Try Me

by Parker Blue

  The emptiness was back. I should feel more pain, but instead, I felt numb. Unfortunately, I was getting used to being thought of as a monster.

  Ramirez waved Sergeant Jones, Dan, and me to a seat then stood with his feet apart and his hands clasped behind his back. Dan refused to look at me, and stared icily into thin air. Ramirez glanced around for a moment, as if weighing the tension in the room. To me, it felt as thick as mud.

  "I'm glad this came out,” he said. “We're lucky to have Val in the department. She's been staking the bad vamps for years—by herself, without help, protecting her human family—and she's the most effective weapon we have in our fight against murderous vamps in San Antonio. In fact, I'd like to hire more demons like her."

  Explosions of disbelief sounded around the room. I managed to keep my mouth shut, subduing Lola, as Ramirez waved the men to silence. He pivoted and looked down at Dan. “Sullivan, you've worked with one fully human partner and one partner who is part-demon. Which do you prefer?"

  Dan looked annoyed at being put on the spot, but said, “My first partner was a good man. He wasn't prepared for the full power of a vampire's evil, and so he was killed. Val, on the other hand, knows how vampires think, and she understands exactly how deadly they are; she does the killing, which keeps both of us alive."

  Didn't exactly answer the question. Gee, Dan, thanks for nothing. His attitude was starting to tick me off.

  "I believe there are more part-demons in San Antonio like her,” Ramirez said.

  The other detectives gaped at him.

  Fang snorted. YEAH, RIGHT. AS IF HE DOESN'T KNOW.

  Chill, Fang. You want him to expose the entire Demon Underground? His wife? They keep their identity a secret for a reason. There's a lot of ignorance and prejudice out there.

  Oblivious to our mental conversation, Ramirez continued. “I'd like to seek them out, find more of them. I think they're our allies. We need every advantage we can get in this fight against murderous vampires."

  He went on to explain his position, talking up the advantages and refusing to believe there was a negative side. His arguments were all thorough and convincing. He must have thought this through before today.

  Finally, at the end, some of the guys looked ready to be persuaded . . . but not everyone. I was impressed. I hadn't figured on anyone agreeing with him, except maybe Dan. And speaking of Dan, he'd put in a few good words for me, but it felt more like he didn't really want to side with me against his buddies.

  "In fact,” Ramirez concluded, “you may be living next door to a part-demon and not even know it."

  They didn't seem convinced, so he added, “There's another part-demon in this room, someone you probably don't suspect. Would he like to reveal himself?"

  Who? I glanced at Fang. Who else is a demon?

  HE'S TALKING ABOUT ME.

  Sure enough, as everyone else glanced around the room, wondering who it could be, I saw Ramirez looking steadily at me.

  He must be crazy. Look at how they reacted to me. I'd hate to see what they'd do if told that even man's best friend might be part-demon, too.

  NAW, IT'S OKAY. I THINK I KNOW WHAT HE WANTS. AFTER ALL, I'M JUST A CUTE WITTLE DOGGIE-WOGGIE. Fang trotted forward and jumped up on the table at the front of the room, then barked to get everyone's attention and glanced at the lieutenant expectantly.

  "Most of you know Fang,” Ramirez said. “And you know he's Val's constant companion.” Grudging nods of agreement. “But what you don't know is that Fang is part-demon, too. The preferred term is . . . ‘part-hellhound.’”

  At that, Fang sat down, wagged his tail, and let his tongue loll sideways out of his mouth, looking goofy. Everyone laughed at the joke.

  Ramirez smiled. “Being part demon, he not only has the ability to take down vampires and the occasional human . . . “ Ramirez glanced sideways at Fenton, who'd felt Fang's sharp teeth on his behind . . . “but he has the capability of understanding human speech. Fang, are you willing to demonstrate?"

  Fang nodded, which made a lot of the chuckles stop.

  "Fang, would you please—"

  "Wait,” Fenton said. “How do we know this isn't a set-up?” He jabbed a finger at me. “That she's just trained him really well?"

  Of course he'd think that. Moron.

  Ramirez smiled and gestured toward Fenton. “Then be my guest. You talk to him."

