Dark and Beautiful Nights (The Vampire Covenant Series Book 3)

by Betty Shreffler

  Her brow raised. "How can we be sure you don't save particular video footage advantageous for you?"

  Dominic adjusted the watch on his wrist. "Are you insinuating I save footage for bribery?"

  Kayci smiled, offering her own charm. "Dominic, I don't know you. I have absolutely no reason to trust you and my trust isn't handed out generously. Yes, that is exactly what I am insinuating and if you're insulted by it, I apologize, but it is the reality of it. You very well could be saving video for unexpected opportunities."

  Dominic ran his tongue over his slightly extracted fangs. "You're a smart and direct woman, Miss Salvitto. I've heard you're not one to toy with, so I won't. I never have, nor will I ever, keep footage for my own purposes. That would risk my livelihood, my staff, and would surely bring an unwelcome death for me."

  She believed him. He wouldn't have successfully made it through multiple years of managing supernatural clubs without ensuring their identity remained a secret.

  "I believe you, but unfortunately, that doesn't bring our meeting to an end."

  He leaned on his glass desk, adjusting his watch nervously. "How else can I serve you?"

  Kayci pulled the club's business card from her pocket, flipping it between her fingers. Her golden eyes narrowed. "Tell me, Dominic. Where do you get the blood for the bottles at the bar? I know they're not animal. I've had a taste for myself."

  Dominic shook his head, scoffing at the question. "Who would've thought that the next Covenant leader would be a young woman still tempted by the indulgences of a nightclub?"

  "Answer the question, Dominic." His name rolled off her tongue with extra bite.

  "You are a smart woman," he said, standing and moving around his desk to the laptop.

  Her patience lessened as the seconds passed. "Show me what's on the other side of those screens," she demanded.

  He glared at her, never taking his eyes off her, as he reached down and pressed a key on the laptop. The screens flicked on, images filling them.

  Her lips parted as her breath escaped her. Her eyes widened.

  "What the hell?" Alex murmured.

  The first screen revealed a young, attractive woman sitting in a chair as a vampire fed from her wrist. The blood from her arm dripped into a clear container. Her head fell sideways and her eyes drooped. She'd clearly been drugged and was suffering effects of blood loss.

  A second screen displayed a werewolf in his inhuman form bent over a woman, taking her intimately from behind. From the screen, she appeared human, but Kayci couldn't be sure.

  The third screen had two werewolves also in their werewolf form, aggressively fighting one another. A small crowd around them cheered as their fists and claws made contact.

  The fourth screen had a room with bottles that appeared to be potions. A thin, raven-haired woman ran her hand along the shelves searching for something. Kayci recognized her instantly. Her gut wrenched from the sight of her and the atrocious activities on the screens.

  Her sharp, golden eyes whipped back to Dominic's cool, expressionless face.

  "You may be disgusted by what is going on behind those screens, but it's what they come here for. The humans that come—they know something isn't right about us, about this club, but they don't care. They come here anyway. They come for the mystery, to feel alive, to play on the edge of danger. They come for the indulgences, just as you did. The women are drawn to the mysterious, dangerous men that gather here. And the supernaturals, well," his pearly white fangs dipped below his cocky smile, "they come for what they can't get anywhere else. My club specializes in offering us supernaturals an experience of the utmost satisfaction."

  Her lip curled. As pissed and shocked as she was, there was truth to his statement. "What about the humans? How do you keep them from sharing their experiences here?"

  Dominic smoothed the collar of his sleeve before folding his arms comfortably over his chest. "They receive a stamp when they enter the foyer, the room where supernaturals show their authentication. Within the ink is a chemical that enters their bloodstream—a drug. It helps them forget what they've seen and experienced. Perhaps not enough to keep them from returning. We've developed a few regulars." His smile grew into an arrogant grin.

  She grimaced. Anger swelled in her chest. "You have it all figured out, don't you?"

  Dominic nodded confidently. His eyes smiled at her, mocking her.

  "What happens when a human is missed? Or the chemical in their stamp isn't enough?"

