by Unknown
It heated her blood.
“Isn’t it hard to keep this entire house safe?” asked Brogan. “What kind of security system do you have?”
“Ah, Detective, security isn’t my area. I leave that up to my expert. He makes sure that my possessions and I stay safe.” She nodded toward the coffee, offering it to them. “Help yourself.”
“We should get started,” said Brogan, feeling completely out of place there. “We have the ME’s report right here,” he began, as he slid a copy across the desk to her.
“Thank you.”
“Doctor, what have you determined from your findings?” asked Gress.
She sipped her tea, plotting out how to throw the men off the trail. “I don’t believe that you’re looking for only one killer, but a pack of them, if you will. I think from the footprints on the scene, I’m definitely focused on some sort of group killing.”
“What do you mean?” Flynn asked.
“It reminds me of a ritualistic initiation or religious zealots.”
“Are you serious?” asked Brogan, his tone going cold. He didn't want to believe she had a clue.
Damn it!
“Yes, very much so, Detective. Let’s look at the bite marks that were found on their necks. This could very well be individuals that believe they’re true vampyres. They might be bleeding them elsewhere and setting up the scene. It isn’t hard to puncture the artery in the neck and clean off the body afterward. Your ME stated that there was no trace to be found and that they could have been washed down, right?”
He didn't like this at all. They didn't tell her about the club and she was already heading in that direction. Damn it! He wanted her to be a fraud, then he could dislike her, and not feel what he was about her.
“We may have someone who is delusional and thinks that they’re playing Count Dracula,” she offered, as she began peppering the story with some truths. After all, no one would believe that vampyres really existed. From the look on their faces, she knew they must think she was crazy. The men before her were too smart for any other excuse, so she had to show some of the cards in her hand. It was better to point them at kids playing dress up, than vampyre killers.
It was now about the lesser of the two evils.
“Respectfully, Doctor, I think that all that vampyre shit is exactly that,” Tommy offered.
She focused on Detective Gress. “I understand that it sounds far-fetched, gentlemen, but I do have to tell you that in many past societies, there was ritualistic blood drinking. It was done in offerings and rites. Drinking blood in many of those societies was done during mating or sex fueled orgies. Some cultures went as far as saying blood consumption helped increase virility and strength. I’m not saying that you have a real vampyre, but maybe someone thinks that. Reality bends easily to those that stray from its path.”
Detective Gress made notes in his folder.
“I understand that, Doctor, and in theory it sounds like a plausible direction, but can we say these killers are that good that they can drain a victim dry? We have to be missing something, but I just can’t see what it is. They’re leaving no blood.” He steepled his fingers in front of his chin, but kept his eyes locked on hers. “We’re talking not a drop left for the ME to draw. So, I’ll be honest. I think this entire thing is a little far-fetched. Next, you’ll be telling me that a witch is putting a spell on the victims and werewolf man is holding them still so the vampyres can suck on their necks.”
Jolie felt her temper flare, not because he dismissed the reality of what she was, but because he was being condescending. Defensively, she stood and faced them both.
“I get the feeling that you believe I’m an idiot, Detective Brogan,” she said, calling him out.
Gress glanced over at his partner, praying that he didn't bury them with their bosses.
“I just think that you’re grasping at straws. I was doing that perfectly fine, all by myself. We came here expecting something to work with and you give us kids playing vampyre dress up. Really?”
Tommy was about to slap the shit out of his partner. They didn't tell her about what they learned and the woman was right on track, so what the hell was this all about?
“You do realize that the police came to me, right? I don’t go out looking for cases to work.”
He shrugged, looking around the room. “You must get lots of work…”
Gress hissed when his partner implied that she was only in it for the money.
It was official, they were shit canned.
“Detective, I was hired to help you. Your commissioner asked me to give you some assistance, and I’m trying to connect the somewhat scattered dots that the killers have left behind. You have no DNA, fingerprints, or major eyewitnesses. All you have are the ramblings of an expert in deviant behaviors. Here’s a thought. How about you try and find me something to work with? Maybe then, you’ll like what I come up with a little better.”
Brogan narrowed his eyes. He wasn’t prepared for the demure doctor to hand him attitude back. It wasn’t like he wanted to insult her, but he was pissed.
She was smart, good, and he wasn’t ready to face that fact quite yet. When he only thought about her as a sexy woman, he was still in control. Now, he was slipping, and fast.
“Now, you can take it or leave what I’ve told you, Detective, because either way I don’t care what your decision is. I’ve been instructed to report to your chief and commissioner. Now, you can take my theories into consideration, thinking outside of the box for a second, or you can continue to stand there and scratch your head wondering what to do next.”
Jolie sat down and wished that she had another cup of tea. She was getting completely irritated by the man in front of her. What she wouldn’t give to play in his mind and see what had him this stirred up. It was like he was mad at her for some reason.
“Doctor, my partner meant no insult,” said Tommy, trying to calm the ruffled feathers. “We’re just frustrated at the lack of information available to us at this point.”
