by Jaye Wells
“Logan, what are you thinking about?” his mother asked. She stood near the bar across the living room from where he sat.
“Just thinking about work,” he evaded. Then he silently lectured himself for spending so much time having thoughts about Sydney when he should indeed be thinking about work. The council wanted results yesterday, and he still had a lot of testing to do. But for some reason, he found the luscious curator much more interesting than beakers and test tubes.
“Sure, brother, my work often makes me grin lecherously, too,” Callum said from his chair near the fireplace. Logan shot his brother a glare. His meddling sibling seemed to be having a lot of fun at his expense lately. Logan couldn’t wait until their mother set her matchmaking sights on Callum.
“Don’t you have some deals to make tonight or something?” Logan asked.
“Nah, I have some time, so I figured I’d pitch in with the Raven search. Plus I can’t wait to meet the enchanting Miss Worth I have heard so much about.”
“Where have you heard so much about her?” Logan asked, suddenly suspicious. He turned to look at Alaric, who ducked his head and pretended to examine his flip-flops.
“Alaric?” Logan said..
The traitor looked up with feigned confusion “Yes?”
“Do you need more work to do in the lab?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I just figured if you have so much free time to spend gossiping with my brother that you need more to do,” Logan said.
Alaric didn’t even try to hide his grin.
“Hey, we’re guys. We can’t help talking about an attractive female. Besides, I didn’t tell him everything,” Alaric said.
“What do you mean ‘everything’? There’s nothing to tell,” Logan said, glad that no one in the room could read his mind and recognize his statement for the lie it was.
Alaric shot Logan an amused look. “My friend, do I need to remind you that you are the only one in this room incapable of reading Sydney’s mind?”
Logan paused for a moment as Alaric’s words sunk in. Fantastic. Even if Alaric hadn’t told everyone already, they all would have known about the kiss the moment Syd walked into the room. The mortification he felt at being the subject of family gossip paled in comparison to the protective instincts it brought up.
He addressed the trio troublemakers. “I want to make this perfectly clear, so listen up. If you have questions about Sydney and me, you talk to me. Sydney deserves more respect than to have her private thoughts mined for juicy gossip. I already feel bad enough having to deceive her without you invading her privacy on top of it.”
Callum and Alaric both shuffled their feet at the end of the speech. Apparently, neither had considered mind reading invasive. Come to think of it, Logan never had either. But then again he had not had much interaction with mortals in a couple of centuries. Besides, he wasn’t all that noble. He really wanted to ask what other tidbits Alaric had gathered. But he would never stoop to that level. He meant what he’d said; he respected her too much to use such underhanded tactics to get information. Sure, the frustration definitely got to him when she was around, but on the other hand, it was refreshing as well.
As far as deceiving Sydney went, well, that was a necessary evil. After all, they couldn’t very well sit her down and explain that they were all vampires and a rogue vampire stole the painting. Thus, they had concocted a story about an extremist group. Since he didn’t plan on letting Syd anywhere near the real action of finding Raven and the painting, he didn’t feel too bad about the lie. Besides, in vampire circles, Raven was an extremist.
“Good for you, son,” Kira said. “Perhaps it is a good lesson for us all to use more discretion when using our powers. As far as Sydney is concerned, she especially deserves our respect. The poor dear has done so much for us.” Logan nodded, relieved his mother had not joined the teasing.
“I agree,” Alaric said. “After all, she is Logan’s soul mate.”
Logan leapt from his seat, ready to teach his impertinent friend a well-deserved lesson. However, before he could get to Alaric, the doorbell rang. Logan stopped in his tracks.
Sydney.
He shot a warning glare at Callum and Alaric before turning toward the foyer. On his way, he stopped by his mother’s chair and turned to address all three of his companions.
“Everyone better be on their best behavior tonight. No mind reading, no innuendos, no embarrassing stories. Sydney is here to help us.”
“But Logan, we would never try to make her uncomfortable,” Callum said with a chuckle.
Logan ignored the second chime. He had to make it clear to everyone that he would not stand for any antics.
“Watch it, brother. If you don’t behave, I’ll tell mother about the time—”
“All right, all right. I’ll behave,” Callum said, holding up his hands in surrender.
Logan nodded. He chuckled when he saw the suspicious glance his mother sent his brother. He slid a look at Alaric, warning his unusually quiet friend to keep it that way. Then, he hurried to the foyer as the doorbell rang again.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. He felt his pulse race knowing she was just beyond that door. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this anxious to see anyone—mortal or immortal. He reached for the door just as he realized he’d never gotten this excited about seeing Brenna.
Syd watched the door swing open to reveal a frowning Logan. She hesitated. After his teasing comment as he left the museum earlier, the last thing she expected was to see him looking so serious tonight.
“Logan? Is everything okay?”
He shook his head and smiled. “Sorry. I was thinking about a confusing problem.”
She laughed. “I am glad it’s not my arrival that put you in a bad mood.”
“Never. Please come in.” He held the door open wider to allow her access. As she passed him, she caught the scent of him—subtle aftershave with an undertone of virile male. She tried not to inhale too deeply lest she throw herself at him.
