Catch

by Annie Nicholas

  “Yes, but he refers to me as a blood slave.” I raised an eyebrow at her and scowled.

  She giggled. “That’s a very old title. He made people stop using it centuries ago. I wonder why he’s returned to using it now?”

  Her laughter caught me off guard. Most of the vampires I’d met since traveling with Rurik fell in two classes: overconfident-smug-asses or take-everything-out-of-context-serious. She didn’t fit in either. How interesting.

  A tall slim man with long brown hair came behind her. I remembered him from my rescue from Luckard. He helped remove the bars from Tane’s body, yet his name slipped my mind. “Our Master is hurt by Eric’s betrayal, my love.” He placed his arm around her.

  “I doubt he’ll be very kind to you, Ms. Bence. My apologies for your circumstances.”

  “Thank you…I think.” This one fit in my latter category.

  “I am Archios, and this angel is my wife, Belatia.” I recognized their names from the story Tane told of a blood slave gone crazy with the hunger when her master disappeared. “Rurik told me you helped to lead our rescue.

  Thank you for helping him.” My jerk of a master must have known I’d meet Belatia at this party when he described her similar fate. I hated him.

  “Yes, Archios is a great warrior.” She stared into his face, love apparent in her eyes.

  He soaked it in.

  “It was nice meeting you both, but I have an ear to go tweak.” I pointed to Rurik as another woman moved in on his other side.

  “Oh, Rurik always has women around him. This is nothing new.” Belatia gestured with her hand as if it didn’t matter.

  “Really?” I raised my brow not sure if anyone could see the steam pouring from my ears.

  Archios chuckled. “Not recently, Bel. He’s been traveling with Ms. Bence.” She made a small ‘o’ with her rosebud lips as her eyes got wide. It didn’t take Sherlock Holmes to figure out Belatia came from a simpler stock of vampire.

  Twisting around, I faced my lover across the room and our gazes met.

  He winked. It’s all I needed. Some kind of hint he saw my pain. Deep down inside, I understood why he flirted. Those women would answer any of his questions, and we needed information to try and find the traitor. Didn’t mean I had to like it. My jealousy and anger evaporated though.

  I glanced at Bel’s husband. “How do you know my real name?”

  “Tane provided it. I set up all the spending accounts for our nest. Yours should be available by tomorrow.”

  “Mine?”

  “The credit card attached to it will be here within the week.”

  “For me?”

  “Yes, you’ll need to stop by my office and sign some papers. Do you have a passport?”

  “Yes, I’ve been traveling.” The conversation became surreal, as if I’d switched from party to job interview.

  “Good, bring that as well. I need a photocopy.” Archios smiled and stood straighter, as if relieved of a burden.

  “You’re conducting business. We’re supposed to be having fun.” Belatia took his arm and grabbed my hand. She led us to a sitting area where I couldn’t watch Rurik.

  “Would you like me to read your fortune?” We sat at a low rectangular table on cushions that surrounded us in piles. She set a deck of tarot cards on the surface.

  Behind Bel, a half-dressed human woman reached for a nearby curtain and pulled it closed. What she and her vampire company did in private occupied my imagination. The room’s temperature increased and sweat trickled down my back. Like a distracted dumbass, my brain to mouth filter turned off and I answered sweet Belatia. “I set fire to the last vampire who read my cards.”

  Silence descended until it pulled my attention from the closed curtains. Belatia had covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide. “You did?” She asked in a hushed tone. “Why?”

  “That’s enough.” Archios set his hand on the table. His glare burned in my direction.

  “You are just as bloodthirsty as our Master then, but no one threatens my wife.”

  “I didn’t mean—how could I—I meant…” Why was it that I needed to concentrate to be polite? As soon as something distracted me, I ended up insulting someone without trying.

  “Archios.” Belatia placed both her hands on his and squeezed. “I don’t think she meant it like that. She just stated a fact.” The innocence of her smile as she turned it from him to me shone true. She believed every word she said.

