Fire Within

chapter Eight

Ari flew out her apartment door. It had to be a mistake. Not Andreas. He was a master level vampire. They lived forever. Besides, she would know—her magic would know. Where the hell was this magical link when she actually needed it? She paced back and forth at the curb, once, twice. Her thoughts jumbled, her imagination forming gruesome images. She didn’t stop to assess why she was reacting this way.

When Ryan’s Ford screeched to a halt, Ari yanked open the door. “Go!” she said, jumping in. The portable siren wailed and lights flashed on the top of his off duty vehicle as they raced through traffic. Luckily, it was Sunday and traffic was light. “Can’t you go faster?” she demanded.

Ryan didn’t bother to answer. He shot a glance in her direction. “I take it you guys made up? Back where you left off?”

“No.” And that’s what made this so bad. While Ari wasn’t sure what Andreas meant to her, he meant something. She might occasionally feel like killing him, but she didn’t want anyone else to do it.

They lapsed into a tense, brittle silence.

A blue and white police car sat at an angle outside the elegant, white, two-story brick building that housed Club Dintero. The car’s lights were flashing yellow. A uniformed officer talked with two people Ari didn’t know. She jumped out as soon as the car rolled to a stop and flashed her ID. “The victim?” she demanded, looking around.

“Inside.”

Inside? Why had they moved the body so soon? Could he still be alive? And, where were the damned paramedics? Did vamps use paramedics? She yanked the front door open, charged inside, and slid to a stop.

Andreas stood in the hallway. Unharmed, sexy as ever with that lock of black hair falling over his forehead, calmly talking with a uniformed officer. His friend Marcus, Club Dintero’s host, was listening and acting not the least bit alarmed.

Relief acted like a bucket of cold water flung on the adrenaline roaring through Ari’s veins. She gasped before she could stifle the reaction, and Marcus reached a hand toward her. His action was all it took. Ari turned on him.

“Marcus, what the hell happened? Where was security?” she demanded, her voice shrill. “Doesn’t anyone do their job around here?” She was vaguely aware of Marcus’s shocked face, but the words kept pouring from her mouth. “Where were you? Don’t stand there like…”

“Stop it. Arianna, stop it right now.” As Andreas grabbed her shoulders, the sharpness of his voice got through to her. She gulped down the rest of her tirade. Andreas said something to the officer, then shoved her into his office. She walked away from him as she heard the office door close with a firm click. She shivered, wanting to kick something, and hugged her arms.

“That was unwarranted,” he said, his calm voice belying the censure. “My protection is not Marcus’s responsibility, and everyone is fine.”

Silence grew thick in the room. Ari didn’t trust herself to speak. Her pulse still beat double-time. The nearness of his magic made her skin quiver.

“If I did not know better, I would think my welfare was of some interest to you,” he finally said.

Damn, damn, damn! How had she gotten herself into this situation? Ari was appalled at how much she wanted to throw herself into his arms. She hugged herself tighter. “Of course, I’d be concerned,” she snapped. “We don’t need another vamp murder.” Her tone was too sharp. She swallowed and made an effort to fight the adrenaline still flooding her system. She felt exposed, realizing how much her actions must have revealed. “You’re our contact with the vampire court. We need your help,” she added, in a feeble attempt to divert him. The excuse hung heavy in the air.

“That did not seem to matter for the past eight months.”

“The vampire murders hadn’t happened yet.”

Andreas sighed. “I hope you are more honest with yourself than you are being with me.”

“What’s that mean? What are you implying?” Defiant, challenging, even surly wouldn’t have been a bad description of her attitude. She should have known he wouldn’t let her off the hook. She didn’t want to examine why she was so rattled. So she’d retreated into anger.

Andreas spoke from behind her. “The time has come for us to talk.”

As usual, she hadn’t heard him move. But she sensed how very close he was, an awareness sliding across her neck, light as a feather. She felt his hand touch her hair.

“A little truth would be helpful, Arianna. Admit you are attracted to me, as I am to you. Although sometimes I wonder what attracts me, when every time you come near you carry an invisible stake in your hand.” His breath blew softly over her ear. “These long months, I have missed you, little witch.”

Ari hesitated, the words to deny him stuck in her throat. Her witch magic had begun to sing, liking his nearness, and what came out betrayed her. “Me, too.”

