chapter 9
“Maybe you should leave,” Amber said. A mixture of relief and regret shone in her eyes.
Gerard’s heart pounded.
What was I thinking? Amber deserves so much more than I can give.
Guilt stabbed him like a stake through the heart. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tempted you.”
“You’d tempt a saint,” she said with a smile, throwing his words back at him.
A chuckle escaped. Then he sobered. “Still, I should never have dragged you into my dark world.”
“You didn’t drag me into anything. The blood sucker who committed the Lifeblood murders dragged me into this nightmare.”
At least she wasn’t going to make him feel guilty for almost seducing her.
His momentary relief faded. Did she consider him a bloodsucker too?
Even if there had never been a murder at Lifeblood, he was still a vampire—a soulless bloodsucker—and she was mortal.
He slowly rose to his feet. Conflicting emotions tugged at his conscience, torturing whatever glimmer of humanity passed for his soul. He didn’t have to worry about dying. Not because he was immortal. But because he’d already died and gone to hell. God was punishing him with glimpses of a life he could never have. First with Tina. Now, with Amber.
Whatever hope he had for a normal life withered and died.
“You’re right,” he said with a quivering sigh. “We come from two different worlds. Merde! We come from two different centuries.”
Amber’s hand froze as she was smoothing her hair. Their gazes met. Held. Her face was an expressionless mask.
“There’s no need to explain,” she said in an equally expressionless tone. “You feel as if you betrayed Tina’s memory. I understand. No problem. It was just a kiss.”
It was more than just a kiss. A hell of a lot more.
He took a deep cleansing breath and let it out slowly. “I cared deeply for Tina but it couldn’t have been love. I was never as attracted to her as I am to you.”
Amber threw up her hands with an exasperated grunt. “It was just a kiss—a kiss that won’t happen again. You’re not on my suspect list any more, but you’re still a potential witness. You shouldn’t even be in my house. It could jeopardize the case.”
She was using her job to protect her heart. He knew that. But it still hurt that she could dismiss him so easily when he still ached for her touch. “You deserve better than a one-night stand with a vampire. If I didn’t believe that, I’d be inside of you right now.”
A gasp escaped her parted lips. Her pulse drummed in her throat. He could see the pounding as plainly as the flush in her cheeks. “I decide what I deserve,” she said, her voice raspy.
Her desire heated his blood. He ignored temptation. “Getting involved with me drags you in deeper. It changes our relationship.”
That arrogant chin notched up, her eyes blazed. “What relationship?”
Her challenging tone stung. So did her refusal to acknowledge their mutual attraction. “You said it, Amber. I’m a witness. Making out with me like a horny teenager could damage your credibility.”
Her eyes bulged and her mouth gaped. She sputtered, moving her hands erratically before dropping her gaze. “It was just a kiss. We didn’t make out and we didn’t have sex.”
“But we both wanted to,” he said softly.
Her chin snapped upward, her eyes widened. “It won’t happen again,” she said with a slight tremor in her voice. “It was just raging hormones. I got it under control now.”
Not hardly. He could smell her desire—and her fear. His pulse jumped. “It was more than a kiss, Amber. You felt it too. We’re drawn to one another like—”
She smiled. “Two horny teenagers?”
Another laugh escaped—bitter and harsh. “Yeah. Just like that.”
Sadness crept into her voice. “And that’s all it can ever be.”
Harsh reality doused his desire. Despite centuries of practice, he’d never experienced a kiss as heartfelt as what he’d just shared with Amber. Just thinking about it made him ache for what could never be. He was immortal. And Amber wasn’t.
“I understand.”
“It’s not that. I mean…” She flushed. “I’m a cop. I don’t get involved with witnesses or anyone else involved in a case. But I did with you, and I can’t let it happen again. I can’t jeopardize the case. Please understand.”
“I do. Getting involved with a vampire isn’t safe.” And he’d never do anything to intentionally put her in danger. “But it was a great kiss. Wasn’t it?”
Color stained her cheeks. Her pulse jumped. He could see the rapid pounding in her neck, smell the increased flow of blood through her veins.
