The slamming door made the pictures rattle on the wall and the vase Darin had made for her start to tumble off the bookshelf. Catching it before it crashed to the floor, she held it, running her fingers over the surface. Like the artist who created the piece, it was beautiful inside and out. That Darin had given it to her had made it all the more special because he was special.
Setting it gently back onto the bookshelf, she turned and for a long time stood staring at the closed door. Things were so messed up. Not just the murders but with her brother too. She didn’t know where it had all gone off-kilter. Didn’t know why. Just wished it could be different but didn’t suppose it ever would be again. They were two very different people these days who managed to irritate the hell out of each other day in and day out.
She was still simmering about Nathan’s holier-than-thou parting words when she hit the sidewalk half an hour later.
“What’s got you looking like you want to start a fight?”
Angie Oberman was leaning against the same light pole Karen had used as a prop only a day before. With her arms across her chest, she studied Naomi’s strained face. Dressed in a running skirt, figure-hugging top, and running shoes, Angie looked like any other young, tall, and athletic Beltway professional. In fact, she was an up-and-comer in the Capitol Police, but what Naomi knew and not many others did was that Angie was also a wereleopard. Unlike Karen, who walked the streets of the capital, Angie had long since given up her uniform for plain clothes and a big salary. It would stay that way too as long as everyone believed her to be human.
Angie was the second of her two workout partners. If Naomi wasn’t out here with Karen, it was Angie. The two of them ran together at least once a week, although saying they ran together was a bit like saying a wolf and a turtle run together. Angie could do six-minute miles without breaking a sweat while Naomi had to work hard to maintain ten-minute miles. Having to always push to keep up with Angie was good for her, though, and more than that, she enjoyed her company. Angie was smart and funny, and a good friend to have. Especially on days like today.
“My brother,” Naomi said, without any further explanation.
Angie laughed. “Should have figured as much. He’s about the only one who makes you look like you want to punch somebody.”
“I don’t look like I’m going to hit anyone.”
Angie pushed away from the light pole and shrugged. “Whatever you say, Rev.” She was laughing again as she took off.
Naomi was too as she tried to catch up.
*
Tory met Sunny near the luggage carrousel at Reagan National Airport. Sunny smiled the second she caught sight of Tory and ran to wrap her in a big hug. It was like being surrounded by sunshine, or what she remembered of sunshine.
“You’re looking gorgeous as ever,” Sunny said as she stepped back to study her. “Cut your hair? I like it.”
She laughed. Sunny was like a whirlwind of energy and laughter. It didn’t matter how bad she was feeling, the minute Sunny walked into the room, everything felt better. Even now with the horror of last night still fresh in her mind, just being around the dynamic woman wrapped her in a blanket of hope. There was no escaping her aura of positive energy.
“No.” She hugged Sunny. “I didn’t cut my hair.” It was futile even if she did because it grew back so fast, it was as if the trim never happened. So she left it long and dark, just as it had been the night she’d been turned.
She shrugged. “If you say so. Hey—” Sunny yelled at the same time she started to wave energetically at a tall, heavy woman who walked in their direction pulling a bright-orange rolling bag. “Vi, over here.”
“Good grief,” the woman exclaimed as she reached them. “I swear to Lord, your hair gets redder every time I see you. I could’ve picked you out from the gate. Oh no, I could have picked you out from the window on the airplane!”
“Of course it is. I say if you’re gonna go to all the work to dye your hair, do it up nice and big. The redder the better. I look stunning, don’t you think? I was born to be a redhead.” Sunny turned full circle, her arms held out before she did an exaggerated curtsey.
Both women burst out in boisterous laughter that had everyone within earshot turning to stare. The scrutiny made Tory a little uncomfortable. It didn’t seem to faze either of the other two.
When Sunny’s laughter sputtered out, she laid a hand on Tory’s arm. “Tory Grey, this is my dear, dear friend Viola Juve. All-around good chick and psychic extraordinaire.”
Viola stuck out her hand. “Good to meet you, Ms. Grey.”
