Burden Of Blood

by Wenona Hulsey

  Something just felt right about having Luke around even if it was never going to be more than friends. She felt a sense of security and ease when he was around and not because of his status as a strong warrior. Rhys was a warrior too, but he put her on her guard and made her want to stay out of his reach. No, Luke was different, like a rock; he would be there when she needed him. After all, even though she had been a major bitch to him, he hadn’t left her side or her dad’s. She sighed, thinking about the emptiness she felt when he wasn’t around. She knew she wanted more than friendship but she could never allow herself to give in. It would be too risky for everyone.

  A burst of chuckles from the guys brought her out of her head. She placed the sandwich and a glass of sweet tea in front of Luke, “Okay, now spill,” she took her seat and waited patiently as he savored a bite of his sandwich.

  “We got an unusual hit off of Ronald’s cell phone records. Actually, several calls to someone in this very town,” he paused as a sly grin turned up one side of his mouth. “Detective Spade! And he called Ronald’s phone around the time we were at the airport.”

  Nicole’s heart started to pound in her chest. “Why would he do that?” she whispered still staring at Luke. “Why would he help Ronald kidnap Dad?” she said, not really asking anyone but trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.

  “That I can’t tell you for sure but there were large sums of money deposited into his bank account over the past two months. We are working on where the money came from.” Luke leaned back in his chair running a hand through his hair. “He’s a slimy bastard that’s for sure. He must’ve known we would find out because no one has seen him for almost a week now,” he looked her in the eyes. All humor was gone from his expression. “We will get to the bottom of this. That I promise to you,” his eyes moved to James. “He will pay for helping Ronald hurt you.”

  *****

  Nicole decided there was nothing else she could do tonight to reconcile with Kat if she wasn’t answering her phone. She also had to wait until the police department called with their report on Ronald, so that tied up the rest of her evening. After much debating, she decided to settle into her old room and read one of the books she had brought with her. Maybe a little time with her mind on something other than her twisted life would do her some good.

  She thumbed through the pile of books debating on what to read. “Romance, romance, paranormal romance, good grief this is not going to help relax me at all.” she smirked as she spotted a cover with a tall, dark and handsome vampire biting a woman’s pale white neck. “Well, maybe this one is still a fantasy. No one’s told me I’m part blood sucker yet.” she stretched out across her bed and began reading.

  Nicole read only a few pages of the book when a soft knock sounded on her door. “Come in.”

  Luke walked in and sat down next to her on the bed. She quickly flipped the book over so the cover was hidden. All I need is for him to tell me he knows a vampire and this book will be ruined for me too. She thought.

  “I have a few ideas of where to look for Ronald and I thought you might want to check it out with me.”

  She studied his face closely. She thought there was a flash of longing in his eyes but he quickly slated his expression to show he was all business. “I guess so. Where are we going?”

  “There were a few recent calls to Club Night over in Addison on his phone so I thought that would be a good place to start.”

  “Great!” she moaned with a frown planted firmly on her lips. “I just love clubs,” she rolled her eyes as she got off the bed and started packing makeup, her brush and various hair products into a small bag. “We’ll need to go to my apartment so I can get something to wear. I didn’t plan on going clubbing anytime soon, well actually never again, so I don’t have anything here that’s appropriate club attire.”

  “Yes, you will need something hot and sexy. We can’t have you going there in blue jeans and your tank top.”

  Nicole stared at Luke, unsure of what to say. She wasn’t sure if he was serious or kidding. His face was hard to read and he refused to make eye contact. He just sat there waiting for her to finish packing, as casually as if he had just given her the weather report for tonight.

  After a few moments of silence, one side of Luke’s lips turned up into a cocky grin, “Guess I better get ready too.” He winked at her then walked out of the bedroom.

  Nicole stared after him listening to his footsteps as they echoed down the hall then descended the stairs. Her stomach started to flutter as her mind tried to break down what just transpired between them. “Okay Nicole, calm yourself down,” she took a deep breath closing her eyes. “This is another stakeout. Don’t let your mind make it into something more.” She sat down heavily on her bed, letting her hand inattentively twirl a curl around her finger as she thought. What is happening to me? She dropped her face down into her palms. I can’t be falling for Luke. Not with everything else crashing down around me.

  Ten minutes had passed before she could sum up the courage to leave her room. She walked into the living room where she could hear Luke and James chatting. Luke stood up when she entered giving her a small smile. She tried not to stare as she noticed how good he looked wearing a dark blue button-up shirt and dark washed jeans. The shirt was amazing against his deep tan and his dark blonde hair was tussled sexily, making her finger twitch as she thought about running her hands through those locks. “Umm…Where’s Rhys?” She had not seen Rhys much since the training incident. It was obvious that he was avoiding her but for what reason? He was such an arrogant man that she doubted the warning from Luke had done much to deter him. Maybe it really was like Luke had said, he has a big ego when it comes to women and she had bruised it. Either way, she needed to talk to him so they could get past this. She couldn’t stand to have anyone mad at her, even if he was a cocky ass that brought this on himself. She added “Reconcile with Rhys” to her mental to-do list right after Kat’s name.

