Ironic Sacrifice
Page 25
“Good morning, Jayden,” Razvan said.
She rolled over to face him and nearly fell off the couch. He steadied her and smiled down at her. “How are you feeling?”
“Starving.” She didn’t mean for it to come out so bluntly, but the smell of the food was driving her crazy. She sat up. “Is that chicken fried steak?”
“I have no idea.” Razvan grabbed a paper sack from the arm of the couch and pulled out a to-go box. He opened it, frowned, and handed it to her. “I hope that will be enough for you. There is orange juice in the refrigerator as well.”
It was chicken fried steak. There were also hash browns, bacon, sausage, and two fried eggs. Jayden salivated as she reached for the bag, hoping it contained plastic utensils. Not only were there utensils, but the bag was stuffed full of napkins, little pats of butter, salt, pepper, and ketchup packets.
“I think it’ll be plenty,” she said as she grabbed a fork and dug in.
Jayden’s cheek hurt as she chewed the steak. As she reached up and touched the bruise, the night’s events came back to her.
“Selena’s dead,” she said.
“Yes,” Razvan replied agreeably.
“Is everyone safe? What happened afterwards? I must have passed out when I saw—” The memory of that strange world with the two moons came back and she felt a twinge of pain in her head.
“Eat,” he commanded. “We’ll have plenty of time to discuss that later.”
His tone, along with her hunger and the almost-headache decided the subject and she returned to the food. But halfway through her meal, she stopped.
“Where are we?”
The air didn’t have the stale cigarette odor of Silas and Akasha’s house, and yet the lack of the aroma of pungent incense indicated that they weren’t in Selena’s abode either. The walls were bare of typical hotel room décor… or any décor for that matter, and the couch and TV were older and well worn.
Razvan gave her an enigmatic look. “This is my home.” At her incredulous expression he added, “I told you it was empty.”
Jayden dropped her fork and gazed around. The room was large, verging on cavernous. An old wooden elevator sat at the far end near a shadowy staircase. The drywall only extended so far before abruptly cutting off to reveal ancient brick walls.
Razvan touched her shoulder. “I will give you the full tour if you finish eating,” he said. “I took more blood from you than I'd intended.”
He sounded so guilty that Jayden hid a smile and returned to the food. Did he really mean it when he’d told he loved her earlier? Or had he been performing to piss off Selena? The sincerity of his tone then gave her hope.
When there was only a scrap of egg and a few bites of potatoes left, she pushed the Styrofoam container away. “I can’t eat anymore. Where do I put this?”
Razvan took the container and put it back into the bag. “We should save it. I’m afraid I don’t have any more food here.”
The news came back on and he grabbed the remote and turned it up.
“An update in our latest story: a group of houses in Post Falls, Idaho caught fire at approximately six AM this morning. It’s reported that no one is believed to have been in any of the homes at the time. Police and firefighters suspect arson.” The reporter looked up at the camera with an almost salacious smile.
“We have just received information that all four houses were registered to the same owner. Police have been unable to reach her and a neighbor has stated that the owner owed back property taxes.”
The camera cut to an elderly woman bundled up in a warm scarf and cap. “There were always people going in an out at odd hours of the night,” she said with a disapproving frown. “But nobody was around during the day. And then those tax notices began coming in. I got one at my address by mistake,” she said defensively. “I think drugs were involved.”
The camera cut to the charred remains of the four houses and the reporter. “As police attempt to contact the homeowner, anyone with any information leading to the cause of the fire is encouraged to call our crime check number.”
Jayden smiled. “So you guys burned it down?”
He nodded. “It was the only way to destroy evidence of the bodies.” He turned the TV off and chuckled. “That was quite convenient about the taxes. They will think she did it herself.”
“That had to be the most insane night of my life,” Jayden said. “I can’t believe that Xochitl and the others are in another world. But what did Delgarias mean when he said there’s going to be a war?”
Razvan shook his head. “I’m not certain, but I suppose we shall find out when they return.” His brows drew together. “I think it best if we do not talk about it for now. Why don’t we begin your tour of my home instead?”
Jayden grinned and stood up. The world tilted for a moment before the dizziness abated. “About that orange juice?”
Razvan smiled again. “Follow me.”
The carpeted area ended shortly and their boots echoed on cracked concrete flooring. The place had a basement feel to it, and yet not.
“This isn’t a house, is it?”
He shook his head. “We’re in the lower level of the old Sal’s Warehouse.”
Jayden gasped. They were only half a block from where he had first taken her. The crumbling red brick monstrosity had been a usual sight in her days of homelessness.
She had once considered breaking into this place for shelter when the weather got cold. With a wry smile, she wondered what would have happened if she did. Maybe then he would have killed her for real… or would he?
The kitchen area was bleak and dim with a low hanging bulb casting shadows in the corners. An ancient stove sat in one corner covered in dust and cobwebs. The hot plate and coffee maker on the counter appeared to be used more often. Razvan opened a fifties-style fridge and placed her leftover food inside before he took out a large Styrofoam cup. She took it and sat in the only chair at the cracked table.
