“His jeep is gone, so yes, he is driving to wherever.” Andre began pacing the office. “Would you be willing to put out…well, the cops call it an APB on him?”
Thorin chuckled. “That’s one way to phrase it. I can do that. It would help if I had a picture of him, and a description of his jeep.”
“A picture’s no problem. Check the security videos. The jeep is a black, twenty-oh-seven Wrangler, four-door, with a ragtop.”
“Of which there are probably half a million,” Thorin replied dryly. “At least it’s a start. If he does show up on the videos, get a printout and I’ll take it from there.”
Andre breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
Thorin nodded. “You’re my Child. I want you to be happy again, and I don’t think that will happen until you find him.”
“It might not, even if I do.”
“True, but you can be very convincing, when you put your mind to it.”
“And he can be very stubborn,” Andre countered.
“Since when has that stopped you?”
“Never, I suppose.”
Andre left to check the security videos. He returned several minutes later with a photo of Sand, to find Thorin was busy on the computer. He handed him the picture, which Thorin scanned in and attached to what he said was an email to the various vampire kings across the country.
“Now, we wait, and hope Sand hasn’t decided to go to ground in some small town, or returned to his pack,” Thorin said after sending the email.
“I’ll pay the pack and its town a visit,” Andre replied.
“Invisibly, I hope.”
“Of course. I don’t have a death wish.”
* * * *
Andre did as he’d said, going to the territory of the Wintermane pack that same night. Sand’s jeep was nowhere to be found, which more than anything else led Andre to believe he wasn’t there. He did eavesdrop, invisibly, on a few of the werewolves in the town’s tavern, figuring if Sand had returned it would be the main topic of conversation. Instead, he found that the majority of them were discussing the disappearance of Estebe and some of his Betas.
“Twenty to one,” one werewolf said to his companions, “they walked into a trap. Would have served them right, thinking they could continue Raúl’s plan to start a war between the vampires and the humans. My bet is that’s why Raúl was killed. Estebe, thinking he was all powerful, figured he was smarter than him and found out otherwise.”
Another one looked around, then lowered his voice as he said, “Honestly, I hope that’s what happened. Estebe was power-hungry and stark-raving mad. If the vampires did kill him…Well, he deserved it, in my opinion. I may not like the bastards, but for damned sure we don’t need the humans finding out they exist. If that happened, we’d be next.”
Everyone at the table nodded. “The last war between us was bad enough, and we didn’t have to contend with the humans,” an older werewolf said. “I’m all for live and let live. It’s worked so far.”
Andre agreed, although obviously he was in no position to say so. He left the tavern, took to the air, and after another reconnaissance of the pack’s territory, returned to the city, and the club.
“Any word,” he asked when he found Thorin at the bar.
“It’s only been five hours. Give it time. I take it he’s not with his pack,” Thorin added so quietly no one nearby could hear him.
“No.” Andre used mind speak to tell him what he’d done, and overheard.
::Nice to know there are some sensible werewolves,:: Thorin said when Andre finished.
::Maybe more than we’d like to admit. I’m certain they feel the same about us.::
::Let’s hope so, for all our sakes. We don’t need another crazy like Raúl or Estebe trying to start World War Three.::
::I agree.:: Andre paused to tell the bartender he wanted his usual wine. Then he and Thorin went on to discuss general things that they didn’t need to worry about a nosy human customer overhearing.
Chapter 9
It took Sand three days, checking out one location and then another, before he arrived in Kansas City Saturday afternoon. He knew it was home to a large population of werewolves, unlike some other places, like New Orleans, where vampires prevailed. Not that he intended on making contact with any of them. He wanted the anonymity he’d had before he met Andre. However, it was good to know that if he ran into trouble he might be able to find help from one or more of his kind. As long as I keep my sexual preferences to myself. I know what can happen if I don’t. I’ve learned that lesson too well. Thankfully, it was the night of the new moon, so he didn’t need to worry about having to transform into his werewolf for another two weeks, which would give him time to settle in.
His first step, after checking into a motel, was to look for an apartment to rent until he decided if he was going to stay in the city permanently or move on. He spent Saturday evening going to websites which dealt in rentals. As he looked at what was available, he chuckled, wondering if he should get one that was pet friendly. His primary concerns were that it would be in a large building, which would allow him to remain fairly anonymous, and that it be furnished. There were a few that met his criteria, so he wrote down the addresses, got offline, and after showering, went to bed.
He woke the following morning to the realization that it was Sunday, and wondered if he’d be able to look at the apartments on his list. It turned out that two of the buildings had on-site managers who were more than willing to show him the available apartments. He liked both of them, which were in the River Market area, close to the Missouri River, and filled out the requisite applications. The rental prices were no problem. Over the past fifty years he’d invested wisely and had more than enough money to pay what they wanted—in cash. An idea which made the managers sit up and take notice.
Monday morning he heard back from both places, choosing the smaller of the apartments as much for its proximity to the park along the riverfront as its size. He met with the building manager to pay for it, and by late that afternoon had moved in.
* * * *
“We may have found him,” Thorin said the moment Andre walked into his office Monday night.
