by Parker Blue
Mood nodded. “Andrew has . . . anger issues. He was probably acting out of grief, needing someone to take out his rage on."
I hated to ask, when they were obviously so upset, but still, I needed to probe. “Maybe the Encyclopedia Magicka will be able to help demons like her in the future."
I cast a glance at Fang. How are they reacting to my mention of the books?
NO GUILT THERE. MOOD IS CONCENTRATING ON SOMETHING, AND JOSH IS WITHDRAWN AND QUIET—ZONED OUT.
Crap. Though Mood had been busy calming the crowd during the time the books had been stolen, I'd hoped Josh had noticed something odd with Andrew.
"Don't you know if the books will help?” Mood asked. “You read them, didn't you?"
"Not really,” I said. “Stupidly, I didn't know how important they were. I didn't read much of them."
They were the only gifts my suicidal father had left to me, so I'd kept them. But the fear that I might turn out like him had made me reluctant to read much about our kind—only what I needed to survive.
Then, realizing Mood didn't know the books were missing, I added, “I figure they're better off in Micah's hands."
Mood smiled. “Yes, they're safe with him."
Fang snorted, and I shoved him with my foot in warning.
Shade touched my arm. “Can I speak to you privately?"
"Sure. Let's go to my room."
Mood smirked, and I felt strangely flustered. Should I explain? I couldn't tell them he probably just wanted to find out what I'd learned. Should I tell them I didn't think of Shade in that way?
BUT MAYBE YOU DO, Fang said, and I swear he smirked, too.
I glanced at Shade and saw his feelings for me written all over his face. My face heated, and I felt warm all over. Oh, crap.
JUST GO, OR YOU'LL MAKE IT WORSE, Fang said, sounding exasperated.
Grabbing Shade's hand, I pulled him toward my bedroom so we could talk. I heard everyone else laugh behind me and Mood sang softly, “Shade and Val sitting in a tree . . . “
"Oh, yeah. So grown up,” I called back and was met with more laughter.
I pulled Shade into my bedroom and suddenly felt awkward. I'd never noticed before how big the bed was, how boring my room was, or how big Shade looked in it. Though I kept hold of his hand to ground him in this reality, I deliberately glanced down and to the side. “Uh, we need to work on your control of your facial expressions . . ."
"I have been,” Shade said. “I've been practicing. That expression on my face just now? It says, ‘I adore you, Val.’ Fooled everyone, didn't it?"
Huh? I raised my head to look at him and saw amusement and fondness on his face. Oh. He'd been acting, to throw them off as to the real reason he'd asked to talk to me in private. Feeling my face heat even more, I said. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean that you're in love with me or anything. I was just . . . “ Acting like a complete fool.
AND DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB OF IT, Fang agreed from the other room.
Grrr. Go away for a little while, would you? I don't listen in on you and Princess.
OKAY, OKAY, Fang said, sounding disappointed. I'LL TUNE OUT. JUST BE NICE TO THE GUY. HE'S MY FRIEND.
I will. He's my friend, too.
"It's okay,” Shade assured me, sinking down onto the bed. “I think I am a little bit in love with you."
Oh, wow. No one had ever said that to me before. Tears stung my eyelids, and emotion clogged my throat. I plopped down on the bed next to him, still holding his hand. “I-I—” I didn't know what to say.
"I didn't mean to weird you out or anything, but I thought you should know.” When I didn't say anything, he added softly, “You don't have to say it back."
Hell, the way I was feeling now, emotions all mixed up and kind of sappy, maybe I did feel the same way. “Are you sure it's not just Lola?"
He shook his head. “You and Lola are a package deal. How could someone love only part of you?"
My family had no problem with separating the two of us . . . and Lola was definitely persona non grata there. “Good question,” I muttered.
"Poor Val . . .” Shade put his arms around me and hugged me to him.
Oh, wow. This was so great. He smelled really good, and his warm arms made me feel protected and safe.
Lola stirred, wanting more of Shade . . . a lot more. I snapped her back, desperately trying to remember how the candle flame had helped me find an inner space where I could be free of her. I started to pull away, but Shade stopped me.
