Suckers Bite Back (San Francisco Vampires #5) (Vampires of San Francisco series)

by Jessica McBrayer

  “What do you do for work?” I ask, intrigued that she would only need one name.

  “I’m a model. But what I really want to be is an environmental lawyer. I have a degree in biology and I’ve been accepted to a few law schools but the modeling gig is fun for now and I’m saving money to pay for tuition,” she says and grins showing me her sweet, sweet dimples. Something I never knew I loved before.

  “Amazing,” I say, eating up her energy and conversation. I must look like a golem. “You have some strong ambitions for someone so young.”

  “How old are you? You can’t be much older than I am, which is twenty-five.”

  “I am as old as time,” I say wistfully and then grin at her myself. She laughs. A hearty, rich, colorful laugh, just like the woman. Gods, it is refreshing to hear someone laugh. That makes me feel guilty again. I’ve been a part of Lilith’s misery. I have no right to be as happy and intrigued as I am right now.

  “Manda, would you mind if I call you sometime?” I ask. I have to get out of here now but I want to explore these feelings.

  “I think that would be okay. Here’s my card. I’ll write my cell number on the back.”

  I take the card and slip it into my pocket.

  “Thank you, I have a meeting so I need to go now. But be sure that I will call you.”

  “That’s what they all say,” she says. Her lips are pulled down at the corners.

  “I’ll call you,” I say and kiss her hand when she offers it to shake. Her gasp of surprise buffs my melancholy away. “Until later?” I raise an eyebrow, challenging her to change her mind.

  “That would be great, Aidan,” she says and smiles again.

  “Ciao, bella Manda.”

  “Ciao,” she says while blushing. She’s lovely.

  I walk down the street and into an alley before transmanifesting to my home. I throw myself into my favorite chair and brood. Why can’t I be attracted to someone else, dammit? Because I left the last woman so damaged she felt the need to try and destroy herself, that’s why.

  She also gave me love and taught me how to love. I never thought I would have such feelings. They have shattered the self-indulgent, self-centered djinn that I was. For that I will always owe Lilith. But I think it is time to move on. Sebastian is trying too. Maybe if we both stop pursuing her she can heal.

  I make my decision to call Manda. I know it’s soon but I suddenly feel like there is hope at the end of this self-induced prison sentence. I dial the number she gave me.

  “Hello,” she says tentatively. She probably doesn’t know my number and is cautious.

  “Manda, it’s Aidan. I told you I would call,” I say, realizing I am grinning.

  “Hi Aidan. I have to admit I am surprised. I didn’t think you’d call, especially not so soon.”

  “I wanted to see what you were doing tomorrow.”

  “It’s a free day for me. First in a month. Why?” she asks coyly. I can almost imagine her beautiful smile.

  “If you can stand to be around me, I would like to spend the day with you. Are you up for it?” I cross my fingers. I’ve never had to do this before. It’s nerve wracking. No wonder human males have phobias about this.

  “Sure. What are we going to do? I need to know how to dress.”

  “What would you like to do if you could do anything or go anywhere?”

  “Hiking. In the Teton mountains outside of Yellowstone,” she says without hesitation.

  “Okay. Dress for hiking then. Where should I pick you up from?”

  “I’ll text you the address.”

  “Good. I’ll see you at 8 a.m. Sleep well, Manda.”

  “Thank you,” she whispers. “You too, Aidan,” she says more strongly. I hang up after that. I don’t want to spoil the moment. Her voice is as sexy as she is.

  Oh gods, what am I doing? Does this make me shallow and selfish to want this? I feel like I am cheating on Lilith. But then I remember that Lilith doesn’t want me anymore. The hurt is still there. No matter how much time I spend flying in the hot desert winds, it can’t erase the hurt. It’s not as bad as it was though. I also know that I have caused her as much hurt. Maybe it’s time we both move on…

  “I have a little confession to make Manda. We are going to Wyoming this morning.”