“Where?” Andre asked, his emotions spiking.
“In Kansas City. Not the best place as far as I’m concerned as it’s a werewolf stronghold, although there is a small vampire population there as well.”
“Do you have an address, or just a sighting?”
“Both,” Thorin replied. “If it is him, and the description matches, including the fact the man was driving an older jeep, he spent Saturday and Sunday at a motel on the outskirts of the city. One of the King’s human minions spotted him and followed him yesterday as he looked for an apartment, and again today. He moved into one late this afternoon.”
Andre arched an eyebrow at the mention of a human minion. He knew there were a few Kings who used them to their advantage. Thorin didn’t, deeming it unsafe, as well as a subtle form of slavery. “Lose control of one and it would put all of us in danger,” was his reasoning, and Andre tended to agree.
“This is the address, as well as a safe place for you to stay during the day,” Thorin said, writing them down. When Andre remained where he was standing, staring at the slip of paper, Thorin lifted an eyebrow. “Getting cold feet?”
Grimacing, Andre replied, “Maybe. What if…? Okay, damn it. I won’t know until I go out there.”
“Exactly, so get moving.” He flicked his fingers toward the door. “Time and tide wait for no man, to be clichéd.”
With a brief smile, Andre left the office, heading home. He debated driving out to Kansas City, deciding it would be wiser to fly—the normal way. When he checked for flights, he found one that would get him there just after midnight and had seats available. He booked it, printed out his boarding pass, and packed a small carry-on bag. Going invisible, he took flight to the airport. A few minutes later, having landed in a dark corner of a parking lot to become visibl
e again, he went inside, made it through security, and settled down to wait for his flight to be called.
* * * *
Sand spent Tuesday exploring the city, as he’d never been there before. It was older than he’d expected, which didn’t bother him in the least. He liked old buildings and the feeling of permanence they imbued in him. It was also greener than he’d imagined, with a multitude of small to large parks, and walking paths galore. Twice, he parked close to one of the paths then strolled along it, nodding to mothers shepherding their kids or stepping to the side of the path when a bicyclist went tearing by. He considered buying a bike of his own at some future date since it seemed as if half the population owned them. It would be cheap, easy transportation, for most of the year.
I could be happy here, I think. Well, if I can find a job. I don’t do idle well. Somehow he doubted his former boss would give him a glowing recommendation, considering how abruptly he’d quit.
He ended the day in, of all places, an old gas station. He’d pulled into it because he was getting low on gas, only to discover that it had been turned into barbecue restaurant. He left, an hour later, vowing to return at least once a week as the food was exceptional.
It was dark by the time he drove into the lot behind his apartment building and parked in his designated spot. Going into the building through the rear door, he walked down the corridor to the elevator. As he did, he felt as if he was being watched, although there was no one in sight.
Imagination. Residual tension from everything that happened with Estebe. Get a grip. It didn’t stop him from opening his senses, in case he was mistaken. Nothing tweaked them, so he pressed the elevator button. The doors opened, he stepped in, and moments later got off on his floor.
Going down to his apartment, he unlocked the door and entered. As he did, he heard, “May I come in?”
Spinning around, his hands fisted, he spat out, “Fuck! What the hell are you doing here?”
Andre replied, “I need…we need to talk. So…may I come in?”
Sand debated saying no and telling him to get lost. He would have, if it had been anyone but Andre. Instead, rather ungraciously, he said, “Mi casa es su casa,” and stepped aside.
“Definitely a comedown from your house,” Andre commented once he was inside.
“It’s only temporary.” Very temporary, now that he knows where I am. That brought up another thing. “How did you find me, and why?”
“How was easy enough. I asked for Thorin’s help and he sent out the word he was looking for you.”
“Great, just great,” Sand muttered. “So wherever I go, vampires are going to keep an eye out for me.”
Andre shrugged. “If it’s a city, yes. It would be more difficult if you headed to some small town.”
“I’ll remember that,” Sand retorted. “Why the hell are you here?”
“I already answered that. We need to talk.”
“You might. I don’t. I have nothing to say. We dealt with Estebe, end of story.” Sand dropped down in the one chair in the living room, as he didn’t want to use the sofa and have Andre take the other end. It would put them in too close proximity.
Instead of sitting, Andre went to look out the window for a long moment. Then he turned, asking, “Is it? I thought, at least for a while, that we had something going on between us.”
“Sex. Damned good sex, but that was it. You knew that.” Sand paused, his gaze raking over Andre. “Yeah, we said some things but neither of us meant them beyond the moment. Bed talk, afterglow talk. That was it, Andre.”
“Not for me,” Andre replied. He walked to the sofa, sitting with his elbows on his knees, staring down at the floor before lifting his head to look at Sand. “I meant what I said. You did, too, no matter how hard you try to deny it. Then you got scared.”
“Bullshit.” Sand snorted. “Of what?”
“Of us and our differences. I am, too, but I’m willing to admit it. What I won’t admit is the fact that we can’t overcome them. We can, if it’s what we both want.”
“Dogs and cats don’t do well together.”
