“It’s a dangerous world out there, Cassius. A girl’s got to be able to defend herself.”
“Indeed they do.” Cassius played with the blade, obviously admiring the handiwork of its creator. “But you wielded this like it was second nature, Marie. Your teacher must have been a true master.”
“Yes, he is certainly that.” Rose sipped her wine again, taking a moment to carefully word her reply. “He taught me how to look after myself and to kill as efficiently as possible and still walk away. I’ve spent many hours with that blade in my hand.”
“It showed.” Cassius propped up her blade against the sofa near her, then sat back down. “There’s more to you than meets the eye, Marie. You’re no ordinary tech geek. Are you?”
Rose shook her head. “No.”
“I think we need to discuss that. Don’t you?” Cassius stared at her, his look deep, intense, and strangely arousing.
“Yes,” she got out, taking a deep breath to start, but she was interrupted by the door opening and Valentine rushing in.
“I need you downstairs now, boss.”
“Can’t it wait?” Cassius asked Valentine. His gaze staying locked on Rose.
“No.” Valentine waved a hand at Cassius, urging him to move. “Now, boss. Like, right now.”
Cassius sighed as he got to his feet. “We’ll continue this later.”
“I’ll be here,” Rose replied, happy and sad at the same time.
As Valentine led Cassius out, she heard a snippet of the conversation. “We’ve got one downstairs. A freaking Witch! Our first one is right here asking for sanctuary.”
“Are you sure?” Cassius asked quickly.
“Yes,” Valentine said, then they must’ve entered the elevator because she heard nothing more.
Her heart sped up and she wanted to tear downstairs to see who was there. Could it be Seth? Or was it someone else who’d heard Cassius’ declaration about this being a safe place? She had no clue, but hoped she’d been right about the man she’d been sent to kill.
This was the final test. Did he keep his word and give the Witch sanctuary? Or was everything he’d said a lie?
Rose sent up a quick prayer to whatever Gods there were that the answer was the first.
They’d worked closely over the past few days since her recovery. She’d found him to be caring and at the same time ready to dole out punishment if required. He certainly didn’t suffer fools gladly and was a little short tempered at times. He’d snapped at her twice and then she’d rounded on him, giving him a mouthful as he stared at her in shock. She’d guessed he wasn’t used to anyone answering him back, but she wasn’t going to take any nonsense, from him or anyone else.
His vision of what he wanted to do was vast. One that took Rose by surprise at the size of it. Not only bringing the species together here in the US, but everywhere. Getting trade routes opened again, power back to major inhabited areas, medical facilities opened again, supplies for everyone, but most importantly, he wanted to protect the weakest: humans.
That alone showed her the kind of man he was, Vampire or not, and she’d realized that with the right help, he could make this happen. A vision of a world not wracked by warring species gave her hope. A hope she knew she’d fight to protect, and she knew he could do this, but he had to stay alive to do so.
Shit. She was in deep trouble with Basilius and she knew it.
Time and again she’d pushed that thought to the back of her mind. Doing something completely out of character and using the “head in the sand” approach. Hoping against hope that the Demon would forget their contract.
Yeah, and pigs could fly.
Cassius grew more and more excited as the elevator made its way down. “Who is this person? Do we have a name or any information?”
Valentine looked just as thrilled. “Seth, that’s his name, and he looks tough. No ordinary Witch, but he’s asking for sanctuary, boss. The first one.”
“Good.” Cassius grinned, slapping Valentine on the shoulder. “If one comes, then more will follow.”
“I hope so.” Valentine shrugged. “I’ve got a selfish reason, boss. Witches are powerful, and if we get them here, on our side, then they can help if we’re attacked.”
“That’s not the reason I’ve done this.” Cassius frowned at his friend.
“I know that.” Valentine shrugged again. “But I can’t help thinking it from the viewpoint of keeping us all fucking alive if we end up in a war over this.”
