The sense faded as the darkness swallowed him whole into a bottomless void. Only the pulse of relentless, agonizing spasms wracked his body, leaving him torn and broken into hundreds of fragments. Adrian's entire awareness had been taken over by it until there was nothing else. It left him adrift with no place to ground himself, nothing to hold on to, and no way out.
Just as quickly as it had come, it left him. Disoriented at first, he lay unmoving on the bed. With no other way to deal with it, Adrian's fear became uncontrollable rage. He hardly noticed the loud banging on the doors to the room. Outside, Xander and Kyle were yelling, demanding to be let in.
"You respond so beautifully, Adrian. No wonder Gabriel prizes you so highly. Do you want to feel the rest? The pleasure will send you over the edge."
"Stop it now, Nikolai, or I swear you'll regret it.” If Adrian had to break both of his wrists to get out of this, he would. The shadows around his limbs cut into his skin as he struggled with them, refusing to give up. He tried to reach Gabriel, hoping to access his power, but nothing happened.
A snap of Nikolai's fingers dissolved the bands confining Adrian. With some small shred of sanity, once freed, Adrian scrambled off the other side. He kept the bed between them instead of trying to attack Nikolai outright. Slipping his hand behind his back, Adrian dipped down, managing to open the drawer. His hand searched for the first thing he could find.
Turning to Adrian with an angry flash in his eyes, Nikolai snarled.
Once he felt the cool metal of his staker, Adrian got it out, aiming it at Nikolai before firing it. Shadows moved nearby in reaction to Nikolai's agitation. In an instant, Nikolai disappeared as they swallowed him. The stake embedded in the wall behind where Nikolai had been. A second later, Adrian felt hands on his shoulders, turning him to face Nikolai.
Nikolai's lips covered his in a bruising kiss. An overwhelming welter of sensations, ones of pleasure, poured over Adrian nearly bringing him to his knees.
In desperation he brought his knee up, grinding hard into Nikolai's crotch and catching the vampire off guard.
Nikolai abruptly released Adrian, doubling over in pain. The shadows over the doors suddenly dispersed. The connecting door flew open, and Xander and Kyle stumbled into the room. The other door burst open and Indy ran in.
"We are leaving now,” Adrian said in a tight voice as he hurried over to the nightstand, grabbing the rest of his weapons. Already armed with the staker, he activated the charm, placing it around his neck before Nikolai could recover. Kyle and Indy advanced threateningly on Nikolai from different directions as Xander moved to Adrian, putting an arm protectively around him. A moment later Skye came barreling in the room with a sword.
"Don't bother, you guys. Nikolai is leaving so that we can pack."
Straightening finally and faced with a staker, an irate were, vampire, and mummy, Nikolai said in a calm voice, “Of course, Adrian. The car will be available for your use, and I will call the airport to let them know you are coming."
He'd lost the game and had obviously decided to be temporarily gracious. Stepping up to Adrian, Nikolai had to stop when the barrier of the charm forced him to. Barely suppressing a snarl, he quickly recovered, remaining eerily still. “You are a very worthy prize. Gabriel is lucky."
Nobody said a word until Nikolai left, and then Adrian said, “We're going home."
The comforting safety of being in Xander's arms went a long way toward calming Adrian. Xander's quiet murmurs were muffled against Adrian's hair as he held him close, his body slightly rocking Adrian's.
The others disappeared into their rooms to start packing. It took Adrian a few moments to get himself together enough to do the same. Without a word, they quickly packed and took their luggage down to the front entryway. The car waited in the drive as promised, and Nikolai watched motionless from a second story window as they put the suitcases in the trunk. Adrian never looked back as they drove away.
Xander tried to pry into what had happened as he sat next to Adrian on the plane. Adrian couldn't answer and kept changing the subject. After a few attempts, Xander stopped.
Slipping his arm around Adrian, Xander drew Adrian's head to his shoulder and told Adrian to sleep. It was a long while before Adrian could relax enough to do just that.
