Awakening the Fire

chapter Two

Ari retrieved her knife from the forest floor. The woods were quiet again. Still, she lingered, reluctant to leave. An ominous prickle persisted at the back of her neck, keeping her rooted to the clearing. She scanned the trees, opening her mind to the smells and energy in the wind.

A sharp round of applause shattered the silence.

A shadowy figure stepped from the shelter of the trees. The stranger stopped, silhouetted against the light of the moon. “Very nice, if a little overdone. I do not think he will return soon.”

A rich, masculine voice, softly accented, rolled over her. Ari’s pulse leaped. Her witch blood surged in response to the unmistakable vampiric energy, and she snapped into defensive mode.

The vampire stayed in the moonlight. An easy target for witch fire, Ari thought. Maybe he wasn’t hostile. More likely, he didn’t think she was any kind of threat. Either way, her advantage. She’d been underestimated before.

“You need not be concerned,” he said. “I intend no mischief.”

The distinctive cadence of Italy in his words trailed a feathery caress along her skin. The sound wrapped itself around her in lazy curls. A quiver swept up her arms, and she shivered. Ari quickly blocked the intrusion. She needed to keep her wits about her.

“No magical probing,” she snapped. “Your tricks don’t work on me. I’m stronger than that.” Yet even as she spoke, she felt the pull, smooth as silk and slightly wicked. Her blood hummed in response, as if her magic recognized his.

And liked it.

He chuckled. Audacious. Bold. Sexy? Ugh, contrary to popular fiction, seduction wasn’t something Ari associated with vampires. Federal civil rights laws, new treaties, and citizen status didn’t make them any less dangerous. They were predators—useful in the military, but not exactly her idea of boyfriend material.

“I heard there was a new guardian, but not that she was a fire witch.” The vampire moved closer, his feet skimming soundlessly over the layers of fallen leaves and pine needles. When he came to a halt, the moonlight illuminated his face, revealing dark eyes and strong, lean features. A lock of black hair had fallen across his forehead. He was dressed casually in black jeans and a crew neck T-shirt. “Our meeting is fortunate. Always good to know the local authorities.” He cocked his head. “You are not what I expected.”

Not again. Ari was sick of comparisons to her mentor. “Sorry to disappoint. Who are you? What do you want?”

“Did I say I was disappointed? On the contrary.” His gaze swept the length of her. “You are much younger, prettier, than your predecessor. But then Yana served a hundred years or more. Disappointed? Not in the least. I find you and your talents…most interesting.”

“Is that meant to be a compliment? Never mind. I don’t care.” Ari raised her chin and looked him straight in the eyes. “If you think I’m a pushover because I’m young, you can think again. I’m good at what I do. I’ve trained my entire life.”

His eyes narrowed at her bold stare. She thought she’d made her point, until he laughed. Ari bit her lower lip. Had she been too quick on the uptake? Again. Or was she reacting to vampiric magic? She nudged up the strength of her magical defenses.

“Your entire life,” he murmured. “As long as that. Impressive.”

Ari snorted but didn’t take the bait this time. She waited to see what he’d do next. Unfortunately, he had the same idea, and they stood staring at each other.

The vampire acted unbothered by the silence. He stood at ease, his body relaxed but waiting. The breeze ruffled the unruly, black hair that curled over his ears. He looked thirty or less in human years. Yet, despite his present efforts to hide it, she felt an underlying hint of power that said he was older. Much older. Awareness of him filled all the available space.

Whoever he was—she hadn’t forgotten he didn’t answer the question—his continued watchfulness made Ari uneasy. She moved her hand closer to her dagger. Although blood hunting was strictly forbidden, with a penalty of immediate execution, she didn’t trust any vampire to play by the rules.

His lips curved under her scrutiny, a hint of amusement reaching his dark eyes. Humor? That surprised her. As their humanity fell away, vampires usually took on a distinctive look: cold, predatory, reptilian. Except for the newborns, and this guy didn’t feel that newly minted.

In a rare flash of vanity, she wondered what he thought of her. The long, dark blonde hair wasn’t very witchy. And her five-five frame was more boyish than curvy. But the long-lashed green eyes? All witch, and her best asset. Great-Gran’s eyes. Her mother’s eyes. Ari jerked herself back from this weird train of thought. What was the matter with her? This wasn’t a hot-looking date.