  It warmed my heart to have someone understand. “Thanks. You’re right. Still, I should have said it another way.”

  “See.” She gestured to her husband. “All is well.” With deft fingers, she returned the cards to their case. “You may call me Bel. Has anyone served you a drink yet, Ms.

  Bence?”

  “Connie, please. No, I haven’t had anything.” I sure could use one, a stiff shot of whiskey came to mind. I almost missed Tane. I didn’t care if my comments hurt him. Bel, on the other hand, seemed…nice. For a vampire.

  “Go get her something.” She patted Archios’ thigh.

  He glanced my way.

  “Nothing with alcohol.” I did my best to appear sincere. “I promise to not set anyone on fire while you’re gone.”

  He rolled his eyes and left while Bel giggled.

  She leaned forward. “Why does Tane call you Rabbit?” I groaned. “To annoy me. It’s a pet name Rurik uses.” Her laughter made me smile. “Is it because your hair is so soft and fluffy?” My laugh followed hers. “No, I think it’s more in the line of being a main course.” She shrugged. “I guess we should expect that from hunters.” Glancing around our area, she lowered her voice. “Tane must care a great deal for you to bond you so soon after Eric’s death.”

  “No.” I barked my response. “It’s nothing like that. Tane bound me almost two years ago. We can barely stand each other.”

  Her smile disappeared. “That’s so sad. He’s kept you hidden all this time?”

  “I’ve been with Rurik.”

  “Why?”

  “We’re in love.” Something about Bel made me comfortable. Talking with her felt normal and I never made friends easily. Trusting people didn’t come naturally.

  Abandoned by my parents as a baby, with only a poor grandmother to care for me until she passed away when I turned fifteen, I was left alone, and it didn’t take long for the predators to find me.

  I liked Bel.

  She clapped. “Then he let you go, he released you. I didn’t think Tane could be so mean.”

  “Really?” I couldn’t hide the surprise in my voice. “I think he’s a controlling, overbearing, sneaky—”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “He’s our leader and needs to be those things, but he also has a kind heart.”

  “I’ve seen no evidence to that.” Did we know the same Tane? I rubbed my chin.

  Bel came around the table and took my hand. “I want to show you something.”

  “What about Archios?” With her vampire strength, the slight girl tugged me off my tush so I landed on my feet.

  “He’ll find us.” She flounced ahead, the old fashion dress swaying with her light steps.

  I needed to put a hop in my gait to keep pace. As I passed each cluster of Tane’s people, their conversations would quiet to hushed tones or someone would point. A smartass, of my own nature, called out my pet name and some of them snickered. God help me, I was in high school again.

  Bel went through the open doors into the extensive gardens. An enclosed grotto stood close to the building and she entered it.

  When I followed, she had already turned on the lights. A mural covered most of the walls and the ceiling. Bel traced a finger on the painted walls. “Tane built this for me so I could paint this picture. It represents everyone I know.” The screen door opened and we both jumped. Gwen entered, dressed in a black suit, looking very secret service. She nodded and stood by the entrance.

  “Can we help you, Gwen?” Bel asked.

  “I’ve been
assigned to guard Connie. The grotto is too enclosed for me to remain discrete.”

  “You’ve been watching me all this time?”

  “Of course, it’s my duty.”

  A horrifying thought startled me. “In my room?”

  “No need. Those are secure, as is most of the house, but the gardens aren’t. Not after this afternoon.”

  The body. Colby appreciated the information I provided. He wouldn’t answer any of my questions about his plans. Not surprised.

  “Bel wanted to show me her beautiful mural. She’s quite talented.” The room looked like part of the jungle. Plants and leaves I didn’t know the names of filled the space.

  Animals of all kind added to the depth of the picture. “You said it represented all those you know?”

  “Yes, such as…” She took a few steps and pointed to a silver wolf howling. “This is Gwen, the Bengal tiger is Tane.”

  “That suits him.” I observed a fox close to the tiger and gestured to it. “Is that Rurik?”

  She laughed. “Yes!”