"It's okay,” he whispered. “Remember, Micah said to use me to help keep Lola under control. It's better if you do it now and don't wait until she's so hungry that you have no control.” He laid down on my bed and pulled me down beside him, looking all sexy, longing, and hopeful. “Let go, Val."
Lola wanted him bad, and I had to admit the rest of me did, too. But it was hard to let loose when I was a whole lot more used to holding back. I laid in the circle of his arms like a stiff pole.
Oops, bad choice of words. Desperately, I said, “I thought you wanted to ask me what Fang found out about your friends."
He kissed me on the forehead. “I'm guessing he cleared Mood and Josh, but you're not so sure about Andrew.” He followed up with a snuggle and kiss just below my ear.
Lust and longing shot through me, but still I managed to keep a lid on Lola. “If you knew that, why did you want to speak to me?"
He chuckled into my neck. “For this. You need to satisfy Lola, and I'm here to let you."
Oh. He continued to place soft kisses in strategic places, and I felt myself melt in his arms, feeling all gooey and warm, yet dizzy with emotion. He was right. What would it hurt? “But you're injured,” I protested half-heartedly.
He kissed my lips softly. “We aren't going to do anything but kiss,” he promised me. “I know you won't take too much energy. I trust you."
I could see in his eyes that he meant exactly what he said. His faith both humbled and seduced me. Convinced he really meant it, I relaxed and kissed him back, letting Lola emerge, slow and easy. I felt my energy flow into him everywhere we touched body to body, smooth and thick as sweet syrup. He gasped and his whole body quivered with desire. For me.
Our kiss broken, I held on to him as if he were my lifeline and let the energy ebb and flow through us, enjoying the waves of sensation as much as Lola did, as we explored his nerve-endings psychically, stroking and pleasuring here . . . there . . . everywhere. His desire fed back to me, filling the empty wells of my demon self, making me strong and whole. I felt fully in control, confident and assured . . . and very, very turned on.
But Shade had asked for only this, no more, so I resisted the urge to strip off our clothes and offer up my virginity. Though I wanted very much to lose it right then, I was also too conscious of the people in the kitchen just down the hallway, wondering exactly what we were doing in here.
But when Shade grasped my butt in both hands and clutched me to him, I lost it. Pure lust shot through me, directly into him, where we were pressed together at the hips. I arched into him and Shade stiffened, then gasped and shuddered, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of my backside.
He relaxed, then lay still, leaving me feeling like I still wanted something, but wasn't quite sure what it was. Lola knew, though, and drank up all that lovely energy he offered us. Well, not all. I had enough control to take only what I needed, not so much that it would leave him totally depleted.
"I'm sorry,” he muttered into my neck. “I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay,” I assured him. “That's what's supposed to happen, I think."
"But you—you're not satisfied."
"Sure I am. I let Lola drink her fill."
He raised up to search my face. “That's not what I meant—"
I cut him off. “It's enough.” Especially the way he looked at me, all sleepy, satisfied, and worshipful. That was Lola's doing. Feeding on him with his consent was one thing.. Letting him confuse his reaction to Lola with falling in l
ove with me was quite another. I couldn't trust the way he felt and couldn't let myself get the two confused either.
I smoothed his hair back from his brow where his bruise still lingered. “How's your head doing?"
"It's fine,” he said impatiently. “Val—"
My bedroom door burst open then and we both jumped. Crap—I should have locked it. Dan stood there, but his face wasn't as easy to read as Shade's. All I could see was he'd shut down.
Fang barreled in after him. SORRY, VAL, WE COULDN'T TELL HE WAS GOING TO DO THIS.
Don't worry about it.
Gwen, Mood, and Josh peered in behind him, and I tried to untangle myself from Shade with as much dignity as I could. Thank heavens we were both still clothed. Before anyone could say anything, I went on the offensive. “What do you want?” I asked Dan.
"I came over to see my sister, and I find her place filled with . . . “ He fought for words and finally said,” . . . your friends.” He gestured, looking disgusted at finding Shade in my bed in all his swirly glory.
