TORCH: Underground Encounters 9

by Carlisle, Lisa

She hunched her shoulders and silently asked the closest statue, Do you see her from up there?

  Then she released a laugh of disbelief. What was wrong with her? Now she was asking inanimate objects for help?

  Darla had to come. If she didn’t, what would Rachel do? Her sister would come by tomorrow night to take their monthly precautions, but would it be enough?

  It should. Rachel might destroy her house, but as long as she remained contained, that was critical.

  She jumped ahead, picturing the worst scenario. The moon would force her to shift to a monstrous form—she would lose control and run rampant, attacking the innocent. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head to rid her mind of the horrid imagery.

  “Hi. I don’t mean to bother you, but you seem—distressed.”

  He spoke with a French accent in a low baritone. The low, crooning rumble made her skin tingle. She snapped her eyes open and turned to glance at him.

  His entire physique was as striking as his voice. He had to be a head over six feet, almost a foot taller than she stood, and with muscles his black shirt couldn’t mask. With his broad shoulders and wide chest, she’d wager the rest of him was shaped to perfection as well.

  And his face. Framed by long, black hair, his features were rugged, yet carved as smooth as symmetric statues in the Museum of Fine Arts. He eyed her with chestnut-colored, eyes. Deep eyes she could lose herself in…

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked.

  His question jarred her.

  Shit, had she just been caught gaping at him? “What makes you think I’m distressed?”

  He flashed a one-sided grin. “That napkin—it didn’t stand a chance once it met your hands.”

  She stared at the shredded pieces in her fingers and then rolled them up into a ball to reduce the mess. “Just killing time while I wait for my friend.”

  Jeez, her anxiety over the coming full moon was quite evident. She had to get a better handle on that before the fall semester started. What university would take an assistant professor seriously who turned into a jittery wreck every month? If a stranger at a bar noted her unease, certainly her students and colleagues would notice.

  And the rumors would start.

  They’d probably chalk it up to drug abuse. The truth was something they wouldn’t believe. She wouldn’t have herself, had it not happened to her.

  “Would you like some company while you wait?”

  She glanced around the club. No sign of Darla yet. Although she wanted to get the transaction over as quickly as possible, that didn’t appear to be in her control. Would it be so bad to talk to this gorgeous French stranger?

  “Sure, why not?”

  He slid onto the empty bar stool next to her. “I’d offer to buy you a drink, but you barely touched that one.”

  “Thanks anyway.” She took a sip of her fruity mixed drink.

  “I’m Mattias.”

  It rolled off his tongue in that rich accent. Mattias, she repeated in her head. Strong, sexy, sensual. It suited him.

  “I’m Rachel.”

  “Rachel!” Darla’s voice rang out. “There you are.” She stepped up to the bar, standing out against all the black with her hair now dyed lavender.

  Rachel resisted groaning. Although she’d been eager for Darla to arrive, Rachel’s conversation with Mattias had just begun.

  “Looks like my mission is complete. Nice meeting you, Rachel.” He stood and nodded to both her and Darla.

  Rachel’s gaze followed him as he strolled away. The rear view was just as enticing with his muscular frame and long legs. He didn’t even ask for her number. Too bad.

  “Hot,” Darla pointed out.

  Rachel bit her lip and dragged her gaze back to Darla. “Interesting choice for a meeting spot.”

  Darla arched a brow. “Not your scene?”

  Rachel didn’t want to insult her. “I’m not used to clubs.”

  Darla smiled and climbed onto the seat Mattias had vacated. “This one is special. When I realized how close you lived to it, I figured we’d add some fun to our intrepid arrangement. Plus, I can meet up with my lover, Viktor. Win-win for all.”

  “I’m relieved you made it. I have to admit, I was worried.”

  “About what?”

  “That you wouldn’t come.”

  Darla placed her hand on her heart. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”

  “I hope not. It’s not safe for someone in my condition to be out there unchecked.”

  Darla raised her index finger and pointed at herself. “People might think I’m flaky because I’m a witch, but I’m not irresponsible.”

  “That’s good. Otherwise. Well…”

  “I know, I know. Don’t worry, I have you noted on my lunar calendar. Plus, I have your multiple texts to remind me.” Darla winked.

