The Original Sin

Chapter Three





“Skye, did you hear me?” Archer asked and I shook my head to clear the daze. “I asked you if you were okay.”

I smiled and took a step back. “Yes, sorry. I’m fine. I was just thinking.”

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, his brow furrowed in worry.

“Mm…access to these thoughts is going to cost you way more than a penny, my love,” I teased as I picked up my messenger bag again and walked to the refrigerator to grab a beer.

“Oh really?” he grinned, intrigued. “Well, I have more than enough money, let me assure you.”

It’s not your money I want, I dared silently as I closed the door to the fridge and turned to wink at him.

His eyes got wide as he read my thoughts and I saw a licentious grin immediately spread across his handsome face.

Jameson took that moment to walk into the room and he was followed closely by our guardians for the night, Killian and Emrick.

“Oh good,” Jameson smiled as he walked up to me. “You’re ready.”

“That I am,” I smiled as I tilted my beer up and took a long drink. I kissed him on the cheek and offered him the rest of my bottle which he promptly took. I briefly greeted the guards and turned back to Archer. “Are you sure we need both of them tonight? Wouldn’t one suffice? We’re just going to Dan’s. And besides, won’t you need one to accompany you to your business meeting?”

“My business meeting is at The Mausoleum and I will not take a chance with your safety - with either of your safety,” he quickly amended and pulled on his cuffs. Archer then turned to Killian and addressed him. “I’ll have you drop me off at the club then I want you to take them straight to their destination. No deviations.”

“Aye, sir,” Killian responded in his heavy Irish accent. Killian was a remarkably handsome man. He stood a little over 6 feet tall, had the most gorgeous red hair accompanied by dazzlingly green eyes, and his flawless alabaster skin was admirable. He looked to be about 27 years old when he was turned.

“We should go, sir,” Emrick spoke up as he looked at his watch. Emrick was generally a man of few words; we had said maybe fifty words to each other the entire three weeks he had been here, but that was fine by me. He was a man of action instead of a conversationalist. I learned some amazing offensive moves from him one day when Hagan was unavailable to train me. Emrick had beautiful deep olive colored skin, honey brown eyes, and short black hair. He looked distinctively middle-eastern with his strong nose and features. He was also a fierce fighter and I respected him immensely.

“Yes we should,” Archer nodded. “Thank you Emrick.”

Jameson quickly drained the bottle of beer, threw it away and grabbed my hand, leading me out to the garage.

Killian opened the door to Archer’s new black Cadillac Escalade and held it open for us. I sat in the middle as Jameson and Emrick sat on either side of me. Archer took the front as Killian walked around to the driver’s side door.

Archer and Jameson talked the whole way there about his upcoming 22-city concert tour around the country. He was slated to leave in a four days’ time and would be gone for a month. Archer had hired a score of human security to follow Jameson while he was gone and The Faithful were working on appointing a guard to him as well. With the threat from Amun still very real, no one wanted to take a chance with his safety.

Jameson was excited about performing and we were all so thrilled for him. This was a huge dream for the band and one they had worked on long and hard to make a reality. Archer and I were planning a surprise by flying out to Boston for his last show at the end of the tour. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to being away from him for so long, but I knew we would stay in touch through phone calls and Skype.

The drive to The Mausoleum was a short one and soon we were saying our goodbyes to Archer.

“You two be careful,” Archer warned before he shut the door and swiftly walked into the back door of the club.

Killian deftly maneuvered the Escalade around the tight parking lot and headed over the few blocks to Drop Kick Dan’s. I couldn’t wait to get there and see Nikki and Dan. This would be the first time I had seen Dan since I quit my job over a month ago and the first time I had seen Nikki since the day Jesse Prescott, my ex-boyfriend turned psycho stalker, was murdered and his severed head left in my car. Thank God Nikki had not seen that. I wouldn’t even begin to know how to explain that to her.

My heart lurched at the memory of Jesse. I was still broken up about his murder and was trying to deal with it as best I could. It wasn’t easy though. No matter how bad our relationship ended, he had still been a part of my life for ten months. That’s not something you can easily forget.

We parked in the employee parking lot of Drop Kick’s and Emrick got out and held the door open for us.

I couldn’t wait to get inside and rushed over to the back door, but Killian stopped me.

“We have to check it out first, Miss Morrison,” he said apologetically as he motioned for Emrick to go inside.

We waited a couple of minutes and the back door opened again. Emrick popped his head out and nodded.

“After you,” Killian smiled and Jameson took my hand and led us down the hall to the floor door.

As soon as it opened, a huge smile spread across my face. I took in the bar with a sigh. It was just as I had remembered it. The place was jam packed with college kids, locals, and tourists waiting for Jameson’s show to begin. I smiled as I looked around. I felt like I had come home. I rushed over to the busy bar and waited for my best friend Nikki to notice me.