Well, I was beyond feeling embarrassed and heading straight for totally pissed. “Demons, you mean. Gwen knows what they are."
"She what? She shouldn't know a damned thing about them."
"Why not?” I challenged. “You told her about vampires and me—without my knowledge or consent, by the way."
"That's different. She lives with you—she had a right to know."
"Yes, she did, just as she has the right to know my friends are demons as well. Are you saying I can't have my friends over to my own place?"
Dan gaped at me, not knowing what to say.
Gwen touched his arm. “She's right, Dan. And she brought them only because Shade really needed my help. He was injured."
"Just like Nicole,” I added. “But he couldn't go to the hospital the way she could, so I had to get some help for him."
"But why my sister?"
"Because last time I looked she had way more medical training than anyone else I know. And she's a kind and generous person.” Unlike someone else I could name. “And though Shade can heal others, he can't heal himself. Remember that, Dan?” I pressed. “Maybe you should take a moment to recall how this demon healed you when you really needed it."
Dan relaxed a little and ran a hand over his face. “You're right. Shade deserves treatment just as much as anyone else. And I understand why you brought him here, to Gwen. I'd probably do the same thing in your shoes."
Whoa. That was quite a concession. I glanced at Mood to see if she was controlling him, but she shook her head. I guess Dan could be reasonable.
"But that doesn't mean I like it,” he added.
"You don't have to,” Gwen said, looking mulish. “I'm a big girl now and I can make decisions for myself. You don't have to play the protective big brother all the time, you know."
Dan spread his hands helplessly. “I can't help it. It's what I do."
Gwen laughed. “I know."
I did, too. It was what had made me fall for him in the first place—his hero complex. Unfortunately, it was also what made him so frustrating to deal with sometimes. Especially when it came to women. Speaking of that . . . “How's Nicole?"
He sighed. “She's very lucky she wasn't hurt worse. She's out of danger now.” He glanced at Shade. “She said you tried to protect her, to push her out of the way. You probably saved her life."
Shade shrugged, his expression inscrutably swirly now that no one was touching him. “You would have done the same."
All too true.
Dan shrugged. “Thanks just the same."
Gwen patted Dan's shoulder. “You're tired and not thinking straight. Why don't you go home and get some sleep? We'll talk tomorrow."
"Okay, good idea.” Dan glanced around him once more at all the demons in Gwen's townhouse—and in my bedroom, specifically. He started to say something, then shook his head and left.
The tension dissipated. Mood grasped Shade's hand and led him and Josh back into the kitchen.
I glanced at Gwen to see how she was taking the whole scene.
She looked concerned . . . for me. “I'll talk to Dan later, let him know he was being a jerk.” She cocked her head. “This attitude of his isn't really directed at you, you know. He gets all big brotherly overprotective when he thinks I'm in danger."
Or when Nicole has been hurt, apparently. I nodded, not really caring at the moment. I didn't want to think or worry about any of this anymore. Remembering something Gwen had said before, I asked, “Didn't you mention something yesterday about going shopping with me?"
She perked up. “I did. And I have the day off. Want to go?"
"Sure. But I need to shower and change first."
SHOPPING? Fang said incredulously. WE HAVE A THIEF TO CATCH AND YOU'RE GOING SHOPPING?
Yep. I guess you missed the part where Josh said Andrew hangs out at the Rivercenter Mall?
OH, Fang said, sounding impressed. WELL, AREN'T YOU THE CLEVER GIRL?
Why, yes, I thought at him, not bothering to hide my smugness. I was riding the crest of Shade's appreciation for me, even if Lola was part of it. And don't you forget it, either.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Eleven
Gwen offered to drive, and as I got in her car, she said, “I'm guessing you want to go to the Rivercenter Mall?"
Busted. I shot her a guilty look. “I forget how smart you are."
She laughed. “No, I'm not, but I do know how Dan thinks when he's working a case. I figure you aren't too much different.” She pulled out of the parking spot. “But you have to promise me one thing."
"What?"
"If you can't find Andrew, you'll still spend time really shopping."
