Seizing Darkness (Fur, Fangs, and Fairies)

by Mariana Thorn

  I didn’t think it was possible with all that was going on, but Val laughed. “I don’t know who I feel sorrier for, you or them. Dek, you still there?”

  “Yes.” He was scowling.

  I smiled sweetly at him.

  “Get her what she needs – and I mean anything she wants – no matter the cost.”

  That was an order. I didn’t dare laugh out loud, but on the inside an evil laugh was ringing through my head.

  “Of course,” Radek said. He was giving me a look that said I would be paying for this later. It might be fun though.

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that you’re all right. I’m hoping to be done here in the next couple of days. If there are any new developments, I expect to be informed immediately. And Radek, issue her a new phone.”

  “Yes, Father,” he said.

  “Get some rest, you two. I expect all of you to get along well enough not to kill each other, and to watch each other’s backs. Someone is gunning for all of us, and I can’t afford to lose any of you.” Val hung up.

  I looked at the phone for a moment, then handed it back to Radek.

  “You called me Dek.” His face was perplexed.

  “Yeah, I guess I did.” I shrugged. It had slipped out and I hadn’t realized it. I was relieved when the others walked in, leaving no time for this line of questioning.

  “It’s getting early. Thank you, gentlemen, for coming on such short notice. You’ll all be kept appraised of the situation,” Dante said.

  Joshua rushed out of there like his tail was on fire. Gregory bowed and was gone. That left Dante, Madon, Radek and me.

  Madon said, “Very well, have a good day, gentlemen. Natalya, I’m sorry this has happened to you. If you need anything, give me a call.” He left us.

  Radek gave me a strange look that I couldn’t read upon Madon’s departure. Then he turned to Dante. “Well, what do you think?”

  “The only thing I know is that it wasn’t Madon or Gregory. What’re you thinking?” Dante asked.

  “I agree with you on Madon, even though I would like to rip into his hide for other things. I highly doubt that he would go against us or Father. Gregory, well, you would know about that right? But with vampires you never can tell,” Radek said with a sly grin.

  I caught the teasing note in his tone. I looked between them, trying to figure out what Radek was implying.

  Dante rolled his eyes.

  Radek continued, “I would bet money Joshua has information. He’s in this up to his furry neck. And there’s no way that he’s in this on his own.”

  “I know. Let’s head to the safe house. It’s almost dawn and we all need to rest.” I detected a hint of fatigue in his demeanor.

  As they were talking, I was thinking. Everything that had happened tonight was starting to sink in, and anger was taking over. There was only one night a month that I was unable to shift. The other nights, someone was going to die. I had the urge to rip someone’s head off right now. I must’ve made some sort of noise because they both turned to look at me.

  “Can we get to wherever you are taking me? I’m tired, hungry and pretty pissed off.”

  “Well, since you put it that way. Come along then,” Radek said with a smile.

  Chapter Six

  A phone was ringing. That’s what I noticed first. The second was that I still had on Radek’s jacket. Then I faintly heard Val’s voice, but Radek’s was loud and clear. I couldn’t help but snicker as I listened to the conversation.

  “Sleeping on the job, son?” Val sounded pleased.

  “If you’d had the same couple of days that I just had, you would be asleep too. Between running around crime scenes dealing with humans, dealing with two alpha wolves that don’t know their place, rescuing the fair maiden, getting yelled at by my father for having to rescue said fair maiden, and getting woken up again. What the hell do you want?” Radek ranted.

  “How’s Natalya?” Val asked in an innocent tone.

  Radek growled into the phone.

  I laughed harder. I think I even snorted. It sure felt good to laugh with all that had been happening.

  “She sounds good,” Val said. He sounded amused.

  “Is that why you called?” Radek said. “You could have called her. I’m sure Dante informed you that we issued her a new phone.”

  “No, that wasn’t the only reason I called. It looks like by the end of tonight I’ll have my business here wrapped up. I hope to leave either this evening or tomorrow at the latest,” he said.

  “Does that mean I get to hand her over to you?” Radek asked hopefully.

  I got up slowly and made my way to the connecting door. I wanted to hear the conversation better.

  “Dream on, son. It should be near noon; get up and get that girl her clothes before I have to hear about it again.”

  “Fine, if it’ll get you all off my back,” Radek grumbled. “Is there anything else?”

  “Yes, I’m wondering how they knew exactly how and when to attack her. Also, the identities of the five bodies have come in. They were all confirmed as PIB agents like you thought. I had them run the tests just to be sure,” Val said.

  I could hear his frustration.

  “Great. So someone really is gunning for us. Is there any connection between any of them?” I watched as Radek ran a hand over his face.

  “There are people working on it. Something is very wrong about this whole thing,” Val said.

  “We’ll figure out what’s going on. I think we’ll take a trip over to her place and see what we can find. The wolf’s blood smelled wrong. I don’t think this is going to stop with that attack. Who would want her dead?” Radek looked over at me. Our eyes met.

  “I’ve been thinking about that. I’ll send you the list of possibilities. Dante took care of all the red tape with the investigation of the fire. He called me before he went to sleep this morning,” Val said.

