Blood Ties

by Shayne Carmichael

  Rather than have the subject of conversation on him, he turned it on Kyle by asking, “Where exactly does your tribe operate out of?"

  "Near Joshua Tree, on the fringes of the park.” Kyle really didn't seem to want to discuss much about his tribe if he could help it.

  "The park allows it?"

  "The tribe deals with the park, and nobody takes much exception to an occasional hunt. We're required to keep records of our kills. To work alongside the park service and manage the animal population. Not something Roman liked doing much, but he couldn't afford to piss off the rangers. It would have cost us our hunting privileges."

  "If your tribal leader is forced to deal with the officials, why don't you go to them, Kyle?"

  "Human law isn't like tribal law. We're pretty much left on our own, unless we commit a crime against your laws. No use going to them when there isn't anything they can do.” A sudden movement between two trees in the distance had Kyle's attention riveted on it. Adrian could see the tension stiffening Kyle's frame before the were released his hand.

  Kyle's features began quickly shifting into cat form, and Adrian caught the hint. The were wanted to hunt. The deer, which had gotten his full attention in the first place, seemed unaware of their presence. Kyle slowly padded toward the deer, his movements uncannily quiet. He was obviously determined to hunt, and Adrian was about as intent on not being a witness. Adrian decided now would be a good time to head back to the cabin.

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  Chapter 12

  Kyle settled into the apartment pretty quickly. He also continued with the habit of coming up to Adrian, nudging and rubbing against him. Cats were affectionate, right? Admittedly, the last night at the cabin, it had momentarily thrown Adrian to find Kyle curled up at the end of his bed. However, he adjusted to it. Okay, I have a big housecat on my hands. I can handle that.

  At the moment, Adrian had to catch up on his email, and his answering machine was next. Yar had sent the information about weres he'd asked for. It made for fascinating reading and explained the various tribes. The parts about were spiders gave Adrian the creeps, though. Not something he would ever want to meet. He knew relatively little about weres except one, they hated vamps; two, vamps hated them; and three, weres were born weres.

  He found out the full moon had no effect on them. The phase of the moon they were born under did determine their abilities. They were natural hunters in animal form, and their diet consisted of wild animals, which would explain why most tribes tended to stay in more rural communities. However, some were known to live just as comfortably in a city. He'd just have to make sure he had plenty of poundage of raw meat for Kyle when he needed it. In human mode, they ate pizza and hamburgers like everybody else. Their bites didn't change you into a raging were either, the only thing it meant was a trip to the emergency room. Weredom was a genetic factor, not a communicable disease.

  The general public didn't consider most weres dangerous because their philosophy deeply involved a strong belief in the sanctity of life. Weres were very strongly connected to the earth itself and considered themselves protectors of both the earth and life. A lot of this seemed contrary to some of the things Kyle had told him about the way his tribe behaved. It puzzled Adrian, to say the least. After as much talking as he'd done with Kyle, Adrian realized Kyle's nature seemed more like what he had read of weres.

  Their tribal hierarchy was fairly simple. One leader, and a couple of his or her buddies, to hold down the fort. They were supposed to uphold tribal law. In Kyle's case, it sounded more like they had broken it.

  However, Adrian was still trying to get over the were spider notion. They were something you would not want to meet in a dark alley at night. The accompanying picture gave his nightmares an extra oomph for quite a few nights. He would have to thank Yar for that later.

  After he finished reading and listened to the messages on the answering machine, he joined Kyle on the couch, phone in hand. Scooting toward Adrian, Kyle stretched out like a big cat, nestling up against Adrian. He slowly petted over Kyle's hair, letting the were watch TV while he dialed phone numbers.

  Adrian's first call was to Gray, as his was the first message on the machine. All Adrian got out was his name before Gray started. “About time you got back home, Debrett. How soon can you get downtown?"

  "I just got back. Why do you want me to come in?"

  "They caught Denton. The child killer, remember him?"

  "I hadn't heard. No TV at the cabin, Gray. I'm glad to hear he's in custody."

  "While Keller was taking him to the interrogation room, Denton took a header out the window. The son of a bitch jumped on us."

  "What do you need me for, then?” He really hoped Gray wasn't going to tell him Denton had returned as a sequel.