  Fenton leaned forward and said, “Sit."

  Since Fang was already sitting, he rolled his eyes. Everyone laughed again.

  The back of Fenton's neck turned red. “Lay down.” Fang did. “Roll over. Play dead."

  With each command, Fang did exactly as he asked. I hated watching him act like a performing monkey and wondered how long he'd put up with it.

  AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO CONVINCE THESE IDIOTS THAT I CAN UNDERSTAND THEM.

  "Lift your right paw,” Fenton commanded.

  Fang stood, turned to the side and lifted his back right leg. I gaped. No, he wouldn't.

  Everyone cracked up and Fenton said hastily, “No, no. The front paw."

  Fang turned back to face him and raised his front paw, then flopped it up and down in a wave, looking cute and adorable.

  A man toward the back asked, “Did you really bite Mike Fenton?"

  Fang nodded as Ramirez said, “He deserved it at the time.” True—he'd jumped me in a fair fight and made it unfair. Fang had only evened the odds.

  "And what does Mike deserve now?” the man asked with a grin.

  Fang whipped around and leaned forward, pointing his butt in Fenton's direction. He turned to look over his shoulder with a doggie grin then released an explosive sound and stench.

  Everyone cracked up, even Fenton.

  I shook my head. Male humor. Strange how releasing a little gas could bond them together. And make a part-demon look harmless and amusing. Good job, Fang.

  YOU GOT IT, CUPCAKE. He turned around and bowed, first to the right, then to the left. If they didn't realize Fang could understand human speech by now, they had no business being in this unit.

  Ramirez took advantage of the friendly mood to say, “Are you convinced now?"

  Fenton held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. No way could you fake that."

  Lt. Ramirez thanked Fang then said to the detectives, “Open your minds. You're in this unit because you're able to accept the idea of evil in forms most people can't imagine. Now I'm asking you to accept Val, Fang, and the other part-demons like them, as allies. To believe they're only dangerous to our common enemy, which is not all vampires, just the law-breaking ones. We don't arrest citizens based on anything other than their actions, do we? That rule has to include all citizens of San Antonio, human, vampire, and part-demon. Think about it."

  Then, wisely, he let them leave on a high note, since the laughter in the room had dissipated the tension. He asked me to follow him, and for Dan and Detective Jones to wait around. I gave Dan an angry, wistful look, but couldn't tell if he caught it.

  Fang and I joined the lieutenant in his office, and before he could say anything, I blurted out, “Just now, enthralling them . . . was an accident. I didn't mean to do it. I couldn't control it."

  Looking weary, Ramirez said, “I know. That's why I asked you to take a break from the unit until you got your power under control. I was afraid something like this would happen. The cat is out of the bag, now. Or, rather, the succubus."

  Humor from Ramirez? Maybe I wasn't in such deep doo-doo as I feared. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

  "I know you didn't,” he said, interrupting. “I was going to let them know about your powers eventually, just not in this way. But I'm afraid now I'll have to insist you take time off until the effect of this episode has been forgotten a little. I can't have my entire unit being worried that you'll hypnotize them and make them bark like a dog."

  NOTHING WRONG WITH BARKING, Fang protested.

  "I can't,” I said, feeling miserable. “Have you heard of the Encyclopedia Mag
icka?"

  He nodded. “My wife mentioned it. Said it's been lost for over a decade."

  "Well, not exactly. I had it.” When he looked surprised, I added, “But I didn't know it was the only copy in existence and that my father had stolen it. I gave it back, honest."

  "I'm glad to hear it, but I don't see how that pertains to the situation at hand."

  "Because I gave it to Micah at the underground social and it was stolen again.” I told Lt. Ramirez the whole story then concluded by explaining why I wanted to go back to work with the sanction of the SCU so Alejandro wouldn't get suspicious when I questioned his people. I needed to find the books before someone could use them to do harm.

  Ramirez sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “You make a good case. I'll have to change my plans."

  He rose to stick his head out the door, and called in the other two. The blonde followed Dan in and Ramirez said, “I don't think you've met Detective Jones, have you, Val?"

  "Not officially,” I said. Though her fist had met my face.

