by AE Jones
Talia shook her head slightly. “He does take some getting used to.” She rubbed her hands over her face and took a deep breath. The fight left her eyes.
Jean Luc frowned. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
He stepped closer, not believing her. “Were you hurt during the fight?”
“No, I’m fine, really.”
His gaze swept over her, stopping on her face. He had not noticed the dark circles under her eyes earlier. “When was the last time you fed?”
She looked down at the floor, as if uncomfortable with the subject. “A few days, maybe. But I have a bag in a cooler in my car.”
“As a fledgling, you need to feed frequently.”
She pursed her lips in the most distracting way. “How often do you feed?”
“The older a vampire is, the less blood he requires. I feed once every few weeks. Did your sire not explain all of this to you?”
She walked toward the door. “I’m going to feed.”
“Talia, wait. Where is your sire?”
She opened the door and stepped out. “I have no sire.”
* * *
Talia should have known Jean Luc wouldn’t let her leave so easily. He flashed through the door and blocked her path before she got down the front steps.
She pushed hard against his chest, but she couldn’t budge him. “Get the hell out of my way!”
“What happened to your sire?”
“I wouldn’t know.” She hoped he was rotting in hell, if vampires actually went to hell.
“That makes no sense. A sire’s duty is to explain our world and assist with a fledgling’s adjustment.”
She blew out a harsh breath. “He must not have read the handy-dandy manual on vamp etiquette.”
Jean Luc stared hard at her. “Talia, were you turned willingly?”
Her throat tightened and she choked out the answer. “No.”
His eyes flashed an eerie, deep red. “Who was it?”
She threw her hands into the air. “Why does it matter?”
“Because what he has done is punishable by death.”
Jean Luc’s voice had lowered an octave and his fangs appeared. Energy sizzled off his skin, peppering the air with static.
Talia stepped back. She didn’t need a champion, and from the look on Jean Luc’s face, she knew he would not let this go if she told him the truth. “I don’t know who it was. Please, leave it alone.”
He stared at her as if he could unlock all of her secrets. After a few more seconds, Jean Luc closed his eyes and appeared to collect himself. The air around them lost its charge and his fangs retracted. His face changed from fearsome to contemplative.
“Has no one told you of our laws, of our abilities?” he asked softly.
“No.” She looked away, keeping the angry tears from falling.
“Then it is settled. I will teach you.”
* * *
Talia stepped into her hotel room, not bothering with the lights. She plopped down on the bed. What the hell was she doing? She never let anyone see her weaknesses. Never let them close enough to learn anything at all about her. Then it is settled. I will teach you.
She flopped back against the comforter and rubbed her palms roughly against her arms to stop the goose bumps. She was getting in too deep with this job. Or more precisely, with Jean Luc. What was it about him that called to her?
After being betrayed and turned by Chris, she had vowed never to trust anyone again. Let alone another vampire. But the more time she spent with Jean Luc, the more desperate she was to believe he truly wanted to help her. With no strings attached. Unfortunately, strings always turned out to be part of the equation, and she couldn’t afford to get tripped up this time.
Was it time to cut her losses and run as far and as fast as she could? Maybe so. On top of all the Jean Luc drama, she couldn’t figure out what the run-in with the drunk humans was all about. Who would have paid them to jump her? Did the supernatural she’d sensed at the gym have anything to do with it?
Talia stood and turned on the light. Maybe taking a shower would help clear her head. She reached for her duffle bag and stopped herself, the hairs on the back of her neck standing at attention. Her bag had been searched. The average person wouldn’t notice any difference, but she did. She always placed it a certain way with the zipper at a certain angle. It had been moved.
She didn’t sense anyone in the room, and whoever it was had left long enough ago that any energy signatures had faded. She couldn’t even tell if her visitor had been supernatural or human. She opened her bag and checked it. Nothing was missing. Was it the same guy who’d paid the drunks? And if so, how the hell had he found her? She closed her bag, yanked it from the bed, and flung it over her shoulder.
It was time to move.
Chapter 5
Mon Dieu, what had he agreed to? Had it been only yesterday when he promised to help her? He did not need any more responsibility. But if not him, then who would help Talia?
He had been one of the most vocal opponents of forced turnings when the laws were put in place centuries ago. And even if he had not been, one glance into her gold-flecked eyes, and he could not deny her. All would be well. He would simply train her, and then she would be able to take care of herself. He owed her that much, did he not? He would show her that not every vampire she met was an evil bastard.
The doorbell rang, and he stifled a sigh of relief when he opened it to Talia. He had been afraid she might not return, that he had frightened her yesterday. He rarely lost control, and he would not do so in front of her again.
Jean Luc led her through the office to the living space. He maneuvered around the couch and the recliner where Misha spent a great deal of time watching his TV shows. He indicated the table and chairs separating the living room and kitchen. She sat next to him at the table and fidgeted.
“Do you mind if I ask you some questions?” He would remain calm today so as not to threaten or upset her.
She nodded.
