by Jaye Wells
Raven heaved a deep sigh. “Sydney, enough horsing around. Just be a good girl and this will be over quickly. I really don’t want to hurt you. But if I have to, I will. I’ve worked too hard for this for some mortal chick to give me lip.”
Syd backed away another step, preparing to sprint for the nearest exit. Raven was on her before she could make it two feet. She flinched, waiting for an attack. But Raven just dragged her back to the platform with a huff.
“Now, sit,” Raven commanded.
Seeing no other options, Syd did as she was told.
“Good girl,” Raven said. She grabbed a golden goblet from the altar. Into it, she poured the vial of elder vampire blood she had pointed out to Syd earlier. When Raven grabbed a double-edged blade with a black handle from the velvet, Syd immediately tensed. Raven had promised not to harm Syd, but that wicked-looking knife gave her second thoughts.
“Relax,” Raven ordered. “This is my Athame. It is for ceremonial purposes only.”
Syd watched as Raven walked in a circle around the platform and the painting as she chanted in a low voice.
Syd had never felt so helpless in her life. Fighting Raven was dangerous, and Syd had no idea how to stop a magic spell. She could only pray Logan and his family would get there in time to stop Raven.
Syd glared at Raven as she approached the altar. Reaching beneath the drape, she retrieved a long needle and grasped Sydney’s hand.
“This will only hurt for a moment,” Raven said as Syd began to struggle. Suddenly she jabbed the tip into the fleshy pad of Syd’s middle finger.
“Ouch!” Syd yelped.
“Quit being such a baby. It’s just a flesh wound,” Raven said. She gently squeezed Syd’s finger to coax a few drops out to fall into the goblet.
Raven let go of her hand and swirled the goblet a few times.
“Time for the magic,” she said quietly. Syd heard nothing but the sound of her own ragged breathing as Raven approached Logan’s portrait.
Standing slowly, Syd began to inch her way toward Raven. A concrete plan eluded her, but she knew there had to be a way to sabotage the ceremony. Raven’s trance-like chant covered Sydney’s movements.
“Ex cruor of vetus quod pectus pectoris of amor. Ex is imago of immortalis. Tribuo mihi ops imperium suus mens. Ego queso vos valde dea!”
Sydney reached for Raven as she raised the goblet. Suddenly a crash reverberated through the room. Raven, startled by the commotion, dropped the goblet on the floor.
“No!” she shrieked as she looked helplessly from the splash of crimson on the concrete to the group of vampires bearing down on her. “You ruined it!”
Syd spun around to see Logan, looking like an avenging angel, speed into the room, followed closely by Callum, Alaric, and Kira. Minions scattered the instant the foursome of powerful vampires broke through the door.
“Back away from the painting, Raven,” Logan commanded. Obviously knowing the odds were against her, Raven took a few hasty steps back.
“Hey, Logan, what’s new?” she asked nonchalantly.
When Logan reached Sydney, she let out a relieved cry as his strong arms wrapped around her. He pulled her a few feet away from the commotion around the painting.
“Logan, thank God! You stopped her just in time!”
“Are you all right? I swear if she hurt you . . .” he said as his hands traveled over her checking for damage.
“No, I’m fine. I’m fine,” she said, tears of relief stinging her eyes as she looked at his beloved face.
He wrapped her in a fierce hug and kissed her forehead. She heard him swallow audibly and looked into his eyes. The wetness she saw in the corners of his eyes shocked her. Her questions were cut off by a loud string of Italian expletives coming from near the painting.
Callum and Alaric each held one of Raven’s arms as she struggled against them.
“Raven Coracino, I am taking you into custody on behalf of the Brethren Council for the crimes of mortal abduction, larceny, and disorderly conduct,” Callum said.
“Oooh, I love it when two virile vampires manhandle me,” she cooed. Then she turned serious. “Boys, is this really necessary? No one got hurt. Ask Sydney. She’ll tell you I treated her well.”
