Deadly Desires

by Jennifer Salaiz

  “I’ll watch over her,” Dominic assured him.

  Samael hesitated but headed for the main office in the front. Marcella blinked hard as the parking lot felt like it shifted under her feet.

  “Whoa, you okay?” Dominic wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  “Yeah, just dizzy. I think it’s the altitude change. Coming from sea level, up to”—she paused trying to remember—”I think it said thirty eight hundred feet, has got to mess with your head.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  “Plus, I always used to get carsick as a child. It was probably the reason we didn’t take very many trips. Truthfully, I’m surprised I lasted this long without making Samael pull over.”

  Dominic lowered his head to rest on hers. “Well, be sure to take it easy. If you’re not feeling well, we’ll take our time getting there. There’s no rush. Do you hear me?”

  She looked up into his eyes. “Yes. I promise I’ll say something.”

  “Good.”

  Samael walked out of the door, and Marcella and Dominic met him in front. “I made them give us a downstairs room.” He looked over at her, and she knew that it was because he didn’t want her walking up the stairs. She let it go and instead followed them across the parking lot. With as unbalanced as she was, it was probably a good idea.

  The air-conditioning felt good after the stuffiness of the outside heat. Even though it was night, the temperature was still stifling. Marcella collapsed onto the bed and still felt as if they were driving in the car. She quickly sat up so she wouldn’t be sick.

  “You okay?” Samael sat down on the bed gently and she reached for him as vertigo kicked in.

  “I’m fine. Just the altitude, I’m sure.”

  “Does lying down make it worse?”

  “Yes.” She yawned and leaned into him, resting against his shoulder. After a few minutes she felt better. “I think I’m going to jump in the shower. That should do the trick.” The moment she started walking she felt even better. She turned the water on warm and slid her dress to the floor. As she got in, the pressure against her skin felt good. Soap appeared on her command, and she washed her hair and body, feeling completely refreshed.

  The moment she turned off the water, something felt off. Marcella wrapped the towel around her and eased the door open. Unfamiliar voices caused her to halt before leaving the small room. She materialized some clothes to cover her body and peeked her head out. Samael was talking to a man at the door. At seeing Dominic pressed against the wall right across from her, she watched his finger come to his mouth, signaling for her to be quiet.

  Who is it?

  His eyes shot up to her as she spoke in his mind. They’d never tried to test their gift, so she could see the surprise on his face when it worked. It’s a demon, claiming he runs these parts. Everything is cool, I think. Supposedly, he just wants to know why we’re here.

  How did he know?

  Dominic shrugged. He probably sensed Samael’s presence. It’s best if he doesn’t pick up on our scent though. He’ll know we’re not any creatures he’s run across before. It could be bad news if he decides to tell his master.

  Right. Marcella took a deep breath and eased her head out of the door again. Samael’s big frame blocked anyone from seeing in. After a few minutes he shut the door and ran his fingers through his hair. Marcella and Dominic slowly walked in the room. Her collector was on guard, and no doubt Dominic’s was, too.

  “We’re good. I’ve informed him that me, my wife, and her brother are on our way to California. I also threatened that if he told a soul I would destroy him. Let’s hope he takes my threat seriously.”

  “My brother.” Marcella died laughing. “Dom and I don’t look anything alike.”

  “No, but if he picks up that you both aren’t demons, at least your scent will match.”

  Dominic agreed. “That was good thinking.” He lay on the king-size bed that sat in the middle of the room and Marcella joined him. “I’ll set up a shield against our room and keep watch while you both get some rest. I had enough sleep in the car. I’m not anywhere near tired.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Samael took off the suit jacket he’d put on to answer the door and threw it on the chair nestled in the corner. “I’m going to jump in the shower. Marcella, try to get some rest.”

  “Will do.” She yawned for the millionth time and crawled under the covers. Damned if she didn’t feel slightly off balance again. Altitude was not her thing.

