Finding Lily

by Emma Shade

  I gasped and stumbled back, pretending to be ignorant about the Enforcers. “What? Why?”

  “Your secrets exposed, darlin’. Every one of the higher ups know. I’m the lead vamp over Las Vegas, and as long as I’m around they can’t touch you. Well, the vamps can’t, but why the Enforcers haven’t attempted to slaughter you yet? Don’t know the answer to that.”

  “So if you’re the head man in charge over Nevada, then that means you know...”

  He nodded. “I know Ashton. He’s actually the reason I’m here with you two now. He sent out a search party and I got the memo. Didn’t think you’d be here in Las Vegas, though. Findin’ you two was a total surprise.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  ASHTON

  The ceiling above my bed at Revive hadn’t held any answers on where Lily had concealed herself for so long, but I glowered at it like it held the solution anyway. Gary on his way back, was going to arrive at any moment with the plane. Blake headed this way shortly too and once we had Sam back, we’d focus on locating Lily again.

  My cell rang and knocked me out of my stupor. The caller marked it private and I almost hadn’t picked it up. But something told me to answer. The deep southern drawl on the other end caused me to jump from the bed in shock.

  “Long time no see, Ashton,” Jamison said as soon as I answered.

  “Jamison. Where is Liliana? Don’t fuck with me on this,” I growled.

  “Don’t get your panties in a wad. She’s fine. I’m in the bathroom and she’s waitin’ with her friend. Luckily the Enforcers are keepin’ their distance for some reason. First, we need to go over a few things. I don’t know why she ran and I don’t really care. The woman is heartbroken over somethin’. If I had to guess, it would be you. However, I need to know if bringin’ you back into the picture will be good for her.”

  “Are you kidding me right now? I love the woman more than my own life. She’s my match, my mate, and the one person who makes me feel whole again. Is that what you wanted to hear? That I can’t live without her?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, that’s what I wanted to hear. Although it’s odd comin’ from your lips, I can appreciate the honesty. Any man who has Lily’s heart shouldn’t ever break it.”

  My gums ached as my fangs burst free. Air pumped in and out of my chest. I swallowed back the beast threatening to emerge. “Jamison, I regret what I did. If I could take it back, I would. But Liliana doesn’t know her friend is alive. She thinks he died, but I changed him. Even if she doesn’t forgive me, I’ve got to make sure she at least knows that.”

  Silence on the other end greeted me for a minute or two. The only sounds on the line were footsteps as Jamison paced the restroom. Finally he said, “Fine. She and Paige are in Las Vegas. I’ll meet you outside the Indigo Casino at eight in the mornin’. I already know you have a plane ready to go, so no need to tell me that. Goodnight, my friend. I’ll see you in soon.”

  My phone beeped as he disconnected the call. Las Vegas. Son of a bitch! I shot off a text to Blake and asked the bastard to get here fast.

  Jamison, the sneaky shit, read thoughts if you’re open. After all, he’d been sired by Conrad Steele. And, even though over the phone, I opened myself up without thinking. I was unsure if he was able to get inside my head over the phone or not. But, besides the freaky mind stuff, why the sudden phone call? Jamison’s game was cut short. Why? That’s what worried me the most.

  A few minutes later, Blake marched into my room like the hounds of hell nipped at his heels. “What’s so urgent? Did you find her?”

  I nodded and rubbed my hands through my hair. “Yeah, they’re in Vegas. Ironic, huh?”

  “You think Sam’s already found them? The guy’s resilient,” Blake said. “What about Jamison?”

  “Jamison called me. That’s how I knew they were in Las Vegas. He gave up his cat and mouse game way too quickly. It worries me. But, right now, we board that plane in a hurry. The faster we get to Nevada, the better.” I frowned as another through crossed my mind. “Blake, can I ask you something?”

  Blake narrowed his eyes. “Depends on what it is.”

  “How were you able to keep the Enforcers at bay?”

  With a deep breath, Blake replied, “Let’s just say right now my past and my present are starting to collide.”