Syd felt Logan tense as he took a step toward Raven, anger radiating out of every pore.
“She had better not have one scratch on her, or I will personally come after you,” he growled.
“Logan,” Sydney said and grasped his arm. “I’m fine, really. Just a little scared.”
He turned his head to regard her. “That doesn’t excuse her actions.”
“I know, but let the council handle this. Can we leave now? Please?” She put her hand on his face, trying to soothe the savage expression on his face.
“Just a moment,” said Kira.
Syd looked at Kira, who gestured to the doorway. Geraldine stood just inside, waiting to be summoned.
“Geraldine, I believe you have a few words for Raven.” Kira said.
Syd watched as the woman squared her shoulders and marched toward Raven. The momentary shock on Raven’s face when she saw Geraldine was quickly replaced with disgust.
“You! You lead them here,” Raven accused. “How could you?”
“How could I? You have no honor, no loyalty to anyone or anything but yourself. I am ashamed I once wanted to be like you. Luckily, I learned my lesson before it was too late. I only hope that helping those who have been harmed by my stupid vanity will begin to make up for the pain I caused them,” she said, stealing a glance at Sydney before returning her accusing glare back to Raven.
“You have no conscience. You use children to do your dirty work. Then you shun them, not caring who you hurt with your misguided plans.”
“Please, you are nothing but an aging mortal. How dare you judge me?”
Geraldine sadly shook her head. “Good-bye, Raven. I hope one day you learn a lesson from all of this.”
She turned and walked toward Sydney.
“Sydney, I cannot apologize enough for the pain I have caused you,” she said sincerely.
“You helped them find me?”
Geraldine nodded. “I was a fool for thinking Raven was the answer to my problems. I am just glad I learned my lesson before it was too late.”
Tears formed in the woman’s eyes. Syd wanted to stay angry at her for her betrayal, but knew she couldn’t blame Geraldine for everything. She knew Geraldine had learned her lesson the hard way and seemed genuinely remorseful.
“Don’t come near me with chloroform again, and we’ll be fine,” Sydney said to break the tension. Everyone but Raven chuckled.
“Agreed. Now, I am going to get out of here and let you guys deal with her,” Geraldine said and turned to go.
“Geraldine?” Logan said. She paused and looked back. Logan wrapped an arm around Syd as if needing to touch her to ensure she was really safe. “Thanks.”
She smiled, and with a wave, she left. Syd nestled further into the crook of his arm. She looked over to see Kira approach Raven.
“Do you not see the pain you cause? Your selfish actions show you are nothing but a child.”
“Whatever.” Raven sneered.
“How sad that all of your centuries have not taught you any lessons,” Kira retorted.
Raven turned to look at Callum. “Can we go now? If I have to sit through one of her lectures, I might throw up.”
Callum nodded. “I called the council on the way over. They were sending a car to pick us up. It should be here by now. Councilman Orpheus is looking forward to having a nice long chat with you.”
Raven blanched, making Syd wonder who this Orpheus was and why the mention of his name seemed to cow Raven when nothing else had. But the worry on Raven’s face was quickly replaced with defiance.
“Bye, Raven. We’ll be sure to have front row seats to your trial,” Logan said.
“I’ll wear something special just for you, Logan,” Raven said and blew him a kiss.<
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“Let’s go,” Callum said. He and Alaric pushed Raven into motion.
“I’ll go with you,” Kira said and followed the trio. She sent Logan and Sydney a smile as she passed.
Once they were alone, Logan turned to Syd. She saw an array of emotions swirling in his deep blue gaze.
“Are you really okay?” he said softly as he caressed her face with one strong palm.
“I really am,” she said, turning her face into his touch.
“God, I was so worried. I don’t know what we would have done if Geraldine hadn’t found us,” he said.
“Honestly, I don’t believe Raven would have actually hurt me,” Sydney said. “She seemed more intent on her crazy scheme to control your mind. I am just glad you got here in time to stop her before she completed it.”
