16
Elijah
Tipping my glass up, I down the rest of the whiskey and push it forward. The blood bar is near empty at this time since it’s nearing noon already. There are tunnels leading here from all over the city, but some vampires still don’t like to risk any kind of exposure during the day.
I’m exhausted, hungry, and pissed the hell off. I spent the rest of last night outside Rainey’s apartment. Watching, waiting for someone else to show up and make a move on her so I could rip them apart before they got the chance.
It seems that whoever offered the Gale Clan a seat in their new future must have made other offers as well. Unless the alley attack near her apartment was not linked to the one outside the club. It’s possible that her near-death was nothing more than revenge over the Council killing.
When dawn broke, I decided it was probably safe to go home and grab a shower, some food, and a drink before heading back to watch over her until she woke up. Being close to her—it’s fucking with me on a level I’m not prepared for.
I’ve been telling myself it’s because she was covered in blood—but really, it has more to do with her and the way her scent keeps invading my senses, making my body react as though she’s mine to protect.
Vampires mate once in their lives. It’s a carnal thing—dangerous—so I refuse to let myself ponder even for a second that she could be having that kind of effect on me. But never, in all my years, have I felt this strongly for a woman.
To top it all off, she’s a hunter, a killer of vampires. Wouldn’t that be some shit if she turned out to be mine?
It’s unheard of though—our basic natures standing completely against it. So at least, the chances of that being the case are slim to none. Still, I can’t explain it. The way I feel around her—it defies all logic.
“Elijah. Didn’t expect to see you here.” Tarnley slides onto the stool beside me and lifts his hand. The bartender sets a glass full of thick, red liquid in front of him, and my stomach growls in response despite the blood bag I drank earlier. Nothing is touching my hunger ever since I inhaled Rainey’s scent.
“Not sure what you mean, brother.” We’re not blood by birth, but I turned him three-hundred-and-fifty years ago when he was only twenty-four. It was during one of my benders before I met a human woman who made me rethink it all. Basically, we’re family in every sense of the word. Since he wasn’t born to my line though, he’s not considered a Hawthorne.
No, Tarnley is just a walking reminder from one of the darkest moments of my life. Still, he’s the only vampire I can trust.
“Heard you had a run-in with the Council. Freed some of their stock.”
Stock. I hate that fucking word. “Don’t call them that. They were humans.”
“Not my words, brother.” Tarnley holds up both hands.
“There was a teenage boy in there. They had to be rescued. Besides, they served a greater purpose to me alive.”
“And what purpose might that be?” he asks.
“I needed to prove something to someone.”
“Could that someone possibly be an Astor?”
“How do you know?”
Tarnley shrugs. “You know me. I hear everything. Tell me, how is it that the Council’s young guards managed to grab one of our kind’s strongest?”
I glance over at Tarnley, who’s studying me, eyebrow raised. “I might have let them.” I shrug.
He shakes his head disapprovingly. “You’re going to get yourself killed one of these days.”
“Perhaps. At least then, this miserable existence will be over, and I can move on to whatever’s next.”
The shifter behind the bar refills my glass, and I nurse the amber liquid inside.
“That’s dark shit. Was this before or after you called me to that diner?”
“Before,” I reply honestly. “Thanks for the cleanup, by the way.”
“Anytime. What did the Council catch you on?”
“Helping Delaney Astor.”
He sighs. “I told you she was going to get you bountied.”
“You’re half-right. I wasn’t bountied, but they did threaten to remove my head.”
“So, you don’t know then?”
I turn toward him. “Don’t know what?”
“About the massive bounty on your head.”
“I wasn’t aware they actually issued one.”
“They did. Which is why I’m damned surprised to see you here.”
“Took you long enough to mention it.”
“Figured you already knew.”
Sighing, I shake my head. “I suppose this is problematic.”
He drops his head lower, leaning in toward me. “I also heard a bounty has been issued for a hunter who killed Councilwoman Victoria down in the tunnels. She was targeted, and next they knew, the cleaners were scraping body parts of half a dozen vampires off the alleyway before the humans could find them.”
I know what he’s getting at, the answer he’s looking for. Tarnley doesn’t actively hunt humans or hunters, but that doesn’t mean he cares for either. Humans he tolerates, but a hunter? He’d be just as likely to kill one if given the chance since his mate was slaughtered by one, two decades ago.
Never mind Allison had been partaking in a particularly bloody bender and the Council was after her as well. Since the final blow was dealt by a hunter, it’s them Tarnley blames. He also happens to operate the Cleaners I called in that morning for the alley.
“I happened to be in the area.”
He lowers his voice and leans in. “You have to stop this, Elijah. You’re going to get yourself killed otherwise.”
“She was outnumbered.”
“Then she deserved to die.”
My head whips around toward him before I can mentally process what he said. “She killed a councilwoman who’d been draining humans. That’s well within the rights of the Accords. Killing her for enacting justice is not.”
“The Accords are outdated, useless at this point. Most don’t even remember they exist.”
Shaking my head angrily, I take a drink. “Doesn’t make them wrong.”
