“What, you mean you two?” Rinwa pointed at Leisha and Samantha with her fork. “You’re gonna be able to convince the mom that you are the good guys, huh? And what about when the vampires and immortals hunt you down? You think you can elude us for long?”
Samantha piped up. “At least we would be giving them a chance to live the way they want to. We won’t imprison them and we won’t kill them.”
Glancing between Leisha and Samantha, Tafari also stood. “But you will prevent him from performing his duty, the very reason he will be born in the first place.”
Unable to endure the conversation anymore, Leisha walked to the doorway. “None of the prophecies have been that specific. No one knows what his purpose is. But you’d take him as a baby and raise him to be your secret weapon, and kill his mother in order to do it. You guys are as bad as the vampires.” She turned to leave, but felt a large hand grab her arm.
“You are a vampire, too,” Tafari spat. “Why do you pretend that you are better than them?”
Leisha could feel her cheeks grow hot. “I don’t claim to be better than anyone. However, I actually value human life.”
“This coming from the woman who kills people on a regular basis!”
Suddenly Samantha and Rinwa squeezed past, both avoiding looking directly at them. “We’re going to see a movie,” Samantha called from the front door. “Don’t kill each other.”
“I’d totally stay if that were going down, but that’s not really the vibe I’m getting from them,” Rinwa murmured as the door swung closed.
Ignoring them, Leisha continued her argument with Tafari, her blood quickly igniting with temper. “I only kill when I have to!”
“You are still taking lives.”
Leisha pulled her arm free and headed for the stairs. “And I only kill those who deserve it.”
“Who are you to play God?”
She whirled around, Tafari stopping only a few inches from her. “We’ve had this conversation before. You’ve seen what happens when I don’t feed! Would you rather I waited until The Hunger takes over and chooses anyone from off the street?”
“And you think this qualifies you to be the child’s protector.”
“If not me, then who?”
He backed her into the wall. “I was the one who took care of our daughter when you left, yet you think you can snatch someone else’s child and raise him?”
Leisha pushed against his chest with her unbroken arm, but he didn’t budge. “I did what I had to in order to keep her safe!”
“Well she certainly is grateful to you, is she not?”
The slap against his cheek was deafening. It surprised Leisha as much as it did him. Tafari grabbed her wrist and slammed it above her head, his chest touching hers. His other hand held her shoulder back, avoiding her cast completely. Both were breathing hard.
Suddenly, she was very aware of their close proximity, their bodies almost fully together. Leisha couldn’t stop staring into his fierce eyes. There was some emotion dancing within them that she couldn’t decipher.
She wondered if he could feel the thunderous beat of her heart the way she could feel his pulsing against her. His breath brushed over her face, and she unconsciously tilted her lips toward his. Tafari was more intoxicating than blood, she realized. Even when she hated him, her body craved him. His hot touch and warm mouth beckoned her more powerfully than The Hunger.
The next thing she knew, Tafari’s mouth was over hers, hard and urgent. Heat washed through her as she kissed him back.
He released her wrist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, letting her injured one hang behind his back. His hands roved under her shirt, leaving hot trails along her spine.
Leisha pulled her head back to gasp for breath, but then Tafari was kissing her again. His scent filled her nostrils, his tongue worked magic on her. Blood rushed through her veins, and her body felt aflame.
She knew she would have to stop this before it went too far. They still had much to discuss and sex would only complicate things.
But when Tafari grabbed the outside of her thighs with his large hands and pulled her up, she couldn’t stop herself from wrapping her legs around him, cradling him to her core. He started up the stairs while trailing a line of kisses under her jaw and over her neck. He gently bit her collar bone and she melted further into his arms. Clinging to his body, she savored the sensations he evoked.
Soon, Leisha thought while she nibbled on his neck, I’ll have to be the one to stop this.
But it was already too late.
