A cold breeze touched her face and she quickly dived from the branch, just in time because the branch she was perched on a few seconds ago crashed to the ground, completely pulverized. She didn’t have long to mull over her lucky escape when a tall, blonde woman appeared right in front of her. The steely silver eyes glared at her with undisguised bloodlust. The Assassin was getting ready to kill her and, from the look of it, she was actually looking forward to it. Her green eyes widened when Paloma took a threatening step closer and she slowly raised her hands. An angry hiss from the hunter made them stop mid-air.
“I come with an important message for you, and killing the messenger would be a regrettable setback for those involved.”
“Why should I trust you? Your whole existence is based on death and lies.”
The green eyes flashed in anger, but the renegade quickly lowered her gaze when she saw the escalating aggression in the silver eyes. Baiting the Assassin was a stupid—a very stupid—idea. Over the years, she had trained hard and well and was fully accomplished in a number of martial art disciplines along with her expertise with various weapons; but the Assassin was created to kill. In fact, she was a weapon of mass destruction all on her own. Her mother had told her all about the hunter’s exploits.
“Have you ever thought about how we were created? That some of us were victims, too?” The green eyes looked up into the quicksilver eyes. “Not all of us were willing participants.”
“Remind me to feel sorry for you after I have torn out your black heart, Renegade.”
The green eyes hardened. As much as she admired the woman, she was making it extremely difficult to remember that right now.
“I was sent by Genevieve.”
The silver eyes widen fractionally, but it was there for only a millisecond and then it was gone
“Go on.”
“Can we go somewhere we can talk calmly?”
†
Paloma frowned at the renegade. “No. We talk here, and then perhaps I will allow you to leave—alive.”
While she was talking to the renegade, Paloma had to keep her anger and hatred in check. Renegades were the enemy and nothing could erase that fact. For centuries, they had killed innocents and forever stained the name of the Vampire Race. She had cloaked her presence after leaving the house and had crept up upon the renegade. Her intention was to strike her dead on the spot, but she was surprised by the renegade’s quick reflexes. It showed that she was well-trained unlike the other renegades who relied on numbers and no skills.
Her eyes moved coldly over the woman, and she knew that if she weren’t a renegade she might’ve been attracted to her. She was quite beautiful, with her pale skin, rich copper-colored shoulder length locks, and light green eyes. She had killed thousands of female renegades before, only seeing the hideousness they represented. This one is different. Maybe it was what she had said earlier about being a victim herself. She mentally shook her head. What was she thinking? It must’ve been the food I ingested earlier. A renegade is a renegade.
“Where is she?”
“Who?”
Her hand snaked out and she grabbed the renegade by her throat, pressing down a bit until the green eyes bulged a little. “Do not play games with me.”
“OK,” the renegade rasped out, and Paloma loosened her grip.
“I will repeat myself. Where is Genevieve?”
“Please, take your hands off me.” This time the renegade’s soft voice held a touch of steel. “Or I will have to retaliate.”
Paloma felt an almost gentle nudge in her ribs. Looking down she stared at the heavy silver gun pressed against her. Disgusted with herself for having allowed her concentration to slip, she pushed the other woman away from her with an angry hiss. She quietly watched as she massaged her bruised throat. Her eyebrows lifted slightly when the renegade opened her short leather jacket and put away her gun. A sign of trust, Paloma thought.
“Thank you,” the renegade snapped and turned her green eyes on her. “I only communicate with her telepathically because Mercredi never allows her too far away from him. Since coming to the States, I have been tracking them, but they seem to change lairs often. For the past few weeks I have been corresponding mentally with another woman, but I could sense that she was a very powerful entity and feared approaching her face on. You seemed a slightly safer option.”
Tahlia. Yes, the renegade wouldn’t have breathed a second longer in her presence. For all her domesticated façade, Tahlia was ruthless where renegades were concerned.
“What have you been telling her?”
“Simply what Genevieve asked me to relay. She wanted to make contact with her husband, but with Mercredi tapping in on her mental conversations all the time, exchanges are kept short and cryptic. She tasked me to get the message out that she was alive soon after she found out that her husband was still living.”
There was a few seconds of silence.
“How do you know Genevieve?”
The redhead turned away.
“I do not think it is important now. You need to find a way to outfox Mercredi and save her. He keeps very close tabs on her, physically and mentally.”
The renegade disappeared, leaving Paloma to stare after her. Tempted to go out and feed quickly, she looked at the stars. She sensed the presence of a young couple nearby, making love in their car. Maybe she could slip off quickly and… A soft stirring in her mind made her turn sharply toward the house. Inger was awake, and she was becoming increasingly anxious at waking up alone. She rushed back to the house, stopping quickly on the way to double-check her safeguards. Good renegade or not, she wasn’t taking chances with the life of her mate. When she appeared beside the bed, a pale-faced Inger threw herself into her arms.
“Are you OK? I felt your anger. What upset you so?”
