The Elixir Maidens: Bitten, Again

by Kate Hill

  Daniel cursed under his breath, reached for his trousers and dragged them on. Forcing his uncooperative erection behind the zipper was more challenging than he wanted to admit. Knowing the object of his misguided desire stood outside in the hall did little to quell his passion.

  “Daniel!”

  “I’m coming! Shut up before you disturb the entire hotel.”

  He drew several more calming breaths, then opened the door. Their gazes met. Explosive energy again crackled between them.

  “What a charming surprise, Nigel. How sweet of you to stop by at this ungodly hour. Whatever can I do for you?”

  “You can quit with the attitude for one.”

  Daniel felt his frozen smile melt off his face and he resisted the urge to grab Nigel by the throat and shake him as much for all the things he hadn’t done as well as for those he had.

  “What do you want?” he demanded.

  “May I come in?”

  After several seconds of hesitation, Daniel stepped aside and Nigel entered the room, his long strides oddly hesitant. It was as if he was committing some sort of crime just by being alone with the man who knew him as well as he knew himself.

  “How did it happen?” Nigel pointed at Daniel’s injured side.

  “You know how it happened.”

  “Dark Rhythm again?” Nigel asked softly, referring to the zealot vampire organization that killed hunters. Unfortunately, they often struck without bothering to differentiate between harmless mortals and those seeking to destroy vampire-kind. They often killed their own as well, if they felt they weren’t loyal enough to other blood drinkers or were too close to mortals suspected of hunter activity. It was that sort of dangerous behavior that had inspired Daniel to begin his own secret society to counter Dark Rhythm any chance they got. Daniel knew all too well that someone had to stop them. Too many innocent people, both vampire and mortal, had been hurt by them.

  Just the thought of Dark Rhythm overwhelmed him with bitterness, even after so many centuries.

  “I will provide blood if you need --”

  “How sweet,” Daniel said in a voice dripping sarcasm. “Did you come all the way over here to nurse me back to health? Why, just over dinner you said you didn’t care if I was dying --”

  “You’re obviously not dying,” Nigel said, his tone clipped as irritation grew.

  “Only of boredom. My present company sucks, no pun intended.”

  Nigel gritted his teeth and drew a long breath. The nostrils of his finely-shaped nose flared a bit. By the time he released the breath, he seemed to have regained a portion of his self-control. “I just wanted to stop by and thank you for not telling the truth tonight at the reception.”

  Those words hurt more than Daniel wanted to admit. Far more than he would ever reveal. “My pleasure, hon. Now do this stranger a favor and get the fuck out of here. I was in the middle of a very pleasant dream and you interrupted just before the moment of crisis. He was gorgeous.”

  “I don’t need the details.”

  Daniel’s gaze dropped to Nigel’s crotch. By the way the trousers tented in front and the scent of lust emanating from his every pore, he wanted Daniel as much as Daniel wanted him.

  A blush stained the ridges of Nigel’s cheekbones and he said gruffly, “I just wanted to say thanks.”

  “Don’t worry, Nigel. I’ll keep your secret. In the future, however, when we meet at family gatherings, you’d better learn how to play nicely.” Daniel took several steps closer so they were chest to chest.

  Nigel’s smoldering blue gaze fixed on his before Daniel took his face in his hands and kissed him. Hard.

  Nigel stiffened for a whole two seconds, then plunged his tongue deep into Daniel’s mouth. His strong fingers gripped Daniel’s shoulders as their tongues lashed one another so roughly that their fangs made savage little cuts. The taste of blood dragged groans from both men. Daniel pushed closer to Nigel, loving the sensation of their hard cocks trapped between their bodies. Locked in a carnal dance, Nigel guided Daniel nearer the closed door and shoved him against it. Pain flared through Daniel’s ribs and he grunted but continued licking every inch of Nigel’s mouth.

  Quickly Nigel broke the kiss and stepped back just enough so that his hand could hover over Daniel’s injury. Shockingly gentle fingertips brushed over his ribs. “Sorry.”

  This sudden tenderness took Daniel aback. He didn’t know how to handle it, nor did he want to. He’d been prepared for anger, coldness, even aggression, but not this torturous hot and cold treatment.

