Romancing the Paranormal

by Stephanie Rowe

  “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 went 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.

  “If you really could, I swear I’d let you, but so far, nothing has changed. I can’t feed like Kade does. I have to just learn how to live like this. There is no other choice.”

  Anthony knew better than to argue with her. If Kade was right, she’d crash sooner or later. And when her world came crumbling apart, he planned on being there for her and Kade.

  Chapter Seven

  Kade estimated that Sydney would only make it through a few more hours before needing more blood. Unless a vampire was mated to a human, the reality was that one couldn’t survive an immortal life relying on one donor. He knew Sydney had acquired Mya’s contact information, convinced she’d forever feed from her. But siphoning was a temporary solution to a complex problem. A vampire couldn’t function independently if they relied on others to prepare the blood.

  Kade was certain he’d made the right decision by asking Anthony to help Sydney. He’d sensed Anthony’s arousal as soon as he’d presented the idea. Her partner had happily agreed, confirming what Kade had always suspected; Anthony desired Sydney. Still unsure of how to broach the topic with Sydney, he considered that it might be best to wait until she showed signs of hunger. At that point, she might be more willing to accept his proposal.

  One thing had become clear since his conversation with Anthony; locating and killing Pat Scurlock was a priority. While vampire activities were generally under his tight control, a small element of unrest always existed. Kade had contacted P-CAP, making them aware of the escape and potential supernatural involvement. When he’d spoken with Logan, the Alpha had assured him that his pack would alert him if they heard of any suspicious activity going down on the streets.

  A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He shoved out of his chair, making his way toward the foyer. He opened the front door, and Luca’s stern expression met his. Dominique, who’d become Luca’s security assistant, followed. While she’d never intentionally hurt an innocent human, she’d proven herself deadly on many occasions. Kade shook his head when he caught sight of her skin-tight black catsuit and over-the-knee boots. Her red hair had been twisted up high on her head into a ponytail. If there ever had been a vampire who reveled in her race, it was her.

  “Come in.” Kade gestured for them to enter.

  “You talk to Logan?” Luca began.

  “Yes. They’re going to keep a strong presence in the city,” Kade replied.

  “How is Sydney doing?” Dominique asked.

  “She’s doing better today.” Kade hesitated. “She fed last night.”

  “Siphon donor.” She sniffed with contempt. “It’s weak.”

  “I’m with her on that one,” Luca added.

  “Yes, I know,” Kade agreed. “But I’ve got a plan for that. I’ve given some thought to what we discussed.

  “You mean…a friend?”

  “Anthony’s here.”

  “The detective? From Philadelphia?” Dominique asked.

  “Yeah. Her partner,” Kade confirmed.

  “So she’s agreed?” Luca questioned with a cocked eyebrow.

  “She doesn’t know yet. We’ll discuss it later.”

  “I think you might want to tell her sooner than later,” Luca suggested.

  “Can someone clue me in as to what you’re talking about?” Dominique whined. “Why are we just standing here anyway? Let’s get this show on the road. I’m looking forward to staking out that Matt guy.”

  “Pat,” Kade corrected.

  “Matt. Pat. Whatever,” she sighed and flicked her nails. “So, where's Sydney?”

  “Sydney’s in the living room with the detective. We don’t know where we’re going, let alone who’s going. I called you over to talk to Anthony and strategize.”

  It wasn’t as if Kade hadn’t given it thought. On the contrary, he knew exactly what he planned to do. If he had to visit every blood club in the damn city, he would. The last thing he needed was this asshole criminal stirring up trouble. All it took was one vampire with delusions of grandeur to cause an uprising. His cell buzzed and he swiped his thumb across the glass. He read the text, and blew out a breath.

  “There’s been an attack at Embo,” he said.

  “What happened?” Luca asked.

  “I don’t know. The text is from Gil Martin.”

  “The bartender?”

  “Yeah. Looks like a couple of vampires are dead. P-CAP is on the scene.”

  “Well, shit.”

  “It’s time to roll. I’m gonna go tell Anthony. Get the car,” Kade ordered.

  Chapter Eight

  Kade took in the scene at Embo. Blinding house lights illuminated the blood-sprayed walls. Bar stools and chairs strewn about the floor indicated signs of a struggle. From what he could tell, there weren’t many witnesses alive to question. The only employee he recognized was Gil Martin, who stood behind the bar pouring himself a shot of tequila.

  Despite his best efforts to convince Sydney to stay at home with Dominique, she’d insisted she’d be safer with him. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t expected her refusal, but he gave her points for persuasion. She and Anthony stayed close as they checked out the debris, never leaving his sight. He kicked through a pile of ash and assumed that a vampire had been staked. His gaze caught Gil’s and the bartender nodded in silent understanding.

  “Who did this?” Kade asked.

  “There were four of them. All wearing masks.”

  “Ski masks?”

  “No, man. I’m talkin’ full head coverings. Devils and animals.”

  “Ok
ay,” Kade breathed. “Well, this is New Orleans. They could have gotten them just about anywhere.”

  “Not sure if this matters, and you know I already told P-CAP, but the masks…they weren’t the cheap ones. They were leather. The kind some of the more expensive stores sell.”

  “Or they could have bought them on the internet.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know. It all went down fast. I would have called you sooner but you know how P-CAP is.”

  “What time did this happen?”

  “It was about six or seven this morning.” Gil slammed the liquor down his throat, coughed and scrubbed his hand over his hair. “I was getting ready to turn things over to the dayshift. Counting tips. Not many people are here at that time.”

  “Who was?”

  “They killed Sean. You know, he works the front. The band had already gone. There were just a few other vamps still here. Both are dead. You’re walkin’ in ‘em.”

  “Donors?”

  “Yeah, they seemed more interested in them.”

  “What’re you talking about?”

  “They wanted names. Wanted to know who was here, like they were lookin’ for someone. I gave them the inventory list.”

  “Where’s the list?”

  “I don’t know. It’s on an iPad. We keep track of everything that way. I gave it to one of them and that was the last I saw of it. Hey, when the bullets started flying, I lost interest.”

  “Syd, Anthony. We’re looking for an iPad,” Kade called out. “Let’s get back to the donors. How many were still here?”

  “I don’t know. I think maybe six or seven. A few dove back here with me. P-CAP took them down to the station.” Gil looked over to a pool of blood underneath one of the tables and wiped his hand across his mouth. “Two are dead. One they took out on a stretcher. Not sure if she’ll make it.”

  “Anyone else?”

  “Yeah, man.” He paused, tightening his grip on the bottle. “Gemma.”