He didn’t answer my question—not with his voice anyway.
Three hours later, Ewan eyed my outfit one more time before we entered the nightclub. “You look very sexy.” We’d swung by my house so I could change before grabbing dinner and heading to the club.
He nuzzled my neck while his hand skimmed the skin of my exposed back. I shivered, glad I’d chosen the dress—short, simple, but set off by a plunging vee in the back. The material of the dress felt silky against my skin, as did Ewan’s touch. Being with him like this felt delicious.
We entered the club and were assaulted by a techno beat that pumped in time to the multi-colored strobe lights. Ewan took my hand, and we made our way to the bar, navigating the clumps of bodies bumping and grinding.
I darted my head around and scooted closer to his side. I couldn’t discern the vamps from the humans. I resisted the urge to rub my neck. Popular culture has fixated on vampires, to the point where some movies and books have toned down their dark side. Vampires aren’t shy about drinking blood and kicking ass, even the good ones. And the truly evil ones? An encounter with one of those can only lead to one thing—death.
As my eyes adjusted, I detected flashes of silver in the eyes of some of the men and women dancing. Over dinner, Ewan had explained that the vampires fed on the unsuspecting club patrons, using their thrall so the revelers only remembered intense pleasure. They never sucked too much, and the patrons kept coming back for more of the vampire’s “drug,” evidenced by the packed club. I was amazed this place existed without someone finding out its true nature. People will delude themselves about anything when they want to. I should know.
When we made it to the bar, I shifted onto a stool and whirled to face the bartender.
“You must be Ruby,” he said, offering his hand. I shook it and smiled back.
“This is Lysander,” Ewan introduced.
I was surprised when Ewan had told me his friend was a vamp. More surprised at the sandy-haired vampire standing behind the bar, dressed in torn jeans and a well-worn black and white striped T-shirt.
“You’re a bartender?” I failed to hide my surprise, not that he was a bartender, but that he looked so ingenuous, not what you’d expect from someone who probably hid dark secrets in some underground chamber.
His grin widened, emphasizing the smooth planes of his handsome face. “Not what you expected? Should I be dressed in black, hovering in the shadows?”
“Sorry, the last vamp I met had the black trench coat and all. Very vampy.”
“No black trench, but—” He leaned closer to me over the bar. “I can brood.”
I laughed. “I’ll leave the brooding to Ewan.”
Ewan grumbled in response. “Can you wait here while I go talk to some people?” he asked, his hand on my shoulder. “Stay with Lysander?”
I nodded, content with hanging at the bar and learning more about the vampire.
“I’ll be back shortly.”
I knew from the look that passed between the two that Ewan wanted Lysander to keep the hungry vamps away. I, too, had noticed the stares directed at my neck when we arrived at the club.
Ewan leaned toward me and kissed me full on the lips, an additional warning, I supposed, that I was not on the menu. I watched his body mesh into the crowd and turned back around to see Lysander’s unreadable expression before he shifted it, giving me another infectious smile. “What can I get you?”
“Surprise me.” I blurted the words without thought, a challenge to him, to myself. Maybe it was the techno pulsing through my body, but I suddenly wanted something bolder than my usual glass of wine.
Lysander gave me a crooked grin before facing the array of booze lined up behind him. I watched him mix the concoction, noting the play of his arm muscles as he shook the drink. He poured the dark liquid into a long glass and placed it in front of me.
“I created this drink.” He leaned an elbow on the bar and watched me with a silver glint to his eye.
I bit my lip. Here goes nothing. My eyes widened slightly upon tasting the rich, almost caramel-like liquid that seduced my mouth, going down to leave a sharp spicy aftertaste. The sensation was sinful, and I regarded Lysander, taking another sip, images of him sucking on my neck invading my thoughts. Christ. My face flushed, and I crossed my legs.
Lysander smiled, a casual smile that contradicted the flicker of heat in his eyes. “If you weren’t with Ewan, I’d enjoy showing you what that feels like.”
“Here you are,” Jax said, taking the stool vacated by Ewan.