“Always the pessimist,” Cassius commented as the doors opened.
“He’s in the back office.” Valentine strode ahead as Cassius looked around. Far more guards were in the area than normal, and he guessed Valentine was taking no chances with their first Witch.
Following Valentine into the office, he saw a tall man standing in the corner. His back to the wall and his eyes flicking around the guards who stood in front of him. Cassius could feel the tension in the man and he didn’t blame him. He’d taken a huge risk coming here, but Cassius was going to prove to him, and everyone else, that it’d been worth it.
Striding over, he held his hand out. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Cassius Allarde and you’re now under my protection.”
He saw the indecision in the man’s eyes as he scrutinized him, but finally he reached out and grasped Cassius’ hand.
“I’m Seth.”
“Hello, Seth.” Cassius waved the guards away, even when Valentine protested. “You look as if you could do with some food and a hot shower.”
Seth looked him in the eye and Cassius saw the doubt shining there as the Witch asked, “Am I safe here? Or was it all bull?”
“You are definitely safe.” Cassius put his hands in his pockets to try and look more relaxed. “So long as you don’t break any of our rules. Simple rules. No stealing, killing, or generally hurting someone else. We sometimes have a tussle or two between folks who have a disagreement, but that’s about it. I don’t condone illegal behavior here, so as long as you don’t do anything wrong, then you are safe.”
“Really?” Seth challenged, a steely look in his eyes. “What if we’ve done things in our past? I’m not exactly a choirboy.”
“I assume you’re not a serial killer who goes around kidnapping women and children to torture?”
Cassius watched the man intently, looking for any signs he was not the type of man they’d want within their fold. Seth shrugged and shook his head.
“As I said, I’m no choirboy, but anyone I’ve killed has had it coming. I’ve never harmed a woman or child in my life, and I’d fight pretty damn hard to protect either.”
Valentine stepped forward and held his hand out. “I’m Valentine, I’ll be the one looking after you to begin with. We’ll get you a room and then you can go meet Sue. She’ll be able to feed you and possibly make you feel more at ease here. She’s not a Vampire.”
Seth nodded. “Good to know.”
Cassius frowned as he looked at the Witch. “Seth, is that the same Seth who sent that annoying little man, Kuan?”
“That’s me.” Seth gave a smirk. “He is kinda annoying, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” Cassius murmured. “Do you know what he is?”
“No.” Seth shook his head. “I only know he’s powerful and, so far, has been on our side. Anything else and you’ll have to ask him. That’s if you see him again.”
“I see.” Cassius looked pointedly at Valentine. “If he does appear again, you know to make sure to come get me.”
“Of course.” Valentine smiled. “He’s a slippery little devil.”
“That he is,” Cassius said as he lounged back against the wall. “I understand this must feel strange. A Vampire offering Witches a safe place to stay isn’t exactly the norm, but I’m sure you’ll soon realize that I’m not bullshitting and you are safe.”
“Thank you.” Seth seemed to relax but only slightly. His body still looked tense and ready for flight as Cassius nodded to Valentine.
“Get hi
m settled and let the guards know we have our first Witch. It means they need to be on high alert in case anyone tries anything. Okay?”
Valentine agreed, looking at Seth as he spoke, “I’ve already doubled the guards and they know the penalty of anyone breaching the perimeter. I’ve put the fear of Hades into them, so I’m pretty sure he’ll be safe.”
Seth nodded once as Cassius said goodbye and Valentine motioned him out of the room. “Come with me and we’ll get you a room allocated. You prefer a view of the park?”
“That’d be nice,” Seth replied, his face a mask of astonishment.
“He’s serious about this,” Valentine reiterated as he retrieved a key, handing it over to Seth.
“I’ll show you to your room and you can stash your belongings, then I’ll take you to Sue.”
“Thanks,” Seth said, and this time Valentine thought the Witch meant it.