Tarnley sighs and drinks from his own glass. His black hair is cropped so short I can nearly see his scalp. His light brown skin showcases his mixed heritage, and his dark suit is visual proof of the life he’s built for himself.
There have been many nights he’s pulled me away from spiraling, and I’ve done the same for him. The bloodlust—it’s always there even as we try to deny it, and sometimes, you need a solid ass-kicking to put it back into place.
“You are going to go too far one of these days, Elijah.”
“Then you probably should steer clear.”
He laughs and lifts his glass. “You know I’d never abandon you. Life would be boring as hell. Besides, you keep me in business, my friend.”
Raising my own, we clink together, and I down the rest of my whiskey. “Do you know who they’ve sent after me?”
Tarnley shakes his head. “Wish I did. I can dig around for you.”
“No, don’t risk yourself. I’m sure I’ll be seeing whoever they sent soon enough.” I get to my feet and toss some bills on the counter.
“If I have to guess, they’re going to send Wren and Greta. They’re nearly as old as you are and bloodthirsty as shit.”
“Sounds about right. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Don’t die.”
“I’ll do my best.” Since I don’t have to worry about the sun, I put on my shades and step into the darkened foyer. Per the rules, I wait for the doors behind me to fully close before walking out into the early afternoon sun.
People buzz by, completely unaware of the risk they’d be in if they stepped into the seemingly abandoned building behind me. As I walk down the street, I shove my hands into the pockets of my slacks and make my way toward the large apartment building I’ve resided in for the past ten years.
Billings has been a new kind of experience for me. It’s close enough to a forested are
a where I can get a fix if bags aren’t cutting it, and it’s enough of a city life I can blend in if necessary.
It’s also one of the hottest spots in the world for supernaturals. Second only to Salem, Massachusetts. Because of Billings’ proximity to Glacier National Park, it’s especially known for shifters.
After letting myself into my building, I call the elevator down and step in, watching the doors shut in front of me. The elevator makes its climb to the penthouse as I ponder everything that happened in the last few days.
Rainey nearly dying was even more terrifying than I’d thought it would be. Shit, it took me a few hours after the adrenaline shot to get my own under control. Then, sitting there and watching her sleep for two days—let’s just say I’d worried more than once that she was never going to wake up.
The world needs hunters. It needs Rainey. Something is coming, and while I have no clue what it is, the increase in activity is proof enough that there’s a shift. The soft ding pulls me from my thoughts as I step into my apartment.
I have at least a handful of hours before sunset, so I’ll be safe until then. Last I heard, Wren and Greta hadn’t quite mastered day-walking. Plopping down on my couch, I shut my eyes and try to steady my mind so I might be able to grab at least an hour or two of uninterrupted sleep before heading back to Rainey.
Rainey. I can still feel her skin beneath my fingertips as I removed her shirt. Still hear her breathing while I lowered her jeans from her body. Her arousal was so potent it had washed over me, intoxicating me just as her blood had, and I’d needed to take a cold-ass shower to curb my own reaction to her. To wash it away.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been with anyone, so I convince myself that’s why I reacted the way I did. Because there’s no world in which I could ever be with a hunter. Not because of prejudice but because it would put a larger target on her head if I was.
Inter-faction relationships are forbidden by the Accords. The very document I’d risk death to protect. Each of the Supernatural Councils are still concerned what a mixed-species child could mean.
Hence, my mother’s murder.
They’d sentenced her to death the moment I was born, and it was my father’s sacrifice that kept us both alive. Of course, her sentence was merely postponed, not waived as they’d promised him when he’d given up his seat on the Council for our lives.
So no, being with Rainey—or any hunter—would be a mistake I don’t intend on making.
But I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit the thought of her—it makes me feel something I never thought I’d experience again after Aoife was murdered. I’ve been with women since her, but it was never anything more than a way to ease some of the loneliness. Rainey is beautiful, strong, capable—that must be why I’m drawn to her. Or at least, that’s what I’m planning on telling myself until the day I can find an end to this hellish reality.
17
Rainey
“You have no idea how good this is,” I say around a mouthful of breakfast croissant. What I don’t tell her is that I’m pretty sure I haven’t eaten anything in three days since yesterday passed without incident while I slept soundly.
Jane watches me with amusement, her dark eyebrow raised. “He really wore you out, didn’t he?”
Don’t I wish that’s why I’m starved? I set my sandwich down and wipe my mouth with a napkin. “Actually, we didn’t sleep together.”
“That’s total bullshit! I saw you in bed. Your blanket was tucked all the way up to your neck, so I’m betting you weren’t even wearing clothes.”
Good save, Elijah. “I swear we just talked, and he stayed the night. I ate something weird so he took care of me.”
Jane stares down at me, a line creasing the skin between her brows. “You would tell me the truth, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course. When have I ever kept secrets from you?” Except for the fact that I’m from an ancient line of hunters and I kill monsters you would lock me up for saying were real.
“Okay, fine.” She leans down. “But seriously, Rainey, how could you not have gotten naked with him? Tall, muscled, and Irish? Oh! And his hair. It’s definitely romance material.”