  “He’s out back. He said he would stay here with James while we are gone.”

  “Don’t be worrying about me. I’ll be just fine. You two go on and have some fun.” said James

  “Dad this is a stake out, you know, to find the jerk that stabbed you. Not a date.” She crossed her arms across her chest and leaned against the frame of the doorway. Suspicion was starting to creep into her mind as she studied the two men.

  “I know, baby. I just feel bad that you’ve been cooped up with your old dad for weeks now. You need to get out of this house.” He reached over to the table beside his recliner then tossed something to Luke. “I heard that you were pretty rough on my car so let Luke drive, alright?” He winked at Nicole.

  Nicole’s mouth fell open as she realized James had given Luke the keys to his prized Chevelle. “Dad, this is not a date,” she rolled her eyes at the clever, old man as he smirked at her. There was no point in arguing with him so she walked out the front door throwing, “I love you, Dad. We’ll be back in a few hours,” over her shoulder as she exited.

  Luke and Nicole stopped off at her apartment so she could get dressed. She didn’t allow herself to ponder over Luke as she got ready. She worked mechanically applying her makeup, then pulling her hair up, twisting the top half of it into a sexy, loose bun and leaving the rest spiraling down her back. She slipped into a pair of dark washed skinny jeans and a dark orange form-fitted shirt with a low cut, square neckline. She finished the outfit with a pair of black three-inch-heeled boots that zipped up to her knee and a long necklace that dangled a beautiful turquoise stone shaped like a teardrop. Laura, her mother, had worn the necklace every day when she was alive.

  Nicole held the jewel between her fingers as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. The elaborate knots of silver wrapped around the stone were so beautiful, it reminded her a bit of how her life had become. Lots of intricate ropes tying her life together, one connected to the other, all depending on each other for strength and if one fails, then all the beauty that is
held in it would be lost forever.

  She sighed deeply as she applied the finishing touches to her makeup. When she was happy with her reflection, she made her way to the door. She stopped when she noticed her gun lying in its place next to the front door. After a few moments’ thought, she picked it up and put it into her purse. “I’m not going to make that mistake again,” she mumbled as she locked up her apartment and began walking to the car where Luke was waiting.

  Chapter 11

  Luke pulled the black car to a stop in front of the night club. There was still plenty of parking this early in the evening. Most of the partiers didn’t start until after ten so they would have time to scope out the place for Ronald before the crowd got too thick.

  This was Nicole’s first trip to this club and she could tell by the few people standing outside that this was going to be an interesting night. One woman, in particular, stood out to her. She was dressed in all black with leather and silver studs forming the theme for her attire. Her black straight hair was cut into a short bob and her makeup was as white as baby powder, set off by bright red lips. The woman’s neck sported a wide black dog collar with silver spikes and each nostril of her nose glimmered with small silver hoops. Nicole gave Luke a wide-eyed look in shock.

  “Don’t worry, everyone here doesn’t dress like that. This club is notorious for all types.” He reached forward carefully taking the stone that dangled from her necklace but never touching her skin. “Did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?” he paused focusing on the stone in his palm. “This stone is perfect for you,” he gazed into her eyes looking as if he wanted to say more but reluctantly placed the jewel back down on her chest.

  Nicole could feel the warmth on the stone from where his hand had held it. It sent a painful longing throughout her body as the heat faded. She met his eyes only to drop her gaze back down to her necklace. She couldn’t handle looking into his hazel eyes. The pull was too dangerous and she could tell her resolution to remain a lonely soul was weakened the more time she spent with him. “Thank you, it was my mother’s. I feel like I have a little piece of her with me when I wear it.”

  “You are very lucky to have such wonderful parents,” his look was gentle but there was a touch of pain in his eyes.

  Nicole’s brows knitted together as she spoke. “What about your parents? You never talk about yourself. I know that you’re a warrior but that’s all.”

  “Not much to tell really. When you’ve been around for centuries, details like that get lost in your mind.” He paused deep in thought, a small smile turned up the corner of his lips when he gaze back at her. “I do remember that my mother was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, but I guess all little boys think their mothers are pretty.” he chuckled. “You ready to go inside?”

  Nicole nodded, and then moved to open her door to get out. Her mind was still trying to process what it would feel like to completely forget her parents. The thought made her chest ache. Maybe living forever wasn’t all the glamour and glitz it appeared to be. Memories of her mother were her most valuable treasure. To forget those would be like losing her heart and replacing it with a dark void. How does Luke manage to be so happy in this kind of life? She wondered. She grasped the door handle but it opened before she could push it, revealing Luke politely waiting for her to join him.

  “Wow, you are fast,” she smiled at him as she stepped from the car.

  Luke gave her a quick wink as he shut the door. “When I need to be.”

  Nicole felt her cheeks flush with heat as she thought of the implications of his statement. She bit the edge of her lip trying to hold back the smile of embarrassment as they began walking towards the club.