Like Sunny, something about Viola radiated vibrancy and, more important, friendship. Tall, and nowhere near slender, she was a large woman who carried herself with incredible grace. No one in their right mind would call her obese. In fact, Tory suspected Viola’s sculpted arms were the product of either weight lifting or regular swimming. Not bad. Her handshake was firm. Tory liked her immediately.
“Please, call me Tory.”
Viola studied Tory, her eyes narrowing, a smile still pulling up the corners of her mouth. “Sunny didn’t tell me.”
“Never do,” Sunny said with an even bigger smile. “How else am I gonna sneak in little tests?” Sunny cut her eyes to Tory. “Like she thinks we’re just gonna take her word that she’s the world’s best psychic?”
Tory barely heard Sunny. She was focused completely on Viola and her cryptic words. For a second, she didn’t get it and then it hit her. “How?” Tory sputtered.
She blended incredibly well with the humans. After all, she’d had a great deal of experience pretending she was still human. People rarely figured out she wasn’t one of them, and yet this woman did in less than thirty seconds. If she wasn’t the world’s best psychic, then she was pretty damned close.
Viola laughed boisterously and good humor glowed from her eyes. Once more, faces turned in their direction. Viola didn’t seem to notice or, if she did, didn’t care. “I’m a psychic, babe.” She gave Tory a nudge with one elbow that was powerful enough to nearly topple her.
She’d run into many self-professed psychics in her time, and just saying it was so didn’t mean much. Viola was different…in a good way. “I’m impressed.”
“Oh, girlfriend, you haven’t seen anything yet. If you’ve got secrets, Vi will know!” She put an index finger to each side of her forehead and said in a low, lilting voice, “Madam Viola, mind reader, psychic extraordinaire, here to reveal your deepest, darkest desires.” She dropped her hands and winked at Tory.
“Great,” Tory muttered, though a small smile turned up the corners of her mouth. “I need a secret or two uncovered, but I was really hoping they wouldn’t be mine.”
“Come on.” Sunny broke in, patting Tory on the arm. “Let’s get out of this place. I think some good wine on your dime would be fantastic, and then we can talk about those dark, dangerous secrets you want to keep so close to the vest.”
“Fabulous idea.” Viola grabbed the handle of her bright-orange suitcase and headed in the direction of the exit. “I’ve been on planes all day and I could use a little vino. Oh, hell, I could use a lot of vino. Besides, I’m still on Pacific Standard Time, and it’ll be hours before I’m even close to getting tired. Good thing you’re a night owl.”
Tory liked Viola already. She started to follow the two women. They were right. What they needed to talk about would be better hashed over in a private setting. They’d already gotten more than their fair share of attention here at the airport. Time to take it a little more private. Her house with a nice cabernet sounded about right.
Before she’d taken more than ten steps, she stopped. It couldn’t be. She was seeing things. Had to be because it didn’t make sense. Viola had her shaken up with her uncanny accuracy, and that’s what made her see things now. Yes, that’s all it was. Still, her feet didn’t move and she continued to stare. Four people were walking toward the same set of doors they were. One tall, handsome man, one lovely Hispanic woman, o
ne attractive black woman…and one ghost.
*
Naomi was standing just outside the security area watching as passengers from incoming flights filed through. It was very late, and most the people coming down the hall looked haggard and drawn out. She knew that feeling far too well, particularly during her days as a hunter. A hunt could take days, even weeks, and the physical toll had been immense. It wasn’t uncommon to go two or three days with little to no sleep. She sure didn’t miss that. These days, the physical side of her job was much easier, though the mental fatigue tended to drag her down on occasion.
She kept watching as people pulling bags of various sizes and colors moved toward the taxi signs or climbed the steps to the Metro stop. When she finally caught sight of a familiar face, she breathed a little easier. Until this moment, she didn’t realize how anxious she was to see an old friend and ally.