Chapter 5
Samantha could hardly concentrate on the movie. Her mind was still on the volatile conversation they’d had at dinner. When Leisha and Tafari had begun their fight, she could tell from the scowl and stiff posture Leisha exhibited that nothing would calm them, so she’d suggested that they leave and Rinwa had reluctantly agreed.
Samantha hoped that they could come to a sort of compromise or . . . something. She hated the idea of trying to find the child before either the vampires or immortals did, but the thought of keeping it from Tafari and Rinwa was even worse.
“This movie is lame,” Rinwa whispered in her ear. “Let’s go. If Tafari and Leisha haven’t killed each other by now, then they’re probably sulking and waiting for us to get back anyway.”
Smirking at her, Samantha nodded. They got up as one and moved to the exit. “I take it you’re not much of a romantic,” Samantha motioned behind them at the movie.
After going through the exit, Rinwa slipped on her sunglasses and looked at Samantha. “Do I look like a romantic to you?”
Samantha chuckled. She’d forgotten how much fun Rinwa was. Their time together at the immortals’ compound had been strained, but they had begun a hesitant friendship then. Samantha was glad that, even with her part in getting the immortal council killed, Rinwa didn’t hold it against her. In fact, it felt like they were fast becoming as close as sisters.
That thought led her back to Rinwa’s sarcastic comment about romance. Growing sober, she voiced her thoughts. “I can’t believe that you’re so old and yet you still let your parents’ issues affect your relationships.”
Rinwa stared at her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
They walked outside to the parking lot, leaving behind the overwhelming scent of buttered popcorn.
“Don’t you?” she countered. “What about Willem?”
She could see the immortal’s face turn hard. “What about him?”
Swallowing, Samantha explained. “When I was staying with you guys, I could tell he was into you and asked him about it. When he hinted that there was an obvious reason you two weren’t together, I thought it was because you were Tafari’s girlfriend.”
“You thought what?!”
Samantha shrugged. “My bad, I know. Anyway, now that I know you’re Tafari’s daughter, I can’t figure out what Willem meant. So I figure you’ve been pushing him off because of your, you know… mommy issues.”
She got into the car and started it. Rinwa hadn’t climbed in yet and after a minute, Samantha wasn’t sure if she was going to. Finally, her friend got in, but didn’t look at her. Samantha sighed, and pulled out of the parking space.
They’d only driven a few blocks, but the silence was too obvious to ignore. Samantha spoke up. “Look, I didn’t mean to speak so harshly. Leisha and I have one of those friendships where you say whatever you’re thinking, and I guess now I don’t know how to filter my mouth anymore.”
Rinwa popped her knuckles one by one, looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. “I don’t discuss my relationships or my connection to Leisha with anyone. Do you understand what the times were like when I was turned? We hadn’t even entered the first century yet.”
Cocking her head, Samantha asked, “You mean the immortals discriminated against you because you were a woman? Didn’t Tafari intervene?”
“That was part of the problem. They thought I was turned because Tafari didn’t w
ant to lose his daughter. I’ve had to work harder than all the other immortals to prove myself—that just because I was a woman and my mother happened to be one of those monsters, it didn’t mean I would show mercy to the vampires.”
Glancing at her, Samantha spoke softly. “That sounds like it was pretty hard for you.”
Rinwa huffed. “I don’t regret it. It’s made me who I am today. I’m trying to explain why I don’t appreciate you pulling my personal history into the conversation.”
“Well, too bad. Don’t get me wrong, Rinwa—I like you. But I love Leisha like a sister,” Samantha said firmly. “Did Tafari tell you Leisha’s side of what happened when you were a child?”
“Yes, he told me. Ptah threatened to torture me if she didn’t agree to become a vampire, etcetera, etcetera.”
Samantha raised her eyebrows as she shifted gears. “And? Does that make you feel differently? I mean, it has to.”