  * * * *

  There was virtually nothing through the state of New Mexico that Samael could see. Small mountains were off in the distance, and Marcella was loving the view. She stayed glued to the window, staring at the scenery, apparently lost in her thoughts as they drove mile after mile. Samael looked back in the rearview mirror at Dominic’s sleeping frame.

  They’d been on the road now for a good three hours. After his encounter with the head demon of El Paso last night, he made sure they left after the sun had come up. No doubt the man would have been in bed by then. But with Zepar being the demon’s master, Samael wasn’t taking any chances.

  Crinkling erupted from the silence and Samael looked over at Marcella. “Chip?” She smiled as she held the bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos out to him.

  “No, that’s okay. It’s way too early for those.”

  “Well, I already ate eggs, bacon, and some fruit. This is my snack. You can blame Jason. He got me hooked on these. Do you know he’s been eating them religiously since we were in high school?”

  Samael laughed. “Yes, of course I knew that. I watched the two of you grow up together. Remember?”

  “That’s right.” She popped another chip in her mouth and turned back to the window. “You know, I like it here. It’s so private. Maybe we should think about moving the fortress out there in the hills. The scenery is gorgeous, don’t you think?”

  Samael felt his lip curl. “No way. I don’t like it at all. Wait until you see California. You’re going to change your mind. You’re going to love it there.”

  “Really?” Marcella looked surprised. “When I think of California I picture traffic and smog. That doesn’t sound appealing at all.”

  “Yeah, there’s plenty of that. But once you get in the mountains or you go to the coast, you forget all about that. I think out of everywhere in California that I’ve been, Monterey is my favorite. Or Pine Crest, if you want to talk mountains. Gorgeous state, really.”

  Marcella smiled. “I can’t wait to see it all.”

  “Oh, we won’t be anywhere near there. Where we’re going is hours away. I really don’t think we should do any more driving than we have to.”

  He watched as she nodded. “You’re probably right. Plus, I really don’t want to be away from home for too long.” She paused. “That reminds me.” She reached for her cell phone. “I need to call Donavon.”

  Silence filled the car for all of two seconds before happiness took over. “Donavon! How are you?” She got quiet and then burst out laughing. “That’s great. Wow. That many?” Her eyes moved to the clock on the dash. “Well that’s good. I’m sure Jason and Ambrose will be happy to have you back. No, we’re in New Mexico.” She made a few more sounds and then jumped in her seat. “Okay, sounds good. I love you, too.” The call ended and she threw Samael a beaming smile. “He’s already close to San Antonio. Ninety-one new followers! Can you believe that?” Her feet started stomping on the floorboard in her excitement. Dominic flew to a sitting position.

  “What happened?” He looked around, panicked.

  Marcella flew around in the seat. “Your brother is amazing, Dom. Ninety-one new followers on their way to the fortress as we speak.”

  It looked like it took him a while to process what she was talking about. “That’s good news.” He yawned and looked around. “Where are we?”

  “Still in New Mexico,” Samael told him. “You’ve only been out for a little over three hours.”

  “Ugh,” Dominic fell back
down to the seat. “I’m going back to sleep. Wake me in a few hours.”

  Samael smiled as Marcella made a bag of Twizzlers appear. She didn’t even pause while she pulled one out and continued to go on about how excited she was. Something was definitely up with her. Samael could only wish he was right on his assumption.

  Wrappers overtook the floorboard and were only getting higher as the hours flew by. He took in the banana that Marcella was currently eating and watched her lips encase the fruit. The innocent act had his cock hardening. God, she had about killed him the last time they had been together, but that didn’t stop his aching to be with her. Even after dropping over twenty pounds and being beyond exhausted, he still would have made love to her a hundred more times. Those four days they shared in each other’s arms had been the happiest time of Samael’s life.

  “Ooh!” Marcella leaned forward and stared out of the window. “Did you see that?”

  Samael glanced in the rearview mirror. “What was it?”

  “I think it was a rabbit. I’m not sure, it was so fast and I wasn’t expecting it.”

