“I may have cheated a little on that one,” he said with a wicked smile. “Your thoughts were rather loud, I don't think you realised you were projecting.” He shrugged his shoulders as if to say, what else would I have done?
I just looked at him, now I was really confused. He was being so kind, so thoughtful. Was it because he wanted to make me feel forgiven? Was it because he couldn't help providing for me as he had suggested? Or was it because he wanted to wash away my anger at his manipulation?
"Why are you being so nice?" I asked for the second time.
He cocked his head at me in puzzlement. "Because I love you."
I shook my head back at him. "Michel, I slept with someone else." I was going to add something to that, but the flash of magenta in his eyes and the look of pain that fluttered over his face made me pause. He may have been acting like he had forgiven me, but he was hurting all the same. I closed my eyes. Then shook my head again and took a deep breath in. He had forgiven me because he had made what happened possible. He felt responsible. "You set me up," I said as I opened my eyes to look at him.
"I... what?" Michel didn't usually have trouble forming sentences. I'd caught him off guard.
"You only let me go to Wellington so I would be faced with how easy it would be to make such a mistake. Like the mistake you made in Paris." He looked mortified, shocked. He was utterly speechless that I had figured it out. Of course, I'd had help; glazing Erika, Nero's guidance. "You should know, I understand," I went on. "I've accepted what happened in Paris." Well, sort of. "I even understand why you sent me to Wellington to fail. I don't like it." I shook my head and frowned at my hands clasped on my lap. "But, it didn't go the way you intended, did it?" I looked back up at him then. "I did fail, I didn't just come close and then realise how easy it would have been for you when you made the same mistake. I actually fucked up." I squared my shoulders and straightened my back, then looked him in the eyes. "So, I ask again, why are you being so nice?"
Michel had stopped breathing, blinking, but I was sure he had not stopped thinking. If I could have read his mind right then, I think it would have contained a few expletives. We sat like that, in silence, for several minutes, then he slowly began to relax. First his shoulders, then his back, then forehead, lips, eyes and lastly he began to breathe again.
"I owe you an apology." I hadn't expected that. "I forget how well you know me." He sighed. "When I am with you, it is not so Dark. I hurt you in Paris and even though I was fighting a spell, I knew you expected better of me." Had I? Yeah, I guess I had. Michel is the Master of Control. Add to that, the Master of Manipulation. But, I had expected more from him back then and I guess, I hadn't been hiding that fact.
But really, whose problem was this? Mine or his? Yes, he made the mistake, under duress, but a mistake all the same. But I have been the one to not let it go.
"It's the Dark," I said suddenly.
He held my gaze and slowly nodded. That one simple movement said so much. I wasn't sure if he was in my head right then, if he understood exactly what I had meant by blaming the Dark. The Dark was responsible for so much of what he did, but it was also responsible for me not letting it go. Not moving on. Not accepting he had been under a spell and capable of making a mistake regardless of his formidable control.
The Dark was also responsible for him trying to manipulate me by sending me to Gregor.
I hated the Dark, I detested it. I subconsciously pulled my Light around me as I pushed those thoughts away.
Michel cleared his throat softly, then said quietly nodding towards the melting ice cream, “Are you going to eat that, ma douce?
I was pretty full, I did not think it was a good idea to eat more, but I took the lifeline he offered, the chance to return to normal ground and said, “Yeah, I am,” and took a small spoonful in my mouth.
Michel watched every movement like a hawk. Savouring the moment. Maybe banishing his thoughts with images of me eating, I don't know. But his gaze was intense. And it wasn't that I was trying to seduce him, I swear, it's just the ice cream was divine and I couldn't help it if I closed my eyes when I tasted it, or licked the spoon to get every last drop, then my lips to make sure I didn't miss some. By the time I finished the plate - a miracle in itself because I have absolutely no idea where I managed to stow that extra dollop of calories - Michel's mouth was slightly open, his hand was gripping the table top and his pulse was racing at his neck. Oops. How had we gone from such treacherous ground to such a dangerous one?
