Out of the Dark (Forbidden Love)

by Danielle James

  “Ok,” she whispered. Angel took her hand and led her to his room. They got under the covers and Angel pulled her close to his body. He wrapped his body around hers, his chest to her back. He held to his promise. Within minutes, Angel was sleeping better than he had in weeks.

  TWENTY SIX

  “Good afternoon, Ricco,” Detective Corbin said. “Got a minute?”

  “Sure,” Ricco replied, opening the door wider so that Samuel could come inside. “I’m afraid Angel is still sleeping, he hasn’t felt very well lately.”

  “That’s ok, it was you I wanted to talk to anyway. Well, you and Keelie if she’s here.”

  “Sure, I’ll get her. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Anything wet will do,” Samuel said, wiping the sweat from his brow. “It’s a hot one today,” he remarked.

  Ricco hurried away to fetch the detective a beverage and Keelie. As far as Ricco knew, she was still sleeping as well. It was barely midday, after all. Ricco had suspected that Samuel didn’t want to talk to Angel, mostly because of the time. He knew better. It would have had to be an emergency for him to request Angel. But Ricco was glad to have it confirmed, just the same. Angel was in no shape to talk shop. Although physically, Angel was much better, normal even, but emotionally the man was a wreck.

  Keelie woke easily and agreed to meet the men downstairs as soon as she was dressed. Ricco smiled to himself as he left his room. Never had he thought that he would be made so happy by a werewolf. But there she was, living, breathing proof that things don’t always happen as planned.

  When everyone was awake and present, and Samuel was working on his second glass of soda, he explained the reason for his visit. “Have you heard anything on the vampire grape vine?” he asked Ricco.

  “I’m afraid that I haven’t,” Ricco admitted. “But we have been pretty occupied here with our own problems.”

  “Oh?” Samuel said, raising an inquisitive brow.

  Ricco sighed. How much should he tell him? Would Angel be upset? Ricco knew it would be unwise to air Angel’s dirty laundry without permission. But he didn’t need to worry about it because Keelie did it for him.

  “Angel did something stupid,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  “And what might that be?”

  Ricco shot her a warning glance, but Keelie ignored it. “He mated himself to Brea.”

  “I don’t understand,” Samuel admitted. Keelie proceeded to tell the detective about the mating, having to explain how it works, and how Brea reacted. She told him how Angel had been affected, and how he nearly died. After her lengthy explanation, Samuel looked incredulous.

  “Is he stupid?” Samuel finally asked.

  Keelie chuckled. “People around here seem to ask that a lot. Only time will tell.”

  “So I suppose it is safe to say that you all have been here with him for the last couple of weeks,” Samuel said. “That takes care of one problem I needed to broach.”

  “You needed an alibi?” Ricco asked.

  “There have been four more murders in the last two weeks. This time, they don’t fit the profile. These women were killed the same way, but they are physically different. And as if that weren’t enough, these were not necessarily fans of the band.” Samuel shook his head. “He’s taking them somewhere else to kill them and now he’s just leaving the bodies anywhere. I don’t understand it.”

  “Think we pissed him off when we raided his apartment?” Keelie asked.

  “It’s possible. Oh, and I got back the test results on the blood splatter we found at that apartment. We got a positive match on at least three of our victims. So this is definitely our guy. I just wish I could remember what he looked like.”

  “That’s the problem with vamps. Even if you could remember, you couldn’t be sure that is what he actually looks like. Some can make you remember anything they want you to,” Ricco said.

  “How the hell am I supposed to stop this guy?” Samuel said, sounding a little defeated.

  “You get the help of more vampires,” Ricco told him. “I will have Angel assign a few that he trusts to help you. He has your number, right?” Samuel nodded. “Good. I’ll have him call you tonight.”

  Angel woke that night with Brea still sleeping beside him. She was curled into a loose fetal position with her back against his chest. Angel breathed her scent in, relishing it. She was really there. Every day he woke and had to remind himself that she was, in fact, in his home; that he was not hallucinating.

