by Sarah Bailey
The vampire smiled at her, his white teeth gleaming.
“So, you’ve been rather sheltered?”
“You could say that.”
“Well, you could do worse than hang out in here.”
“I’m sure there’s more to our world than this.”
She waved her hand around at the bar. She wanted excitement, to be free to do as she pleased. She wanted to know what really went on in the supernatural underworld.
“There is, why? Did you want to see it all?”
“Yes, but I wouldn’t know where to start.”
The mischievous glint in his silver eyes made her blood pound. The subtle smile on his face made her aware he could hear it.
“I have only just returned after a spell in Prague. It was my plan to reacquaint myself with the city, so you’re welcome to tag along. Although, I shouldn’t be offering, Gav did tell me to stay away from you.”
Why would he do that? Unless it’s because of who I am and who my father is.
It seemed like a logical explanation.
“Why? Does he think you’ll get me into trouble?”
He chuckled, a sly grin appearing on his lips.
“I think you want to get into trouble. Tell me I’m wrong.”
She didn’t want to incur her father’s wrath, but she was fed up with being locked away. She’d managed to escape today because her father was away at the royal estate and would be for quite some time.
“Let me get this straight. You’re offering me a chance to see what’s out there in our world. What do you get out of it?”
“Oh well, I quite like the idea of having a partner in crime.”
His grey eyes glinted again.
I don’t know what his game is, but it would be good to have someone to protect me if things go wrong. Besides, I don’t have many friends.
She put her hand out to him.
“Okay, friends then?”
He looked down at her hand for a moment. He slid his palm over hers, gripping her hand in an iron hold. His skin was cool to the touch. When they’d shaken hands before, she’d had the distinct feeling that Jamie was someone she’d either entirely regret meeting or he’d show her what she’d been missing. She was apprehensive about finding out which one it would be.
“Friends.”
Chapter Two
Dani left the bar in a daze. Jamie had been quick to exchange numbers with her before she said she had to go. She hadn’t expected to meet anyone tonight, let alone a vampire who promised to show her a taste of the world outside the fae. Sort of went better than expected. Doesn’t mean I trust him entirely. Who knew what Jamie’s real intentions were.
She summoned her magic to her; it shot out creating a purple light in front of her. She was careful not to use too much. Like many of her kind, she would need to breathe a human in order to replenish it. That came with its own set of complications for her.
She stepped through the portal and landed near her father’s city residence. Ducking down a side alley and hopping the fence, she snuck in the backdoor. She shrugged off her coat and hung it up before walking into the living room.
“Well, well, who’s a dirty little stop out?”
She froze, spying her brother, Novus, lounging on the sofa with his feet up on the coffee table.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She sat down next to him, flicking his ear. He batted her hand away.
“Ouch! Quit that. And don’t try act like you’re all innocent. I smell vampire on you.”
Damn. Novus really needs to stop getting up in my business. He’s been on my case since he got home from Romania.
“I went out.”
“Dani, you know Father will go mental if he finds out.”
She struck, grabbing him around the neck and digging her fist into his scalp.
“Lucky for me, he isn’t going to find out.”
Her phone buzzed in her bag. Novus struggled in her grip.
“Get off.”
“Not until you promise to say nothing to him.”
“Okay, okay, just let go.”
She released him. He sat back, scowling. Novus looked most like her out of the six of them. They took after their mother, who’d passed away when Dani was small. Theodus, Belladonna, Peony and Verbena looked like their father with light green eyes and brown hair. Although, Verbena insisted on changing her hair to match her eyes because she just had to be different.
My sister. The world’s biggest hypocrite.
“You still have to tell me where you went.”
Dani sighed. There wasn’t much point trying to get out of it since he’d probably tickle her. Novus was closest to her in age, but he was still ten years older. Dani hadn’t been planned. Her parents were surprised when they discovered her mother had been pregnant again.
“That vampire bar you told me about. Fright Night.”
“And why do you smell of vampire? Did you let one come near you?”
“What? No.”
She had shaken Jamie’s hand, but that was being polite. Novus gave her a look.
“I spoke to one and shook his hand. That’s it.”
She tugged her phone from her bag, checking the message.
Jamie: Come by the bar on Friday. We can start your initiation into my world then.
Her cheeks turned pink. Novus snatched her phone from her. He scanned the message before she had a chance to grab it back.
“Initiation into my world? Just what have you gotten yourself into?”
“Novy, give me my phone.”
He tossed it away, making her scramble to catch it. She scowled.
“You know I hate it when you call me that.”
“Why, because you can’t say no to me?”
He knocked his shoulder into hers, grinning.
“Little sister, you really are a handful when you want to be. Now, tell me exactly who this Jamie is.”
“A vampire who agreed to show me the supernatural world. You, Theo and the girls have gotten to see the outside world, but me? Not a chance.”
“You know why that is.”
Of course I do, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Why did she, of all her siblings, have to inherit the worst possible curse imaginable?
