Concentrate.
She imagined gathering that energy into a single, pulsing ball, then closed her eyes and focused all of her attention, feeling the power beneath her skin rush harder and swirl more violently.
One, two, three.
She imagined her energy ball exploding outward in a powerful blast.
The three vampires went flying.
For a second, relief made her boneless. She’d done it. But as she tried to rise, her body barely responded. As she struggled to sit up, the landscape spun around her. They’d taken too much of her blood. But she had to move. They’d be on her again any second, coming back to finish her off.
Battle exploded suddenly around her. She managed to stumble to her feet, but when she tried to take a step, her legs collapsed beneath her, and she went down hard. The next thing she knew, Arturo was holding her, talking to her, and the sounds of battle were gone.
“You are hurt, cara mia. They’ve torn your flesh.” She opened her eyes as he lifted her onto his lap. “I’ll take no blood, but I must bite you to initiate the healing.” As her head fell against his shoulder, he dipped his head to her ravaged neck.
She felt cool fingers around her wrist and turned to find Micah lifting her wrist to his mouth. He watched her, his white-centered eyes dark with concern. Mike. Her friend.
“Did you kill them?” she asked, but she already knew the answer.
Neither vampire replied for a moment. Then Arturo lifted his face to meet her gaze, lines of worry bracketing his eyes.
“They are no more. I tried to reach you sooner, but there were more of them than we realized. I am sorry, tesoro.”
Already she was beginning to feel a little better, a little stronger. “I’m not. I needed the practice.”
Arturo tipped his head against hers. “I would prefer you practice with those who are not trying to kill you.”
Quinn gave a soft sound of amusement. “Me, too. Though there’s no denying that the threat of death helps me focus.”
Arturo swept her into his arms and stood, then handed her to Micah while he mounted. Micah handed her back and swung onto his own horse. Arturo tucked her tight against his chest, and they headed back to Neo’s.
“Wake up, carissima.”
The soft words, the kiss to her head, burrowed deep and sweet, far more deeply than Quinn had let herself feel in a long, long time, and for a moment the emotion stung, like warm water on hands that had grown too cold.
She straightened groggily, still on the horse, pulling away slightly from Arturo’s chest. “Where are we?”
“Neo’s. Micah has gone for Zack.”
Blinking, trying to force her eyes to stay open, Quinn glanced at the familiar house looming close. “I really slept.”
“You needed to.”
A few minutes later, Neo and Micah came out through the portico, Zack following close behind.
Arturo swung down, then lifted her off the horse, setting her on her feet.
“Are you steady?” he asked, watching her carefully.
She still felt half-asleep, but no longer light-headed with blood loss. “I’m good.”
He nodded and joined the vampires as Zack loped over to her.
Her heart swelled at the sight of her brother, her rock. “How are you feeling?” she asked, as he joined her. She reached for him, feeling his forehead. Hotter than before. So damned hot. A small kernel formed just beneath her breastbone, a terror that the fever would take him suddenly, stealing his life. And she wouldn’t be there. She wouldn’t know until too late.
“I’m beat,” he admitted, but he sounded excited. “Jason’s been working my ass off.”
“That’s good.” She supposed. She stroked his hair lightly, aching from the love she’d always felt for him. Realizing what she was doing, she snatched her hand away, afraid she might accidentally hurt him with her power.
He peered at her curiously. “Did you free your magic?”
“To some extent. I could use a tutor.”
Amusement crinkled his eyes. “Like Dumbledore?”
“Or Merlin.”
Zack smiled, his grin swift and bright. “Too bad you can’t enroll at Hogwarts. You need to practice.”
“I do. Until I get it under control, I can’t stay here. I’m still throwing energy, pushing people back. And there are too many who could get hurt around here. Too many humans.”
“Where are you going, then?”
“I’m not sure. One of Neo’s other safe houses. I shouldn’t be far.”
His mouth twisted with wry acceptance. “And I suppose I still can’t go with you.”
“Seeing as how you fall into the human category, no. I could break your bones . . . or your skull.”