“You have no idea.” He practically breathed the words out.
I bit my lip, suddenly feeling really awful, really pathetically awful. He just shook his head and seemed to be unable to look away from my mouth.
“I think I should leave,” I said tearing my gaze away from his face. “Yeah. I should go.”
I slipped out of the booth, Michel didn't move, I think a conscious choice, standing now may have been a little too revealing even with a suit jacket on. Part of me was in wonder that I could still do this to him, part of me was hating myself for being able to at all.
I turned half towards him, before I walked away. “I'm sorry,” I whispered and when he didn't answer I started to move. His hand came out and clasped around my wrist stopping my motion forward. The shot of desire charging from his fingers to my skin almost made me collapse, my knees buckling slightly. He was standing in a second, his arm around my waist, the other up in my hair, his body pressed to mine, his face nestled in my neck, inhaling, crushing me to him. Oh God, Michel, I'm so sorry.
He didn't let me go, just held me for a minute, maybe two. It was so tender, but also completely possessive. I think Michel was as mixed up as me right now too. Then slowly he relaxed his hold, creating a little space between us, moving his head from my neck to rest forehead to forehead. His breath hot against my face.
“However long you need, I will wait, but know this, I am yours, completely and utterly yours.” His voice was low and husky.
He spun away in an instant and flashed out of sight. The door to his private quarters clicking quietly shut, just to the side of where we had been sitting, even though I hadn't seen him move through it. I was struck dumb, I couldn't move, just a statue in amongst the noise of the club, swaying slightly, trying to breathe. Oh dear God, I loved him. I loved him so much it hurt.
I don't know how long I stood there or if the Norms in the room noticed, I didn't care. The first thing I became aware of was a hand on my shoulder and a voice in my ear.
“I've got the first season of Moonlight with as much popcorn and chocolate a girl could ever want, plus a bottle of Baileys to boot. What do ya say, chica? Fancy a girl's night in?”
I breathed out a long breath and relaxed into Erika's touch.
Suddenly I didn't really fancy being alone with my thoughts, the happy ministrations of a sexy vampire detective and his ditzy blonde human sidekick, could just about manage to drown out the white noise that had taken residence in my head.
That and a bottle of Baileys.
Chapter 17
Knocking on the Door
I really think there is only so many calories you can consume in one night. A full dinner, followed by ice cream and then chased with chocolate and Baileys, several Baileys, is about the limit. Trust me.
The popcorn didn't even get a look in.
But, it was a good way to spend the evening. Erika ended up staying over. She said it was because she'd had too many Baileys to high tail it back to Sensations and I had definitely had too many Baileys to argue with her. So, when morning came around, the house did its little vampire in the dark thing, all the shutters coming down and banishing the sunshine for the day.
Erika would stay put while I went to work, although that was a mission in itself. I know, my own fault, right? But still, not pleasant. And the day did drag. The only consolation? Amisi was landing at Auckland International Airport at 7pm. Just enough time for me to get from work to the Airport to greet her.
I spen
t the day thinking about my new flatmate and just what sort of mischief I could get her into and by the time closing came around I was back to myself, hangover over, never to be repeated again and setting out for Manukau and the Airport.
Of course, Amisi landed in a private jet and taxied to Michel's hangar. I don't think any of the Nosferatu world travelled economy, it's personal comfort all the way. I made it with ample time to spare, so was soaking up the last of the sun's rays as I watched the plane come to a stop.
I was so hyped up about seeing Amisi, having another Nosferatin to work with, to bounce ideas off, to hunt with, that I was totally caught unprepared for her to have had a chaperone with her. Of course, Amisi wouldn't have called him that, he was just company on the flight over.
