Angel’s robe lay in a heap at the foot of his bed. Ember quickly put it on and slowly made her way to the door. The arguing stopped as she eased it open and stepped into the hallway.
“What are you doing up, baby?” Angel was instantly there with an arm around her.
“I heard voices. What’s going on?” She continued on toward the kitchen.
“I’m sorry we woke you. Why don’t you go back to bed? I’ll fill you in after you’ve rested some more.”
“Tell me.” She knew he was keeping something from her.
“Ember...”
“No. I heard you say someone died. I want to know.”
“Okay.” He stopped just inside the kitchen where Laura and Shon waited. For some reason, he wouldn’t meet her gaze. “I- Well, he- I mean, we—”
“It was Stanley,” Laura blurted, interrupting Angel’s stuttered attempt at the truth.
Ember ignored the murderous look Angel shot her best friend, her mind frozen on one word. Stanley.
Tears sprang to her eyes as memories of his blushing face filled her head. His life had been dealt such a cruel hand only to be snuffed out before he’d ever really lived.
“How?” She could barely get the word out past the lump in her throat.
“We’re not sure yet, but he was found in Alan Boyd’s office,” Shon informed her with pity in his eyes.
“Do you think Boyd killed him?” Ember couldn’t believe Alan would do such a thing, but nothing would surprise her at this point.
“We don’t know yet. Here, have a seat and I’ll give you a rundown on what happened tonight.” Shon pulled a stool out as he spoke.
“I’ll stand.” Ember didn’t want to sit. She wanted to find the one who’d killed Stanley and run a stake through his black heart.
A wave of heat passed through her, nearly taking her to the floor. Angel was at her side, swinging her up into his arms before she could gasp.
“It was just a little dizziness from the drugs you gave me.”
“It’s not the drugs, and it’s going to get a lot worse as the night rolls on.” He took her back to his bedroom and laid her on the bed.
Ember’s heart filled with dread. “How much longer will this last?”
“Two days minimum.”
“What do you mean minimum? I thought you said it lasted a total of three days.”
“It usually does, but it has been known to last up to five.”
“What lasts five days?” Laura asked from the doorway. She didn’t bother waiting for an invitation, just entered the room and took a seat on the side of the bed.
It felt so good to have her best friend there, Ember thought as she slid over to make room. “Angel told me that you know.”
“About what he is? Yes.”
“What we are. I know you saw me at the park.”
There was no disgust or judgment in Laura’s eyes as she leaned in and wrapped Ember in a warm embrace. “I have never been so scared in all my life. I thought you were…”
Ember hugged her back. She understood the emotion she heard in her best friend’s voice. “Thank you for everything, Laura. You saved our lives.”
The blonde pulled away, blinking back tears. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
“I’m so sorry, honey. I never meant for any of this to happen.”
Laura wiped at her eyes. “I’m just glad you’re alive and okay. Now tell me how this all started.”
Angel bent and kissed Ember’s forehead. “I need to go over some things with Shon, so I’ll leave you two alone to catch up. Let me know if you begin to feel worse. I’ll bring you something to take care of it.”
“Thank you, but I want to know what you discuss with my cousin.” Ember wasn’t about to be left out of the loop again.
He nodded. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
Ember watched him go with more than a little anxiety. She turned to her best friend. “I’ll tell you everything, but you have to promise you will take it to the grave with you.”
Laura appeared offended. “You have to ask?”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that my parents could be hurt by all of this.”
“I will take it to the grave with me,” Laura vowed. “You have my word.”
Ember took a deep breath and leaned back against the pillows. “It all began when Angel’s grandfather married the king’s daughter…”
* * * * *
“Is Ember okay?” Shon asked as Angel reentered the kitchen.
“She will be.” He plucked a glass from the bar and filled it with water. Taking two capsules from a nearby drawer, he emptied them into the drink, stirring it with a spoon until they dissolved.
“What is that?” Shon nodded toward the concoction Angel had just made.
“It’s to help Ember through her heat.”
Shon stared at him as if he’d grown two heads. “You’d better start explaining. And fast.”
Angel understood Shon’s reaction; Ember was his family, after all.
“Vampires experience heat once a year. It’s similar to a human’s ovulation, only a hundred times as intense and very painful if the egg isn’t fertilized in the first twenty-four hours.”
“Is there a chance Ember could be pregnant?”
Angel couldn’t lie to him. He knew Ember’s cousin loved her as much as he himself did. “There is a possibility, yes.”
“Damn it,” Shon growled. “When will you know?”
“It usually cycles out in three to five days if conception wasn’t achieved.”
“And if it was achieved?”
“We’ll know in twenty-four hours.” Speaking it aloud brought the reality of the situation home to Angel. His Ember could be with child while the Seeker still lived. A fierce protectiveness welled up inside him strong enough his fangs lengthened.
Shon rubbed the back of his neck. “You knew this would happen. How could you do this to her?”
Shame washed through Angel as he stared into Shon’s blazing brown eyes. The guy was right. How could he have done this to her? Angel had no answer for him. He couldn’t seem to help himself where Ember was concerned. She was his strongest weakness, and no doubt would be until the day he died.