He led her through the foyer and into the living room. Kira met her at the entrance and gave her a friendly hug.
“Sydney, this is my brother, Callum,” Logan said as they walked farther into the room.
She looked up to see a gorgeous man walking toward her. He looked as if he’d stepped straight off the pages of GQ with his charcoal suit and wingtips. A hot corporate raider, but with eyes that twinkled with mischief and a smile hinted at flirtation.
“A pleasure,” Callum said. “I am honored to finally meet you, Sydney.” He bowed over her hand and kissed it.
“All right, little brother, that’s enough,” Logan said. She wondered at his tone. Could he be jealous of a little harmless flirting?
“And you have already met Alaric,” Logan continued. Alaric stepped forward and shook Sydney’s hand. He wore what Sydney thought of as his uniform. Tonight’s Hawaiian shirt sported images of tiki gods on a blue background.
“Nice to see you again. Your assistant isn’t joining us tonight?”
“No, I try not to let him loose on the public too often,” Syd joked. Alaric and Logan chuckled while the other two looked curious about the comment.
Logan tried to explain. “Jorge is . . . uh . . .”
“He’s a flirt,” Syd cut in. “I am afraid he took quite a liking to Alaric when they met.”
Alaric looked uncomfortable at the reminder but laughed good-naturedly.
“So, should we get started?” Logan said, motioning to a chair for Sydney.
“Sydney, why don’t you sit here next to me,” Callum suggested with a boyish grin.
She started toward the couch where he sat. But Logan stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“Actually, you would probably be more comfortable in one of the chairs. The couch is very lumpy.” He started to guide her toward the chair next to his. Callum smiled at her again and shrugged. Sydney looked up at Logan in time to catch him shooting a glare at his
brother. She obviously missed something here. She didn’t for a minute believe Callum was actually hitting on her. It almost seemed like Callum was trying to make Logan jealous. And Logan took the bait. She stifled a smile.
Kira offered Sydney a drink, which she accepted. She took a sip of the red concoction and choked.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I make it too spicy?” Kira asked, concern clear on her face.
“Uh, no. I just wasn’t expecting a Bloody Mary. It’s actually quite good,” she said, taking another sip. She thought the choice of drink odd for an evening meeting, but noticed everyone else held glasses filled with red liquid.
“Yes, I personally love a good Bloody Mary at the end of a long day. So many vitamins,” Kira said. She took a long gulp of her own drink. When she glanced at Sydney after she lowered the glass, Sydney could have sworn the woman’s eyes lit up. Guess someone likes a lot of vodka in her drink, Syd thought.
She heard a chuckle from Callum, and Kira looked embarrassed all of a sudden. Alaric tried to disguise a snicker by taking a sip of his own drink.
“So, has there been any more news at the museum about the painting?” Callum asked.
She shook her head. “I am afraid not. The police have zero leads at this point. I’m sorry. I wish I had more to give you.”
“Don’t worry yourself, dear. It’s not your fault. After all, no one can predict the actions of extremists.”
“Extremists?” asked Syd. Logan said something earlier about a group causing problems, but she began to suspect something more serious was going on here.
“Yes, we have had some problems with a radical group that opposes the research we do. They have caused a few inconveniences in protest,” explained Callum.
“In fact, the urgent business which kept me away the other day was due to them,” Logan explained. “We believe they stole a shipment of supplies I needed for an important project. But stealing the painting is the most serious offense thus far—a personal attack on our family. I don’t know how she found out about the painting, but I plan to personally prove to her you don’t mess with the Murdoch family,” Logan said fiercely.
“Her?’ Syd asked.
“What?”
“You said ‘her.’”
“I did?”
“Yes, Logan, you did,” his mother said.
Syd thought she saw a flicker of a smile on Kira’s lips but couldn’t imagine the cause.
“Oh. Uh, the leader of this group is a woman. She is vehemently against scientific advancements.”
“You’re telling me she hates science?” Syd asked dubiously.
“Well, let’s just say she has a certain affinity for old ways,” Callum said with a smile.
“That’s odd,” said Syd. Who was against all science? She knew extremist groups could be a little bizarre—they were called extremists for a reason, after all—but she had never heard of a group like this.
“But how do you plan to handle it? Are they dangerous?” Syd asked.
“Don’t worry, my dear. The boys and their contacts should be able to track down the people responsible in no time,” explained Kira. Syd thought it odd for a mother to be so nonchalant about sending her sons on a dangerous mission. And who were these “contacts”? Were Logan and Callum involved in something more illicit than simple scientific research?
“Mother, that makes us sound like Mafioso,” said Callum. “We will simply call some of our contacts who are familiar this group.”
Callum spoke as if he had read her thoughts. She shrugged it off when she realized her expression must have given her away.
“So where do I fit in all of this?” she asked.
“Sydney, I totally understand if you just want to stay clear of this whole matter. After all, while we don’t plan on it being dangerous, there is always that possibility,” said Logan.
