She also saw him singing a lullaby to a pretty redheaded baby. That, he had told her, had been a moment from his past. The child he’d sung to in a very appealing, deep voice was the little one for whom he had cleaned up his language and was now a toddler.
The fact that she caught glimpses of his past, present, and future didn’t seem to bother him in the least. It was so nice to have the freedom to simply be herself around him. To be around someone who didn’t care that she was different. And to have so much fun with him.
Aidan gave her something to look forward to every evening. Instead of dreading the quiet that would surround her the moment her last customer left, Dana now couldn’t wait for the day to end and counted the minutes, knowing Aidan would arrive soon after and the two would spend hour after amazing hour together.
Life was good again, in a way it really hadn’t been since her parents had died. All because of the man in her arms.
Dana combed her fingers through his hair, arched her hips into his.
Groaning, Aidan rocked against her.
Sparks of heat shot through her as she broke the kiss on a gasp.
Aidan ducked his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “Damn, you feel good,” he whispered, his deep voice hoarse with need.
It only excited her more. “What do you say we forget dinner and the movie?” she whispered, her breath shortening.
“How you tempt me,” he rumbled, tightening his hold.
“If I tempted you as much as you tempt me,” she pronounced boldly, “we would both be naked right now.”
He growled—actually growled—as his hands roved her back.
His phone chirped in his pocket.
Aidan swore and loosened his hold.
Dana groaned.
“I’m sorry,” he said gruffly. “I have to take this. I told Cliff and his friends to call me if he should need anything, so I want to make sure he isn’t worsening.”
“Of course,” she said, understanding. But she couldn’t help but feel disappointed as she lowered her heels to the floor, slid her hands down his chest, and released him.
Aidan kept his eyes closed as though savoring her touch while he tugged his phone out of his pocket. “So tempting.”
She chuckled.
Turning away, he answered the call. “Yes?”
Dana’s body tingled as she watched him pace away a couple of steps.
“Yes,” he said again. “Why? Do you need me?”
Say no, she mentally willed whoever had called. Please, say no. Say you were just calling to shoot the breeze, because I really want this man naked in my bed tonight. She smiled. Even though he’s so tall his feet will probably hang off the end by quite a bit.
“Where?”
Her heart sank at Aidan’s brusque tone.
“Okay. I’m on my way.”
Tucking the phone in his pocket, he withdrew his keys and turned to face her. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
She bit her lip, reading the concern in his gaze. “Is it your friend? The one who’s ill?”
He nodded. “And the matter is of some urgency.” He backed toward the door, the bulge in his pants and the regret on his face indicating he would’ve much rather stayed and explored every inch of her body. “Forgive me?”
“Absolutely.” Smiling, she closed the distance between them and gave him a quick kiss. “See you tomorrow?”
“Hell, yes,” he said, giving her a heated look full of promise.
She grinned.
Hurrying out the door, Aidan jumped in his car and sped away.
“Damn,” Dana said on a sigh as she watched him through the window.
The bell above the door dinged again as a woman entered, glancing back over her shoulder.
Marietta, Dana’s next-door neighbor, arched a brow and eyed Dana speculatively as the door swung shut behind her. “Was that the handsome Scottish hunk you’ve been spending all your nights with?”
“That’s him,” Dana confirmed with a smile.
Marietta shook her head. “No wonder I hardly see you anymore. I’d spend every waking moment with him, too, if he were mine. He is freaking hot.”
Dana laughed.
Marietta’s smile dimmed a bit. “Nothing’s wrong though, is it, hon? He left in an awful hurry.”
She smiled wryly. “Nothing a cold shower won’t fix.”
Marietta laughed.
“Aidan got called away on an emergency, so we had to cancel our plans.”
“That sucks.”
“It really does.”
Marietta had bought the store beside Dana’s last year after going through a messy divorce with a philandering husband. Based on their conversations, Dana had concluded that Marietta was in her early forties. And though her relationship history had left her reluctant to test the waters again herself, Marietta frequently encouraged Dana to get out there and find a good guy who could make her happy.
