by Kym Grosso
“You’d be surprised what I know. Is she okay?”
“She was attacked…by a demon.”
“What? Wait. Where were you?” Anthony stood, plowing his fingers through his thick dark hair.
“Before you even ask, yes, I fucking blame myself. But you know Sydney, and it wasn’t as if she was alone. She was at Logan Reynaud’s house. The Alpha of Acadian Wolves. It doesn’t matter because what’s done is done.”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Tony asked, his voice growing louder.
“She almost died…”
“But you said she’s here, so what is it? Just tell me. Maybe I can help her.”
“You can help her but I assure you it’s not at all what you think.” Kade faced Anthony, his jaw tight with angst. He flattened his hands on the cool stone counter and pinned his eyes on Anthony’s. “I had to turn her. She’s a vampire.”
“No…no, this can’t be happening…”
“It already happened. The transition…it didn’t go well. She’s not coping. She’s having problems feeding.”
“When did this go down?” he asked.
“About a month ago. You have to understand, she didn’t want me to tell anyone.” Although after last night’s spectacle, the entire community would be aware of his fiancée’s newfound state. “Well, more people probably know now but the point is that she wasn’t doing well. She can’t feed.”
“Yeah, I just heard you say that, but what the hell is that supposed to mean? I don’t know much about vamps but if she’s still alive and obviously still tellin’ people what to do, then she must be…you know…uh, drinking blood,” Anthony choked out, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Keep your voice down,” Kade instructed. He heard Sydney’s footsteps in the hallway above him. “The drinking isn’t the problem. She’s having trouble biting.”
“Is there something wrong with her teeth? I mean her fangs? Jesus, I can’t even believe I just said that. How can she be a vampire? You should have found some other way to save her.”
“Don’t you think I would have? There was no other way.” Kade slammed his fist down onto the granite.
“I’m sorry, it’s just that Sydney…look, I know she loves you but it’s not like she’s exactly crazy about all this supernatural shit. She told me she didn’t want to be turned, you know? This may be TMI, but we talked about a lot of things. She told me about your arrangement…you bite her, she drinks your blood and stays human. She never wanted to be anything other than what she was.”
“I know. Believe me, I’m so fucking sorry…you have no idea. And now she can’t bite. Technically, she can, but she can’t do it in a way that doesn’t hurt the donor.”
“Donor? Don’t you mean human?”
“Same difference to Sydney. Our bite, it gives pleasure for a reason. It’s an evolved survival strategy for our species.”
“Nice,” Anthony replied sarcastically.
“I won’t apologize for our way.”
“I’m sorry, man. It’s just that this is all hard to take. I can’t imagine what she’s going through.”
“Léopold thinks it’s some kind of block. She loved it when I used to do it to her so it doesn’t make sense.”
“Exactly, Kade. She loves it when you do it, but not her. It’s what she wanted when she was human, and now? Now, she’s not, is she?”
“Just so you know, I’ve never heard of this happening,” Kade continued. “Sure, some people are repulsed by blood at first, but once they feed, that moral concern disappears. Last night was the first time she fed successfully.”
“I’m confused. I thought you just said…”
“She used a siphon donor. The blood is removed manually…drained into a glass.”
Anthony grimaced, unable to conceal his disgust.
“It worked,” Kade told him. “But unless she can do it the old-fashioned way, she’ll be vulnerable, unable to feed herself should the need arise. Siphon donors aren’t always available. Besides, when it comes to donors, most want the full experience, if you know what I mean.”
“If most people are actually asking to be bitten, it must feel pretty damn good,” he laughed.
“Yeah, it doesn’t suck,” Kade joked. “Well, I guess it does but still, we make it as pleasant as possible.”
“So, uh, what’s the plan?” Anthony took a sip of his lukewarm coffee.
“I’ll be frank. Until yesterday, there was no plan. I don’t want to pressure you. What I’m about to propose…you asked how you can help.” Kade paused, seeking the words that eluded him.
“Of course.”