I hadn’t dragged my eyes from Lysander, and he waited a few seconds before greeting Jax.
“Where’s the demon boss man?” Jax asked, scrutinizing me. “Jesus, he left you here alone dressed like that?”
“I think the idea was that Lysander would scare off any would-be suckers,” I said, tugging on my dress’s short skirt.
Jax leaned closer to me. “Who’s going to scare off Lysander?” He chuckled, giving Lysander a side-glance that contrasted sharply with his teasing tone.
Lysander straightened and wiped off a glass with the bar rag, ignoring Jax. “Ruby doesn’t have to worry. I don’t bite friends . . . unless they want me to.”
Although his comment was directed at Jax, his steady look was all for me. I focused on my drink, feeling excitement and something more beguiling churn in my stomach. Lysander was Ewan’s friend, but he was dangerous. So was this drink. I already felt the fog penetrating my brain.
“Why are you here?” I asked Jax.
“I’m a blood demon, remember? Plus Ewan asked me to come and provide some back up.”
Back up? Ewan had explained the club might be a good place to pick up some information on Cael. Lots of supernaturals frequented the club, and someone might have spotted him talking to other supes.
Jax read my apprehension. “Don’t worry. I doubt we’ll cause too much trouble. Ewan can’t help playing general, preparing for the worst. It’s programmed in his genes.”
I filled my mouth with more of Lysander’s sumptuous drink. “Did you see Kara?”
“I stopped by her apartment before coming here.” He shook his head. “The witches turn super secretive when the coven’s in turmoil. Kara’s tough. She’ll fight through the crap.”
He must have noticed the worry cross my face. He leaned closer to me. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Just what was going on between those two? Before I could prod Jax about his feelings for Kara, Ewan returned, a small frown on his lips.
“Everything all right?” I asked, swaying towards him.
His frown grew. “What did you give her, Ly?”
“Nothing she didn’t ask for,” he answered, his smile returning.
I couldn’t help the nervous giggle that sprang from my lips. Oh brother, now I sounded like a high school lush.
“Maybe you should lay off the drink for a bit,” Ewan said to me.
“Maybe you shouldn’t tell me what to do.” I pointed at his chest and spun on my stool to face Jax, who stifled a laugh. I tapped my foot on the stool, ignoring Ewan. He grabbed my arm and pulled me off, almost causing me to spill my drink. He leaned close to my ear as he tugged me across the dance floor. “That wasn’t very nice. I might have to spank you.”
“I dare you.” My tone carried too much of a challenge, I realized too late.
His eyes flashed at me, and his smile was wicked. I guess it wasn’t such a good idea to dare a demon. I swallowed.
“Where are we going?” I yelled. My body rubbed against the sweaty bodies on the dance floor.
When we reached the other side of the club, Ewan dragged me into a dark corner and gathered me against him roughly, bruising me with his kiss. I gave in to the alcohol, the gyrations of the music, the electricity that coursed through my veins at his touch. I almost thought he was going to rip off my dress, wanted him to, but he pulled away, steadying himself with one hand perched on the wall behind me. I ran a finger down his neck.
“Sometimes, places like this are too much stimulation. We feel things differently than you, more deeply.” He narrowed his eyes. “What was the deal with Lysander?”
“Oh, nothing, harmless flirtation.” I nipped his chin with my teeth.
“Flirting with a vampire is never harmless,” he said, his voice tinged with steel. “Nor is making a demon jealous.” He raked his hand over my ass and squeezed me against him.
“You were jealous? Lysander said he won’t bite unless I ask him to.” Damn alcohol. What was in that drink?
“He did? What the hell were you guys talking about?” His lips formed a grimace.
I hesitated before answering, not sure I could trust my inebriated tongue. “Nothing. Jax insinuating crap . . . Lysander . . .” I didn’t know what I was trying to say anymore. The thump, thump of the music and Ewan’s hand on my ass weren’t helping.
“Lysander what?” He bit my ear lobe.