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Chapter 21
Adrian holed up in his apartment after they got back. Only Kyle and Sylvia kept him company. Both Sarah and Michael had taken off to Adrian's cabin for a few days, and the only reason Adrian stirred out of his home was to go to work. He'd made sure Charlie booked him solid for the week, no days off. Yes, he was being a coward and knew it; he just didn't want to face Gabriel yet. Xander gave Adrian some welcome space to sort things out.
Nightmares disturbed any peace Adrian should've gotten from sleep. His dreams were of darkness, engulfing and suffocating him until he woke up in a sweat, terrified. How could he combat shadows and touches that could leave him insensible in the blink of an eye? There were no answers in Yar's notes; not many vampiric powers were listed, and nothing about shadows or touches of hellish torture.
Up until Nikolai had nailed him, Adrian had felt confident of the measures he'd taken to protect himself. Nikolai had caught him seriously off guard. He hated that, and it scared him. How much of that power did Gabriel have? There were too many questions with no answers. Adrian had been trapped in a world of darkness with no way safely through it. Since he still had a bottle of Gabriel's blood left, he didn't have to face Gabriel right away. And the way Adrian planned it, he wouldn't have to bother with the vampire at all.
Gray called about the background check he had done on Roman Kelly. Nothing showed up in the records, but a call to the local authorities up north had filled him in on some their suspicions. Forty-two missing persons, with no bodies found over the last five years, fueled those suspicions. Unfortunately, there was no proof to link Roman to any of it.
Joining Dakota on one of his mentor's appointments, Adrian debated how to rope some help out of Dakota on his own problem. Dakota silently set up his equipment, ignoring the glances his way. Finally, he straightened and faced Adrian. “All right, you wanna tell me what's going on?"
"Going on?"
"You wanted to tag along on one of my jobs and all you do is stand there staring at me. So what the hell is going on?"
Leaning against the wall, Adrian slid down to sit on the floor. “Just wanted some help. I did two jobs this week and the ghosts went solid on me."
"You ever figure out why you can do that?"
Leveling a measuring look at Dakota, Adrian knew he didn't have much of a choice but to tell him the truth. “Gabriel ghouled me. That's the only thing I can figure."
"Ghouled you, huh?"
At least Dakota didn't appear disgusted, and Adrian relaxed slightly. “Yeah. I think that's why the solid thing is happening."
"That would make sense. Vamps are dead, solid bodies that walk around. Having their blood in you could transfer the ability to wraiths. That would be the only thing I can think of, ‘cause I've never heard of anything like it before."
"I practiced on a few, and they don't seem to mind it, though none of them wanted it for long. I'm not sure how long a ghost could sustain it. Most of them weren't interested in it at all."
"You're in deep, kid. I don't know in the long run how it will affect you. And if word ever got out, people would be banging at your door, wanting their family members made solid. It's damn close to necromancy. And I don't even want to know what that group would have to say about it."
"You know I'm not interested in necromancy.” Adrian grimaced at the idea. “I thought for sure you'd come up with at least twenty ideas of how to make money off it."
His cheeky comment made Dakota laugh. “Yeah, yeah. But not on this one. Too much at risk for you if it became public knowledge."
"Well, only you, me and Gabriel know about it. So I'm not worried about that.” Adrian deliberately didn't mention
Masterson, figuring Dakota would probably get the hint.
Other than a shrewd look, Dakota didn't react at all. Instead, he grabbed Adrian's arm, dragging him up. “Come on. You're supposed to be helping me with this job."
* * * *
Before he left for work, Adrian called the club to leave a message for Gabriel to send him another bottle of blood. To Adrian, it would be the easiest way to do things. Gabriel could send him bottles of blood, and Adrian wouldn't have to deal with anything else.
After two o'clock the next afternoon, Adrian made it back home. Pressing the button on his machine, he headed to the kitchen, getting some juice as he listened to the messages. He almost choked hearing Gabriel's. There would be no bottles sent to Adrian. If Adrian wanted to be fed, he would have to come to the club. The sun had already come up, and he knew Gabriel would probably be asleep, but Adrian called anyway. In no uncertain terms he told Sam, the daytime manager, to tell Gabriel to send a bottle, or he would find somebody else to feed him. There were plenty of vamps around the city that would be willing to oblige Adrian, even if he had to make them at the end of his staker.