Needless to say, she had been thrilled to hear about Aidan.
“Are you all packed for your trip?” Dana asked. Marietta was flying to California to see her son perform for the first time at UCLA.
“Yes. And I’m so nervous you’d think I’m the one who’s going to be onstage.”
“I’m sure he’ll do fine.”
“I know he will, although I have no idea how he ended up with so much talent. Neither his father nor I can dance. And thank goodness he didn’t inherit my stage fright.”
“Is Frank going to be there?” The last Dana had heard, Marietta’s ex was dating a girl their son’s age.
She rolled her eyes. “No. The bastard can’t be bothered. Fortunately, Owen doesn’t want him there anyway, so he won’t be disappointed.” Forcing a smile, she held up a set of keys and jangled them. “So, here are my keys. Thank you again for keeping an eye on the place while I’m gone.”
“No thanks necessary,” Dana replied cheerfully, taking the keys.
“You have my cell number. If anything comes up, just give me a ring.”
“I will. Do you have any plants you want me to water while you’re gone? Or fish that need feeding?”
“No fish. And I gave up on houseplants years ago because the damned things kept dying.”
Dana laughed.
Marietta glanced at the clock. “I’d ask if you want to watch a movie or something since your man had to cancel, but I’ve got a six-o’clock flight in the morning.”
“Ugh.” Dana grimaced. “You’re going to have to rise before the sun to make that one.”
“I know. Hopefully the other passengers won’t complain when I end up snoring on the plane.” She winked. “So you go take your cold shower while I try to get some shut-eye.”
Grinning, Dana followed her to the door. “I hope you’ll have a nice trip and that Owen’s performance will go well.”
“Thanks, sweetie. Give that gorgeous Scot of yours a hug and a pat on the ass for me the next time you see him.”
“I will,” Dana promised with a laugh.
“Good night.”
“Good night.” Dana closed and locked the door.
Quiet settled upon the empty shop as she turned to face it.
Closing her eyes, she thought of Aidan, of the fervency of his kisses and the urgency in the hands that had roamed her and held her so tight.
“Yep,” she murmured. “One cold shower, coming up.”
Sighing, she headed for the stairs.
The moment Aidan was out of Dana’s sight, he turned his car onto a deserted side street and hit the brakes.
The darkened businesses that bordered it vanished, as did the street as he teleported himself and the vehicle away. Grass replaced pavement beneath the car’s tires. UNCW’s campus appeared around him. As did a rather astonishing number of vampires.
In their midst, Bastien and Cliff stood back-to-back, sword blades winking beneath the campus lights as they did their damnedest to kill every vampire within reach.
One of the vampires noticed Aidan’s abrupt appea
rance.
As Aidan stepped out of the car and drew on his coat, the vamp leapt onto the hood.
The vampire’s hair hung in a limp, oily mess around his face. His fangs glinted in a sneer. And madness glinted in his glowing green eyes.
Scowling, Aidan drew his weapons. “Don’t scratch the paint, you horse’s arse!”
Several yards away, Bastien laughed.
The vampire actually looked down at his feet as though he had borrowed his father’s car and just realized he was mucking it up.
Grinning, Aidan used telekinesis to pick the vamp up and hurl him at his cohorts. Then Aidan teleported right into the thick of things, swinging his swords in strong, broad arcs. He teleported again and impaled two vampires. Teleported again and beheaded another.
Utter panic infused the group as they realized Death was in their midst, appearing and disappearing like magic, swinging swords and culling souls.
Aidan smiled grimly, then felt a twinge of unease as he wondered what Dana would think if she could see him now. Would she fear him? Feel horror? Disgust?
The distraction cost him.
Pain cut through Aidan’s side as a vampire’s blade dug deep.
Swearing, he impaled the vampire who wielded it, then turned to the next combatant.