“How long have you been a bounty hunter?”
“Seven years.”
So she had been a bounty hunter before she was turned. “And how did you get this case?”
“Shortly after Tony Jensen was killed, I got a call from his grandfather. He’s ex-military and runs a very successful car parts business. He was concerned the police would not be able to handle this on their own.”
“How did he find out about you?”
“I helped one of his friends with a case, and that guy recommended me.”
Jean Luc continued, “Have you ever worked on a supernatural case before?”
She sat up straighter. “No. But it doesn’t mean I can’t handle this one.”
“I did not intend to question your ability. I am curious about something else, as well. How have you not been required to register with the BSR before now?”
She looked away. “No one knows about my change. I don’t stay in one place for long. I run into supernaturals now and then, but I don’t socialize, and they don’t ask me for my supernatural green card.”
“How have you learned about vampires?”
She shrugged. “Trial and error. It hasn’t been easy. After I was turned, I didn’t go outside during the day for a week, until one day I stuck my hand into a patch of sunlight to test it, and I didn’t burst into flames.”
He waited for her to continue.
“My heart still beats, I still take breaths. I’m not dead.”
“No. But you are immortal.”
She tapped her fingers on the table. “Unless someone kills me.”
“Yes. Beheading will end a vampire’s life.”
“Wooden stake?”
He smiled. “No, and garlic doesn’t bother us, either.”
“That I figured out pretty quickly. I stayed away from Italian restaurants for a while, though. But I do miss good food.”
“As do I.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Have you ever turned anyone?”
“No, only founding vampires are permitted to turn. To do otherwise is punishable by death.”
She rolled her eyes. “Everything seems to be punishable by death. Don’t vampires believe in second chances?”
“Your second chance occurs when you are turned. After that, your actions have repercussions. What else would you like to know?”
Talia paused for a moment as if sorting her thoughts. “What are sires supposed to teach you?”
“They explain the transition to you before they bite you. The turning is supposed to be a choice. Once turned, fledglings normally stay near their sire for several years so that they can fine-tune their powers and learn about our laws.” He stood. “Come, let us work on honing your vampire strength and skills.”
She stood as well, albeit hesitantly, and followed him around the table.
“Wait here.” He flashed and moved the furniture to the side of the room in a matter of seconds.
She smirked at him. “Show-off.”
He smiled back. “You will learn in time to flash as well.”
“Really?”
“Absolutement. You have learned how to mask yourself fairly well. Who taught you how to do that?”
She shrugged. “No one. I’ve spent most of my life on the street. If you don’t blend into the shadows, you won’t survive. So I just concentrated on suppressing my energy.”
“You tapped into your natural strength. Come closer.”
She stepped within arm’s length of him.
“You want to use your senses at all times. If you fine tune them, they will provide invaluable information.”
He reached for her hand and lifted it to his face. He inhaled her scent, running his nose ever so lightly along her wrist. She smelled of lavender. Like the fields in Provence where he lived as a child.
“Why do you keep smelling me?”
He reluctantly moved back from her. “When I tell you, please do not feel insulted.”
“I can’t promise you anything.”
“New vampires have a unique aroma. Much like a newborn babe.”
“Are you telling me I smell like I need a diaper change?”
He chuckled. “No. More like baby powder or an infant’s fresh skin fragrance.”
“Wow. Good save. Now, what are you going to teach me? I already know how to fight.”
“You know the moves. I am going to show you how to anticipate what others will do.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Do tell.”
“Vampires are able to detect pulse and heartbeat. This is very helpful when you are in a threatening situation. You can often tell when someone is about to strike because their heartbeat speeds up. Close your eyes, and I will show you.”
She did so without argument, which surprised him. “Now let go of everything around you and just concentrate on my heartbeat.”
Talia stood still for a moment. With her eyes shut and her face relaxed, she was Venus summoning him to sin with her.
“I can hear it,” she whispered.
He clenched his fists to keep from gathering her into his arms.
Her eyes popped open. “Your heartbeat just sped up. Were you going to attack me?”
She had no idea. “Merely as part of this exercise. You are a quick study. Let us move on to the next lesson.”
* * *
Talia’s brain was going to implode or explode or something equally messy. She had passed information overload two hours ago with Jean Luc. Now Misha was regaling her with details about demons. And there were apparently several different varieties.
“Kaytok demons are amphibious and normally live along the coast. They are a mid-level demon.”
Talia’s stomach gurgled. “But the more important question is, do they taste good?”
Misha laughed. “A woman after my own stomach.”
Jean Luc wrinkled his nose slightly before shaking his head. “Most demon blood is bitter and should only be taken as a last resort.”
“What about shifter blood?”
“Shifter blood is another story altogether. Sweet, even addictive to vampires. We do not drink their blood if it can be avoided.”
“We should tell her about shifters as well, Jean Luc.”
Talia stood up, holding her hands in front of her. “Okay, enough! I can’t fit one more supernatural fact in my head today.”