  “There’s a list? Seriously, how many people has she pissed off in only a year?” Radek asked.

  He broke our staring contest with a smile. He looked damn good lying on that bed without a shirt on. His toned stomach muscles rippled every time he breathed. Val was talking again. I really did try to stop staring at his body. Honestly.

  “There are a few. Because she’s been partnered with Dante, they have been handling the toughest cases in the area. She isn’t always very diplomatic,” Val said carefully. “Then there are those that want to get to me so they would go after her. If that’s the case, then you and Dante are in just as much danger. They probably think she’s the easier target. I want all of you together. It will be harder to get to any of you that way. So try to get along,” Val added.

  “I’ll do my best if she does,” Radek said. I wondered if he knew he sounded like a child. “Who would have the kinds of connections that could pull something like this off?”

  “I’ll send you that list as well.”

  “What about our old friend Louis?” Radek asked.

  I had heard mention of a Louis before. Dante had said something about the werecat having a vendetta against Val, but I couldn’t remember the details.

  “I’ve been keeping an eye on him and there’s nothing yet. My gut says he’s involved. His son’s disappeared. That was the other reason I was calling. Thane hasn’t been seen since yesterday evening. Be on the lookout. You should be safe at the house for now.”

  “That’s just great. Like I needed something else on my plate. This can’t be a coincidence. Five agents dead, Natalya being attacked and now Thane is nowhere to be seen. It has to be all connected somehow,” Radek said.

  “I agree. We have to prove it though. That’s the only way I can take him out. He has too large of a backing. I have to put out fires as it is. He’s trying to pull something here as well. I can feel it.” Val sounded tired.

  “Dante and I can handle this here if you need to stay in Washington.”

  “No, I’d best be there. If we can find evidence to get rid of Louis and
his idiot son, that will do more good. Being here arguing with these stupid politicians isn’t doing anything but pissing me off.”

  “Take care of yourself, Father.”

  “You too, Radek, and take care of our girl,” he said, then hung up.

  “Joy, now I’m your girl,” I said, not realizing how that sounded until Radek’s head snapped around in my direction with a hungry look in his eyes. He looked almost good enough to eat. I held on to the doorjamb to keep myself from joining him on that bed.

  “What?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I don’t think that was the first time he’d asked, either. He was looking at me with a look that said he knew where my mind had gone.

  “Nothing. Let’s just get out of here. I want shoes first,” I said, looking down at my feet to keep from staring at him again.

  “Do you want to take a shower before we go? It should be stocked with soap and stuff. We can buy whatever you need when we go out.”

  The images that came to mind when he mentioned the shower made my skin tingle. I could hear the bed springs as he got up and risked a glance in his direction. His back was to me and I got a good glimpse of his impressive back muscles. There was something so tempting about well-defined back muscles.

  I put my tongue back in my mouth and tried to talk coherently. “I should be fine for now. I would prefer to have something clean to put on after anyway. Food sounds great, and coffee. Definitely coffee.” That should help me keep my paws to myself. At least I hoped so.

  “I’ll agree with you there. Coffee and food sounds good right now. I can be ready in a few minutes. I want to check your arm before we leave. How’s it feeling, by the way?” he asked as he made his way over to me.

  “It’s starting to feel better,” I replied as I looked up into his intense golden-brown eyes. If he kept looking at me like that, I might not be able to keep my paws to myself. I had to remind myself why I did – he was Val’s son and I had no right getting into any kind of relationship until I could recover my memory.

  “Good. Go ahead and take a seat. I’m going to get some new bandages.” He motioned with his hand and turned to get the kit.

  I took a couple of deep breaths, wondering if I should take a cold shower. What was wrong with me? I’d just met him. This hadn’t happened to me before, or at least I couldn’t remember if it had.

  “All right.” I went to the bed and sat on the edge.

  He was back in a few minutes. He set the bandages on the bed next to me as he kneeled down in front of me. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my thoughts and body under control. I held out my arm to him and he cut the bandage from it. Then he inspected Dante’s jagged row of stitches. He ran his fingers gently along my skin. I couldn’t help the shivers that danced along my nerves. He was driving me out of my mind with wanting. I barely restrained myself from grabbing him and throwing him on the bed as he finished up. Once he had rewrapped it, he stood up. I didn’t know if I was relieved or disappointed.

  “That should do. Let me just freshen up and then we can go. There’s some new toothbrushes and stuff in the bathroom if you want.”

  I was almost mad at him for acting like he was unaffected. I could tell he was acting because I’d glanced down. Now that he’d challenged me, it was on. What the hell was I thinking? How could one damn weretiger get me so unsettled?

  “Thanks,” I managed, and scurried to the bathroom across the hall. He disappeared down the stairs. After brushing my teeth, which felt wonderful, I found a comb and started in on my wild hair. I must have been muttering and cursing a bit too loud because I soon heard a knock on the door.

  “Doing okay in there?” his amused voice came through the door.

