by Tia Didmon
Jess couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “How?” she stuttered.
“Two prices were born. One held the power of the people. The other the power of blood. They killed the king but the oldest prince. The prince with the power to connect the races was slain.”
“What happened to the other prince?” She couldn’t explain why but she felt drawn to the story.
“He renounced his claim on the throne. He said there would never be another king. He married a beautiful woman and became a baron. Humans lived on his land and while they knew what he was, they loved and respected him.”
“Did he ever have children?”
Dante smiled. “Oh yes, he had three boys. I believe they filled his life with both love and a certain amount of mischief.”
Jess felt a certain satisfaction knowing the man that lost so much found love and happiness. She wished that she had a future like that. Maybe not the three boisterous boys. Just one sweet little girl. She pushed away the errant thought.
“So Valen has the power of the mind. To connect all the races?”
Dante nodded. “But he cannot fully use that power without the power of blood. His power drains him quickly. The power of blood rejuvenates any living thing. So, without the power of blood his reach is limited.”
“He is the first prince. You’re the second prince.”
“Yes.”
“You have the power of blood.”
Dante’s eyes flashed. “I do.”
She was in so much trouble. She glanced at the door. “That’s quite a story. I promised Maddie I would call her tonight. She goes to bed in a few minutes. Is it okay if we call it a night?”
Jenner was rubbing his eyes.
Dante inclined his head. “We have given you a lot to think about Jessica. Please call your niece. I will check in on you soon.”
Jess was out the door. She knew she was running from the truth. She didn’t care. Every time Dante talked her blood heated, and she was completely unprepared to deal with the whole royalty thing. What am I doing?
Dante knocked on Jessica’s door. His demon had raged the moment she had left Laura’s apartment. He needed to calm the beast and there was only one person who could do that.
Jess opened the door. “Dante, what are you doing here?”
“I told you I would check on you soon?”
She frowned. “I assumed that would be longer than ten minutes.”
“I would have been quicker, but I had to explain a few things to my family,” he said.
Jess frowned. “That isn’t what I meant.”
“May I come in now?” he asked.
Jess hesitated before moving back to allow him access to her suite.
Dante walked in, surveying the apartment and its sparse decor. “This is the only furniture you have?”
“Mine is still in Seattle with Darnell and Maddie. I don’t need much. I plan to be working most of the time.”
“You are very dedicated to your job.” He had meant the statement as a compliment. It confused him when she flinched.
“Thanks. Where are you staying while the Mansion is being fixed? Jenner said Laura only has a one bedroom.”
“Jenner has assigned me a vacant suite down the hall.”
Jessica’s eyes widened. “You’re staying in the Davidson building?”
“As is Valen.”
“Yeah, well she’s married to a demon so...”
He could see she was uncomfortable. “So?”
“Nothing, I’m just surprised that the director would allow it is all.”
“Your director would not allow such a thing I take it.”
Jess shook her head. “No, the Seattle office doesn’t allow demons on the property at all. After the L.A. incursion, security became more rigid.”
“The L.A. Incursion. That is what the PIA calls the attempt on Valen and Laura’s life,” Dante hissed.
Jess looked sad. “Yes, I’m sorry. I adore Laura and you and Valen are nothing like the other demons I’ve met, but we lost PIA lives. No other division wants to take that risk.”
“And the demons are to blame for that?”
“No, you aren’t but PIA headquarters should be a safe place. There are office staff inside the building. They aren’t trained agents they simply have high psychic shields and are vetted as PIA employees. What happened here could have been a lot worse. Innocent lives could have been lost.”
Dante sighed. “You are right. Marcus’ secretary was wounded during the attack. It was not serious but I agree that she deserves a safe working environment.”
Jess looked lost in thought and whatever she was thinking wasn’t good.
Dante touched her wrist. The caress was feather light yet he saw the reaction. She let out a tiny moan. She closed her eyes, fighting her bodies natural attraction. “Why are you scared of me Jessica?”
Her eyes snapped open. “I’m not scared of you. I’m here to do a job and that’s what I intend to do.”
Dante stepped up to her. Though she was tall, her head reached his chin. She had to look up to meet his gaze. “You are fighting me.”
“I’m not... attracted to you.”
Dante smiled as the lie left her lips. “Then this should have no effect on you.”
His hand circled her neck. He felt her stiffen, knowing she wouldn’t pull away, never show that kind of weakness. His fingers traced the delicate skin at the nape of her neck, along her jaw, the fullness of her bottom lip, as her pulse quickened. “Tell me why you fear our union.”
“There is in no union. No, us,” she stuttered.
His eyebrows raised. “Is it comforting to lie to yourself? I have never found it so.” He leaned over his mouth whispered against hers. “I have waited centuries for you Jessica. I will never let you go.” His lips touched hers.
Lightning shot through his blood as his demon roared. He could feel his muscles bind, threatening to bulk out into his demon form. He had forgotten the feeling of freedom releasing his demon could bring. Not now. You must wait until we secure our bride. He chastised his demon while lost in the sensation of his lips on Jessica’s.
