Shadowing the Beast

by Beyond the Page Publishing

  “Why, yes. I didn’t realize vampires consumed anything else or I’d have offered.”

  “Claude is one of the few who can. Like me, most of us get violently ill,” Stefan explained.

  It seemed Julie was learning something new about Stefan and his clan with each successive conversation. “Would you like a salad with it?”

  Alex broke out laughing, a booming sound that startled Noodles from her snooze in the corner next to the patio door and had her ears perking up, her expression quizzical. “Our uncle limits his consumption of food for humans to the junk variety. Pizza, burgers, brioche au chocolat . . .”

  “Not so, Julie. If you’ve got the makings, I’d love a salad.” Claude shot a quelling look toward Alex, who by then had turned and was deep in discussion with Stefan. “Marisa has taught me I must try more nutritious mortal fare. She loves watching me eat the foods she used to enjoy, since she’s no longer able to consume anything but blood.”

  “What do you expect, Uncle? You only turned your mate, what? Two weeks ago?” Alex asked, a twinkle in his eyes.

  “Three. I want us to finish off the Fox quickly, so I can resume my honeymoon.”

  Stefan cleared his throat. “We want that too. You are to take care, for it would be a tragedy if you got overeager and gave Reynard an opening to destroy you.”

  So Claude had successfully turned a mortal. That fact didn’t escape Julie’s notice, but she said nothing as she washed salad greens and cut a tomato into wedges. At the moment she wanted nothing more than to observe Stefan with his cousin and very young uncle, who seemed determined to carry his weight, while Stefan and Alex seemed to be making every possible effort to dissuade him from unnecessarily courting danger.

  Their friendship was obvious. Julie guessed Stefan and Alex both worried for the youngest of their number, much like parents might concern themselves over the behavior of an exuberant child.

  When the timer went off on the microwave, Julie slid the pizza onto a plate and set it in front of Claude, next to the garden salad he’d almost finished. Anxious to be part of the conversation, she took the last of the four chairs around the table.

  “Now, Stefan, don’t come down so hard on Claude,” Alex said, his face so much like Stefan’s but for a devilish twinkle in his clear green eyes. “Julie, you’ve got to make my cousin take life a little less seriously.”

  Stefan took Julie’s hand then glared at Alex. “You would say that. I know no one on earth who takes life less seriously than you. I expect you to take care also. No more heroic machismo like the stunt that nearly killed you in Buenos Aires. We work together from here on, all three of us.”

  Though he didn’t say it, Julie guessed Stefan meant to call the shots, protect not only her but Claude and Alex from the serial killer. Please, God, let him survive this encounter they were planning with her would-be murderer. “Stefan, that means four of us. I want to be a part of this too. After all, it’s me that Reynard intends to kill.”

  Alex looked at her then back at Stefan. From the serious expression in Alex’s deep green eyes, Julie guessed he understood much more than Stefan had put into words. He might have been a playful scoundrel, as Stefan had intimated, but it was obvious Alex was no fool. Stefan shook his head, as though to silence Alex, as if to keep him from revealing . . .

  “You must be part of the plan, Julie, as much as all of us regret it.” Alexandre reached over, surprised Julie by covering the hand Stefan wasn’t already holding. “You and Noodles will be the bait. It’s the only way I can think of that we can draw him out. You’re the one thing that makes Reynard vulnerable.” He shifted his gaze to Stefan, as though offering the opportunity for him to take the reins.

  Stefan had no choice but to do so. He’d promised Julie and assured Alina he’d prove himself worthy of the trust she’d bestowed on him to stop Reynard. “We must stay together, make forays out at night, the four of us, so Reynard will know we’ve chosen to protect you rather than attack him. Except . . .” Stefan paused, as though he didn’t want to finish the thought. “In the morning, when the sun first rises, you’ll walk Noodles alone.”

  “I—okay. You say he doesn’t often come out in daylight, so I should be safe.”