  I spun a slow circle and took in all the animals. “Where is Archios?”

  “There, the black husky.”

  “A dog?” I did my best to swallow my giggle.

  “He’s loyal and fierce, not wild like Gwen.”

  I glanced at my guard and remembered how she moved through the jungle after she smelled something bad. “The wolf suits you too.”

  She gave a slight bow. “It should.”

  “Who’s the panther?” It stalked next to me; its yellow eyes almost glittered. I didn’t exaggerate Bel’s talent.

  “Luckard.”

  I hopped away as if it came alive. My heart sped and I felt silly, but those eyes looked as cold as the real ones. I swallowed and examined some of the other animals.

  “Which one is you, Bel?”

  “Me? None, I never thought to place myself here.” She stared at her creation.

  “What would you be?” Curiosity got the better of me. Bel was an interesting person.

  “A mouse, I think. Small and insignificant, I’d paint it right there by the door next to you.”

  I chuckled and came next to her. “Let me guess what animal you’ve chosen for me.

  A rabbit?”

  She giggled and slipped her arm through mine. “Not the white fluffy kind though, a Jack rabbit, quick of wit and always watching for change. There are no predators by the door to hunt us, either.”

  “I like that.” Except at the moment, my fox sat in a room surrounded by women who viewed him as prey. “I’d better get back to the party.” We left the peaceful grotto and strolled from the garden back to the mansion. Ahead, I glimpsed Tane and Rurik cross our path. An alarm rang in my head.

  The way Gwen’s shoulders stiffened made me think she heard the same bells.

  Without any verbal agreements, we both followed and took Bel along.

  I pressed my finger to my lips to signal her to be silent.

  Her eyes widened and she bounced on the spot for a moment.

  Among the tall vegetation, the path wound a leisurely pattern. Private areas sprouted to the sides. Each empty until we arrived by the stream.

  Tane and Rurik stood close, facing each other, and spoke in hushed tones. Tane stepped forward and touched my lover’s face.

  “Excuse me!” I covered the distance between us in five huge steps, almost twisting my ankle in the fine gravel with my heels.

  Steadying my stance, Rurik grasped my elbow. The moonlight gave enough illumination for me to see amusement shone in his eyes, not guilt.

  I glanced at my personal demon. His dark soulless eyes reflected the light, but remained void of emotion. “Rabbit, I see you’ve gathered an entourage. Are you staying out of trouble?

  “So far, are you?” Why would Rurik flirt with Tane, and why did it bother me more than the women? What would have happened if they’d been left alone? “I think I’m done for the night, though.”

  “Not yet,” Rurik whispered from behind.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Rurik kissed my forehead then stepped away. “Tane needs to address everyone at the party and I want you at his side, the image of solidarity between both of us.” He turned as if to leave.

  “Where are you going?” Panic fluttered in my chest.

  “To watch.” He winked and strolled to the party.

  Gwen cleared her throat. “Come, Belatia. Archios must be worried about you.”

  “Oh Connie, he never got you a drink. We’ll send one when we find a servant.” She spun around and flounced to the mansion, Gwen in tow.

  I glanced at the Master of all vampires. The smooth skin on his bald head gleamed with the moonlight, and a gold earring in his right pointed ear sparkled. I flicked it, trying to control the urge to rip it from his ear. “This from your pirating days as well?” Thief who tried to sneak out to the secluded gardens and seduce my boyfriend.

  He rubbed his earlobe. “No.” The color of his white button down shirt made him appear paler.

  Then something occurred to me as I checked out my own outfit. We matched. Rurik must have arranged it since he chose my dress while I showered the jungle off. Lovely.

  We stared at each other. What did I say to someone I caught flirting with my boyfriend? I never had to compete with a man and found it very threatening.

  “The party should be ready for us.” He strolled through the vegetation. Even though dressed as a modern man, he seemed at home and more relaxed outside. The extensive grounds and elaborate gardens made more sense as I watched him walk ahead of me.