His arms wrapped around and pulled her back against his firm chest. She relaxed, enjoying the feel of him, allowing the heady mixture that was Andreas to wash over her.

“I thought you were dead,” she whispered.

“Would it have mattered so much?” His warm breath caressed the nape of her neck.

“Yes,” she said, as surprised by the thought as the fact she’d admitted it. “I’ve never denied the attraction. I’ve just tried not to do anything about it.”

“Hmmm. Is this so bad?” His fingers pushed the last strands of hair aside, as his lips brushed her neck. A silken touch that sent a fire through her. Ari shivered in his arms. Andreas laughed softly. A totally masculine sound.

“Not when I’m with you. I forget all my good intentions.”

He stilled. “What are those intentions?”

Ari wiggled to free herself, and he let go. She moved out of reach before turning to face him. “When I’m away from you, I always vow to stay away. I remember all the reasons why this won’t work. You’re a vampire, one of the undead. I can’t seem to handle that. I don’t understand you, or your powers. I don’t know what this strange bond is between us. And I’m afraid I’ll get lost somehow.” Growing more uncomfortable, she started to turn away.

“No, don’t run now,” Andreas said, gliding forward, closing the distance between them. “Do you think this is any easier for me?” He placed a finger under her chin, tilting her face to look at him. “I do not understand the pull between us anymore than you do. Nor the magical power that woke me and allowed me to see into your mind. It is unique, but unsettling. Yet, somehow, I know it was meant to happen.”

“That’s not all of it,” she said, looking at him with a frown. “There are issues that won’t go away. A ton of them. While you’ll be young…forever, I’ll eventually grow old and wrinkled. Have you thought about that?” Ari glared at him, resentful that the admissions made her feel exposed. So what if she was as vain as the next woman? Maybe she wasn’t beautiful, but her skin was still young and smooth. It wouldn’t always be that way. What would he think of her then?

Andreas laughed. “I trust that will not happen soon.” He stepped back and crossed his arms. “All right, madam witch. Tell me the rest.”

Harold Shale’s list of negatives came back to her, but there was only one that was really important. “Kids,” she blurted. “I always thought someday I’d have one or two little Calin witches or warlocks.” She blushed at having such a personal conversation before they’d even had a first date. “You could never give me children, and I have a duty to the next generation. My heritage is important, Andreas. You can’t expect me to throw it aside. We have no future.”

“Are you done?”

“I could go on, but the other things are minor in comparison, so, yes. For now.”

He dropped his arms and came to her side, placing two fingers lightly against her lips. “You are thinking too much and too far ahead. Making this more complicated than it should be. We have today. There are never guarantees for tomorrow.”

“Unless you’re immortal,” she shot back.

“Now you are talking nonsense. I am not immortal. Hard to kill, maybe, but I can die like anyone else. You know that—or we would not have had the recent scene in the hallway. You are wasting time, avoiding the inevitable.”

Ari stiffened. “Inevitable? Like I have no choice?”

“No, like we are mutually attracted and that will eventually lead to something. I am suggesting we let that happen now,” he said, sliding his hands around her waist.

She thought about it, distracted by his nearness and his hands touching her. She pulled away again, and this time he sighed and stepped back.

“I know exactly where inclination will take us, Andreas. And it’s not where I want to go. Without a future, I don’t want any ties. Can’t we leave things the way they are?”

“I am not sure I understand. You want us to be friends?” He looked skeptical.

“Why not? Something wrong with that?”

“I do not feel exactly friendly.”

“Meaning?” Some evil genie wanted to hear him say it.

Andreas was too clever for that. “It means I will have to learn patience, little witch,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders. “Something I have not had to practice in a couple of hundred years.” He paused before adding, “Sometimes I forget how young you are. In time, you will change your mind.”

Ari stared at him. “And do what? Throw myself at your feet?”

“Are you trying to force me away with a wall of anger?” he asked gently. “All I meant was I believe we have a future. Some things are intended to be.” He gave that characteristic lift of the shoulders again. “In the meantime, we should get to know one another. That is what friends do, is it not? Can we agree on that at least?”

Ari looked wary. “Agree on what?”

