden.”

  “You will be if you act foolish again and catch another fever.”

  “I’ll stay put for now. You’re probably right, I feel like I’ve been rode hard and put away wet.”

  What had I been thinking to make that old remark, which referred to a horse? He looked at me with that slight twinkle in his eye as if he knew exactly the effect he was having on my libido even with his harsh tone and irritating midnight stare. The twinkle disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, making me wonder if I’d just imagined it. He spoke with his customary coldness, which I was coming to expect from him.

  “I do think you fared better than your car did.”

  “Is it drivable? I should be leaving soon.”

  “Unfortunately for us both, I don’t think you’re up to driving yet. You won’t be driving your car. It is beyond repair and sitting in my garage for the time being, Emma.”

  “How do you know my name?” I said at once both surprised and a bit uneasy that he’d known my name all along, just as I’d thought.

  “I found your wallet in the pocket of your coat. Don’t worry. It’s in the drawer of the nightstand. I of course looked through it only to determine your name. I also wondered if I’d need to call your next of kin for a while there.”

  He could be pretty blunt, I thought, and colder than Vince’s hands.

  “Thanks.”

  “Oh, I also have your cell phone. It was dead and is being charged downstairs.” I wondered why he hadn’t charged it near me. Then I had an awful thought. I hoped that he hadn’t called any of the guys with it, but why would he? He probably didn’t know any of them.

  “Thanks again.”

  He hadn’t told her that he’d looked through the phone and found Raven’s name, which he’d already called. He waited for her reaction to his next comment.

  “No need to thank me as I said. Is there anyone you’d like me to call for you? I can let them know you’re ok. Your phone isn’t quite charged enough yet to bring it up here. I just found it. I was busy tending to you and didn’t check your sodden coat pockets. Actually, Mrs. McClain found the wallet and the telephone before she cleaned your coat. I can call your family or friends from my house phone if you’d like me to do so.”

  “There’s no need to call anyone.”

  “There’s no one that will be worried about you?”

  If he thought I was all alone in the world, would I be safe? The man was cold. A darkness about him spoke volumes. He didn’t want me here, which was obvious. However, would he hurt me? I’d probably be ok. If he’d wished me harm he wouldn’t have saved me. Anyway, who could I have him call? Ghostbusters? I sure couldn’t have him call the guys. I’d run away from them. Tori would only worry if he called her, and Mom was still missing.

  When I made no reply, he continued in his smooth, deep, accented voice, “As you wish. Would you like something to eat?”

  “If it isn’t too much trouble, I could really use something to eat. I’m feeling better than I did. I think it was that red, coppery-tasting stuff you gave me.” When I mentioned it earlier and he’d given me a strange look, but hadn’t made a comment.

  I didn’t say that he’d nearly forced it down my throat. Since it was probably a hallucination, there was no need to be rude. After all, no matter how inhospitable he appeared to be, Victor could’ve left me outside to die. No one would have been the wiser, until maybe spring, and that was if animals hadn’t eaten my carcass.

  This time at the mention of the medicine, he looked as if he’d visibly paled, if that were possible with his already ashen complexion. Perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned it, again.

  He quickly turned from me and made his way to the door, “I’ll get you something to eat. Just lay there and rest a bit longer. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Um...okay, then. Thanks.”

  He was so strange, one moment he looked like he wanted to touch me and the next minute he couldn’t move away quick enough. Victor was certainly nice looking, especially the rear view with his tight pants showing off his firm male butt. Besides his tall stature, he had an aura of power around him. He also displayed a natural grace that made him look as if he hovered just above the ground when he walked. His frame may have been lean, but I could see the outline of corded muscles beneath his white poet’s shirt and tight pants, which fitted into tall boots. He was dangerous in more ways than one.

  Victor had thick, long ebony hair, which he’d tied back in a que and his sapphire eyes were spectacular. Probably a poor choice of words since I’d almost died, but his eyes were like pools of the deepest blue seas holding untold mysteries and danger in their depths. His face was lean with a predominant chin and a handsomeness that could only be called otherworldly, because he was just that magnificent. Victor’s hooded eyes were definitely the focal point of his face and his full lower lip looked completely kissable.