  He shoved away from Nigel and walked partway across the room.

  “I’m sorry for doing that. It shouldn’t have happened,” Nigel said.

  “I’m the one who kissed you.”

  “But I responded. I hope you don’t think --”

  Daniel turned to him with a cool expression. “Don’t worry. It was a natural reaction after all these years. Meant nothing.”

  “I know. I just didn’t want you to think --”

  “I don’t think anything about us anymore, Nigel. All you are to me is an in-law. Because our offspring are married, we’ll undoubtedly see each other now and again, and I trust we can act civilly.”

  “Yes. Exactly.” Nigel looked relieved. Daniel knew he would. Anything to save face, so to speak. To keep that perfect outer package visible for all the world to see. Appearances had always been so important to him. Making an impression. Even as a slave. “Good day, Daniel. I hope your health improves soon.”

  Daniel laughed long and loud. “Close the door on your way out.”

  With a brief nod, Nigel left.

  * * *

  By dawn all the wedding guests had left the club section of Burgundy Peak and a few random employees cleaned up the mess. Only The Elixir Maidens and their partners remained behind, lounging around a corner table and reminiscing about the evening’s events.

  Ruby had discarded his high heels and rested his feet on Hagen’s lap. The handsome magician massaged them and the two exchanged smiles. Still wearing her slinky white bridal gown, Sondra sat on Richie’s thigh. She loosened his tie and unfastened the first three buttons on his white shirt. Greg and Andrew had ditched their ties hours ago and sat huddled together, engaged in a private conversation that was interrupted by Ruby.

  “I’m sorry, guys, but I’ve been waiting to say this all night. If I don’t, I’m going to freakin’ explode.”

  Richie chuckled and shook his head. “Go for it, Ru. We sure don’t want to see your guts dripping off the chandeliers.”

  “Okay, did you like feel the heat between Daniel and Nigel?” Ruby continued, his eyes aglow with the start of some great gossip.

  “Hell, yes,” Greg said. “I nearly keeled over when I realized Nigel of all people was so hot and bothered over another man.”

  “Hey,” Sondra began, her expression annoyed, “this is my Creator you’re all starting rumors about.”

  “Yeah, a little discretion please,” Richie said. “In case you don’t recall, Daniel doesn’t exactly enjoy spreading stories about his lovers, either.”

  “What do you mean his lovers?” Sondra curled her lip and pushed herself off Richie’s lap. A hand on her hip, she glared at her husband. “Are you trying to say there’s something between Nigel and Daniel? Ridiculous.”

  Ruby offered her a sympathetic smile. “Sweetheart, what happened to your sense of smell? The lust was just permeating the air. And did you get how Nigel nearly choked to death on his wine when Daniel walked in the room?”

  “Ruby, cool it,” Hagen said quietly. He had obviously noted the rage burning in Sondra’s eyes.

  “I thought you guys were my friends,” she said. “I will not have you saying these things about Nigel. I know he gave you a lot of trouble when Richie and I first started seeing each other. I know he’s a narrow-minded prig, but he’s still my Creator and my foster father. I’ve known Nigel since I was a little girl, and there is one thing he is not and that’s gay!”


  “Baby, calm down,” Richie said, grasping her hand in his. She pulled away. “Look, Sondra, he wouldn’t be the first guy to keep his sex life a secret.”

  “This isn’t any of our business anyway,” Greg said.

  “Exactly,” Andrew stated. The burly armorer was one of the few people who hung out at Burgundy Peak who didn’t enjoy gossip.

  “Don’t get upset, baby.”

  “I’m not upset!” Sondra snapped. “And don’t baby me, Richie. You know how Nigel feels about that kind of thing.”

  “I know what Nigel says about homosexuality,” Richie countered. “But unless somebody goes in and reads his mind, no one really knows how he feels.”

  Ruby held her gaze. “Sondra, I’m really not trying to give you a hard time and what I say to this group never goes beyond it, but didn’t you notice anything between your Creator and Richie’s? Be honest.”

