Bad Blood (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, Vol. 3)

by Nikki Jefford

  Valerie mirrored my stance, crossing her arms.

  “She should have kept her trap shut. People can’t go running around telling the world about vampires. Like Melcher said, there’d be mass hysteria.”

  “She’s got a family in California,” I said. “Who can blame her for wanting to keep in contact with her loved ones?”

  The color drained from Valerie’s face. She sucked in her cheeks. I wasn’t sure what I’d said to get such a reaction. An instant later, Valerie turned redder than the hair on her head and yelled, “Tough shit!”

  The receptionist outside Melcher’s office looked up and glared at all three of us.

  “Voices,” she said.

  Valerie didn’t spare the woman a glance. I wasn’t so fortunate. She got right up in my face while Dante watched, eyebrows pinched.

  “I’ve got a family in California, too. Everyone’s got family. I have four sisters, and you know what? They all think I’m dead.”

  My body rocked slightly as though maintaining balance onboard a vessel caught on the waves of a gathering storm. I always assumed Valerie was an only child, certainly not one of five daughters. She rarely shared information about her past, and now that she had, I didn’t know what to say. It was such a small morsel of the vixen’s life before, and now it seemed momentous.

  “I’m sorry,” I finally said in a soft, sympathetic voice. I felt bad.

  Valerie glared at me. “Oh, save it, Aurora,” she snapped. “Your bleeding heart is the reason Giselle is after us. I’m not letting you make that mistake twice. If you don’t shut Selene up tonight, I will.”

  With that, she spun on her heel and stormed down the hall.

  “Pick you up tonight?” Dante called after her.

  “I’ll meet you there,” Valerie hollered back without turning.

  Dante looked at me with both brows raised. “What was that about?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” I said, watching Valerie disappear around a corner. Once she was out of sight, I looked at Dante. “She’ll never get to see her family again, so why should a vampire get visitation rights when she really is supposed to be dead?”

  Dante glanced in the direction Valerie had gone. “Red’s right. That can’t be allowed.”

  A moment of silence passed. Usually I couldn’t wait to get off the base, but all that meant to me now was going into battle and hoping to come out of it alive.

  “I don’t have a choice, do I?” An asteroid-sized lump formed in my throat. “I have to kill Selene.”

  Dante reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze.

  “Just think, it will be over tomorrow,” he said.

  I didn’t know how he could possibly think that helped.

  That night’s tasting took place at the same house on the hillside. Dante and I hadn’t spoken much since he picked me up. He wore khaki slacks and a light blue and brown top. He looked good. As promised, I packed a bag with a pajamas, a change of clothes and toothbrush in case I had any reasons to believe Dante’s life was at risk. I had slept on my grandma’s couch. I could do the same for Dante if necessary. I looked out for family and Dante was like family to me.

  I had on another long dress. This one was black to match my dark mood. I even wore heels, as it wasn’t likely that Selene would turn down a taste of me. After that, she’d be no trouble at all. No phone cord necessary. I brought along a silver sequined clutch with only one item inside—a switchblade—no dress was complete without one.

  Dante turned the music down.

  “I wish I could kill her for you,” he said.

  I released my breath. “You can’t.” I stared out my window.

  He tapped on the steering wheel. “How’s your mother and grandmother?”

  “Mom’s already been out on a power walk today, and Gran’s recovering from jet lag.”

  At least that was one less pit in my stomach. My loved ones seemed a lot safer now that they weren’t at the epicenter of vampire activity. Alaska was one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Too bad so many of the residents were deadweights—literally.

  Dante wound his way up the hill. The dirt road got steeper after he took a turn up a road on the right.

  “I think I took a wrong turn,” Dante said.

  “That’s fine with me. Take all the wrong turns you want,” I said.

  We could tell Melcher we got lost and missed the party. Ha!

  Dante turned into the next driveway and backed the Jeep up.

  “I guess I didn’t pay close enough attention the last time with Red yammering the whole way there.”