  "He's haunting the station now, Debrett. Bastard is a mover too, playing games with us. Papers are coming up missing and all kinds of shit. How soon can you get down here? Payroll is willing to be billed for two thousand bucks."

  "Give me a few, Gray, and I'll make some arrangements.” Sighing, he clicked off before calling Dakota. He had a firm rule, no killers. He'd be more tempted to bind the bastard inside a spider or something. That would be breaking two of Adrian's rules with one stone.

  "Dakota, it's Adrian. I need a favor.” He could have asked Yar, but Adrian already owed him two, and didn't feel like racking up a third. In addition, he had a payoff Dakota would like.

  "What do you need, and what's the coin?"

  "I need some ID papers, perfectly legit, no fake name. For the payoff, the city needs a job done, and they're paying two thousand.” Adrian needed the papers for Kyle to get his driver's license. Kyle's identification had been burned by his pack in some stupid official ceremony booting him out.

  "I can get the papers. When does the job need to be done?"

  "How soon can you get downtown? They've got a mover haunting the police department."

  "That fast?” Dakota asked, laughing. “I'm there. Just give me what I need for the papers you need."

  Adrian gave Dakota the information before he hung up.

  Kyle stretched out on his back, putting his head in Adrian's lap. A low rumbling purr vibrated Kyle's chest.

  "As soon as Dakota gets the papers, we'll get everything taken care of.” Adrian's fingers brushed back the golden hair, combing through it. Kyle loved to be petted.

  "It shouldn't be any problem for me to get a job.” His head rubbed against Adrian's arm affectionately as Kyle rolled to his side.

  "That part I'll leave up to you, Kyle. As you are a seer, you might want to keep that to yourself. Or else you'll end up working with me."

  "I could do that, too. It wouldn't bother me."

  A knock sounded at the door, so he motioned Kyle to get up. “Hop up, Kyle, and let me answer the door."

  Kyle shifted off Adrian before curling back up on the couch.

  Opening the door, Adrian paused with his hand on the doorknob. Seeing Gabriel with a box under his arm, he opened the door further. “Hey, Gabriel, come on in."

  Gabriel's eyes narrowed, catching sight of Kyle lounging on the couch. “Good evening, Adrian."

  He stepped back to let Gabriel in. Kyle stared at Gabriel for a moment, his nostrils flaring, before he suddenly stood, growling at Gabriel.

  Gabriel stilled before growling harshly. “Were.” The one word had the same ‘worst thing crawling on the Earth’ tone that Kyle's had had when he first met Adrian.

  Damn. Their behavior had Adrian rushing to his bag, pulling out the staker and dagger. The two acted like they were ready to spring at each other's throats.

  Adrian let the weapons be clearly seen as he swiftly stepped between them. “Back down, Gabriel, Kyle. Now."

  Gabriel stopped the fang show, remaining absolutely motionless. “Adrian, get out of the way."

  "I mean it, Gabriel, don't touch him.” The tone of Adrian's voice must have convinced Gabriel, because he took a step back.


  Kyle maintained his threatening posture.

  "Kyle, it's okay. Calm down.” Adrian moved in a side step, keeping Gabriel in the corner of his eye. Putting both weapons in one hand, he held the other out to Kyle. “Nobody will hurt you. I'll shoot him if he tries. And no hurting the vampire, either. Understand?"

  Tension slowly leaked out as Kyle took Adrian's hand, putting it to his cheek and rubbing against it.

  "You tamed a were. Why am I not surprised, Adrian?” Gabriel looked somewhat amused, though not that much.

  "Can it, Gabriel. Anybody tries to hurt him, they go through me. So warn your court."

  Kyle released his hand before he sprawled back on the couch. Adrian returned to his backpack, putting the weapons safely away.

  "I will tell them. Now, would you care to explain why you have a were in your living room?"

  "He was injured and left out in the woods to die, so I brought him home.” It sounded easier than it had been.

  "So why is he here now?"

  "No place else to go."

  Gabriel moved closer to Adrian, his head homing in somewhere near his throat. A deliberate breath took in Adrian's scent. “You smell like him. Why?"

  Gabriel's accusing tone ended in a growl as he flashed an irate look at Kyle. Kyle answered back with his own growl.

