by R. Sullins
“So, how long are you two staying for your visit?”
James looked at me while Katerina delicately cut her salad into tiny pieces. “We don’t have any plans at this time. We usually spend a couple of months visiting our long-time friend here but it seems he’s been quite busy these last few months.” His voice was jovial but I knew those words were directed at me since he’d been training me for so long and then, just recently, our relationship developed into something more personal that kept him even more occupied. Good thing I wasn’t the least bit sorry or I might have been offended.
“I’m so sorry I kept you from spending more time with Crispin. How long have you known each other?” I picked up my fork and stabbed at a crouton. The piece broke in half and shot off my plate and directly in Katerina’s lap. I sat there aghast at the tiny spot that appeared on her dress. A dress, I’m sure, that cost more than my entire wardrobe in my entire life combined. “I’m so sorry!”
Katerina sat there staring at the offending crouton and didn’t say a word. I didn’t know if she was going to scream or cry. I heard a snort and looked at Crispin who was doing his best to hide his laughter. I narrowed my eyes at him dangerously. I was not making a good impression on his friends and he wasn’t helping. At my glare, he finally laughed out loud. I picked up a second crouton and chucked it at his head. He ducked and it sailed past him and right into the soup that a server was carrying to the table making a little splash and had droplets of yellow appearing on the starched white uniform.
I groaned and hid my flaming cheeks behind my hands while I listened to Crispin laugh louder and Katerina squeak in surprise. I peeked through my fingers at James to see his reaction since he’d been silent. His face was bright red and his shoulders were shaking with suppressed laughter. I looked over at Katerina, her face was red too. It was the first time I’d seen her look anything other than perfectly delicate. She gingerly picked up the piece of crouton off her dress with two fingers and slowly, as if it were a bomb, moved her arm over to the side of her plate and placed it down gingerly.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered the words again, truly embarrassed.
“Please, think nothing of it.” She said quietly, not looking up from the spot on her dress.
“If you tell me where you got your dress I’d be happy to replace it for you.” I offered, mentally crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t be broke again since I had just received all that money from Crispin not that long ago. I had paid off all the bills and was breathing easy for the first time in the 3 years I had been taking care of my sister. I swallowed hard at the thought of going into debt again.
“Paris.” Was her only reply. Oh crap, Paris. Nothing would come cheap in Paris, would it?
“Oh come now, Kat,” James choked out before clearing his throat and saying in a more normal tone, “you have so many clothes that you never wear the same thing twice.” He looked at me then, his eyes still twinkling with mirth. “Don’t worry about it, my girl, thank you for the laugh. The loss of the dress was worth it. “ Then he winked at me and picked up his fork and shoveled more salad in his mouth.
The server was still standing there with a tray of soup, and spots on his shirt, and Crispin was looking at me, still slightly chuckling and smiling big. I threw another glare his way then huffed and resumed eating my salad, determined to not cause any more mischief that night.
After a bit of quiet while the four of us continued our meal Crispin broke the silence. “Listen, I know you were hoping to visit but perhaps you should travel more or return home. You already know about the current issues with the revenants. I’m afraid I am too involved in that situation to be a good host. Usually, I could take time off to spend time with you but there is just too much going on right now.” He glanced at brother and sister. “It’s also too dangerous.”
Katerina looked completely dejected and simply nodded her head. James just looked disappointed.
“I wish I had more Power, then I’d be able to help you, my friend.” He shook his head. “I know I’ve said it before, but perhaps, if you had been the one to change us we wouldn’t be so... Powerless.” He grimaced. I knew Power was a sore subject for those that basically had none. I wanted to feel sorry for them but really, they were immortal. What was there to feel sorry about? There were humans out there that were sick or permanently injured like my sister that would probably be thrilled with what these Powerless vampires had - health, vitality, wealth, immortality. Inwardly, I shook my head. Thousands of years of vampire social hierarchy was not going to change.
“Be that as it may, I would prefer if the two of you were to go somewhere safer, soon. We will plan a visit after this issue with the revenants has been eliminated.”
Katerina looked up at Crispin with her giant doe eyes and softly said, “Yes, Crispy.” and placed her hand on his arm. “Is it okay if we stay a few days longer to plan where we go next?”
Crispin patted her hand while my eyes zeroed in on the contact. “Of course, Katerina. I’m sorry for disappointing you.”
I wasn’t.
Chapter 18
*****
Crispin took his Hunter by the hand and led her to the car waiting for them outside. After the dinner shared with James and Katerina, a dinner in which he thoroughly enjoyed due to his Hunter’s antics, he bade them goodbye and then explained to Ivy that he had an acquaintance that might have more information about the issue with the revenants. He was eager to end the problem as quickly as possible since it was obvious that it put his woman in serious danger. It was one thing for a Hunter to hunt and kill normal revenants but these were different. He wasn’t willing to keep her in danger.
What it did make him was willing to enter hell on earth to ask for help from a being that was even more powerful than he was. Taking his mate to a demon owned establishment would have been one of the last things that he would have wanted to do but his sentinels had reached a dead end in their search for answers. They hadn’t found anything from the driver of the van and there was no further information about the source of the ghouls that had somehow managed to not only think, but plan as a pack. They had a goal and worked towards it together. To his knowledge, it had never been done and they needed to find out how and why immediately. Until the problem was eradicated he could not allow Ivy to do her job properly.