  Fang chortled.

  I ignored him as Ramirez introduced us. “Nicole Jones, Val Shapiro."

  We nodded warily at each other, and Ramirez gestured for the two of them to sit. They did, Dan taking the farthest chair, making Nicole sit next to me. What was up with that?

  YEAH, Fang said. YOU BATHED THIS MORNING.

  Ramirez leaned forward, clasping his hands together. “Detective Jones is new to the unit, and I'd like you two to train her before I assign her a new partner."

  I glanced at her. Short, slight, blond . . . and fully human. What made the lieutenant think she could possibly take on a vamp and win?

  Some of my doubt must have shown in my eyes, because Dan said curtly, “Nic can do it."

  Nic? How was it Dan knew the pretty blonde well enough to call her by a nickname? “I already have two partners, and I don't need another one,” I said bluntly.

  YOU JUST DON'T WANT THE COMPETITION, Fang said with a smirk.

  Dang, I hated how he could see right through me . . . and call me on it. I glanced at her doubtfully. “Besides, this job might be a bit too much for her."

  "Nic can do it,” Dan repeated. “And she has good reason—her brother was killed by one of Lily's followers."

  "I'm sorry, I know how tough this has to be on you,” I said to Nicole. “But all the wanting in the world doesn't mean you can kill vampires.” I should know—all the wanting in the world hadn't made me fully human.

  "I'm better than I look,” she said quietly. “Like you and your dog."

  SHE'S GOT YOU THERE, Fang said.

  Whose side are you on?

  I'M JUST SAYING.

  Well, stop. You're not helping.

  "Jones is part of the unit,” Ramirez said. “That's not up for negotiation."

  I shook my head. “But you said you wanted to bring on more part-demons. Doesn't it make more sense to have me train them instead of her? Any other scuzzie can train her."

  "But you're the only other female,” Ramirez said softly. “You can help her, show her a few tricks."

  "And you trained me,” Dan added. “You're good at it, Val."

  He looked so darned serious . . . no sign of a smile or anything to show that we'd kissed and meant something to each other not that long ago. Was this change Nicole's fault? Probably. No doubt the cute little blonde had wormed her way into Dan's life during the past few days. Imagine what would happen if she had more time to work on him?

  "I'll be better at training demons,” I insisted. “Who else could do it?” I gave Ramirez a steady glare, reminding him silently that I needed to interact with demons and vamps to find the books. Not some lightweight who'd probably faint at the first sight of fangs.

  He nodded. “You're right. That is a better use for your talents. Okay, Sullivan, you take on Jones as your new partner, and Val and I will recruit some more part-demons for the SCU."

  Wait. No, that's so not what I meant. I gaped at them all, wondering how to retract everything I'd just said without looking like a jealous fool.

  YOU CAN'T, Fang confirmed. WERE YOU TRYING TO DRIVE DAN INTO HER ARMS? ‘CAUSE THAT'S WHAT JUST HAPPENED.

  Yeah. Talk about a royal screw-up . . .

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Five

  Dan stood and nodded. “Okay. Let's get to work, Nic."

  They headed out the door and down the hall before I got my act together.

  No, he couldn't leave like this. Heart in my throat, I blurted out, “Dan, wait."

  He and Nicole turned to stare at me. Now what, genius? “Uh, can I talk to you, Dan? In private?"

  "Is it really necessary, Val?"

  Why did he look so annoyed, like I was some dumb kid hanging on his shirttail, or something? “Yes, it is.” I had to find out what the heck was the matter with him. Fang trotted forward and poked him in the shin for emphasis.

  He heaved a sigh. “Okay. Nic, you want to wait for me in the break room?"

  She nodded and gave me an odd look I couldn't interpret, then left. I wanted to grab his arm, turn him away from her, but was afraid he'd pull away. Not wanting to test it, I said, “Let's go back to the briefing room, okay?"

  Dan followed me to the room, which was empty as I suspected. Good. I glanced down at Fang who backed up, saying, HOW ABOUT I JUST WAIT OUTSIDE?

  "Thanks.” He could probably still hear my thoughts from there, but it was nice of him to give me the illusion of a little privacy.