  Adrian stood in the middle, playing babysitter to two natural enemies. Is there an upside to this?

  To silence them, he ordered Kyle to watch TV before he grabbed Gabriel's hand. Adrian pulled the vampire down the hall to his bedroom, for privacy. Shutting the door, he started in on Gabriel. “What is your problem?” He glared in indignation at Gabriel. “I've got a big cat on my hands who likes to rub up against me. So will you just cut it out?"

  The high arch of Gabriel's brow became imperious as he dropped the box on the bed. “And you let him?"

  "It's affectionate. Like a cat, you know.” His finger poked Gabriel hard in the chest, punctuating his point. “Not everybody thinks like you. He's a cat, not a sex maniac."

  The jealousy thankfully simmered down, and a slow smile appeared. “I am not a sex maniac, as you so quaintly put it."

  Taking his hand, Gabriel pulled Adrian to him. “I have missed you. Forgive my outburst. This wasn't how I planned to greet you."

  Smiling back, Adrian started to relax because Gabriel had. “I couldn't leave him to die, Gabriel. And he has no place to go.” As if the words explained everything, and for Adrian they did.

  "I know your heart, Adrian. Perhaps better than you do.” Gabriel lifted his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind Adrian's ear. “Sei sangue del mio sangue. Sei la mia anima gemella."

  For one quiet moment, Adrian remained against Gabriel before he pulled away, not understanding what Gabriel said.

  "I brought you an outfit for tonight; please wear it for me.” Gabriel's voice held no command. Adrian could see an odd shadowing to Gabriel's eyes before he turned and silently left. Gabriel kept his thoughts deeply buried within himself; Adrian could see no sign of any in his expression.

  Something nagged at Adrian, but he opened the box, pulling aside the tissue paper. The black material felt silky beneath his fingers when he ran his hand over it. He decided to go ahead and wear it.

  After stripping out of his clothes, Adrian slid the black poet's shirt over his head. The neck was a small collar that fastened at the front with a little silver pin. An amethyst, the size of the end of his pinky, winked with the light. The pants were a very tight fit, far tighter than he normally wore. Slipping the jacket on, Adrian studied the effect in the mirror. Definitely far more out there than what he normally wore. The entire outfit gave him an oddly old-fashioned air, but it flattered his darker looks.

  When he returned to the living room, Kyle wasn't there. He'd probably gone to hide out in his room. Adrian hadn't been able to pay much attention to Gabriel's outfit earlier, but now it caught his eye. He was dressed completely in black, even his shirt and vest. A very dark blue tie added to the more than pleasing effect. The jacket was longer than normal, ending at about mid thigh. He stood motionless, only his eyes traveled over Adrian. The soft murmur of his voice washed over Adrian, trailing a heated sensation along his nerves. “Truly intriguing, Adrian."

  "Very tempting yourself, Gabriel.” Just to avoid staring at him, Adrian headed over to his backpack, crouching to pull out the weapons.

  "You won't need those."

  "I won't leave the house without them."

  "Just put your gun in the pocket of the jacket. I invited your were to come along with us. It will give you the chance to introduce him to the others."

  Kyle came from the hall and stopped when he saw Adrian.

  "No growling at the vampires. Just remember that, Kyle."

  Kyle gave a nod of agreement as Gabriel opened the front door, murmuring, “I am sure one of the others at the club will have something that will fit your were."

  Kyle wasn't much better in the clothing department than Adrian was. When he'd taken the were shopping earlier, Kyle had gone for jeans and casual shirts, precisely what he wore now.

  By the time they entered the club, it looked like everybody was already present. Gabriel pulled Wolf aside, speaking to him. Kyle stayed close to Adrian's side.

  Wolf shot a glance at Adrian, then looked at Kyle as Gabriel explained what he wanted.

  "I can get him some clothing from the dressing rooms. Not a problem, Father."

  Adrian had a feeling poor Kyle probably wouldn't like anything Wolf found for him. Wolf already looked decked out in fine style. He'd left the black silk vest unbuttoned, giving a spectacular view of the well toned muscles of his chest and arms. The rest of him looked like it had been poured into a piece of black leather. His longish dark hair was tied back, and a pair of designer shades hid his eyes. Adrian had never asked him why Wolf felt the need to wear sunglasses at night.