  Angel moved a lock of fiery red hair away from her neck and face, revealing her pale skin. He could plainly see the pulse in her neck, and his body responded immediately. He was hungry. He had not taken from her when it was not necessary for fear of driving her away mostly, but also because he didn’t want to make her anemic. Once she decided to mate herself, that would no longer be an issue, but for the moment, it was.

  He traced his finger along her temple and cheek, and Brea stirred in her sleep. She stretched her legs a bit and wiggled up closer to him. Her shapely backside was pressed into his groin. Angel could feel his body responding, and he sighed to himself. He could do nothing about it. He took a chance and pressed his lips to her exposed neck. Brea sighed and arched her back, pressing harder against his growing erection. If Angel didn’t know better, he would think the little minx was doing it on purpose.

  Knowing he had much work to catch up on, Angel slipped out of bed. He was careful not to wake Brea. He snuck out of his room without seeing the smile Brea was trying to hide in the pillow.

  Angel had slept longer than he had meant to. By the time he was showered and dressed, it was nearly six thirty. The sun was had not yet set, but it would soon. Ricco was waiting for him in his office when Angel got there.

  “Detective Corbin came by today,” Ricco told him.

  “Yeah? What did he have to say?” Angel asked. Ricco told him about the detective’s visit, and his predicament.

  “He needs a team of vampires to help. I told him you would call tonight.”

  “Sure, I’m on it.” And Angel was. He immediately turned on his computer and began compiling a list of prospects. Angel had begun contacting each one by phone when he felt a small pair of hands on his shoulders.

  He hadn’t noticed Brea come in, he was so wrapped up in his work. He laid his own hand over hers and continued his phone conversation. Brea remained silent as he talked, massaging his shoulders all the while. When Angel finally signed off, Brea wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.

  “Busy night?” she asked in his ear. Her breath sent little shivers down his spine.

  “Yeah,” he said. He explained what was going on with the detective, and how Angel was trying to help.

  “Got anybody yet?”

  “I think I have four now, and one more once he calls me back. It’s hard to find vampires that are willing to work with human police, and much harder to find ones I trust. But it’ll get done.”

  “You haven’t had dinner yet, have you?” Brea asked.

  “No, but I’m fine. I’ll grab a steak later.”

  “That’s not what I meant and you know it,” Brea smiled. “Do you need blood?”

  “No, not yet. I still have some in the fridge for later.”

  “Oh,” Brea said. Was that disappointment Angel sensed from her?

  “Unless you are feeling up to it,” he said, hopeful.

  “You’re incorrigible, you know that?” she laughed. The sight of her genuine smile made Angel feel all warm and tingly inside. This was the first time she had graced him with her smile since she returned to his home. He pulled her arm from around his neck and scooted back his chair.

  “Sit with me,” he suggested, motioning to his lap. To his surprise, Brea did. She sat on his legs with her legs draped over the side of his chair. He put one arm behind her back and the other over her legs. He looked into her pretty violet eyes for a long moment, admiring her beauty before saying anything. There were so many things he wanted to say,
so many things he wanted to do. But all of them required her permission. The tension between the two was so thick he could have cut it with a knife. He wondered if she wanted to touch him as badly as he wanted to touch her. From the look in her eyes and the slight part of her lips, he thought probably so.

  “May I kiss you?” he asked.

  Brea nodded her approval. Angel lowered his head and brought his lips down on Brea’s. He moved gently, carefully. He kissed her for all it was worth, and when he stopped to nibble on her lower lip, she moaned into his mouth. “More,” she whispered. Angel was too happy to oblige. He kissed her jaw and her neck, paying special attention to the hollow behind her ear.

  She twisted her fingers in his hair and held him securely to her skin. “Still not hungry?” she asked when his tongue swept over her pulse.

  “Mmmm,” was his reply. Was she offering what he thought? His hold on her tightened as he continued showering her with his kiss.

