Into the Flames

by Multi-Author

  “Glenn called and asked me …” Reese Colton strode around the corner, coming to a dead stop at the threshold as if he’d hit a wall. Questions ricocheted over the vampire’s face. Time hung suspended as the two men seemed to be sizing up their competition.

  Reese had done nothing more than spend time at her bar with the rest of the off-duty firefighters. Perhaps he was a bit more flirtatious, even shared several toe-curling kisses with her on several occasions, and though she’d wanted more, Reese had taken it no further. Despite all of that, Alex felt as if she’d just been caught cheating on the man—and didn’t that just piss her off. She didn’t owe the vampire crowding the doorway any explanations. Then why did she feel like the proverbial kid with her hand in the cookie jar?

  “Reese. You know Ronan Nason?” she asked, pleased it sounded as cavalier as she’d intended. “He’s here to pick up his order.”

  “Um … yeah, we met a couple of months ago at the university.” Reese removed his sunglasses with such deliberate precision, Alex was sure they would slice the heavy tension in the air.

  “Reese was one of the firefighters who responded to that horrible fire in my chemistry lab,” she said, working to fill the uncomfortable silence. “The one where my grad student was killed?” The young woman had only recently settled in South Kenton as a doctoral student of Alex’s. The lab and all its contents had been burned so badly, the university wasn’t sure the insurance would be enough to replace everything. Fortunately, the grant money from the tribunal would guarantee a complete refurbishment and extra funding for Alex’s research. “The family still has no answers.”

  “The death was ruled accidental.” Both men spoke at the same time.

  Her gaze flew between them. “Yes,” the word dragged slowly out of her mouth. “Still, it’s hard for me to understand how a grad student in chemistry could’ve been so careless.”

  “No doubt the poor woman let the Bunsen burner from one of her experiments get out of control,” Ronan said. “Thank goodness no one else was caught in the blaze.” He looked to Reese for corroboration.

  “Any life lost in a senseless fire is one too many.” Reese’s words were as hard as the look he shot Ronan. “It’s a code to live by.”

  “Aye, ‘tis true for sure. Still, we have to be grateful it wasn’t worse. Perhaps more safety education needs to be done. I’m all for keeping students safe.”

  “So I hear.” The half-smile Reese flashed held a challenge—not humor.

  Alex couldn’t believe her ears. Ronan’s reputation of hitting on underclassmen was well known at the university. Apparently, his notoriety had also seeped into the town rumor mill and it was enough to raise Reese’s hackles. If Alex didn’t do something soon, the testosterone flying through the air would likely wound them all. She cleared her throat to draw their attention back to her.

  “Yes, well, okay then. Back to the task at hand.” Checking the scheduled appointments, Alex was surprised. Reese wasn’t expected for another hour. “You’re early, Reese. If you’re in a hurry, I’d be happy to—”

  “No, I’m good.” Casually leaning against the door jamb, Reese crossed his booted feet at the ankles, tucked his sunglasses into his chamois shirt and folded his arms over his chest. His contentious stare never left Ronan’s annoyed expression. “In light of all the recent fires, Glenn wasn’t comfortable leaving you here on your own. When he called and asked me to give you a hand this morning, I told him I was happy to help with the appointments.”

  Alex’s heart flipped in her chest. She’d spent months trying to entice Reese beyond innocent flirtations and innuendoes. Now, when she’d made the decision to cut her ties with South Kenton, the man looked as if he were going to devour her in one lusty bite.

  “I’m quite capable of handling things on my own,” she said, pleased when her voice didn’t betray the electric current of awareness snapping over her nerves. “Besides, Chris will be here after his morning classes at the university.”

  “Then how about I stay until then?” There was no confusion in the slow, smooth smile Reese offered her.

  “Reese is right, Alexandra. ‘Tisn’t a good idea for you to be alone down here. Obviously, the professor was targeted last night. You really can’t be too cautious at this point.”

  Reese simply acknowledged the statement with a nod.