  The smell of rich exotic spice lingered in the room after he left. I lay back, still slightly overwhelmed by his commanding presence, even if he wasn’t the kindest person I’d ever met. He was quite a conundrum.

  If I would’ve read Victor’s thoughts I’d have been terrified, but for some reason I seemed unable to read him at all. I wondered if my newly acquired telepathic skill had somehow been damaged in the accident or, perhaps, I would only be able to read my six guys’ minds.

  Chapter Two

  Victor couldn’t wait to get out of that room with the human. Her blood was calling to his and it drove him mad with desire. He’d only been around her a little over a week and could barely keep from sinking his fangs into the delectable, soft curve at the base of her neck. To be completely truthful he wanted to sink more than that into her. Frankly, his baser needs irritated him. She belonged to Raven, his best friend, Miles and those other four guys. Whether she’d admitted it or not she belonged with them. He could tell when they’d spoken on the telephone that Raven was more than a little besotted with her. It was strange that she hadn’t wanted him to call any of the guys that Raven had mentioned. She had to know they were all worried about her. It was all very strange even to someone who’d been on the earth much longer than some obsolete civilizations.

  Humans were trouble and always had been. He knew that curvy, little human upstairs would be more trouble than he’d ever known if he allowed her to get under his skin. Hell, a human hadn’t affected him like that since Cleopatra had shared his sarcophagus. This led him to believe that something besides human blood flowed through the little human’s veins, which would explain his growing need to make her his own.

  He also wondered when he’d become such a lecher. He believed that was her fault, too. Her blood made him want something he’d long ago given up for lost. He wanted something he definitely didn’t deserve anymore. All the atrocities he’d committed in the name of protecting his food supply, namely the human race, had robbed him of his soul, he believed. He was truly the walking dead, with fangs.

  He’d been a vicious, heartless killer for the Order for so many centuries that it made him a poor candidate for a mate, which was what he ultimately desired with the human in his guest room. He coveted his best friend’s woman, which was low even for him. What he needed was for Raven and Miles to get their asses in gear and get their woman out of his house, before he did something that they’d all regret, him most of all.

  Her condition had necessitated him giving her his blood, which was something he’d never done. Well, there was that time he had too much wine with Marie Antoinette, which he rather not remember.
Unfortunately, he’d always know Emma’s whereabouts now. No matter how far away she was from him, he’d forever be able to sense her presence. It was a choice he hadn’t made lightly. The foolish mortal was on death’s door when he’d found her. He could live with his choice, but he didn’t know how long he could live with her sharing his damn house. Perhaps, exist was a better word than live since he’d long ago ceased to have a heartbeat.

  Victor busied himself preparing her food and tried to keep his thoughts from straying to the little human in his guest room. He couldn’t remember ever wanting a woman the way he wanted this one. She’d even started invading his damn dreams with her luscious curves and lovely, young face with its dusting of subtle freckles and innocence. If she stayed much longer than the two hours that it should take Raven to arrive, they’d both be lost.

  The worst part was that he didn’t even know her. Hell, for all he knew she could be the worst bitch on the planet, which he sorely doubted. However, he only knew about her from the stories that had circulated through the ranks of the Order. He’d discounted most of them at the time, because their source had been that bizarre wendigo, Vincent Wolfe. Even that guy’s name was odd. What kind of creature with a heart of ice had the last name of Wolfe? Wasn’t that name reserved for the werewolf populace? Either way he’d need to make sure that Raven got Emma as far away from him as possible and the sooner the better.

  One hour and forty-five minutes left, he thought as he popped the bread in the toaster. He wished he hadn’t given the housekeeper a few days off. He didn’t want her to see something she shouldn’t. His fangs seemed to pop out at the most inopportune times around Emma, therefore, the housekeeper needed to go away for a while. Victor didn’t want to glamour, or as the humans put it hypnotize the old woman that had been his cook and housekeeper for so many years. That shit could be dangerous to a human mind. Unfortunately, now he’d be alone with Emma and his torturous longings.