He’d never felt such profound relief.
“Good or not, it can’t happen again.” She eyed him suspiciously. “It won’t happen again.”
Was she trying to convince herself? Or did she suspect him of using glamour?
“I didn’t manipulate you, Amber,” he said softly. “Not physically, emotionally or mentally.”
Tension drained from her face. “I know. I participated. Hell, I probably instigated it. Now, we have to move on and pretend it never happened. So, don’t come to see me again unless it pertains to the investigation.”
The attraction between them was undeniable. And impossible to ignore. He’d still keep an eye on her—protect her—but she was right. He couldn’t see her alone again.
“Call if you need me?” He reached into his wallet and pulled out a business card—the one he gave to hospitals and members of the Organ Procurement Transplant Network. He was still in charge of Lifeblood’s organ procurement and the OPTN maintained the only national patient waiting list for organ transplantation.
Her hand shook when she reached for the card, her fingers brushing against his, sending a hot rush of desire straight to his groin.
Mon Dieu! His chest cramped as he leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. “Good-bye, Amber.”
“Bye.” Her smile was hesitant. “I’m sure I’ll have more questions for you. So, we’ll see each other again. It just can’t be like—this.”
“I know.” Why was he delaying his departure?
Just get the hell out before you break your resolve and make promises you can’t keep.
He walked to the door. She followed. Slowly. “I will call. But it’ll be official police business.”
“I know.” Merde! Just leave.
“I wish things could be different. But it’s not possible. You’re a—well, it’s just not possible.” She smiled to soften the blow.
It didn’t help. Whatever was between them was too damn powerful to just walk away and not look back.
Unable to resist, he leaned forward to kiss her one last time. Their lips connected. Heat stirred him to life, hardening him instantly. He pulled her closer. She didn’t resist.
Plowing his fingers through her silky dark hair, he bent her backwards over his arm as he kissed her with every ounce of passion he possessed—marking her. Branding her. Ensuring she’d never forget him.
He sure as hell wouldn’t forget her. Even if he lived to be a thousand.
Her hands entwined around his neck. Her tongue dueled with his for dominance. She pressed closer until he thought he’d lose control and take her right there in the foyer.
Gasping for breath, he raised his head and slowly pulled her upright. Dazed and flushed with desire, she inhaled deeply. Her pulse beat erratically in her throat.
She swallowed and offered a quivering smile. “Maybe this won’t be so easy after all.”
“It’ll be impossible,” he said in a breathless rumble, feeling himself strain against his zipper. He wanted her. But he couldn’t have her. Then with one last smile, he kissed the top of her head and got the hell out of her house.
****
Amber looked at the woman standing under the porch light and felt the blood drain from her face. Sonia Dalca’s cottage in Bat Cave resembled a small castle. Amber avoided her direct gaze, fearing the Gothic vamp would peek inside her head.
She looked at Reid. He was completely dumbstruck. His eyes bulged. His mouth gaped. Sonia all but purred in reaction to his lustful stare.
“Well, well. What brings the Asheville PD to my door?” Her voice was sultry and slightly accented, her red hair full and flowing as she struck a seductive pose in black leather pants, spike-heeled boots, and a shimmering gold blouse that plunged to her navel. A thin gold chain connected the cups of her bra together, pushing the full swell of her generous bosom upward for Reid’s slack-jaw gaze.
Amber frowned. “We have some questions about the night Tina Gallagher and Richard Baxter died.”
“I’ll bet you do.” Her mouth inched upward in a sly smile. “But it seems you already know more than you should.”
Amber’s mind grew fuzzy. She shook her head, breaking eye content. Sonia touched the doorframe as if to steady herself. Her smile widened. “Yes, you definitely know more than you should.”
A chill crept up Amber’s spine and settled in her chest. Her heart pounded. The bitch was threatening her. She swallowed the burgeoning fear and steeled her nerves. “And I know your weakness too. Let’s not forget that.”
“Nu ma ameninta.” The vampire’s voice was cold enough to freeze lava. “Don’t threaten me. You’ll live to regret it. Or not.”