His entire body turned to steel. Teetering on the verge of emergence as his demon waited just beneath the surface. This was a dangerous time for any demon. He skimmed the corner of her mouth to kiss her neck. He felt her fingers clutch the lapels of his suit before she pushed him away.
“No, we can’t do this,” she said breathlessly.
His vision tinted with red as he regarded her. “I think we can.”
She was looking into eyes. He knew they were glowing. His arousal a living flame that burned between them.
“No.”
“You deny your attraction for me?”
She glanced down. “No but I have other obligations and a relationship would not be fair... to you.”
“Why would you think that Jessica?”
She shivered when he said her name. “I can’t be what you want. I have a past. That’s all I will say.”
Dante huffed. “We all have a past and assure you mine is much longer and filled with more savagery and heartbreak than you can conceive of.”
She looked away. “Not like mine. I have a duty I plan to uphold it.”
Dante’s eyes squinted. “Jenner said you are the most dedicated agent he had ever trained, but it is more than that. What made you join the PIA?”
Jess looked him over. He felt he was being judged. “Why do you want to know?” she asked.
“I wish to know everything about you.”
She appeared undecided. He though she wouldn’t answer but she turned and sat at the small wooded table and played with the keys that sat atop it. “My mother was attacked before I was born. I never understood why she was so different from other moms. I was six when I found out the truth.”
“A demon attacked her?”
Jess shook her head, continuing to fiddle with the keys. “No, he was just some asshole who liked to rape women. My mom was one
of thirteen women who testified against him. He’s been in jail since before I was born.”
Dante could tell she wasn’t telling him everything, but it was a start that she was trusting him. “I am sorry Jessica.”
“I learned very early on that there were monsters in the world and they have nothing to do with the demon race.”
“Then why join the PIA?”
“I was working for the Seattle police department when Jenner recruited me.”
“Remind me to thank my brother for his exceptional intuition.”
Jess tipped her head. “Jenner hated demons. How did you get him to accept you?”
“What happened to Jenner’s sister is a travesty. We plan to help our brother find his sisters killer and bring him to justice. I admit Laura has helped a lot in this area.”
He saw pain flicker over her face. “Will you tell me about it? How Valen and Laura met. How Jenner could put his preconceptions about your race aside?”
Dante didn’t like the manner in which Jessica asked the question. It seemed born of fear and pain instead of genuine interest. “I wish to answer all your questions. Will you allow me to take you to dinner?”
Her lips pursed. “Sure.”
Jess smiled at Dante as he opened the door of his black Lamborghini to allow her to exit. She had tried not to admire the how good he looked in the black tuxedo he wore. He handed the keys to the Valet at the front of the Menceni’s restaurant before they entered. “I’ve never eaten at a Menceni’s before. We have one in Seattle.”
Dante nodded as he followed her into the upscale restaurant. “Marco has done well for himself.”
Jess looked at him as the Maitre de approached. “You know Marco Menceni?”
The man in a black and white tuxedo nodded to Dante. “We have your private table ready Mr. Moretti. Marco will be out to take your order in a few moments.”
Jess followed the Maitre de to a table in the back corner that had a sliding door to give the table privacy if wanted. Dante pulled her chair out and sat after the man left. “The owner is taking our order? How well do you know Marco?”
Dante motioned a nearby waiter. The man rushed to the table. “Grab us a bottle of Masseto.”
The waiter nodded and walked away.
“I hope you like Italian wine.” Dante said, eying her. “You look beautiful this evening Jessica.”
Jess unfolded the white napkin and placed it on her lap. “Thanks.” It was the only skirt she owned, but she’d wanted to dress nice this evening. “I like wine but don’t drink it often.”
Marco approached the table and shook Dante’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you Dante. And who is your companion this evening?”
Dante smiled. “This is my Jessica.”
Jess frowned at his choice of words but recovered to smile at Marco. “It’s quite an honor to meet you Mr. Menceni. Your restaurants are world famous but your humanitarian work is inspiring.”
Marco touched his chest. “You make an old man blush. Please call me Marco.” He winked at her. “It’s good for business to have such a beautiful woman in my restaurant.”
She smiled at him. “If you can flirt like that, you’re not that old.”
Marco laughed. “Oh, I like her Dante. Don’t let her slip through your fingers.”
Dante smiled, but she saw his eyes flicker. “I will be extremely vigilant.”
Jess had no intention of touching that comment. She cleared her throat. “What do you recommend?”
Marco leaned in. “Do you trust me?”
Jess leaned forward to mimic his posture. “With the food, yes, but not with my heart.”
Marco’s smile lit the room before he laughed. “You are a lucky man Dante.” He sauntered off, nodding to several customers as he passed.
Dante’s smile was beautiful. His eyes reflected the candlelight in a flicker of red diamonds. She had the to shake the feeling of falling into his eyes. His soul. “How do you know Marco? He’s very fond of you.”