“I have no excuse for my actions,” Angel stated quietly. “And whether she’s pregnant or not, I would give my life to protect her.”
“If something happens to her, I’ll be taking you up on that.”
“Fair enough,” Angel acknowledged with a slight head tilt. “I’m taking her out of here as soon as she’s asleep.”
“Where will you go and for how long?”
“I rented a place a few miles from here. It’s secluded and safe for now. No one knows of its whereabouts but me. As for how long? Until the Seeker is dead.”
“That’s the best idea you’ve had yet, but how do you plan on keeping Her Stubbornness there and away from her job?”
How was he going to keep her there? Angel wondered with dread. He had to sleep at some point and aside from cuffing her to the bed he had no way of making sure she stayed put while he slept. “I’ll restrain her if I have to.”
Shon barked a laugh. “I almost feel sorry for you. Almost.”
Chapter Nine
“So, what’s the deal with you and my cousin?” Ember questioned with labored breath. The pain rolling through her stomach had been intensifying by the minute.
Laura touched her forehead with the back of her hand. “Oh, my God, you’re burning up. I’m getting Angel.” She moved to get up.
“Don’t go. It’ll pass soon.” Ember grabbed onto her arm. “Please, stay with me.”
“Are you sure?” Laura didn’t look convinced, but relaxed her posture slightly.
“Yes, I’m positive. Now tell me about you and Shon.” Ember wanted to avoid the drugs for as long as possible.
“There is no me and Shon, Em. You have a high fever. At least let me get you some aspirin.”
“Angel says I’m ovulating, which
in vampire terms would be called heat. It can last from three to five days unless the person becomes pregnant. Then it’s over in twenty-four hours.”
Laura’s eyes widened. “You really could be pregnant?”
Reality hit Ember like a bat right between her huge eyes. “I don’t know, and I’m scared shitless.” Her hand unconsciously rested on her abdomen. “What am I going to do if I am?”
Laura reached up and tucked a few stray hairs behind Ember’s ear. “We will cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, I suggest you leave town for a few days.” She held up a hand when Ember would have objected. “You’re a sitting duck in your condition, and you know it.”
“What about my career? I just got that promotion, Laura. What will I tell Barry?” Emotion threatened to choke Ember with the thought of losing her job. She’d spent years working up to lead photojournalist. It was her dream.
“You have a lot of sick days and vacation time accumulated, Em. It’ll be fine. I promise. I’ll think of something to tell Freeman. You just concentrate on you and Angel, okay?”
“I like the sound of that,” Angel announced as he entered the room holding a glass of water. He handed the drink to Ember. “Drink this, baby.”
Ember managed a small smile. “Thank you, but I’m fine for now. I’ll just set it on the nightstand in case I need it later.”
“She’s not fine,” Laura piped in. “She’s burning up and in pain.”
If looks could maim, Ember thought as she pinned her best friend with one, Laura would be limping around for several days to come.
“Well, you are,” the blonde snapped defensively.
Angel moved around the bed and sat on the left side. “Why would you prefer the pain over sleep?”
She stared into his beautiful moss-green eyes with all the determination she could muster. He’d made it clear earlier in his bathroom that he never wanted children, and if there was a chance a child had been conceived, she needed to stay lucid enough to plan. They had less than twenty-four hours for evidence of a pregnancy to appear, and Ember would be damned if she was going to risk waking up to Angel’s disappointment.
“I don’t like the drugs, Angel. I can handle a little discomfort in order to stay alert.”
“As you wish.” He brushed his lips across hers. “Promise me you’ll let me know if it gets too bad?”
“Angel…”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
“Good girl.” He kissed her again before turning his attention to Laura. “Shon asked me to send you to the kitchen; he needs to speak with you.”
“Sure thing.” Laura stood to go.
“Why all the secrecy?” Ember demanded. “What are you keeping from me?”
Angel raised a brow. “No secrets. We’re referring to your cousin; God knows what he wants to talk with her about.”
“Probably my bra size.” Laura chortled on her way to the door.
Ember would have laughed if it wouldn’t hurt to do so. She threw the covers back and swung her legs over the side of the bed.
“What do you need, baby? I’ll get it.” Angel was standing in front of her before her feet touched the floor.
“I have to use the restroom, and I’d like some privacy, please.”
“Oh. Of course.” He backed up a step, allowing her room to stand.
The suspicious color that crept up his neck wasn’t lost on Ember, nor was the way he looked at everything in the room but her. It had to be the most adorable thing she’d ever seen. A blushing vampire, she thought with an inward smile.
“Do you have any food?” Ember asked on her way to the bathroom.
“No, but I can have some in five minutes. Name it.”
“The grilled chicken salad I have in my fridge would be nice.” Her stomach growled on cue.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back in a flash.”
* * * *
Angel came to a stop inside the kitchen just as Shon and Laura were stepping out the door. “Where are you two going?”
“Next door to grab Ember’s food,” Shon replied. “I wasn’t eavesdropping; I just haven’t learned how to tune things out yet.”