The vampires’ numbers began to decrease. Then more arrived on the scene, eyes glowing blue, green, silver, or amber.
What the hell?
Aidan glanced over at his brothers-in-arms.
Bastien fought with smooth precision. Though he was a mere two and a half centuries old or thereabouts, Bastien’s skill exceeded those of other immortals his age.
Aidan supposed the immortal would have to have been stronger and faster. He had, after all, once raised and commanded an army of vampires he had pitted against the Immortal Guardians. It would’ve been imbecilic to live in a lair with over a hundred psychotic vampires if he hadn’t been capable of defeating any who rebelled against him.
Those years of command had also, Aidan guessed, made it harder for Bastien to bow to Seth’s leadership and obey his orders. The younger immortal’s induction into their ranks had not gone smoothly, according to Cliff.
Speaking of whom…
Aidan removed another vampire’s head, then glanced over at Cliff.
Though his movements were as smooth and precise as Bastien’s, Cliff exhibited none of the cool detachment found in Bastien’s expression.
No, Cliff tore his opponents apart with a rage and ferocity that even Aidan found disturbing.
When the vampires’ numbers dwindled to only five or six, Bastien backed away several steps and allowed Cliff to take on his opponents.
Aidan followed Bastien’s example, confident Cliff could defeat those who remained.
Bastien cast Aidan a grim look.
Unspoken concern leapt back and forth between them.
The last vampire fell.
Aidan studied the dozens of vampire bodies that lay in various stages of decay around them.
“What the hell is going on?” Bastien asked, echoing Aidan’s thoughts. “Why so many?”
“I don’t know.” Aidan looked to Cliff.
The vampire’s chest rose and fell with rapid breaths as he stared down at his fallen foes. His eyes glowed not just with amber light but with the madness that fought so hard to consume him.
Cliff’s hands fisted around the hilts of his short swords. His biceps—riddled with cuts and gashes—bulged as he fought an inner battle Aidan didn’t have to hear to recognize. The voices in Cliff’s young, damaged mind called for more blood. More violence. More death.
Bastien sheathed his weapons and looked to his friend. “Cliff?” he asked, voice gentle.
Cliff didn’t respond.
Sheathing his own weapons, Aidan slowly approached Cliff and touched his shoulder. It took a lot of effort to keep those voices from invading his own mind, but Aidan managed to do it and focused his healing gift on sending warmth and soothing energy into his friend.
Gradually Cliff’s breathing slowed. The muscles in his arms and shoulders relaxed.
The young vampire drew in a long deep breath, held it, then slowly released it. The glow in his eyes fading, he looked over his shoulder at Aidan. “Thank you.”
Aidan gave his shoulder a squeeze, then released him. He met Bastien’s gaze while Cliff bent and used the shirttail of one of the fallen vampires to wipe the blood from his weapons.
Dread filled the British immortal’s eyes.
Cliff frowned as he straightened. “How many were there?”
Aidan glanced around. “Two dozen, give or take.”
Bastien shook his head. “They’re amassing again.”
Aidan agreed. “But under whose leadership?”
“I don’t know. Did you see anything in their thoughts?”
Aidan’s phone rang. “I didn’t have time to read them.” Retrieving his phone, he glanced down to see who was calling. “It’s Brodie.” His Second. “Yes?” he answered as Bastien’s phone rang.
The two immortals shared a concerned look.
“Chris has called a meeting,” Brodie said.
Aidan heard Bastien’s Second, Tanner, echo the news when Bastien answered.
“When?” Aidan asked.
“Tomorrow,” Brodie responded. “Just after sunset. At David’s place.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Aidan pocketed his phone.
Bastien did the same. “What do you think it’s about?”
Aidan shook his head. “I don’t know.” But if it was about Veronica Becker, he hoped Chris would bring them good news.
Shortly after sunset the next day, Aidan and Brodie strolled up the walk to David’s sprawling home. A cacophony of voices met Aidan’s sensitive ears as friendly conversation ebbed and flowed within.