*****
I looked up at the tall brick building that we were standing in front of with a sign in glowing red that read Brimstone. We had just been let out of the car where Crispin explained that there were other beings on earth that weren’t just vampires. We were about to walk into a club owned by a demon. And apparently, this demon was older and more powerful than Crispin. He told me that they had known each other for centuries and had a friendship of sorts. Demons and vampires had no quarrel with each other, they got along just fine and they both agreed that humans needed to continue to be ignorant of their existence.
Crispin made sure to tell me that he would never bring me here if there was any danger. My stomach was still in knots though considering I was about to enter a demon’s lair.
Relax, Hunter, you are safe.
I took a deep breath and nodded. He took my hand and led me up to the giant bouncer at the front doors. Crispin nodded at the guy who had a shiny bald head and deep brown eyes that almost looked black. He wore a black shirt the had the word Brimstone across the front in solid block letters in red. The guy was menacing and I couldn’t imagine anyone getting out of line with him around. His eyes stayed on me until we cleared the doorway.
Loud, pumping music with a deep bass was being played. Once we cleared the short hallway and entered the main room of the club I could see the music was being played by a band on a stage that took up a good portion of the side of the room. Red lights flickered and swirled around the room as bodies jumped and swayed in a frenzied fashion. I’d never been to a club before and never really thought about what one would look like but I thought that this one must have been unique with the black wall
s, floors, and even the ceiling. The only lights came from the red ones on the dance floor, red sconces along the walls and red recessed lighting all around the bars.
The place was packed and if the line that had been formed outside was any indication, it was unquestionably popular. I noticed there were symbols glowing on the walls everywhere I looked, even on the ceiling, floor, and bar.
What are those symbols, Crispin?
They are warnings and laws in demonish. Some are also spells to keep demons from showing their true forms while in this room.
Right, their true form. He had also explained to me that demons had a glamour to hide their true selves from unsuspecting humans.
He squeezed my hand and led me through the crowd towards a hallway that was being guarded by another giant of a man. Or demon. This one also nodded at Crispin and let him pass, keeping his eyes on me. I shivered at the stare, goosebumps popped up along my arms but I resisted the urge to rub my hand down my skin. I couldn’t show weakness to a predator.
We walked down the hall to a door that had another symbol painted on it. It was very different from anything I had ever seen before. Beautiful and elegant. Crispin knocked on the door and we stood there for a few seconds waiting for an answer. I thought that no one would open it until it finally opened revealing a tall, willowy woman wearing a skintight black dress with bright red hair and yellow eyes. It was the brightest red hair I had ever seen. If it was from a bottle then she had an excellent cosmetologist. She was obviously a demon even though it was only her hair and eyes that gave her away. I expected everyone to look like normal humans but I supposed that people would just assume she was wearing contacts.
She smiled a seductive smile and immediately ran her hands up Crispin’s chest and leaned forward to kiss him on the lips. My heartbeat froze and then doubled and before I realized I was moving I was in front of Crispin with my boot blade pointed at the woman’s sternum.
“Don’t.” Was the only word I was capable of making, the word low and menacing.
The woman snarled at me and raised her hand, lethal-looking black claws extended from her fingertips that I was sure hadn’t been there a moment ago. Her yellow eyes were glowing and her teeth turned wicked sharp.
Crispin wrapped his arm around my waist to pull me back just as the woman was yanked back by one shoulder, spinning her around. A second later she was turning back and rushing at me, both claws extended, mouth opened, ready to tear into me. I crouched into a fighting stance, not about to let this woman harm me OR kiss my boyfriend.
The same man yelled out something I didn’t understand just as he hit the woman in the center of her chest with the heel of his hand sending her flying backward. She landed on her back a few feet away and slid a few more feet before dashing to her feet again to charge at me one more time. The man yelled again, this time the woman stopped in her tracks still glaring and snarling at me, her chest heaving. I realized I was trying to pull myself free from Crispin’s arm and stilled my efforts to get at the woman. I closed my eyes a moment before turning my head to look at Crispin.
I did a bad thing, didn’t I?
He ran a finger over my cheek and said, never apologize for staking your claim on me. I smiled weakly and then laughed lightly when he winked at me. I felt foolish for my actions but instinct took over when I saw that woman put her hands on my man. I shook my head. We’ll talk about the woman later.
I had no doubts, my Hunter.
I scoffed and turned back around putting the blade back in my boot. The woman was gone from the room and only the man remained.
He was studying the two of us, intensity rolling off him and putting me back on edge. He was incredibly handsome. His hair was so black it seemed to absorb the light and his eyes were so green it was as if they were actual gemstones instead of normal irises. He was tall and broad, about the same size as Crispin and though I didn’t feel the same type of energy coming from him as I did vampires and he didn’t have the same sense as Crispin did with his Power, he had a different type of energy to him. It was a strong buzz, a kind of electric charge that makes a person pay attention. And once they were paying attention, they’d know exactly who the most dangerous person in the room was.