“Is it really so bad that I’m tired of being mollycoddled and kept away from everything and everyone?”
He sighed, resting his head on her shoulder.
“No. It’s not. Just be careful.”
“You’re not going to tell Father?”
“No. He’s got enough to worry about. Besides, I’ll just have to make sure you stay out of trouble.”
She grinned. Novus would never tell tales on her. They’d always been close. She’d missed him these past three years he’d been abroad.
She unlocked her phone and tapped out a message to Jamie.
Dani: Time?
Jamie: Say eight?
Dani: See you then.
Jamie: I promise it’ll be fun
Of that she had no doubt.
§
Dani fidgeted as she made her way down the steps to the bar. She’d spent the day clothes shopping with Novus in Oxford Street and at a few select boutiques. He’d been insistent about her updating her wardrobe if she was going to spend time with other supernaturals. His parting words echoed in her ears.
“Just be careful, Dani. Don’t let anyone make you do anything you’re not comfortable with and don’t breathe any humans. You know what will happen.”
She shook herself. She knew all too well. The bar was busier this evening, but it was a Friday night. She adjusted her tight navy dress, trying to tug it down a little more. It landed halfway down her thighs, but she still felt a little self-conscious. The fae tended to wear long flowing dresses, but Novus said fae fashion sucked and she should dress like humans do.
“Well, that’s one hell of an outfit,” said a voice right by her ear.
She jumped, almost
smacking into the person behind her. They placed their hands on her back, steadying her. She felt a chill run up her spine. Vampire. She spun around, finding Jamie smirking at her. His silver eyes glinted with mischief.
“Don’t sneak up on me. Are all vampires as quiet as you?”
“Pretty much, you’ll get used to it.”
His eyes roamed down her, admiration in his expression.
“Certainly a change from when we first met.”
He put his hand out, waving it up and down at her a little. She flushed.
“My brother said I should try to blend in better if I don’t want to get caught.”
“Did he help you choose this?”
She nodded, aware her face was burning. The way Jamie was looking at her was that of a man who wanted to pin her down and devour every inch of her. That was not why she was here. And he’d agreed they were just friends.
She didn’t think vampires were this expressive but perhaps it was just Jamie. His eyes told her far more than she’d bargained for.
“I must meet this brother of yours, he has good taste. Now, do you want a drink?”
“Um... sure.”
Jamie grinned, putting his hand out to her.
“Don’t be nervous. We’re just going to get to know each other and drink a little. I don’t bite… much.”
She put her hand in his, rolling her eyes.
Oh, I’m well aware of your feeding habits. Vampires and their bloodlust. My tutor was very clear on that.
He led her to the bar, giving her the menu to look over. When the bartender came over, the same vampire who’d served her yesterday, he grinned.
“I said you didn’t have to start till next week, you know,” the female vampire said.
“This is for pleasure, not work,” Jamie replied. He turned to Dani. “This is Neave, she owns the bar and is Gavin’s second. Also now my boss too. Neave, this is Dani.”
Neave looked over at her. She felt distinctly uncomfortable by the second vampire’s penetrating gaze. Neave smiled after a moment, cocking her head to the side.
“Oh, it’s you. Wait, Gavin told me you needed to stay away from her. Honestly, do you ever listen to him?”
“Nope.”
Neave rolled her eyes, sighing.
“Dani, was it? Well, be careful with this one. He’s not known for staying out of trouble.”
Dani was sure Jamie was the type to go looking for it. She wished she could have that same freedom.
“Apparently my royal status makes me off limits to everyone,” Dani said.
Neave grinned.
“Gavin is protective of his interests, but Jamie doesn’t seem to care about that.”
“Gav is just uptight and needs to relax a little. What’s the worst that could happen? No one else knows who she is.”
Neave snorted, shaking her head.
“With you, the worst always happens.”
Jamie smirked, winking at Dani.
Is he always like this? I’m sure he’s not flirting with me, so why do I feel so flustered around him?
“Just the usual, and how about you make Dani your speciality?”
“Coming up,” Neave said.
She moved away and Jamie turned to Dani.
“Boss?” she asked.
“Oh well, that’s why Gav made me come home. Neave needs help running the place. I’m more than just a pretty face.”
Dani looked him over. He was wearing black jeans, black shoes and a white t-shirt under his jacket. She was pretty sure he was all hard muscle underneath that.
He is attractive, for a vampire maybe.
“Did I say you were pretty? Must’ve been someone else.”
His eyebrows shot up.
“What? You’re not into this?”
He indicated his face and chest. She smiled.
“No. You’re too… undead.”
He barked with laughter.
“You’d be so lucky anyway.”
To be honest, I probably would but he doesn’t need to know that.
The taboo aspect of getting into bed with a vampire appealed to her on some level. She’d only ever been with her own kind. This wasn’t why she wanted to hang out with Jamie. Novus would probably go ballistic if she slept with anyone and she dreaded to think what her father would say.