“The spell would not have worked, Syd. That book she found it in is useless. Just a compilation of myths and legends,” he said, seeming unconcerned.
“But—” she began.
“Syd, it doesn’t matter. We stopped her, and you’re safe. That is all I care about,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her forehead. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so safe. Then she realized the last time was when they had made love.
The memory triggered heat that began in her belly and radiated outward. She met his gaze, suddenly longing for more than a chaste kiss on the forehead. Her intent must have been clear because his eyes widened. He leaned in, and she met him halfway. The kiss began softly but quickly intensified as their tongues met. Syd didn’t think about the problems they faced. She just focused on his hot mouth and warm body as he tightened his hold. She angled her head to gain better access, feeling the need to absorb him into herself. With his hands on her face, she felt precious and cherished.
He eased back on the kiss slowly. Then finally he pulled away. She slowly opened her eyes. When she saw his protruding fangs, she gasped and started to retreat.
“Don’t,” he said raggedly. “Please, don’t be afraid of me.”
She heard the raw pain in his voice and made herself stop. He had proven again and again he wouldn’t harm her.
“I’m not. I just wasn’t expecting to see . . . Do they always extend when you’re . . . excited?”
The side of his mouth quirked up. “Yes.”
“Why didn’t they prick me when we kissed?” she asked, growing bold enough to take a step toward them.
“Syd, I was born with them. I learned how to work around them over the years,” he said with a smile. She thought she detected a hint of relief in his expression. Obviously, he was concerned about her reaction.
“But the other night you were lisping,” she said.
“I wasn’t expecting to become . . . aroused by our conversation. When they extended I wasn’t expecting it and I, uh . . . I bit my tongue,” he said sheepishly.
Syd laughed.
“Hey, it hurt!” he said with mock offense.
“Oh, sorry, big bad vampire. I didn’t mean to make fun of your serious injury,” she joked back.
He laughed with her for a moment. Then he put his arm around her again. “Let’s get out of here,” he said.
“Yes, I think I have had all the excitement I can stand for one evening. Take me home,” she said.
He paused. “You want to go to your apartment?”
She immediately realized her mistake. She felt unsure about how they would proceed and didn’t want him to think she considered his home hers.
“No, I meant take me to your home if you don’t mind,” she said. “That way I can . . . uh . . . get my car and my things.”
His frown grew at her words. “Well, your car is here. If you want, I can take you home and send your things to your apartment later.”
It was Sydney’s turn to frown. She wondered if he was trying to get rid of her. She really didn’t want to be alone, but she also didn’t want to intrude if he didn’t want her around.
“Um, I guess it’s okay if that’s what you want to do,” she said.
He stared at her for a moment. She squirmed inside as she tried to appear nonchalant on the outside.
“Look, Syd, I am not good with this whole male female double-talk thing. Since I can’t read your mind, I am having trouble understanding what you really want. So you’re going to have to tell me,” he said honestly.
She took a deep breath, relieved he wanted to speak plainly but nervous about his reaction.
“Honestly, I don’t want to be alone tonight. Can I stay at your place?”
Logan’s frown turned into a smile. “Of course. I want you to come back with me, but I thought you wanted to be alone.”
Syd laughed, relieved she didn’t have to go back to her apartment alone. “Okay, then.”
He grabbed her, and he turned toward the door. But then he paused.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“I forgot the painting. Be right back.” He turned around and grabbed the painting off the easel. Syd knew it would have taken two mortal men to carry it, but with Logan’s enhanced strength, he lifted it effortlessly.
“I can’t believe that after everything we went through to get this thing back, I almost forgot it,” he said with a laugh.
“I guess we need to figure out how to handle this with the museum,” she said.
“Let’s not worry about that now. We can talk about it later,” he said.