  "Anybody hurts Kyle and I'll be taking care of it, Wolf. So pass the word for me."

  Wolf gave Adrian a nod before motioning to Kyle to follow him.

  Xander brought Adrian a white wine when Gabriel moved off to talk to several of his enforcers. Smiling at Adrian, an appreciative gleam lit Xander's eyes. However, he kept some distance, patently unsure how Adrian would react.

  "Everything's all right, Xander.” As drawn as Adrian felt to him, it would be hard to tell Xander to buzz off. The last time they'd spoken, Adrian had been angry and suspicious because Gabriel had ghouled him. But the week he'd been gone had given Adrian plenty of time to think.

  It seemed his words went a long way in reassuring Xander. Visibly relaxing, he slipped his arm around Adrian's waist, hugging him tightly. “So, who's the new guy?"

  "His name is Kyle. It's a long story, Xander. He's a were tiger."

  "Only you would bring a were into the stronghold of vampires.” His laughter made Adrian smile. Leaning toward Adrian, Xander brushed a kiss just beneath his ear before whispering, “Any chance you have tomorrow night off?"

  In reaction, Adrian tilted his head slightly toward the touch. “Unfortunately, no. I have to go back to work before Charlie calls out the Marines."

  "Hmm, and here I was thinking about a picnic for two on Mt. Soledad at sunset."

  "I'll see what I can do.” It proved to be too hard to stay angry with Xander. When Kyle joined them, the sight of him tugging at his collar made Adrian laugh.

  Kyle muttered, “Is this really necessary?"

  "All of us are trussed up like Christmas turkeys tonight. For my part, I am enjoying the view,” Adrian commented. The gray suit Kyle wore was definitely attention getting; the smooth line emphasized the athletic body.

  "It took me long enough to get on."

  "Around here, you get used to it, Kyle,” Xander treated Kyle in an easy manner which Adrian was grateful for.

  Setting the wine at one of the tables, Adrian pulled out a chair to sit down. Kyle murmured something under his breath before he headed toward the bathroom. Xander moved
the other chair closer before sitting next to Adrian. “Definitely not the suit type."

  "He's a cat. What'd you expect? I can't say I blame him, he really isn't used to all of this."

  "Did you enjoy your vacation, Adrian?"

  "I enjoyed it so much I need to take another one. Why? Did you miss me, Xander?"

  "A bit.” Xander took Adrian's hand, twining their fingers together.

  Adrian felt the familiar fluttering in the pit of his stomach, reacting to the almost imperceptible increase in intensity surrounding them. Needing a distraction, Adrian focused on the other side of the club and saw a tiger coming out from the bathroom. Anybody in Kyle's way steered clear as he padded back over to them. “I should have known."

  Xander's eyes followed the direction of Adrian's gaze. “Impressive."

  Kyle stopped next to Adrian, laying his head in Adrian's lap.

  "Happier now?” Adrian asked. His nails scratched lightly near the back of Kyle's ear.

  A rumbling purr answered him. Kyle was truly a beautiful sight in animal form.

  Feeling just a shiver of something unpleasant, Adrian glanced up, catching sight of Charles Remington moving toward them, his attention fixated on Adrian.

  "So, it's true.” Remington made no attempt to hide how appalled he felt.

  Instantly, Adrian took exception, cold dislike frosting his features and tone. “Whatever are you going on about?"

  A low warning growl came from Kyle as he lifted his head from Adrian's lap.

  The threatening posture had Remington quickly assuming a bland expression, before he said, “Nothing. Nothing at all. For now.” Politely, he bowed and turned rapidly on his heel, moving away.

  Adrian kept an eye on the bastard until he'd moved a safe distance away. “Asshole."

  Kyle stopped growling as he settled at Adrian's feet.

  "A dangerous asshole, Adrian,” Xander said.

  Sounds of a commotion made all three of them aware something was happening across the room. Adrian saw Robert Niles moving in on Gabriel, his demeanor definitely threatening. He quickly got to his feet, feeling in his pocket for the staker. Xander stood with him, then grabbed Adrian's arm when Adrian tried to go to Gabriel.