Heart of Fire

by Lisa Edmonds

  “Alice,” Sean said. I thought he was on the other side of the living room, but then he touched my cheek. “Hey.”

  I opened my eyes and blinked slowly but I couldn’t focus. I saw two Seans leaning over me, looking worried. Everything had a strange reddish tint. The light from the windows was painfully bright and I closed my eyes again.

  Sean swore. “Stay awake, Alice. Look at me.”

  I was so tired. “My head hurts.”

  “I know. Damn it, how long until they get here, Adam?”

  A long pause. “Seven minutes.”

  “Tell them to hurry the hell up.”

  “I did.”

  The couch dipped as Sean sat down and gathered me in his arms. I breathed deeply, my nose against his undershirt. “Forest,” I murmured.

  “Is she hallucinating?” Adam asked.

  “I don’t know,” Sean said tersely. “How badly do you think she’s hurt?”

  “On a scale of one to ten, I’d say probably a seven or eight. That’s just an educated guess, though. She doesn’t look like she was at one hundred percent to start with.”

  Sean’s arms tightened around me. I made a protesting sound and his grip relaxed a little.

  Blood trickled out of my ear. “Get me another towel,” Sean said tightly.

  Adam’s footsteps retreated to the kitchen, then returned. Sean pressed a towel against the side of my head. “Help is coming.” He kissed my forehead, his lips burning like a brand on my cold, damp skin. “Hold on.”

  By the time the Vamp Court courier arrived an eternity later, my head hurt like it was being crushed in a vise and I could no longer focus on anything going on around me. When the knock finally came, Adam answered the door while Sean held me. I heard indistinct voices, then the sound of the door closing.

  “Here, you give it to her,” Adam said.

  Sean shifted me so I was sitting more upright and something pressed against my lips. It felt like the rim of an insulated travel mug. I might have laughed if my head didn’t hurt so badly. I had no idea vampire blood was available in a to-go cup.

  “Alice, drink,” Sean urged.

  Despite the pain, I resisted. I didn’t want an audience. Old memories forced their way to the surface: me, handcuffed to a cot in a blood-splattered room, suffering the ravages of a strong healing spell while my grandfather, his lieutenants, and the blood mage who’d tortured me watched me scream.

  “Drink,” Sean repeated, more forcefully. “You gave Adam your word you would. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for him.”

  I parted my lips and warm vampire blood flowed over my tongue. Niara’s blood tasted very different from Charles’s, I discovered, like the difference between a shiraz and a merlot. I moaned weakly at the wave of pleasure and warmth.

  “Finish it,” Sean said.

  I let him give me the rest of the contents of the cup. He set it aside to hold me.

  The surge of heat rushed up over the top of my head, as if I were being pulled under water. Warm fingers stroked my brain inside my skull. I cried out and struggled in Sean’s grip. He growled quietly.

  As the strange sensations in my head faded, waves of soothing heat rolled through me as the vampire blood also healed the residual aches and pains from the poltergeist attack and the convenience store robbery. I hadn’t even noticed the lingering stiffness and discomfort in my back, arms, and legs until they vanished.

  When the warmth faded and my head cleared, I opened my eyes. Everything seemed brighter, more focused, like I’d been half-asleep before and was now wide awake.

  Sean’s eyes glowed. “How do you feel?”

  “Amazing,” I said, sounding breathless. “Completely amazing.”

  Sean’s hold loosened as I stretched, testing out limbs that were suddenly lighter and pain-free. I rolled to my feet with the grace of a ballerina and looked around the room as if seeing it for the first time.

  Sean and Adam watched me as if they expected something to happen. “Boo,” I said with a laugh.

  They exchanged a look. “You’ve had vampire blood before, right?” Adam asked.

  “Oh, sure,” I said cheerily. “I drank from Charles after I broke my hands and I got cut by all that window glass.” Sean flinched. I’d never told him about that. “And then I had a lot of it when I died and they brought me back,” I finished.

  “Well, that explains a lot,” Adam said dryly.