“He’s definitely something to look at,” I agree. “Unfortunately for me, the world is not a romance novel.”
“Oh, but it could be.” She winks. “I went on a date last night that turned out pretty damn great.”
“Yeah? Where’d you meet him?”
“Here, actually.”
“Name?”
She narrows her eyes on me. “No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I know you’re going to run a background check on him, and I don’t want you to.”
I gape at her, feigning shock. She knows me too damn well. “How could you think that? I’m merely inquiring as to the man who took my best friend out.”
She grins, and I swear I can see hearts in her eyes. Jane is a massive romantic. I blame all the romance novels she reads, but it’s what makes her—well—Jane. She has a huge heart and loves everyone until they prove her wrong. Which, unfortunately, happens more often than not. “Save it, I’m not giving you a name.
“Where’d he take you?”
She shakes her head. “Nope.”
“Lame.”
She winks and straightens as Minnie strolls in from the back.
“Morning, Rainey.”
“Good morning.” I look over at Jane and mouth, “She’s actually on time!”
Jane smiles and nods.
After clocking in, Minnie walks over and stands beside Jane. “I want to thank you for what you did, Rainey. Whatever you said—or maybe it was the arrest—they released Paul, and he left me a note on Jane’s doorstep, apologizing and telling me I’ll never see or hear from him again.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Minnie smiles and turns to Jane. “I’ll go pull the muffins out of the oven.”
“Thanks.”
As soon as she’s out of earshot, I lift my sandwich again. “Glad she’s doing better.”
“Me too!” Jane whispers. “She’s been on time for the last two days. Granted, she’s been staying with me, but it’s not just that. Her mood has dramatically improved. She’s happier.”
“Good.” I finish off my sandwich and get to my feet. Pulling out my wallet, I hand her some bills and roll my shoulders. Thankfully, the pain is gone, replaced by the familiar dull ache. Based on prior injuries, that should be gone by tomorrow. Then again, nothing about this last attack was typical.
I haven’t heard anything from Elijah, but since it’s only been a day and I was unconscious for all of it, I’ve resisted the urge to call him multiple times today. I want more answers, and I’m starting to think he’s the only one who can give them to me.
My phone buzzes, so I withdraw it from my pocket and put it up to my ear. “Morning, Ramirez.”
“You coming in today?” he asks.
“On my way now, about to leave Jane’s. Want me to bring you anything?”
“One of her blueberry muffins?”
“You’ve got it. See you in a few.” I end the call and shove it back into my pocket.
“Blueberry muffin?” Jane asks with a grin, and I nod.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m walking into the precinct, fresh muffin in hand. There’s a coffee on my desk, so I set the paper bag with Jane’s logo down beside Ramirez.
“You’re the best,” he says, opening it.
“You’re the one who brings me coffee every day.”
“A muffin is a lot easier to carry on your bike than hot coffee.”
I laugh and fire up my computer. “That’s the damn truth.” Since I have Elijah’s first and last name, the first thing I’ll be doing this morning is running a thorough check on his ass. Once that’s done—regardless of what pops on him—I’ll be contacting him to ask more questions about my sister and about why he’s been following me. “I know your sister,” is not an appropriate
answer.
“How are you feeling?”
“Alive again. I’m telling you it knocked me on my ass.”
“I could tell. How’s Elijah?” he asks, grinning at me.
Heat rushes to my cheeks. A totally illogical and unexpected response. “He’s fine. Went home after you left the other night.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I saw Minnie this morning,” I say, veering the subject away from a sexy Irishman who seems to always be there when I need help. I don’t believe in coincidence, and now that my brain is no longer addled with pain—or lust—I’ll be grilling him until I’m satisfied with the answers.
“How’s she doing?”
“Great. Says Paul hasn’t come around except to leave an apology letter on Jane’s doorstep. Promised Minnie he won’t be coming around anymore.”
“Good. I’d hate to have to help you cover anything up.”
I laugh. “You absolutely would help, wouldn’t you?”
He shrugs. “I’m close to retirement.” With a wink, he starts eating his muffin, and we fall into companionable silence. As my computer fires up, I glance around the room at everyone working. Everyone here—except for me—are humans. Completely unaware of the monsters lurking in the dark.
I hate that I can’t tell them. Hate that there are some who may be killed because they didn’t have the knowledge to stay alive. But I’ve been down that road before, and sometimes knowing is even more dangerous.
There are times when blissful ignorance is best.
The soft tone from my computer signifies it’s done booting up, so I log on and open up my emails. A few are follow-ups on older cases, but there’s one at the very bottom that has my heart rate increasing.
I lean in closer as if it will help me read it better.
dastor@mailerco. I swallow hard. How the hell would Delaney be sending me messages? I turn, glancing around the room one last time before checking the subject line: If you’re reading this.
With a deep breath, I double click to open it.
R,
If you’re reading this, it’s because I’m no longer around. Cheesy, I know, but it’s the truth. There are things you need to know, dangerous things I couldn’t tell you until now. Had to wait until enough time passed. Hell, I don’t even know if it’s safe now, but I’m going to try. Still, I can’t say it all at once. It’s too risky to do that.
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