“Lysander nothing. Christ. I’m here with you, aren’t I? I made a choice.”
“I’m not so sure. I come back from scouting around and find you half drunk, giggling like a school girl, making goo-goo eyes at my vampire buddy. Not to mention the fact that you, as far as I know, still have your fuck-buddy Steve.” His voice had turned into a growl.
“I was not making goo-goo eyes.” I tried to push at his chest, but the wall pressing on my back prevented me from putting any distance between us.
“Tell me, what’s your choice?” he said against my neck as he moved his hand under my dress and along my thigh until he tugged at the lace of my panties to run his fingers along my slick folds.
“Ewan . . .” I gasped.
“Mmmm, I’m waiting.”
Arrogant bastard. He knew my answer, but he just had to win this little power play. My breath hitched when he pinched my clit, then slipped a finger inside me. Thank God he’d chosen a particularly dark corner. My back arched, scraping the wall. Fuck it. I had bigger battles to contend with.
“I broke things off with Steve.”
I felt his lips curve against my neck. He withdrew his finger, making small circles on the way out, leaving me sorely unsatisfied.
“I don’t know what you want from me, from us,” I said.
“Isn’t it obvious?” His eyes were wide.
“The sex is obvious.”
“Really? Just the sex? I’ve done nothing to demonstrate my feelings for you?” He looked up at the ceiling, the lines in his face tense. “Shit, Ruby, you make me crazy, you know that?” he said through his teeth.
The steam that coursed through me dissipated. He’d deserved some of the crazy for not telling me the truth about Cael, but he’d endured all my emotional lashings over the last week as I tried to navigate the changes in my life. Breaking things off with Steve had left a burr of irritation inside me, an expectation of a reciprocal action from Ewan. But what? A declaration? It was my decision to break things off with Steve. Ewan hadn’t asked me.
Which irritated me more.
He took a deep breath, his chin atop my head. “I’m glad you ended things with Steve. I wanted . . . thought it important for you to make that decision on your own.”
Okay. I think I just fell halfway down the slope in love. “It’s not like Steve and I were in a serious relationship or anything,” I said.
He met my eyes. “I’m not sharing you with anyone—serious or not.” His lips were drawn tight. I understood. I felt the same way, remembering Fiona’s hand running up his arm. Yuck.
“But I can’t force you to make those decisions.” He rubbed his forehead. “Dominic, the owner of the club and vampire kingpin, wants to meet you.”
“Why?”
“It’s a courtesy call. I’m afraid there’s no getting out of it without stirring the waters. Look, it’s a game to maintain the balance of power. Vampires like playing games.”
“Demons don’t?” I teased.
“I don’t play games, not about important stuff. It’s a pissing match. I have to show him I’m not challenging his authority in his club and give him his chance to strut his power in front of me. He’s pissed we left him out of the Adam business.”
“You and Lysander seem like you’re good friends.”
“Lysander could give a shit about the politics.” He gritted his teeth. “But Dominic resents the influence demons have attained in this realm.”
Vampires have carved out their existence on the fringes of society due to their nocturnal nature, which suits some of them. Others, and I suspect Dominic included, resent the demons’ integration into human society and their ability to shift into positions of influence. I never understood the extent of that resentment, until now.
“I’ll meet Dominic. I’m not afraid of him,” I said.
“He wants to assess if you pose a threat to him. Seems everyone has grown interested in the necromancer who raised a supernatural revenant.” Concern filled his expression. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to drag you into this after everything that happened. I’m starting to think coming here was a bad idea.”
“Meeting a vampire is not going to drag me into anything.”
“I wish I could be sure of that.”
“Why did you ask Jax to come here tonight?”
“I don’t trust vampires.”
“Even Lysander?”
He grinned wryly. “Aside from the fact that he can’t resist beautiful women, Lysander’s solid.”
“Do you think the vampires are involved with the murders?”
“I’m not sure. Cael is a pawn, a dangerous one. A vampire could be using him, though it’s more likely a demon, but the vamps will use the situation to gain an advantage over us.”
