He was right, and if she was truthful with herself, she’d sensed his unhappiness for a while now. “How long have you known about the job?”
“They contacted me two days ago, but I sent in the application a month before that.” Nici looked at his hands.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Antoinette asked.
“I tried. But every time I saw your face I knew—”
“That I wouldn’t like it.” And he was right.
He nodded. “I felt like I was abandoning you,” he said. “But I’m not like you Antoinette, I don’t have your…”
“Obsession?” she finished for him, placing her elbows on the table and leaning in.
“I was going to say passion, but yes, obsession is a good word.” He searched her face. “Look, I have a wife and I’m about to become a father—”
She sat up straight. “Wait a minute, you’re already married?”
He held out his left hand, showing her the wedding ring she’d been too preoccupied to notice before. “We did it this afternoon.”
“You should have told me,” Antoinette said, the hurt creeping into her tone. “I could have been there for you.”
“We didn’t want any fuss.” Meaning they hadn’t wanted to give her a chance to stop it.
Antoinette sighed. Her little brother had become a man and she’d missed it. It was time to let him go. “I’m really happy for you and Tatiana.”
Antoinette came around the table and Nici stood. As she threw her arms about his neck, the tears slipped down her cheeks. “And I’m so proud of you. But who’s going to take care of me now?”
“You’ll do that yourself, same as always.” He squeezed her tightly. “You’ve never really needed me.”
She choked back a sob as she caught Tatiana’s relieved expression over his shoulder.
Antoinette wiped away the dampness under her eyes. “You’d better go to your…wife. She looks like she needs you.” Then she grabbed both of his hands in hers. “My blessings to you both.” She spoke the family’s traditional words, those their mother would have said if she were alive.
His smile widened, and she could swear she caught a slight glisten in his eyes. “Thank you, sis.”
Nici leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Sergei had told her they’d be leaving with Christian tomorrow for New York City, so she wouldn’t have much time with her brother before then. This was goodbye.
Tatiana rushed across the room and threw her arms around his neck. Antoinette noticed the slight swell of the girl’s stomach as she returned the girl’s tentative smile.
“Congratulations!” She stepped forward and gave the girl a somewhat awkward hug. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you,” Tatiana whispered.
Nici gave her hand a quick squeeze before the couple, arm in arm, left the room. And so did a part of her heart. Because no matter what happened now, things would never be quite the same between her and Nici again.
“So he told you, then?” Sergei came out of the shadows.
“How long have you been there?”
“Long enough,” he said, limping forward.
“You’ve known for some time too, haven’t you?”
Sergei nodded. “He came to me just after they found out about Tatiana’s pregnancy. I told him he had to tell you tonight before we leave.”
“That’s the reason you’re taking me with you to the CHaPR conference, isn’t it? You thought it would be better for Nici and Tatiana if I wasn’t around, just in case I didn’t approve.”
Sergei’s face split into a grin. “You know me well, niece, but that’s only part of the reason you’re coming.”
“It’s okay Uncle. Nici deserves to be happy,” Antoinette said.
“Will you give up hunting now?” Sergei tilted his head and looked at her with a strange unreadable expression.
“You know I can’t.”
With a sad little smile, he nodded then turned and left her in the large empty hall.
She suddenly felt truly alone for the first time in her life.
Christian drummed his fingers on his thigh and looked out of the stationary aircraft’s window.
“When are they due to arrive?” Viktor asked, sitting across from Christian, sipping red wine while he caressed the head of the large Siberian Malamute at his side.
“Any minute now.” Christian frowned, checking his watch for the third time in ten minutes. “Actually I would’ve expected them half an hour ago.”
“Well, you know what women are like, always keeping us waiting.” Viktor said.
“Antoinette is not like other women,” Christian said, remembering the way she dispatched the dreniac with such efficient precision.
Viktor raised an eyebrow and Christian turned to stare out of the window again. A vehicle approached, and from the sound of the engine it had to be the limousine he’d sent to pick up the humans.