  Scowling at his answer, I wondered what he meant. Blake had secrets stacked in his closet as high as Mount Everest. Even though I knew we could trust him, it’s his past that troubled me. “Are you going to shed light on that?”

  “Nope. Not until I have to. You and I both have things in our past that we’d rather keep hidden. This is mine.” Blake checked his phone and strode out of the bedroom, typing on the touch screen and ending the conversation.

  *****

  After full dressed, I packed a few belongings for the trip. The necessities being jeans, boots, shirts, and a few trusty daggers. The blades glinted in the light as I strapped them to the top of the suitcase. I didn’t bother with the leather cases, because let’s face it, I’d have them tucked in my boots anyway.

  Carlotta and Jeffery arrived in Vegas a few days prior. After I informed them a few minutes ago, that not only was Sam there, but Liliana too, they both started their searches right away.

  The irony of the situation was not lost on me. It’s quite possible Sam, if my estimations remained correct, had developed a few psychic abilities with the change. With his emotions linked so strongly to finding Liliana, it was possible he knew where she was subconsciously. After all, vampire abilities never reacted how we wished them to. Especially in the early stages.

  “Sir? Are you ready to board the plane?” Gary asked, standing in the doorway. “It’s ready to go whenever you are.”

  I zipped my suitcase and nodded. “Is Blake ready to go?”

  “Yes. He’s been pacing the hall for a few minutes now.” He chuckled. “And throwing you curses under his breath. Sir, do you mind if I offer my opinion before we fly?”

  “Sure, Gary. And stop calling me sir.”

  “Fine, Ashton. I want you to be careful. Not just because of the Enforcers, but because I think you need to keep your heart guarded. You don’t know how she’ll react when she sees you. Or who her heart will pick.”

  I glanced at him and frowned. “I worry about that every minute of the day. Faith is all I have to go on. If she doesn’t want to see me, then I’ll have to make her fall in love with me all over again. Liliana deserves better than me, I know that. But love doesn’t give a damn. Love is complicated, but when it’s true love, it only cares about what’s inside your heart and not your past transgressions.”

  “You’re worth a lot more than you carry on your shoulders,” Gary replied, rotated on his heels, and walked down the hall.

  I lifted the handle on the suitcase and made my way to the main living area of the little apartment above my club. Meeting eyes with Blake, I let out a huff of frustrated air.

  “Let’s get the show on the road, Ashton. You took long enough to pack. What are you? A woman?”

  His patronizing voice sliced like a knife on my already shattered nerves. “Shut your mouth, Blake,” I warned. “I’m more stressed than you were when CoverGirl discontinued your favorite lipstick color.”

  “Hardy har har, Ashton,” Blake derided. “We’ve got a time limit before the Enforcers act. We should’ve left hours ago!”

  It wasn’t until later when we were seated in the Learjet that my anger cleared enough to realize what he’d said. “Blake, what did you mean we have a time limit with the Enforcers?”

  “Time’s ticking down, Ashton. We’ve got,” he checked his watch and then closed his eyes, “two hours to find her before they act.”

  I groaned and placed my head in my hands. The flight alone to Las Vegas was roughly four hours. We’d never make it. Jamison was good, but if he died to protect her, who’d keep her safe before we got there? I sent a prayer to whoever listened to a lost soul and asked for a miracle.

>   CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  LILY

  You know when they say the truth will set you free? Well, in my situation....the truth was going to cost me everything. Including my life.

  The Enforcers meant that conjurers knew about my lineage, and by Jamison’s words, vampires closed in on me too. As if my life wasn’t sucky enough.

  I glared at Jamison and cursed under my breath. Finally, I said, “Are you telling me that this whole damn time, you knew who I was and watched after me because of Ashton? Why isn’t he here already? If that’s what you two had planned in the beginning.”

  Jamison shook his head. “No, you don’t understand. Ashton and I have a long history. I kept where you were hidden from him a secret until tonight. He’s on his way now, you can count on that. The man really loves you and Satan himself couldn’t keep him away.”

  My heart surged. “What about Blake? Is he on the way too?”

  “Blake?” he questioned and wrinkled his brows.