  A laugh came from Samael’s throat. “I’m sure there’s all kinds of critters throughout these parts. Lord only knows what it was.”

  The banana peel fell on top of the bag of pretzels and she took a big drink of water. He couldn’t stop looking at the pile of trash she had down there. Hadn’t she even realized it? He took his eyes off the road long enough to make it disappear. It didn’t matter though, she was already back to staring off into the distance. What in the world was on her mind?

  The sun was already lowering in the sky as they neared Phoenix. Another two hours or so and they’d be at their destination for the night. The sun would be setting by then. He couldn’t believe the mileage they’d put behind them in the last two days.

  “Hey, where’s my Whatchamacallit?” Marcella burst out.

  “Your what?”

  “My Whatchamacallit.”

  “What?” Samael shook his head.

  “My candy bar. It’s called a Whatchamacallit. I was saving it.” A pout came to Marcella’s face and Samael couldn’t believe his eyes.

  “You’re not going to cry, are you? I was just cleaning up the mess. You can make another one appear.” Her bottom lip quivered and Samael pulled over to the side of the road. “Marcella, what is the matter, honey?”

  As she burst into tears he felt his jaw drop to the ground. Dominic sat up.

  “What’s going on? Marcella?” He reached out for her with one hand and rubbed his eyes with the other.

  A sob filled the interior of the car. “He threw away my Whatchamacallit.”

  “Your what?” Dominic asked, looking at Samael.

  “Her candy bar,” he informed him. “I didn’t know she was saving it.”

  Dominic shook his head. “You’re crying over candy. Did I miss something else?”

  Weeping filled the car and Samael felt close to panic. He’d never seen her as emotional as she’d been in the last two days. He thought yesterday had been bad before they left. This, right now, was downright rattling.

  “I swear. I didn’t know you were saving it. What does it have in it? I’ll get you another one.” Without ever trying it or seeing what it had looked like, Samael couldn’t manifest it for her. He looked to Dominic, begging him for help.

  “I’ve never heard of them,” Dominic whispered.

  “It’s fine.” Marcella wiped her face. “It’s stupid. I don’t even know why I’m crying. Now that my body is working I think my hormones are screwed up.”

  Samael narrowed his eyes. “You’ve been eating nonstop all day. Are you sure you’re not pregnant?”

  An irritated sound came from her mouth. “No, I’m not pregnant. I’d know. Plus, eating food like that doesn’t happen in the beginning. When my mom was pregnant with my youngest brother, it didn’t hit her until her second trimester. Or at least I think that’s when it was. I was pretty young.”

  “Well, why don’t you make another one, and we’ll get back on the road.” Samael kissed her hand, feeling bad for her.

  “No, I don’t feel like it anymore. Truthfully, I think I ate too much. My stomach feels upset.”

  Samael pulled back onto the road. “We can stop for the night. I think you need to rest anyway.”

  “I’m not pregnant, dammit. Stop treating me as if I am. We continue with the plan.” Marcella continued to look out of the window, and Samael didn’t miss Dominic’s wide eyes as he looked at their queen in surprise.

  As they came into Phoenix, the traffic wasn’t as bad as Samael had figured it would be. It was a smooth ride and Marcella pointed out places that she thought were cool. Before they could leave the city, she was determined to move the fortress off into the surrounding mountains. Samael knew it was only a matter of time before she’d pick a new location. They still had a long drive ahead of them tomorrow, and he knew by the time they made it to the valley that she’d likely have chosen some place along the way. Her enthusiasm reminded him of a child. Even though she’d snapped at him, he couldn’t stay upset with her for long. Her mood was changing like the wind.

  Dominic was wedged in the middle of the seat and as he pointed toward some mountains in the distance, Samael wanted to groan. There was no way she’d be happy here. It was too damn hot. Of course, there were the rainstorms. She might like that. Eh, what could he say? He was partial to California. If they had to be anywhere, he’d prefer it be there.

  “What do think, Samael?” Marcella bit her lip as she looked at him. What had he missed?

  “About what?”