Mary, the flight attendant, stuck her head in through the door. “Your guests have arrived, sir. Captain Rogers will conduct the preflight checks while they board.”
“Excellent—have him get under way as soon as possible.” Christian prepared to greet his guests.
Sergei was first through, followed closely by Antoinette carrying a rucksack over her shoulder and a long wooden case. Both glanced around the interior of the refurbished Boeing 747 with wide-eyed awe.
“Intel sure knows how to fly its agents in style,” Sergei said.
“Actually, this is my own personal jet,” Christian said. “It was a commercial aircraft I had refitted. The accommodations are down here and up the stairs are the comms center and my office.
He felt Antoinette’s gaze on him, but when he looked at her, she turned away.
“Viktor, you remember Sergei Petrescu and this is his niece. Antoinette, this is Viktor Dushic, a fellow Intel agent and a friend.”
She threw Viktor a cool, tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Sorry we’re late,” Sergei said as he sank into the large leather seat beside Viktor and propped his walking stick against his knee.
“That’s all right. We know what it’s like traveling with a woman. I was just discussing that very topic with Christian.”
Viktor had that look in his eye—the one that meant trouble. Christian cringed inwardly. Sure enough, Antoinette didn’t disappoint. The glare she gave Viktor would’ve frozen the fires of Hades.
“Actually, it’s my fault,” Sergei said, throwing his niece a stern look. “Well, my wife’s really. She hates it when I leave home and spends ages making sure I’ve forgotten nothing.”
“Aunt Katerina’s just worried about you.” She may have been talking to her uncle but she stared directly at Viktor, who arched his eyebrow. He was definitely enjoying baiting her. Christian tried to silence him with a warning glare, but he knew it wouldn’t work. Viktor was having far too much fun and seemed determined to push her buttons.
“Well then, once we get the rest of your luggage on board, we’ll be able to take off.”
“I do believe you are trying to get a rise out of me.” She laid the wooden case on a nearby chair and placed her hands on her hips. “Only vain or stupid people carry more than they need and I have everything in these two cases.” She paused, looking Viktor up and down. “Besides, I doubt there’d be any room left once your bags had been loaded—even on a plane this size.”
“Ouch.” Viktor theatrically slapped his hand over his heart and winked. “And what is it you have in the case? A flute? Perhaps an oboe? No, no, I got it—you’re a pool hustler.”
The corners of Antoinette’s mouth twitched. Christian hated his friend at that moment. He knew damned well it was her weapons. Antoinette undid the clips of the wooden case and opened the lid. She took out the beautiful black and red katana Christian had seen her use in Miami.
Viktor whistled though his teeth. “Careful, little girl—you might cut yourself with that thing.” The twinkle in his eye grew brighte
r.
Antoinette returned a tight, deadly smile and flicked out the blade then slid it down the front of Viktor’s shirt and resheathed it again almost before he’d known what’d hit him.
Viktor took a sip of his wine, the epitome of calmness as he looked down at his now open, buttonless shirt. “If you wanted me to undress, all you had to do was ask.”
“Stop teasing our guest, Viktor.” Christian tried to keep his voice even, and failed. She may have meant it as intimidation but it had been far too intimate for his liking.
Viktor gazed pointedly at Christian over the top of his glass as Antoinette laid the blade back in its bed of blue velvet and clipped the case shut.
“Mary will help you with your bags before we get under way.” Christian signaled to get the flight attendant.
Antoinette gave her pack to the woman but kept the wooden case.
“It’s all right—I’ll make sure it’s stowed safely,” Mary said as she bent to take the case from her.
Antoinette shook her head and pulled it out of the flight attendant’s reach.
“It has to be secured for takeoff,” Mary explained.
Christian moved forward. Antoinette’s shoulders dropped defensively and her eyes narrowed as she hugged the case against her chest.