“I am so sorry for my behavior. I had no right to act the way I did.” I hung my head in shame. I have never acted that way in my life and to do so in front of this stranger and to a woman I didn’t know. I shook my head dismally.
“Didn’t you though?” The deep voice ran shivers down my back, reminding me I was in the presence of a dangerous man.
I looked up and saw him look down at me with a small tilt to the corner of his mouth. His hard emerald eyes stared intensely at me but not with anger. “I would wish that my mate would want to protect our bond as strongly as you did.” He shook his head once. “No, you have nothing to be ashamed of. I will be having a talk with Sasha.” He turned to Crispin and held out his hand. “My friend, it is good to see you. Shall we sit and discuss this business of the revenants?” With a nod of his head he gestured to a black leather couch and chair around a low glass table to the side of the large, spacious office.
Crispin took his hand and they shook firmly and gave each other a pat on the back the way old friends had a tendency to do. Seeing them together gave me a slight thrill. Crispin was deadly and dangerous but the two of them together would be an unstoppable force.
We walked over to the sitting area. Crispin sat next to me while his friend sat opposite us in a large comfortable looking leather chair. He crossed an ankle over his knee and propped his elbows on the arms of the chair and steepled his fingers together, waiting for Crispin to give the introductions.
“Ivy, this is my good friend Varek. He is the owner of this club and the Master of the demons in this realm.” He placed his arm around my shoulders and looked to Varek who was watching us with a thoughtful expression. “Varek, this is my mate, Ivy. She is a Hunter and the reason I asked to see you tonight.”
Varek nodded, “Yes I have done some inquiries and have learned some interesting information. Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers you seek and what I do have you won’t like.”
A knock sounded at the door. A tall skinny man came in with the call to enter from Varek and bowed his head. “I came to see what drinks your guests would like Master.”
Varek looked at us with a raised brow.
“Would you like a glass of wine, my Hunter?” Crispin squeezed my shoulder. At my nod he turned back to Varek, “She likes white wine, whatever you have I know she will like. And I will have some of my usual scotch.” Varek nodded and the server backed away, never once raising his head from the floor. Obviously, Varek was a very important guy and a respected leader. Either that or they feared him. Probably a bit of both.
“As I was saying, you won’t like this news. It seems someone is creating revenants purposely. The goal is to create an army that will allow the leader to take control of the vampire nation here in the United States.” He stared hard at Crispin, “My informants tell me that the plan to overthrow the Kings and Queens and take full control is to start with the strongest of the vampires. You.”
I gasped and swung my head over to look at Crispin. He was grinding his teeth and his eyes were mercury. Anger was radiating from him. Before another word was spoken there was another knock on the door followed by Varek’s “Enter!” The same skinny man came through the door while balancing a tray of drinks on one hand. The entire time he was placing the drinks before us his eyes stayed downturned and his face placid.
I sipped my wine and bit back a moan at the amazing flavor. Glancing back at the guys, they both had smirks on their faces. I fought the blush that threatened and shrugged. “It’s good.”
They both chuckled and Varek explained, “When you have so much time to live you learn to find and enjoy the best.” He nodded towards my glass, “That one came from a villa in Italy, long ago destroyed by war.”
I looked down at my half-full glass and was
torn between carefully setting it down and wanting to savor the wine even more.
Varek chuckled again, “Drink. Knowing you enjoy it so much honors the winemakers. The greatest thing we can do with precious things are to enjoy them fully. Setting them on a shelf and never touching may protect them but then they cannot be enjoyed the way they were intended.”
I nodded and took another sip. This one was much smaller though, wanting to savor it for as long as possible.
“Crispin?” I looked at my vampire and saw the anger still there in his eyes. “Did you know someone was trying to overthrow the vampire rulers?”
Crispin sat back and swirled the scotch in his glass. I’m sure that it had to be of the highest quality in the world even if I knew pretty much nothing about different types of alcohol. He looked at me and then Varek before speaking.
“There has been talk in the last decade of someone trying to rise in power. The Council mentioned that their spies have reported someone using humans and low-level vampires. There haven’t been any answers as to what, exactly, the goal is or how they are going about the coup. Really, it has always been conjecture with no evidence so most of the leaders have ignored the threat with just keeping an ear open to more rumblings.”
“So does that mean you’ve ignored it too?” Varek gave Crispin a knowing look.
“No. I’ve had my sentinels watch and question any strange behavior. My Regionals are also ordered to keep watch out for any information. Until recently there hasn’t been anything noteworthy. The recent behavior of the revenants is very concerning. Someone is creating them for a purpose. That they seem to be trying to capture a Hunter is an important piece of the puzzle. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough pieces yet to see the whole picture.”
“So now we know that someone is creating revenants that can think and plan and that they are trying to capture a hunter, namely - me. And thanks to Varek’s information, we know that someone wants to depose the Kings and Queens so they can take over the rule of all vampires.” I took another sip of my delicious wine, savoring the crisp, sweet flavor. “Can we figure out what wanting a Hunter has to do with this?” I looked at both men.