  Sondra sighed and dropped into the chair beside Richie. He placed an arm around her and she rested her head against his shoulder. “Yes. But it could have been about anything. It doesn’t mean they were lovers.”

  “Regardless, it was something very strong,” Ruby continued.

  “And painful,” Hagen said softly. “I felt it from both. It lasted maybe a second or two before they controlled it, but whatever is between them is, or was, serious. I think we should close this conversation, Ruby.”

  Ruby seemed to bite his cheek to keep from commenting, but nevertheless sat in silence -- for a full ten seconds before he blurted out, “It’s love, guys. A fucking no-brainer. If it’s pain you felt, Hagen, it’s because they want each other so bad.”

  With a sigh, Richie stood, Sondra beside him. “It’s not our business. Daniel means the world to me, but one thing I don’t do is mess around in his private life. It’s a good way to get your ass kicked.”

  “That’s true,” Greg said. “But in a way I understand what Ruby means. Seeing two people that much in love and that far apart, it’s kind of sad.”

  “You saw them together for one evening and you’re making an epic romance out of it,” Sondra said, then slapped a hand to her forehead. “Crap! Now you’ve got me talking like they’re fucking Romeo and Juliet or something.”

  “How about Romeo and Julian?” Greg said. “I know Daniel ain’t about to wear a dress and I get the feeling Nigel won’t, even if he finally admits the truth.”

  “Greg!” Sondra glared at the slender, brown-eyed man who merely shrugged.

  “Wouldn’t it be great if we could get them together?” Ruby said. “Wouldn’t they be a handsome couple? They’re both so tall and athletic.”

  “Whoa.” Richie held up both hands. “What do you mean get them together?”

  “We could do a little socializing, have some family get-togethers --”

  “As if they’d go for it.” Hagen chuckled. “And I’m inclined to agree with Greg on this. It’s none of our business.”

  “It’s wrong not to help two people who are that much in love. They don’t have to know we’re matchmaking,” Ruby said. “We’ll be discreet. Subtle.”

  “Like your make-up?” Greg quipped.

  “Shut up, runt.” Ruby wrinkled his nose in Greg’s direction, then turned to Richie and Sondra. “Will you just think about it? If you care about them, you want them to be happy, right?”

  “I also care about my face,” Richie said. “If I butt in his business, Daniel will rearrange it for me.”

  Ruby raised his eyes to heaven. “No guts.”

  “Would you mess with the Spartan?” Greg said to Ruby who curled his lip but didn’t reply.

  Sondra and Richie excused themselves for the evening and retired to the bridal suite. Cuddling in bed later that day, Sondra said, “Do you really think Nigel and Daniel were, you know… lovers?”

  “There’s something between them, baby. Something deep.”

  “I know,” she sighed. “I’m sure Nigel would never talk to me about it.”

  “Are you going to try?”

  “I don’t know if that’s the best way to handle it. The way Nigel is, he’d be mortified if it’s true and people found out. If it’s not true, he’d be furious that people had suspicions about it. Maybe Ruby is right about this. A few get-togethers with our Creators wouldn’t be anything unusual, and it would give them a chance to mingle on neutral ground.”

  “Whatever you want, baby, but for the record, I think we should mind our own business. No matter what was between them, they’re cold to each other now and messing around with people’s lives only leads to trouble.”

  “That’s such a guy attitude.”

  “I am a guy.”

  “Even when you’re wearing pantyhose?”

  Richie growled playfully and covered her body with his. “Especially when I’m wearing pantyhose.”

  Chapter Three

  Two nights later, Daniel’s injury had almost completely healed and he decided to move into a room at Burgundy Peak. He would have gone there sooner, however the club’s owner, Zigor, had requested a meeting with him prior to allowing him to stay. Daniel didn’t doubt Zigor had heard rumors about his power. Perhaps he’d even uncovered information regarding Daniel’s organization that opposed Dark Rhythm.

  Though Daniel had never met Zigor, the man’s reputation preceded him. Before Daniel was introduced to a vampire as powerful as Zigor, he wanted to be at his peak. He doubted Zigor would initiate a brawl between them, but when two ancient alphas met, there were no guarantees about safety.