  I considered saying some choice words to him, but managed to hold my tongue. “No, I can’t comb my freaking hair with one flipping hand,” I said, throwing open the door and getting an eyeful of his wonderfully muscled chest encased in a tight-fitting black t-shirt. My eyes slowly traveled up, finally settling on his mouth, which was smiling again.

  He laughed, “Would you like me to help you?” He held out his hand.

  I slapped the comb into his hand with a satisfying smack. He took my shoulders, turned me toward the mirror, and made quick work of my hair. I quickly rethought having him help me. The feel of his fingers running through my hair was arousing. My heart was racing and I knew he could hear it because I could hear his. I was surprised when he even took a rubber band and put it in a ponytail for me. That snapped me out of it for a second.

  “You’re a guy. How did you do that so well?” I asked as I inspected his work. It wasn’t too bad.

  His voice came out low and close, “I’m a few centuries old. I’ve had long hair before.”

  His hand came up and cupped my chin, forcing me to look up at him. A second later his warm mouth was on mine. Electricity shot through me. I couldn’t think, I could only feel. Damn the cat could kiss. I felt him pull away slowly. We were both breathing hard as he took a small step away from me.

  I glanced down at my bare feet and wiggled my toes. I need a pedicure, I thought. I looked up and saw that he had the look that said he was going to kiss me again. I knew I needed to distract both of us before we ended up in the bed and full of regrets. So I said the first thing that came to mind. “My feet are cold.”

  It was right up there with the stupidest things I’ve ever said. But it was either that or say something along the lines of ‘take your clothes off and get in bed.’ I’d chosen the better of the two I hoped.

  He cleared his throat. “Shoes can be our first stop. You tell me your size and I’ll run in and buy you a pair. How does that sound?”

  His gaze held amusement and longing. He knew where that kiss would have led. He was letting me have my out though. I was going to run for the moment. I didn’t think I could handle whatever was brewing between us just then.

  “As long as they are cute shoes. Got any food?” I asked, my voice still a little rough from the kiss.

  He laughed. “I’m not sure I know what cute shoes are. I’ll do the best I can though. We can grab something to eat when we go out.”

  “Okay then. Ready when you are,” I said, wanting to be near him and as far away as possible at the same time. “Any chance I can stop and get a manicure and pedicure?” I figured it wouldn’t kill me to ask. It had been on my mind since I’d looked at my feet.

  “What?” He looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.

  “I guess not then. It would be nice though. Have you ever had one? They’re delightful.” He didn’t have to be so rude about it, I thought. After all I had been almost burned, strangled, eaten and a few other things. Didn’t I deserve a little pampering?

  “Are you sure you didn’t hit your head and bruise your brain last night?” he asked.

  “Hey, there’s no need to be rude. I had a rough night. A manicure and a pedicure would help me relax and think.” I could feel my fur rise a little in anger.

  He stood there for a moment with a look I couldn’t quite place. Then the edge of his mouth lifted into a half smile.

  I was pissed. “Just go get my car and I can take myself if you are going to be that way.” I crossed my arms over my chest. Now I was acting like a child. He really knew how to bring out the best in me.

  “Sorry, Kitten, you’re stuck with me until we find out who wants to kill you,” he said.

  “Maybe I would prefer Dante to you. At least he treats me with some respect. And I’m going to draw blood from the next person that calls me Kitten.” I stepped back to scowl at him.

  “I’ll see what I can do. Let’s get some food and clothes for you first, okay? Then we can revisit the topic,” he said. At least he was willing to think about it.

  “I can work with that.” I smiled, knowing I would wear him down eventually. “Where’s your car?”

  “Right this way, Princess.” He smirked at me when I scowled at him again.

  I grumbled under my breath. I could see his shoulders shak
e and it made me want to wipe the smile from his face. The only thing that distracted me was his car. Yes, it was the same one I’d ridden in last night, but at the time all I’d been concerned about was the pain I was in.

  “Can I drive?” I asked.

  He looked at me with a big cat grin. “Like the car, huh?”

  “Oh yeah,” I replied with enthusiasm. I ran my hand along its glossy black hood. Fast and sleek. I was planning on getting one someday.

  “Maybe I’ll wait until I do something that really pisses you off, and then let you drive it,” he said with that sexy smile again.

  I really wanted to hate him for what he could do to me with just a look. “Oh, you think I can be bought?” I bantered.

  “Yes I do.” He had a mischievous look in his eyes. He motioned me to get in the passenger seat.

  I complied after giving him a glare. “I’ll let you have your opinion for now. How old are you and Dante?” I put on my seatbelt and settled back into the nice soft leather.

  “We were born sometime during the late fifteen hundred’s in eastern Europe,” he said.

  “You don’t sound like you’re that old. Of course you don’t even really have an accent. I knew Val was old, but seriously he must be ancient,” I said. Then I quietly added, “I wish I knew where I was from and when I was born.”

  “You still have no memory of who you were before?” he asked.

  I shook my head.

  “Well I can help you look into it after we finish up this whole mess.”

  “You would do that?” I asked.

  “Sure, if you forgive me for implying you had brain damage.”

  “Maybe,” I replied slyly.

  He laughed.