  “I’m counting on him to do just that. He obviously has set a timetable he intends to follow. We’ll stick to you like glue all night, when the Fox likes to roam. He’ll see you alone with Noodles early in the morning. You’ll invite him to come home with you for breakfast. When he does, seat him out on the patio, in the sun. While the light won’t incapacitate him, it will weaken him much more than the exposure to bright light affects us. Excuse yourself to bring him something to drink. As soon as you’re back in the kitchen, we’ll come out from hiding and attack him. All three of us.”

  “Does he know you all are here?” Julie paused, her expression questioning. “Won’t he suspect I’m setting him up?”

  “I’m sure he knows. And I imagine he’ll recognize that your invitation is a setup. But Reynard is an arrogant bastard. I’m counting on him being cocky enough to believe he can take us all on and win. It will be easier for us to fight him in a small private area like your patio, rather than out in the open where we’d be likely to draw spectators. Mortals wouldn’t recognize his superhuman strength and would likely as not jump into the fight, trying to even the odds.”

  A shadow crossed Stefan’s face, accentuating the fierce determination evident in his expression. It frightened Julie. Suddenly this was all too overwhelming. Too frightening. Too much to take in all at once. Despite her earlier bravado, it terrified her that she would soon have to face a powerful vampire intent on bringing about her death. A killer who was nearly invincible, so much so that three brave vampire hunters admitted it would require all of them to take him down. And that they’d need to put him at as great a disadvantage as possible if they were to succeed.

  She shuddered, though she tried for a courageous smile.

  “We’re frightening your beautiful lady, Stefan.” Alex bared his fangs in a feral grin, an expression that somehow was reassuringly fierce yet mischievous, easing the intensity of the moment. “Let’s hit a bar tonight. Let Reynard know his victim is not alone.” He looked directly across the table at her. “What do you say, Julie? Claude says you two found someplace with vampire action. Let’s go take it in.”

  When Stefan offered his hand again, she took it, found the pressure of his cool fingers warmed her icy palms. Turning her head, she smiled at Claude. As young as he was, he looked determined, serious and practically deadly with the last bite of pizza poised at his lips.

  In the three of them, Julie had the best protection she could get. She was certain of that. “Let me go put on my party clothes. You stay here and enjoy your drinks.”

  “None for me, thank you. I like mine fresh from the tap.” Alex looked at Julie then winked. “Besides, I fed just yesterday.”

  Stefan lifted his glass, his expression thoughtful as he looked at Julie. Then he shifted his gaze to Alex, smiling for the first time since he’d picked up that white rose from her doorstep. “So did I,” he said. “Julie has a way of making me ravenous, though.” He lifted his glass, as though making a toast. “Drink up. Alina would not be happy if I refused to ensure you both get fed.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll try not to keep you waiting long.” With that, Julie headed for her room. She wouldn’t give in to fear, and she wouldn’t give up on Stefan. Memories of the vampire bar with its sensual music, the jewel-toned strobe lights, the sexual play of the vampire couples flooded her brain. In her room now, Julie rifled through her closet.

  There it was, the perfect dress, a flowing silk wraparound confection in muted tones of primary and secondary colors that had reminded her of a Degas watercolor when she first saw it. The sleeveless V-neck bodice hugged her upper body then swirled around her legs to an uneven hemline. It was as if when she’d bought it months earlier, she’d known somewhere deep inside her that she’d find a lover to
entice with it, a perfect setting in which to wear it.

  Tonight might be her last night to do such a thing, and she was determined to get exactly what she intended. Stefan.

  Chapter Twelve

  Streetlights illuminated the darkness, calling Stefan’s attention to the moon. It grew thinner daily, marking the days until it fully waned. A brisk wind blew off Lake Michigan, making Julie tremble.

  How could he resist her? The dress she wore was made for seduction. High heels brought her height close enough to his that she could lay her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her as they walked to the bar, a few steps behind Alex. Claude brought up the rear, a determined protector in the unlikely event Reynard might alter his plan and come after Julie tonight. Stefan kept an ear open, just in case.

  “The cycles of the moon have always fascinated me,” Julie said. “This is the final phase, where the moon prepares to join the sun and begin the cycle once again. The bridge between the death of the old cycle and the birth of the new. Did you know legend has it that whatever has been learned during the entire cycle or lifetime is distilled and condensed when the moon wanes? Whatever isn’t needed is released, loose ends tied up.”