  Rachel reddened. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

  “And I don’t want to see that happen either. A witch does all she can to benefit others. I won’t let you down.” Darla raised a bag with purple satin patches a shade darker than her hair and reached inside.

  While she fumbled in her bag, Rachel glanced around. Mattias stood with another colossal man down by the bar. With their resemblance, they had to be related. She caught his gaze. Their eyes met for a heated moment. Her heart throbbed in her ears, drowning out the pounding bass that pulsed from the speakers.

  Too bad she hadn’t had longer to chat with him.

  She tapped her foot. She wasn’t here to pick up some guy, but to take care of the inevitable, and then get the hell out of there.

  Darla handed Rachel a satchel with the potion.

  “Nice eye candy,” Darla remarked. “And he seems to have a thing for you with the way his gaze is burning right through your clothing. I bet he’s picturing you naked.”

  Rachel gasped. “He is not.” She handed Darla an envelope with the payment.

  “Calm your tatas, sweetie.” Darla chortled and waved. “It’s just a matter of speaking. He appears to be into you. And with the way your cheeks are burning like you took a shot of the most potent top shelf liquor here, I’d bet that you’re more than a little interested yourself.”

  Perhaps a tad. “That’s not why I’m here,” she said with a dismissive wave.

  “You meet me each month, looking like you’re about to face the apocalypse.” Darla gestured with a carefree wave. “Why not have a little fun? You’re still in your twenties.”

  “Just barely.” The expiration date on her twenties approached next winter.

  “Youth doesn’t last forever—unless you’re a vampire.” Darla nudged Rachel’s arm. “When’s the last time you got some?”

  Rachel pursed her lips. “A while.”

  “If you don’t live it up a little now, when will you?”

  “It’s not that easy for someone like me. And you know why.”

  The witch grunted. “I know why you can’t tomorrow night. But, there’s tonight. And if what I’ve heard about people in your condition are true, you’re itching to get it right now. Why not get the hanky on your panky?”

  Rachel laughed, despite herself. “That doesn’t make a grain of sense.” Still, what Darla said was true. With the rising of the moon, Rachel’s hormones went haywire, making puberty seem like a minor adjustment. But it wasn’t her—it was simply a chemical reaction. She could suppress her longings until they ebbed.

  She stole a glance at Mattias. Damn, he was impressive. If there was anyone she’d want to tangle with in the sheets…

  “You know exactly what I mean.” Darla’s gaze followed to Mattias. “If I didn’t have this inexplicable thing going on with a vamp, I’d climb him like a tree.”

  Rachel tilted her head. “Viktor is a vampire? I didn’t know witches and vamps got on.”

  The words tumbling out of her mouth would have been nonsense six months ago, but the world had broadened for her—and it wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

  “Perhaps that’s why the
sex is so hot,” Darla said. “What’s more of an aphrodisiac than forbidden attraction?”

  So Rachel had heard. She’d never acted on anything quite so reckless.

  “Ooh, there’s my pale creature of the night.” Darla waved at someone and then clasped her hands together with delight.

  Rachel glanced to the dance floor. A good portion of the crowd appeared as pale as a vampire with goth makeup, so Darla’s lover remained mysterious.

  “I bet half of the people here are going to get some action tonight. Why not you?”

  Good question. Rachel grunted. Many of the couples were pressed close in a near heated frenzy.

  Darla climbed off the stool. “And on that note, I’m out.”

  “See you next month.” Darla slipped into the crowd and met with a tall, thin man wearing all black. He appeared quite subdued for this crowd, without any outlandish tattoos or piercings. Rachel would never pick him out as a vampire.

  With Darla gone, maybe Mattias would return. When she glanced to where she’d last seen him, he’d disappeared. Oh well. She finished her drink and stood to leave.

  She’d barely made it ten feet before a man stepped in her path.

  “Hey there.”

  Good grief. This was the third man who’d approached her that night. He had shaggy black hair, smudged eye makeup, silver jewelry, and colorful tattoos.

  She nodded and forced a tight smile. “Hello.”

  “I’m Alex. I thought I’d introduce myself before I ask you to dance.”