  He ran his open palm over the broad leaves of the plants lining the path. As we approached the party, he plucked a large red flower and set it in my hair. “It brings more color to your cheeks.” He brushed some of my curls from my bare shoulders. “I’m summoning Luckard’s accomplices to sentence them for their betrayal. Can you stand next to me without incident?”

  “Rurik asked me to.”

  “I’m aware what Rurik wants,” he whispered. “But I need to believe you can do this without a ruckus. Can you bear their presence?” His intense dark gaze bore into mine and my heart took wing.

  “What are you going to do?” My voice cracked and I cleared my throat. Funny how his kind gestures made me more nervous than his anger.

  “Remind my people who I am and what I represent.” He offered his forearm like an old-fashioned British gentleman.

  For all our sakes, I took a deep shaky breath, untied the knot in my gut and placed my hand on his wrist. “I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

  He gave me a rare smile. “That’s my girl.”

  Inside, with all the curtains tied back and the seats with cushions pushed to the walls, the room grew. Everyone gathered around a dais set in the center. No throne sat upon the bare stage, it remained empty until we climbed the steps and faced the crowd.

  The hum of conversation quieted.

  I stayed a step behind Tane. Sweat trickled down my back and I could sense the beads form on my forehead. All those eyes watching me made the knot in my stomach tighten again. I should have asked Rurik to do his Jedi-mind-trick so I’d remain calm.

  He’d done it before, when Dragos forced me to dance with him at a party. However, that experience didn’t end in gunfire. My throat became as arid as a desert. I hoped the past wouldn’t repeat itself.

  Tane scanned the room and the silence lay heavy. “I have ruled with a kinder hand than my predecessor, but treachery and deceit have taken root in my home.” His voice carried in the tall room with quiet strength. “Disobedience and betrayal will not be tolerated.” He gestured with two fingers at the guards by the main entrance as if calling them forward.

  They opened the doors. Eight guards dragged the two vampires, who’d helped Luckard torture both me and Tane, by chains wrapped around their arms and torso—

  Blondie the ass, who wanted to add rape to my torment, and Al, his dark somber companion.

  Anger boiled in my g
ut. They chased me through the streets of Rio, hurt me and tore my life apart. These insignificant toads discarded me, wounded and bleeding to death, in a room with Eric’s decaying body as if I didn’t matter.

  Tears burned behind my eyes and my chest constricted, however I’d scoop out my own eyeballs before shedding a drop in front of these soulless bastards. I plastered an expression of discontent on my face and held onto it for dear life.

  Dropped at Tane’s feet, they knelt with their heads bowed as if too weak to hold them high. No apparent injuries showed, but vampires healed fast. Hurt them enough times without allowing them to feed and they lost strength.

  Without thought, running on instinct and fury, I approached Blondie and kicked him in the face with my open-toed heel.

  A collective gasp from the crowd shocked me out of my angry trance. I spun to face Tane, expecting his wrath for breaking my promise. Instead he grinned.

  The betrayer hissed and snapped his jaws at my ankles. The guards didn’t tolerate his actions and fell upon him.

  Tane ignored everyone except me for a moment longer. He stretched out his right hand to the side without looking and a Nosferatu placed the handle of a great broad sword in his palm. Without effort, he drew the weapon from its scabbard so the tip pointed at the ceiling and raised the hilt even to his chest.

  The sword looked familiar. I stepped closer and peered at the intricate design next to Tane’s fingers. Blood red rubies formed the shape of a pyramid. I recalled Rurik kneeling on the wood floor slick with his blood, this sword pierced through his chest. The sword my lover killed Dragos with.

  “I’d let you have the honor, my bloodthirsty companion, although I doubt you can lift it.”

  A few chuckles came from his people.

  My cheeks burned. Not from the laughs, but that Tane knew my desires.

  He nodded to the side, telling me to get out of his way, then confronted his traitors.

  Placing the point of the sword between them, he glared. “I’ll offer a merciful death if you tell me where I can find Luckard.”

  Blondie spat a bloody glob at my feet.