by Mary Abshire
"Thanks for the meal," I said, trying to be polite and maintain the peace.
The look on Drake's face reminded me of the one I'd seen on Jeremy’s earlier. Drake despised the demon. No doubt about it. I took hold of his arm and tugged on it. Drake took the hint and we headed toward the exit.
"Jessie," Jeremy called out for me.
I stopped and glanced over my shoulder. Drake wrapped his arm around me. Exerting his strength, he nudged me into motion and my shoes skidded over the concrete floor.
Jeremy appeared from behind the booth, smiling wide enough that his pearly whites beamed. "Expect to hear from me soon."
Chapter Twenty-Three
We relaxed on the sofa in front of the television, killing time. Drake had one leg propped up on the sofa and the other stretched out to the side. I had settled between his legs and rested against his chest. The open curtain revealed night had finally settled in. Darkness filled the room except for the light from the television on the wall. An episode of Family Guy played on the screen and I couldn't stop laughing. Drake laughed a few times, too.
We had argued on the way back about the usual subject—Jeremy. Drake wanted to search the clubs and forget about Jeremy's offer of assistance. He said he would take care of my "deal" with Jeremy and make sure he didn't bother me. While the offer tempted me, I refused to renege and continued to remind him that we needed more eyes searching the clubs so we could find Alex quicker. Did it appease him? Not in the slightest. So I talked him into taking me shopping. I tried on a couple of nice dresses for him and modeled some lingerie. Amazingly, the arguing stopped and he caved to my demands, all of them. Okay, maybe not so amazing. I was half-demon, so I had a few tricks up my sleeve.
After we arrived back at the condo, I changed into a deep red, sleeveless dress that Drake had purchased for me. It extended two inches above my knees, came down in a V in the front and back, and accentuated all the right curves of my body. I really liked it. Drake kept his same clothes on—black pants and black button-down shirt that fit snuggly around his chest. The knife he used to sever Veronica's head remained tucked away in his back pocket. We were ready to go and search more clubs, but I insisted on spending a few minutes of quiet time together.
"Who is the kid with the odd-shaped head?" he asked.
"Stewie, and his head is in the shape of a football," I answered. "This is a great show. I watch it all the time. I even have some pajamas at home with Stewie on them."
I couldn't determine if he enjoyed the show or not. Though I was attracted to him and he had many outstanding qualities, his sense of humor lagged at times. Maybe it was a result of surviving over five centuries.
When the second show ended around ten, Drake pressed a button on the remote. The television turned black. I sat up and stretched my arms over my head.
"Where are we going tonight?" I asked.
He rose from the sofa. "Rednofive."
"I haven't been inside that one yet," I said as I stood.
"I will be going in with you. I'm not letting you go into any more clubs alone."
I moved closer to him, then slid my hands up his hard chest. "You know, the sooner we find Alexander and get rid of him, the sooner we can enjoy the rest of our time together before I have to return to work."
He kissed me. "Is that your way of enticing me?"
"Are you telling me a couple days full of hot sex isn't good enough for you?" I asked, gazing into his dark-pitted eyes.
"I would never say that." He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed until I was smashed against him. Something hard touched my lower abdomen. I knew what the solid object was and couldn't help but grin.
"Good," I said before I kissed him. "We should get going. I don't want to waste anymore time."
He grumbled as I slid away from him. I hated starting something I couldn't finish, but once we got rid of Alexander, we could enjoy all the fun loving we wanted. I snatched the phone from the table, then headed for the door with Drake following close behind me.
We headed for the elevator with our arms entwined. I loved feeling the coolness of his flesh and he didn't seem to mind the warmness of mine. As we stepped on the elevator, I hoped it wouldn't stop on another floor. The next soul I wanted to catch belonged to Alexander.
"I told Sean I would call every two days to keep him updated on our progress," I said while we waited to reach the garage. Though I hadn't mentioned Sean's name last night when we argued, Drake had to know I had spoken with Sean when I made a hasty reference about the one person I could trust in this world.
