Burning Ash (Forgotten Brotherhood)

by N. J. Walters

  “Who? No, wait. Maccus? He’d be the one to have to put you down if you went rogue, right?”

  “No one else could do it. Not unless the others teamed up, but he and I are usually the ones who handle any problems.”

  “Then who wants to hurt him?”

  That was the question, wasn’t it? He blew out a breath. “Big players. We’re talking Hell and Heaven.”

  “No one confirmed it, but he’s really is an angel, isn’t he?”

  Never in the all the years he’d known Maccus had he betrayed him in any way, given out any information. Loyalty to the Brotherhood was at the core of everything he held sacred. For the first time, he was of two minds.

  “I guess that tells me all I need to know.” She strode out of the kitchen, stopping in the living room to strap on her gear and swing on her coat.

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “Home.”

  “Are you out of your mind? Didn’t you hear anything that was said here today?” He followed as she marched to the elevator door, using his mind to control the machine when she stabbed at the button.

  “Yes, I heard everything that was said. I also heard what wasn’t. I’m not a part of your little group of special people. I’m a human hunter, nothing more than bait. When they off me, I’m sure they’ll come up with someone else to fill the vacancy. In the meantime, I’ll take care of myself.”

  The worst part? She was right. They were keeping her outside the loop. “You already know more than any other person outside the Brotherhood.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Is that a threat?”

  God, she was something else. “No, it’s the truth. That makes you special. And trusted.”

  “But you still won’t tell me everything.”

  The dejection on her face, the sheer misery reflected in her eyes, cut him off at the knees. Outwardly, he was unchanged. Inwardly, he was bleeding to death, one slow drip at a time. He was going to lose her and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

  “I would if I could, but it’s not my secret to share.”

  Chapter Ten

  It sucked big-time and hurt like hell, but he was right. It was one thing to tell her everything about himself, quite another to spill someone else’s secrets. As much as she wanted to hate Asher, she had to respect him.

  “Will you at least tell me about you?”

  “I will, if you will.” The quiet challenge lay between them. “But please don’t go. I’ll only have to follow you if you leave. You know that.”

  “Why can’t I stay mad at you?”

  His smile was soft, and his eyes twinkled with amusement. “Because I’m special.”

  She could only laugh. He had a way of draining the mad right out of her, disarming her with his quirky sense of humor. “Walked right into that one, didn’t I?”

  “Just walk right back in here and stay.”

  For whatever reason, he was protective of her, and she would be safer with him.

  “Fine.” Overcome with a sense of relief at not having to go it alone, she removed her gear. He hung her coat beside his in the closet and placed her weapons on the console table beside it.

  He kissed her temple. “Thank you.”

  Heat washed over her, making her skin tingle. “I’m still mad at you, the world, and whoever is messing with us.”

  “I know.” With his hand at the small of her back, he guided her toward the hallway.

  “Where are we going?” Not the bedroom. She wasn’t ready to pick up where they’d left off before the interruption. She needed to keep her wits about her, and Asher distracted her more than any other man alive.

  “Office. I need to do some research.”

  “Right.” That’s exactly what they needed to do. No need to think about sex or what it might be like between them. Giving herself a shake, she moved away from him as they entered the room.

  Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves dominated every wall in the space, even flanking the wide windows that looked out over the city. And every single one of them was jammed with books, statues, pottery, and museum-worthy artifacts. It screamed money while managing to retain a sense of warmth that drew her in.

  “Wow.” She turned in a circle, not caring that she was gawking. “This place is incredible.”

  “Glad you think so.” He took a seat behind a huge mahogany desk. The front panel was meticulously carved with a woodland scene. She didn’t know anything about antiques, but the piece was obviously very old, handcrafted, and probably worth more than everything she owned put together.

  Looking out of place on top of the expensive desk sat several computer towers, three monitors, and a laptop. Asher might enjoy things from the past, but he obviously embraced the present. She’d wondered if he’d been exaggerating his hacker skills.

  Not any longer.

  “Where are the wallets?” Last she’d seen, they were in his coat pocket.

  He dumped them all on top of the desk. “I retrieved them from my coat when I hung up yours just now.” He seemed perplexed by her question. No way was she going to tell him she’d been too busy thinking about crawling into bed with him to notice.

  Get your head on straight, she admonished herself as she strode around the desk and flipped open one of the wallets. “This one belongs to our friend Harrison Rucker.”

  Asher’s fingers were already flying over the keyboard. “I have his former social media accounts. Nothing new for the past two years. Turned long enough to think he can handle anything. Too young to understand he’s still prey to many creatures.”

  “Deacon Meyers. Malcolm Twitch. Nevin Spears.” She read the names off the other three driver’s licenses she pulled from the wallets.

  “Hmm.” Asher’s fingers were a blur as he accessed information. “All young. Harrison was actually the oldest.” He frowned and sat back in his chair. “Someone is turning a lot of young men in the city.”

  “Is that not allowed?” She had no idea how things worked from the vampire side of things. It had never occurred to her that they had an actual society and rules.

