Oak & Thorns

by Yasmine Galenorn

  “What’s that? It looks like straight cognac.”

  “It’s a Blood & Sand. Scotch, OJ, cherry brandy.” He settled in beside me, sipping the drink.

  “May I join you?” The vampire blonde was back, standing beside our table, a bottle of blood in hand. She stared at me, but I felt like she was asking Herne.

  I glanced at Herne, uncertain. He motioned for her to take the empty chair next to me.

  “Of course. Please, have a seat.”

  She gracefully slid into the chair, resting her bottle on the table. Bottled blood was mass-produced, usually from animal blood, for vampires to drink when they were mingling with the outer world. The bottles ranged from simple to ornate, but were all colored so that you couldn’t see the contents. It sold briskly and new brands were coming out every week, it seemed like.

  “Thank you. I’m Christa.” She held out her hand to me.

  I reluctantly accepted it, her fingers chill to the touch in my hand. I shook her hand, and then she offered her hand to Herne, who also accepted the gesture.

  “I’m Herne, and this is Ember, my girlfriend.” Herne emphasized the “girlfriend” part.

  “Nice to meet you both. You’re such a striking couple.” She paused, then, tilting her head to the side, added, “You said you’re new in town? Visiting?”

  “Yes, we’re here on business, actually.” Herne paused, then added, “Do you happen to know Rayne, the owner of this club?”

  She bobbed her head, taking a long, slow sip from her drink as she stared at me over the top of the bottle. I felt like she was analyzing every aspect to my appearance.

  “Rayne? Yes. He and I go back a ways.” She paused. “Did you need to meet him?”

  “Yes, actually. I have a few questions I need to ask him.”

  She let out a soft laugh. “I’m sure you do. You’re definitely not tourists. I can tell that just by looking at you, but you’re pleasing to the eye, which I also appreciate.” Pausing, she glanced around the room. “Rayne will be here shortly. He always puts in a short appearance around ten p.m. or so. Some nights he’ll tarry here, others not. I’ll make sure to introduce you. Meanwhile, tell me about yourselves. And your…business.”

  I wasn’t sure what was up—she seemed to know more about us than we knew about her, but I decided to let Herne take the lead. He had more experience with vampires than I did, and I didn’t want to mess this up.

  Herne let out a soft breath and I suddenly realized that Christa hadn’t taken a single breath since she sat down. It brought home to me the fact that she really was a vampire. My stomach knotted again as I glanced up to once more find her staring at me. She winked, and I froze.

  “I own the Wild Hunt Agency over in Seattle. We…investigate cases and act as a liaison between the Dark and Light Fae, in a manner of speaking.” He was choosing his words carefully. I suppose blurting out that he was a demigod wouldn’t be considered polite, though I wasn’t sure of the actual decorum.

  She leaned forward, placing her hand lightly over mine. “And you, Ember? Are you an investigator, as well?”

  I nodded, trying not to yank my hand away. “Yes, actually. I work for Herne.”

  “Fraternizing with management,” she said with a laugh. “Then I hope it works out for the both of you.” Suddenly, she craned her neck as she looked out into the crowd. “Rayne’s here. I’ll go ask him to come over.” And without another word, she was off, into the throng of people now populating the club.

  I shivered. “She scares me.”

  Herne nodded. “She’s close to Rayne, I’ll bet you. Probably his eyes and ears here. Watch what you say in front of her. I think she’s attracted to you.”

  “I think she’s attracted to both of us,” I said, shutting up as she headed back with a tall, slender man in tow. Even in the dim light, I could tell it was Rayne from the daguerreotype we had seen.

  “Herne, Ember, I’d like to you meet Rayne,” Christa said, introducing us as he joined us at the table.

  As he reached out his hand, I stared at his fingers. They were pale, almost translucent in this light, and I didn’t want to touch him. But I gently placed my hand in his. As we shook hands, a stab of fear raced through me.

  Rayne stared at me, his eyes glittering with an icy light, and I found myself falling into his gaze. He was ruthless, and cold, and graveyard dust clung to his aura. The night had suddenly been blotted out except for his gaze on my face.