  “How on earth can you make that happen, Aidan? Do you have a private jet or something?” she asks. Her face is unbelieving and more than a little skeptical.

  “Something like that. Do you trust me?” I ask her.

  “I don’t know you,” she says. Her eyes dart around like she is looking for a way out of this conversation. I don’t want to scare her but I desperately want to make her wish come true. She’s dressed in hiking boots, cargo pants and has a back pack on. She obviously takes her hiking seriously. The boots and back pack are well worn and broken in.

  “Could you trust me?” I ask.

  “I would have to know you better.”

  “Then let’s get a coffee and we can talk.”

  “Okay.” I bravely take her warm, soft hand in mine as we cross the street from in front of her apartment. There is a small café and I hold out a chair for her to sit in. Only then do I let go of her hand. I sit next to her.

  “Ask away,” I say.

  “How old are you really?” she asks.

  “Over five thousand years.”

  She looks at me like I’m making fun of her. I keep my face straight to let her know I’m serious and let my words sink in. Her face starts to turn from disbelief to wonder. She looks behind her and leans close to me.

  “What are you?” she whispers.

  “I’m a djinn, a jinni if you will.”

  “I always knew there were other beings but I never thought I would meet one. I don’t want to be rude, but can you prove you’re a djinn before I consent to go off on some wild adventure?” she asks, eyes wide and smile wider.

  I pop a new Kate Spade bag onto the table. The one that just came out in the stores that has a waiting list. She gasps.

  “For you, Manda,” I say and wink.

  “Oh my gosh, thank you, Aidan,” she sputters and blushes again. “You really are a djinn. Oh my gosh. I can’t believe this,” she whispers behind her hand.

  “Believe it, love.” That term of endearment was always for Lilith. It just slipped out though, naturally. “Now about that trip I promised you. Do you have to do anything before we go?”

  “I can’t believe we’re going hiking,” she squeals. “I’ve been jonesing for the mountains.”

  “We can’t have that. Come, grab your purse and take my hand.” I lead her into an alley and wave my hand, changing my clothes into hiking apparel. She shudders and laughs.

  “Will I get used to this?” she asks me.

  “I certainly hope not,” I answer. “Now be prepared. We are going to transmanifest. That’s my way of traveling. We are going to ride the winds but it will only take a couple of seconds. It can be disorienting the first time. As long as I have your hand you’re safe.” I look her in the eyes to make sure she understands.

  “Okay.” She’s suddenly serious again.

  “Take my hand, Manda.”

  And with that we fly.

  13 LILITH

  Typical of Sebastian to come in here, make a declaration, kiss me silly and then walk out again. I’m left in a tight bundle, fingering Mark’s card. I want to scream. Instead, in defiance, I grab my iPad and bring up my Gmail account. I email Mark a small note to say hi and that it was one crazy night the other night.

  I get a reply instantly.

  Lily, I am so sorry to have caused you so much pain. I wasn’t thinking clearly when I let you use the brimstone. Had I been I would have never offered it to you. I was overcome by the idea of giving you a great time. You just seemed to need it so badly. I wasn’t thinking with my head :)

  Again, please forgive me. I hope you are well.

  Yours,

  Mark

  I am touched that his apology is s
o heartfelt. I don’t think he can be trusted to be around when I am out of control again, though, but maybe we can be friends. I email him back.

  Mark,

  I did really need to have a good time that night, but I think brimstone will ALWAYS be too much of a good time for me. :) How is your day going? I hope you are doing well too.

  Lily

  He instantly replies again.

  Lily,

  I’m doing the boring part of my job, paperwork. Your emails are a welcome distraction. I’ve really been worried about you and Diel wouldn’t tell me anything until today. I even went to You Belong to Me and Sebastian kicked me out LOL. I don’t blame him. So, I am doing much better now that I know that you are doing better.

  Yours,

  Mark

  Bast would have enjoyed getting back at Mark in any way he could. Poor Mark. He must have been really worried. Mark shouldn’t have given me the crap in the first place, though.