  “Phoenix.” She laughed.

  The biting of her lip had thrown him off. He really needed to get his mind out of the gutter. He could have sworn something sexual was on her mind. “It’s okay here. It’s your choice though. We still have plenty of towns to go through. You haven’t even seen LA yet.”

  “LA is awesome,” Dominic piped in. “I was there before I came to Corpus. Only for a decade though. Lots of sin to feed off of there.”

  “Indeed.” Samael smiled.

  A crunch went through the interior of the car and Samael noticed Marcella was eating a pickle. He shook his head and caught Dom’s eyes in the mirror. He went back to staring at the road. Two hours flew by, and before he knew it they were pulling into a motel right off the highway. The parking lot was pretty full, but Samael ran into check on a room anyway.

  “How may I help you?” The green eyes of the clerk immediately threw flags. Vampire. Dammit. What the hell was up with all of these paras being on their path? Couldn’t they stop one place without running into one?

  Samael groaned as the clerk stepped back with a scared look on her face. “I just want a room, okay? No need to freak out on me.”

  She calmed and swallowed hard. “We only have one left, around the back.”

  “Great. I’ll take it.” Samael pulled a wallet out of the back pocket of his jeans and handed her a fake debit card. She ran it through and avoided touching him as she handed it back.

  “Two-oh-seven.” Samael took the card key and headed back to the SUV. He climbed in and pulled around to the back of the parking lot.

  Once they were inside, Samael locked the door. “I want a shield put around this place now. No one goes outside for anything.”

  “What’s wrong?” Marcella looked around nervously.

  “There’s a vampire at the front desk. Call me crazy, but I don’t trust her. The last thing we need is a run in with her master.” He began to pace the length of the small room. Dark circles were beginning to appear under Marcella’s eyes and he battled with the idea of cooping her back up in the car. “Maybe we should leave. I have a really bad feeling about this.”

  Dominic nodded. “I’m with you. We’re in uncharted territory here. I don’t like it one bit.”

  “Guys, come on.” Marcella wrapped her hands around her stomach. “Isn’t that the point of recruiting? We go into unknown places and try to gain fol
lowers. If her master comes then we’ll deal with him. No big deal.”

  “Uh, Marcella, it’s a huge deal. We might be strong, but we’re talking possibly hundreds of aggressive vampires. There are only three of us here.”

  Her hands tightened on her stomach and he watched her jerk forward. Samael rushed to her side. “What is it?”

  “Oh God.” Marcella rushed to the restroom, and the sounds of her being sick caused all kinds of concern to fill him. He looked at Dominic, who was smiling.

  “You think it worked?”

  Samael shook his head. “Hard to tell. With the amount of junk food she ate today it could just be that.”

  Even though the words left his mouth, he couldn’t help but feel excitement rush through him. Her sickness sparked a ray of hope inside of his heart. He knew it had to have been too early for her to know. Of course, who was to judge what she felt inside of her own body? As he went over the possibilities, he did the one thing he hadn’t done in as long as he could remember. He prayed.

  Chapter 11

  Mouthwash appeared in Marcella’s hand as she stood from the toilet. What the hell? That had come out of nowhere. She spit out the Listerine and flushed it down. As she slid down the wall she let everything sink in. Slowly, she looked down and pressed her hand against her stomach. It couldn’t be. It had to be all the sweets she’d eaten today.

  She needed a test. If she materialized one would it be accurate? Was it worth it to try? Upon the thought, one appeared in her lap. It’d only been technically fourteen days since she’d become fertile. Surely that wasn’t enough time to know. She began reading the box. As early as five days before your missed period. Well, if she had been due to start, then technically…Her head snapped up and she tore into the test.

  According to the numbers for a human, they ovulated about two weeks after their monthly, but as a collector she’d ovulated instantly after. The possibility that the test could tell her now had impatience pumping through her. She read the directions and proceeded to go through the steps. She placed the test on the rim of the tub and closed her eyes. Please let me be pregnant. Please.