"Is he concerned about you?"
"I think so, even though I told him several times I was fine," I continued as we exited the elevator. "He wanted to take the next flight here, but I talked him out of it by telling him I'd call him."
Drake said nothing more while we strode toward the car, maintaining silence. I would have settled for a grunt, a frown, anything but silence.
Feeling awkward, I said, "If you would have been there, he wanted to talk to you. He'll probably ask again the next time I speak to him."
Silence lingered from the garage to the Interstate. I couldn't tell if he was upset, angry, or something else. He offered no clues as he stared at the road and drove. After enough quiet time had passed, I decided to ask what was bugging him.
"I wish you would talk to me and tell me what's on your mind."
"You are close to Sean and he cares for you. I understand that."
"And?" I pried, detecting he had more to tell me.
He glanced over at me. "I won't get in the way of your relationship with him."
Perplexed, I sat back in my seat. Did he think that I might see him as interfering? Could he be afraid of Sean or our relationship? I could understand why he might be. Sean took care of me during the most difficult years of my life. Who would I trust the most in this world? Maybe Drake felt intimidated by that little known fact.
"I appreciate that. And if anything would happen to me, I want you to call him and let him know."
Brows pinched, Drake glared at me. "Nothing is going to happen to you."
If he were a guardian angel, I would believe him. Since he was a member of the walking dead, I had to stay positive and plan for the worst-case scenario, just as I would in everyday life. While my abilities might qualify me as superior to most humans, I'd never once thought I was better or indestructible. The night I ran into Alexander, I had my first real taste of death and it was horrid. I didn't want to taste it again, but I had vulnerabilities, such as a human body and a beating heart. I had to be prepared in case something did happen.
"If anything happens to me, I'd want you to be the one to tell him."
He regarded me with wary eyes. "He may not like me if I am the bearer of bad news."
"I suppose he won't, but at least you would be able to give him the truth."
He hesitated for a moment before he nodded his head. "All right."
"And if I don't call him every two days, he's going to be royally angry at me, so one of us will have to call, preferably me," I said.
"I agree." He spun the wheel to make a turn. "It should be you."
****
Twenty minutes later, Drake pulled off the Interstate into a remote area outside the city. Small shops and graffiti decorated buildings reminded me of areas of Indianapolis and, for a brief moment, I wished I were at home. I missed Dani and my friends. Now that my relationship with Drake was in full throttle, I wondered how different my life would be after I returned home.
Past the Kennedy Expressway, Drake found a parking spot on a well-lit lot behind an apartment building. He cut the engine and held the keys in his hand. The leather seat moaned as he twisted to face me.
"If he is in there, we stay together and bring him out together," he said in a calm yet firm tone.
"He'll sense you."
"I doubt he will run."
"He ran last time," I reminded him as I unbuckled my belt.
"He might run once
we get him outside, but he won't run inside."
"And if he runs once we get him outside?" I leaned my elbow over the armrest between us and brought my face closer to his.
"I chase him. I can keep up with him. You follow me. I destroy him. You take his soul."
"If he isn't in there?"
A heart-warming smile tugged at his lips. He grazed his fingers over my forehead and temple, brushing the bangs out of my face. "We stay for a while and see if Jeremy calls. Then we move on to another club."
The touch of his hand sent a cool wave of tranquility through my head. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment. When I opened them, the comforting smile still faced me. I wanted to feel his touch forever.
I let out a heavy sigh. "We better go."
We crossed the lot with our arms entwined, just as we had when we left his condo. The cool night air was thick with moisture from the earlier rain. A breeze passed over us from the side, tossing Drake's hair into his face and blowing mine every which way. Clutching the cell phone in my free hand, I turned my head into the wind, solving my problem. Drake threaded his fingers through his fine locks and held his hand behind his head. I wondered if he’d always had long hair.