Amber pulled her gun, attempting a bluff. “Silver bullets kill. Don’t they?”
Her body shook. She looked at Reid. What the hell’s the matter with him? He stood stone still, his mouth slightly parted—his eyes glazed over.
Sonia laughed but didn’t sound amused. “An empty threat, mortal. But you bluff well. Still, I think I might actually like you. You’re more than you seem.”
“Reid.” Amber kept her eyes on Sonia but snapped at her partner. He didn’t respond.
She dared another glance in his direction. He still wore the same silly expression on his frozen face. Amber could barely discern his breathing.
“What the hell did you do to him?” she growled, her attention and her gun swinging back to Sonia.
The vampiress chuckled. “Relax, mortal. He’s just entranced. I wanted to talk to you without his hearing. He doesn’t know. Does he?”
“No.” Amber’s heart pounded. Sweat slicked her palms. Her hands shook. She steadied her aim, but Sonia raised a brow and nodded to the gun as if it were a toy.
“I called your bluff. Now put that damn thing away. Shooting me will only piss me off.”
Heart still beating like a frightened rabbit’s, Amber holstered her gun and nodded to her partner. “What will he remember?”
“Me answering the door and him lusting after me like a love-sick school boy.” Her smile widened as she skimmed her hands over her narrow waist. “Men can’t resist me. It has been this way since before I was immortal.”
Amber started to make a wisecrack but something dark and forbidden flashed behind Sonia’s eyes. She smiled seductively, but the eyes—they reflected something else. A dark secret that had nothing to do with her being immortal.
Sonia Dalca might relish her nature, but she definitely had issues. She reminded Amber of Jack-Kay—a transvestite hooker sexually abused by his own father. Jack-Kay preened and seduced, but he was filled with self-loathing. And Sonia’s eyes reflected the same inner turmoil.
“You’re Romanian?” Amber asked.
The vampire’s eyes darkened. “Da. I am Romuini.”
Besides spawning vampire legends, Romania was once a feudal country. Even less than a century ago, a beautiful woman would not have had an easy life if she were poor.
“What century?”
“What does it matter, Catea?”
It only mattered in how Amber handled the vampire. Sonia’s attitude could stem from a deep hurt. Was it possible she wasn’t as dangerous as she appeared?
Amber swallowed a lump of fear and met Sonia’s gaze. The vampiress nudged at her mind. Amber allowed it—until Sonia went digging into memories Amber didn’t want exposed.
Fighting an uber-invasion of privacy, Amber forced her mind to go blank. Sonia swayed and broke contact.
“Clever trick, mortal, but I saw enough. You’re no stranger to our kind.”
“And you’re not as heartless as you want people to think. Gerard said you were hurt by Maxwell’s marriage. Did you go to Lifeblood looking for Dr. Harper?”
Sonia leaned closer. “I wouldn’t harm Megan, despite the risk to Vincent.”
Amber stood her ground, ignoring the pounding in her chest. “What risk?”
“She’s mortal.” She spoke the word as if it were an insult. “And mortals and immortals don’t mix.”
Gerard had said as much. But he suspected Weldon of killing Tina. Was it a ruse to throw Amber off track? Would he lie to protect Sonia?
It wouldn’t be the first time he manipulated me. Whether he did so with his mind or words hardly mattered. The end result was the same. “Is Tina dead because she broke your ‘rules’ and got involved with Gerard?”
Sonia’s lips spread into a slow sensual smile. “Ah. So, it’s like that is it? You got a taste of vampire loving and fear he manipulated you.”
“No.” The denial was weak and ineffective. Sonia didn’t have to read her mind to know she was lying. “Did you kill Tina because she’d been with Gerard?”
Sonia laughed. “I did not kill Gerard’s little plaything, and I do not care for your lover. But rest assured. He would not use glamour to seduce you. He is cocky, that Frenchman. He likes to woo women the mortal way.”
Amber ground her teeth. Pain radiated from her bunched jaw to her brain. She would not discuss Gerard with a vampire who was quite possibly an ex-lover. “Did you meet with Megan Harper the night Tina died?”