She nodded. She was exhausted yet wired at the same time. Putting off worrying about anything else seemed just fine to her. She just wanted to go to Logan’s house and relax.
“By the way, I should warn you in advance: Jorge is passed out in my living room,” he said as they walked.
Chapter Eighteen
“What did you do to Jorge?” she demanded.
“Relax, he’s fine,” Logan said as he put the painting into the backseat of her car. “He insisted on helping us, but we couldn’t have him finding out we’re vampires. So Mother made him take a little nap. He should wake up soon,” he explained.
He opened the door for her, and she collapsed into the seat with a sigh. Once he had taken his own place in the driver’s seat, she glanced over at him.
“Logan, thank you for coming to get me. I know you must have been worried when I didn’t show up this afternoon,” she said.
He started the car to give himself some time to compose his thoughts. Remembering the hours he had spent not knowing if she was hurt or how to get to her made his stomach clench. He wanted to tell her that he never wanted her out of his sight where he couldn’t protect her again. But he knew it was impossible.
“I should have gone with you today,” he said gruffly.
“Logan, this isn’t your fault. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine for insisting on going and not listening to you,” she said.
“No, it’s neither of our faults. There was no way either of us could have known Geraldine was involved. We should just put it behind us. Raven is the council’s concern now,” he said.
Syd sighed. “I hope they’re not too harsh on her.”
He turned to look at her. “I would think you of all people would want her punished. After all she did kidnap you,” he reminded her.
“I know, it’s just—Logan, she might be eccentric and misguided, but she wasn’t violent. She honestly believes in her cause. She doesn’t want your kind to lose your identity in favor of blending into mortal life.”
Logan snorted. “Did she brainwash you?”
“No, she didn’t. Maybe you two have more in common than you think. You’re only interested in the science behind being a vampire, while she focuses on the supernatural aspects. Perhaps there is a middle ground where your approaches can meet.”
Logan thought for a moment. Then he shook his head. “I believe in tangible facts. Perhaps if Raven wants us to take her views seriously, she should try to find evidence instead of pulling pranks and attempting to inspire rebellion against the Brethren. Until she does tha
t, I will continue to see as nothing other than a fanatic.”
“What do you think the council will do to her?” she asked.
“I honestly don’t know. Perhaps they will banish her to an uninhabited area until she learns her lesson,” he said. “Then she would be forced to use synthetic blood to survive. At least that’s what I’d do. A little poetic justice.”
“I think she needs some therapy. She obviously has some issues,” Syd said.
Logan laughed. “That’ll be the day.”
“What? You don’t think therapy would help?”
“Sydney, vampires don’t see shrinks.”
“Well, why not? If mortals have emotional baggage during our short lives, you guys have to have an entire semitruck full.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“What, Logan, you don’t have any issues?”
“No,” he said, knowing he was lying but not wanting to admit any weakness to her.
“Bullsh—,” she started but was cut off when Logan’s cell phone rang. He shot her an amused glance as he answered. Saved by the bell, he thought.
He talked to his mother for a few minutes. When he hung up, he was laughing. Syd raised her eyebrows in question.
“That was my mother. She had Callum drop her off at my house to get her car. She ran inside to check on Jorge while she was there,” he said.
“And,” Syd asked impatiently when he paused.
“He was awake. She found him in the kitchen eating left over pizza. He seemed a little confused about how he ended up at my house alone after midnight. It seems mother accidentally erased his memory of you being kidnapped when she put him to sleep. So she convinced him we were at my house drinking to celebrate finding the painting. He thinks he passed out and that you and I went to get more alcohol.”
Syd laughed. Kira’s solution was perfect.
“So where is he now?” she asked.
“Mother was on her way to take him home when she called. He decided he was too drunk to drive,” he said and chuckled.
“Well, at least we don’t have drive around looking for an open liquor store to prove your mother’s story,” she joked.
A few minutes later they pulled into Logan’s driveway. Logan let them into the house and they went to the kitchen.