“We helped him get his business going years ago. We had no idea what a success he would make of it.”
“He must love food.”
“It was his wife’s dream to have a restaurant of her own. She died before we met him. He said he would honor her with a Menceni’s restaurant in the heart of the city she loved. He now has over fifty Menceni’s worldwide.”
Jess looked down, fiddling with her napkin. “Wow, that’s quite a story.”
“Is it?”
“Most people would just move on. Didn’t he remarry?”
“No, he said she was the love of his life.”
“Okay.”
“You seem uncomfortable?”
“No, it’s just... I don’t believe in love like that.”
“Perhaps you would allow me to show you something I loved. Maybe you will reconsider.”
“What?”
“We have taken our art collection to the local museum for restoration. I wish to check on one painting.”
“Just one?”
“One has a special meaning to me.”
“How so?”
“It is a portrait of my mother.”
Jess sat forward. “Really... I mean, I would like to see that.”
She didn’t want to admit she loved art, that she often visited the Seattle museum. She had even taken Maddie there frequently when Darnell was away. Old paintings could draw her in. The flowers. The Castles. The places lost in time. All were a rare treasure to admire.
“Who painted the picture?”
“My father.”
“Oh.” She tried not to let the pain show on her face as Marco brought her an ornate dish with a multitude of seafood mixed in a white sauce and thin noodles. “This looks and smells amazing.”
Marco put a black wine bottle on the table. And poured a glass for Dante. The liquid had a thicker texture than wine. She didn’t ask why Dante didn’t order a meal. She didn’t want the answer.
Jess knew she shouldn’t encourage Dante but everything about him called to her. She had to let him go. She would enjoy the evening and explain that their relationship had to stay professional. She allowed Dante to open the private entrance door to the Los Angeles Museum and allow her entrance after the curator unlocked it for them.
The museum was as she remembered from her last visit. Meticulously placed paintings adorned the walls with ornate gold carved frames. Some were grouped together in a collection while others stood apart with red velvet ropes around them so patrons wouldn’t venture to close.
Dante motioned the man who had let them in. “This is Arthur. He’s the curator of the Museum.”
Jess looked around the large room they were passing through. “The museum is lovely. I visited it last year when I was passing through L.A.”
Arthur smiled. “I love it here. I see the paintings, the art, every day yet they still move me. There is something about seeing the world from another’s eyes.”
Jess nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Arthur turned to Dante as they walked. “Dante, you know how much we appreciate you and your brothers financial support and I am thrilled that you have allowed us to restore your collection. When Valen told me about it, I was curious, but I had no idea your Moretti ancestor was so talented. The Carina portrait is...”
Dante nodded. “Yes, she is very special to us.”
“We’ll do anything you ask if you would allow a showing of the Moretti collection.”
Dante frowned. “Let’s get the collection restored then I will discuss it with my brother. Who is doing the restoration?”
Arthur cleared his throat. “Her name is Hope. She is a little... standoffish but I assure you her work is impeccable.”
Dante nodded. “I wish to meet her.”
Arthur motioned the door at the end of the hall. “This way.” He led them through the door into a large room with various portraits on easels. There was a large table in the middle with a multitude of paints, chemicals and vario
us instruments that Jess didn’t recognize.
Arthur looked around the room. “She must be washing up. Her shift ended a half hour.”
“Why is she still here?” Dante asked.
“She must finish the section she is working on,” Arthur said.
They heard a door close as a thin red-haired woman came from another room.
She startled when she saw them. “Arthur, I wasn’t aware non-employees were allowed back here?”
Arthur sighed. “Hope, this is Mr. Moretti he has...”
“Moretti as in relation to Carina Moretti?” she interrupted.
Dante nodded. “Yes.”
Hope pursed her lips. She was uncomfortable as she glanced at a covered canvas.
Dante’s mind shimmered in Jessica’s. Very Interesting.
Jess frowned. Why are you talking to me this way?
I wish our conversation private.
What is it?
The girl Hope. Her psychic shields are as strong as yours. Jenner has a list of the humans with a high-level ability. She is not on it.
First off. You shouldn’t have seen that list. Second how would you remember if she was on it or not. There are almost a thousand names on that list.
My brother wishes us to be prepared and I have an eidetic memory.
Jess cleared her throat. Since we have only been testing for psychic ability for the last ten years she probably slipped through the cracks. She is in her early twenties so maybe she hasn’t been tested. You can’t read her?
No, and under the circumstances that is... inconvenient.
How so?
Dante stepped forward. “You appear to have a question for me Hope? You may ask it.”
Hope fiddled with her fingers, clearly uncomfortable. “The Carina portrait is the most beautiful piece of artwork I have ever seen.”
Dante glanced at Jess. “Until recently, I thought so myself.”
Jess looked down, hiding her smile.
“Can I ask you about the artist?” Hope asked in a quiet voice.
Dante seemed to consider her words. “My brother knows more about the paintings origins than I do. I will arrange a meeting after you restore the portrait.”