His chuckle was genuine, unrestrained. “So suspicious. Agree to spend time together, learn each other’s likes and dislikes.”

She still thought he was being cagey. She could see the glint in his eyes. “In what way? Be more specific.”

“Banish such thoughts, madam witch. I do not intend to seduce an unwilling victim, if that is your concern.” He raised a provocative brow. “Where would be the challenge in that?”

Ari felt the corners of her mouth lift in response. He was incorrigible. Unfortunately, she also found him nearly irresistible. Where had all her good intentions flown? Nothing had really changed. Andreas and his appeal to her magic were as dangerous as ever. Yet, somehow it didn't seem to matter. She was no longer afraid. She wanted time with him, even if it was only for a little while.

“Am I going to be sorry about this?” she asked with a serious face.

His lips parted in a slow smile. “Not about everything. I can guarantee that.” His voice spoke of dark, wicked promises.

Damn, he was good at this. A sharp rap on the office door provided a welcome reprieve from decision making. Ari had had about all the truth telling she wanted for the moment.

When the door opened, Ryan stuck his head in with a cautious look. “If I’m not interrupting, I need to get the details on what occurred this afternoon.”

“Of course, Lt. Foster. Come in,” Andreas invited. “We were getting ready to talk about that.” He threw Ari a mischievous grin. She figured he knew how uncomfortable she was with Ryan catching them in such a personal conversation.

Ryan gave Ari a quick look before taking a seat on the couch. She ignored them both, perched on the edge of the polished, cherry wood desk, and tried to pull her scattered thoughts together.

“Not much to tell really. I was coming to work like every other afternoon,” Andreas explained. “Around 4:15. A passenger in a dark blue or black Buick sedan fired two shots. Both missed. I heard the discharge and got out of the way.” He waved a hand, like it was just that easy.

With his vampiric hearing and speed, maybe it was, Ari thought. She remained quiet and let Ryan continue.

“License plate?”

“Illinois. The car was disappearing around the corner by the time I looked. First number was a 5, but that’s all I got.”

“Did you see the shooter or hear anything else?”

“A light-skinned hand, rough, probably masculine, holding a pistol. I would like to give you greater detail, but I was rather preoccupied with avoiding the bullets. The car accelerated rapidly. I believe you will find tread marks.”

“Can you describe the weapon?”

Andreas shook his head. “I am afraid I have very little familiarity with firearms. It was a dark-grey metallic handgun.”

“We’ll check for tire marks. Maybe we can trace the car.” Ryan had been writing in his notebook and looked up. “Any ideas about this? Recent trouble with anyone? Here at the club or otherwise?”

“No. Nothing unusual. The occasional guest might drink too much, but no threats or any incidents that stand out.”

“Could this be connected to the other shootings?” Ari asked the question that Ryan had avoided.

Ryan nodded slowly. “There are similarities.”

“With a couple of significant differences. I have no human lover, no consort hidden away.” Andreas winked at Ari. She dropped her gaze, remembering when she had once asked him that very question. “And I have no connection to Shale’s agency.”

Ryan must have noticed the wink, for he turned his head to give Ari a pointed look. She pretended not to notice. She didn’t want to talk about her current relationship with the vampire. If she examined it too closely, it would sound as if she’d agreed to dating.

“What about the Pure Bloods?” Ryan asked. “How hard did you come down on them? Could they be looking for pay back?”

Andreas flashed a brief smile. “No. No further trouble from them. Take my word for it.” He sounded very confident.

Ari wondered what had taken place. Had they been killed? It was this kind of unknown that drove the wedges between her and Andreas. Before she could go any farther down that road, Ryan’s words jerked her back to the conversation.

“Eddie’s out of jail,” he said. “Any trouble between you two?”

Andreas shook his head. “None.”

“Oh, come on, Ryan.” Ari rallied to the reporter’s defense. “What are you suggesting? That Eddie’s some kind of psychopath? He might’ve had a motive for Jules, but not Patricia. Certainly not Andreas. Give it up. He’s not guilty. He was never involved.”

“I don’t know that. He’s a proven liar, and still a suspect,” Ryan said, his forehead creased in annoyance. “At least, in Jules’s murder.” He re-directed himself to Andreas. “But presuming she’s right, then who? You’ve got to have some clue.”