Antoinette gripped the case tighter, her eyes darting left and right, seeking escape. She wasn’t about to trust her weapons to an Aeternus or his hired bimbo.
Christian stopped and held up his hands. “It’s okay. Mary, just show her where to stow them herself.”
“Yes, sir.”
The flight attendant took a few steps to the left and with a delicate sweep of her hand she brought Antoinette’s attention to the straps against the wall and the briefcases already secured there. He could probably have used his Aeternus emotion-control mojo on her if he’d wanted, but he hadn’t.
“Sorry.” Her face heated up. “It’s just hard to…” Her words trailed off.
“Trust?” Christian asked.
It was a good word, but still difficult to do. She threw back her shoulders, handed the case to Mary, and gave her a tight smile of apology.
She noticed a large dog for the first time lying on the far side of Viktor. It tilted its head and sat up. She squatted to eye level, patting her knees to entice him closer. “Aren’t you a beautiful boy?”
“Cerberus doesn’t like strangers,” Viktor warned.
The dog placed his head on her thigh, saying hello with his large intelligent eyes as much as his wagging tail.
“Good boy.” She scratched behind his ear and ruffled the both sides of his head, and looked up to catch the flash of surprise across Viktor’s face.
“My niece has special way with animals,” Sergei said, smiling at her. “Since she was a little girl.”
“So I see.” Viktor’s eyes narrowed as if really seeing her for the first time. “He likes you, trusts you. I can sense it so clearly.”
So could she, but not in the same way Viktor meant. The Aeternus had the ability to sense and project emotions, and animals were more susceptible. She’d once seen a dreniac start a large and deadly dog fight just for the fun it. But obviously this Aeternus used his ability with his pet in a more caring way.
She looked at Viktor, really looked. He was as different to Christian as night to day. While Christian wasn’t overly tall, neither was he short.
Viktor on the other hand would be well over six foot, judging from his sitting position. Where Christian was well built, though not overly muscular, Viktor was lean to the point of skinny with high cheekbones, full lips, and waist-length bleached blond hair making him appear rather effeminate.
Even their style of clothing was at odds. Christian wore a casual knit top over faded denim jeans; Viktor wore black rock-and-roll pants with buckles down the leg, snakeskin Cuban heeled boots, a black shirt now open to the waist, and a knee-length white coat. The hair and clothing gave him an almost androgynous appearance—a Japanese manga hero made living flesh.
Christian was all male—powerful and intense. Viktor on the other hand was…beautiful and there was something else about him she couldn’t help but like.
Viktor smiled. “If I put my head in your lap like that…” he teased.
She glared and bent forward to plant a kiss on Cerberus’s muzzle. The dog rolled over onto his back, tale whipping back and forth in delight.
“You’re far too beautiful to be named after the hound of hell,” she said, giving the dog’s stomach a good scratch.
“She has quite an effect on the male sex,” Viktor said with a gleam in his eye. “Even I feel like rolling over for a tummy rub.”
“Beasts have always been a specialty of mine,” she said dryly.
Viktor leaned forward in his seat. “A wit as sharp as her beauty, I see. I like her, Sergei,” he said, raising his glass with long feminine fingers. “I like her a lot.” He drained the remaining wine and handed the empty glass to Mary.
Antoinette hid her smile in the dog’s coat as she gave him another hug. Cerberus sat up and leaned his weight against her, lapping up the attention, his tongue lolling from the side of his mouth.
“Mr. Laroque, the pilot has clearance. We’re ready to depart,” the flight attendant announced.
“Good,” Christian said. “Then we should still make New York before dawn.”
The engines whined and the aircraft moved slowly out of the hangar and toward the runway. Antoinette took her seat and fought the unsettling churn of her stomach. She closed her eyes, silently reciting a calming mantra. It didn’t help. She gripped the arms of her seat, and then sensing someone watching her, opened her eyes. Christian.
Her cheeks flamed. “I hate flying.”
For a moment he looked at her with disbelief, then nodded.