  After going through the normal I.D. checks, they made their way inside. Luke led her to a table in a corner with seats that faced out, overlooking the rest of the floor. The bar area and the scattered tables that sat around were dimly lit. It gave Nicole the illusion of being alone with Luke even though there were several other couples enjoying drinks. She noticed the dance floor on a slightly lower level of the building. It was a sharp contrast to where she was. There were large stars and a massive moon hanging from the ceiling. Various strobe lights were flashing across the floor and the half wall that surrounded the area, and a thick fog covered the dancers’ feet. “Wow, this place takes the night theme serious,” Nicole remarked.

  “Are you getting anything yet?” Luke asked, pointing to his head so she would understand his cryptic question.

  “No, nothing. How about you?”

  He shook his head. “Not even a tingle. Maybe he’s not here yet,” he turned his head scanning for a waitress. “Now remember we have to look like we are here enjoying the club, not on a stake out.” He returned his attention back to Nicole when he was satisfied that someone was on their way to take their drink order.

  Nicole noticed Luke’s face was set in stone when he faced her again. “This isn’t my first rodeo, cowboy,” she grinned softly at him as she tried to understand the sudden change.

  A rail thin waitress with large breasts that screamed “implants” gave Nicole a dismissive glance, then turned to Luke, beaming a bright smile. “Hey good looking, I’ve missed you. Where have you been hiding?” she leaned forward, flaunting her ample cleavage as she ran her fingers along his forearm.

  Nicole was sure she saw Luke blushing through his dark, tanned cheeks. He avoided making eye contact with the pushy blond and shifted his body, putting more distance between his face and her cleavage. It made Nicole giggle abruptly at seeing the tough warrior squirm under the pressure. She quickly bit her lips, trying to hold in the laughter but it was too late. The slinky little waitress turned to face Nicole, her face was bright red and her mouth was set in a firm line.

  “So that’s how it is, you’ve got Miss Giggles here so you’re too good for me.” She bent over so her face was inches from Nicole’s. “I’ve given him nights that he will be dreaming about while he’s with you.”

  The dam broke that was holding back Nicole’s laughter. She giggled uncontrollably in the girl’s red face. She turned to Luke who was fighting to control his own laughter. “How will I ever live up to that?” she snickered. The blond did a quick turn and stomped back toward the bar. “Hey!” Nicole called after the retreating woman. “Two beers, please.” The waitress threw up her middle finger causing Nicole and Luke to double over laughing.

  “Wow Luke, you can really pick ‘em” she grinned playfully at her red-faced friend.

  “Well thanks to you, Miss Giggles, I’ll have to go get our drinks,” he winked at her as he started to the bar.

  Nicole watched him walk, admiring the fit of his dark jeans. She couldn’t help it-it was such a nice view. She glanced around to see if the blond was anywhere but she must have exited stage left after that show. Nicole chuckled again as she thought about how the cocky girl had turned tail and ran.

  Luke placed a bottle of beer in front of her then took his seat again. He still wore a cocky smile on his face. “I’m sorry about her. We went out a few times but…”

  Nicole held up her hand, stopping him, “You don’t have to explain. Your personal life isn’t my business.” She took a drink of her beer to clear the lump from her throat, then turned back to face Luke, forcing a smile to her lips. “Maybe she will be the worst part of tonight. I’ll take battling an irate ex-girlfriend over a psycho warrior any day.”

  Luke smiled, “I guess you have a point,” he gazed around the club. People were starting to fill the tables and the dance floor. Loud conversations shouted over the music echoed around them and the smell of cigarette smoke drifted over their table. “Looks like the party is starting. We need to move around and check the place out. I’ll know if Ronald is close but Detective Spade could be here too.”

  “Alright, where to first?”

  Luke smiled, “The dance floor,” he paused holding out his hand, “but we’ll be forced to break your ‘No Touching’ rule for this to look real.”
>
  Nicole hesitated, thinking about the last time Luke had touched her. She shifted uncomfortably as she remembered the heat that coursed through her body and how the desire to taste his lips had suffocated her. You’re doing this to catch a killer, Nicole. You can control yourself for one night then the rule is back on. She took Luke’s hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.

  The crowd was just like Luke told her. There were the typical blue jeans and t-shirt clad couples, the Goths, with all their black leather and chains, and then you had the trendy couples dressed in the latest club styles that cost more than a whole month’s pay for Nicole. She kept scanning the room, looking and listening for any sign of danger as they began to dance. Every now and then she would catch a few mumbled thoughts from somewhere in the club. “He better keep his hands off of her,” rang in her head.

  “Are you all right?” Luke whispered in her ear as he gently pulled her close.

  Nicole hadn’t noticed the song had changed and everyone was slow dancing. Her heart quickened as Luke slid his hands around her waist. The scent of his cologne filled the space between them as she put her arms around his neck. “Yes, I’m fine,” she forced a small smile to her lips. “I’m picking up a few thoughts but it’s not what we’re looking for.”