Adrian already felt edgy from being a day late for his feeding time. The thought made him feel like an animal at the zoo. Sharp images of trails of blood that became waterfalls haunted his dreams; he was starting to get hungry.
Adrian wasn't at all surprised when Marcus showed up at the door later in the evening. Letting him in, Adrian looked pointedly at his hand. “Where's the bottle?"
"Gabriel said you have to come down to the club, Adrian."
Adrian opened the door further, leaning against the edge. “Too bad. Not what I want to hear."
The open door was meant as a clear invitation for Marcus to leave.
"It won't do you any good asking anybody else, either. Gabriel already sent word out; he'll kill anyone who feeds you."
Adrian's hand tightened on the doorknob. “Son of a bitch."
"He sent me here to take you to the club. If I don't bring you back with me, I'm the one that gets nailed. It's up to you, I'll be out in the car waiting.” Marcus shrugged nonchalantly, but Adrian knew better than to buy his act.
That did it for him; no way would Adrian let Marcus get hurt because of his own cowardice. With a sigh, Adrian gave in. “Tell him I'll be there later tonight, around midnight. There's no need for the escort, Marcus."
Sylvia appeared in the doorway. “Hey, Adrian, I got the list from Charlie for tonight. You about ready?"
Her smile faltered the littlest bit, and she showed a twinge of fear as she saw Marcus. “Hi, Marcus.” She had gotten over her initial reaction of expecting to be jumped by a given vampire at any given time. But she still had a wary respect for vampires.
"I'm just getting ready, Sylvia. Come on in."
Sylvia slipped past him, never taking her eyes off the vampire. After politely greeting her, Marcus nodded to Adrian before he left, closing the door behind him.
"What's going on now, Adrian?"
"Long story and one I won't go into. Get yourself something to drink while I change.” Adrian disappeared into the bedroom to undress. He called out to her as he slipped his robe on over his head. “You feel like handling some alone tonight?"
"Sure, I can do it."
"Good, because I'll need to leave around 11:30.” After making sure all his weapons were firmly in place, Adrian headed back to the living room.
Sylvia had a Pepsi and was checking over the list of their appointments. “We can do the first four together, and I can take the rest. There are only six after that. I've got the pattern down pretty well."
"Yeah, you do, so I won't worry about you being on your own. You can reach me on my cell phone if you need to. Remember, if in doubt, just stop the ritual. No messing around until you finish your defense class."
"Yes, Mr. Boss, I hear you loud and clear.” Sylvia grinned at him as they headed for the door.
* * * *
By 11:15, they had finished the fourth appointment and parted company. Adrian felt confident she'd have no trouble going it alone. Otherwise, he would've called Gabriel and told him he'd be late. After reminding Sylvia again not to risk any trouble, Adrian drove off to the club. If things went well, he'd have Charlie schedule her for his slots tomorrow night, and Charlie could set up other appointments to keep Adrian busy. Business had been booming enough to keep them all working overtime.
Marcus appeared relieved to see him when Adrian showed up shortly before midnight. To avoid being late, he hadn't bothered changing out of his robe. Gabriel was already waiting for Adrian at his table. Sliding into the booth, he noted the hard set of Gabriel's face. The charm around Adrian's neck had already been activated, so Gabriel wouldn't be able to get near him now. As Adrian had already done his fuming over Gabriel's high handedness in blackmailing him there, Adrian was able to calmly hold Gabriel's gaze.
"I would like to know what happened, Adrian. Skye has been behaving oddly, and you refuse to see me. What is going on?"
Adrian had already learned the quieter Gabriel seemed to be, the more pissed off or upset he was under that quiet. Either that or Gabriel was hiding something.
"What are you talking about?” Adrian pretended to have no idea as he rested his hands neatly folded on the table.
"None of the others could tell me anything other than when they finally managed to break into your room, Nikolai was hunched over, and you were in a panic. And when you return, you refuse to see me even to be fed. Now tell me what happened."
"Nothing I'm not better off knowing, Gabriel. I came here to be fed and that's it. You'd make things easier if you just sent me a bottle now and then.” He managed to shield his nervousness and fear fairly well, but he knew Gabriel could sense it nonetheless.
