by Chris Lange
Sure, that had to be the reason. Rogan had lost himself in her for a brief moment, but awareness of their dangerous situation had dawned on him. Even if she had healed him, he still thought of her as some kind of enemy. For him. For his race. But what could she do about that? As much as she desired it, there might not be a way out.
Liv switched the lights on in the kitchen, feelings of anger and frustration washing over her. In some way, he had let her down, and she needed compensation. Maybe a sweet, hot coffee would ease her bruised emotions. Opening the nearest cupboard, she got her favourite mug out. Intending to heat it up in her new microwave oven, she was pouring cold coffee into the mug when she heard a light shuffle behind her.
“Liv.”
His low voice didn’t hold any trace of embarrassment. When she turned round, he leaned against the kitchen door, looking at her, at the way she moved.
“I have to leave.”
“Sure, go.” The need to brag pulled stronger than reason. Deep down, though, she already missed his presence, already knew she wouldn’t be able to forget him—nor his hands on her body.
“I know you’re angry.”
“Angry? Is that what you think? Well, let me tell you something. You’re nothing but a selfish, arrogant brute, and I regret the minute I laid eyes on you. Hang on! Actually, I didn’t. I was too busy fighting for my life, wasn’t I? So, Mister Vampire, do you still think I’m angry?”
She hadn’t meant to lash out at him, but too late the words blurted out of her mouth, unleashed by her fury. “Then you come in here, in my home, waiting for what? For me to save your life? And guess what? I do!”
“Thank you for that.”
Ashamed of having desired him way more than he had desired her, furious with his cool composure, she didn’t even hear him. “What else did you expect? A woman in your arms to complete a good day’s work? Well, I almost did that too, didn’t I?”
“Shush, you aren’t—”
“Don’t you shush me,” Liv shouted, pointing her finger straight at him. “Don’t you dare shush me. I’m so exasperated with you right now I could easily become that Bringer of Death of yours. Come to think of it, I’m positive I’d enjoy that. Please, don’t tempt me!”
“Liv, calm down.”
She ignored his attempt at peacemaking, as well as the palms of his hands raised towards her. She’d been bragging again, yet her vivid feeling of betrayal rapidly turned into fury. She had no intention of stopping there. He might be a deadly vampire, and he might be able to kill her in a wink—however, she couldn’t care less. She needed to vent.
“If I decided to destroy you, there’s nothing you could do about it. Because I am your greatest enemy, and you’re afraid of me.”
Hearing her words somehow conferred on them a significance. The brief spark in his eyes also told her she had hit dead centre. Without pause, she sneered at him. “You, Rogan, the best hunter of your race, are afraid of me!”
In two strides he stood in front of her, gripping her hair with one of his hands. A finger under her chin, he lifted her face to his, and kissed her so completely that her anger vanished.
All she could feel were his lips raking hers, his tongue invading her mouth, his fervour so agonisingly delicious she felt on the verge of fainting. He wasn’t afraid of her in the least, never had been. He was a fighter, he was a survivor. Dominating her, violating her tender mouth, he led her to an awareness of her true desires, a carnal place she now longed to uncover.
Too soon, Rogan released her. Out of breath, limbs trembling, Liv put a hand on the kitchen table to catch her balance. For now she could only look at his dark, menacing eyes.
“Be careful, Liv. Don’t go too far with me!”
His hungry tone sounded almost like the snarl of a wolf. He had said something similar to Khord just before cruelly smashing his face to the ground. Yet seeing him moving like an animal, lithe and untamed, Liv couldn’t help feeling aroused, even more so as he uttered a simple statement.
“You saved my life. I am grateful for that, but I’m warning you. I will not take another scolding.”
“Don’t you like me a little bit?” she murmured like a child, big tears brimming in her eyes.
All thoughts of rebellion left her. She couldn’t fathom his character or his motives, and she was tired of being left in the dark. Up to now, she had always taken pride in being a strong, determined woman. Now her world had gone down the drain, and she was left with a vague sense of fragility. Wiping a tear under her eye, probably seeing her vulnerability, Rogan smiled for the first time. And the glory of that smile touched her heart.