  "I've been running nightclubs like this for twelve years, Miss Salvitto. The Covenant has nothing to fear. I run a tight ship—no mistakes. I assure you."

  Kayci nodded. She didn't have the time to argue that topic. Deirdre was finished selecting her item and making her way to the cashier at the small counter.

  Kayci pointed. "The woman there."

  Dominic looked at the screen.

  "What is she buying? What's in that room?"

  Dominic clicked his tongue against his cheek. "That's the room for witches. We offer some very old and unique relics and some of the most creative potions and tonics on the black market. She's apparently found something she likes." He shrugged his shoulders. "What it is, I do not know, nor do I care. I don't involve myself in the affairs of my customers. My job is to serve them and I adhere to that policy—strictly."

  She shifted her eyes over him, studying him, evaluating her options. "I appreciate your candor, Mr. Blane. I'll take that into consideration when I meet with the Covenant about what I've seen. I might even consider overlooking some of what goes on here if you assist me with something I want."

  Dominic's wicked smile widened with the knowledge that she wanted something from him and he had the leverage to give or decline. "How else can I serve you, Miss Salvitto?" His eyes raked over her, his curiosity apparent.

  "The witch you see on that screen. She needs to leave with us, no matter what, and as discreetly as possible."

  His eyes brightened with his newly given power. "Would you like me to detain her?"

  Kayci nodded. "I would."

  Dominic's fangs came into view as his devilish grin widened. He pressed a button on his laptop. The cashier on the screen touched her ear gently, giving a signal.

  "The witch in front of you. Keep her detained," he said into the laptop microphone.

  The cashier tugged her ear again. The message had been received.

  Dominic eyed Kayci with interest. "I expect the debt to be repaid for my assistance. As I said, I don't make a habit of interfering with my customers affairs."

  "This won't be forgotten," she assured him.

  Dominic nodded. "Take the door at the end of the hall. It will lead you to the second floor. The room she's in, it's the first door on the right. At the bottom of the stairs there is a door that leads out back."

  "Keep your staff clear of us. She won't go easy."

  "I'll send you the bill for any repairs that are needed."

  Kayci smirked. "I'm sure you will."

  Dominic's wicked smile grew. "It truly was a pleasure, Miss Salvitto."

  As she and Alex reached the top of the stairs, the sounds of werewolves snarling, growling, and clawing penetrated her ears. They were evidently in the room to the left. She could smell their blood and pheromones seeping through the wooden door.

  "What goes on up here, Kayc—"

  "I know, Alex. Later." She pointed toward the door on the right.

  "She isn't going to be happy to see me."

  Alex's expression grew serious. "Be quick about it."

  Kayci turned the knob of the large wooden door. Deirdre's back was toward her and she was arguing with the cashier. Their raised voices lowered as they noticed new arrivals. Deirdre's head began to turn, but Kayci already crossed the length of the room. Grabbing Deirdre from behind, she sunk her teeth into her neck. Deirdre's hands flew up, ready to unleash her magic.

  Alex's hands raised. "Somnum."

  Deirdre's body went limp in Kayci's arms.
>
  The young, fair-haired cashier, a witch herself, stared at them, her eyes bulging from her head. She backed away from the register when Alex and Kayci looked at her.

  "Don't be afraid of us," Kayci told her. "We came for her and her only."

  Kayci lifted Deirdre into her arms, her head and legs dangling on each end.

  "What was she buying?" Alex asked the cashier.

  The young witch's lip quivered. "Sh…she was buying this." She scooted the bottle toward Alex. He picked up the small glass bottle and studied the black herbs inside it. He opened the cork and waved it under his nose.

  "It's belladonna. No need to guess who this was intended for."

  "Either one of us. Let's go, before she wakes up."

  Alex set the bottle back on the counter and nodded farewell to the cashier.

  Chapter 20

  Alex held Deirdre's unconscious body in his arms as Kayci laid crushed bamboo powder along the grass. The cemetery's utter silence left the sound of Kayci's rapid heartbeat pounding loudly in her ears. She bit into her palm and spattered her blood across the bamboo powder. Her other hand lit up, flames reaching outward. She placed her hand on the thick line of the crushed, spattered blood bamboo. It caught quickly, sending short flames leaping toward the sky. The blaze burned across the line. A crypt gradually appeared in front of them.