  “How do you do, Ember Kearney, and Herne the Hunter. I’ve been waiting to meet you. I knew you’d find your way to my club. I’m surprised it took you this long.”

  And with that, I felt totally exposed, and all I could think about was how I wished I had worn a turtleneck, and I hoped to hell Rayne was in a pleasant mood.

  Chapter 17

  I AVERTED MY eyes, waiting for Herne to speak. The noise from the rest of the room seemed to fade as though it was disappearing into a tunnel as I focused my attention on our table and the two vampires sitting opposite us.

  Herne held Rayne’s gaze, not showing any sign of nervousness. I knew he was cautious, but he was—after all—a demigod. And demigods didn’t have much to fear from vampires.

  “We aren’t here to interfere with your business. We’re seeking information about a case that we are investigating. My father has entrusted us with a task, a vital case, and we need your help, if you can provide it.”

  “Need my help? What can I do for you?”

  “We know you spoke to a member of the Foam Born Encampment about a murder. You assured her that it was not a vampire kill. I believe you may know more about this than you told her.”

  “And if we do?”

  “I’m looking for the whereabouts of a certain individual belonging to the Ante-Fae.”

  Rayne didn’t answer for a moment. Finally, he crossed his hands on his lap.

  “What makes you think that I have any knowledge of the Ante-Fae? They certainly don’t have anything to do with me.”

  Herne shook his head. “I don’t believe that you have dealings with this man. Actually, it seems hard to imagine, on either side. But you have lived in Seacrest Cove for quite some time, haven’t you? You’ve watched a lot of people come and go. I don’t think it’s escaped your notice that there have been a number of murders over the past three or four decades attributed to your kind. Murders that, bluntly put, are in no way associated with the vampire population.”

  Herne was dancing delicately around the subject. I wondered if he thought that Astrana had her own connections with the vampire community, other than the loan she had taken out from them. But when I thought about it, she wouldn’t be in any position to ask favors from them. If anything, it would be the other way around.

  “That might be true. Do I take it that you’re interested in putting an end to this string of so-called vampire kills?” Rayne looked interested now.

  “That seems to be my task at hand,” Herne said. “I’ll get to the point. I know who is behind the murders, and I’m pretty sure you do as well. But finding him is a problem. The one person who has his ear has a vested interest in protecting him. I’m not sure what that interest is, but we really don’t want her involved in our plans.”

  Rayne motioned for a waitress and ordered a bottle of blood. After she left, he looked directly at me. “You’re awfully quiet over there in your corner, Ember Kearney. Do you have any opinions on the subject?”

  I cleared my throat, stalling for time. Finally, after glancing at Herne and getting an abrupt nod, I turned back to Rayne.

  “I just work for the Wild Hunt. But…I’d hate to see these murders continue. I don’t like seeing crimes swept under the rug and attributed to the wrong people.”

  Rayne leaned forward, staring at me. “It must be difficult, given the unsolved murders in your own history.” He didn’t wait for me to react before he continued. “Oh, yes, I know who you are. I keep tabs on everybody who makes waves in thi
s region. It’s part of my job as Regent. And trust me, you have made waves here. Your entire team.”

  “No doubt,” I said, my throat dry.

  A faint smile fluttered across his face. “I know that none of you are well loved by the sheriff. You’re treading on thin ice, at least as far as our beloved law enforcement is concerned. However, given the backgrounds involved, I doubt if Névé would entertain any complaints, even if her court doesn’t take kindly to those whose very existence insults their senses.”

  The words began to spin around my head. It felt as though we were talking all around the edges of the situation. Which, I supposed, we were. I admired Herne’s ability to approach matters like this. I was never very diplomatic, and as much as I was trying to learn, I had a long ways to go. If I had been Herne, I would have slapped my cards down on the table. And that would have probably gotten us nowhere.

  “I see you understand the situation,” Herne said. “So, again, I’m looking for the presence of one of the Ante-Fae. And I’m not talking about the King of Thorns.”

