21 Shades of Night, page 6
His nostrils flared, and my heart skipped a beat. Could he smell Derek on me? Brendan sighed before extending his arm to me again. “It’s a place near the theater.”
Placing my arm back on his, I stayed quiet, but now the silence was awkward. For a moment I’d felt semblance of comfort with him. Now that was gone, and I wasn’t sure how to feel.
After several blocks, I caught sight of Derek’s home. My heart pounded in my chest. I didn’t worry about him taking me away or hurting me. The only thought floating through my head was the almost-kiss.
I glimpsed Derek headed through the side alley toward the back of his home. His shoulders stiffened, and he turned in my direction. Our gazes met, and he blinked in surprise. He looked like he’d seen a ghost.
“What’s wrong?” Brendan asked, pulling my attention back to him. He glanced between Derek and me, sucking in a deep breath. His lips curled back in a snarl. “Let’s go.”
I opened my mouth to explain. But what could I say that wouldn’t incriminate me? Besides, I didn’t know Brendan very well. What if he found out what Derek had done for me? He might have him killed. “What are you going to do?” I asked. “He’s minding his own business.” I glanced back at Derek before he faded into the shadows.
Brendan stared at me, pressing his lips together in thought. “What would you like me to do, Carmela?”
I shrugged my good shoulder. “Nothing? Just take me out to dinner and a play. We don’t need this incident to ruin our evening.” I forced a smile, knowing I looked at my future in his eyes. Derek was someone I wanted, but he wouldn’t be the one I got.
“That’s against our laws, you know.” He cocked an eyebrow. “What if he tells his kind about us?”
“We’ll be gone by then, but if you’re worried, maybe we should ask him not to?”
Brendan chuckled; amusement lightened his eyes. “You’ve lost your mind.” He quirked his lips in a half-smile. “Come on. Let’s get to the theatre.”
Chapter 14
Derek
FIRE BURNED IN my chest, and I had to force myself to remain where I was. Carmela was with another man. From what she’d said previously, I doubted she was in a consummated relationship. Was this guy her chosen mate? Grimacing, I watched the male werewolf escort her down the street. Would the werewolf report my presence even though she’d asked him not to? I shook my head, turning toward the back of the house.
Elliot stood before me and grinned. “Caught skulking about by some werewolves? Speed and stealth, mate. The two joys of what we are.”
“Caught? No, I wasn’t caught. Just walking around outside of my home. I have repairs to do.” I jerked open the back door and walked inside. After dealing with the necromancer and his helper, I’d gone back to the hardware store to add to my order. Seemed I’d be doing remodeling instead of relaxing before the High Council meeting tonight.
That was probably why Elliot was here. He likely wanted to make sure I would be attending. How thoughtful of him...
I started toward the spare bedroom, but stopped myself. If Elliot followed me, he’d smell Carmela, and that was the last thing I needed.
I glanced back to find him sniffing around my den and living room. Elliot knelt in his nice suit and slacks and placed his nose just above the tile where the necromancer’s helper had perished. “What’s this? Someone died here.” Elliot looked to me with his now-black eyes.
“I was attacked yesterday. I’m not sure by whom, or why they were here. He didn’t leave me much choice but to kill him before he...killed me.” I leaned against the wall by the back door, not sure how much I should tell him. If I mentioned the necromancer and the kidnapping, Elliot might talk to Lord Prescott, and I didn’t want that. He might discover that I’d helped Carmela.
Elliot’s lips pulled away from his fangs. If it had been anyone else, I might’ve felt threatened, but with Elliot, it was just a sign of frustration.
“There’s more to what you’re saying; I smell something else here. This man wasn’t working alone.” He bent by the area where the necromancer had knocked me against the wall. “There’s something familiar about this lingering energy. Afraid I can’t place it though.” Casting me a glance, he added, “Sorry.”
I shrugged. The less Elliot knew the better, at least for the moment. I’d figure out who tried to kidnap me. Necromancers were rare these days, and not many roamed this city. “Guess we’ll see who doesn’t arrive at the meeting tonight.”