  “Do it,” she breathed. “I want you to.”

  “Really?”

  “Don’t make me change my mind,” she warned him. Angel did not need any further encouragement. He laved his tongue over her pulse, weaving his own fingers in her hair. When she sighed her pleasure, he sank his fangs into her neck with skill and precision. Her life blood poured into his mouth, sweeter than life itself.

  Brea hadn’t intended to offer Angel her throat. When he kissed her, her body came alive. As hard as it was for her to admit it, Angel made her feel good. It wasn’t like when she had her blood drawn for him, or even when she forced his fangs into her wrist. No matter where he bit her, it caused her body to react in a wonderfully violent fashion. Her pulse raced, her body warmed, and very sensual pleasure spread throughout her body. And no matter where it happened, it never failed to start a fire in her panties.

  Angel made sure to close the wound he had opened, but still continued to kiss and lick her throat until he was sure there was not a drop spilled. He knew it was pleasurable for a human, but the effect it had on him when he bit Brea was unlike anything he had ever known. He had fed from willing humans in the past, but none had ever brought forth such an intense reaction from his groin.

  Brea had moved so that she was sitting astride Angel, and she proceeded to lavish kisses on his neck. Angel had two handfuls of her backside, moving her hips so that she rubbed against him. Had she finally surrendered? God, he hoped so. He wanted her so badly.

  But some rude individual had the audacity to knock on the door. Brea lifted her head and Angel groaned. Whoever it was couldn’t possibly have worse timing.

  “Come in,” Brea said without changing her position.

  “Angel, we got that track down if you,” Sebastian said, coming through the door. He paused when he saw the position they were in. “Want to listen to it,” he finished slowly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Sebastian actually blushed.

  “No, you’re fine,” Brea said, lifting herself out of Angel’s lap. “You guys have work to do and so do I. I’ll see you later,” she said to Angel as she left the room.

  “I really am sorry,” Sebastian chuckled. The look on Angel’s face said it all. With a not so quiet groan, Angel dropped his head to his desk. It landed with a thud.

  “I swear, she’s doing it on purpose,” he groaned.

  “What?” Sebastian asked as if he didn’t already know.

  “Nothing. I got to call Detective Corbin, then I’ll be there to listen to what you’ve got.

  TWENTY SEVEN

  Chase stood in front of the hostess stand at Rhino’s. Would the hostess never return to her post? He had been standing there for at least five minutes. From what he could see, the restaurant was busy. Surely on a night as busy as this, all the employees would be working. His plan was simple: Get a table in the red head’s section, follow her home, and take her. Easy as pie. If he could only get a seat!

  The hostess finally returned, and smiled at Chase as if she were only gone a few seconds instead of a completely inexcusable amount of time. She was short and petite, but pretty enough. She weighed maybe a total of one hundred pounds, and only if she was soaking wet and wearing every stitch of clothing she owned.

  “Welcome to Rhino’s,” she chimed, “Table for one?”

  “Yes,” Chase replied, smiling back at the girl. Yes, should would make a tasty snack. “But I would like to sit with a specific server. She’s about this tall,” he said, holding his hand in the air to mimic the girl’s height. “Very red hair and pretty.”

  “Oh, you must be talking about Brea. I’m sorry but she’s not here tonight. She’s on vacation.”

  “Too bad,” Chase said with a smile. It was all he could do not to snarl at the poor girl. “Any table will do then,” he resigned. At least he may be able to get more information from whomever his server might be.

  Chase followed the small woman to a table in the corner. It was only a matter of seconds before a male server introduced himself. He was quite pretty for a man, with blonde hair and brown eyes. He was tall enough, but he carried himself in a light on his feet fashion. Brandon, he said his name was. Chase hastily ordered and waited.

  When Brandon delivered the steak, Chase took what was probably the only opportunity he would get to ask about Brea. “Do you know the red head who works here?” he asked. “Her name is Brea, I think.”

  Brandon narrowed his eyes and stared at Chase. “Yeah, I know her. Why? You lookin for her?”