“I take it that you don’t have company often.” Jayden was still in awe over the revelation of his home.
She’d expected a chic bachelor’s residence with top of the line everything, hot tubs, and scantily clad women running around. Hell, she’d expected the Playboy Mansion.
Razvan smiled slightly at her tone. “I am not often at home.”
Probably because it’s too lonely. The thought struck her and she had an urge to take him in her arms and vow that he’d never be alone again. She blushed and sipped her juice.
“Well,” he said after an uncomfortable silence. “Would you like a tour?”
Most of the rooms were empty, though a few contained stacks of unpacked boxes. One room made her breath catch in amazement. The walls were lined with shelves of records running from the ceiling to the floor. A gorgeous wooden console stereo dominated the room and an enormous Lazy-Boy recliner sat nearby, inviting the listener to relax.
“Wow,” she whispered. “You must have thousands of dollars’ worth of vinyl in here.”
“I like music,” he said simply.
Another long awkward silence ensued as she burned with a thousand questions. A strand of hair fell in her face and she smelled Selena’s incense. Her stomach roiled.
“I need a shower,” she said.
“There is one in the bedroom. Shall we go there now?”
Her curiosity rose to a fevered pitch and she tried not to show her eagerness. “Sure.”
The bedroom was a little homier than the rest of the rooms, perhaps because the bright splash of color of the fluffy quilt on the bed detracted from the blank walls. The wood from the antique dresser and wardrobe gleamed warmly when he turned on the lamp.
“I had a bathroom installed and there is a shower,” he said stiffly. “No tub, I’m afraid…”
She realized then that he was embarrassed.
“Your bed is very nice,” she offered. And it was. The king size colonial, covered with the elaborate quilt, likely cost a fortune. “I love the quilt.�
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“It is from my home country.” He looked down at her, his dark eyes inscrutable. “Jayden, after your shower, I would like to talk with you about…well….I would like to talk.”
He was so stiff and formal, with no sign of his usual mocking demeanor in sight. Though Jayden wanted to scream with the suspense, she knew it wouldn’t work to press him.
“All right.”
He didn’t offer to join her and she realized he must have cleaned up when she’d been asleep.
“Should I turn up the heat?” he asked. “These old baseboards never seem to provide enough warmth.”
This new insecure Razvan was unnerving.
“Sure,” she said and fled to the bathroom, hoping he would be more himself when she came back.
The bathroom was cold and full of antique worn fixtures. The bare hanging bulb did little to lighten the gloom when she pulled its chain. But the water was hot and the shampoo and soap were luxury quality. She frowned at the stubble on her legs and grabbed his razor, hoping he wouldn’t mind.
When Jayden emerged from the shower, Razvan reclined on the bed. The lamplight cast half his face in shadow and highlighted the chiseled beauty of the rest. His eyes glittered like pieces of onyx. She trembled as she remembered the first time she saw him, looming over her like a dark god.
He stood up and handed her a red velvet smoking jacket. Suddenly shy, she removed her towel quickly and put it on, her face flaming.
With his indrawn breath at her brief nudity, the air became charged with electric sensuality. Her legs trembled as she walked to the bed to sit next to him.
“I don’t have any clothes for you,” he said suddenly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think this through. I just wanted—” His fingers gripped her shoulders as he looked into her eyes. “Jayden, I love you. I want you to stay with me and help me make this place into a real home. Please, be my girlfriend, or wife or whatever title you desire. I only want to wake up each night with you by my side.”
Warmth curled from her head to her toes at his awkward declaration. Jayden swallowed a lump in her throat and took his face in her hands.
“I love you, too,” she whispered and kissed him.
Razvan devoured her lips like a man starved. She reached for the buttons on his shirt, eager for the touch of his skin. In seconds they were both naked. Razvan worshiped her body like he’d never get to hold her again. When he slid inside her, they both sighed in ecstasy. He made love to her slowly, torturously, bringing her to climax again and again until they collapsed in each other’s arms.
As he tucked the quilt over them and cradled her from behind, she whispered sleepily, “'Girlfriend' sounds nice for now. And I hear that sort of thing sometimes leads to 'wife.'”
Razvan pulled her closer to him. “I believe this will be a pleasurable courtship.”
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Jayden and Akasha sat at Silas’s dining room table, huddled over the latest issue of Elle Décor magazine. She and Razvan were staying in Coeur d’Alene while the warehouse was being renovated. Jayden was happy to be back with their old friends and ecstatic at trying her hand at interior decorating.
“What do you think of these drapes?” she asked.
Akasha frowned and lit a cigarette. “You don’t have windows in your place.”
Jayden sighed. “But they’re so pretty.”
Her friend’s expression was unyielding. Akasha wasn’t the best at giving opinions on paint swatches or carpet samples, but she was good with practicality.
“Why don’t you get some of those cloth hanging…things?” the mechanic suggested.
“Tapestries?” Jayden’s eyes widened at the thought. “That’s brilliant!”