“Freaking Xena.”
Quinn snorted. “I wish.” Though she’d managed to channel Buffy for a while. Maybe, eventually, she’d be able to do that at will.
She hugged Zack hard, feeling his quick hug in return, then pulled back, letting him go. “Neo will come get me if you need me.”
“I know.”
“Love you, Zack.”
“Love you, too, sis.” He turned and loped back into the house, as if eager to get back to whatever he’d been pulled away from.
Quinn turned and joined the vampires, who were having a discussion of their own.
“We’ll join you in twos or threes,” Neo said. “I don’t want anyone becoming suspicious.”
Arturo nodded. “Agreed.”
Neo smiled at her. “Hi, Quinn.”
She returned the smile sleepily. “I’d like to talk to Amanda about Zack.”
“She’ll be joining you shortly,” Neo told her. “We’ll all be joining you. Immortals only, so there’s no danger if your power breaks loose.”
Another male strolled out of the house, and she recognized Arturo’s friend, Kassius. Tall as a tree, with short, curly, dark hair, he was the one responsible for the Slavas in Cristoff’s castle, and he watched over them like a mother hen.
He, too, gave her a quick, friendly smile. “Hello, Quinn.”
“Hi, Kassius.”
“What are you doing here?” Arturo asked, pleasure in his voice as he shook his friend’s hand.
Kassius’s expression turned grave. “They’re bringing children into Vamp City.”
“I know. Micah already smuggled one back out.”
“Traders brought three in the last shipment. I bought them and brought them here.” His mouth compressed, his jaw turning hard. “It’s a damn good thing tomorrow’s the equinox because this city has gone to hell.”
“Can you stay for a couple of hours? We’re about to discuss tomorrow. I’d like you there.”
“I can stay for a little while.”
Micah lifted a hand. “If Kas is going to accompany you, I’ll stay here and feed. I’ll meet you over there in time for the meeting.”
As Micah and Neo turned back for the house, Rinaldo brought several fresh mounts around. Arturo gave Quinn a leg up on one, then he and Kassius mounted the other two. The three started off, Quinn between them.
A short while later, they pulled up in front of what appeared to be a deserted house—two stories with a crumbling porch, shutters hanging askew or missing altogether, and the glass of most of the windows shattered. An old-style haunted mansion, they’d call it in the real world. Here it was just one of hundreds of shells left to disintegrate by a population that needed far less housing than their doppelganger world provided.
Arturo swung down. “Wait here while I ensure it is safe.” A moment later, he disappeared through the front door.
Quinn turned to Kassius. “Any luck finding Lily?”
He shook his head. “I sent a man to investigate. I’ll let you know as soon as I learn something.”
She nodded, praying they found Lily and got her out of there safely.
“You’ve found your power?” Kassius asked her quietly.
“I’ve found something. I’m still figuring out what
I can do.”
“It will come.”
“I hope so. Kassius, I’m not sure if I ever thanked you properly for rescuing me from Cristoff’s dungeon. But thank you.”
He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “I was happy to do it. Happier still that Ax requested it. I had begun to fear we were losing him to the darkness, but you changed that.”
“Your own conscience was never compromised, was it?”
“I don’t believe so, no. I suspect my wolf blood is the reason.”
“You’re very loyal to Arturo.”
“We all are. I would follow him to the ends of the earth, sorceress. I sometimes think I have.”
Chapter Twenty
“All clear,” Arturo said, striding down the front steps of the crumbling house.
Before Quinn could dismount, Arturo was at her side, helping her down, sliding an arm around her waist.
“I’m okay,” she told him.
“Good.” But Arturo didn’t remove his arm as he led her into the dusty house that smelled of age, rot, and mildew.
“I’m surprised these places are still standing after a 140-plus years,” she murmured.
“Some are, some aren’t. Lack of sun keeps them from rotting as quickly as they would have in your world. And perhaps, a touch of the magic.”