  “Blake Moore? I assumed they’d be together. Even though they fight like cats and dogs, neither one would let the other leave without him.”

  I knew both men jumped on a plane as soon as they learned my location. But it also scared me. That meant emotions were going to be flying, even though I choked mine back for the most part.

  Jamison cleared his throat. “Why would Blake be with Ashton? That doesn’t make any sense.”

  “Why wouldn’t they be together? Sure, they might both battling for my heart, but that doesn’t mean one would willingly stay behind. Trust me.”

  “Lily, that explains a few things if Blake Moore’s involved.” Running a hand through his hair, he muttered, “A tiger might change his stripes, but he’s still a tiger.”

  “What do you know about Blake? What does it explain?”

  He tucked a stray curl behind my ear and smiled. “You know what? Ashton should be on a plane now, and if Blake’s with him like you said, then they both are on the way. But I brought y’all out tonight to have a good time. So whataya say we at least have a few drinks and enjoy ourselves before shit hits the fan?”

  “And just pretend that everything’s okay?” I asked incredulously.

  “You pretended to be somebody else since I met you. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

  “Jamison, I may have changed my name, but I’ve never pretended to be anyone I’m not.”

  He chuckled and placed his hand on my lower back to lead me back in Paige’s direction. “I beg to differ, darlin’.”

  “What do you know?”

  “Honey, I went through total hell for years by the man who changed me. I used to have nightmares that would terrify Satan himself. But, my past isn’t who I am anymore. I’m stronger now than I ever was. Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.”

  Ugh. First Paige and now Jamison spouted words of wisdom. I opened my mouth to reply when Paige’s laugh stopped me. Her genuine amusement at our surroundings surprised me. She honestly enjoyed herself as she stood in the hallway people watching. Either that, or she’d downed a ton of alcohol since we’d be deep in conversation.

  The music had changed from light classical to blasting dance music sometime during Jamison’s and my heart to heart.

  We both strolled in the direction of Paige who leaned against the wall and observed the dancers, holding a glass of pink champagne.

  “These people dancing are hilarious. See this guy there,” she said and pointed at a man dressed with salt and pepper hair on the dance floor, “he’s doing the stomp your feet and snap your fingers from the 70s.”

  Jamison laughed. “More like 1870s. That’s a vampire.”

  “Fine. This guy over here?” Paige pointed to a young guy dressed in a silk black button down and black leather pants. “He’s practically humping the poor girl from behind. Idiot guy is about to get left in the dust. She’s whispering to her friend about it right now. All girls have been there at some point in time and I know how she feels.”

  I snickered and grabbed a glass of champagne from the waitress walking by. “You’ve been sitting here and watching this the entire time?”

  Paige nodded with a shit eating grin and pointed to another couple on the dance floor. “See them over there? They should be posted outside the used car dealership. You know those inflatable flailing arm tube things?” she asked and starting flailing her arms above her head for emphasis. “Just watch them and tell me if they don’t resemble those crazy props.”

  Paige’s filter was lost somewhere along the way, but she’d had Jamison and I bent over in hysterical laughter as she continued to point out more dancers.

  Jamison blew a breath out from in between his lips and cleared his throat. “Okay. Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and show us that you can dance better than any of those people out there?”

  “Please,” Paige teased and put a hand on her hip. “This place doesn’t know what hit them. The party has arrived.”

  Setting the champagne glass on the window sill beside her, she grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the dance floor. I glimpsed back at Jamison in apology and he just grinned in return. If anyone said that masquerade masks hinted at a bit of sexy intrigue, they lied. They slipped, blocked your complete vision, and the skin behind the mask sweated profusely. Then again, I might have been just me and the porcelain mask I wore.

  While we danced, the bird men as I liked to call them with their creepy ass masks, orbited the dance floor as though they were buzzards who circled death, ready to swoop down and have their fill.

  “Lily, do you notice the revenge of the birds, or is this just me?” Paige asked, leaning forward so I could hear her over the music.

  “I saw them. I have a bad feeling,” I replied and put my hand on her arm. The vision caught me of guard and I stumbled.