“It’s just that Luca and I think that maybe if she fed from someone she knows…”
An amused smile crossed Anthony’s face as soon as Kade spoke, but he remained silent.
“You’re close to Sydney. If I wasn’t totally secure in our relationship, I wouldn’t suggest this, but…”
“You want me to let her bite me?”
“Yes, I do.”
“I’ll do it,” Anthony responded without hesitation.
“You may want to take some time to make this decision.”
“What’s a little pin prick, huh?”
“I suppose you could say that.” Kade smiled, pleased that he’d agreed quickly. But full disclosure was in order. “I think this may work, but you must understand. There are consequences.”
“Like what?”
“First of all, this experiment could fail. The donors she’s bitten…it wasn’t pretty. In terms of pain level, it could feel like someone is pulling out your tooth.” Kade raised an eyebrow at him. “Without Novocain.”
“Hey, I’d take a bullet for that woman. I’ve been stabbed at least once. I think I can tough it out.”
“Second, there’s, uh, feelings. You know, like sexual ones. If we do this, it’ll be intimate. We must make it as pleasurable as we can for her. Whatever she wants…whatever she needs.” Kade could hardly believe he was agreeing to this, but desperation ran deep.
“Hold on now, are you saying that she,” he pointed to the hallway, “and me,” he placed his palm on his chest, “we’d be…together? No, no, no…you’d never…”
“It wouldn’t just be the two of you.” Kade laid it on the table, waiting for what he was proposing to take hold in Anthony’s mind.
“You mean the three of us?” Wide-eyed, Anthony laughed as Kade nodded. “Well, shit…of all the things I thought were going to happen today, I did not expect to be propositioned by a vampire. For a ménage at that. Okay then.”
“This isn’t a trivial decision for me. Sydney trusts you. You’re here. Most of all, you are willing. If this could work to trip whatever block she has, I know we’d both be grateful.” Kade hoped he wouldn’t change his mind. The more he talked with Anthony, the more certain he was that this would work.
“I’m in.” Anthony stood up and nodded.
“You sure?”
“Yep, I’ll do it.”
“You need to know that Sydney…she doesn’t know.” Kade had heard Sydney’s footsteps on the stairway and was hoping to finish before she reached the kitchen, but he’d run out of time.
“She doesn’t know what?” Sydney asked. Spying Anthony in the corner, she squealed. “Tony! Oh my God. What are you doing here?”
She jumped into his arms and he spun her around. Kade smiled, observing the interaction. Maybe Anthony was exactly what she needed.
“How’s my Philly girl? I missed you.” Anthony hugged her, locking eyes with Kade. He kissed the top of her hair as if testing what Kade had told him.
“I missed you so much,” she cried.
“Yeah, yeah, don’t answer my calls. No texts. I think you forgot me,” he goaded.
“Stop it.” She pouted. Leaning back from his embrace, she slapped his arm. “I’d never forget you. Not ever.”
“I don’t know. I hear you’ve been kinda busy.”
“He told you, didn’t he?” Her face we
nt flat, her eyes darting to Kade.
“Why don’t you guys go into the family room and catch up,” he suggested.
“Don’t you think we should do this together?” Anthony asked, surprise in his eyes.
“I think old friends need privacy. You okay with that, love?” Kade crossed the room, settling a palm on each of their shoulders.
Sydney responded, reaching for him. He leaned down, gently pressing his lips to hers. Uninhibited by Anthony’s presence, they deepened the kiss. She swept her tongue between his lips. Passion stirred inside, and he lifted his lids to meet Anthony’s gaze. He wanted him to have a small taste of what to expect. Regretfully, he did have business to attend to, and thought it important for Sydney and Anthony to have time alone.
Kade retreated, giving her, then Anthony a smile.
“Go talk with the detective. I’ll join you in a bit.”
“You invited him here?” she asked.
“Yes and no. He called me,” he replied truthfully. “You weren’t answering your phone.”
“But you knew he was coming?” she pressed.