Whatever was going on behind the vampire’s hooded eyes, he kept it to himself. He made no overt aggressive moves, simply stood there. Wasn’t that typical predator behavior? Lure the unwary into a sense of safety? Well, he could forget it. Wrong prey, bloodsucker.

She took the initiative. “I know what you are, but I’ll ask again, who are you? What are you doing here?”

He moved then, gliding forward. She was startled when he bowed with all the grace of an old world aristocrat. It didn’t quite fit the jeans and T-shirt. “Andreas De Luca, at your service, madam witch. And you are…?”

“Arianna Calin. Guardian for Olde Town.” She hesitated, then stuck out her hand. She really didn’t want him touching her, but getting along with both the human and magic communities was part of the job.

He accepted the gesture, grasping her hand in long, cool fingers. Ari felt a spark of energy, but its relative neutrality told her how good he was at controlling his magic.

“Arianna.” With his eyes never leaving her face, he repeated the word, his voice rolling it around. “Not exactly a Romani name.”

“No, should it be?” Her gut clenched at his unexpected remark. How much did this vampire know about the Calin family of witches? About her?

As if she’d spoken aloud, he said, “Your great-grandmother was the witch Talaitha. The last great fire witch in this region.” His smile said he knew he’d surprised her. “Talaitha is a Romani name.”

How did he know that? What right did he have to use her name so freely? Ari was tempted to confront him, but it would have confirmed what might be a guess on his part. Talaitha was one of Ari’s given names. An ancient name. Since the old names held power in her world, she was reluctant to share it. Especially with a vampire.

Andreas De Luca examined the hand he continued to hold. His fingers were inches away from Ari’s silver bracelet. Although he didn’t make direct contact with the trinket, he didn’t act bothered by the sight or presence of the charms, most of which were considered dangerous or at least harmful to vampires. The miniature silver cross, the vial of holy water, the protection stones. Ari lifted a brow. Interesting reaction.

“These slim fingers have inherited Talaitha’s gift for fire,” he said, using her great-grandmother’s name again, as if he knew it bothered her. “A rare and coveted talent.” His smile broadened, bringing charm to his attractive face, and he lifted Ari’s fingers to his lips in a brief kiss. Before she had a chance to react to this unexpected gallantry, he turned her hand over and nipped the palm with wickedly sharp teeth.

“Ouch!” She snatched it back, leaped away, and glared at him. Her witch senses flared with a rush of hot energy that ran to her fingertips. Ari clenched them into fists.

His rich laughter rang out. The real thing, no magic this time. Grinning, he threw up his hands as if to ward off retaliation. It defused the moment.

“It’s not funny,” she snapped, getting herself under control. Unclenching her fingers, she stared at the small drop of blood that welled from the broken skin. Her brain warred between anger and a strong desire to get the hell out of there.

“You are too tempting.” A hint of teasing entered his voice. “Such smooth skin. And sweet-smelling blood.” He ruined the milder tone by widening his grin to show a glimpse of fang.

Ari scowled. If he was trying to freak her out, it was working. A dangerous game for both sides. “Just stop it,” she said, her voice all sharp edges. “State your business or get out of here. I’ve had enough, Mr. De Luca.”

“Andreas will do.” His voice was smooth, urbane. “I fear you have assumed some evil purpose on my part, when I truly meant no harm.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” Ari looked pointedly at the blood on her hand.

He sighed. “Yes, well…” Some emotion flitted through his eyes. Regret? Uncertainty? Puzzlement? His next statement made her wonder if she’d seen anything.

“Only a small bite, after all.” When she bristled, he seemed to reconsider his words. “All right. Not my best moment.” It was a matter-of-fact statement. Not a real apology, no remorse. A muscle twitched at the corner of his mouth, as if he was enjoying the situation. Before Ari could think of a good retort, he changed the subject. “As for what I wanted, nothing. I heard the screams and came to help.”

“You came to help,” she repeated. He nodded, and she went on, her voice thick with sarcasm. “Of course, I should have guessed. Fearing some innocent was in danger, you came charging to the rescue.”

“Something like that,” Andreas agreed. “You arrived before me, and my services were not required.”

Yeah, right. Ari rolled her eyes. He’d had plenty of time to make up a better story than that. He was lying, and he didn’t care if she knew it. Arrogant bloodsucker.

He frowned, took a sudden step toward her. “You appear to doubt my word, Ms. Calin. Why is that?”