She brushed a gentle kiss on Inger’s forehead. “I felt the presence of a renegade nearby and went to investigate. Afterwards I was planning on going out to feed, but I sensed that you were awake and rushed back.” She tenderly rubbed her lover’s back. “I promise not to leave you again, my love.”
The blue eyes searched her face gently, before Inger reached out and pulled the blonde head closer to her. A soft probing kiss followed and then Inger lifted her dark locks and bared her long slender neck.
“Drink from me.”
Humbled by the offering, Paloma could only stare at the throbbing vein in Inger's neck. Her anger at the renegade woman had fueled her hunger, but the deliciously erotic sleep-warm scent of Inger was fueling her sexual hunger. She reached out to touch Inger’s cheek and felt guilty when she jumped slightly. She was scared but still she had offered.
“I need something else for now.”
Inger turned to look at her, perplexed.
“What?”
A slow lecherous smile formed on Paloma’s lips as realization dawned on Inger’s face. Inger’s lips curved into a grin and she slowly lay back, pushing down the sheet totally exposing her body. It took Paloma only a second to get out of her clothes before she crawled over the bed, covering the waiting body with hers. With her smoldering silver eyes holding Inger’s blue gaze captive, she planted her hands on both sides of Inger’s body and began to slowly and erotically rub her body over Inger’s. She only stopped when she felt a deep shiver coursing through her young lover’s body. Sliding lower, she sucked a nipple into her mouth. With a deep sigh, Inger arched her back. All the while Paloma’s hand was lightly running over Inger’s body, leaving her body awash with tiny goose bumps. The rest of the night was spent in erotic delight.
When Inger peaked for the third time, Paloma bit into the pulsing vein. Inger’s hands locked at the back of Paloma’s head, keeping it in place as she drank deeply. When she had taken enough, Paloma closed the pinpricks with her tongue and looked down at Inger. Guilt and shame coursed through the vampire as she carefully studied her lover for any aftereffects. She felt like a lowlife for relegating Inger to the status of a blood cow. Inger must h
ave picked up on her mood because when she spoke her tone was level and honest, albeit a little sleepy.
“I love you and you love me. Never think otherwise, my love.”
Paloma gently tucked Inger into the crook of her arm and caressed her damp skin until she’d fallen asleep. She lay awake afterwards processing the information she’d received from the renegade woman.
Chapter 14
Tahlia looked long and hard at the syringe before handing it to Michael, who looked back at her, waiting for confirmation. Slowly she turned to Jemima. The blue eyes were somber as Jemima gave her quick nod. Tahlia turned back to Michael.
“I am ready, but I only want you to administer the drug to Jemima once you are sure it is completely safe to do so.”
Michael nodded and handed the syringe to a tall brunette standing nearby.
“Dr. Carter, if you would, please?”
The black eyes scanned the room until they came to rest on the tall blonde standing next to Jemima. While waiting for her body to absorb the drug, she would be counting on Paloma to take care of her family. The Assassin’s eyes flared up and Tahlia nodded. She felt the cold invasion of the needle in her vein and closed her eyes. For the first time in a very long time, she would be rendered helpless, incapable of taking proper care of herself and protecting Jemima. Just the thought that something could happen to Jemima while she was unconscious made her want to pull the needle out of her arm and throw it away from her.
The black eyes opened and probed the blue ones.
There was a long silence before the reply came.
Tahlia felt as if a rock had been rolled off her chest.
She felt a lethargic feeling come over her, almost like the sleep paralysis when the dawn was upon them. Tahlia turned to face her brothers and they quickly stepped forward to help her out of the chair.
She caught a whiff of honeysuckle and smiled weakly.
†
Inger smiled warmly when she stepped out of class and spotted Paloma standing under a tree waiting for her. She stopped for a few seconds just to look at her. Since their first night alone two weeks ago, they had spent more and more time together, fighting renegades and afterwards cuddling up in bed, chatting and making love. Seeing her now, dressed in tight blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a tan leather jacket, Paloma looked exquisite. It was with pride that she noted both men and woman throwing admiring glances Paloma’s way. Switching her bag to her other shoulder, she walked over to her. Standing opposite each other, they smiled.
“You look totally hot today.” Inger said as her eyes leisurely traveled over Paloma.
“That is good to know. I would really be disappointed if you did not find me attractive.”
Chuckling huskily, Inger took hold of Paloma’s hand. Even in the heat of the day, Paloma’s skin felt cool to the touch. She curbed the urge to pull the vampire close for a kiss. There were too many eyes on them, and, although she didn’t give a damn about their audience, Paloma might.
“I find you devastatingly sexy, and I’m sure I must have convinced you by now.”
“Yes, you have,” Paloma said with a smile. “I checked your schedule on the fridge, so I know you do not have class for the rest of the day.”
Paloma reached for Inger’s bag. Swinging it over her shoulder, she steered the brunette into the direction of her car.
†
The moment her eyes opened, Tahlia turned on her side, eager to look at Jemima who was sleeping next to her. Gently she touched the cool pale cheek and swung her feet off the side of the bed. She was still fully dressed, and she patted her pockets to locate her mobile phone. She punched in a number.