Two blocks into our walk and the sound of music thrummed from brick walls of the one level building. My stomach tightened as we drew closer. Maybe it was the anticipation. Seeking comfort, I uncoiled my arm from around his and slid my fingers down his arm into the palm of his hand. Drake gave me a hopeful smile.
Rounding the corner, there was a small line of people waiting to get inside. A doorman stood at the entrance. He saw us coming and crossed his bulky arms. I glanced at Drake and saw the black centers of his eyes expand and contract with lightning speed.
The doorman opened the door to the club as we reached it. "You may go in."
I smiled as we passed by him. No sense in being rude.
Drake led the way inside. Down a few steps, we passed through a maze of seating arrangements reminding me of a restaurant except for the crystal chandeliers hanging. Chattering voices drowned out the music. I didn't see a dance floor, but I located a huge bar. I gaped at the royal setting with the large, fancy-looking light fixtures and wondered how much the drinks cost.
The knot in my stomach tightened as I followed Drake through the maze. Grinding my teeth, I tried to block the intensity of the pain. I gripped Drake's hand and he paused. He looked at me for an explanation. I smiled, hiding the pain gnawing inside of me. Satisfied, he resumed walking and pulling me along with him.
From the maze, we went up a few steps and passed through an open archway. My eyes grew at the enormity of the club as well as the difference. On one side of the room, red velvet panels covered the walls and leopard prints decorated the cushioned benches. On the other side and a few steps down, the open area had leather seats with red velvet backs. Dance floor? There was none. I doubted any dancing went on, except lap dancing.
I tapped Drake's arm. "How many different areas are there in this place?"
He turned his head. "Three. The one in the back is more private."
I assumed that was where he was taking me since he hadn't stopped walking.
We reached the end of the lavish part of the club and stepped through another open passageway. Three recognizable differences hit me with my first step. First, I was standing on carpet. Second, soft music filled the air instead of voices. Third, a hall with doors was beyond a waiting area with leather seats. This was indeed a different type of club.
We stopped at the bar across from the waiting area. Still holding hands, Drake spun around and faced me.
"Have you felt him?" he asked.
"No." I shook my head. "Have you?"
He frowned. "No."
My stomach twisted again and I squeezed the phone tightly as if it were a stress ball. I knew what I was feeling wasn't Alexander's presence. Whatever it was, it felt worse than PMS. I pressed my lips tightly together.
Drake drew his brows together. He quickly scanned my body. "Are you all right? Your hand feels clammy." He touched my arm. "Your arm is cool too."
"It's not Alexander. I don't know what it is exactly."
The hairs on the back of my neck twitched, alerting me that someone or something else was here. Cool arms and hands were good indications a vampire was nearby, but I didn't understand why I had pain in my abdomen.
I left Drake, then strode toward the security guard by the door. "Where's your bathroom?"
"Back at the front. Opposite side of the bar along the wall." He tilted his head in the direction of the door.
I took a step back and bumped into a concrete body. Cool hands touched my arms and I knew it was Drake. I twisted to face him.
"I need to use the restroom."
"I will go with you."
"That's not necessary." I smiled and almost laughed as I pictured him following me to the ladies room. "I'm a big girl. Besides, this is a public place. What could go wrong?"
He clenched his jaw. "All right. Be back in five minutes or I will come looking for you."
I kissed his lips. "Don't miss me too much."
"I already do," he replied, lips inching sideways.
My heart picked up a few extra beats as I headed out the doorway. Walking fast, I passed through the stylish area until I found myself back in the brightly lit main portion of the club. I slowed my pace, recalling the directions from the security guard. Finding the bar, I proceeded toward the opposite direction of it and searched for a sign or a labeled door. The hairs on the back of my neck sprang to life with fervor. Chills spread through me fast. A vampire had to be around. Yet, with each step, my stomach cramped. Unusual.