So, the vampire’s skin was not as thick as it seemed. Ari shifted her position a step to the left, increasing the distance between them. He mirrored her actions, closing the gap. She moved again, so did he. His eyes glittered in the moonlight. A sign of danger or mischief? Ari didn’t feel particularly threatened. Perhaps she should. After all, she had baited him. To be honest, this macabre moonlight dance was more weird than frightening.

“Your story is pretty unlikely. In my experience, vamps don’t give a damn about anyone else. So who were you tracking? The wolf or me? I hope it wasn’t the humans.”

Andreas raised a dark eyebrow. “In your experience? Have we not agreed that you have none?”

“Very funny. You know I didn’t say that.” Her face flushed. “And it’s not smart to keep pushing me.”

“But it is tempting,” he murmured. Then he smiled again. “Perhaps an apology is in order. I have been too long in the close company of my own kind. If you can overlook my shortcomings, perhaps we could start over.”

Wary of his conciliatory manner, Ari tilted her head in doubt.

His eyes widened. “I really am harmless.”

Ari lost it. Laughed aloud. It was the most absurd thing he could have said. When Andreas started to protest, she waved a hand to stop him. “No, no. Please, spare me.” She swallowed her laughter and eyed him, trying to read his mood. “All right, why not? A new beginning.”

He cocked his head and leaned forward. “Shall we seal this understanding with a kiss?”

“I don’t think so.” She stepped out of reach, lifting her hands to hold him off. “We’ve had enough close contact for one night.”

Too late, Ari realized her mistake. Never give ground to a predator. He appeared beside her in a blink, his quickness catching her off guard. She hadn’t seen him move.

He didn’t touch her, but his lips were close to her ear as he whispered, “What are you afraid of, young witch? Surely not of me.” His magic was back, raising the hairs on Ari’s arms.

She turned her head away, not stepping back this time, but creating a little space. “I’m not afraid.” Her voice was steady. Good girl. This was just another test. It wasn’t the first time an Otherworlder had demanded she earn his respect. She could handle anything this vampire dished out. And he hadn’t tried to harm her. Not yet, anyway.

“Not afraid?” he repeated softly.

“No. Now back off. I know how to defend myself.” Maybe she couldn’t match his strength or speed or invade his mind. But Ari had the fire magic. Crimson fire that would turn him to charred bits. If he attacked, the oath of abstinence taken by every white witch didn’t count. Self-defense was a given. Plus she had the silver dagger. No rules about using it. Her fingers touched the dagger’s handle.

“Should we test your skills?” His voice was silky as velvet.

The scent of his exotic cologne floated around her face. A momentary distraction, until she remembered the fangs. Much too close to her throat.

“Is there some reason for this?” she asked, sounding more breathless than she liked. Her palm, now sweaty, closed on the hilt of the dagger.

“You are frightened. I can smell your fear.” Andreas sounded surprised. He sighed, eased back, and studied her face, as if seeking the answer to some unasked question. “You do not need the dagger. I shall bid you good night and go before my poor manners betray me again. Perhaps, but no… Until our next meeting, little witch.” He gave that brief, courtly bow again. “Another time,” he said with a slow smile.

And then he was gone. As swift and untraceable as the wind.

Hot air exploded from Ari’s throat. She hadn’t realized she was holding her breath. Not afraid? Who was she kidding. Andreas De Luca was dangerous, in more ways than one. The leashed power around him was almost a tangible thing. Wild energy still pulsed in the space where he stood moments before. She moved away, unwilling to remain so close to the remnants of a primitive power she didn’t comprehend.

Thinking back, Ari could have kicked herself for all the things she should have said and didn’t. She’d been outmaneuvered. The quick mood changes, charm to menace and back again, had kept her off balance. Why had he affected her so much? She’d dealt with vampires before. What was different? The magic, or something indefinable?

Ari had to admit, he was definitely a hottie. Not a thought she wanted to dwell on. He was a vampire. Nothing hot about that.

Shoving him from her thoughts, Ari took a quick survey of the clearing. He’d been right about one thing. She might have overdone the witch fire. The woods had taken significant damage. Broken limbs, scorched trunks. The smell of singed wood and fur still clung to the night air. She grimaced, wondering what the park custodian would make of it in the unforgiving light of day.

Ari’s frown deepened as she thought about the wolf, the vampire. A fleeting image of the future crossed her mind, drawing a shiver. She would see them both again. And that might not be a good thing.