  “Don’t look at me for help,” I said.

  Gravel pinged against the underbelly of the Jeep as we lurched down the hill to the road we’d taken a moment earlier.

  “In a hurry?” I asked.

  “Making up for lost time,” Dante answered without braking at the bend. “The sooner we get there, the sooner you get it done.”

  “And the sooner it’s over,” I said.

  “That’s the spirit.”

  Dante drove along the mountain road until two unfortunately familiar stone posts lit up in the glare of the headlights. Dante steered between them, following the road up to the lodge.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  I squeezed the silver clutch against my stomach. “Ready or not, here I come.”

  Dante chuckled just as the bald man from last weekend walked up to his door.

  “Good evening, sir, we are happy to have you back,” he said as Dante stepped out.

  As I reached for the door handle, my phone chimed.

  Valerie: They’re checking purses at the door and doing a pat down tonight.

  I frowned, returned to the home screen, and shoved the clutch under my seat as Dante came around to open my door. He cocked his head sideways when he saw my expression.

  “What is it?” Dante asked.

  I shook my head, took his hand, and stepped out of the Jeep. I waited until the valet got into the Jeep and pulled forward.

  “Valerie texted. They’re checking purses at the door.” I squeezed my phone in my palm. “I don’t like this.”

  “Where’s your purse?” Dante asked, looking at my hands, empty except for my phone.

  “I stashed it under my seat.”

  “Okay, no reason to panic,” he said, placing an arm around my shoulder. “You don’t need it here, and I’d bet next month’s rent that Valerie has several spare weapons you can borrow inside her car.”

  I nodded. That was likely true, but this still didn’t sit right with me. What had Henry told Diederick about me? Suddenly I felt like I was walking into a trap. I shouldn’t be here. This was bad strategizing on Melcher’s part.

  Foster, the butler from before, opened the front door after Dante knocked.

  “Good evening, sir and madam.”

  Foster retrieved a small wicker basket from a shelf along the foyer wall. He brought it over and held it in front of us.

  “Please place your cell phones in here. You may collect them on departure.”

  We set our phones in the basket simultaneously. That ought to make us look innocent. Thanks to Valerie’s text, I wasn’t surprised, though I still wasn’t happy when Foster announced the new pat-down policy Diederick had issued.

  Dante folded his arms. “You’re not putting your hands on my girl.”

  “I understand perfectly, sir,” Foster replied. “She is welcome to wait in your car.”

  My jaw dropped. Wait in the car? I didn’t think so.

  I walked up to Foster and spread my arms and legs. He missed my glare as he went to quick work patting one leg, followed by the other. The dress was sleeveless, so he skipped my arms. At least the whole thing took only a matter of seconds.

  “You are clear, Ma’am.”

  I stepped aside.

  Dante kept his arms folded while Foster patted his pants.

  “Please hold out your arms,” Foster said when he’d finished with Dante’s legs.
<
br />   Dante relaxed his arms slowly.

  “Thank you for your understanding,” Foster said. “I’m sure you will appreciate the security measures put forth by our host. They are only to ensure the safety of his guests.”

  Dante grunted. “All I can say is the selection better be good tonight.”

  Foster straightened. “Indeed it is, sir. A most excellent selection from Italy, including Amarone from the northern Veneto region near Venice, Barolo made entirely of Nebbiolo grapes, and Chianti produced in Tuscany.”

  Dante nodded as though he were a true wine connoisseur considering the selection. I stopped listening after Foster said “Italy.” Italy didn’t make me think of wine and grapes. It made me think of Fane.

  “Would you like to go upstairs while I escort the lady downstairs?” Foster asked.

  Dante shook his head. “No, I’ll escort Aurora down first.”

  “Very good, sir. You may proceed to the rec room.”

  As we walked past the living room, I avoided looking at the spot where Selene sat and talked to me last weekend. Dante placed a light hand on the small of my back as we descended the stairway.