  “No. I’ve never studied much astrology.” Stefan loved the sound of her voice, the silent promise in her touch when she laid her hand possessively on his buttock. “I remember a poem about the moon, though. Claude’s mother used to quote this children’s poem to Claude and his friends when he was very young. Vachel Lindsay, the late American poet, wrote it.”

  The Moon’s the North Wind’s cookie

  He bites it, day by day

  Until there’s but a rim of scraps That crumble all away.

  The South Wind is the baker

  He kneads clouds in his den,

  And bakes a crisp new moon that . . . greedy

  North . . . Wind . . . eats . . . again!

  “What a lovely poem. I never heard it before.” Julie relaxed beneath his arm, against the shelter of his body, her lips curving up at this bit of whimsy.

  “It’s called ‘What the Little Girl Said.’ I hadn’t thought about the poem for years until tonight. Moonlight becomes you, you know.” He drew her closer, absorbed her warmth, her desire—the love for him that she made no attempt to hide. Her hair caught the dim light, looked like spun gold. He had to touch it, feel the silky strands between his fingers.

  “Well, Stefan, it’s obvious you’re doing more with Julie than saving her from the Fox. I sense another vampire wedding in the works.”

  Stefan shot a fierce scowl Alex’s way. “You’re supposed to be watching for Reynard, not making inane observations.”

  “Can’t help it. Not when it’s so obvious that you can barely keep your hands off her. Can’t say I blame you, of course.” Alex laughed, but he dropped back a little. From the intent look on his face, Stefan guessed he was trying to make mental contact with their prey.

  Claude caught up to them, measured his pace with Stefan’s and turned to Julie. “Don’t worry. We won’t let Reynard hurt you.”

  When Julie smiled at the young vampire, Stefan had to rein in his temper. He’d never felt so possessive of a woman before, and that disturbed him.

  Everything about Julie disturbed him. Aroused him. He took her hand, ran his thumb over her soft, warm palm. “I believe you’ve won yourself two more ardent admirers, Julie. Go on ahead, Claude, but keep your eyes open. Reynard may be lurking anywhere.” It was greedy, Stefan knew, but he wanted his remaining time with Julie uninterrupted even by those he’d summoned to help protect her. He ignored Alex’s knowledgeable chuckle.

  Seductive music filled the air as they drew closer to Rush Street and its many clubs and restaurants. He’d enjoy tonight, show Julie a side of himself that he rarely revealed, that he’d never before revealed to a mortal.

  The brush of his hip against hers as they walked, slight yet incredibly seductive, made him light-headed. He’d take whatever teasing Alex and Claude dished out because he loved Julie too much to keep his feelings under wraps.

  • • •

  At the restaurant a few minutes later, Gus greeted them like long-lost friends before pulling Stefan aside. “Reynard tried to get in here last night,” he whispered. “Of course I turned him away.”

  “But of course.” It comforted Stefan to know he could count on Gus, and that while they refreshed themselves they need not worry about Reynard’s imminent arrival.

  Gus smiled, his voice now at a normal, cordial tone as he addressed the group. “Tonight the music is live. I believe you’ll enjoy the band. Their music reminds me of classic New Orleans blues.” Gus motioned toward the back room where they’d gone before. “Go on and make yourselves at home. I’d take you myself, but I dare not leave the door unguarded now that I know Reynard is out there, somewhere close by.”

  “I know the way. Thank you for your vigilance.”

  Tonight the place was full. When he heard Julie’s sharp intake of breath, Stefan scanned the room. It didn’t take a genius to figure out she’d noticed the pair of Callicantzaros, Greek vampires whose swarthy coloring and long, wicked-looking talons set them apart from others of their kind. “They’re different from most made vampires,” he told her once they’d settled at the table near the dance floor. “Legend has it they come from people who were born between Christmas and Twelfth Night. It’s said that once a year, between Christmas and the Epiphany, they attack their victims and tear them up. They’re harmless the rest of the year, so you can relax.”