“We may be the last to arrive,” he commented.
Brodie cast him an amused look. Because you took too long prettying yourself up for you-know-who.
Aidan laughed when he caught the thought. Perhaps he had spent an extra minute or two trying to tame his wavy hair. He would be seeing Dana later and would rather not look like Medusa when he did.
When he reached the front door, Aidan opened it without knocking and strode inside. Brodie entered behind him and closed the door.
Though it was only one story, David’s house was large with high ceilings and furnishings that were both modern and comfortable. It also boasted a basement that was even larger than the ground floor, providing his immortal family with multiple bedrooms and a large gym in which they could train and spar during the day.
Until Zach had joined their ranks, David had been the second oldest and most powerful Immortal Guardian in the world. He had lived so long that—like Seth—he had witnessed biblical events and was Seth’s second-in-command. Though Zach exceeded David in age, Aidan really wasn’t sure which one of them would win if those two ever fought. He saw little chance of that happening though. David was the most even-tempered Immortal Guardian Aidan knew and considered all immortals and their Seconds family. Treated them like family, too, opening the doors of all his homes to them, inviting them to come and go as they pleased, and providing them with a warm family atmosphere in which to decompress after a hunt.
Several men and women called a greeting to Aidan as they abandoned the sofas and love seats in the living room on the right and headed for the dining room on the left.
Aidan didn’t bother to remove his coat as he and Brodie followed. He was hoping this would be a short meeting. And even if it wasn’t, he didn’t have to worry about becoming overheated since immortals could control their body temperature.
David nodded to Aidan and seated himself at the head of the table. His Second, Darnell, took the chair on his left. Chris Reordon brushed past Aidan and plunked a battered, soft leather briefcase down beside the chair to David’s right.
Seth already occupied the seat at the foot of the table and spoke softly to Ami, who sat on his left. Her
husband Marcus occupied the chair beside her, listening to Seth while he arranged construction paper and crayons on the table in front of him and balanced little Adira in his lap.
Roland Warbrook sat on Marcus’s other side. He had long been deemed the most antisocial, untrusting immortal on the planet. Yet he smiled at Adira as she chattered away and waved a green crayon at him. Marcus had been like a brother to Roland for roughly eight hundred years. And Roland clearly adored his friend’s toddler.
Seated beside him, Roland’s wife Sarah leaned across him to take the crayon Adira handed her.
Richart d’Alençon claimed the chair on Sarah’s other side after seating his wife Jenna beside him. Jenna’s son John sank down beside her. If Aidan wasn’t mistaken, John was a gifted one who was studying medicine at Duke University. He and his mother looked like brother and sister now that Jenna had transformed, something that always seemed to amuse Jenna.
Seconds Sheldon and Tracy sat beside John. Richart’s twin, Étienne, and his wife Krysta chose the seats on the other side of the two. Then Krysta’s brother Sean, and Nicole, his Second, took two of the last three seats on that side.
On the opposite side of the table, Zach lounged at Seth’s elbow, the only man present who didn’t wear a shirt. Shirts tended to get in the way of the huge dark wings he often bore, which were absent tonight, tucked away so he could lean back in his chair.
For the first time, Aidan found himself wondering if perhaps Seth had wings. Seth and Zach had both been Others, after all. So if Zach had wings, wouldn’t it stand to reason that Seth did, too?
Or was Zach simply a shape-shifter who enjoyed manifesting wings?
Either way, if Seth had wings, Aidan had never seen them.
Lisette d’Alençon leaned into Zach’s side and whispered something in his ear that made him smile and curl an arm around her. Though Aidan knew she had long been burdened with the guilt of accidentally transforming her brothers, he couldn’t help but think how nice it must have been to have two loving members of her family with her for two centuries.
Ethan and his wife Heather sat beside Lisette.
Aidan took the empty chair next to them, returning the smile Heather gave him. She was the youngest immortal present, only turned the previous year.
Blade of Darkness Page 11