“Whatever,” Akasha replied. “I’m just glad my house already came furnished. You better put that away and get ready for your date with Razvan. Didn’t you say you think he might propose?”
Her heart fluttered with excitement. “Shhh! They might hear you!” Then she thought of Akasha’s earlier words. “Wait, so Silas decorated this place all by himself? Maybe I should ask him for advice.”
Akasha shrugged indifferently. “I guess so. Maybe you can pick his brain after you show off your rock.”
Jayden narrowed her eyes. “Don’t jinx it!” she called over her shoulder as she headed upstairs to dress.
When she came back down, Razvan’s eyes raked her up and down, appreciative of her long slinky black dress and upswept hair.
“I guess we shall have to forego the motorcycle,” he said with a touch of regret.
Silas came into the room and chuckled. “I am certain your Charger will be enough to garner envy.”
When he opened the car door for her and got into the driver’s seat, Jayden fought back her usual nervousness. She had taught him to drive and besides that first mishap with the mailbox, he had done well, though he sometimes drove too fast.
He took her to Cedar’s, Coeur d’Alene’s famous floating restaurant. As she dug into her Seafood Pappardelle, almost moaning with delight, Razvan fidgeted with the tablecloth and gazed out the window at the lake.
He seemed almost as nervous as he’d been the night he first declared his love. Jayden hid a smile as she chewed her delicious food.
Soon afterwards, the waiter appeared with two glasses of champagne and a knowing smile on his face.
“A toast,” Razvan said. “To the woman who has made my life complete.”
She took her glass and clicked it against his, pretending not to notice the glint of metal in the bottom. But after she sipped her champagne, her cry of surprise was genuine. It was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen.
After she fished it out with her butter knife, she examined the ring with wide eyes. It was platinum embedded with gold filigree, centering a diamond that likely had cost the earth.
Razvan left his seat and sank down to one knee before her.
“Jayden Leigh, will you marry me?”
She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes as she threw herself into his embrace. “Yes!”
The restaurant broke out in applause. Apparently they had an audience. Jayden dabbed at her eyes with her napkin, hoping that her mascara hadn’t run.
Razvan slipped the ring on her finger. At his touch, she was suddenly thrown into a vision.
Radu Nicolae was awake. The vampire reclined by the fireplace in the stone chamber beneath the ruins of his family castle. He felt her watching and looked up, meeting her gaze with eyes eerily similar to Razvan’s.
“You…,” he whispered and stood up.
Without warning, he plunged into her mind. She felt him tear the knowledge of her location from her head like a sort of rape. Mercifully, he withdrew and stepped back, his lips twisted in a bitter smile and he turned his back to her to address someone else.
“We are going on a little trip, my pretty,” he said. His Romanian accent was thicker than his brother’s. His voice was harsh, as if hadn’t spoken for ages.
Jayden saw a cage in the far corner of the chamber. A woman was inside, clinging to the bars. Her strawberry blonde hair was tousled and bite marks were starkly visible on her pale neck. She looked at Radu in fearful confusion.
Razvan’s twin said one last thing before he thrust Jayden out of the vision. “I am coming, brother.”
A cool breeze bathed her face and her eyes fluttered open.
“Are you all right, my love?” Razvan asked.
She struggled to sit up. He had taken her outside to the patio overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. The moonlight reflected on the gently lapping water, a calming sight.
“I didn’t embarrass myself, did I?”
He shook his head and smiled. “They assumed you fainted from surprise. One woman thought it was very romantic.” His gaze turned serious. “Now what did you see? Was it that other world again?”
Jayden shook her head. Dread filled her gut.
“Your brother is coming here… and I think he’s still mad at yo
u.”
Acknowledgements
Thanks to all the people who read this book and helped make Razvan shine: Erica Chapman, Jamie DeBree, Rissa Watkins, Shelley Martin, Bonnie Paulson, Michel King, Millie McClaine, Layna Pimental, Jess Haines, Shona Husk, and Laurie Schneider.
Thanks to Kent Butler for taking an awesome background photo and helping me create the cover.
Thanks to my friends at Gus’s Cigar Pub for your enthusiastic support.
And thanks to my friends and family for being there for me on this crazy journey.
About the Author
A former mechanic turned paranormal romance author, Brooklyn Ann lives in the beautiful city of Coeur d’Alene with her son, her cat, and a 1980 Datsun 210. She can be found online at http://brooklynann.blogspot.com as well as on twitter and facebook.
Works:
Published by Sourcebooks
BITE ME, YOUR GRACE (April 2013)
ONE BITE PER NIGHT (August 2014)
BITE AT FIRST SIGHT (April 2015)
Published by Broken Angels
WRENCHING FATE (February 2014)
IRONIC SACRIFICE (October 2014)
Book 3, Untitled (To be announced)
1
Table of Contents
Copyright © 2014 by Brooklyn Ann
Dedicated to Karen Ann6~11~62 – 2~14 ~09
Chapter OneSpokane, Washington
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four