“That desk sergeant…”
He grunted. “You met Smitty?”
Mariah’s head sank between her shoulders. The edge of her arousal had been blunted. For now. She felt like crying, but didn’t want to waste what little time she had left with her husband in a bout of useless tears.
He sighed, kissed her shoulder, and slowly pulled free. Again, he took control. Straightening behind her, he gripped her waist and turned her, and then urged her to lie down on her back on the cushions. Then he lay over her, parted her legs and entered her again.
Although they’d just been fucking, she wasn’t ready for the increased intimacy. Face to face was devastating to her heart. When he’d pushed all the way inside her, she blinked to quickly rid herself of the last of her tears. Then her eyes widened.
His face was contorted, his brow bone heavier, his eyes hooded. His lips lifted to display a scary row of jagged teeth. A shiver worked its way up her spine, and goose bumps rose on her arms. As she stared, he tossed back his head, and slowly, he changed again, his features softening, reforming into the face she loved.
She swallowed hard—not afraid, exactly, but wary of the man who was no longer her Danny, but the vampire called Viper. Unable to keep her gaze locked with his, she studied his face and rigid body. Was he nervous now that he’d swiped away the veil? “Why did you cut your hair?” she asked, scraping her fingertips through the bristles at the side of his head.
He tilted his head, inviting her to continue to scratch. “Because I couldn’t bear the memories of how you liked to pull it.”
God, couldn’t he just talk about silly things? Nothing that would stir a memory and have her eyes leaking like a faucet again? “Why did you bother to let me see?”
“Because I’m a selfish bastard,” he said, his voice roughening. “I wanted to tell you I love you, one last time, and have you know us when you heard it.”
His anguish was in his eyes. There for her to see. Her lips trembled. “I don’t want to sleep. I don’t want to forget,” she said, naming her fear despite the fact she’d just inwardly railed at talking about anything that really mattered. A small, hiccuping sob escaped.
Viper swallowed hard and fingered a lock of her hair. “You’ve seen how dangerous this world is…”
“Then make it less so. Make me like you. Make me a vampire.”
He gave a swift shake of his head. “There’s no guarantee you’ll survive.”
Pain invaded her chest. Her face crumpled. Scalding tears escaped her eyes and slid into her hair. “Then I’d rather die, Danny. Don’t I get a choice? Please, I don’t want to sleep.”
Viper made a soft sound and swooped downward to capture her mouth. His arms slipped beneath her, and he cradled her hard against his body.
She felt the tremors that shook him and cried harder, knowing she wasn’t the only one in pain.
As he deepened the kiss, she realized why she’d allowed him to steal her mind all those other times. His kiss held unending hopelessness…and a deep well of loneliness. Everything he’d done, he’d done for her. To keep her safe, he’d shed all ties to everything and everybody he’d ever known. Mariah knew she couldn’t add any more worry or sadness to his burden. When he lifted his mouth, she turned her head and offered her neck.
With his thumb, Viper eased her head to where he could meet her gaze. He gave her a small, crooked smile. “Silly,” he said, hoarser again. “This only takes a kiss.” Then he drew in a slow, ragged breath and let it out. “I love you, Mariah.”
As he bent, she noted every breath, every pulse, the scent of him, the feel of him pressing down on her. Surely, she’d remember, on some level, that she’d been happy.
Chapter Eight
‡
Viper pulled through the gates of Navarro’s estate and cut the cycle’s engine. Rain had started in the early morning hours, but he hadn’t bothered suiting up in his gear. He was soaked to the bone, but didn’t really give a damn. After he’d left Mariah’s, he’d first made a quick stop at Navarro’s to make sure of arrangements with the manservant, Inigo, then he’d hit the club to round up his crew.
After failing to track Dirk’s minions, they’d hunkered down to drink. Since alcohol wasn’t nearly as incapacitating to vampires as to humans, he’d instructed half of them to head to Navarro’s estate and the rest to load up for the trip to the airfield to meet the plane. Before they’d scattered, he’d made one thing perfectly clear. From this day forward, they’d all have to be more security smart. Who knew what Zachary’s end game was, but Viper had no doubt that at least one item on his To Do list would include destroying every one of Viper’s friends and all their progeny. The group had been responsible for his brother Nicky’s death in Florida after they’d hunted him down.