Looking out the window, Rinwa shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve spent two thousand years hating the woman for leaving me and Tafari to join with that monster. Suddenly she wants us to believe that Ptah had a strange obsession with her, tried to seduce her, and when she said no he tortured me until she agreed to be turned? It’s a little hard to swallow.”
“But that is what happened! She never would have become a vampire if she didn’t love you so much.”
“Really?” Countered Rinwa. “Did you hear about the part where she almost ate my grandfather in front of me? I was only four, but I still remember it perfectly.”
Sighing, Samantha chose her words carefully. “I think ‘almost’ is a key word in that sentence. Yes, she told me that part too. Ptah pretended like he was doing Leisha a favor by letting her take you home to her father. But he knew that The Hunger would kick in. Leisha wouldn’t know how to control it, and that she would kill you guys without even thinking.” She slowed to a stop at a red light. “She was able to get away from you and your village while she was struggling with The Hunger for the very first time. That says a lot.”
When Rinwa didn’t reply, Samantha paused, deciding to try a different avenue. “Can’t you at least try to rein in the hostility a bit? Get to know the kind of woman she is?”
“That’s a pretty tall order.” Rinwa sighed. “Don’t tell her I said this, but I can see that she has an altruistic side that simply doesn’t exist in other vampires. But I don’t know how to act around her if I’m supposed to be… nice.” She wrinkled her nose at the last word.
Samantha bit her lip to keep from mentioning that Nik was also exceptionally nice for a vampire. One thing at a time. “Well, I’m sure she’ll appreciate you making an effort.” The light changed and she gunned the engine as she accelerated.
Fiddling with the radio, Rinwa picked a punk station. “I’m done with this topic. What’s the deal with you and that Spencer guy?”
Taken aback at the question, Samantha cleared her throat before answering. “I thought we covered that at dinner.”
“Barely. You never really said if you wanted to date the guy or not.”
Samantha lifted a shoulder. “It’s a moot point. After all, if I did want to date him, and we got really close, what would happen next? It’s not like I can confide all these otherworldly secrets I’m keeping.” She tapped the steering wheel for emphasis. “Even if we ended up getting married, I wouldn’t be able to tell him. It would be like living a double life, and I can’t do that.”
Exaggerating a pouty face, Rinwa teased her. “Aw, is the secret agent with the double identity getting frustrated? Poor baby.”
Samantha went to smack her leg, but Rinwa still had good reflexes, even if she was human now. The ex-immortal grabbed her wrist before Samantha’s hand could make contact.
Samantha gasped at the sudden pain, swerving dangerously into the other lane. Rinwa immediately let go.
“Sorry,” Rinwa said with all sincerity. “I didn’t mean to grab you so hard.”
Shaking her hand out, Samantha tossed her a wary glance. “Don’t worry about it.”
The rest of the ride home went by quickly. By the time they walked into the house, Rinwa was making her laugh with her sarcastic antics regarding romance movies.
“And kissing scenes.” She made a face. “Don’t get me wrong, kissing is great, but it’s not meant to be watched. Most people look like they’re trying to eat each other when they’re onscreen.”
“Now we know why vampires are seen as such sex symbols!” They both chuckled, their laughter echoing through the dark entryway. Samantha suddenly realized the house was very quiet.
“I guess they did kill each other,” Rinwa quipped.
Samantha glared. “I’ll bet Leisha’s in her room.” Sulking, she added silently. They climbed the stairs together. At the top, Samantha turned to the right toward Leisha’s space, and Rinwa to the left in the direction of Tafari’s bedroom. Samantha was surprised to find Leisha’s room empty, but wasn’t worried. She figured Leisha went for a drive or something.
She heard Rinwa’s intake of breath down the hall, then an astounded, “Shit!”
Samantha hurried over to where Rinwa was standing, in the threshold of Tafari’s room. The girl was beet red and looked like she was going to hyperventilate. Peering through the doorway, she saw what had set the ex-immortal off.