* * *
Seth followed Valentine back down as the Vampire led him towards this Sue he’d spoken of and hopefully food. Warm food. Seth prayed the woman could cook as well as he did himself, because he was damn hungry. He always got hungry when he was nervous, and being within Allarde’s community made him very nervous indeed.
The fact that Rose was within the building had him trying to figure out how to find out where she was. And if he could get to her. He hoped so, because he wanted to see with his own eyes that she was indeed all right. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d lied to him saying she was fine when she wasn’t. She could be a devious little Witch when she wanted to be.
What if Basilius was right and we’ve walked into the lion’s den, he thought as Valentine pushed open a door and ushered him in.
“Sue,” Valentine called as they entered a large commercial kitchen. “I’ve got our guest with us and he looks like he could do with some food.”
The smell of hot food permeated the air and Seth’s mouth began to water as a woman appeared from what looked to be a pantry. Her hair was in disarray and she had flour on her cheek as she hefted a side of beef over her shoulder. Without thinking, he rushed forward, taking the heavy load from her.
“Where do you want it?” he asked as she smiled at him.
Her eyes twinkled as she stared at him intently. “Over there’s fine. I need to chop it up.”
He was sure her eyes had widened in surprise when she looked at him, and wondered why. Did she know him? No. He always remembered faces and this one he’d never seen before. Seth returned her smile as he placed the carcass where she’d instructed.
“I’m Sue.” She held out her hand and he shook it as she flushed a slight pink color.
“Pleased to meet you, I’m Seth.”
“So you’re our first Witch?”
“Yes.” Seth nodded as he vaguely heard Valentine mumble a goodbye and leave.
“You must be brave, coming here and being the first to admit they’re a Witch.” Sue started to rush around the large area, her first port of call was grabbing a plate and piling food onto it.
“Not really.” Seth grinned as he took in the hot stew that smelled divine on the plate she held out to him.
“I think you are.” She handed him flatware and pointed to a stool set at a tall countertop.
“Someone had to test the waters and I thought I should be the one to do it.” Seth started to dig into the food as she disappeared for a moment, returning with a cold bottle of beer.
“Thanks.” He took the beer, tugging the top off and drinking almost half of it down. “Damn, that’s good, and this stew is great. What herbs did you use?”
Sue leaned against the counter as she studied him for a moment. “Do you cook?”
“Yes.” Seth chuckled. “I like my food, so I learned early how to prepare stuff I like. I have herbs growing at home, as well as fruit and vegetables.”
“Really?” Sue relaxed against the counter. “I’m not very good at growing things, although I try. Maybe you could give me some tips on what I’m doing wrong?”
“Sure. I’d be happy to help.” Seth started to eat again as she chattered away at what she’d been trying to grow on the roof of the hotel. “Proper watering and timers is a must-have if you want things to grow properly. I’ll check it out for you and we can get things fixed. If you want my help?”
“Yes,” Sue almost gushed too quickly, her face flushing again.
As Seth relaxed, he noticed how at ease he felt in her company. Not something that usually happened. He was always guarded, on edge, and to feel not on high alert was a nice change for him.
“I’m just finding my way around this place, so maybe you could come get me in the morning?”
Sue laughed lightly, shaking her head. “We work mostly to Vampire hours here. But I’m always up late afternoon if that’s okay with you?”
“Yes. I’m in,” Seth pulled out his key, “room 1046. Do you know where that is?”
“I know where all the rooms are. Don’t worry, I’ll come get you once I’m up. We can go to the roof before I need to make breakfast.”
“Do Vampires have breakfast here?” he asked, surprised.
“No, silly.” Sue laughed again as she playfully punched his arm. “A lot of the staff are like me, Wolves, and we even have a few humans. It takes a lot to keep this place running for Mr. Allarde.”
“He treat you all okay?” Seth queried, hoping she’d be a mine of information.
“Yes, he does.” Sue’s face became serious. “He’s saved a ton of folks and brought them here, giving them jobs. He treats us all very well indeed.”