Misha opened his mouth as if to argue, but Jean Luc interrupted him. “She is right. We have given her enough information for today.”
“My brain thanks you. Besides, we need to plan next steps to catch our killer. I still think it’s too much of a coincidence that two of our victims frequented the gym.”
“I think it would make sense for me to go undercover,” Misha volunteered.
Jean Luc’s right eyebrow raised in question. “Why you?”
“I fit the profile of someone who would frequent a gym. I am muscular and good-looking.”
“And don’t forget modest,” Talia quipped.
Misha laughed, a deep rumble that brought a smile to her face. “Of course. But it makes sense, yes?”
She glanced at Jean Luc, who nodded slightly. “It makes sense.”
Misha clapped his hands together. “Good! Then it’s settled.” He stood, obviously getting ready to leave.
Talia watched his retreating back in confusion. “Where are you going? It’s late, and the gym is closed.”
“I’m going to the grocery store. If I’m going to be exercising, I’ll need to stock up on food.”
Chapter 6
It had been seven days since the killer last struck. Seven days of little to no headway. Seven days of spending every moment with Talia and her lavender essence, rich skin, and chocolate eyes. He stared at her until she turned toward him, her eyes widening under his heated scrutiny.
After a moment, her mouth quirked and she took a step closer to him. “Can I help you with something?”
“Yes. Tell me how you would fight someone much larger than yourself.”
“I would avoid it.”
“And if you cannot?” he pushed.
“Carry a big gun?”
She smiled, but he could sense she was nervous about his line of questioning. “You are stronger than you think.”
She sighed. “I can’t flash. I can’t get my claws to work.”
He shrugged. “That is just a matter of time. Concentrate on where you excel for now.”
“Hiding my energy?” Her nose wrinkled in what she probably meant to be disgust, but he found it adorable.
“Stealth is a highly sought-after power. Do not dismiss it. You are also physically strong as well. Here.” He handed her a weight, and she gripped it in one hand.
“Wow. I’m holding a hand weight. What does that prove?”
“That metal is incredibly dense. It weighs nearly fifty pounds. Most human women would not be able to hold up that much weight with one hand.”
Her eyes widened. “I didn’t realize.”
“Often, our powers advance gradually, so we are not aware of them. Let us practice the new release hold I showed you.”
“Again?”
“Practice makes perfect.”
She rolled her eyes, and he stopped himself from grinning. She turned away, and he stepped up against her back, wrapping one arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders. His arms tingled as her warmth seeped into him.
“Jean Luc.”
Maybe this had not a good idea after all.
“Jean Luc!”
“Yes.”
“You’re not holding me tight at all. How are we supposed to practice?”
He tightened his grip, his arm brushing the undersides of her breasts. She leaned back, nestling against him.
“Now what?”
The door slammed open and Misha bustled into the room, swinging a large gym bag in his fist. “Luu-ceee, I’m ho-ome.”
Jean Luc released Talia and stepped back.
Misha grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Of course not. We were practicing a new defensive move.”
“Is that what you young kids are calling it these days?”
Jean Luc gritted his teeth. He should be awarded a medal for being so patient with his demon partner. “What did you learn today?”
Misha dropped the bag on the floor and walked over to the chalkboard. “Quite a bit, actually.” He listed names on the board. “So far, I have identified ten supernatural customers at the gym. Five shifters, three demons, and two vamps.” He stepped back and reviewed the names. “Two of the shifters just joined this week, so I am going to cross them off the list for now.”
Talia walked closer to the board. “What is your gut telling you?”
“It’s reminding me it has been too long since I ate.”
She laughed softly, and the sound went straight to Jean Luc’s chest, tightening it. He had been spending far too much time with her. “Who do you think is the most likely suspect?”
“I’m going to run all of them through the supernatural and police databases. The three shifters who have been around for a while are pretty laid back and seem to get along with the humans. One of the demons is low-level and wouldn’t be able to cause the damage we saw on the last dead body.” Misha circled the remaining names. “Which leaves two demons and two vamps on the short list.”
Jean Luc nodded. “We can split the list once you have done your research.”
She smiled. “Good job.”
Misha winked at her, and Jean Luc struggled against the urge to punch his partner. He had to get away from Talia for a while to clear his head. “Can you gather the information by tomorrow morning?”
“Yes.”
“Let us reconvene then. In the meantime, I apologize, but I must leave.” He ignored the look of hurt in Talia’s eyes and hurried out the door. “Good night.”
As soon as he stepped outside, he flashed away, not stopping until his lungs were bursting and moist night air clung to his clothes.
What was wrong with him? His entire life was built on control. Whether it be his emotions, his mind, or his body. And he had not lost control of his body in centuries. Talia was a fledgling who needed knowledge, and he was her teacher. But she was a temptation he fought hard to extinguish. And when she had leaned back against him, his cock hardened. If not for Misha’s interruption, she would have felt his betrayal. She had been taken advantage of enough by the vampire who had turned her. He would not do the same.