“I understand that, Detective Gress. But I believe you need to look at every option, and ritualistic slayings by cults pretending to be vampyres, is just as viable at this point in the investigation. If you had more, then I would eliminate it,” she paused, as the study door opened and Jacques strolled into the room.
He was barefoot, wearing black leather pants, and a black silk shirt. Despite her irritation, Jolie grinned. How could she not with the way he walked in like he was the sexy lord of the manor?
As he glided toward the desk, there was a delicate teacup balanced in his hand.
Both detectives stared at the graceful man as he approached.
He stared directly into Detective Brogan’s eyes defiantly, giving him that knowing smile. It was one of possessiveness and ownership. It wasn’t missed that he was laying down his claim.
Brogan glared back at him. Apparently, he now had even more to be irritated about.
Handing her the cup, his attention went to back to Jolie and his eyes were only for her.
“I felt you get angry and wanted to check up on you,” he said into her mind.
“Detective Brogan has exasperated me.”
“I can tell. Do you want me to wait with you?”
“Let me introduce you, and then you can escape. We’re almost done for the day.”
“Detectives, this is Jacques Degaul, and he is in charge of my personal security. He also watches out for my possessions.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” he said, nodding his head with old world grace. Immediately, he placed his hand on Jolie’s shoulder proprietarily.
“He is a testy one,” said Jacques to Jolie.
“That he is,” she answered. “Of the two, he is the more skeptical and easily provoked, but he is also the better detective. You can tell when you stare into his soul.”
He didn't doubt the man’s skill. Instead, he doubted why he was there. “See how his eyes narrowed as I touched you.”
“If you don’t mind, Jolie, I’ve something to take care of in my office,” Jacques said, right before heading out of the room.
Both men curiously watched him leave.
“He’s an interesting….what did you call him? Security expert,” finished Brogan. Yeah, he was modeling his skivvies for the sexy doctor, no doubt.
Damn it!
“That he is, Detective, but he suits my needs,” she added, unable to stop herself from adding that little jab. When his eyes narrowed once more, she nearly laughed.
That was enough fun for the day. It was time to feed and work out the evening’s plan.
“Well, gentlemen, I hate to kick you out, but I do have other things that are work related to accomplish this evening,” Jolie stated, as she stood from the desk and headed toward the door.
Both men knew they were being dismissed.
“Thank you for meeting with us today, Doctor,” said Detective Gress. He put out his hand and shook hers pleasantly. He could feel the warmth in her hand and it matched the spark in her eyes. “Have a good night.”
Despite his partner being riled up, this woman was a good person. He could feel it.
“Good evening, Detectives,” she replied, as they were escorted out the door and to their cars.
Behind her, Jacques approached, leaving room between them, so as not to antagonize the detective.
Jolie wasn’t having it. She reached out and pulled his body up against the back of hers. Lust shot comfortably through them both. It was followed by the familiarity of safety and a charge of sexual energy. There was also no doubt that both detectives had seen the action.
“You need to feed, Jolie. I can feel your weakness.” He brushed his face against her hair. “Energy or blood?” In his heart, he prayed that she would drink from him again, like last night.
“Energy for now, Jacques. I’ll be going out later.”
“Where will you be going?” he asked suspiciously.
“I’m taking a little trip to ‘The Sanguivore’.”
Yeah, over his dead body.
“Why there? Is it about the killings?”
“I believe so, Jacques. The victims were found in a close proximity to the club. I find that suspicious,” she answered, as she walked toward her room. “Not to mention that this particular club is owned by vampyres and frequented by donors. Someone might be poaching victims from there. It would make it easy for the killer to have the women follow them out of there.”
“You’re going alone?” he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral, despite what he was feeling inside.
“Yes. I figured I would get ‘goth’ed’ up and slip in and out to see what’s going on.”
“You do realize that I can’t let you go alone,” he said quietly. As her guardian, it was his duty to protect and guard her body.
Jolie turned to look at him standing in her doorway. “I’m well aware of that.”
“Good, then there will be no argument as we both get ‘goth’ed up’,” he said, mimicking her choice of words.
“You won’t get any fight from me. How do you feel about dressing up like Dracula?” she inquired, as she leaned into him.
He licked his lips.
It took everything in him not to nuzzle her throat, right above her pulse. If he even went there, he’d be taking a bite. “I’ll pretend it’s Halloween, and we’re trick or treating.”
“You’ll make a sexy Dracula,” she laughed, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“Ah, the irony.” He smiled as she hugged him even closer. It wasn’t easy to not let his hands wander, even as she was rubbing wantonly across the front of his body.
“Do you need my help picking out your clothing, Jolie?” he asked, praying that she wouldn’t. Jacques wasn’t sure he could refrain from climbing all over her. Since she was pressed against him, he was beginning to believe that she wanted to revert back to the relationship they once shared when they were very young vampyres.
If there was a God, he would have offered a prayer.
“No, I think I have this one on my own,” she stated, releasing him.
When she took her spot on a settee, sitting in the corner of the room, he knew what time it was.