“Oh, would I? Tell me, does this act work on all the girls?”
“Most of the time. I see I’ll have to work harder to win you over.”
His grin told her he was joking, but his eyes were molten silver. It sent a shiver down her spine. Neave interrupted them by placing their drinks down on the bar.
“I’ll put this on your tab, which you no doubt want me to open,” she said.
Jamie nodded, winking at his fellow vampire. She stalked away to serve someone else. Jamie handed Dani her drink. It was blood red.
“What is this?”
“Neave calls it Vampire’s Kiss. I thought it’d amuse or perhaps entice you.”
He clinked his own glass against hers.
“Well, this is probably the only vampire I’ll ever be kissing, so bottoms up.”
She took a sip. It was fruity and very alcoholic. When she looked at Jamie, he was smiling behind his glass.
“We’ll see about that.”
Her blood pounded in her ears. She raised an eyebrow at him to hide her embarrassment at her traitorous response to his flirting.
“I’m not kissing you. Friends don’t kiss.”
“Who said it was going to be me?”
He sipped his Jack and coke.
“Just as long as we’re clear.”
But you kind of want to know what it’d be like to kiss him, don’t you, Dani?
Shut up, brain! I’m just curious about vampires. That’s it.
“Come on, I spy a free table.”
He grabbed her hand, tugging her away from the bar. She tried not to trip up in her low heeled ankle boots. He pulled out a high stool for her. She sat, placing her drink on the table. He sat next to her, so close, their thighs brushed against each other.
“So, tell me, why have you been kept under lock and key for so long?” he asked.
“My father is overprotective of his youngest daughter and I’ve only just come of age.”
That wasn’t the whole truth, but she wasn’t about to spill all her secrets to a vampire she’d only just met. Some things didn’t need to be public knowledge. Not now. Not ever. Her father had made sure of it.
“How many siblings do you have?”
“Two brothers and three sisters. Theodus is a prick, Belladonna and Peony are married and Verbena prefers to be at one with nature. I’m close with Novus though, he’s about the only one who isn’t pretentious and understands the restrictive nature of our status amongst the fae.”
Jamie pressed closer, his thigh firmly against hers. She tried not to read into it. He reached up, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
“Not a fan of most of your family?”
“Not the overbearing members, no. Tell me about yours.”
He raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his drink.
“Mine?”
“Yes. How does the whole vampire sibling thing work?”
He shrugged a little, leaning back in the high stool with his arm draped across the back of hers.
“Those who share the same sire have a bond of sorts. I’m the youngest of Yvonne’s children. Who knows how many she turned before she met the final death. I just know Gavin and Jack.”
I can’t help but think there’s a story behind her death.
Jamie’s expression had hardened when he mentioned his maker’s name.
“What are you hoping to get out of this little arrangement?” he said, changing the subject entirely.
“What do you mean?”
He leant forward again. Her pulse spiked.
“How far down the rabbit hole do you wish to fall? I can show you the darkest recesses of the supernatural world.”
&n
bsp; His words sent a shiver down her spine.
“I can see why Neave said you don’t stay out of trouble.”
“And you’re avoiding the question.”
She looked away, unable to take the intensity of his eyes any longer.
“I want to see what’s what. It doesn’t have to be dark, just real.”
A part of her wanted to see exactly how dark the world was, but the other half was wary. What if I’m not prepared for all this? I’ve barely spent any time away from the fae. The allure of Jamie’s promises to show her more were far too appealing to pass up.
“We’ll start light then.” His hand fell on her knee, causing her to jolt. “How about I take you dancing?”
“Dancing? I only know formal fae dances. What kind are you talking about?”
“You’ve never been to a club? Oh, Dani, you really are innocent.” His fingers traced a line around her skin just above her knee. “I’m going to enjoy corrupting you.”
His eyes glinted with mischief, trouble and undeniable heat. She almost couldn’t breathe. This was going too far. She removed his hand from her leg, flushing.
“You can corrupt my view of the world, but I am off limits.”
He grinned, leaning back again.
“Of course, we are friends. Now, tell me more about Novus, I want to know why you’re so close.”
Chapter Three
Jamie sat in the Manager’s Office tapping away on Neave’s new tablet with the laptop discarded beside him on the desk. His phone buzzed.
Dani: Novus is out. What are you doing?
He grinned. Dani. He’d not heard from her in a few days. He was beginning to think she might have gone off the idea of spending time with him.
Jamie: Working :( you all alone then?
Dani: Sorta. Bored?
Jamie: Perhaps. You can always entertain me.
He dropped his phone back on the desk when she didn’t immediately respond. Neave popped her head around the door.
“So… I need your help with something,” she said.
“Does it involve heavy lifting?”
“Maybe.”
He got up, tucking his phone in his pocket. It buzzed as he followed Neave out of the room. When they reached the soundproofed room in the back, Jamie was confronted with two very bloody men. The smell immediately assaulted his senses, causing his fangs to pop out. He hadn’t fed yet.