When she did, she immediately did a double take and squealed loudly. “Cupcake! You’re back!” I laughed as she bolted around the bar and swept me up in a giant hug. “How’ve you been? Oh my God, Styvi Nix is going to die when she sees you. She’s missed you so much!”

I ginned as I hugged her back. “I’m good, I’m good. I’m just glad to finally be standing here. I’ve really missed you and Dan.”

Nikki saw Jameson behind me and went to hug him as well. “It’s so good to see you guys,” she smiled as she came to stand in front of me again.

“I know,” I grinned. “I’ve missed you. How’s Lyric? Are y’all still going strong?”

“We are amazing,” she swooned. “He’s such an awesome guy, Skye. I haven’t had this much fun with a guy in years.”

“I’m so happy for you, honey!”

“So, how are things with you two?” she asked, including Jameson in the conversation as well.

“Equally as amazing,” Jameson said as he pulled my back to his chest and hugged me from behind. “I’m a lucky guy.”

I blushed and smiled as Nikki chuckled. “You guys look seriously cute together. I love it!” She looked over Jameson’s shoulder and noticed Emrick standing awkwardly to his right. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she turned back to us. “Uh…what’s up with that guy? Is he with you?”

“Um…,” I stumbled, unsure of how to answer that.

Jameson jumped in and saved me. “This is our friend Emrick. He’s kind of shy, so don’t take it the wrong way if he doesn’t say much.”

Nikki waved hello to him and Emrick politely nodded back. Killian walked up to Jameson’s left side and joined us then. Nikki’s eyes got wide as she took him in.

“Another friend of yours?” she purred as she drank him in with her wide teal green eyes.

“Nikki, this is Killian,” Jameson introduced. “Killian, this is Skye’s next door neighbor and our good friend Nikki St. James.”

“Well hello, handsome,” Nikki flirted.

“How do you do, young wan?” Killian greeted politely in his thick Irish accent, his eyes shining with amusement.

“Oh my,” Nikki stumbled with a smile as she playfully fanned herself. “Where do you find all of these gorgeous Irishmen, Skye?”

I laughed and smiled as I turned to wink at Killian. “Just lucky, I guess.”

Jameson kissed the top of my head and whispered in my ear. “I’m the lucky one.”

I beamed and bit my bottom lip as Dan walked over to us. I hadn’t seen him before now; he must have just come from his office.

“Hey, doll face! I was wondering when you’d come around again,” he grinned as I launched myself at him. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck and he picked me up and swung my body around in a circle a few times.

“I’ve missed you, D,” I said as he put me back down. “How’ve you been?”

“Spectacular,” he winked. “The bar has been crazy busy these last few weeks. We have summer tourists pouring in at all hours. I love it!”

“Oh, I’m so glad Drop Kick’s is doing well. How are the new waitresses working out?”

Dan scrunched up his face and shook his head. “I had to fire one, but the other one is finally finding her feet. It was a rough start for her, but she’s hanging in there.” He sighed and ran one hand through his artfully messy brown hair. “We’ve missed you kid. This place just isn’t the same without you.”

“I concur!” shouted Nikki from her place beside Jameson.

“I miss it here, too,” I said with a sad smile. “More than you know.”

Dan pulled me into a side hug and kissed the top of my head. “Come on. Let’s get you guys a table and a few drinks. What do you say?”

“I say hell yeah!” I laughed as I wrapped my arms around his waist.

“Nikki, prep us a few rounds and I’ll seat them in Tori’s section,” Dan said and then led our group across the bar and to a large booth close to the stage.

“Come sit with me on your break, Nik,” I called over my shoulder to her and she gave me a bright smile and a thumbs up.

Dan seated us, introduced us to his newest waitress Tori and then went back to work. Tori looked barely 18, had long blond hair to match her long legs, blue eyes, and an impressively large augmented chest.

“What can I get for you fellas?” she purred as she put her hands on the table and leaned in. Her shirt was very low cut and her breasts were only inches away from Jameson’s cheek.

“Nikki is already making our drinks at the bar,” Jameson said uncomfortably as he looked up at her and tried his best to avoid looking directly at her massive chest.

Killian coughed, drawing her attention, and her eyes widened as she took him in. “Well, what about you? Can I get you anything?”

Killian shook his head but smiled sexily at her. I could tell that he was instantly attracted to her.

“Wh…well…uh…I’ll go see if your order is ready,” she faltered at his gorgeous smile. “I’ll be right back.”

“You guys just aren’t fair,” I said, addressing the three of them. “Between your vampire pheromones and your gorgeous good looks, we humans just don’t stand a chance.” Killian and Jameson laughed and even Emrick managed a grin.

Tori brought us our drinks and made small talk before a nearby table called her away. I personally was glad for the interruption. Watching her fawn over Killian and Jameson was a little stomach churning. I hoped I didn’t act like that when I was around them.