  Rayne waved a hand in his direction. “That much I know. I’ve had a few conversations with his thorny lordship. Let’s just say that I keep to my lane, and I leave his lane alone. Not much frightens a vampire, but I can guarantee you, I do my best to keep away from the King of Thorns and his…pleasures.” He paused, accepting the bottle of blood from the waitress when she returned. Herne and I shook our heads when she asked if we wanted refills.

  After another moment, Rayne seem to have made up his mind.

  “Very well. Now, mind you, I’m not certain if he still lives there, but the last known whereabouts of the man you seek…look for a now-closed boat shop near the state park.”

  “Whitaker’s Old-Time Boat Rides,” Christa said, recoiling as Rayne gave her a sharp look.

  “When I need your tongue, I’ll ask for it.”

  “Yes, sire.” Christa sat back meekly, staring at her hands in her lap. The glamour around her vanished in a wash of fear.

  “Christa spoke out of turn, but she’s correct. The shop is closed, but it’s still there, boarded up. I believe you may find who you’re looking for there. I’ve been tracking these murders through the years. But I have kept quiet because our fair sheriff thought to warn me that, if I brought them to anyone’s attention, she would make certain I was implicated. Given her resources, I decided to remain silent.”

  Herne let out a long breath, sitting back. “Thank you. If we can put this to rest then you will be free from any suspicion. We owe you a debt for this information.”

  I caught my breath. Herne didn’t indebt himself easily. It was more than just lip service in the world we ran in.

  Rayne let out a soft laugh. “Herne, son of Cernunnos, if you can put this to rest, we will owe you a debt. And the Vampire Nation always pays its bills.”

  With that, he stood and threaded his way back through the crowd.

  Christa slowly stood, regaining her poise. “I assume that you’re leaving now?”

  Herne nodded.

  She leaned across the table, her low-cut dress leaving nothing to the imagination. “Then, please remember. If you ever want to return for entertainment, I would be delighted to play your hostess. Either one of you, or both of you together.” And with that, she wiggled her way across the floor, catching every eye as she vanished into the throng.

  Herne gave me a long look, then shrugged, laughing. He reached out his hand. “Come on, let’s get back to the hotel. Somehow, I don’t think this is our scene.”

  Grateful to be leaving, I took his hand and we maneuvered our way toward the door, then back to the car. I leaned against the seat, breathing deeply, relieved to be out of the Club Majewel.

  ON THE WAY back to the hotel, Viktor texted us. she’s on the move. i’m following.

  I texted back: is she in her jeep?

  yes. she left the sheriff’s office an hour ago. i followed her home. she appears to be heading toward the state park.

  I glanced at Herne. “Ten to one she’s headed toward that boat shop.”

  “You’re probably right. Tell Viktor what we learned at the club. We don’t want him stumbling in there without knowing what he’s getting himself into. He may be half-ogre, but alone, he’s still no match for one of the Ante-Fae.”

  I started to text Viktor, but realized there was too much to text. Instead, I called his cell phone.

  “You’re on speaker. I’m alone in the car. What have you got for me?”

  I ran down everything that had happened at the club, including the location of Whitaker’s Old-Time Boat Rides.

  “Rayne was pretty sure that that is the last known location for Straff. So if you get there first, don’t just barge in.” I glanced at Herne. “Are we on the way?”

  He nodded. “I’d like to go back and get some weapons, but we can’t spare the time. There’s a good chance Astrana is out to warn Straff to get out of town.”

  I returned to the phone. “We’re on the way. When you get there, keep a close eye out. We think Astrana may be warning Straff that we’re on to him. My guess is she had someone watching us in the woods and saw us vanish into Blackthorn’s realm.”

  I hung up as Herne sped up. We were zipping along, and I was grateful that it wasn’t raining. The night was about sixty-one degrees, and the stars wheeled overhead in a dizzying array, unclouded by light pollution. I stared out the window as the car ate up the asphalt. A streak through the heavens caught my attention. I watched as a shooting star flamed across the sky, then faded toward the horizon.