  He patted his lap, but she pointedly sat on the edge of the desk. If she got that close, they wouldn’t be working. He gave a deep sigh but didn’t push it. “The Vampire Council keeps an eye on recruitment numbers. They don’t want things to get out of control. Discovery isn’t good for anyone. Can you imagine what would happen if people and the government suddenly believed in our kind?”

  “They’d be hunted to extinction.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Huh. So this council does what? Polices its members? Keeps them from murdering too many innocent humans?” Bitterness coated her words. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if they were all destroyed.

  But that would include Asher, and she didn’t want that. Not anymore. He was one of the good guys.

  “Contrary to your experience, most don’t kill, not any more than most people do. The undead take what they need from people, sometimes willing donors, but it’s drilled into each and every one from the time they’re reborn into their new life that they take what they need and leave no memory behind.”

  Now her head was spinning. “Is that true? I find that hard to believe.” Given her history, it was almost impossible.

  “Some get a taste for death. That’s when the Vampire Council intervenes and sends an enforcer to handle the situation. Dead bodies aren’t good for any of us. The older ones have a lot more to lose. It’s considered uncivilized to kill your dinner. After all, we need humans in order to survive. If it’s more than their enforcers can handle, they contact the Forgotten Brotherhood.”

  She rubbed her fingers over her temples. The headache that had been brewing for some time now was in full bloom. It was partially her fault. She hadn’t slept much lately, and she’d downed that beer on an empty stomach. Not to mention the
battle, the emotional confrontation with Asher, and meeting Maccus and Morrigan. And now her world view was being upended.

  “I’ve only ever seen them kill.” Blood splattered the walls. Screams echoed in her ears. A metallic taste filled her mouth.

  “I know.” He swiveled in his chair and took her hands in his. She always expected him to be cold, but he was much warmer than her. “You’ve seen the worst of my kind. It was like that in the early days when vampires were first created. The world ran red with blood and destruction.”

  She stilled when he shared that memory from his past, blinking hard when her vision blurred.

  “What’s wrong?” He tugged her forward. Unable to stop herself, she landed in his lap. “You’re in pain.” It came out almost as an accusation.

  “It’s been a long day. Night. Whatever it is. I’m dirty, tired, and hungry.”

  He swore and surged to his feet with her in his arms. “I should have realized that. I’m sorry.”

  “Not your fault. I’m a big girl. I’ve been on my own for a long time now.” But it was nice to have someone to carry her when she was this exhausted. The adrenaline that had helped her through everything had finally run out. Now she was paying the price and crashing hard.

  “Where are you taking me?” Not that she was overly concerned. All she wanted was for her head to stop pounding. “What about the cell phones?”

  “They can wait. This can’t.” He entered a room, walked through it and into another one. A light came on, and she winced at the brightness. It was immediately extinguished, but not before she glimpsed a large bathroom done in soothing tones of cream and sandy brown.

  A candle flared to light on the vanity. He set her down beside it. “Give me a minute.”

  Bemused, she watched as he ran her a bath in a tub that was more than big enough to hold two comfortably.

  Candlelight flickered over the strong features of his face and jaw, giving him a harsh appearance. His light hair seemed to glisten in the glow. He really was gorgeous. She leaned back against the wall and enjoyed watching him through partially closed eyes.

  If someone had told her even a week ago she’d trust a vampire, be attracted to one, she’d have laughed her ass off. Life sometimes took some strange twists and turns.

  He dug into a cabinet and pulled out several jars. Opening one, he sniffed, shook his head, and lifted the lid to another. Satisfied with his choice, he tossed several handfuls of crystals under the running water.

  Almost immediately the calming scent of lavender perfumed the air. She breathed deeply, touched that he would do this for her.

  “Let’s get you undressed and in the tub.”

  “I can do it.” She had to draw the line somewhere. Not only did she need to reassert her independence, if she let him strip her naked there was no telling what might happen. “Thanks, but I can take it from here. And we’re not done talking,” she reminded him.

  His lips twitched. “I didn’t think for one second we were.” He eased her off the counter and to her feet. “Call if you need help.”

  Then he was gone, leaving her alone in the candlelit bathroom with a tub of running water. By the time she struggled out of her clothing, she was sweating, and her head was pounding unmercifully.

  She climbed into the tub and turned off the taps. Fragrant steam and hot water enveloped her. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply and let the events of the past couple of days drift away.

  …

  Asher paced the floor of his bedroom. I have to help her. It was only a headache. Millions of people had them daily, but never anyone he cared about. The bath would help. Maybe some food.

  He needed expert help from someone he trusted implicitly. This might get him killed, but there was no other choice. He pulled out his phone and placed the call.

  It rang twice before Morrigan answered. “Hey, Asher. Anything wrong?”

  “Jo is in pain and trying to pretend she isn’t.” She was used to being hurt, dealing with injuries on her own, but he was here now.

  “Is it bad? What happened?”

  “Ah, it’s a headache.”