“Cats?” Andre cocked his head in question.
“It’s the closest thing I could think of. They sleep all day and prowl all night.”
“I suppose that works.” Andre chuckled. “Better than comparing me to a bat.”
“Now that you mention it…” Sand smirked then sobered. “How the hell can we make it as a couple, if that’s what you think could happen?”
“Like any other two people who care for each other. Make compromises when we have to. But first, we have to admit we do care. That the things we said to each other weren’t, as you put it, bed talk.”
“You honestly believe there was more to it than just sex?” Sand asked softly.
“Yes! I tried to convince myself that was all it was, and it almost worked, especially when I thought about how vampires and werewolves have always been enemies.”
“You didn’t see a future for us, any more than I did.”
“To be honest, no, I didn’t, as much as I wanted it, here.” Andre pressed his hand to his chest over his heart.
“What made you change your mind?”
“I felt…hollow, I guess you could call it, when you took off without even saying goodbye. Before you say anything, I get why you did, but it hurt. It felt like I wasn’t important to you.” Andre looked dead at Sand. “I know that’s not true.”
Lifting an eyebrow, Sand said, “Really? Are you reading my mind?”
Andre smiled. “I can’t. Not yours, anyway. But what you said confirms I’m right. Like it or not, Sand, you do care.”
“Let’s say that’s true, and you feel the same. What now?”
“You come back with me and…”
“I just got here, damn it. Why do I have to be the one to move…again?”
Andre gestured to encompass the apartment. “Because this place is too small for both of us.”
“Back it up, Andre. Whether we’re here or back there, there’s no way we’re going to live together until we know it’s the right thing to do.”
* * * *
Andre felt a surge of relief. Not at Sand’s words, but what they implied. “Then we keep the status quo, me in my condo, you at your house, for the time being.”
“This is an apartment, not a house, in case you haven’t noticed,” Sand replied. “If you want us to find out if we work…if we belong together, you have to put something more into the relationship than mere lip service. True, I’ve only been here for a couple of days, but I like the city. Besides which, I can’t go back. I’ve been there too long.”
“People will notice you haven’t aged.” Andre nodded. “I get that. It’s harder for you to avoid it because you’re out during the day and would need a job involving humans.”
“Exactly.”
Leaning back, Andre considered the idea of moving. “Have you been able to get a feel for the werewolf community here?”
“Nope, and I don’t intend to,” Sand replied. “I don’t know if the word’s gotten out about my involvement in the deaths of Estebe and the others, but I’d rather not find out when someone here decides I was a traitor and wants my head.”
“From what I learned, the members of the Wintermane pack, well the majority of them from what I overheard, think Estebe and his Betas walked into a trap and were disposed of. No one seems to be crying about it.”
Sand stared at him, aghast. “You went up there?”
“Yes. I was looking for you.”
“Even so…” Sand shook his head. Then what Andre had said must have registered. “You’re ten kinds of crazy. If anyone saw you. Finding me wasn’t worth risking your life.”
“Damn, Sand, give me some credit. I flew in and remained invisible. You’re wrong, though. Finding you was worth taking the chance.”
“Like I said, you’re crazy.”
Andre cocked his head, giving him a small smile. “You’re just finding that out?”
“Now that you mention it…But damn it, I’m not worth dying for.”
“I disagree,” Andre replied. Then he chuckled. “Of course if I had, it would have sort of defeated my purpose to begin with.”
“No shit!” Sand shot him a caustic look. Then, after a long pause while he studied him, Sand said, “I meant it, Andre. If you want us to work on a possible relationship beyond sex, you have to move here. Find an apartment. There’s plenty available from what I saw when I searched. Hell, there are a couple more in this building.” He smirked. “You won’t even have to buy furniture for them.”
Andre eyed what the apartment held, which was definitely older, and tried not to grimace. “I might pass on here, but perhaps, if I can find something—”
“That meets your high standards?”
“I’ll admit it; I’m a bit of a snob.”
Laughing, Sand replied, “More than a bit. So, you’ll consider it?”
Andre leaned forward to grasp Sand’s hands. “If it means being with you, I’ll do more than consider it. I’ll do it.”
“As long as you realize things might not—”
“Will you shut up and kiss me.”
Sand arched an eyebrow as he moved from the chair to the sofa. “Bossy, as always.” Then he kissed Andre. When they parted, he said softly, “I missed you.”
“Me…or my body?” Andre grinned before instigating a second kiss.
“Well…” Sand replied a few moments later. “It is a damned fine body. I wanted it the first time I saw it. Since then? Yeah, I came to like the man it belonged to, in spite of our differences.” He gripped Andre’s shoulders, saying seriously, “This isn’t going to be easy. For starters, we’ll have to avoid contact with our own kind. If we think humans can be prejudiced, I’ve got the feeling it’s nothing compared to how other werewolves and vampires will react to the two of us as a couple.”
“I know,” Andre replied. “We’ll deal with it when the time comes.” He brushed a kiss over Sand’s lips. “And it will come. I’m more than certain of it. We belong together.”
Unnatural Allies Page 9