“I need to feed, I’m starving,” she said, watching as he crossed toward her. He was the picture of masculinity and beauty. When he sat beside her, she climbed into his lap and wrapped her legs around him.
Jacques heart picked up the pace.
Jolie loved this so much. Gently, she ran her palms over his shoulders and through his black shoulder length hair until they found a place on each side of his face.
He could get used to this kind of mouth to mouth feeding. It was heavenly.
As their lips came together, their auras crossed, mixing together until neither was distinguishable. Both allowed the feeling to wrap around and cover them.
It was heat.
It was bliss.
It was delicious.
As the kiss continued and the battle of tongues and mouths raged, they were completely lost in the moment. Jolie was just about to pull away, when a hand broke through their aura, interrupting the feeding.
It was painful.
Turning, Jolie bared her fangs to hiss at the intruder in warning.
Jacques immediately pulled her more into the circle of his arms to protect her from whatever had approached them. His fangs slid into place, and he too prepared to defend his mistress.
“What are you doing, Balzac? You know that it’s dangerous to sneak up on me.”
“I beg your pardon, Mistress,” he said, bowing. “I came to tell you of a gathering for tomorrow night. It’s regarding the local killings. All of the family heads are meeting to discuss what needs to be done.”
Her patience waned. “This couldn’t wait, Balzac?” she asked. “At least until we had finished feeding?”
“Again, I apologize. I thought you would want to know of it immediately, so you could prepare our delegation.” He lowered his head to keep her from seeing his satisfaction. Any time that he could make Jacques’s life difficult, it was going to happen. The guardian didn't know his place, and his mistress was too besotted to see the truth. He was a waste of time and wouldn’t bring any extra power to the family.
“I’m willing to arrange it if it pleases you. I can also free up my schedule and attend with you as your second in charge.”
Jolie reached for Jacques’s mind, and he opened for her willingly.
“Will you attend with me, Jacques, and sit by my side?”
This was an honor above honors. Yes, he would normally go, but as her guardian, not her equal. “You honor me with just asking, Jolie.”
“Is that a yes?”
“I shall, since it’ll spare you from having to attend with ‘Balzac the Bore’.”
“Jacques, it’s far more than that. I thought we were clear on that.”
“I’ll attend, Jolie.”
She turned and stared at the vampyre. “That is not a problem, Balzac. I’ll take care of it. I already know whom I’ll be taking to stand by my side. I truly appreciate your willingness to help me, but I have it under control,” she replied. The angry gaze from him spoke of his hostility.
“Is there a problem, Balzac?”
“No, Mistress,” he replied. His eyes filled with nothing but anger as he focused on the guardian. There was no doubt who the mistress was intending to bring with her.
“Yes, Balzac, it’ll be Jacques who is going with me. He is after all my guardian. I believe we are finished with this discussion, as I have other things to take care of at this moment.”
When he was finally gone, she was afraid to look at Jacques. Yes, he was merely her guardian, but for now, her heart was leading the way.
“I’m getting too old for this,” she said. When his body began shaking, Jolie glanced up and into his eyes. “I suppose that you find this fu
nny.”
“Yes, I actually do. An immortal feeling old is pretty entertaining if you think about it.”
Getting up from his lap, Jolie playfully gave him a shove with her hand. “Oh stop,” Jolie added, but she couldn’t be irritated. After all, this was a side of him that he had been keeping locked away for so many years. “Go get dressed, Jacques, and remember, think Dracula from Hollywood as you’re doing it.”
“Yes, Mistress,” he replied, bowing before heading to the door. “I’m looking forward to seeing what you decide to wear tonight.”
She smiled seductively. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve, Jacques. See you in an hour and a half in the foyer, and be prepared to be astounded,” she replied, blowing him a kiss as she headed into her closet. When she heard the door to her room close, she called out for Louisa in her mind.
“Yes, Mistress? Do you need to feed?”
“No, Louisa, but I do need a favor. I’m afraid it’s going to be a big one.”
“Anything for you, Mistress.”
“I need to go to ‘The Sanguivore’ tonight, and I’ve nothing to wear. Can you help me?”
“How Goth-y do you wish to be, Mistress?”
“I want the owners to not recognize me, and I wish to captivate Jacques.”
“Give me forty-five minutes to pull together the wildest outfit to pop out those serene green eyes of his.”
“Thank you, Louisa! I’ll be in my room, and you’re truly a life saver.”
She would show Jacques just what she could do in ninety minutes. If he accused her of cheating, she would just be honest. It was called delegating and nothing more. Jolie grinned wickedly, as she played out the night in her head. Yeah, she was going to do more than captivate her guardian.
If she had her chance, she would ensnare him.
∞ Chapter Six ∞
Friday Evening
Jacques stood in the hall, staring at the grandfather clock. He had completed his outfit in the time that Jolie had allotted. In his opinion, he believed that he looked quite vampyre-goth in his black and white pinstriped bondage pants and white high collar frilly shirt. It loosely hung to his wrists in a lacy cascade. Even his buckled boots fit the look that he was going for.