  Ronan flashed her a plastic smile that had melted the resolve of many women at the tavern, but only grated across her patience. “And now that that’s settled. I am in quite a hurry. I’d appreciate it if you could fill my order, Alexandra. I have another pressing engagement this morning.”

  “I’d be happy to get your two bottles, Ronan.”

  Ronan’s hand moved lightning fast, gripping her forearm and stopping her mid-stride. “I’m finding the transition more difficult than you explained. I’ll need double that amount … at least for another week.”

  “But I’ve been bringing the wine to you for a few weeks. You should’ve weaned yourself to a pint a day last week. A bottle should last you around three days. I’m sure we’ve talked about this. And didn’t Glenn confirm the instructions?”

  Ronan looked at Reese and then back to her, a blush coloring his cheeks. “I’d rather discuss my difficulties with Glenn. It’s apparent you don’t understand how it all works.”

  Alex certainly did understand. It had been her contribution to the wine mixture that had finally made it work as a dietary replacement for vampires. The number of bottles and vampire requirements was carefully monitored. Even two bottles could mean not filling the needs of another vampire. But she had no desire to embarrass the man further in front of Reese. “Of course. We don’t want anyone to go hungry especially during their transition. But I can only give you the two bottles today. We’ll discuss more only if you can’t make this work.” She rushed into the back room, not giving the vampire time to argue.

  Alex loaded bottles from the wooden wine racks lining the back wall into the boxes on the floor. Each bottle held the thick elixir of pig blood, vitamins, and a synthetic component of anti-coagulants and various other chemicals she and Glenn mixed themselves. The wooden vat in the center of the room, half-filled with the chemical serum, was waiting for Glenn’s weekly twenty gallons of pig blood. It took four weeks to age the life-giving concoction in large wooden wine casks lying on their sides on the opposite wall of the storage room. The synthetic blood wine offered vampires a viable alternative to human or animal blood. For some vampires, not having to sink teeth into flesh for sustenance was a welcomed gift.

  At one time, Alex had been proud that O’Malley’s little side business provided nourishment for a couple dozen vampires. Of course, that had been a few years ago when she’d worked closely with Glenn to discover the right formula. Within the last few months, she’d come to hate entering this room to mix and bottle the blood cocktail. She wanted nothing more than to dissolve her partnership with Glenn and leave the mountains of California for the salty shores of the east coast. Home.

  She loved the man and owed Glenn her life—literally. Alex simply needed to leave before he found out what she’d done. The revelation would surely wound his heart more than any wooden stake.

  Stacking the boxes, she headed back into her office. Alex wasn’t sure when she’d become a damsel in need of saving, but the two vamps going all Neanderthal in the other room certainly believed her incapable of taking care of herself. She wasn’t sure if she was flattered or insulted.

  Fortunately, both men had remained in their respective corners, where she’d left them. Their gazes intently followed her as she set the boxes on the floor next to the desk. Filling out the information on the clipboard, she handed it to Ronan to sign. Their little winery was as precise as any pharmacy. “I loaded in two extra bottles. But it’s all you have for the week. Don’t drink it all in one sitting.” Alex’s attempt at humor fell flat.

  The corners of Ronan’s mouth lifted, but his pursed lips held no mirth. �
��If I find other vampires interested in weaning themselves onto the wine, how do they get on your list?”

  “Just mention them to Glenn. We’ll find someone who’ll make sure they get what they need. Glenn trusts you not to tell anyone where it’s bottled.”

  Ronan bent low, took her hand and brushed his lips feather-light across her knuckles. “‘Tis always a pleasure spending time with you, Alexandra.”

  Neither of them missed the low growl emanating from Reese.

  Ronan straightened. Smiling as he withdrew a bulging gold money clip from his pocket, he counted out some bills and threw them on her desk. Apparently, the gesture had been meant to goad Reese, not flatter her.

  “I’m pleased you and Glenn trust me enough to allow me into your cellars.” He scooped up the box with one arm and turned to Reese. “Do keep her safe from the unsavory vampires.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Don’t forget to bring back the bottles,” she called at Ronan’s retreating back. Alex ran damp palms down her jeans. The musty room had suddenly become stifling. She didn’t speak until Ronan’s footfalls receded up the stairs. “Seriously Reese, I’m fine being here by myself.”