Andreas raised his palms. “I do not. I am inclined to think it was a fanatic. The publicity around the murders has stirred up old biases. The only other possibility is another power move against Prince Daron, a strike at a member of his inner court.”

“By Sebastian?” Ari suggested. The vampire prince of Toronto, Canada and Prince Daron had been sworn enemies for centuries. She didn’t know what Daron had done to earn Sebastian’s hatred, but the brutal Canadian dictator had tried to destroy him many times, the most recent attack less than a year ago. He’d sent a murderous pack of werewolves and a rogue vampire to take over Daron’s throne. Several people had died, including Ari’s former mentor, before the matter was settled. It wasn’t so far-fetched that he might try again, and his first move might be against Andreas, Daron’s first lieutenant and chief of security. Sebastian didn’t have warm feelings toward Andreas. Or anyone in Riverdale. In fact, Ari’d had her own run-in with the Canadian prince.

Andreas bent his head in thought. “I cannot rule out the possibility, although it seems too soon. On the other hand, Sebastian is tenacious, and the two of them have been fighting a long time.”

“Why would Sebastian have chosen these victims?” Ari asked, playing Devil’s Advocate. “They weren't members of the vampire court. Unless they have some important function we don’t know about?”

Andreas shook his head. “Nothing.”

“So, where does that leave us?”

“With too big a coincidence,” Ryan said. “Three vampire shootings within a few days. They’ve got to be related.” He frowned, clearly not liking the implications. “If Sebastian’s involved, we’ll have to find his local stooges.” He got to his feet. “I’m going to check on the crew outside, and then start looking for the car. For now, I’m keeping all options open, but check out this Toronto angle. Call me, if you think of anything else. Ari, are you coming?”

Andreas looked at her, raised a brow. “Perhaps we should finish our discussion.”

Ari’s better sense told her to go. In fact, it screamed at her, but she chose not to listen. When had she stepped off the deep end? “You go ahead, and thanks for the ride. I’ll call you in the morning.” She was astonished how sane she sounded.

Ryan nodded. Without another word, he walked out and closed the office door behind him. The man could take a hint, although Andreas hadn’t been exactly subtle with that wink. Ari was uncomfortable with how fast things were changing. Especially when she wasn’t sure what the changes were. She’d suggested friendship; Andreas had assumed a whole lot more. Not that she hadn’t let him maneuver her into considering it, still… She wasn’t sure she knew the rules.

“You are very quiet. Having second thoughts?” Andreas asked.

Ari gave him a thin smile. “Maybe.”

“Why am I not surprised? What is on your mind?”

Ari lips quirked in a wry smile. “Just that, my mind. As in, if you really wanted to, could your magic control it? I need to know.”

Andreas frowned, some emotion flashed across his face. “Before I try to answer that, tell me why you ask? What prompted the question? Have I done something?”

She shook her head. “No, but I think you might have that kind of power, and you’re used to getting your way. And, well,” she looked away for a moment, “my magic doesn’t seem to want to resist. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if you forced the issue without asking or listening to me. You already invaded my dreams, until I used magic to stop you.”

“You invited me.” He frowned, searching her face. “I came to your dreams because your magic sought me out. I stayed away, after I realized you had placed a protection charm under your pillow. I knew there had been a misunderstanding. Although I still do not know how or why.” He ran his hands through his black locks. “Believe me when I say I have suffered my own concerns about your ability to control me.”

“What? Andreas, I swear I didn’t do anything.” she said, then added uncertainly, “At least, not on purpose.” Had she? It would explain how he’d gotten past her wards, their power negated by her own magical summoning. Was this Ramora’s legend at work? Goddess help her. “What’s happening to us?”

“I do not know.” He gave her a speculative look. “Your face tells me you suspect something. Will you tell me?”

Ari shook her head. “You’re mistaken.” What could she say? She wasn’t about to reveal the existence of the legend—not until she was sure.

“Am I?” His eyes darkened. “Someday, when we trust each other more, we will have this discussion again. For now, I promise I will not attempt to overrule your free will. Besides, what makes you think I could? Have you forgotten Sebastian’s failed attempt so soon?” He caught her gaze. “You too must guard your magic. It is too strong to be allowed to run free. Now, enough of this talk. Would you join me for dinner? I could definitely use a glass of wine. Or a bottle,” he added with a wry smile.