“So that’s really why you’re angry with me? Because you thought I didn’t like you.”
Piqued, she tried to show off, knowing he’d never fall for it. “I’m not angry anymore.”
He sighed. As if he couldn’t decide on the best way to convey his thoughts, he banged his fist on the table. The sharp noise resounded in the kitchen, and showed his opinion better than any words could have done.
“If I could make love to you right here on this table, I would. But I can’t, and you have to take my word for it.”
“No, I don’t. I’m sorry, but that’s not good enough. Don’t get me wrong, I want to believe you. It’s a little too confusing, though.”
Liv figured her comment would gall Rogan, but his expression softened. No anger there, no irritation, just patience.
“It isn’t an issue I’m allowed to answer.”
“Allowed? By whom?”
“That’s not important.”
Dismissing the subject with a wave of his hand, he lightly stroked her hair.
“I have to go. I need to locate Khord, and stop him before a bad idea gets into his thick skull.”
The way he said it didn’t bode well. Enjoying the touch of his fingers on her hand, Liv nonetheless couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. Anxiety making her voice quiver, she stared at the dark vampire.
“Do you mean he might be looking for me? Can he find me?”
“He saw your face in the parking lot, so I guess he could identify you if you crossed paths. However, he doesn’t know anything about you. He’s got no name, no address, nothing. That should give me ample time to change his perspective.”
Liv had to suppress a shiver when a cunning light glowed in Rogan’s eyes. Knowing that Khord might already be coming after her wasn’t her idea of a wonderful time. Hearing that Rogan would leave her alone didn’t exactly agree with her either. Yet, as much as she’d have begged him to stay, her pride stopped her. She had always dealt with life so far—she’d carry on. Her worries lay elsewhere. She had witnessed Khord’s amazing strength and fury, and, in a way, she felt more anxious for Rogan.
“Be careful, will you?”
“Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”
Tall and handsome, he stood before her. Although letting him go distressed her, thinking she might never see him again, never touch him again was almost too much too bear. On top of her powerful attraction, the intimate moment they had shared made it all the more difficult.
“Maybe I can drive you somewhere.”
Indeed, a feeble excuse to stay around him a while longer. But pressed by time, she couldn’t think of anything better.
“It’s all right. I’m fast.”
“But you’re hardly recovered from your wound. Besides, my car is fast, too, and it’s no bother.”
She left the kitchen before he could reply, and came back with her handbag. Rummaging inside for her car keys, she only took a few seconds to proudly dangle them in front of his eyes.
“See, no bother at all. We can go any time you want.”
Instinct taking over, Liv paused. Something felt wrong. Brow furrowed, she looked inside her bag, riffling through the most familiar object she owned.
Rogan touched her arm. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure. Hold on, let me—” She swiftly emptied the contents on the kitchen c
ounter to go through them. Without any care, she discarded a crossword book, lipsticks, pens, tissues and purse with jerky movements until the main part of the bag contained nothing but dust.
“Oh, my God!”
“What is it?”
“My wallet’s missing!”
Rogan’s body hardened, but he didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. Somehow, Liv could figure out his thoughts. Trying not to babble, she recalled the fateful moment.
“In the parking lot, I dropped my bag. I was scared, I picked it up. I knew something bad was coming. I didn’t check. I should have, but I didn’t. Then that monster turned up. I was so scared. Oh God, oh God, he’s got my wallet, my name, my address!”
Torn between fear and self-resentment, she began shaking when Rogan took her hands in his. Although he whispered, she knew his touch was meant to soothe her as much as to drive his words home.
“It’s okay. Don’t be afraid, I won’t let anything happen to you. Listen to me. We’re going back there now. Maybe he didn’t see your wallet, but we have to make sure of that. All right?”
Sensing hope, her anxiety abated. He appeared so strong and self-possessed that she felt comforted, protected, safe. With him by her side, the world’s harshness and unforeseen pitfalls seemed to fade to a distant dream. The impression of bravery she had felt filled with caused her to nod.