  He pushed from the wall, stalking toward her, his body an overwhelming presence stealing the breath from her lungs. “I have no doubt you can take care of yourself.” Reese stepped up to her, the wall of his chest brushing her breasts. She craned her neck, coming up against the hunger sparking in his eyes and turning them a deeper shade of emerald. The fresh scent of his cologne wrapped around her nose, melting her defenses.

  “I have no desire to be your guardian, Alex.” Reese’s voice dropped to a sultry whisper that heated her blood and sent her heart racing. “Perhaps Josh was right and my interest in you hasn’t been as obvious as I thought I’d made it over the last several months.” His gaze roamed slow and hot down her face and neck to rest on her heaving chest before searing a leisurely path back to her mouth. “But I’m thinking your body has been aware.”

  Alex searched his face, reading the intention only seconds before Reese’s mouth came down hard and hungry over hers. The heat of the kiss obliterated any coherent thought and no matter how bad his timing, Alex couldn’t have pulled from Reese if she’d wanted to. His hand reached up to cup her neck, his thumb grazing her chin as he changed the angle and invited her to deepen the kiss. She opened for him, the silken heat of his tongue darting in to tangle with hers. His taste, warm and familiar, sent awareness skittering over her nerves. The man certainly knew how to weaken her resolve.

  She broke the kiss, his hot breath washing over her face. “I have appointments. People are going to show up any minute.”

  Reese’s gaze dropped to her mouth before slowly dragging back to her eyes. A smile slid leisurely over his full lips. “I suppose it wouldn’t do for the tavern owner to be found in a compromising position.” He stepped away from her. “An hour. Maybe two. It’s all I’m willing to wait. I’ve obviously been remiss in showing you exactly how good we are together.”

  * * *

  Hope knew she should be exhausted. The sun had risen hours ago, throwing its rays across the papers littering her coffee table. Despite her lack of sleep, the thrill of the hunt kept her poring over the internet sites and taking notes. As much as she hated to admit it, she had the adrenaline rush of the fire and Ronan Nason’s cynical comments to thank for awakening the reporter’s curiosity that had kept her up all night.

  She’d stayed at the professor’s mansion several hours after the flames had been contained and her cameraman had gone back to the studio to edit footage. Not so much to see Josh in action, though that had definitely been a thrill, but Hope had wanted to take some time to talk with the fire marshal about the recent rash of deadly fires. The man hadn’t come out and said they were all related, but his body language and what he was careful not to say, however, intimated his office believed there was an arsonist roaming the streets of South Kenton.

  Barely able to contain her eagerness to investigate, Hope had sped home and fired up her laptop before she’d even gotten out of her coat and brewed a pot of coffee. Searching police and fire department weekly logs for any reports of local fires over the last six months was child’s play. Homing in on fires where someone died took a simple flick of the wrist. It was when she expanded both her search grid and time frame that patterns began to emerge. And the picture forming as she connected the dots wasn’t only unbelievable—it was scary as hell.

  Hope grabbed the map of California from the back of the couch and spread it over the mish-mash of papers. Double-checking the facts, she highlighted the spot of the earliest fire and circled it with a red sharpie. Nausea curled in her gut and she fell back hard against the seat. How could this be?

  “Hey, babe. I’m surprised you’re up.” Josh sauntered into her living room.

  So caught up in the revelation of what she’d pieced together, Hope hadn’t heard him use his key. “Hey, you.” She stretched to accept the kiss he offered. The clean scent of soap and fresh air added to the heat spreading through her body. Her hand fisted in the damp curls of his hair as she held him, keeping him from pulling away. Josh groaned, tilted his head and deepened the kiss. Even after a year, she couldn’t get enough of him.

  Hope wanted to lose herself in everything his kiss was promising, but her head was still swimming with facts that weren’t making sense. She reluctantly broke the kiss.