“I am awake. Yes…I will be waiting for you.”
Hanging up, she pulled Jemima into her arms and held her tightly.
A chuckle echoed in her mind, and Tahlia planted a soft kiss on Jemima’s cheek. It was nine in the morning. Being awake at this time of the day was demanding for Jemima, but not impossible. The blonde was quite powerful.
The blue eyes cracked open, and Tahlia felt herself melt at their adoring expression.
“I sometimes wonder if I truly deserve you.” Jemima’s voice was husky.
Her hold tightened around Jemima.
“You do, trust me.” She lifted her head. “They are here. I want you to know that I will be sitting here with you until you open your eyes again. Your dosage will be exactly like mine—for 72 hours.” She kissed the tip of Jemima’s nose. “Imagine, three sun-drenched days together. We will have a lot of fun.”
There were footsteps on the staircase and their guests stepped in. Michael looked at Tahlia and grinned. “Can you believe you’ll be seeing the sun again after 2000 years? I actually brought my camera with me.”
†
They parked in front of a posh Italian restaurant, and Inger turned to look at Paloma. They’d made love as soon as they’d arrived at home. Afterwards, Paloma had left her to her homework, disappearing to who knew where. Upon her return around five, she’d insisted they go out for a late lunch. Inger was more than happy to take a break from working on her case study and readily agreed.
“What’s this? Gondolfini’s? Are you still trying to impress me?” she teased lightly.
“Nope.” Paloma placed her hand on Inger’s knee. “I have you in my bed already.”
“Then what’s the occasion? First you rock up in your Porsche at campus, and now you’re taking me to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.”
Paloma patted Inger’s knee and grinned. Paloma got out of the car and she did the same. Tossing the key to the valet, she took Inger’s hand.
“We're not even properly dressed. If you’d told me we were coming here, I would’ve changed.”
“Do not fret about that. I have sorted it all out.”
The restaurant was pure glitz and glamour, counting all the who’s-who of New York society amongst its clientele. Spread over two floors, the restaurant had a warehouse effect with large floor to ceiling windows. Placed strategically, large white pillars broke the monotonous open space, giving the interior an almost ancient Roman architectural atmosphere. The floor space was divided into four sections of eating spaces with large potted plants separating the different sections. Paloma was expertly steering her through the tables toward the staircase in the corner leading to a private dining area on the first floor when a female voice stopped them.
“Yoohoo …”
Turning, they both let out a pained groan as they recognized whom the voice belonged to. Verna Gregg’s green eyes lazily moved over Paloma’s figure, making Inger bristle.
“Hi. Remember me?” She held out her hand to Paloma. “We met at few weeks ago.”
Paloma nodded. “Yes, I remember now. You are the movie star who was celebrating her birthday.”
Verna grinned, showing off a row of perfect pearls, and Inger couldn’t shake the mental image of a hungry Great White. The green eyes shifted to Inger, taking in the jeans and t-shirt combo with mild distain, before returning her attention to Paloma.
“Would you like to join our table?” She waved to a table nearby and Inger’s jaw dropped. Jessica Valentine and Aretha Bourne waved at them.
“Thank you, but we are meeting friends for lunch.” Paloma lightly squeezed Inger’s hand to get her attention. “Shall we?” Paloma gave a curt nod in Verna’s direction and Inger almost stuck out her tongue at the celebrity’s clear disappointment. Instead, she followed Paloma who was walking toward the stairs with purposeful strides.
“Why were you staring at those women like that?”
“What do you mean?” Inger was surprised by Paloma’s clipped tones.
Paloma didn’t break a stride. “You were practically salivating at the sight of them.”
This time the iciness in Paloma’s voice made Inger’s steps falter before she rushed to keep up with Paloma.
“Please don’t tell me you’re jealous.” Inger sounded incredulous. “If you are, you have absolutely no reason.” She remembered the incident in the library when Paloma humiliated Jeremy Givens. She’d have to tread carefully. She didn’t want Paloma to stomp back over to Verna’s table and do who-knows-what to the actresses.
“I find it hurtful that you would look at other women that way while I am with you.”
They reached the foot of the stairs and Inger pulled Paloma back just as she was about to ascend the stairs. “It didn’t mean anything, Paloma. I simply admire them for their work. They’re talented and famous actresses.”
They stared at each other for a few seconds before Paloma nodded, her eyes a dark grey. “All this is new to me.” She threw her arms in the air. “You are still very young, and I need to remember that.”
Inger frowned. “My age has nothing to do with it. I am committed to this relationship and to you.”
Paloma’s eyes softened. “I never doubted that.”
Inger smiled thinly. There were so many things left unsaid between them. But now, wasn’t the appropriate time to delve into them. When she turned away, she caught Verna staring at them with a sly smile. Inger surmised that the woman must’ve noticed the tension between them and was waiting for her chance to pounce. She turned back to Paloma and found her looking at her strangely. All she wanted was to put distance between her and Verna’s freaking impolite stare.
A Guardian's Love Page 14