So his crew would all operate in pairs and reduce exposure. They’d frequent only known, safe vampire dens, preferably his, although he hadn’t been there since before his anniversary. However, he had the place well-stocked with weapons and completely wired with every security measure known to man, along with a spell he’d brokered through a witch in Tacoma.
But sitting in the rain wasn’t getting him any closer to the end of this night. He’d delayed his arrival until he was sure everyone was gathered in Navarro’s great room. He didn’t feel like chatting. Just wanted his orders then to have a word with the boss man alone.
As he approached the front door, he noted members of Navarro’s human security team already patrolling the grounds. He punched in the code at the security lock on the front door and let himself inside, following the sounds of animated conversation coming from the great room.
Navarro sat on a high-backed sofa, with his pretty blonde wife, Sidney, beside him. On a loveseat sat Dylan with his wife Emmy. Dylan glared while Emmy gave him a wide smile, which he returned with a grimace. Dylan still hadn’t forgiven him for giving Nicky access to his old den where he’d tortured and nearly killed Emmy, then set fire to the place. He assumed things would remain complicated between them.
Moses stood in a far corner, his arm around his woman’s waist. Melanie raised her eyebrows in warning.
When he passed the high-backed sofa that faced Navarro’s, he shot a sideways glance and nearly stumbled. Quentin sat beside a woman who had to be his wife, Darcy. But Viper could have sworn Navarro ordered she be destroyed after she’d been turned then infected by a werewolf’s bite. No one survived that experience, or if they did, they became maddened killers. However, the slim, pale woman with dark hair and pale features sat quietly beside Quentin, the only hint of her current state in the rapid sawing of her leg, up and down. Quentin placed a hand on her thigh, drawing her gaze. After a long stare that didn’t betray a lot of affection, she stopped and settled back against the sofa.
Since there wasn’t an empty seat, Viper widened his stance and crossed his arms over his chest.
“You’re late,” Navarro said in a soft, even tone.
Viper hated the fact that Navarro could relay so much disapproval in such a guarded way. He’d rather the Master vampire shouted. Viper kept his thoughts on the people gathered, making sure his mind stayed clear of Mariah. He wasn’t in the mood to share. Navarro’s gift was his ability to glean thoughts from those around him, which made him a spectacular lie detector.
“Not so spectacular, it would seem,” Navarro said and narrowed his gaze.
Fuck. He turned to Dylan. Anything to deflect Navarro. “You’ll have some cleanup to do at The Cavern.”
Dylan glared back. “I’ll have to reteach some manners, I hear.”
“Yeah. Things were starting to get a little out of hand.”
“Tell us about Powell,” Darcy said, her tone flat.
“Zachary’s around. And like I told Navarro on the phone, he’s begun changing them. They’re powerful and fast. And of course, having the ability to fly gives them a huge advantage.”
Sidney shuddered and turned her head toward Navarro. “Won’t people start noticing large winged creatures flying
over the city?”
“The Council worries Zachary isn’t concerned about keeping our existence a secret.”
“He’s a fucking sociopath. Just like his brother,” Viper said. “Once he has his army, he won’t give a shit who knows. Anyone who gets in the way of his ambitions is expendable.”
“Which means, he’ll be going after the Council,” Dylan said. “They’re the only institution standing in the way of his gaining complete power.”
“But not before he targets us,” Viper said. “He has a beef with us, and he’ll want his army tested. We’ll be first.”
“I agree,” Navarro said. “But the Council is already taking measures, bringing in specialists to deal with him. They’ll be working closely with us. I’ll expect everyone’s full cooperation.”
Dylan, Quentin, and Viper nodded.
Navarro turned to Moses. “Be sure to brief your commanders. We’ll do our best to keep this situation contained but can’t give guarantees.”
Moses nodded then bent toward Melanie’s ear. “And you are not going blue for the cause, babe.”