  “Who are you talking to?” Maccus demanded in the background. “I told you it was a mistake to go see him. Now he’ll be calling all the time.”

  “He’s calling for me, not you,” she yelled. “I’m sure there’s no need to be concerned. You probably don’t have any over-the-counter painkillers, do you?”

  Normally he might have laughed, but he was too worried to find any humor in the situation. “No, I don’t need them. There has to be something I can do.” He wasn’t used to dealing with human frailty. Not for thousands and thousands of years had he been as vulnerable as Jo. And still she fought his kind. His admiration for her was boundless.

  “Can you heal?”

  “I can. I’m not sure she’d approve.”

  “Trust me, if she has a headache or migraine or some other injury from the hunt, she probably won’t care, but ask first. Make her comfortable and get her something to eat. Maybe soup or toast, something easy on her stomach.”

  “Basically, you’re telling me to do what I was going to.” What had he hoped for? Some grand gesture or simply confirmation he was doing the right thing? “I’m making too much of this, aren’t I?”

  “Yes, but it’s sweet. You care about her. Follow your instincts, and you’ll be just fine,” she assured him. “I like her.”

  “I do, too. Thanks. You better go before Maccus decides to make a return visit, this time on his own.”

  She laughed. “Call if you need any other advice.”

  He tucked his phone away, went to the bathroom door, and rested his hand on it. “Jo?”

  “I’m okay.” Her voice was soft but strong.

  He opened the door and was immediately engulfed in lavender-scented steam. He inhaled deeply, allowing it to calm him. Scent was powerful and evoked memories from long ago, back when he was still human.

  She was reclining in the tub with the water lapping at her breasts and a folded facecloth over her eyes. She tugged one corner back and glared at him. “I didn’t say you could come in.” Her knees curled toward her body, and she sat upright.

  “I know.” That didn’t stop him from walking over to the side of the tub and kneeling. “Let me help you.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” She pulled the cloth fully away and set it on the rim.

  Trust wasn’t easy for her, but he had to try. “Let me heal you.”

  “You can do that?”

  “It’s more that I can direct your body to heal itself. I have to get into your mind to do it.” Her shoulders tensed, and her legs drew up tighter. “It won’t be like the alley. You’ll be able to move. I’ll be quick and will do nothing more than help ease your pain.” He brushed a damp lock of hair to the side. “You have my word. Will you let me?”

  For several long seconds, the only sound was their breathing. If she refused, there was nothing he could do. A wave of relief washed over him when she finally nodded. “Do it.”

  Like taking medicine or ripping a bandage off, it was better done quickly before she could change her mind. He placed his hand on her forehead. While he didn’t need contact, it did make it easier. And he just wanted to touch her.

  He expanded his mind, reached out, and slid into hers. He sought the pain centers in her brain, directing soothing warmth into them. Then he traveled inside her body from the top of her head to her toes, guiding the healing light to any part that ached or was damaged in any way.

  Given her profession, she was incredibly healthy, for which he was profoundly grateful. The temptation was there to probe her memories, to delve into her intimate thoughts, but that would be a betrayal of her trust, something he was determined to never do.

  He eased back out.

  Jo was totally relaxed, her body uncoile
d and resting against the side of the tub. She opened her eyes, and a slow smile tilted up the corners of her lush lips. “Thank you.”

  Healing generated heat, but he’d passed warm and was now downright hot. His cock was swollen and pulsing with need, his balls ached. Like a chocoholic yearning for a candy bar, he craved her, longed for her sweet sighs and moans as he loved every inch of her.

  It didn’t help that he had perfect vision and her breasts were visible beneath the water. He wanted to suck the taut buds before kissing a path to the thatch of fine curls that shielded her slick folds. The pulse in her neck fluttered beneath her pale skin, the blood and heat giving her skin a healthy glow.

  He cleared his throat. “You’re welcome.” His longing morphed into a much deeper hunger.

  Leave before you do something stupid.

  He fled the room and went straight to the mini fridge tucked into the storage room off the kitchen.

  Bags of blood were neatly piled up inside. He grabbed one, thrust his fangs into it, and drank, not even bothering to warm it first. He hated cold blood, but no way was he going to risk taking any from Jo. Not that she was offering, and he knew better than to ask.

  Hell, if he tried to take any from her, she’d stake him. Despite the arousal pulsing through every cell in his body and the bloodlust pumping through his veins, he smiled.

  Stubborn, determined, and strong she might be, but she was his. And he wouldn’t have her any other way.

  With the worst of his hunger sated, he went back into the kitchen and pulled several cans of soup from the cupboard. While he didn’t often dine at home, he had staples that were easy to prepare.

  Eating was something he enjoyed and was grateful for. No other of his kind could manage more than some wine laced with blood or the occasional bite of rare steak. He pitied them.

  Now he was extra glad for that blessing, because it meant he had something to feed his hunter. When the soup was ready, he filled a bowl and put it and a bottle of water on a tray.

  He’d been listening intently and knew Jo was out of the tub. He only hoped she was in bed.