“Mary,” he said. “Bring a double brandy for Ms Petrescu before we take off.”
“There’s no need—” Antoinette started to say.
Sergei cut her off. “Nonsense, Christian is right; it’s just what you need.” He shrugged sheepishly. “We’re land people, we don’t fly much.”
“Mary, make it brandies all round.” Christian smiled.
Antoinette reluctantly took a glass from the tray when it came. Usually she avoided spirits, but she needed something to fortify her nerves. Flying—her one great fear. Sergei was right—they were land people. On land, she had control and in the air she had none.
It wasn’t just the thought of flying that had her in a spin. The extravagance of the plane overwhelmed her—fitted out with plush leather lounges and expensive furnishings, it was more lavish than any hotel she’d ever stayed in. And it all belonged to Christian. With this kind of money came power. But what kind of power?
Viktor led Cerberus to a sky kennel fixed for safety during takeoff. Then he took a brandy from the tray and gave Mary a peck on the cheek before returning to his seat.
Just the smell of the strong spirit stole her breath. As she downed a large gulp, tears sprang to her eyes and the liquor scorched a fiery trail down her throat, sucking the rest of the air from her lungs. She choked back a coughing fit, at the same time trying to drag oxygen back into her burning chest.
Viktor chuckled. “Good to see a woman who can hold her liquor.”
She glared at the smug piece of shit and he winked as she brought the glass to her lips for a second go. The next mouthful went down much more smoothly. The buzz soon made it worthwhile and by the time the plane reached the runway she’d finished the rest and felt lightheaded, the biting sting in her throat subsiding to a warming glow.
Surreptitiously she glanced at the two Aeternus. The only vampires she’d ever really dealt with before were dreniacs—half insane, vicious killers addicted to death-highs. With them, it was easy—destroy them quickly before they destroyed you or anyone else. But this was something new. Two living, breathing Aeternus, and PID agents to boot. She should feel safe with guys. So why did her gut roll over every time Christian’s deep blue eyes
turned her way?
6
Night Sweats
The engine whine grew louder. Antoinette tightened the belt and clutched the arms of the seat as the plane began to pick up speed. She hated this part even more than landing. There was no turning back now.
The plane hurtled down the runway, committed to taking off, the front lifted and the movement smoothed out as the wheels left the tarmac, climbing steadily. She had a moment of near panic as the retracting landing gear thumped loudly beneath the plane.
“I expect there will be quite a stir at the conference this year,” Viktor said a little more loudly than necessary.
Was he trying to distract her?
“Really?” Sergei said. “Do tell.”
The conference was an annual event attended by representatives of the human and parahuman people. Her uncle had refused to participate since…since she couldn’t remember when. To be going now was completely contradictory to his usual reluctance. And that didn’t bode well for the seriousness of the situation.
Viktor turned to her uncle, mock surprise written all over his face. “The Mer-people have agreed to officially attend for the first time, it should be very interesting.”
Antoinette frowned and sat back in her seat, suddenly tired. Sergei and Viktor continued to talk about parahuman politics while Christian approached the flight attendant. He glanced in Antoinette’s direction and said something to the woman. A moment later, the elegant flight attendant came over.
“Ms Petrescu.” She bowed her head gracefully. “Mr. Laroque has asked me to show you where you can freshen up.”
Do I look that bad? Still it would be nice to wash her face; the brandy had made her flushed and warm. She followed Mary toward a door at the tail end of the cabin.
“Everything you need is in here, Miss Petrescu.” Mary opened the door for her. Antoinette looked into the room, her breath catching. Although Mary didn’t exactly smile, Antoinette detected a twinkle of amusement. She must look like some country bumpkin coming to the city for the first time.
“You can freshen up through there.” Mary indicated to a door past the opulent full-size bed with gold brocade quilt and pillows. Antoinette removed her shoes to cross the rich burgundy carpet. The bathroom had marble bench tops, a full-size shower and spa. The tiles felt cool beneath her bare feet.
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