“Tempting,” Ari said, welcoming the change of subject. “And I accept. We still have other things to discuss. At the top of that list would be the security around here.”

Andreas groaned. “Can we not also avoid that topic?” He opened the door, and they emerged into the hallway near the dining room.

“Not a chance. If you got killed it would be very bad for my reputation. I plan to keep a close eye on you.” She grinned up at him.

Andreas let out a small laugh. “To what have I subjected myself?”

“Having second thoughts?” she teased.

After steak and a baked potato and a light conversation that ranged from the qualities of a good wine to childhood memories, Ari sat back sipping her second glass of wine. The restaurant was dimly lit, and Andreas had chosen a rear corner which gave them the illusion of being the club’s only guests. A harpist played a haunting melody. Candles flickered, forming highlights on Andreas’s hair, leaving his features shrouded in darkness.

He was so relaxed, Ari almost hated to bring up business, but it was time. She wasn’t leaving tonight until his safety was assured. “So, what do we do about security?”

He chuckled. “I knew you wouldn’t let it go, so I have been thinking. What if I bring in Lilith and Russell? They only guard Prince Daron two days a week, and the rest of the team can fill in. I already have three or four replacements in mind. I am convinced it would be easier on all of us if I hired someone for the club that you already trust.”

“Perfect idea. They can train Marcus and Gordon and the rest of your current staff.” Russell and Lilith would be tough instructors, and if someone was going to be taking pot shots at him, Andreas needed security twenty-four/seven.

“I will have to be careful how I do this,” Andreas cautioned. “I do not want anyone, including Prince Daron, to jump to the conclusion I am forming a group that could become a threat to his leadership.”

“Would he really think that? OK, considering vampire paranoia I suppose he might. But can’t we tell him I was afraid for you?”

Andreas grinned. “Not if you use that word. After what he has seen of you, I doubt he would believe you were afraid of anything. No, leave this to me.”

Ari lifted her shoulders noncommittally. She was getting the hang of this shrugging business. She could say a whole lot without saying anything.

“We have talked enough about my security,” he said. “What is next in the investigation?”

“Figure out who tried to kill you.” When he frowned, she added, “Well, Ryan thinks they’re all connected. Speaking of that, you pointed out the victim ties with Shale’s agency, and I think we should take a deeper look at both his staff and clientele. I’ll talk with Ryan about running background checks. And see if I can put my hands on the client lists. Shale’s bound to object, claiming confidentiality, but I’ll give it a try.”

Talking about the murders brought back all her edgy feelings. Her witch senses nagged her constantly these days, telling her she’d missed something. The community couldn’t afford more deaths, but the situation had become personal with the attack on Andreas. She protected her friends. “You may still be in danger,” she said. “Whoever tried today may try again. In some ways it doesn’t matter whether it’s connected to the murders or not. Either you have a personal enemy or we’re dealing with a serial killer—and he’s targeting vampires.”

“I promise I will not ignore the potential danger.” He flashed a wicked smile. “I have every reason to want to stay alive, little witch. I very much look forward to the future.” The soft hint of danger in his voice was like a velvet brush across her skin.

Andreas was taking great pains to remind Ari he was no choirboy. Since she’d never been drawn to the tame ones, his warnings were having no deterrent effect. In fact, she was beginning to think that being together might have its rewards—as long as she didn’t lose her life, her mind, her heart, or her soul. All possibilities if you were dating a vampire.

After dinner Andreas walked her home. It was a beautiful July night, a little humid, but Ari barely noticed. She was much too conscious of the man walking beside her. What was she getting into? Was she letting her hormones dictate her life? It was madness to even contemplate anything between them.

As they arrived at her door, she made up her mind. She had to convince him this wasn’t going to work, put an end to it now. Then she felt his hands touch her hair, his lips on the base of her neck, and she quit thinking about anything except those lips moving across her sensitive skin. She leaned against him for a moment before pulling away.

“I should go in,” she said, struggling to keep her voice steady.

“Do not fight this, Arianna.”

“I can’t promise that,” she said, fumbling with the door handle. “But I guess I’m willing to see what happens.” She looked over her shoulder. “What did you have in mind?”