She thought about it for a moment. On one hand, he had a point. She didn’t feel excited about tangling with an extremist group. On the other hand, if she helped Logan and his family, it could give her some leverage with Stiggler. Another part of her balked at the idea of using their misfortune for her own gain. But if she was honest with herself, she really wanted to help them. She cared about Logan, and she wanted to do anything she could to help him get back the item that meant so much to him and his family.
Her four companions waited silently while she thought over her options. She looked up to see three smiling faces—Kira, Callum, and Alaric. But Logan’s frown gave her pause. Had his suggestion been his way of trying to get rid of her?
“Before you make your decision, I want to say I would love for you to help us,” said Kira. Before Sydney could question that statement, Kira added, “After all, you might have some connections in the art world that could assist us.”
“But Syd, you must understand that while I can assure you we would do everything in our power to keep you out of harm’s way, there are no guarantees,” Logan hastily added.
She was more confused than ever. Kira seemed to want her there, but Logan didn’t. She wanted to help, but if Logan wanted her gone then she might as well leave now.
“Logan,” Kira said with a pointed stare at her son. “Don’t scare the girl. She’ll think you’re trying to get rid of her.”
“Huh?” he said, sounding confused. She saw Alaric and Callum were both shooting looks at him. Suddenly, his eyes widened as if he finally caught on.
“Syd, no. I just don’t want you to feel obligated here. You already have done so much for us.”
Relieved, she smiled at him. “You know what? The fact I did so much work only to have those cretins steal the painting pisses me off. I would love to help you get the panting back.”
“That’s the spirit!” said Kira, who then slapped her hand down on the chair arm. “Now that that’s settled, what’s the plan?”
“Alaric and I will try to track down the group’s hideout. Callum, you’ll call your Brether—I mean law enforcement contacts. Mother will work the . . . um . . . information gathering angle from the police detective. I think that covers it,” Logan said.
He rubbed his temple. Trying to choose his wording carefully in front of Syd proved more difficult than he’d imagined. After all, he couldn’t let Syd know that, in reality, he and Alaric were going to scour vampire bars for information on Raven’s hideout; Callum was going to the Brethren Council for assistance; and his mother had the job of reading the detective’s mind for any clues he might have found.
“What about me?” Syd chimed in as Logan stood up.
Damn. He had hoped she wouldn’t notice he hadn’t given her a task.
He sat back down and struggled to think of busywork to give her. He had to keep her out of the way and ignorant of the truth of the situation.
“I know. How about you get online and research the group? See if there is any gossip in chat rooms and the like about their plans,” he said, mentally high-fiving himself for his genius. “Great, I guess we’re done here.” He started to rise.
“Wait,” she said and grabbed his arm to make him sit again. “Logan, you haven’t told me the name of the group yet.”
“I haven’t?” he stalled.
“No,” Syd said in a no-nonsense tone that let him know she didn’t find his evasions amusing. “You haven’t, and frankly, I am beginning to wonder if you are trying to brush me off so I’ll stay out of the way.”
Logan heard a quick chuckle disguised as a cough coming from the vicinity of his brother. He glanced at Alaric, only to find his friend grinning. He didn’t risk a look at his mother, knowing he’d see her enjoying herself at his expense.
Looking back at Syd, whose stare defied him to give her busywork, he said, “Nonsense. It simply slipped my mind with all the confusion. Their name is . . . the Society for . . . Undermining Contemporary Science.”
The faces around him just stared for a moment.
“Are you telling me an extremist group goes by the acronym SUCS?” Syd asked dubiously.
/> Logan heard another smothered laugh from the other side of the coffee table.
He shrugged. “Who can understand these wacko groups?”
Syd still looked dubious, but nodded. “Oookay. I guess I can see what I can find. What is the name of their leader? I should run a search on her, too.”
“Her name is Raven Coracino,” his mother said.
Luckily, Syd had turned to look at the traitor who gave birth to him, so she missed the glare he sent Kira’s way. The damned woman merely shrugged in return.
“Okay, seems easy enough,” Syd said as she turned to face Logan again. He quickly replaced his frown with a smile.
“Great, well I better get started contacting people,” Callum said as he stood.
“Good idea,” said Kira. “The sooner we get started, the sooner this will be done. But I want to say something. We must remember we are only going to get the painting back. It is up to the proper authorities to deal with Raven,”
Logan sorely wanted to teach Raven a lesson for all the trouble she had caused, but he understood his mother’s reasoning. The council would surely see these latest transgressions as reason enough to take serious action against Raven. In the past, they had merely given her slaps on the wrist, but now they would be forced to ensure she changed her ways. While the council forbade any type of physical punishment, they were very creative when it came to administering justice.
“Agreed,” he said. “Let’s all meet back here tomorrow afternoon. Syd, does that give you enough time to do your web search?”
“If there is anything to be found, I’ll have it by morning,” she said. Her tone let him know she had suspicions about the information he gave her. Luckily, he just needed her out of the way tonight. If things went as planned, he would find Raven by the time they met again tomorrow.
She stood and reached to grab her drink. Logan noticed at the last moment she had accidentally grabbed his glass instead. He leapt toward her and grabbed the cup from her hand. She sent him a startled look as some of his blood and vodka cocktail sloshed onto the floor between them.