  With trembling hands, she pushed open the door. In front of her lay the two coffins just as she'd left them over two months ago.

  "Bring her in. Lay her down there," Kayci pointed, before bringing her hand back swiftly to hide the trembling. "Make sure to secure her hands."

  Alex set her against the wall then secured her hands to her feet with several zip ties. Kayci studied Deirdre's young, expressionless face.

  "Alex, she looks so young. Twenty-two, twenty-three maybe. I don't know if I can do this."

  Kayci stepped back, her hand going to her uncomfortably tight chest. Alex stood and came to her, putting his hands on her shoulders.

  "If you let her go, what is she going to do?"

  She focused on his soft brown eyes, gaining some control. "She's going to come after me and anyone I love until she kills me."

  "And all you did was try to save Cass, Adrian, and yourself. You don't deserve to be hunted down for that."

  Kayci closed her eyes, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Her sister didn't deserve to die. I was out of control with dark magic."

  Alex's tone grew firm. "And Drima would have killed you if you hadn't killed her. Listen to me, Kayci. Both Drima and Deirdre have tried to kill you and if you don't do something about her," he pointed to Deirdre's unconscious body behind him, "She's going to try to kill you and just might succeed. She came pretty close last time."

  Kayci swallowed down the vomit threatening to expel from her body.

  "Let's start the spell."

  Kayci reached out for the lid of the coffin. She hesitated for a moment, then put her weight into lifting it.

  Her hand went to her mouth, covering the gasp. "Alex, he looks awful."

  His cheeks were sunk in. Dark circles were painted under his eyes. His skin had developed a grayish hue to it. She reached out and touched him—stone cold.

  "He hasn't had blood in two months. He looks better than I expected."

  Kayci stroked his arm. Guilt and affection swelled in her chest. "Get the agrimony."

  Alex walked to the backpack he'd set near Deirdre's unconscious body. Kayci returned her attention to Adrian and rubbed her thumb over his hand. "I hope this works," she whispered.

  The scent of burning plastic filled her nostrils. Her head whipped toward Alex and Deirdre. It was too late. Deirdre's rage-filled eyes burned wildly as she threw her hands at Alex's back. He flew through the air, slamming into the wall. Kayci heard the crack of his skull against cement. Alex's body crumpled to the floor.

  Deirdre turned on Kayci, her bright green eyes intent on death. Kayci's own rage exploded through her body. She raised her hands, blocking the magic escaping Deirdre's hands. The force of their energies formed a cloud of pressure. Deirdre's feet slipped as she fought to hold herself steady. Kayci shoved another burst of magic forward and Deirdre's arms lifted into the air as she flew back against the wall. Deirdre rolled to the floor, her head rising and her eyes burning with hatred.

  "You killed my sister, you bitch. Now, I'm going to kill you."

  Kayci leapt behind Adrian's coffin as flames burst from Deirdre's hands and coursed through the air. The flames hit the corner of the coffin, catching fire—the lacquer fueling the flames surrounding the exterior.

  "No!" Kayci screamed.

  She turned to Deirdre's venomous smile. "Someone you love?"

  Kayci sprung forward, landing on Deirdre. Deirdre's hands grasped Kayci's face. The flames scalded her, burning her flesh away. A dull aching pain pumped into her head, neck, and shoulders. Kayci swung her fist and, with one blow, the flames receded and Deirdre's hands dropped. Her red, swollen face slumped to the side.

  Kayci leapt into action, grabbing Adrian's body and pulling him from the coffin. He landed atop her as the flames reached the interior of the coffin, igniting a massive blaze toward the ceiling. Kayci rocked Adrian's lifeless body against hers.

  Her eyes darted over the scene before her. She had to finish what she started. She gently laid Adrian's body on the cement floor. She reached her hands over the coffin and focused her energy, forcing it out of her. "Recedunt." The flames receded, leaving behind burnt wood and disintegrated fabric.