I spotted the bathroom along the wall, thanks to the sign above. I scanned the crowd as I headed for my destination. Then a sharp pain stabbed at my gut. I stopped dead in my tracks and clutched my hand over my stomach. Ice cold hands wrapped around each of my arms and the pain instantly went away.
"Keep moving," a man's voice said into my ear. "You've been summoned."
I obeyed and headed in the direction of the bathroom. "Who summoned me?"
I glanced over my right shoulder to the man who spoke to me. The immensely large African American man stood at least six inches taller than me and had not a trace of hair on his round scalp. His dark eyes matched his dark skin.
"Alexander," said another man's voice. He tugged on my other arm. "And he doesn't like to be kept waiting."
"Where is he?"
The thin man on my left had bleached blond hair, skin as white as powder, and earrings in his ear. He snickered at me. Bad breath leaked out from his mouth. I had to turn my head away.
"He's not here," Blacky answered.
The bathroom was a few feet ahead of me. If I were going to contact Drake somehow, this was my only chance. "I really need to use the bathroom. If you don't want me to piss everywhere, I suggest you let me go."
I stopped in front of the open doorway. Both men tightened their grips around my arms and urged me to continue with them.
"Do you really want me to smell like urine?" I spat, bearing down on my feet so I wouldn't move.
Blacky glared at me and revealed his fangs. Looking at him made my stomach churn and a wave of nausea crept up my throat. I swallowed as I fought the urge to vomit.
"One minute and then I send my friend in to get you, even if you're squatting," he growled into my ear.
I nodded and he shoved me toward the bathroom. Mr. Albino on my left released me at the same time. Sticking to the plan, I hurried in the bathroom.
Six stalls were in a row against the wall. All of them had the doors closed. I cursed silently while my heart raced. I paced the room and pondered my options. Women glared at me and I almost told them to fuck off, but I didn't want to start a fight. I had a bigger problem to deal with at the moment. With no where to go, I leaned back against the wall and took a deep breath to try to calm my nerves. Drake had warned me Alexander would want me. Yeah, I had believed him, but
I hadn't expected this.
If I went with them, they'd take me to Alexander. Drake could follow. The child was probably with Alex, so we could save her. Maybe this was the break we needed. Why search clubs for the man when he was sending people to get me? This was the perfect opportunity to get to the man and save the child. This could work. All I had to do was notify Drake.
I opened my mouth to say his name and then clamped it shut. If he could hear me, wouldn't they? Shit! I couldn't risk it.
I went over to the sinks and lifted my hands to wash them. My eyes grew with excitement when I noticed I had Drake's phone still in my hand. I quickly typed a text message—going 2 Alex follow me. I pressed send and stared at the display. He’d given me five minutes. Salt and pepper had given me one and it was just about to expire.
I took a deep breath, stiffened my spine, and gazed into the mirror. The reflection showed a frightened and nervous woman. Thoughts of a young child engulfed me and my mood quickly changed to that of anger. I could do this. I would do this.
Chin tilted up, I headed for the door.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The salt and pepper duo stood with menacing faces a few feet from the bathroom. Determined and unafraid, I stepped toward them. Blacky's eyes met mine and my resolve plummeted. Fear invaded my mind and my stomach cramped. I folded my arm over my abdomen while I wondered if they were the cause of my pain.
Blakey gripped my arm. "Let's go."
He kept me on a short leash at his side. Mr. Albino was on my other side. If I even tried to run, one of them would catch me. Escape wasn't going to happen, so I decided not to even try. As we headed for the exit, I slowed my pace and glanced over my shoulder. I hoped Drake was following.
Mr. Albino leaned closer to me and set his hand dangerously close to my ass. "Keep moving, sweetheart."
I did what he said, wrinkled my nose, and turned my head away from him. His sour breath stunk so bad I fought the urge to gag. His touch revolted me just as bad. I wanted to push his arm away. God, I couldn't wait to get rid of these pricks.