“If I’m unlucky and he knows where I live, we can’t stay here anyway. Oh my God, what did I do?”
She had spoken in a soft voice, yet she hated the notion of her home being endangered. The living room she had furnished. The bedroom she had decorated. The kitchen she had spent happy times in. In spite of reason, she had the haunting feeling she would not see this place again. Rogan’s hand held hers. Liv let out a long sigh.
“I’m ready. Let’s go!”
The front door banged open.
Chapter Six
In the blink of a vampire’s eye, Rogan disappeared into the living room. Following suit at her own human pace, Liv went to the kitchen door. With great care, she attempted to hide behind it and to see what was happening in the other room at the same time.
“Tss, tss!” Khord hissed, holding her wallet, waving it to and fro. He had his vampire face on. He looked repulsive. “Seems like someone left this behind. Thank the lady for me, Rogan, will you? She made my life so much easier. A bit daft, isn’t she?”
“Why are you here, Khord?”
Rogan must have been biding his time, in the hope of finding out about the brute’s intentions. At least that would’ve been a sensible approach. Liv listened behind the kitchen door.
“What do you think? Spend a few hours sunbathing by a pool.” He laughed at his own stupid joke.
“Considering you look fresh and that it took you long enough to get your ass here, I’m guessing you went home. Of course you did!” Rogan slapped his forehead as if just remembering something obvious. “Some of us need to be refreshed, don’t we?”
“Shut your big mouth!” Khord spat the insult, not looking in the least amused now. “I’ll get you for that!”
Liv couldn’t fathom the exchange between the two vampires. Which home were they talking about? The place where they dwelt with other vampires? And why in the world would they need to ‘refresh’?
Intrigued by the mysterious conversation, she peered through the small gap between the frame and the door. Intent on not missing a single word, she almost lost her balance when Rogan continued.
“I bet you didn’t tell the council you shot me. The penalty for murdering one of our race is death. So what did you tell them when you went back without me? That I got lost in a parking lot?”
“I had nothing to say until I was sure you were dead, but they’re wondering where you are. They might send a search party.”
From the little Liv had learned she reckoned Khord hadn’t worked out who she was. He had merely been wary of her because he hadn’t been able to catch and identify her scent. Rogan had been right, Khord didn’t seem gifted—only a stoic, experienced fighter without brains.
As safe as her guess might be, it also meant the council Rogan had just mentioned were still unaware of her existence. Was she supposed to feel relieved? Come to think of it, probably not, given that a search party was on its way. How long before they realised they should find her and Rogan? Just as the idea started whirling in her mind, Khord tilted his head, his demonic features making Liv want to cringe.
“Tell me, how come you ain’t dead? My bullet was a killer.”
“I’m a lucky guy.”
Contorting his horrid face, body tensed and ready to fight, Khord threw the wallet at his opponent. Rogan ducked, avoiding the flying object with ease. It banged against the kitchen door, and fell at Liv’s feet. Going down as quietly as she could, she grabbed it, aware of Rogan’s sarcastic tone.
“Oh, you missed.”
“I’m gonna kill you. For good this time.”
“Come on, my pet.” By all means, Rogan seemed to enjoy the dreadful encounter immensely, his voice and choice of words beguiling Khord. “Show me what you’ve got!”
The monster rushed at him.
Liv observed the whole scene from her hiding place, open-mouthed. Sometimes she was able to perceive one of them striking at the other, sometimes all she could see was a blur. Like an imprint of a thunderbolt on a retina. She heard the grunting, the clash of blows, the cries of pain, the insults from Khord’s foul mouth.
Chairs crashed on the combatants, paintings dropped heavily from the walls, the table seemed to lift itself, then went down with a loud thump. As it was still night-time, Liv didn’t want to think about the neighbours. With any luck, they were into deep sleep, not phone in hand and ready to call nine-one-one.
Instead, her reaction to the vampire feud amazed her. Without a doubt, her heart beat for Rogan.