The first thing she noticed was how refreshed Colin appeared. Retirement seemed to suit him well. Still tall and handsome, he stood out from the surrounding throng. Or maybe she could still pick a hunter out of a crowd in under sixty seconds. Some skills stayed sharp no matter how long out of the game. At first, she didn’t realize he wasn’t alone.
His face broke into a smile as he caught sight of her. “Naomi,” he all but yelled, wrapping her in a bear hug when he reached her. “Damn good to see you.”
Tears welled unexpectedly in her eyes as she returned his embrace. She had no regrets about the way she lived her life these days, and yet Colin’s touch made her feel like she’d come home after a long cold night alone. “I’m so glad you came,” she murmured into his chest.
“I told you years ago, I’d always have your six. I didn’t mean only when we were hunters.” He hugged her a little tighter.
Her emotions unexpectedly fragile and barely under control, she stepped away and looked up into his face. “You did and I believed you. It’s just that I’ve been out of the fold for such a long time and don’t really trust very many people these days.”
He studied her face, his eyes intent and serious. He’d changed very little in the intervening years, and she was glad to see that darkness hadn’t taken him down like it had done to so many others before them. “That makes two of us, Naomi. I wasn’t kidding when I told you I’m not a hunter anymore. I’m out of the game and I’m not going back. Ever.”
Boy, did she get that. Walking away was never quick or easy. Few did it. Fewer still stayed away. Colin was not the type to make a move he wasn’t behind all the way. He would never go back.
“I didn’t think for a second you were, and I didn’t call you to try to convince you to jump back into the fold. That phone call was for entirely selfish reasons. You’re the only one I can talk to who might understand, and I didn’t know what else to do.”
“Yeah, I get that, I really do, and that’s why I’m here, with reinforcements no less. Naomi Rand, this is my better half, Ivy Hernandez.”
A lovely Hispanic woman stepped forward and offered her hand. Compared to Colin, she was tiny. She had wavy black hair, smooth skin, and intelligent dark eyes. Not hard to see why Colin would be attracted to her. The “better half” comment was interesting. Never thought he would be the kind of guy to settle down. Not that he was ever a player. No, it was more about the way he was driven that had always made her believe he would keep everyone at arm’s length. His heart was off-limits. Apparently, she’d read that wrong and she was happy she had. He deserved more than loneliness and a whole lot of memories no one should have to live with.
“Nice to meet you, Naomi.”
Naomi took her hand, surprised by the cool flesh. “A vampire?” It slipped out before she could stop it. At least she didn’t snatch her hand back. It wasn’t that she thought Ivy was evil. She rarely jumped to that often-mistaken conclusion these days. It was more the shock of a hunter actually being with a vampire, carnally speaking. She turned a puzzled look his way.
Colin laughed as he stepped away from Naomi to put an arm possessively around Ivy. “It’s a very long story and I promise to tell it to you real soon, but first, I’d also like to introduce you to my friends, Dr. Riah Preston and Adriana James.” He held up a hand. “Before you say it, yes, Riah is also a vampire.”
She stared at the two women—both petite, one pale and gorgeous with long dark hair, the other dark and sultry with close-cropped hair and black eyes. They were an attractive couple—yes, definitely a couple. Their body language screamed it. A streak of jealousy hit her as she studied the two couples. Once upon a time she’d hoped for that kind of relationship in her life. Not these days. She’d had to accept the reality that for some people it wasn’t possible.
Not wanting to let the past intrude, she returned her attention to Colin and his friends. The reality that Colin had brought not one, but two vampires across the country to a city that was under siege from yet another vampire sunk in. What had he been thinking?
“No offense, ladies, but are you out of your fucking minds? I thought I made it clear to Colin that the problem we’re having is a rogue vampire. This is about the worst time ever for you to be in the city. You’re putting your lives in danger just by being here.”
Colin walked over and put an arm around Naomi once again, hugging her to his side. His arm was strong, his body warm. The simple gesture gave her a boost of confidence, though it did little to relieve her concern over the safety of the two vampires.