"Okay. That actually sounds fun."
It didn't take too long to get to Rivercenter. Located downtown on the River Walk, the four-story, glass-walled mall was nestled between a couple of high-end hotels, including the historic Menger. The glass could have made it look cold and modern, but it didn't. That's because one arm of the San Antonio River dead-ended inside the mall. Surrounded by the food court, with plants and brightly colored umbrellas outside, the area looked comfy and inviting.
If Andrew was hanging out somewhere in the mall, it was probably there, the most popular social spot. We cruised the area but didn't see the redheaded fire demon. I did, however, spot someone who looked familiar—the green-haired girl I'd met at Micah's party. She was chatting with some friends, so I steered Gwen in that direction.
I walked by and pretended I'd just recognized her. “Oh, hi. Shawndra, right? I'm Val. We met at Micah's party."
She smiled and nodded, but cast nervous glances at her companions—they must be fully human and not aware that Shawndra wasn't. I wasn't in a mood to be too sympathetic. “Say, Shawndra, have you seen Andrew? I heard he hangs out here."
She shook her head. “Haven't seen him in days."
"Do you know where he might be?"
"No. He's been kind of weird ever since his sister died. Can't blame him, y'know?"
I nodded. “Well, Micah's looking for him, so if you see Andrew or know where he might be, let Micah know."
"Okay,” she said, but wouldn't meet my eyes.
She knew something, but I couldn't press the issue here and now.
"Thanks.” Gwen and I had only gone a few feet when Shawndra caught up to us.
She leaned in close and lowered her voice. “Tell Micah that Veronica and her boyfriend got kinda cozy with the vamps toward the end. Andrew wasn't very happy about it."
That made sense. “Thanks. Do you know—"
"Sorry, gotta go,” she said and scooted off before I could question her more.
I started to follow her, but Gwen stopped me with a hand on my arm. “Not a good time,” she murmured.
Yeah, I knew that. But it was frustrating to get information in little bits and pieces like this. What did this mean? Was it even important?
Gwen put an arm around my wa
ist. “Okay, Val. Job over. Time to have fun. You promised."
I thought about protesting, but she was right—I had promised. “Okay.” Besides, the next obvious step was to talk to Alejandro again, and he wouldn't be available until the sun went down. I did text Micah, though, to let him know what little I'd learned. I grinned at Gwen. “Let's go shopping."
"Great. First stop, Macy's.” As we headed upstairs, Gwen said, “Let's not worry about what styles are called and just figure out what you like. First, what kind of feeling do you want in your bedroom?"
"I'm not sure what you mean."
"Well, what do you want to feel when you're in there? Warm and comfortable? Cool and relaxed? Or hot and sexy?"
"Definitely not hot and sexy.” Lola didn't need any encouragement.
"Okay, then how do you want to feel when you're at home alone in your room? Think about it for a few minutes."
I didn't realize choosing a style and colors would be so complicated. “I don't know . . . I guess I want . . . a sanctuary. Somewhere quiet and relaxing where I can go and just chill."
"Okay, what do you find calm and relaxing? What kind of place?"
That was easy. “The River Walk.” It's where I went to unwind.
"Good.” She beamed at me. “Now we're getting somewhere.” She pulled me toward the bedding department and helped me figure out what I liked and didn't like. Nothing seemed quite right, though, until Gwen said, “I think I found something you might like. It's on sale, too.” She pulled out a duvet cover in a beautiful shade of silvery grayish blue with a cracked pattern of a lighter ice blue. Very soothing. I loved it and could definitely imagine myself relaxing under its palette of watery colors.
We paired it with chocolate brown and soon had pillows, curtains, and a rug that matched. I couldn't wait to get home and put it all together. “A chic, sophisticated look,” Gwen called it.
Me, sophisticated? Who knew?
I checked out and gulped at the final total. But I hadn't spent much of my salary since Ramirez had hired me for the San Antonio P.D., so my checking account could handle it. Gwen and I loaded up with the bags of my purchases and, feeling like a pack mule, I said, “Thanks for your help with this. I appreciate it."