“I did, but this is much better as a surprise, don’t you think?”
She eyed him suspiciously in silence and Kade knew she suspected something was awry. She’d know that Anthony would not visit without a reason, and Kade trusted him to tell her why he’d come to New Orleans.
“You heard him, Syd. Lead the way,” Anthony interjected, his eyes meeting Kade’s in understanding.
“I’m sorry, Tony. I didn’t mean to be rude. This way,” she said.
Kade watched with interest as she fell into her partner’s trusted embrace and they traveled out of the kitchen. He prayed what they were about to do would cure her. But at the moment, more pressing issues required his attention. The human who planned Sydney harm was on the loose. Retrieving his phone, he texted Luca.
Chapter Six
Sydney’s heart melted. For years, Tony had been her rock. Partners, they’d faced the best and worst of situations, surviving in the face of death itself. Next to Kade, he was the strongest man she’d known. Loyal. Courageous. Like coming home, she’d fallen into his arms. Emotion bubbled in her chest anticipating their conversation. He’d understood her desire to remain human more than anyone else.
“I’m sorry, I, um, I didn’t return your texts.” She moved to cross the room, but he held firm to her hand.
“No, Syd. Stay and talk. It’s me,” he pleaded.
“Tony, I can’t…Kade told you everything?” Sydney turned her face away, unable to stomach the shame inside her. “I’m sorry, I should have been the one to tell you. I just couldn’t do it.”
“You should have told me, because you know what?” He reached to cup her cheek, forcing her to meet his gaze. “It doesn’t matter what you are. You’re my friend. My partner.”
“Not anymore,” she said, a sad reflection in her voice.
“Come here.” Anthony led her to the couch. As they sat, he didn’t release her. “Of all the people on God’s green earth, I know you hate this. Remember when we first met that vamp you’re marryin’?”
Sydney’s eyes lightened and she gave him a small smile. She’d known he’d give her a pep talk. She considered that perhaps that was the reason she hadn’t called him. She didn’t want to feel good again. She deserved to suffer, given her mistake. She’d left the Alpha’s compound, too confident she’d be able to protect them from the demon.
“You used to hate vampires. And maybe for good reason most of the time, but look at Kade. Luca. Even the wolves. You know I hang with Tristan now. He’s one of the good guys.”
“It’s my fault. I thought I could handle it. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.” Sydney placed her palm on top of Tony’s hands. She stared at her fingers, recounting what had happened. “I really don’t remember that much. I went outside. This guy came at me. He looked suspicious but he was human at first. I fired my gun and then I was drifting away. I was alone.”
“It’s okay, Syd.”
“Kade told me I was out of it for a few weeks. I couldn’t even remember what they’d done to keep me alive.” She sighed and gave Anthony a small smile. The light through the atrium doors flickered, and she took note how it deepened the color of his amber eyes. “When he told me what he did, I couldn’t accept it. I was so angry at him for doing this. I should have died that day.”
“He couldn’t let you go.”
“I know that, I really do. It’s just at the time, I was so upset. And then the feeding…it’s been a disaster. It wasn’t the blood per se. I mean, you’d think I’d be disgusted drinking blood but I’m not. But hurting someone, that’s not something I do to innocent people. The donor was screaming. It was awful. I just can’t do that to someone. I won’t do it.”
“We’re gonna work through this. There’s nothin’ we haven’t faced. This is just one more thing. I promise you I’m going to be there for you,” he assured her.
“There’s nothing you can do. There’s nothing anyone can do,” she replied, her eyes brimming with tears. “I’m sorry I didn’t call. I didn’t want you to see me like this.”
“This is exactly why I need to be here for you. Come here,” he told her. Bringing her into his arms, he cradled her against his chest and stroked her hair.
“I missed you so much.” Sydney laid her cheek against his soft cotton shirt and breathed in his masculine scent. Relief that he’d come flowed through her and she let herself revel in his comfort.