Once they were in the house, Arturo released her and set about lighting candles and oil lamps, revealing walls and flooring as decrepit as she’d expected—chunks of plaster missing from the walls, the wooden floor lifted and broken in places. The furniture in the house was another matter. By rights, it should have looked as broken-down and ancient as the structure around it. Instead, a pair of worn, but by no means ancient leather recliners, flanked a new leather sofa. And against one wall stood half a dozen gray, folding metal chairs that looked like they’d been nabbed from the closest elementary-school auditorium.
There were no cobwebs, no signs of critter infestation. But she supposed there wouldn’t be since there were no living things in Vamp City that the vampires hadn’t intentionally brought in.
“How many people are we expecting for this powwow?” Quinn asked.
“There will be nine of us in all.”
Quinn reached for one of the metal chairs and unfolded it, surprised to find it in nearly new condition. “How do you get things like this here?” But she knew, and answered her own question. “Traders.”
“Yes.”
Arturo helped her set up the chairs. They’d just finished when Mukdalla walked in through the front door, accompanied by her vampire husband, Rinaldo. Mukdalla smiled when she saw Quinn, and strode right over, giving her a big hug.
Quinn stiffened. She’d never been a hugger. Never been particularly comfortable with displays of affection.
Mukdalla released her quickly and stepped back, her smile less bright than before. “I’m glad you’re okay, Quinn. Are you feeling better? Or at least in better control?”
“I’m getting there.”
When she didn’t expound on that, Mukdalla nodded. “All right. Well, I’m sure it will come.” She turned to join her husband, who’d taken up watch at one of the windows.
Quinn felt Arturo’s gaze and turned to find him watching her thoughtfully.
Soon, the others began to arrive. Amanda strode in the door, accompanied by a Slava male and Neo.
“Micah took a different route,” Neo told Arturo. “But he should be here in a few minutes.”
Amanda led the Slava male to Quinn, a wide smile lighting her face. “Quinn, I’d like for you to meet my husband. This is Sam. Sam, Quinn Lennox, our sorceress.”
Sam thrust out his hand, and Quinn shook it. “It’s an honor to meet you, Quinn. We’ve been hoping and praying for your arrival for quite some time.”
Quinn smiled uncomfortably. So many people’s lives were dependent upon her, and not just in Vamp City. If she renewed the magic, how many innocent humans would be rounded up and killed for food and sport? But if she didn’t renew it, people she’d met and come to like would lose their lives. Amanda and Sam, Neo and Rinaldo, Kassius and Bram.
“Thanks. I’ll do my best.” What else was there to say? She turned to Amanda. “Tell me about Zack. He’s burning up, hotter than before.”
The woman’s mien turned professional. “His temperature is rising, I’m afraid. And shows no sign of stopping.”
“Yet he still continues to feel fine. He’s working out, for heaven’s sake.”
Sam gave his wife’s shoulder a squeeze, nodded at Quinn, and went to join the men.
“That’s typical with magic sickness,” Amanda continued. “But that kind of body heat will still be a problem if it goes too high.”
“His brain will fry.”
Amanda’s mouth compressed. “Yes. I’m afraid so.”
“How quickly is that likely to happen?”
“I don’t know, Quinn.” She shrugged apologetically. “Nothing is ever certain when magic is concerned. But I’ll be glad when you’ve renewed the magic. For a lot of reasons.”
“Here comes Micah,” Arturo said loud enough for all to hear.
Rinaldo started for the door. “Sam and I’ll take watch.” The two males headed out as Kassius and Micah walked in.
When they’d all taken their seats—some on the sofa and recliners, others, including Quinn and Arturo, on the metal chairs—Arturo began, glancing at Quinn. “Tomorrow is the equinox. Quinn’s magic has been freed to some extent, hopefully enough to renew the magic of Vamp City.”
“Thank you,” Mukdalla whispered to the heavens, pressing her hands together.
“The problem we have now is twofold.” Arturo leaned forward, his arms on his knees, his expression dead serious. “One, the magic must be renewed in the Focus. It might occur to Cristoff to keep watch there, so we’ll have to scout the area fully before we take Quinn.”