  People scattered and tables went flying in the ballroom. Screams filled the space, and Jamison tackled an unknown patron beside me. After being tossed in the air, Paige’s body splayed out on the floor, blood swelling beneath her head.

  I screamed and started to run towards her. Before my feet carried me too far, though, hands wrapped around my waist and hoisted me over a shoulder of an unknown assailant.

  Paige’s hands gripped my arms and I straightened myself with a gasp of surprise. My wide eyes met hers. “Paige, please don’t die.”

  “What? I’m not going to die. I’m too stubborn,” she said, but worry blazed from her eyes. “Did you see something? It’s been a long time since you’ve had a vision.”

  The trifling at my thoughts returned. I slammed down the wall of my mind again and eyed our surroundings.

  My heartbeat increased and anxiety permeated the air surrounding me in a cloak of fear. “We need to find Jamison before shit hits the fan. There’s going to be a massive brawl tonight and you get hurt. Plus, I think somebody’s trying to get in my head.”

  “Who?” Paige asked and followed me off the dance floor. “How do I get hurt, Lily?”

  “I don’t know who. It’s happened twice since we’ve been here. And as far as you getting hurt, I just hope it’s not life threatening. For as much as you get on my nerves, I’ve grown attached to you.”

  “We can’t stop it?”

  I sadly shook my head and scanned the area for Jamison. “Even though you’re a bitch, fate is a bigger one. There’s no stopping it. Have you seen Jamison?”

  “No, I haven’t. Do you think...”

  A shriek cut through the music and we swiveled in the direction of the sound. One of the masked bird men removed his mask as he stood over the body of a woman on the floor. Whether she fainted or was dead, I wasn’t sure. But my heart stuttered in my chest at the vehemence in the man’s eyes aimed at me. A start tattoo under his right eye, his mouth edged into an evil grin. Suddenly, three more bird masked men skirted the first.

  “Shit. Shit! We gotta go, Lily,” Paige demanded and flames burst along her forearms.

&nb
sp; “Paige, don’t!!!” I screamed but it was too late.

  A ball of flame left her hands and headed directly towards the Enforcers. As if in slow motion, the guy grabbed one of his friends and used him as a shield. The flame ruptured into the poor soul’s chest and he wailed, arms flapping around as he tried to put out the flames. Screams echoed like an eerie Halloween soundtrack. Tossed aside like yesterday’s news by his cohorts, the man thrashed around on the floor like a fish out of water as fire consumed him.

  The music stopped with a screech and people gaped at the scene.

  The man who’d removed his mask finally spoke. A thick accent, as though English wasn’t his first language, blasted throughout the room. “Lily Canton. What a nice surprise. Give yourself over peacefully and nobody else will be hurt.”

  I opened my mouth to answer, and Paige beat me to it. My breath caught in my lungs as she said, “Never, asshole. I won’t ever let you lay a finger on her. I’d kill you first.”

  Flames flickered along her arms and climbed up her shoulders. Her eyes were almost vacant as she let loose her supernatural energy. As several candles in the room flared to life, I gasped in surprise. Paige was losing it.

  The man rushed her, and as I tried to push Paige out of the way, my feet left the floor.

  The next bird man had shoved me into the food table. My back hit the edge of the fancy wood and pain blasted through me. I toppled over the table, taking the food, plates, and punch bowl with me. The cold punch splashed over me, pooling on the tile floor. Trying to stand, I slipped on the liquid and fancy cuisine as I attempted to gain traction.

  My bones hummed like a tuning fork as my powers blasted through me. I yanked my mask off, pushed my soaking wet hair out of my face, and confronted my attacker. “You ruined my makeup and my dress. It’s on now.”

  As though a mirrored image of my vision sprang to life, people scattered and tables flew into the air as though a massive monster plowed through the room.

  Jamison tackled the other Enforcer beside me with a whoop. They grappled for control on the floor. Fangs cut skin and blood splattered. The Enforcer’s powers rushed through Jamison and he cried out in pain. I didn’t see flames, electricity, or any other sign of physical abilities so it had to be mental.