“Do you think it’s Malthus?”
He regarded me for a few moments, as if unsure himself. “Malthus knows more then he’s letting on, and I know you’re angry with him, but I don’t think he’s behind Cael.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because of your grandmother. Someone else is controlling Cael.”
“Or was controlling.”
He raised a brow.
“Cael was desperate in the bowling alley. After I made Brandon into a revenant, Cael commanded his zombies to kill me, get rid of the competition, he said. I think he acted alone in killing Brandon, to prove his worth, maybe.”
Ewan nodded. “He’s expendable. Why keep the inferior necro when a better one has shown herself?”
“If this person or demon assumes I’ll help him, he’s wrong.”
“Our enemy isn’t assuming.”
I frowned at the certainty in his voice, at the implication the big baddie might be able to coerce me somehow.
We walked down a hall that extended past the club’s bathrooms where a very large vampire guarded an elevator. He peered at Ewan over his shades and pressed a button to call the elevator. I smiled at the burly vamp, but he was having none of it. He continued to survey the hall behind us. Ewan squeezed my hand.
The elevator arrived and deposited us on the top of the building, which was decked out in an opulence characteristic of a Vegas penthouse. The deck spanned the entire rooftop with a large swimming pool fed by a waterfall and a gas fireplace in the center. A grassy area surrounded the pool and ended at a bar. Vampires lounged in the pool or on the sofas scattered in the dark corners of the deck, but only one vampire commanded my attention.
An invisible wave hit me and caught me in its riptide, dragging me toward the vampire standing on the other side of the deck, talking on his cell phone. He looked like a businessman straight out of GQ magazine. Although occupied with his conversation, he smiled broadly at us, but his eyes reflected a hunger I was desperate to appease, as if I had an itch that I needed to scratch again and again and again. My legs took charge, moving me toward the vampire, but a firm hand on my arm stopped me. I turned and narrowed my eyes at Ewan.
He ignored my look. All I could think about was reaching the vampire, who I knew was Dominic, but Ewan
tightened his grip on my arm. I pulled, bending my knees with the effort.
“He has you in his thrall,” he whispered close to my ear. “Call on your power.” He gripped tighter, hurting my arm. “Do it.”
“Let go of me,” I said, surprised at the cold authority in my tone. He loosened his grip, and I snatched my arm back and marched past the swimming pool where Dominic stood, regarding me with his smooth, almost plaster-like, face framed by platinum blond hair cropped close to his head.
“Hello, Ruby,” said Dominic. “Can I get you anything?” His voice was a silky touch that caressed my face. I licked my lips.
“Lysander made me a drink that I didn’t get to finish,” I said, noting the slight tremble of my lips.
“We’ll get you another one.” He motioned to a woman in a slinky black dress, who slowly removed her neck from one of the vamps. The vamp gave her neck one last lick to wipe the blood and puncture wound away before she retreated to the elevator.
“Ewan, thank you for bringing Ruby to me.”
Ewan tilted his head, his mouth bearing a smile that held daggers behind his lips.
Dominic ignored him and said to me, “I’ve been wanting to know how you managed to reanimate two supernaturals, especially a werewolf. I don’t think anyone ever thought that was possible.”
I gave myself a mental shake, wanting to please Dominic, but feeling cramped, claustrophobic all of a sudden. “How . . .?” I said, not completely sure what question I was trying to ask.
“How do I know? News like that travels fast.” Dominic stretched out on one of the nearby lounge chairs. “Some supernaturals are demanding accountability for the crimes being committed against them. The wolves.”
“Ruby was forced to raise the were against her will.” Ewan took a measured pause. “You know we have a rogue necro.” His words were clipped but cool. Anger simmered in his eyes.
I know those eyes. Amber and gold. My head buzzed, and the hunger gnawed at me again. I returned my attention to Dominic.
His black gaze drilled into me. “Of course I know Ruby is not at fault. There are others who think the demons are behind this, using Ruby to control other supernaturals.”
The Necromancer's Seduction Page 19