“Trust me, Naomi, it’ll be all right. What you see here is one kick-ass team, a strange sort of group that works and travels together. You called me to help and that means you get all of us. We’re a package deal.”
Sounded good, but she still had a bad feeling swirling around in the pit of her stomach. A package deal wasn’t a bad thing as long as it was made up of those of the human variety. She had enough on her plate already without adding the responsibility for the safety of two more preternaturals. Colin, on the other hand, didn’t appear apprehensive in the least. She’d certainly like to know his secret.
“You’re sure?”
He pressed a kiss to her head and gave her another squeeze. “One hundred percent. Trust me, Naomi. You’ve got a hell of a team watching your back.”
Hopefully he knew what he was talking about. Then, of course, there was the tiny detail about Colin being the best hunter the church had ever trained. The day he walked away had to have been a very black one for Monsignor and his church. Would have been interesting to be a fly on the wall that day.
She crossed her fingers that Colin still possessed the same skills that had set him apart from every other hunter. She’d bet he did, but she’d been wrong before so she’d keep those fingers crossed—just in case.
“Well, then...” She let her gaze sweep over all four. “Let’s get out of here and I’ll fill you in on my story, after which you all have some explaining to do. Four of you…” She shook her head and started toward the exit doors once more.
They were almost to the doors when Naomi stopped. Flanked by two women, Tory stood only a few feet away. She was surprised to find her here and equally surprised to see Tory’s gaze locked onto the woman Colin had introduced as Dr. Riah Preston. Or maybe surprised wasn’t quite the right word. By the look on Tory’s face, shocked disbelief might be more accurate.
Chapter Eight
“Catherine?” Tory said the name on a breath. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Talk about seeing a ghost. First the New Testament. Now this?
“Victoria? Tell me I’m not imagining you.” Riah’s words were as disbelieving as Tory’s.
Tory shook off her shock, smiled, and wrapped her arms around her aunt. She’d lost touch with Catherine a few hundred years ago. Then she’d heard through the vampire grapevine that Catherine had been destroyed in a fire that also claimed a master vampire known only as Rodolphe. Catherine’s maker, if the rumors were to be believed. Since she’d never laid eyes on Catherine again, she’d been inclined to believe the fire report. Until the picture in the pape
r. Knowing she was still somewhere in the world had been comforting, but still Tory had never expected to see her again.
“For years and years I thought you were dead.” If she wasn’t touching her right at this moment, she wouldn’t believe her eyes. For centuries, she’d thought herself alone in this world, and the sorrow of it never left her heart.
Catherine smiled, lighting up a heart-warming, familiar face. “Not a chance, little niece. I’m like a cat. You know, nine lives and all that. Haven’t begun to use up even half of them.”
Tory was still confused. If she hadn’t been destroyed in a fire, then where had she been? “But Rodolphe? The fire? Until I caught that article about you helping catch a serial killer, I was convinced you’d been torched.”
She touched Tory’s cheek. “Don’t believe everything you hear. It’d take more than a puny fire or that ass, Rodolphe, to kill me. Let’s just say I’ve been under the radar for a spell.”
Tory stepped away and studied her only living relative. Well, sort of living relative. “I can’t wrap my head around the fact it’s really you. How is this possible? How are you here?”
She squeezed Tory’s hand. “It’s me all right, though I go by the name of Riah Preston these days. Catherine has been gone for eons. For all intents and purposes, she died alongside Rodolphe.”
That she understood. Victoria had likewise been gone from what had become her life since that long-ago black night that changed everything. “Rodolphe?”
Catherine or, rather, Riah shook her head. “Dust in the wind, I’m pleased to say. But that’s another long, long story I’ll have to share with you later.”
Tory wanted to say halleluiah to confirmation of the end to an evil being that never should have been allowed to survive. He’d been a bastard of epic proportions. The stories about his trails of destruction were legendary and still whispered about in certain circles. She didn’t say any of it because she wasn’t sure how much or how little Catherine—Riah—might have already shared with her companions. Instead she opted for neutral ground and changed course. “What are you doing here?”
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