Standstill.
Challenging each other from across the room, the vampires had stopped fighting. Poised and sombre, Rogan had his hand pressed against his side. Khord held his left arm, out of its socket. His right leg featured an odd angle too, his toes facing his body. His nose looked broken, flat on his face. He seemed in a very bad shape, much worse than Rogan, and Liv could have swelled with pride.
“Why are you protecting her?” Khord gurgled between clenched canines, face distorted with rage. “What is she to you?”
The monster’s watch beeped. Unfazed, Rogan glanced at it before adopting a jeering tone.
“Go home, Khord, it’s time. And get a mirror on your way, you’re a real knockout!”
Fury bloating his voice, the repulsive hulk spat blood. “You’ll pay for that. You heed my words, Rogan, you’ll pay for that!”
Grabbing his right leg, he twisted it roughly. Without even wincing he applied the same treatment to his arm and nose. The ensuing snapping noises were sickening, raising bile in Liv’s mouth. When Khord had finished reconnecting his joints, Liv thought he could have passed for human once more, provided that he wore a balaclava on his head. As he trudged back towards the front door, he pointed a crooked finger at Liv.
“I’ll tell about her. You’ll see. They’ll come for her.”
Then he was gone.
“We have to move!”
No hesitation in Rogan’s voice. She gathered he knew what was coming, and wanted them both out of the way. Liv feigned not to notice the wreckage when she stepped into the living room.
“Are you hurt? What’s going on?”
“That swine isn’t lying. He will inform the council about you. They’re going to send a tracker.”
A wave of uneasiness rose up her arms. Liv rubbed her sleeves. “A tracker? Is it different from a hunter?”
“Yes and no. A tracker is a highly trained agent, picked from the best hunters’ teams. He’s first initiated, then immersed in the ancient art of tracking. Practicing can get tough but when the training is over he’s capable of finding anyone, anywhere. Once he smells a scent, he can track it down anyplac
e. All he needs is an item the person has touched, usually fabric. No matter the distance, no matter the time. Sooner or later, he always gets his prey.”
“Is he coming for me?”
She must’ve looked scared because Rogan rushed to take her in his strong arms. She leaned on him, shielding herself from a fateful future. As if aware of her inner turmoil, he held her until the fear quieted, giving her the reassurance and the strength she needed. He traced her lips with one finger.
“Nothing will happen to you. I’ll keep you safe.”
“Why would you do that?”
It seemed a reasonable question to ask. At first he had regarded her as smelly food, now he was appointing himself her guardian. Unsure as to his change of heart, she looked at him expectantly.
“Never mind that! Let’s get out of here, I don’t have much time.” He pointed at the window. “Sunrise is in less than an hour.”
He let go of her so she could retrieve her wallet and handbag. Outside, she locked the front door, gave the car keys to Rogan, and eased herself down on the passenger seat.
“Drive. I know where we can hole up till sunset.”
They raced with the approaching dawn, traffic still being light. Less than an hour later, they parked in front of a worn-out motel. Coloured a deep, dark blue, the sky awaited imminent golden rays of sun. Getting out of the car, Liv cocked her head towards the square building.
“The motel belongs to my best friend. I guess it’s not much to look at but it’s private.”
Sandra was doing some paperwork while listening to the radio full blast. As Rogan announced he felt exhausted and needed the room right away, she handed him a key. He took off in a hurry, leaving the girls to chat. Only when he was gone did Sandra turn the radio down.
“Sorry about the racket, I love this Christian Kane. He’s got such a sexy voice, I wouldn’t say no to him.”
In spite of the dire circumstances, Liv had to grin. “You’ll always be my favourite ‘I behave like a teenager’ friend. In a way, you haven’t changed a bit since high school.”
“Yet you love me just the way I am.” Sandra’s smile beat hers by a good margin. “Now enough of me, how have you been since Christmas? More importantly, what are you doing here so early? Have you been thrown out of your flat? And sweet Jesus, who’s this hunk of a guy?”