“No worries. And thank you.” Angel turned to Laura. “Would you mind packing her a bag for a few days? Clothes, toiletries, and anything else you think she may need?”
She gave a quick nod. “Have you told her where you’re taking her?”
“I haven’t said anything about us leaving as of yet.”
“She’s a big girl,” Laura assured him in a gentle tone. “I’d mention it soon. She hates secrets.”
Yet she has more secrets than a politician. “I’ll talk to her about it after she’s eaten.” He closed the door and went back to the kitchen to wait.
After a few minutes of pacing, Angel heard the bathroom door open and Ember’s soft footsteps as she advanced across his bedroom. The whisper of sheets told him she’d crawled back into bed.
He made his way down the hall and poked his head inside the room. She’d tried to fix her hair, and there were small water stains across the top of the shirt she wore. She had no idea how beautiful she was to him. “May I come in?”
Her amazing eyes opened, sparkling in the dim light. She patted the spot next to her on the bed.
That was all the invitation he needed. “How are you feeling?” He eased up close to her and took a seat.
“Like ass, but I’ll survive.”
He hated this for her. Hated that she was in pain and hated that she worried about the Seeker every waking moment. “Laura and Shon are grabbing your food and packing you a bag.”
A line appeared between her eyes. “You’re not sending me away.”
Angel brought her hand to his mouth and planted a kiss on her palm. “We will never be separated again, babe. Something always happens to you when we’re not together.”
“Then why the bag?”
“I’ve secured us a place not far from here where we can stay until the danger has passed.”
“You mean until we know if I’m pregnant or not.”
He didn’t miss the slight waver in her voice. “I can’t protect you during daylight hours, and I don’t trust anyone else with your care. And if you are pregnant—”
“We grabbed everything we felt important!” Laura yelled as she burst through the front door, interrupting Angel’s attempt at easing Ember’s fears.
Kissing her hand once more, he stood. “I’ll get your food.”
Chapter Ten
“I still don’t see why we couldn’t tell Laura where we are going.” Ember stared out the window, watching the lights flicker in the distance.
“It’s safer this way,” Angel responded, maneuvering the car through a narrow drive.
She turned to study his profile as he stopped in front of a gate and let the window down. “I trust her with my life, Angel.”
He pressed some numbers on a keypad, and the gate swung slowly inward. “This isn’t about trust, Ember. It’s about safety.”
She opened her mouth to remind him that he’d trusted Laura with the knowledge of their vampire blood, but he cut her off. “We’re here.”
Ember faced ahead and took in her surroundings. The house was breathtaking with its crisp white columns and wraparound porch. Plants dangled in beautiful disarray from a balcony that ran across the top floor. Moss hung from giant live oaks covering the grounds, and fruit trees were scattered along the sides to disappear around back, adding a Southern appeal to the place that stole her breath. “It’s amazing.”
“I was hoping you would like it. Come on, it’s going to be daylight soon. Let’s go inside and get you comfortable.”
Ember was on board with that idea. She’d been squirming in her seat for most of the drive. The pain seemed to come and go, but the throbbing had been constant.
She climbed out of the car and followed Angel up the wide row of steps to the entrance. She waited for him to unlock the door before preceding him
over the threshold. A loud click assured her they were locked safely inside.
“The master bedroom is to the right of the fireplace.” He nodded in that direction. “There’s a Jacuzzi in the bathroom if you’d like a bath. I’m going to put our things away and make some phone calls. There’s also food in the fridge in case you’re hungry.”
He touched his lips to her forehead and disappeared inside the room they would be sleeping in.
Ember decided to take a tour of the lovely house while Angel took care of business. The place was gorgeous in a nineteenth-century sort of way. It had a Gone with the Wind motif with a side of Count of Monte Cristo. She half expected Rhett Butler to come sailing down the staircase and sweep her off her feet. Ah, but she had her own Rhett Butler in the next room, wearing tight jeans and shit kickers…and it didn’t get any better than that, she mused with a grin.
The kitchen had a more modern décor, boasting of stainless steel appliances and terra-cotta tile. As stunning as it was, nothing drew her attention quite like the refrigerator. It seemed she stayed hungry lately, and now was no exception.
She opened the shiny silver doors and stared into heaven. Most all of her favorite foods rested on the shelves along with several of her favorite wines. She grabbed all the sandwich material she could hold and a small bowl of potato salad before popping the cork on a bottle of wine. Taking a seat at the large wooden island in the center of the floor, she made the best sandwich she’d ever tasted.
“Ember?” Angel stood in the doorway, holding his cell phone.
He was so handsome it hurt to look at him. The throbbing between her thighs intensified. “What is it?”
“My parents are on their way to pick up your mom and dad.”
Ember’s heart somersaulted. “What? Are they okay?”
“They are perfectly fine. Everything will be explained to them when my parents arrive.”
“Where are they taking them? Oh, Angel, my dad won’t leave without me. They will be worried sick. I have to call them.” She jumped to her feet.
Ember (The Seeker Series Book 1) Page 18