Melanie frowned and straightened to face Navarro. “But I might be able to help. I can get into places you can’t. All I have to do is dream myself there.”
Navarro cleared his throat. “We might well need your special…services… Melanie, but we have a new alliance—the werewolves from Dark Mountain—and they’re ready to join us. We’ll have our own army.”
Viper’s belly grew sour. “Wolves?” The single word came out harsh. He glanced at Darcy and winced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect, but we’ve never had an easy relationship with wolves. We have territorial lines drawn here in the North for a reason.”
“The Council’s not any happier about this alliance than you are, Viper,” Navarro said, his voice still dead even, “but we need numbers. And they do have skill sets we can employ to our advantage.”
“So, what’s next?” Emmy said, then yawned.
Before Navarro could answer, a commotion sounded from the hallway leading to the kitchen. A moment later, a slender woman with flyaway brown hair stepped into view with the elderly Inigo following behind her, looking agitated.
Inigo looked to Viper and shrugged a thin shoulder. “She wouldn’t wait until you called.”
Viper’s cheeks billowed as he exhaled.
“I thought you handled that situation,” Navarro said, his words biting.
“And I was ready to let him ‘handle me’,” Mariah said, lifting her chin. “But he loves me. He couldn’t do it.”
With all gazes swinging between Mariah and him, Viper uncharacteristically felt his face grow warm.
Dylan began to chuckle.
Quentin smirked. “Imagine that. I didn’t know you had a heart.”
“Of course, he does,” Mariah said, setting both hands on her hips. “I did ask him to turn me—”
“A request I refused,” Viper said, frowning. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Navarro has the most experience,” Emmy chimed in. “I’m sure he won’t mind a bit. After all, we do need more soldiers.”
Viper gave the woman a ferocious frown. “She’s not going anywhere near Zachary’s gang.”
Mariah moved deeper into the room, her gaze sweeping from one couple to the next. Her gaze settled on Emmy. “You must be Emmy…” Her gaze darted to the man beside her. “Which makes you Dylan.”
Dylan arched a brow at Viper. “Loose lips?”
“Forewarned is forearmed.” Mariah shook her head. “I told him I should know all the players.”
“And you knew I was Emmy because I’m what, fat?” Emmy said, glancing at Viper with narrowed eyes.
“He said you were a gorgeous, curvy blonde. And funny,” Mariah said.
“Oh…well, nice save.” With a smile, she settled against Dylan’s side.
Mariah turned to the couple facing Navarro. “And you have to be Quentin.” She wrinkled her nose. “He said you were nearly as good looking as he is, but pale-haired.”
“Nearly?” Quentin bit out, then laughed.
“Which makes you Darcy, although he didn’t mention you’d be here.” Mariah’s gaze softened. “I’m so sorry for your loss. I’d like to help you find your child.”
For the first time since he’d entered the room, Darcy’s expression changed, softening. Her eyes welled with tears. “Thank you.”
Mariah’s gaze swung next to Moses. “Hi, there. Nice to know you again.” She looked at Melanie. “I owe your guy my life.”
Melanie gave her a smile. “Nice to meet you, hon.”
At last, she faced Navarro. “I know your advice to Viper was meant to keep me safe, but I’ve spent five years living only half a life. However much time is left to me, I’d rather spend it with Viper.”
Navarro raised a dark, winged brow. “You call him Viper…not Danny.”
Mariah’s gaze dropped away, and a blush rose to fill her cheeks with color. “Danny was my first love. And I still see glimpses of him, when we’re alone, but that man is Viper now. He’s changed. A lot. Not nearly as sweet or easygoing, but I love this man, too. I imagine, if you grant my request to turn me, then I’ll change, too.”
Viper fisted his hands. “I won’t allow it.”
Mariah glanced back, and her eyes narrowed. “You won’t allow it?” she said softly.
His throat went dry. “I won’t risk you.”
“And yet, one day, you will see me die.” She shook her head. “Deep inside, you know this is the only chance we have. Otherwise, you would have given me that kiss.”
“Miss Cohen,” Navarro said, drawing her attention back. “How did Viper describe me?”