  She rushed to Alex and felt for a pulse. Her knotted chest loosened when she found it. Thank God. No doubt he had a concussion and would have one painful awakening, but he was alive and she could heal his head injury when this was over.

  Kayci stepped to Deirdre's body. Her lip curled as she stared down at her. Kayci lowered herself, looking over the face that moments ago had marked her for death.

  "I never wanted to hurt you. You tried to take away the ones I love all because your sister meddled in something she shouldn't have."

  Kayci reached into the bag, removing the agrimony, a bowl, and a knife from it. She cupped her hand behind Deirdre's neck and legs, lifting her and bringing her next to Adrian's lifeless body.

  She lifted Adrian's wrist and slit it gently with the knife. The skin peeled away easily. His blood poured into the bowl. Kayci grabbed Deirdre's wrist, slitting it the same and adding her blood to his. Kayci set the knife aside and dipped her fingers into the mixed blood. She ripped the shirt away from Adrian's chest and drew a pentagram on his bare skin. She let the flames fill the hand that held the agrimony. The herbs caught fire and Kayci spread them over Adrian's body. She held her hands over him, closed her eyes and focused on expelling her energy into him.

  "Undo, quod factum est. Aufer a corpore et magicae remittemus eam in locum venit."

  Beneath her hands, a pulse of energy collected, shifted, and fought against her. She pushed more of her energy forward and repeated the spell with added vigor.

  "Undo, quod factum est. Aufer a corpore et magicae remittemus eam in locum venit."

  The energy recoiled, pulsed, and dispersed into the air. His link to Natalia was now broken.

  Kayci glanced at Deirdre, ensuring she was still unconscious before going to the backpack and retrieving the ague root and celandine plant. She returned to Adrian's body, dipping the ague root flowers into the mixed blood before laying them on his chest. She tore off the leaves of the celandine plant and let them burn in her hand before spreading the charred herb over him.

  She closed her eyes and raised her hands above him, focusing on the placement of her magic.

  "Convertere animos vasis. Unum corpus atque animus."

  Below her hands, warmth assembled and pulsed. Adrian's lips parted as air filled his lungs. She heard his heart beat once and then gradually increase into a rhythmic pace. His eyes opened slowly, blinking several times before opening completely. His fangs extracted as his eyes glowed gold.

>   "Adrian?"

  Her voice seemed to snap him back to reality. His head tilted toward her.

  "Kayci." He sat up, his movements slower than normal. He leaned toward her, wrapping his arms around her, putting his head to hers.

  "It's so good to hear your voice after endless silence."

  Kayci's heart wrenched in her chest. She put her arms around him. "I promised you I would bring you back."

  He leaned back, studying her face. His gold eyes moved over her, gleaming brightly as they seemed to study every detail.

  "You came to me once. I thought the worst had happened. How did I see you?"

  Kayci remembered the dream—him rubbing her forehead, pointing to the clock, then disappearing into darkness.

  "I thought it was a dream. I was hexed, but managed to survive it—barely."

  His eyes lost their glimmer. "What happened?"

  Kayci leaned back and pointed to Deirdre's body. "She happened."

  As if the awareness of blood suddenly hit him, his lips pulled back, his fangs ready to bite.

  "Take what you need."

  Adrian reached behind Deirdre's neck, pulling her to him. He bit into her neck, eagerly withdrawing her blood. Kayci listened to Deirdre's heartbeat slow. Adrian pulled back from her, her blood covering his now pink lips. His skin lost its gray hue, turning white and then a light, creamy tan. His golden eyes brightened as his cheeks filled out and the bags left his beautiful eyes.

  "Finish. If you don't, I will."

  She could see the predator coming forward. He leaned his head down, his fangs penetrating her neck. Kayci turned away, leaving him to finish. Deirdre's heartbeat faded behind her. She moved to Alex's side. She lifted his head into her lap. Blood smeared his forehead, covering the broken skin. She'd have to get him home to heal him.

  She glanced back at Adrian. He was laying Deirdre's lifeless body on the floor. Kayci avoided looking at her smooth, expressionless face. Instead, she looked at Adrian. The blood had done him good. His normal humming energy had returned as well as his handsome features.