After a few rounds, Jameson’s band arrived and he excused himself to go warm up. Killian joined him and took his place at the side of the stage to stand guard. It was just Emrick and I left at the table, but I didn’t mind. It was nice to just sit in silence and watch Jameson warm up his guitar and cut up with his band.

A few songs into Jameson’s show and I was itching to dance. The beat of the bodhran drums and the trill of the accordion and bagpipes were seeping into my veins. I was swaying in my seat and couldn’t take it anymore.

“I have to dance!” I shouted across the table at Emrick.

He glanced worriedly at the dance floor and then back to me.

“Are you coming or not?” I asked as I slid out of the booth. “You can stay here, you know. I’ll just be a few feet away.”

Emrick scowled and glanced at the dance floor once more before he slid out and grabbed my hand. I gasped at his touch, never expecting it, and allowed him to lead me to the edge of the floor.

“We will dance,” he growled unhappily as he started to move awkwardly beside me.

I smiled up at him, delighted that he was willing to accommodate my request, and started dancing. After a few minutes, the scowl on Emrick's face eased and it looked like he was beginning to enjoy himself a little. He still scanned the room every few seconds, but he was generally more relaxed.

“You’re not a bad dancer,” I smiled, leaning into him a little.

Emrick actually winked at me and grabbed my hands as he expertly spun me around.

“Emrick!” I squealed in surprised delight as he moved us across the floor. I had no idea a dancer was hiding under that rough, quiet exterior. He was unexpectedly agile and smooth and maneuvered my body with the utmost care and skill.

After twenty fun minutes of laughing and dancing, I was ready for a break. We walked back over to the table and Emrick stopped a few feet away. He growled angrily as he spotted Dean, Zephyr, and another man at our table.

“That’s my friend Dean,” I explained as I grabbed onto his arm to stop his imminent assault. “He won’t hurt me.”

“But, he is wolf,” he snarled.

“Yes,” I nodded my head. “He’s also a friend of mine and an acquaintance of Archer’s. He’s welcome at our table. I invited him earlier today.”

He looked down at me, an unhappy low growl still emanating from the back of his throat. “He stays across the table from you,” he said as he put his hand on my back and lead me to the booth.

When we got to the table, Dean stood up to greet me. “Hey beautiful girl,” he smiled. “You look gorgeous.” Zephyr rose to stand next to him and Emrick growled loudly as Dean leaned in to hug me.

“Emrick!” I admonished as I turned back to him. “Please! Nothing is going to happen to me. Will you try to chill? These men aided in my rescue a few weeks ago. They are friends of ours.”

Emrick’s back straightened at being scolded by me. You could tell he was displeased with having a human correct him, but he wisely let it go. He regarded Dean and Zephyr coldly, but allowed Dean to hug me.

“I’m sorry about him,” I whispered as I hugged Dean’s neck. “Archer has us guarded around the clock now.”

Dean smiled as he pulled away. “As he should. You forget I tangoed with that a*shole. He’s no joke Skye.”

I frowned as I remembered Amun and my time spent in that east Austin basement. “I know,” I shuddered and unconsciously hugged my stomach tightly.

Dean smoothed my hair with one hand and kissed my temple. “I know you know, babe. That was insensitive of me. I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“No,” I shook my head, snapping out of my inner distress. “You don’t have to apologize, it’s alright.”

I introduced everyone to Emrick and Dean introduced his friends as well. I already knew Zephyr and surprisingly, he greeted me warmly. His other friend was his cousin Dylan. Dylan and Dean had similar features and could easily pass for brothers.

Tori brought us another round of drinks and I could see that she was in hog heaven. Dylan, Zephyr and Dean positively fawned over her and it was amusing to watch.

As the minutes passed, Emrick started to relax more and stopped scowling at everyone so much. The conversations from then on were a lot more lighthearted and playful.

Dylan spotted a cute girl on the dance floor and excused himself to go talk to her. Zephyr followed to play wing man with her friend and left us as well. Dean politely smiled at Emrick and asked his permission to dance with me. Emrick nodded his head and Dean slid out of the booth and extended his hand.

“May I have this dance?” he grinned playfully and I took his hand and allowed him to lead to the dance floor.

Emrick took up station a few feet from us and swayed distractedly to the beat as he scanned our surroundings.

“I’ve been dying to do this for weeks,” Dean said as he twirled me around.

“Me too,” I admitted honestly as I followed his lead. “I really missed seeing you at The Mausoleum. Don’t disappear like that again.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he chuckled. “I’m sorry. I just thought that maybe I should give you a little time to come to terms with my…condition.”

“I didn’t need three weeks,” I frowned up at him as he dipped me. “And there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re a werewolf, so what. I’m used to the idea now.”

“You know, you’re awfully cute when you’re angry,” he chuckled, his eyes dancing.