Amisi bounded down the stairs with all the grace of a nearly six foot tall teenager come Nosferatin star student, followed by the more measured, but equally graceful Nero. I couldn't help smiling, not only at Amisi's frantic hand waving, but at the sight of him. He was a sight for sore eyes, that was for sure.
Dressed in casual black trousers and a black shirt, not his usual Middle Eastern attire, much more suited to New Zealand. He was obviously more than capable of blending in when required, but God! He did look good in black.
I hugged Amisi and although Nero had been standing back, intense look on his handsome dark face, hands thrust deep in his pockets, once she released me, I threw myself at him too. Nero was startled for a second and then gave in to the moment and hugged me back.
“Are you staying long?” I asked as we stepped apart.
“No, Kiwi. We will return to Cairo immediately, I only wished to accompany Amisi, to ensure she arrived safely.”
“That's one hell of a round trip, Nero. No break at all? It'll take the pilots a while to refuel and they probably need a break, I'm sure there's some union out there that insists on it, so how about a couple of hours in the City of Sails?”
I couldn't let him just get back on board that plane as soon as he arrived. This was his first visit to Auckland. The first time I'd had my Nosferatin trainer in my city, there was no way in hell I was letting him climb back aboard that plane straight away.
He looked at me and slowly smiled.
“You would not let me, even if I insisted, would you, Kiwi?”
I smiled back. “Just a couple of hours, that's all. The pilots can use the facilities here at Michel's hangar to rest. I promise to have you back here by 11pm, you'll be outta here by midnight.”
He shook his head slowly, but he was smiling, so I knew I had him. I helped Amisi put her bags in the boot of my car, while Nero spoke to the pilots and then we were ready. Amisi managed to curl herself into the back-seat and Nero rode shotgun. There was no point taking them into town, so I shot across to St. Helier's Bay and my new home away from home.
Luckily traffic was light, so it only took thirty minutes to get there and we talked all the way. Catching up on what had been happening in Cairo, where Amisi was at with her training and what Nero expected her to gain from being here with me. Basically, she was ready to hit the world, so minimal guidance was required, other than helping her get used to Kiwi ways.
When we made it home, the shutters were well and truly tucked up in bed and Erika was working out in the gym. I had a sneaky feeling I wasn't going to get rid of her now that she had stayed one night, but as far as room mates go, she wasn't too bad. Good taste in kitschy T.V. series aside.
I'd just shown Amisi to her room when the phone rang. Nero had been waiting in the lounge, so I used the phone in there, rather than go to the kitchen.
“Ma douce, your guest has arrived?”
Even his voice made me sigh. Despite everything that had happened, everything we had addressed - or not - last night, he still stole my breath with simple words. I leaned against the door jam and flicked a glance over my shoulder at Nero. He and Amisi had moved to the windows to take in the view.
“Yeah, she's just getting settled now.”
“You will bring her to me, yes? I should like to meet your Amisi in person, I did not have time in Cairo to become acquainted.”
We had left Cairo in a hurry, I was hurt and Michel had only been concerned for my wellbeing, so we hadn't stayed long after we had destroyed what was left of the Cadre of Eternal Knights and rescued Amisi.
“Sure. It won't be until later though, close to midnight.”
I would have to drop Nero off at the airport first.
“Certainly, I will await most eagerly your company.”
“Whatever will you do with yourself until then, Michel?” I couldn't help it, he was being so facetious. This was the old Michel back, the one I knew so well. It made me relax, lower that brick wall I had surrounded myself with. It allowed a little of the familiar back and banished that stiff atmosphere of earlier last night. It allowed us both to breathe.
He chuckled, the sound of it sending a shudder down my spine. I almost asked if he was using his powers on me, but he can't, not since we had been joined. I would have to lower my shields to let that happen and a quick internal scan of those particular walls showed me all were functioning at full strength. So, it was pure me, just my response to hearing him. I shook my head to clear the thought.
“It will be a long night, ma belle, I shall have to keep myself busy.”