“Da. I saw her. I warned her not to hurt Vincent. Since I created him, I feel responsible for his life. His happiness is important to me. But she’s dragging him into a world between worlds and weakening his power. If she continues, he’ll be defenseless.”
“So, you’re against a cure for your condition.” It wasn’t a question. It was an accusation. If Sonia was against the cure, she could be working with Weldon to stop production of the antivirus. If Weldon wasn’t a vampire, he’d want to destroy any hope of curing the condition he was trying to clone in order to control those infected.
“A cure? Ha!” Sonia’s eyes shone hotly, like two glowing red coals. “Vincent can eat steak. So what? He cannot bask in the sun. He’ll still live forever. This vaccine doesn’t cure. It weakens, making us more vulnerable to mortal attack.”
Amber met her gaze and then lowered her lids, shielding her eyes. “Most mortals don’t even know you exist.”
“The world is changing,” Sonia said, her voice low and cryptic. “I live among immortals—and mortals who are posers. The posers think they are vampires—the fools. And others do not believe vampires—real vampires—exist. But technology is bringing our worlds closer whether we wish it or not. There is no cure for damnation. Only false hope. A vaccine won’t protect us from those who wish to experiment with our blood in an effort to gain our powers without the negative side-effects.”
“You’re talking about Weldon.” Cold slithered over Amber like a second skin. Sonia wasn’t working with Weldon. She despised him as much as Gerard did.
“Dr. Weldon is merely a puppet who continues to work without a master. I was referring to the bastard who hired him. Without the colonel, the good doctor will simply flounder until he is exposed. Then, I will take care of him the way I did the colonel.”
“Colonel Timmons is dead?” Had Sonia just confessed to murder? Did it matter if she had? Amber couldn’t arrest her. The woman could probably escape a pair of handcuffs without breaking a sweat.
Sonia’s knowing-smile did not reach her eyes. “I visited him in the brig two days ago. He didn’t survive the encounter.” She waved Amber off before she could protest. “Gerard doesn’t know. Yet. I imagine the story will make the news soon enough.”
“What did you do?” Amber’s voice was a hoarse croak as she imagined the horrifying scene. Memories of Andrew and her mother bombarded her.
“Nothing too violent. I entranced him. He felt nothing when I drank from his wrists before slashing them with the sharpened edge of a spoon handle. I left enough blood in his veins to make a nice little mess on the floor. Before leaving, I dropped the shank beside him. The authorities think he committed suicide.”
“Why?” Colonel Timmons had kidnapped Gerard—not Vincent. Was Sonia in love with both vampires?
“Because he was a threat,” she snarled. “Your mortal laws did nothing to stop his evil. Even from his prison cell, he was paying Dr. Weldon to continue his research. So, I stopped him.”
“But you didn’t stop Weldon. He’s still out there.”
“For now,” she said in a dark and threatening voice. “But he will reveal himself without my putting forth much effort. Then, I will end his research once and for all.”
“Why don’t you use your vampire voodoo?” She’d done it before. Why not now?
“I tried.” Pouting, Sonia folded her arms under her breasts and slouched against the door jam. “But Weldon is smarter than I thought. He communicated with Timmons using an alias and a post office box. His letters were written in code so the prison warden didn’t know they’d been in contact. Timmons read them and then destroyed them. I couldn’t get my hands on a single one.”
A lead at last. Hope buoyed Amber’s spirits. “What name did Weldon use? Where was the post office box? It would have to be nearby for him to check it regularly.”
Sonia twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “Not necessarily. Weldon hired someone to make contact with Timmons. That person mailed the letters to a crack-head in Raleigh who then forwarded the letters to Timmons. There wasn’t a return address on any of the letters and he never met Weldon in person.”
“But he met someone. Who did Weldon send to make the initial contact? Who paid the junkie?” Amber glanced briefly at her partner to make sure he was still breathing. Reid stood completely still, his face now a blank mask.
Sonia sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t know. The bastard’s brain was fried.”