“Oh, bite me,” I rolled my eyes as I playfully hit him on the arm.

The song ended and Jameson addressed the crowd, telling us that the band was taking a short break. He put his guitar on the stand, hopped off the stage and strolled over to us.

“Dean,” he greeted him as he shook Dean’s hand. The move shocked me. Normally vampires and werewolves hate each other. I had never seen one of them touch the other before. My eyes got wide as I looked back and forth between them.

“How are things at Tricky Dic’s?” Jameson asked politely.

“Business is very good Jameson. Thank you for asking,” Dean smiled.

I looked back and forth between them, confused, and decided to speak up. “Okay boys…what’s going on here?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. “I thought you guys hated each other. You know, the whole vampire/werewolf feud?”

Jameson rubbed the back of his neck and Dean just smiled down at me.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t be polite to one another,” Dean winked. “Besides, I kind of like Jameson. It’s Archer that I don’t care for.”

I sighed and looked over at Jameson, but he just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. I opened my mouth to question them further, but Killian stepped in and asked us to sit back down at the table. Jameson was drawing a crowd and it was making Killian and Emrick nervous.

Jameson smiled, kissed my forehead and said he’d talk to us more after the show. I watched as he turned and greeted his fans and signed autographs. I smiled over at him, a wave of pride flowing through me. I was so happy for him.

Killian stood guard by Jameson as Emrick lead Dean and I back to the table.

We ordered a few more rounds, settled into our booth and talked about life, love, and everything in-between. Dean was hilarious and I found myself brought to tears a few times from laughing so hard.

After the show ended, Dylan and Zephyr came back to the table, a date on each arm, and bid Dean and me a goodnight. Dean said his goodbyes to me soon after and I was left with Emrick as Jameson and his band broke down the equipment and put their instruments in their respective cases.

“I’m glad you’re still here,” Nikki said as she came over to the table and sat down. “This place is a mad house. I haven’t had a break all night.”

“I know,” I smiled, “but wasn’t the show awesome?”

“The best,” she agreed readily. “I heard about Jameson’s tour. How exciting is that?”

“Yeah, I’m so happy for him. I’m going to miss him like crazy when he’s gone though.”

“I bet you will,” she said sympathetically. “So, are you going home after this? I know Styvi Nix is dying to see you. She misses you so much, Skye. She’s been pretty sad lately.”

I swallowed hard and looked down at my hands. I missed Styvi so much that it actually hurt. Being without her these last three weeks had been excruciating for me. I looked up at Nikki and didn’t know how to tell her that I wasn’t going to be able to come home until that monster Amun was caught. Of course, she knew nothing about my kidnapping and torture and I sure as hell couldn’t tell her. I was at a complete loss and was blissfully saved by Jameson’s arrival at the booth.

“Hey, baby,” he greeted, a sexy smile playing upon his full lips.

“Hey,” I grinned brightly as I scooted over to allow him to sit by me. I reached over and hugged his neck tightly. “Nikki and I were just talking about you. You were really great tonight, honey; amazing even.”

“Thank you, love,” he chuckled, leaning in to kiss my temple.

Killian picked that moment to strike up a conversation with Nikki and I was glad for the interruption. I desperately needed to talk to Jameson about Styvi Nix. I couldn’t stand to be away from her any longer, and I couldn’t in good conscience ask Nikki to watch her until Amun was caught. That could be weeks or months. I refused to think it could take years, even though that was a possibility. That thought was unacceptable and scared the crap out of me. I needed to either go home tonight for good or bring Styvi with me to Archer’s house.

I leaned over and spoke quietly in Jameson’s ear. He thankfully agreed with me that I had been away from her long enough and suggested I call Archer to see what he wanted me to do.

I quickly excused myself and Emrick got up to follow me. He escorted me outside where it was quiet and I made a phone call to Archer.

“Skye,” he picked up on the second ring, his voice laced with worry, “are you okay?”

“Yes, we’re fine,” I swiftly reassured him. “Everything is great. Jameson just finished his show and we were going to head home soon. How did your meeting go?”

I heard a woman giggle in the background and my heart instantly skipped a beat. “Archer honey, are you coming?” I heard her say.

What the hell? Who the frick is that tramp and what’s she doing with my Archer?

“I…uh, I’m busy, Skye. I can’t talk right now,” he said distractedly before hanging up.

I took the cell phone from my ear and stared at the blank screen. Archer was with a girl…and he hung up on me. My face instantly flushed hot with the anger and hurt I felt. You gave him permission to get into another relationship. You told him you would accept that. After all, you are currently in one with his brother. You can’t expect him not to date anyone. It’s only fair, Skye. I growled inwardly and told my inner self to stuff it. I didn’t want to hear that right now. It seemed my one available fun-filled night was quickly taking a turn for the worse.