Tafari was in bed, and he wasn’t alone. Leisha was sitting next to him, hugging the covers to her chest, but unable to hide her nudity. Both had color flushing their cheeks, staring at their daughter with wide eyes and looking mightily embarrassed.
And bare assed to boot, Samantha laughed at her own pun. All three glanced at her like she’d grown a second head. “What?” she shrugged. “I’ve wanted you two to get back together ever since I met you.” She clasped her hands. “And now my wish has come true.” She grinned.
Leisha shook her head. “Don’t jump to conclusions just yet, Samantha.”
“Right,” Rinwa spoke up. Her sunglasses were off and her eyes bore daggers at Leisha. “We should assume that you guys fought hard enough to tear each other’s clothes off and then were so tired that you fell into bed from exhaustion.”
If it were possible, it looked like Leisha’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. “I meant about us getting back together.”
Tafari’s expression suddenly went blank.
Samantha frowned. “But if you’re not getting back together, what do you call this?” she gestured toward them.
“It’s called sex, Samantha. I’ll give you the little talk about it later.” Though Rinwa was teasing, she looked like she was barely containing herself.
Ignoring Rinwa, Leisha peeked at Samantha and whispered, “A complication.”
Tafari’s spine snapped tight. “Girls, if you do not want to see me naked, you had better leave. And shut the door behind you,” he all but growled.
Both Rinwa and Samantha were out the door, down the stairs, and in the kitchen within seconds.
Rinwa grabbed some beef jerky from the cupboard and turned to Samantha. “Our deal is off. There is no way I can bring myself to be nice to that woman.”
Samantha pursed her lips. She too, was a little vexed toward Leisha. She had seen the flash of hurt in Tafari’s eyes.
Chapter 6
Leisha couldn’t bring herself to take her eyes off the delicious view when Tafari got up and yanked his pants on. He had been amazing; so tender with her sore body while ravenous at the same time. Leisha truly had planned to stop things before they went too far, only Tafari’s skilled hands and mouth and tongue had made her forget herself and she had given in to the strong temptation. And then, the second time, she figured that the damage had been done already.
Leisha rubbed the back of her neck and forced the recent memory away. It was a mistake and now they were going to have to pay the consequences.
Not bothering with modesty, Leisha got out of the bed and tried to find her clothes, strewn every which way. She could feel Tafari’s gaze bore into her as
she sorted through her clothing, but didn’t peek at him until she was fully dressed and had finger-combed her hair.
When she did look up, she saw the usual, cold demeanor on his face. “So, you think that,” he glanced at the rumpled sheets, “was a mistake?”
She closed her eyes and realized that her comment had hit him deeply. “Not in the way that you think, Tafari.”
He raised a brow. “Go ahead and enlighten me.”
She sat, feeling sore in places that hadn’t felt that way in decades. “It’s not that it was a mistake necessarily, it was merely the timing.” She met his stare. “We haven’t resolved anything between us.”
His silvery blue eyes narrowed on her. “Can we resolve the things that drove us apart?”
“I’d like to think so.”
His weight made the bed dip as he sat next to her. His scent was like an aphrodisiac, making her want to pull him down into the sheets again.
“As far as the past goes, I believe that I am getting over it. Your story has the ring of truth to it, and I have already told you how sorry I was to so easily think that you could leave us for Ptah.”
Leisha felt something in her chest lighten and her eyes misted. “It’s nice to hear it a second time anyway.”
He leaned over and gave her a chaste kiss, but she could still taste his essence. “So now we can move forward.”
She smiled up at him. Forward sounded good, especially considering how long they’d dwelled on the past. But not everything was cleared away. “What about the prophecy child?”
She scooted away to put a little more distance between them. “We may have resolved the past, but we haven’t done anything about the present.”
Tafari’s eyes focused on the wall as he thought. “You mean the future. Because in the present, we are human and may not even need to worry about the prophecy child anymore.”
Brows knitting together, Leisha reflected on his comment. “You mean, you want to leave that argument for another day?”
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