  “I have seen her in here before, and well,” Chase feigned shyness. “I thought I would like to meet her.”

  “What for?” Brandon demanded. Was this man her friend? He seemed awfully protective of her.

  “She is very pretty,” Chase replied. “I thought if she was single, I might ask her out.”

  “Well, I can help you out. She’s not single. In fact, she’s dating Angel Knight.” Brandon retorted. It was obvious that he did not trust Chase, and with good reason.

  Pretending not to hear the warning in Brandon’s tone, Chase continued. “So when might she be here?”

  “I told you man, she’s taken.”

  “But I do enjoy a bit of competition,” Chase smiled.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t help you,” Brandon said politely. “I’m not allowed to give out information about other employees. That includes personal information as well as schedules.”

  “Too bad,” Chase said.

  “Isn’t it?” Brandon said over his shoulder as he turned to leave Chase’s table.

  Even though Brandon had not been willingly helpful, he had given Chase what he needed. Brea, what a lovely name, he thought, would not be at work for a while. She was likely staying with Angel. That is where Chase would watch. She would have to leave the estate sooner or later. And when she did, Chase would know about it. He felt it was time to enlist some of his human acquaintances. There was forever a mix of adoring fans at the Knight Estate gates. A few well placed spies would alert Chase if she left during the day. And he would watch himself at night.

  Once he had proof that the mating was complete, he would strike. With a smile, Chase dropped a bill on the table and left the dining establishment.

  TWENTY EIGHT

  Who in their right mind played music that loud at three in the morning? Vampires, that’s who, Brea told herself. She had just settled in her room for a nap when it started. All the time she had been in Angel’s home she had not heard any of their music. Not that she wasn’t familiar with it, she had been a fan long before she met Angel. But that wasn’t something that she advertised and Angel didn’t ask.

  The music filling the house was definitely Angel’s. Brea recognized the style. But it wasn’t any song she had ever heard before. Deciding that it must be new, and that she wasn’t going to get a nap, Brea decided to check it out.

  She wandered into the wing of the house that held the studio. Sebastian had explained to her once that due to the strange hours the guys kept, it was easier to have their own place to record and pract
ice. It made sense. But Brea had never had a reason to visit the studio before that night. She got turned around looking for the right room, but eventually she found it.

  Keelie and Ricco were standing next to a glass pane that separated them from the band. Most of the band members were just standing there while the music blared in the background. Angel was wearing a pair of large headphones and singing into a microphone. Brea could not hear what Angel was singing.

  “Ok, this time we lay it down,” Sebastian said from the other side of the room. He was sitting in front of a panel full of switches and knobs. Must be the mixing board, Brea thought.

  “Would you like to hear it?” he asked Brea.

  “Yeah, if the guys don’t mind.”

  Sebastian tapped a button and Brea could hear what the guys were saying on the other side of the sound proof glass. They were talking idly amongst themselves. Angel’s eyes caught hers and he gifted her with his winning smile. “This is your song,” he said into the microphone while looking at Brea.

  Brea smiled. It was cool to have someone dedicate a song to her, even better that it was Angel. Everyone except Angel left the small room and joined Brea and everyone else. The music started and Angel nodded his head in time with the beat. When he heard his cue, Angel opened his mouth and started to sing.

  His voice was rich and sexy. Brea listened to the words and felt the rest of the room slip away. Even though the song clearly qualified as hard rock, it was a love song. He was singing about needing her, about not wanting to breathe or dream without her. He sang about adoring her. It was then that Brea realized that he hadn’t just dedicated the song to her, he had written it for her. About her.

  “When did he write this?” she asked no one in particular.

  “Just a few days ago,” someone answered. Brea didn’t know who it was, nor did she care. All she could concentrate on was Angel. She unconsciously moved closer to the glass and put one hand on it. Angel sang with so much emotion that Brea could feel it from him. When the song was finished, Brea stood there watching Angel for who knows how long.