  Mark,

  I’m sorry for Sebastian’s rudeness. Maybe I could buy you a coffee sometime to make up for it. My schedule’s recently started to fill up and I know you are busy, but I’m sure we could figure something out.

  Lily

  Dearest Lily,

  Anytime, anywhere, I am available to you. You name the time and place and I will be there.

  Yours,

  Mark

  Dearest eh? Hmmm. All I need is another complication, though I could use a friend. If I make that clear maybe we could navigate this. I pick up my phone and look at my schedule. Kick Boxing starts tomorrow night and my next counseling appointment isn’t for two days. I could meet him tonight or tomorrow during the day.

  Mark,

  I’m free tonight or tomorrow afternoon. How is your schedule? Which would you prefer?

  Lily

  Dearest Lily,

  Sooner rather than later. I want to see with my own eyes that you are indeed okay. So tonight. Where and when? I could pick you up or we can meet.

  Yours,

  Mark

  Eager much, but sweet.

  Mark,

  I’ll drive myself. I think you are still persona non grata here at the house. I know a small coffee house, I’ll text you the address and meet you there in thirty minutes?

  Lily Dearest,

  Eagerly awaiting your text. :)

  Yours, Mark

  I send him the address and then go into the bathroom to refresh my makeup, grab my purse and head downstairs.

  I poke my head in the library and announce that I am going out for a coffee.

  Every head pops up.

  “I’m just getting coffee with a friend. I promise. Nothing more. I’m too exhausted for anything else,” I say looking Helena in the eye so she knows I’m talking about my session with Sophie.

  “I think it’s okay, everyone. Give her some space. Who’s your friend, Lily?” Helena asks.

  “Mark.” I throw my hands up before they all burst out in objections. “He wants to make sure I’m in one piece. That’s why I suggested a coffee house and why I’m driving myself. I plan on being home in an hour and a half.”

  Helena nods and Julian sits back down but Bast is having none of it. He looks like he swallowed something sour.

  “Even after what I just told you?” he asks softly, pain in his eyes.

  “Especially after what you said. I need a friend and I’m hoping I find one tonight. Our friendship started off rocky, but I hope to rectify that,” I say.

  Sebastian comes up to me and gently puts his hands on my shoulders. I shiver. It makes me feel so homesick for him. My eyes burn with the tears that will never come.

  “Lily, cherie, I don’t know if he will ever see you as just a friend. I worry for you.”

  I put my hand on his chest and he sighs and covers it with his own large hand. “I know you do,” I whisper sob.

  “Oh, cherie,” he says and pulls me into a hug. I let my head rest on his chest and forget our troubles for a minute before I pull back. I look at him, pleading with my eyes.

  “Go, make a new friend. But be vigilant. Be strong and call me if anything goes wrong, cherie, I will be there,” he says, his brows crease.

  “I will, Bast.” I straighten my hair and turn and face the room. “Ciao.”

  “Ciao, Lily,” Helena says.

  I leave the manse, taking my car, and head to the coffee house. Parking is easy to find this time of night. I pick a table near a window to watch for Mark but I don’t wait long. He arrives before my drink is ready.

  He leans in and kisses my cheek. He smells wonderful.

  “The Devil it’s good to see you in one piece and healthy,” he says, smiling down at me. He lets one finger trace my cheek, lingering for a second. This feels too good. Get a grip, Lily.

  “Hello, Mark. I really am fine now. Why don’t you order a drink and we’ll talk,” I say trying to keep the conversation neutral.

  He kisses my cheek again and leaves for the counter to place his order. I can see the barista flirting madly with him. He’s oblivious to her. Hmmm… That’s not the Mark I’ve heard about. The ladies’ man everyone talks about. I really hope he hasn’t set his sights on me. I need a friend badly, not another love interest. Though if I am honest I do know he is a notorious womanizer. He seems to care though. Maybe I am so desperate that that is what I see.