  He’d asked Rafe to call Burgundy Peak and arrange for a meeting with Zigor as well as reserve a couple of rooms for them. Zigor had agreed to see him early that evening.

  No sooner had the sun set than Daniel took a cab to Burgundy Peak. Shortly after arriving, he sat in a leather chair in a comfortably dim office and faced the Master of Burgundy Peak. Zigor sat behind a polished oak desk. His penetrating gaze fixed on Daniel in a manner that would have intimidated most vamps. Yet it would take a hell of a lot more than a look to unsettle the Spartan.

  Zigor was quite handsome in a rather exotic way. Very tall and powerfully built with waist-length black hair, he exuded virility. Daniel was familiar with that sort of vampire. As they stared at each other, probing while at the same time keeping their distance, Daniel knew his respect for Zigor was reciprocated.

  “Usually my security chief handles the screening of new guests,” Zigor began. “However, the things I’ve heard about you have sparked my interest.”

  Daniel nodded and waited for Zigor to continue.

  “You’re sometimes called the Spartan. Were you created in Sparta or is there another reason behind the name?”

  “I lived my mortal life in Sparta and my Creator changed me there.”

  “Who was your Creator?”

  Such pointed questions would, under normal circumstances, be considered offensive. However, Daniel understood Zigor’s need to use caution with those he harbored at Burgundy Peak. He was known for being ultra-protective of those under his care. That tight security made Burgundy Peak one of the safest sanctuaries in the vampire community. Because of this, Daniel submitted to Zigor’s questioning.

  “My Creator was called Iphitus, offspring of Sophian.”

  Zigor lifted a sleek dark eyebrow and said, “A very good bloodline.”

  “Might I ask yours?”

  “My Creator is Ariel.”

  Though careful not to show it, Daniel was impressed. Ariel was probably the most powerful blood drinker the world had ever known.

  “I’ll cut to the chase,” Zigor continued.

  “Why stop now?”

  “I know you’ve had clashes with Dark Rhythm. It’s no secret that I dislike them and their methods. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll support an opposing organization that’s just as ruthless.”

  Daniel stiffened. “If you know about my work, then you must also know I only deal with very specific targets.”

  “Yes. I have my sources and have researched you
quite thoroughly, especially since your arrival in New York City.”

  Daniel stood, still holding Zigor’s gaze with coolness that matched the Master of Burgundy Peak. “Apparently this meeting was simply to satisfy your curiosity. You had no intention of allowing me to stay. My time is too valuable to waste, Zigor.”

  “On the contrary, Daniel, I see no reason to prevent you from renting a room, providing you bring no danger to me or mine. Is that understood?”

  “Clearly.”

  For a moment the men held one another’s gaze, then nodded almost simultaneously before Daniel said, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I do have a request.”

  Daniel’s curiosity piqued. “Yes?”

  “After hearing so much about your prowess in battle, I would like a training session with you. Of course, it’s not a requirement for you to stay.”

  “On the contrary, I’ve heard similar stories about you and I look forward to a chance to sharpen my skills in a session with you.”

  “Is tomorrow evening at nine convenient?”

  “Yes.”

  “There are training rooms in the basement. I’ll meet you there.”

  Daniel nodded and left. In spite of Zigor’s remote attitude, he found himself liking the Master of Burgundy Peak. He was straight-forward and Daniel appreciated that. He hadn’t been lying when he said he looked forward to training with Zigor. The best way to keep one’s skills sharp was to fight a worthy opponent. He didn’t doubt they would learn much from each other.

  Once he’d moved into his new suite, he phoned Richie to tell him about his temporary change in residence. Though Richie wasn’t home, Sondra answered the call and invited Daniel to an informal get-together at Andrew’s country home the following night around one am. Rafe and Tam were also invited, however the couple had already made plans.

  That day when Daniel settled into bed, he wondered briefly if Nigel would be at tomorrow’s get-together. Part of him hoped not while another part… well, it was better not to think about it.

  * * *

  The following night at eleven o’clock, Daniel stood, stretching, in the gym in the basement of Burgundy Peak. Sweat-drenched and relaxed while at the same time invigorated, he picked up his favorite sword and headed back to his room.