Frowning, Gabriel continued studying him even more closely. His tone gentled as he raised his hand to reach out to Adrian. “Something is horribly wrong, Adrian. This is not like you."
The same instant Adrian flinched away from him, the charm's barrier kicked in, fed by Adrian's sudden rise of fear. A surprised snarl sounded from Gabriel as he yanked his hand away as if burnt.
"Don't touch me, Gabriel, don't ever touch me."
"You have never been this afraid of me. What did Nikolai do to you?"
Adrian felt the projection of a soothing calm in Gabriel's voice. Abruptly, he shook his head to clear it. “It doesn't matter. Now, are you going to feed me or not?"
Adrian avoided that gaze, staring down at the glass of white wine Wolf set in front of him. Wolf backed away without saying a word, returning to the bar.
"I will feed you in a moment, but how can I help you if you won't talk to me, Adrian?"
"Help me? Why in the hell would you do that?"
"Something badly frightened you. You are my ghoul and entitled to my protection, but how can I protect you if I have no idea of what scared you?” Gabriel tried to reach him with both words and voice, which maintained a soft, soothing cadence that was hard for Adrian to ignore. The sound brushed over his senses in warm ripples, enveloping Adrian in a cocoon that enticed him to let go and not be afraid.
"I can handle it, Gabriel."
"Obviously you can't, or you wouldn't be hiding in your home refusing to come to me unless I make you.” Reasonable words, and Gabriel was right, so Adrian couldn't argue with him.
"And if I need protection from you? You're the one with the power, not me.” He hadn't wanted to say that and reveal the central theme of what Adrian feared, but it came out anyway.
"Have you yet needed serious protection from me? You have refused me everything at every turn, Adrian. After I ghouled you, I resorted to no trickery or force with you. The only thing I have done is make you come to see me tonight."
Adrian's fingers clenched tightly enough around the stem of his glass, making his knuckles white.
"Talk to me, Adrian, please. I don't like to see you like this. Whatever Nikolai did, it seriously affects your behavior with me.” Gabriel's
hand moved toward him, clearly wanting to touch Adrian, but stopped short before connecting with the barrier Adrian had around him.
"If I tell you, will you leave me alone?” Gabriel wouldn't leave him alone until he talked, so bargaining to make sure Gabriel did back off seemed like a good idea to Adrian.
"I believe I can help, if you would listen to me and let me. But if that is what you want, then I will consider it."
Biting his lower lip, Adrian tried to find words before suddenly just blurting out, “He used shadows, this ... this void—” He started stuttering, not wanting to remember any of it, but the memories were right there. He couldn't look at Gabriel.
Adrian saw everything again as his own words gave voice to his nightmares. He wasn't aware of Gabriel anymore as the words poured from him, leaving nothing out. Faltering several times when it became too hard to continue, Adrian forced himself to go on. The images, branded in his thoughts, continually rose in stark relief. At the end, he took a drink of the wine, nervously falling silent and making the effort to push everything back down. It didn't feel good getting it all out.
A muscle twitched near the corner of Gabriel's lips, and the stem of the glass in his hand snapped in two, revealing how close to the surface Gabriel's rage had become.
"I can tell you how to protect yourself, Adrian. That is what you need.” When Gabriel spoke, the quiet tone was filled with a compassion that almost overwhelmed Adrian. He hadn't expected it from Gabriel, or the look of understanding softening Gabriel's expression. The voice Gabriel used drew Adrian into him, the surrounding essence of it spilled over Adrian like the soft caress of a warm breeze. He could feel Gabriel struggling with his own anger. There were parts blocked off to Adrian, he could sense that, something locked behind doors Gabriel wouldn't allow open.
The sensation of being inside Gabriel's mind for the first time didn't disturb Adrian. Maybe it should have; it was another vampiric power he couldn't control. Nothing there frightened him though, not even Gabriel's rage. He wanted to hurt Nikolai, not Adrian. For the oddest moment, everything wrapping around him became a safe haven. But Adrian couldn't avoid the inescapable fear that had kept him away from Gabriel. It returned and voiced itself in the question Adrian asked abruptly. “Can you do the same things Nikolai did, Gabriel?"
Blood Ties Page 18