  “Rayne didn’t seem like a bad sort,” I said.

  “For a vampire, he was pretty cordial. Actually, vampires are far more charming than people give them credit for. It’s much easier to get what you want when you set out a little honey. What did you think of Christa?” There was a hint of laughter in Herne’s voice.

  “I think Christa takes her social life seriously. And by social life, I mean sex life. Though I’m not certain whether she was asking us to donate blood, or join her for an orgy.”

  “Oh, I’m pretty certain it was both. She was ready to jump our bones in a ménage à trois.” He glanced at me, quickly returning his eyes to the road. “Interested?”

  A lump rose in the pit of my stomach. Christa was a hell of a lot more polished than I was. In fact, she reminded me a lot of Herne’s last girlfriend—Reilly.

  “Not really. She’s not exactly my type.” I paused, then, not really wanting to hear the answer, asked, “What about you? Do you want to take her up on her offer?”

  I knew some of the gods were horndogs, but I wasn’t certain about Herne. So far, he had seemed fairly happy being in an exclusive relationship.

  As for myself, I had never had the opportunity to experience an open relationship and I wasn’t certain I wanted to try even if it was offered. It was hard enough dealing with one partner, let alone two or more. I loved sex, and when I thought about it, I wasn’t averse to the idea of taking a female lover, but it wasn’t something I was going to do just for the hell of it. For me, taking any lover meant I wanted to feel some sort of connection with them.

  “Are you joking?” He laughed, then suddenly sobered. “You aren’t, are you? You didn’t think I was serious, did you?”

  I wanted to laugh it off, but decided to be honest.

  “I’m not really sure, to tell you the truth. I don’t know. I mean, look at your last girlfriend. Reilly’s gorgeous. She could be a sex goddess if she was deified. And I’m not saying I’m ugly, either. I know I can be hot if I try. But… I’m not exactly…” I drifted off, uncertain of where I was going with this conversation, and wishing I had never started it.

  Herne shifted gears, taking a left on Shoreline Drive, which led to the abandoned boat shop. He didn’t speak for a moment before he finally let out a long sigh.

  “Reilly is absolutely stunning. But you do know why I ended the relationship, right?”
r />   “I think so,” I said, not wanting to admit I’d pried the info out of Talia and the others.

  “I like my women grounded and smart. I prefer one-on-one relationships. I’m not exactly a monogamist, but I like getting to know my partners and it’s difficult to do when your attention is divided between several lovers.”

  “Oh,” I said, still not clear on what he meant.

  “Damn it, Ember. You’re smart, and you’re sexy as hell. I love that you don’t hold back, either in life or in work. Whereas toying with someone like Christa might be fun for a night, but that’s about it.” He was starting to talk circles around himself now, and I realized he was just as nervous as I was.

  “In other words, she’s good for a quick fuck but you wouldn’t want to hang out with her?” Sometimes being blunt helped to clarify matters.

  “Yeah, you could put it that way.” He paused, then added, “Damn it, I just like you, Ember. A lot.” He cleared his throat. “We have to talk about Straff. If he’s there, Astrana’s probably going to be with him. She may not be one of the Ante-Fae, but she’s dangerous and she has a gun. Bullets won’t affect me much, but they can damage you. We have to decide how to tackle this.”

  I switched gears. “Did your father give you any idea of how to take Straff down without killing him? And what if we can’t manage it? What if we have to kill him?”

  “Then all hell will break loose. Oh, we could stumble our way through it, but it would be a lot of damage control. Sometimes it’s just so much easier when you can take out your opponent without worrying about fallout. But there are so many political ramifications involved in this situation.”

  I watched the houses pass by in a blur as we were approaching the state park. We’d be to Whitaker’s Old-Time Boat Rides in no time.

  “Do the Ante-Fae have a court like the Light and Dark Fae courts? I mean, suppose we do kill Straff? Would we then face his father? Or is there some council of Ante-Fae that we have to worry about? There’s so much I don’t know.”