  “They look so fierce, I was frightened for a moment.” When Julie smiled, she warmed Stefan’s heart. “Look, isn’t that Alex making friends with that redhead at the bar?”

  Stefan laughed. “I’d worry about Alex if he weren’t hitting on some female. He has ever had a roving eye for beauty. Do you see Claude?”

  “He’s down there at the end of the bar, nursing a draft and scanning the room as though he expects Reynard to barge in at any minute.”

  “Yes, that’s Claude for you.” Earnest, always eager to do his job, in the way of those who were very young. “He won’t be cruising for female companionship, not with his beautiful bride waiting for him back home.”

  “It seems as though he takes his job seriously,” Julie said. “Unlike your cousin.”

  “Alex likes to joke, but he’s deadly serious when it comes to destroying Reynard. So serious that I worry he’ll do something foolish, such as confronting him alone.”

  Julie reached up and brushed her fingers across Stefan’s injured cheek. “The way you did in Atlanta?”

  “I guess so.” He smiled “We’re all getting a little reckless. Desperate’s the word.” No one who’d ever seen one of Reynard’s victims could feel otherwise.

  Her jerky little smile reminded him she knew she was Reynard’s next intended victim. Maybe if he changed the subject her fear would dissipate. “See that couple in the corner?”

  “I see you’re trying to distract me. And I love you for making the effort.” As though proving her words, she looked over and noticed the two he’d mentioned, their shaven deep mahogany heads and the primitive pale wooden jewelry that adorned their ears and noses so striking as to command Julie’s attention. “Oh, my. I’d love to paint them. I can imagine them dressed in African tribal garb—or nude. Are they vampires too?” she asked when she turned her gaze back to Stefan.

  “They’re Owenga. Reincarnations of ancient evil sorcerers who are still feared by some native tribes in Africa. If they were ever evil, though, it was centuries ago, for now they’re among the most highly respected of all the vampire clans.”

  Julie smiled. “I’d never have guessed if I’d seen them on the street.”

  “Like mortals, vampires come in all shapes and sizes. All colors. Look, here comes the waiter with our drinks.”

  Julie smiled at the waiter then took a delicate sip of her wine while Stefan sampled his frosted stein of blood. She watched him, her expression pensive, and he
knew the direction of her thoughts, even before she spoke. “There’s no chance we will ever share the same drink? None at all?”

  Stefan tried to hide his frustration that she wouldn’t let it die. No matter how much they both wished otherwise, it must. “None, my mortal darling. Let’s enjoy the time we have and not reach for more.” He reached over and took her hand.

  For a moment sadness shadowed her face, but she quickly managed a courageous smile. “Well, I guess I’d better enjoy you while I can. Shall we dance?”

  Stefan wanted nothing more than to hold her, not just now but forever. Still, the idea of trying to turn her and losing her as he had lost Tina steeled his determination to resist her pleas. “I’ll take any excuse I can get to hold you in my arms.” Standing, he held out his hand.

  Strobe lights accentuated the colors in her dress as it swirled around her slender legs. Red, purple, indigo, blue, green and yellow hues, mingling and merging with her movements, reminded him of the rainbow that often followed fierce storms. The curve of her spine entranced him when he splayed his fingers over that supple flesh. Each delicate indentation between her vertebrae would remain in his memory, torture him in his future as it entranced him now.

  He pulled her close, so close that the hard nubs of her nipples brushed his chest and her flat belly cradled the erection he couldn’t will away even if he wanted to. The sway of her body matched his, a perfectly choreographed dance of seduction he couldn’t, wouldn’t deny.

  He imagined her in his castle, in the room where he’d been born, turning from the window to him, love shining in her eyes. She’d have on this dress for a moment longer, until he took her hand, pressed it to her heart. Then the dress would fade away as if by magic. She would come to him, offering herself for his pleasure. He’d be naked too. No pretense, nothing held back. He’d rake her with his gaze, take in every curve of her flesh, the angles of her hipbones and shoulder blades and the indentation of her navel. Although the pulsing vein in her neck would attract him, he’d take much more. He’d make Julie his, his for all time. His for eternity.