“Just because I recognized the scent doesn’t mean they’re connected to the High Council. This doesn’t feel vampiric.” Elliot took another sniff before rising to his feet. “No, they might play a smaller role. As impressed as I am with your formidable skills, I don’t think you would last long if two High Council members ambushed you. Besides, they wouldn’t want to risk their necks. Perhaps it was done by minions.”
“Since when do you hang out with minions of other High Council members?” I raised an eyebrow at Elliot, glad he wasn’t paying any more attention to the scents around my place.
Elliot groaned. “It’s not what you think. Some of us have a libido.” A grin cracked his lips. “Or do you have one? Does fur fulfill your tastes better?”
A hiss escaped my lips before I could catch myself. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I see. Why the visceral reaction? Maybe because it’s true.” He leaned in and winked. “Don’t worry. I won’t go against our friendship. Even if it forces me to compromise my duty as a responsible vampiric denizen.” His smile widened, flashing a lot of fang.
“I’m not attracted to her.” I gritted my teeth.
“That’s good. Then you won’t mind if I tattle on her to the Cazador, or worse, our fellow High Council members.” Elliot’s eyes narrowed, and I felt wholly discomforted by this exchange.
“Fine, I am. Don’t mention anything about her to anyone. It’s not like there’s any chance for us. Besides, she’s with someone, and even if we were together, I’d have to protect her from our kind’s wrath.”
Elliot chuckled and shook his head. “Well, it seems like you’re more screwed up than I am. That’s a first.”
Chapter 15
Derek
THE HEADCOUNT BEGAN, signaling the start of the High Council meeting. I reclined in a plush red velvet chair next to Elliot, already wanting it to be over with. Many years ago, the meetings had appealed to me, and I’d listened to the drawn-out political babbling as if it all mattered. Now I forced myself to attend.
Sadly, that wasn’t the only thing worrying me. Someone was after me, and I didn’t know who or why. What did they know about me? If someone had discovered I helped Carmela... I locked the thought away. Some vampires were telepathic; thinking of her could be treacherous.
The other council members were from all walks of life, and ranged in appearance from young adult to elder. Some smelled as if they’d walked in from a shantytown, while others were well-groomed and polished.
A few kept their minor nocturne minions seated at their feet in what the council believed was a manner appropriate to their class. I didn’t subscribe to that school of thought. Who was becoming extinct? Nocturnes. Who was the threat? The humans striving to build up their numbers again.
The progress humans and nocturnes alike had made over the centuries had mostly been lost, secreted away by the human government in their laboratories and military bases. They thought their wealth could protect them from the horrors of this new post-apocalyptic life, but history had proven time and again that the average person wouldn’t be suppressed forever.
Lord Prescott entered from his private chambers at the front of the room. He appeared young and lanky, as if he was in his late teens or early twenties, but he’d been the High Council’s chairman for centuries before I was even born. The power emanating from him swept through the chamber, flooding everyone with its intensity.
Goosebumps pricked my flesh, and I clenched the arms of my chair. Elliot stiffened beside me. One would think we’d get used to this after a while, but Prescott made sure his vampires obeyed him. No one would dare to threaten his position.
“Most of you know why we’ve gathered here.” Prescott stood next to his throne. He fixed his gaze on me. “Why don’t you remind us, Derek Ashmoore. I’m sure you know, yes?”
My lips pulled away from my fangs, but I forced my expression to remain neutral. Giving him a piece of my mind wouldn’t be best. “As the chairman, I assumed you would tell everyone why we’re here.”
Prescott narrowed his grey eyes at me, then turned to another vampire. “Giles Cleaver, what’s the main item on our agenda?”
Giles, a crooked old vampire, cast a haughty glance my way before addressing Prescott and everyone else. “We are here to acknowledge the death of Tom Turner, a senior High Council member. You shall pick the newest senior member, my lord.” He bowed at the waist before sitting back down.