  The door shut behind Fang and I turned to face Dan. He stood there, arms crossed, annoyance on his face. “What was that all about?” he asked. “You're the best trainer we have. Do you want her to get killed?"

  "No, of course not.” I wouldn't wish that kind of death on anyone. “But I have a good reason for wanting to train demons instead.” Such as finding a certain thief . . .

  "Like what?"

  I hunched my shoulders and glanced away from his hard stare. “I . . . can't tell you."

  "More secrets, Val? Why can't you tell me?"

  "This involves Micah—something I have to do for him. It's his secret, and I don't have permission to share it with you.” I'd already shared too many of Micah's secrets with Dan. “But Ramirez knows about it."

  Dan nodded. He understood honor and duty. “I thought—” He broke off and rubbed his neck with one hand.

  "Thought what?"

  "That you might be jealous of Nic,” he said reluctantly.

  Lola rose within me, jealous, possessive . . . her emotions focused into a single word: Mine. It reverberated throughout my body, demanding Dan's absolute obedience. Lola was like a genie in a bottle, desperately rocking to get out and sink her hooks into Dan.

  Oh, crap. I had to keep her from popping the cork. Enslaving Dan each time I saw him was not the way to win him over. I closed my eyes and fought Lola to a standstill. Luckily, it seemed to be easier this time.

  Once I had her under control, I opened my eyes to see Dan watching me warily. “Should I be?” I asked as calmly as I could.

  Dan wouldn't meet my eyes. “You and I were partners, Val. Nothing more."

  My throat choked up and I barely got out, “That's a lie and you know it. What's the matter with you, Dan?” I asked it softly, hoping he'd see reason, not think this way, not treat me like this.

  "Nothing."

  Yeah, right. “Don't give me that crap. You act like I have Ebola or something."

  He stuck his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “I'm just keeping my distance."

  "Why?” I hated that it came out more as a wail.

  "Come on, Val. You know how it is. People bond during intense situations, but it's not based on anything real. It never lasts."

  "You don't know that.” When he did nothing but shrug, I added, “You said you were cool with what I am, that every man needs a little Lola in his life."

  He sighed. “Yeah, but I still remember what it felt like to be totally owned by you. I still fe
el the pull, and I hate the fact that I can't trust my own emotions around you."

  "Dan, I promise, I won't do it again—"

  "You just did. Tonight, in this very room."

  "I couldn't help it. They goaded me into it."

  "And what happens when they goad you again? Or I do something that happens to tick you off? You're like a time bomb waiting to explode and I don't want to be in the blast zone again when it happens."

  "I'm getting better, I swear it. Just let me—"

  "No.” He cut me off with a weary sigh. “It won't work. It would never have worked. I'm too old for you, you have your whole life ahead of you—"

  "Cut the crap, Dan.” He was pissing me off now. “Stop acting like you're doing this for me. Seven years difference isn't that much and you know it.” It certainly hadn't stopped him before. “Tell the truth. This is really about that little blonde, isn't it?"

  "Nic?"

  "Of course, Nic. Who else is slobbering all over you?” I knew I sounded like a jealous idiot, but I couldn't help myself. I had to know what he thought.

  "She's not—"

  "Okay, slight exaggeration. But the timing seems awfully convenient. You meet her and all of a sudden you're dumping me. What does that tell you?"

  "Nothing. It's a coincidence, nothing more."

  "That's not how it looks from this angle. Are you going to date her?” The thought made my gut tighten.

  His jaw tightened. “I don't know. I hadn't thought about it. But if I do, it's none of your business."

  I pressed my lips together and nodded. None of my business. Guess that told me where I stood. “Got it.” I was out, she was in. My eyes suddenly stung and I looked down so he wouldn't get the satisfaction of seeing me hurt.

  "I need time, Val,” he said softly. “I need to think about this. It's better if we don't see each other for awhile. Maybe this is a good thing."

  Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded again then turned my back on him, hunching forward against the pain.

  I heard him walk away and the door close behind him.

  Soon after came the click of nails against the linoleum floor. Fang nudged me. YOU OKAY?