“You do that. I'll see you later.”
There was silence on the other end of the line, as though he wanted to say something, but had thought better of it.
Finally a reply came in a soft voice. “Until later.” The line went dead before I had pulled the handset away from my ear.
The thought was in my head before I could stop it and I'm not sure if I had projected it or not, it felt so powerful, it had a strength all of its own, I don't think I was in complete control.
I love you.
I cursed under my breath when I realised how stupid that had been and clamped my shields down tight around my thoughts again, bound them with chains and shoved a padlock on just to be sure. I was a friggin' yo-yo right now, one minute letting him back in, the next slamming the door in his face. Could I be any more screwed up than this?
When I turned back towards Amisi and Nero, he was watching me, a haunted look on his face. He quickly reschooled his features and came to the couch to sit down.
“Any progress with your shape shifter situation, Kiwi?”
Since Sunday night, I had been constantly thinking about when I would have to face the Taniwhas. The thought of an impending fight or battle hanging over my head had been terrible. I knew in my heart that there was no going back, that there was no way to make Rick see reason, not now, not ever. But the idea that it may come down to a me versus him, life versus death situation, did not sit well. My stomach churned again, for the hundredth time and I realised that was why I had not been eating lately. The thought of food just made me want to vomit.
I shook my head at Nero. “I know it will happen soon, but I have no idea what I will do when it does.”
“You are strong, Lucinda, you will get through this and do what needs to be done.”
“You think I will have to fight him, don't you? Kill him?”
Nero sat forward on his seat and looked me in the eye. “You are the Sanguis Vitam Cupitor, your role in our world is far more important than your friendship with a shifter. Do not let sentimentality unsettle you when the moment comes. Your survival above all else is imperative. You must not forget this.”
“So, I am more important than him.” My voice was flat, unemotional, but inside I was screaming.
“Yes, but you are also not the one determined for this conflict. He seeks you, to kill you, I merely ask that you don't allow that to happen.”
I laughed abruptly, a short huff of breath. “Self defence then?”
“Self defence, self preservation, your duty to Nut, all of the above. He has started this, not you, but if the only way for you to carry on being the Sanguis Vitam Cupitor is to end this once and for all, the
n do it. Do not hesitate when given the chance. End this and get on with what our goddess has chosen for you.”
“Never show fear. Never give an inch. Always stay on guard,” I muttered.
“Precisely, Kiwi. Precisely.”
Well shit, it's not like I hadn't known that was going to be the case, but actually saying the words aloud sure did sound final, didn't it?
Amisi chose to join the conversation at that point, probably thinking a change in topic would be well received by me. If that was the case, she and I were going to get along just fine.
“How far are we from the VC?” VC, is the term we give Vampire Central, the area where vampires congregate in a city for hunting purposes. As I have no doubt mentioned before, vampires tend to stay in the centre of a city, they like to be entrenched in humanity, not for the company mind you, but for the benefits of food choice. The city centre is densely populated, it's easy to find accommodating food, or just fast food if you're a Rogue.
I was just about to answer when I felt a sudden slamming against my shields in my mind. An attack was my immediate thought, it took my breath away and it may have even made me gasp out loud, I'm not sure, I was too busy hastily building yet more walls in my mind whilst trying to figure out who the attacker was. I'd never experienced anything like it before, it was frightening. Not just because it was unusual, but also because I knew whoever, or whatever it was, wanted to get at me.
The overriding sensation I got from the thing that was battering me was a need so strong, a desire so powerful, that it would do anything to get to me. I couldn't tell what it wanted when it did get to me, all I could feel was its urgent cry to get to me.
I realised Nero was kneeling on the floor in front of me, his hands on either side of my face, trying to get me to look at him, to talk to him, to even acknowledge him, but I was too busy fighting whatever the hell it was. It was strong and determined, like a dying man trying to get his last breath, the sense of desperation was astounding. This thing had to get to me. Now.
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