  We walked past the pool tables and entered the gathering in the next room. Tonight, the harpist had been replaced by a violinist.

  “There’s Red,” Dante said.

  I followed his eyes to the middle of the room, where Valerie stood in a bold green formal gown chatting with two men. Either she went shopping again or had dresses stashed aside for assignments like these.

  I tried to catch her eye, but either she was engrossed in what the man beside her was saying, or she was ignoring me on purpose. At least she sent me a head’s up about the new security checkpoint.

  I searched the room for Selene, relief flooding me when her face didn’t appear in the crowd.

  “I don’t see Selene. Maybe she’s not here tonight,” I said hopefully.

  “Or maybe she’s upstairs getting a taste of Tuscany,” Dante countered.

  He took my arm and led me gently towards the bar.

  “Have a drink tonight,” he said. “Just one to relax.”

  “I don’t find alcohol relaxing,” I said.

  “Try a glass of red wine. It’s what my mom has every evening to ensure a good night’s rest. Red before bed.” Dante winked.

  “Maybe just one glass to sip while I’m waiting alone.”

  “Hopefully you won’t be alone for long,” he said.

  We crossed the room to the bar. Rather than take a seat, I leaned against the counter. The bartender frowned when he saw me.

  “I promise not to spill anything this time,” I said, attempting to joke, but he didn’t crack even a small smile.

  Instead, he turned to Dante. “Would you like another Rodenbach?”

  “Good memory,” Dante said. “But no, I’m heading upstairs soon. I’d like to order a glass of red wine for my girl here—something relaxing.”

  “Absolutely,” the bartender replied, sounding slightly more enthused. “Might I suggest a glass of Merlot?”

  Dante looked at me, and I nodded. “That sounds fine.”

  While the bartender’s back was turned to us, Valerie sauntered over, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she leaned against the counter beside Dante.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Smith, how nice of you to show up,” she said.

  Dante grinned. “You miss us?”

  “Not at all.”

  Dante smirked. “Did you run into some trouble at the door?”

  Valerie huffed. “The butler felt me up and confiscated my brass knuckles, pistol, and pepper spray.”

  “He still let you in?” I asked in disbelief.

  Valerie lifted one bare shoulder.

  “I told him it’s for my own protection, and he assured me there was no safer place than one of Diederick’s tastings.” Valerie’s lips formed a momentary pout. “He promised to return all my things on my way out. He better unless he wants to pay for all new replacements.”

  I held back a sigh. Way to be inconspicuous, Val.

  She waved her hand in the air. “Anyway, I came over to tell you that Paul over there owns this mansion.”

  Valerie’s smile rose sharply when my jaw dropped.

  “That’s right, this is all his,” she said, shaking out her hair behind her. “He’s giving me a private tour. Diederick might be able to make the rules during tastings, but Paul can take me wherever he wants, including a look-see upstairs.”

  I shook my head slightly. Only Valerie could pull off something like this.

  The bartender returned with a large wineglass, not quite half full.

  “Enjoy,” he said quickly before turning away.

  “You’re not going to walk in on people while they’re tasting, are you?” Dante asked.

  Valerie’s pupils slid sideways to look at Dante. She smirked. “Don’t worry, Don Juan. We’re not going to bust in on you going oral on some hooch. Paul’s just gonna show me around. If one of the rooms happens to be unoccupied, I can have a quick look.”

  I wondered what they used to signal a room was in use. Probably not a silver bat.

  “Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my private tour.” Valerie did a graceful pivot and headed back to Mr. Money Bags.

  Dante rapped the countertop with his knuckle. “I better get upstairs before those two start holding up rooms. Will you be okay?”

  I lifted my glass. “Got my own wine tasting.”

  Dante touched my arm. “Text me your final location. I’ll pick you up stat.” He leaned forward, lips inches from my ear. “Good luck, Aurora. Be safe.”

  I nodded once.