  I pirouetted, my arms outstretched. “It didn’t feel nearly this fantastic, though.”

  “Niara’s older than Charles. You’re going to feel pretty good for a couple of days.”

  “Awesome. I’ve got a lot going on and I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a very long time. I could use a little extra boost.”

  “How long until this euphoria wears off?” Sean asked, his eyes narrowed.

  “It’s hard to say,” Adam told him. “She only drank about six ounces, but she has no tolerance. It’s weird seeing her so cheerful, isn’t it?”

  “That’s one word for it,” Sean muttered.

  I didn’t know why he looked so grim. It wasn’t like there was anything wrong with me. “Hey, guys, stop talking about me like I’m not here.” I pursed my lips. “I wonder…”

  I raised my hands in front of me about two feet apart and loosed my earth and air magic. A blisteringly powerful bolt of green-and-white magic arced between my hands, electrifying the air. Both men jumped out of their seats.

  I smiled, watching the magic blaze between my hands. “Now that’s a side effect I approve of.” I hadn’t experienced any significant increase in power after drinking from Charles; perhaps it was only older vamps who had this effect, or maybe it was just Niara. Interesting. While the euphoria was nice, the magic boost was bound to come in handy—not to mention it felt fantastic sizzling on my hands.

  “Alice.”

  I glanced up. Sean moved around the coffee table to stand a few feet away. “That’s incredible,” he said. “Does your magic feel stronger?”

  “Definitely.” Reluctantly, I let go of the arc and it vanished. “It feels like I stuck my fingers in a power outlet.”

  “That’s what it felt like from over here,” Adam grumbled, rubbing his arms.

  I waggled my fingers threateningly at him. “Don’t mess with me, Miss Cleo. I’m supercharged now.”

  Adam laughed. “I don’t know how long this new, happier version of you is going to last, but I’m going to enjoy it.”

  My phone rang. I glanced at the screen and swiped the green button. “Hey, Mark,” I chirped.

  A pause. “Alice?”

  “Yes?”

  “Nothing. You just sounded different. I’m waiting for a report on the situation down at the homeless shelter.”

  I filled him in on what we’d found out from Sister Berry and the others at the outreach center. Then I told him about Adam’s visions and what we’d seen through the connection to Felicia.

  “How did you share Adam’s visions?” he asked when I’d finished.

  “He accidentally included me. It was kind of like a conference call.”

  Mark swore. Sean crossed his arms and stared at me. I raised my hand, palm up, and mouthed, What?

  “I’m okay now,” I assured my former boss as Sean frowned. “Adam had some vamp blood couriered over.”

  “No wonder you sound like a different person,” Mark said gruffly. “It wasn’t from our mutual friend, was it?”

  “Nope, Niara.”

  A long pause.

  “Mark?”

  He cleared his throat. “You and I need to have a private conversation before tonight.”

  “Why? What’s going on tonight?”

  “We’ve been instructed to attend a meeting of the Vampire Court and deliver a progress report. Midnight tonight, at Northbourne Manor. All nine members of the Court will be in attendance.”

  Sean’s eyebrows went up. Despite the euphoric effect of Niara’s blood, my stomach lurched. Though I’d worked for
the Court for the past five years, I had never stood before the entire Court when it was convened. To my knowledge, neither had Mark, though he’d been their lead investigator for more than fifteen years.

  “They’ll send a car for you at eleven fifteen,” Mark told me. “Dress appropriately.”

  “Um,” I said intelligently.

  “It will be fine,” he said. “We’ve been sending regular reports, so nothing they’ll be hearing from us will be a surprise. From what I understand, Valas and most of the Court are satisfied with everything we’ve done.”

  I glanced at Sean, who was texting. “You and I are the only ones expected?”

  “Yes. I’m sure Maclin isn’t happy about that, but we’re playing in the Court’s sandbox here.”

  “Okay. You’re the boss.”

  “And don’t you forget it. Get some rest this afternoon if you can; it’s going to be a long night, probably.”

  As good as a nap sounded, I highly doubted I’d be able to relax at all. “Wait. What did you need to tell me before tonight?”