“Not we,” Kassius said quietly. “Not you. You can’t go near the Focus tomorrow, Ax. Cristoff cannot know you’re involved.”
“I shall remain out of sight.”
“Far out of sight.”
“Does the ritual have to take place at a certain time?” Neo asked. “Like midnight?”
Arturo shook his head. “Not that I’m aware. But there is a second problem. Quinn does not know the ritual that must be performed to renew the magic.”
Sounds of frustration and disappointment peppered the small room, and it was clear that Neo, Amanda, and Mukdalla hadn’t known.
“Sheridan Blackstone is the only one who knows the words,” Arturo told them. “He was there, listening, when his father performed the first renewal after Phineas attempted to destroy his creation in 1878.”
“Will Sheridan help her, then?” Neo asked.
Micah snorted. “That’s the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question.”
Kassius glanced at Quinn, his gaze sharp with knowledge. “I have something on Grant.”
And she bet she knew what it was. When Arturo had delivered her to Cristoff after her first escape, Cristoff had demanded to know who set her free. He’d sent for Kassius since the werevamp could, through a bite, steal another’s memories. After Kassius bit her, he’d told Cristoff the truth, to an extent, that two Slavas had set her free—Slavas she’d already sent home through a sunbeam. But Kassius had left out most of the details, like the existence of the tunnels beneath Gonzaga Castle known only to the Slavas. Tunnels created magically by Sheridan’s brother, Grant. He’d also failed to mention to Cristoff that Grant had been the one who’d orchestrated her escape.
If Cristoff learned of Grant’s involvement, there was no telling what he’d do to him.
Kassius smiled grimly. “When I get back, Grant and I will have a discussion about what I know and what he’s going to do to secure my silence.”
Arturo leaned back. “There’s a good chance that Sheridan and Grant will be followed when they leave the castle for the Focus. We’re going to need a diversion.”
“I’ll handle that.”
Micah smiled. “Cristoff will be certain the sorceress is right under his nose.” He’d probably use glamour to make himself look like her. “We need to set a timetable. It’s damned inconvenient that cell phones don’t work in this place.”
“What time shall I tell Grant to meet us at the Focus?” Kassius asked.
Arturo frowned. “Make it 5:00 P.M. That should give you plenty of time to get Grant and Sheridan in place.”
“Cristoff will be frantic,” Micah murmured. “The equinox dawns, and he has no sorceress.”
“If word reaches Gonzaga Castle that the sorceress was spotted at Fabian’s?” Kassius asked.
“Remind Cristoff that I will not stop hunting her until I’ve captured her. That will be enough.”
“The moment this is over, any of us who’ve been spotted by Sheridan or Grant Blackstone had better disappear. Especially you, Kas.” Micah’s brows drew down. “Even if he doesn’t have them followed, Cristoff will know the Blackstones were involved. The moment Cristoff threatens either of them, they’ll give you up.” He glanced at Arturo. “Even if Cristoff regains his soul through this, he’ll never forgive a traitor. Ever.”
Silence sat thick in the room for several moments before Arturo spoke.
“Quinn and I will remain here and work on her magic until time to go to the Focus. The better control she has, the better for all involved.”
The discussion turned to logistics and diversions, and while Quinn listened, many of the names and places went right past her. Finally, the meeting was over.
Neo rose. “Rinaldo will stay and keep watch for you. Mukdalla’s promised to send food back for Quinn.”
As the others exited through the front door, Micah turned to Quinn, his eyes warm with concern. “Have you recovered?”
“For the most part. I think I’m just tired, now.”
“Good.” He flashed her a friendly grin and followed the others out the door.
When they were alone, Arturo turned to her, his eyes dark and fathomless. “Time for bed, cara mia. You are asleep on your feet.”
But Quinn shook her head. “Not yet. I want to try to practice first.” The sooner she learned how to control her gift, the safer they’d all be.
“If you’re sure.”
Pamela Palmer - [Vamp City 02] Page 22