“You received the memo. Good.” Prescott seated himself on the throne. “As Giles said, one of our own has been murdered. This doesn’t even speak to the fact that the kindred beneath us are murdered every day by those human creatures. The Cazador... what a dreadful name.” He entwined his fingers over his flat stomach and observed the council members.
“Who is worthy of fulfilling the role of senior member? Who has earned his place among us and will act in our best interests?” He narrowed his gaze on me, and the muscles in my shoulders tensed. Prescott swiped his tongue across his slightly yellowed fangs, enjoying the sight of watching me squirm; then he twisted his attention to my right.
“Elliot Quinn. How long have you been among us? Since the reign of Queen Victoria, yes?”
Elliot stood with his head bowed. “No, my lord, I became a vampire during King Edward VII’s reign.” His knuckles were white from clenching his hands together.
“Yes, that’s right. Still, you have a few centuries under your belt, and continue to prove yourself useful.” Prescott scanned the room, drawing out the spectacle.
Elliot retook his seat after a few moments. He nearly vibrated with nervous energy, which wasn’t like him at all. This was a big deal for him, since he still believed we could make a difference through politics.
I leaned forward in my chair, resting my hands on my knees. Prescott needed to pick someone already, and end this verbose meeting. One of our kind had been killed, and that led me to wonder if the attacks on me were related.
What reason would a necromancer have for putting his life on the line to kidnap vampires, though? Maybe Tom’s death wasn’t connected.
“Head in the clouds today, Derek?” Prescott steepled his fingers under his chin. He shot a tidal wave of power at me, hitting me in the chest. My body jerked back into the chair at the impact, and the air rushed from my lungs. Agony burned inside me like a blazing torch. I clenched my hands into fists to keep from reacting. “See me after the meeting. Now, focus on our business here.”
I flinched, no longer wanting to be here. Elliot bumped my foot. No, this wasn’t the way to get on Prescott’s good side after my absence.
“At any rate, I will promote Elliot Quinn as the newest senior High Council member. As far as Tom Turner’s death, I will find who committed this crime. If I find anyone to be less than honest and forthright with information, I will rid this forsaken planet of you and your underlings. Obey our laws, and don’t bring harm upon our kindred. We need to remain strong. Understood?”
A low rumbling of agreement filled the air.
“Good. If no one has any further concerns, we will adjourn.”
The room remained silent.
Council members very rarely offered up their fears to Prescott in the public forum. Most tried to stay out of the spotlight.
“Adjourned.” Prescott rose from his chair with flourish, brushing aside his platinum blond hair, and waited there.
“What was that about?” Elliot whispered as we walked down the stairs of the large lecture hall. A couple of vampires shook their heads at me as they filed toward the exit.
“Derek, come. Let’s go to my office.” Prescott waved his hand toward the door of the private chambers near his throne. “Elliot, you may join us if you wish.”
I cut my gaze to Elliot. He should go home instead of getting wrapped up in this.
Something was wrong; I could sense it the closer I got to Prescott. He masked how he truly felt in public behind a façade, but I’d spent enough time with him over the centuries to pick up on his mannerisms.
We followed him into his grand office. Many Renaissance paintings lined the walls, and a colossal crystal chandelier hung overhead. I kept my arms at my sides, focusing on remaining calm and neutral, especially after my misbehavior during the meeting. Besides, Elliot had warned me about Prescott being on edge due to my recent lapse in attendance.
Our chairman sat in a massive brown leather chair behind his ornate mahogany desk, and waved to the crimson seats facing it.
Elliot took the one on the right, and I sat in the other.
“Congratulations on your promotion, Elliot. You are witness to this discussion.” My friend nodded, and Prescott turned his gaze on me. “What distracted you in the chamber? You don’t like politics, but there is an air of unease about you. You will tell me the truth.”
Thankfully, Prescott wasn’t a telepath, but he was excellent at deciphering lies.