  “Go into another room.”

  Sean looked up from his phone and met my gaze, his face unreadable. Only the gold sheen over his eyes revealed his displeasure.

  I went into Felicia’s bedroom and shut the door. “Okay.”

  “Sorry for the secrecy, but I don’t want to make things any more complicated than they already are between you and Maclin. Drinking Niara’s blood has some side effects.”

  “I know. Up until a few minutes ago, I felt pretty amazing,” I said dryly. “That seems to have worn off, though. My magic is stronger, too.”

  “Those are the good side effects. The thing I’m worried about—and the reason I asked you to step into another room—is that Niara’s blood will give her some influence over you.”

  I frowned. “I figured as much, which is why—”

  “—Why you chose hers rather than Vaughan’s,” Mark finished impatiently. “Yes, I understand that. Niara enjoys the company of women and she’s expressed interest in you in the past. I never mentioned it because it didn’t seem like anything would come of it, but she’ll be informed you drank her blood. She may see this as an opportunity to, uh, get to know you better.” He coughed uncomfortably.

  Niara’s sexuality wasn’t news to me, but her interest was surprising. I’d certainly never sensed anything from her that would have clued me in. It was Sean’s idea to use Niara’s blood instead of Charles’s, but I was sure he’d had no idea I’d be trading one set of complications for another that was no less thorny. It would be in my best interest to avoid contact with my benefactor until the effects of her blood wore off.

  “Thanks for telling me,” I said finally.

  “I should have told you before.”

  “You had no reason to think it would become an issue. I’ll be careful. What are you going to do until we’re due at Northbourne?”

  I heard papers shuffling in the background. “I’m going to finish up some reports and then I’ll go visit those homeless camps you told me about. I know a couple of folks on the street. One of them might know something. Can you send me a copy of that list you got from the nun?”

  “I’ll scan it and e-mail it to you when I get back to my house.” I opened the bedroom door and returned to the living room. Sean looked up from his phone as I walked by him to stand next to the couch. “Anything else we need to know?” I asked Mark.

  “Nothing comes to mind. I’ll text or call if I think of anything. See you tonight.”

  “See you then,” I echoed. We disconnected.

  Sean returned his phone to his pocket, his eyes dark. “My presence is not required, according to Juliet LaRoche. The Court has only invited the ‘lead investigators.’”

  “It sounds like it will basically be Mark and me reassuring the Court in person that we’re making progress on the investigation. Doesn’t seem like something I should have to put heels on for.” I tried to force levity into my tone, but it didn’t quite work. We were all quiet.

  “It’ll be fine,” Adam said finally. “No worries.”

  I snorted. “Nope, no worries. None at all.”

  13

  While Sean was on his phone arranging for a professional cleaning company to come to Felicia’s apartment, I walked Adam out to the Court SUV. He’d put some ice in a plastic bag and wrapped it in a dish towel so he could ice his swollen jaw.

  “I’m sorry for grabbing you,” Adam said as we stood on the sidewalk. “I owe you, big time. You name it, it’s yours, if I can make it happen.”

  “Thanks. If you see anything else that might help us, let me know.” I jerked my chin at his duffel bag, which contained a well-read novel from Felicia’s nightstand that might allow him to sense her again. He’d promised to try when he was able.

  “Will do.” Adam hesitated. “So, you and Maclin. Are you…?”

  I made a face. “Used to be.”

  “I thought he was going to kill me. All things considered, I got off easy with just this.” He moved the bag of ice to indicate his busted lip. “He pulled his punch, too; don’t think I’m not very aware he could have taken my head off if he’d wanted to. You guys thinking about getting back together?”

  “No.”

  Adam raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Really? I’ve never seen you let anyone else touch you, much less hold you like that. He certainly acts like he wants another chance.”

  “He’s an alpha.” I shrugged. “They’re hardwired to protect females and those who’ve been injured. I wouldn’t read too much into it.”

  He unwrapped the ice and used the towel to whap me on my recently healed noggin. “Alice, don’t be dense.”