Anthony kissed Sydney’s hair, refusing to let go. He couldn’t believe what had become of her. Though he feigned a calm demeanor, his pulse raced in anger. How could this have happened? He wanted to blame Kade, but deep down, he knew that criminals walked the cities in all forms. The reality was that she could have been similarly injured on the force. Not everyone came out the end of a bullet the same way they were before they’d been shot. But it didn’t matter; he’d made up his mind before she or Kade had a chance to ask. There was no way he’d leave New Orleans until she was healed.
His heart ached as she spoke, her words laced with despair. It didn’t surprise him that she’d chosen not to tell him. His girl had pride as big as the city of brotherly love. All that she’d known had been destroyed, her life as she knew it gone.
Kade’s request for assistance in helping her feed had been unexpected. Just the thought of Sydney at his neck caused his cock to twitch. He silently admonished himself for his response and tried to shake off the guilt. I should be ashamed, for Chrissakes. What kind of a sick fuck gets off on his partner’s problems? He knew it was because he’d always been attracted to Sydney. They’d even kissed once, but she’d quickly shut down. She’d worked hard in the force and didn’t want to jeopardize her reputation by dating him. He’d respected her choice and learned to accept their platonic relationship.
On the day she met Kade, he let go of the final piece of hope he hadn’t known he’d possessed. At no point, however, had he felt bitter. He knew that being physically attracted to her and loving her as a friend didn’t mean he was in love with her.
Sydney stirred in his arms and his thoughts moved to the escaped prisoner. He needed to tell her about Pat. No matter her own turmoil, she’d want to go after him. But in her vulnerable state, he thought she should stay within the safety of her home and allow Kade’s security to protect her. Easier said than done, he knew.
“Sydney,” he said, pulling out of their embrace. The aroma of her lily-scented hair teased his nostrils and he struggled to focus.
“Thank you for coming, Tony. Having you here…it just makes it a little better,” she sniffled.
“I need to be honest with you. I came for another reason. I already told Kade and I probably should wait for him…”
“What is it?”
Anthony looked back toward the hallway for Kade.
“Just tell me already,” she pressed.
“It’s about Pat Scurlock.” Tony hesitated, gauging Sydney’s reaction.
“What? Please tell me that fucker’s gotten a little poetic justice.” Sydney wiped the back of her hands across her cheeks. Her shoulders straightened as she pushed away from Anthony.
“He’s out.” Like ripping off a bandaid, he thought it best just to do it quickly. He reached for Sydney’s hand but wasn’t fast enough as she jumped to her feet.
“What do you mean, he’s out?” Sydney exclaimed. “How does a serial killer get out? Please tell me there wasn’t some kind of legal loophole.”
“Yes and no. He was granted a psych eval. His lawyer had him moved to a separate facility,” he began. “They’re still looking into it. Doesn’t matter at this point, ‘cause he’s out. We’re gonna protect you.”
“Protect me?” She laughed. “No, no, no. It’s the other way around. Somebody better protect him because this time he’s not going back to prison,” she promised. Holding up a palm, she silenced his attempt to interrupt. “This is the last straw. Just no.”
“Maybe we should get Kade. We need to strategize what’s gonna happen next. He says you’re not feeling well.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted. “I’m not sitting at home while that psychopath comes after me. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it, Tony? You and I both know what he’s planning. He’s coming after me. And he’s got the contacts to do it.”
“Okay, yeah. But Syd, I still think you oughta stay here and let Kade protect you. What I mean to say is that you look great.” He stammered over his words. “Aw shit…it’s just with you not being able to eat right.”
“I’ve got options. I fed last night.”
“Yeah, but Kade said that might not work in the long term.”
“Goddammit, I’m so sick of this.” She walked away from Anthony and stared out the atrium doors. With a heavy sigh, she continued. “Look, I know what I did isn’t the perfect solution, but it worked. Besides, there isn’t any other way. I’m stuck. I can’t bite donors without hurting them.”
“Maybe you just need a little help. I can help,” he suggested, his hand on his chest.