  “I picked up your order while I was there. Here you are.” He gently sits the super grande toffee mocha in front of me. Ooohh, I can feel the warmth coming off of it. I can’t wait to wrap my hands around it. As I do just that, Mark takes the seat across from me.

  “How do you feel, or I should say how did you feel when you woke up?” he asks me.

  “Like I had the mother of all headaches. But it went away eventually. And I freaked out when I realized I had lost three days. Honestly I was really depressed I had sunk so low,” I say lowering my voice and head.

  “Hey,” he says softly. “Look at me, Lily.” He tips my face up gently. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. You took a tumble and now you have to get back up on your feet. Don’t forget I gave you the brimstone. You have no idea how sorry about that I am.”

  “You know someone else said something similar to me today,” I say thinking of Sophie. “Why did you give me the brimstone when you knew how bad it could be for a vampire?”

  “That person must be incredibly smart and handsome too.” He grins.

  “Oh now you’re just fishing. And you didn’t answer my question.”

  “Well, yes.” I laugh at him, sip my mocha and relish the warm toffee chocolate coffee flavor moving down my throat. He puts his hand over mine.

  “Mark, umm… I really need a friend right now. I’m not looking for anything more at the moment. I’m sorry,” I say.

  He moves his hand back.

  “Understood. Lily, I would love to be your friend and have your friendship in return. I’d lie if I say I wasn’t hoping for more but I will take what I can get and be thankful for it. I gave you the brimstone because I wanted to give you a new experience. I told you I have vamp friends that have used it with very enlightening experiences. I had no idea it would affect you the way it did. I shouldn’t have taken the risk.”

  “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you are honest. I can’t say I trust your judgment completely, though.” I cross my legs and watch Mark stare. He sees he’s been caught and laughs.

  “Damn, this is going to be difficult. You’re gorgeous and I’m appreciative.”

  “As long as we have an understanding. If this gets too difficult for you tell me and we can just stay away from each other,” I say.

  “No!” he says adamantly.

  “Okaaay.”

  “It’s only that I don’t want to jeopardize our budding friendship, please.”

  “Let’s start with the basics… How was your day? What did you do today?” I ask.

  “I got up about seven and went for a run, then I had a meeting with Diel to go over some demon stuff.
Went into the club and started working on paperwork. It’s the end of the quarter and I handle the books so there is a lot to do to get ready for the accountant.”

  “Is that the only part of the club business you handle?” I ask. I’m interested in this unexpected side of the big bad demon.

  “I also do the hiring and firing. Watch the floor when a manager is on vacation or calls in sick. Otherwise I stick to the books. They tell the story of the business. You read the health of the club by the books,” he explains.

  I wonder if Sebastian looks at his club the same way. He never talks about business with me. I think he doesn’t think I have a head for it. Or maybe that’s being unkind. He might just think it would bore me. I must make an effort to talk to him about his day more. It’s always been about me when we talk, I realize. I shake my head and tune back into Mark.

  “You zoned out for a minute. A lot on your mind?” he asks.

  “Yes, a lot of reflecting.”

  “I’m listening. This goes both ways,” he says and he waves his hand back and forth between us. I nod, not sure where to start. It takes me some moments to find a starting place. He’s quiet, waits patiently.

  “I’ve realized much of my life I wanted what was best for mankind. To make a difference, contribute to humanity. It’s why I worked at the Suicide Hotline. But when I break down my life I find I was very self-centered. Not in a purposely selfish way but more…” I twist my hands searching for the words. “More like I was immature and was not really aware of how deep life ran around me.”

  “I could never see you being purposely selfish,” Mark says quietly. “I can understand naiveté. It’s one of the alluring things about you. But you are right, one day we must wake up and resonate with the rest of the world.”

  “Exactly.” He gets it.

  Just then I get a text message.

  You’ve been gone an hour and a half. Are you okay?

  Sebastian

  I used to feel suffocated by this. Then I realize that is not how I really feel. I feel treasured that Sebastian would want to take care of me.

  “Mark, this has been an enlightening conversation…”

  “But…”

  “But I have to go now.”