  “You, too,” I said. “Good luck.”

  Dante leaned back and quirked a brow. “Good luck sucking blood?”

  I shrugged. “You never know when a drunk wine girl might get out of hand.”

  He chuckled as he headed out. Despite his wanting to beat Valerie upstairs, she had a minute lead on him. Maybe Paul would start with the middle floor. Meanwhile, I had the bar to myself.

  I took a small sip.

  “Looks smooth, though I imagine it’s missing a hint of iron,” a man said behind me.

  My head snapped to attention. I would have recognized that voice anywhere. I turned and faced Fane’s smirk.

  “Aurora Sky,” he drawled in that maddening tone of his.

  I really ought to keep away from open bars. Scratch that. I should stay away from vampire gatherings completely.

  15

  Suck Fest

  Fane’s idea of dressing up appeared to be a solid black long-sleeved button-up top—open at the neck—untucked over a pair of dark blue jeans. Black was back.

  “What are you doing here?” I demanded.

  “A little birdie told me where to find you. Plus, there’s supposedly a 2001 Sandrone Cannubi Boschis Nebbiolo on the menu tonight. Barolo is one of the world’s greatest red wines.”

  “Snob,” I said.

  Fane looked at the bartender. “I’ll have what she’s having.”

  The bartender nodded and turned away.

  Fane set an elbow near mine on the counter.

  I pulled my arm away.

  Fane nodded in the direction of the king in his corner, once more flanked by his loyal subjects. “Diederick’s been trying to get me on the list for over a year.”

  “How noble of you to resist,” I said sarcastically.

  “This isn’t really my thing, but I made an exception for you. Thanks,” he said when the bartender handed him a glass of red wine.

  Little alarm bells went off inside me. I shouldn’t be standing around making chitchat with Fane Donado. Dante and Valerie were upstairs and I was on assignment.

  Fane raised his glass toward me. Like I was really going to make a toast with him.

  “Does Joss know you’re spending his hard earned cash on one night of drinking?” I asked.

  Fane’s roommate wasn’t pleasant, but I imagine he worked hard to keep a r
oof over their heads and blood in the fridge while Fane went off and played high school delinquent.

  Fane smirked. “What Joss doesn’t know won’t kill him.”

  I frowned. God, he was maddening.

  “We can’t be seen together,” I said.

  “Why not?”

  “Valerie and Dante are upstairs.”

  Fane frowned for the first time. Good, maybe he was beginning to realize the seriousness of the situation.

  “If anything happens here tonight, you are going to be in very big trouble, Aurora. Diederick doesn’t mess around.”

  I caught the slight shake of Fane’s head as I took a sip of wine.

  “Sometimes I think you have a death wish,” Fane said.

  I moved the wine in a circle on the counter. I made sure the bartender was out of earshot before speaking into the glass. “I’m dead either way. If vampires don’t get me, my organization will. As long as I do what I’m told, I get to see another day.” I looked Fane in the eyes. “You’re wrong, Fane. I don’t have a death wish. I want to live.”

  “If you want to live, we should be working together.”

  I snorted. A vampire hunter team up with a vampire? That would be the day. And as much as I wanted it, I’d never be free. Melcher had too many resources. He had his own headquarters on base, a boot camp set up in the desert. If I deserted, he could set any number of recruits on me.

  “That’s never going to happen,” I said.

  My cage might be wider than the ones on base, but it was a cage nonetheless, and there was no escaping those bars. Without the agency, I’d have no antidote. Without the antidote, I’d turn into a vampire, possibly a drooling madwoman with no sense of reason. That, or I’d become a target, to say nothing of my family. What would happen to them?

  Fane moved in closer. I was tall, but he stood a full three inches taller than I did. His eyes slid past my nose to my lips.

  “I can be very persistent,” he said.

  I turned to my wine and took a quick sip. It was more of a big swallow that didn’t go down quite right. I coughed several times before saying, “Please just leave me alone.”