  “And good morning to you.” He stood next to her, his hand on her shoulder, his knee pressed against her thigh. His smile set butterflies lose in her tummy. “After the night you had, I figured you’d be sleeping. But it looks like something else has caught your attention.” His hand swept the mess on the table.

  “Ronan made a joke of my profession last night at the tavern. He said—”

  Josh laughed and walked into the kitchen. “He’s an arrogant ass. Why do you let him get to you?” The sound of dishes clanging and the fridge opening made her smile. She liked that Josh felt her apartment was his space as well. She’d been trying to work up the nerve to ask him to move in with her. “Sometimes I think that man gets his jollies from pissing people off,” Josh called from the kitchen, imitating Ronan’s brogue.

  Hope laughed. “This time I think his needling worked.”

  “Write it down. I think it’s a first.” More cupboards opened and closed. “Hey, babe, you got any of those—”

  “Second cupboard on the right. Top shelf.” The man had a sweet tooth as insatiable as his libido. There was a very feminine satisfaction in feeding both his needs.

  Josh came around the corner, several Ho Ho’s in one hand and two steaming mugs of coffee in the other. “So what could Nason have said that would trigger all this serious research?”

  Hope cleared the loose papers from the couch cushion next to her and took the mug he offered. “He just made some flip remark about newsworthy stories. It got me thinking about all the recent fires.”

  Josh choked on his snack cake. It took him a minute to catch his breath. “The man was just pushing your buttons. I think he’s jealous you’re already taken.” He leaned over and nuzzled her neck. “How about I take your mind off all of this?”

  She wanted to melt into the teeth grazing the tender flesh of her throat, but Hope needed Josh to see what she’d discovered. “Still, he had a point. We haven’t really been digging into the facts.”

  He nibbled her earlobe. “My boyish charm’s not working?”

  “Of course it’s working.” Hope grabbed his jaw, pushing his face away and turning his eyes back to the coffee table. “It’s just that I need you to focus on this first. I may have a theory about an arsonist.”

  Josh gave up on his seduction. “It’s not like the local news has been ignoring them. Besides, it’s the fire marshal’s job to investigate.”

  “I know. Which is why I talked to him this morning.”

  Josh set his mug down and turned to her, his brow furrow
ed. “The fire marshal talked to the press?”

  “It’s not like I overstepped any ethical lines.” Hope couldn’t understand Josh’s concerns. She wasn’t one of those reporters who used underhanded tactics to get her stories and this man warm against her side knew that. “All I got from the fire marshal were vague responses and generalities. But …” Hope excitedly grabbed the map, “after my internet search of all the fires within a thirty-mile radius over the last eighteen months, look what I found.”

  Leaning forward, Josh took a minute to study the map. “All I see are yellow and orange marks with different colored numbers and circles around them. Sorry, babe, it’s not making any sense to me.”

  Hope tapped a couple of keys on her computer, retrieving information she’d stored over the last few hours. “Okay, here. July 17. South Kenton University. One student of Professor Alexandra Flanagan burned in a lab fire. Accidental.” She pointed to the map. “Yellow highlighted dot for the location of the fire. A green number indicating how many died. In this case, one. A colored circle if the story included an affiliation with another person. For this fire there’s a red circle for Alex. Blue for Ronan. Brown for Professor Morgan. I’ve also got brown for unidentified connections if I didn’t know anyone associated with the victim.”

  She pointed to another mark. “August 5. Bailer’s Park here in South Kenton. A couple died in a cabin fire. The woman was a summer bartender at the tavern. Red for Alex. Orange for Glenn.” Hope clicked a couple more keys on the computer, pulling up more news articles. “March 17. Structure fire at Royal Mills apartments. South Kenton. One dead.”

  “You’ve got it circled in red.”

  “It’s Alex’s apartment complex.”

  “That’s stretching it.”

  “Is it?”

  Hope rattled off several more facts about the fires spreading out from their quiet town. She wanted Josh to tell her she was seeing things, that the conclusions she’d begun to draw were too far-fetched to be possible. But when she finished, he only blew out a heavy breath, falling back against the couch.