I lowered my head. “I’m wary after hearing about Tom Turner, my lord. An attack was made on my life yesterday.” It took all my strength not to shift in my chair, especially under Prescott’s watchful eyes.
He nodded. “I see. You clearly fought off your assailants. Did you know either of them?”
I shook my head. “I did not.”
“If I may, my lord...” Elliot stood and bowed at the waist.
Prescott waved his hand in dismissal. “Save the formalities for the council’s chamber.”
“I visited Derek at his home and noticed a familiar scent, presumably belonging to one of the attackers.”
“And who would that be? Do you have more than that? A name, perhaps?” Prescott turned the full weight of his gaze on Elliot.
“Sadly, I don’t recall where I know the scent from.” Elliot didn’t shrink back.
“Disappointing.” Prescott examined a few papers on his desk. “I’d need more information before I can say if the attacks are connected.” He leaned back in his chair, glancing between us. “I have the initial information on Tom’s death here. If you agree not to speak of this matter with anyone else, I will share it with you.”
“I won’t say anything.” If my attempted kidnapping was connected, I might figure out who was after me. I doubted whoever it was would give up so easily.
Chapter 16
Carmela
BRENDAN INTRIGUED ME. There had to be more to him than what I knew. I mean, our box seats at the theater had an excellent view, with the added bonus of someone catering to our every need. The play itself had enthralled me from the moment the curtains lifted.
The steakhouse we were at now was a five-star restaurant, and unlike any I’d ever been to. The menu hadn’t even listed prices, so I imagined our meal was costing Brendan a pretty penny.
He smiled at me from across the table, the expression warming his ocean-blue eyes. The more time we spent together, the more I wondered about him and our potential future. Could I trust him?
Maybe my wariness was due to my experiences with other werewolf males. Mother sometimes talked about how things were with my father before they mated. He wooed her and treated her well, until she conceived a female child. Would Brendan be the same way? Did he value a male werewolf for an heir so much that he would shun me or the female offspring I might bear?
I stabbed a juicy piece of rare steak and plopped it into my mouth, trying to use the manners my mom had drilled into me. As I took in the classy surroundings, I realized now was certainly one of those times when I needed them. When he’d offered to take me out for steaks, I should’ve known it wouldn’t be to a diner, but I hadn’t expected all of this.
I savored the steak’s taste and texture, not knowing when—or if—I would ever have something so delicious again. Maybe if I mated with Brendan, I wouldn’t be under the strict constraints Father placed on our family. I might be able to make my own choices, if the face Brendan showed now was any indication of who he really was. What other werewolf would brush off a vampire encounter because I asked him to? I couldn’t think of a reason for him to do that, unless this union meant something to him other than fulfilling an obligation or making a power play.
I hoped what he portrayed wasn’t a lie meant to lure me in. If he sunk his claws into me and then expected to treat me the way Father treated Mom, I would run away to the Outskirts. Life was a lot more dangerous there, but I wouldn’t submit to more abuse. I refused.
Brendan placed his hand on mine. “Is everything okay?” He glanced down at my plate to see the meat almost gone, and smiled again. “If you’d like another steak, we can get more.”
My eyebrows rose. Another steak would be divine. But thinking of Father and the fact that I’d be returning home soon made me nauseated. I couldn’t handle more food even if I wanted to. “Everything’s great. The food is wonderful, but I’ll have to pass on another steak. Thank you, though.”
“I know what you’re holding out for. Dessert, right?” He held up a hand for the leggy blonde waitress, who hurried over to us. “A dessert menu, please.” Brendan kept his gaze on me instead of on the waitress, showing that his interest was in me, the woman he’d be mated with.
A sigh of uncertainty escaped my lungs. He seemed almost too good to be true. Why was he doing this? My father had arranged our mating, so pretense wasn’t required. Except on my part.
The waitress returned with the dessert menu and placed it in front of us. She looked to Brendan, as if desperate for his attention. “Would you like a little time to look over the menu? Or do you know what you’d like?”