“Good to know,” Seth said quietly, letting the subject drop. He didn’t want to raise any suspicions by grilling her too much.
“You’re the second person to ask me about Mr. Allarde, and I’ll tell you the same as I told her. He is a fine man with morals and with ideas that could help all of us. If he manages to do what he’s talking about, then this entire country will benefit. He’s a man of vision, Seth. A man of vision.”
“I believe you.” Seth tried to placate her. “Second? Who else have you been talking to?”
“A poor girl who came here looking for a job and she got attacked. She was real sick for a while there, but she’s on the mend now.”
“A girl? Where is she?” Seth tried to sound casual as he sipped his beer.
“She’s still in the boss’ room. He kept her in his own bedroom the entire time she was unconscious, he felt responsible because she’d been hurt just outside.”
“I see.” Seth had to force himself not to frown at the thought of Rose in Allarde’s bedroom. There’d be no way for him to get in to see her while she was still there. Damn.
“He’s been looking after her very well and she’s much better, thank the Goddess.”
“I hope to meet her soon.” Seth shook his empty bottle around. “Any chance of another?”
“Sure.” Sue rushed away and the few moments she was gone gave him a chance to collect his thoughts and to hide his concern for Rose.
“Here you go.” Sue handed him the cold bottle. “I have to get back to work, but I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Thank you for the food, the beer, and the conversation.” Seth smiled and saw her blush again.
“You’re very welcome,” she muttered as she rushed away.
“Strange,” he murmured as he opened the beer, taking a sip before trying to retrace his steps to his room.
Cassius was happy and relieved as he returned to his apartment. The first Witch had taken that leap of faith and put his safety in his palm. He’d make damn sure he kept his word, because if he didn’t, then everything else might unravel, and he couldn’t afford that. Not at this stage of his plans.
Opening the door, he saw Rose still sitting on the sofa, a book in her hand that she appeared to be reading. However, she looked on edge and he wondered, not for the first time, what her secrets were as she stared blankly at the pages in front of her. That she had secrets wasn’t in question, but he thought h
e might just be surprised by what she was about to tell him. Cassius liked her, in ways he hadn’t felt in centuries, so he hoped to hell and back that she wasn’t a cuckoo in his nest. That would upset him. A lot.
“You like reading?” He saw her jerk, as if she hadn’t heard him come in. Her face blushing as she closed the book carefully and placed it on the sofa next to her.
“Yes.” She patted the book beside her. “I don’t find enough of them still in good condition, so I try and take my time reading them.”
Cassius looked at the cover, faded but still in one piece. “Halfbreeds is a rather intriguing title. What’s it about?”
She watched him as he went to refresh his drink before sitting down. He felt her eyes on him as he moved around…his skin tingling and feeling…what? He wasn’t sure, her words breaking in on his thoughts and bringing him back to the moment.
“It’s a little ironic really. It’s about a world that humans don’t know exist. One with Vampires and other beings in it and it’s a really good story. I’m dragging my heels because this is book one in a series and I don’t have book two. I’m dreading getting to the end and not being able to carry on the story.”
“Who’s the author?” Cassius asked with the intention of sending someone out to hunt for the next book.
“Eden Elsworth, she’s from England, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s been in contact with some of our kind. Maybe not, and if she hasn’t, well damn, the woman has a fantastic imagination.”
“You like that sort of book?” Cassius tried not to smile at her enthusiasm for Paranormal stories.
“I like lots of different genres, but I do like this sort of thing. I find some of them very funny, hell, I even read one that had Vampires sparkling in the sun. Jeez, that was hilarious.”
“Sparkling? That’s definitely fiction.”
“Yeah, but most of what I read is good fun. I use books to de-stress and they work for me. It’s just a pity there seems to be so few books still around.”
The Black Rose Chronicles: Deceit and Lies Page 14