She blinked and drew a breath. “He said you looked like Spanish nobleman in one of my old romance books, and that you were the quiet in the center of any storm. That you’re very old and wise.”
Navarro’s mouth slowly stretched into a warm smile. “I’ll consider your request,” he said softly.
She nodded then turned and walked to Viper.
He held out his hand and gave her a scowl. “I told you to stay put.”
Giving a faint smile, she placed her hand inside his. “Inigo made me tea. He’s the one who said, ‘they’re probably all gathered now…’”
Viper shot a glance at Inigo who stood very erect, not denying his part in this little “intervention” then shifted his gaze to Navarro. “Inigo says there’s room for us here. That she’ll be safer inside these walls.”
“We’ll all be remaining here,” Navarro said, his expression again a neutral mask. “It could get quite cozy.” He swept everyone with a glance. “Inigo will see you all settled. It’s nearly dawn. Rest. We’ll talk again after dusk. We have a lot to discuss.”
As everyone began filtering out of the room, Viper bent to Mariah’s ear. “You did well.”
“Navarro’s not so scary,” she whispered, eyes flashing. “I saw how he looked at Sidney. He gets it.”
Unable to resist, Viper bent to kiss her mouth. “I’m still not letting him anywhere near your neck.”
She gave him a flirty look from beneath her lashes. “Then you should do the honors. I promise, I’ll make it worth your while.”
*
As it turned out, Mariah’s rebirth was a “family” affair. After dinner the following night, they gathered inside the suite Inigo had assigned Viper and Mariah.
Navarro settled her in an armchair and sat on a stool beside her. While everyone talked over strategies for how to flush out Zachary, Navarro sank his teeth into her wrist and slowly drained her.
Staring at Viper the entire time, she smiled bravely until she grew sleepy and confused.
Viper stood three feet away, restrained by Dylan and Quentin, who held him to prevent his interference. Something he’d assured them wasn’t necessary, until he saw her eyelids dip and her color fade. Then they both wrestled him down to kneel while Navarro finished, giving her his own torn wrist to drink from.
; She did so, greedily. In minutes, her face grew rosy again.
Navarro stood and walked to Sidney who gave him a reassuring hug.
Now, that she’d passed the first hurdle of being drained nearly to the point of death, Viper felt only slightly less fearful. Waiting in dread, Viper watched as Emmy led one of the human security guards she’d already seduced into volunteering toward Mariah.
Mariah’s chest rose and fell more rapidly the closer the brawny man came. Her attention was fixated on her meal—something he understood all too well. When Emmy coaxed the man to his knees, Viper held his breath, afraid as he’d never been before. How Mariah reacted with her first meal would tell them all whether any humanity remained. If her soul hadn’t made the transition, she’d be destroyed.
He hated that he’d agreed to allow her to be turned. Wished he could take it back. And then he prayed, watching as she rose from her seat.
Mariah reached out and clasped the man’s shoulder, then pushed him to his knees. Her smile when she’d accomplished that with ease made his heart stutter. Did she love the power? Would she be able to retrain using every bit she had to feed?
On his knees, the man displayed an expression of total enthrallment, likely from Emmy’s inducement of pleasure and now some psychic bond Mariah slipped around him. The man’s gaze clung to Mariah’s face, his anticipation making his dick hard.
She stepped closer then bent to sniff around his head.
Viper understood what she was doing. Her ability to scent was enhanced. She’d smell his sweat, his arousal, his fear…and the blood flowing through his body.
“You smell delicious,” she said, the last syllable a definite lisp as her canines slid downward, the tips visible as they rested on her lower lip.
Emmy darted a glance his way and gave him a small, reassuring smile.
Viper wasn’t reassured. She had yet to bite. Even vampires whose personalities remained intact were overcome with hunger their first time, but quickly showed remorse for any pain they caused. Killing wasn’t unheard of. He’d ravaged several vagrants before he’d had his fill, but then, he hadn’t had anyone who cared about whether he killed to watch over him. He didn’t want Mariah to have to live with any guilt. Please, God, please let her heart still be whole…
Bad to the Bone (Night Fall Book 10) Page 8