  The door to Felicia’s apartment opened and Sean came out, carrying a white plastic trash bag containing the bloody towels and his shirt. He headed in our direction at a brisk walk, his eyes bright gold.

  Adam gave me a look and coughed meaningfully. I glared at him and he laughed.

  “The cleaning crew will be here in about ninety minutes,” Sean said, joining us. “I’ve got time to run you to your car and then come back to meet them.”

  Adam waved at me. “Talk to you soon. Take care of yourself.”

  “You too.”

  Adam climbed into the back seat of the SUV and it pulled away from the curb.

  I glanced down at my bloody shirt. “I’m kind of a mess.”

  “I’ve got extra shirts. You’re welcome to change into one.” Sean led the way to his SUV. He opened the back, put the sack of wet clothes in, took out his duffel bag, and handed it to me. “Here. Pick the one you want. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  I took the bag back to the apartment and unzipped it on the coffee table. I picked out a polo shirt with Sean’s company logo and shut myself in the bathroom, where I stripped off my shirt and used a washcloth to wash the rest of the blood off my chest.

  I cleaned up the best I could, then put on Sean’s shirt. It hung almost to my knees, but it was clean. I held the collar to my nose and inhaled, drinking in his familiar scent.

  Irritated at myself, I wrapped the washcloth in my bloody shirt and yanked open the bathroom door.

  Sean was rummaging through the duffel bag, shirtless, wearing a clean pair of unbuttoned khakis that hung rather precariously on his hips. I tried not to stare at him but failed miserably.

  Sean put down the undershirt he’d just picked up and stalked toward me, a golden sheen rolling over his eyes.

  I took a step back and bumped into the doorway. “Finish getting dressed,” I said. “We’ve got to get going.”

  “We’ve got time.” He tugged on the sleeve of the shirt I was wearing. “You look good in blue.”

  I wanted to scratch my nails across that perfect chest. “Sean, please put your shirt on,” I told him, a note of desperation in my voice.

  “Are you sure you want me to?” He slid his fingers down my arm, his eyes soft gold.

  No. “Yes.”

  He smiled and th
e corners of his eyes crinkled. It was the first little detail I had noticed about him the night we met. He leaned closer, brushing his nose against my hair, and entwined his fingers with mine. His skin felt hot enough to burn.

  He moved his head so he could look me in the eyes. “When you’re done with the Vamp Court tonight, come have a drink with me.”

  That had “disaster” written all over it. “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because.” I stared into his golden eyes and lost my train of thought.

  His smile widened. “Because…?”

  My nose filled with the scent of forest. I dropped my shirt, pulled him to me, and kissed him.

  We’d shared many kisses before this: some sweet, some demanding, some tentative, some passionate. This kiss was pure need. He pinned me against the wall and lifted me up, so I could wrap my legs around his hips as our kiss grew hungrier. When he moved just right between my thighs, it set off a shudder that ran through me and made me dig my nails into his back.

  His grip tightened almost painfully on my butt, and he growled low in his throat. “Alice,” he breathed into my ear, making me shiver hard. “I’ve missed you.”

  Damn it, I’d missed him too. So much.

  “Put me down,” I said breathlessly.

  Looking surprised, Sean let me slide down until my feet reached the floor. I pushed on his chest and he stepped back.

  “We need to head out,” I told him shakily. “Or you won’t be able to get back here before the cleaning crew arrives.”

  His eyes darkened. “What the hell, Alice?”

  “It’s the vampire blood messing with my libido.” I rubbed my butt where he’d grabbed me. “I forgot about that particular side effect.”

  “Bullshit,” he snapped.

  I gaped at him. “Sean, it’s a documented—”

  “I know it is, but you only drank five or six ounces. That’s maybe enough to lower your inhibitions, but not enough to make you do anything you don’t want to do. That kiss and the fingernail marks in my back were all you.”

  I crossed my arms and tried not to notice the heat of his chest. “Please put on a shirt and take me to my car.”

  “Alice—”