  “No, thanks. I was just leaving.”

  “How tragic. The night is young. Perhaps just one?”

  “No. I’m ready to go home. Excuse me.” She stepped to move around him.

  “I didn’t catch your name.”

  Oh, hell, couldn’t he take a hint? She stifled an eye roll. “Rachel.”

  “Rachel,” he repeated with a waggle of his brows. “Pretty name. What can I do to convince you to delay your departure?”

  “Nothing, I’m afraid. It’s been a long week. I’m ready to go.”

  “Understood. Can I walk you to your car? Or taxi? However you’re getting home.”

  “No, thank you. I’m walking.” Oh shit, why did she admit that? Now he knew she lived within walking distance.

  “It could be dangerous out there. I’m happy to escort you to ensure you make it home safely.”

  It was true and heeding those words might have come in handy months ago, but what did she have to fear now but herself? She was the threat on society, the one to be concerned about. If he saw her tomorrow night, he’d be the one needing protection.

  “I’m fine,” she declared. “Have a good night.” She stepped around him and strode with decisiveness to the exit.

  Before she opened the door to leave, she turned over her shoulder, half-expecting him to follow her. He remained near the bar and watched her. He raised his chin in a half-nod. She forced a thin smile and walked out.

  Once outside, she glanced at the sky. Behind a wispy cloud, the moon seemed to sneer at her.

  She clutched the potion tightly in her pocket and hurried up the alley to the main road. Her condo was about a mile away in Caterina’s Cove, the sleepy New England town she’d moved to for the quiet life. That plan backfired when a werewolf had attacked her.

  An unsettling sensation crawled along the back of her neck. She hadn’t experienced that since the night she’d been attacked.

  She clutched the pepper spray on her key chain and spun around.

  Nothing there. Nobody behind her.

  She forced herself to continue. Although the attack had increased her wariness, she wouldn’t let it control her life any more than it did. She loved to walk. It helped clear her mind. Since she’d be trapped in a subterranean hideaway come tomorrow, she wanted to breathe in all the fresh air she could.

  Why was she being so skittish? She glanced at the moon again. While the rest of the world admired its beauty, Rachel now evaded it like a vampire hid from the sun.

  Was that what was spooking her?

  Or, was there someone else out there?

  Chapter 3

  “I’m going to check on something,” Mattias told Lucan.

  A tattooed guy tried chatting Rachel up, and then followed her out the club.

  “Something or someone?”

  Mattias scowled.

  “Let me guess—the woman who just left? The one you spoke to and can’t stop staring at?”

  He’d stolen several glances at Rachel while she chatted with her friend with purple hair, at one point observing an exchange—a satchel for an envelope. Rachel’s expression relaxed once she stashed the satchel. What was in it?

  He shouldn’t get involved in her business, but he had to act. “A man followed her. Naturally, I’m going to make sure he doesn’t bother her.”

  He’d guarded this club long enough to trust his instincts. And something indicated this guy was up to no good.

  His spine straightened and he raised his chin. It wasn’t jealousy. Definitely not.

  He hurried out of the club. Once outdoors, he inhaled the cool evening air, which was refreshing after being surrounded by the growing perspiration caused by multiple dancing bodies. He glanced in all directions trying to catch sight of her. Two gargoyle statues flanked the entryway to Vamps. At times, he or one of his brothers had taken up posts out here, when they needed a break from the interior of the club. The excitement was inside, not out here with the smokers in the fairly barren area, a warehouse district that was typically empty at night, save for those coming and going from Vamps.

  He’d have to search from above. He glanced around to make sure he was unobserved. Then he hid behind two parked vehicles. He cloaked himself in gargoyle magic. The ripple of energy that surrounded him would keep him from being seen by humans, preventing them from freaking out.

  He stripped his clothing and stuffed it into his pack. Lastly, he shifted to gargoyle form. His skin toughened as it turned gray and his muscles bulked. Wings unfurled from his back, spreading behind him. And then, he ascended, flying above Vamps to search for Rachel below.

  At the intersection surrounded by warehouses, he spotted movement. He flew that way. Sure enough, it was the guy that had been eyeing Rachel in the club. She was farther ahead. Mattias hovered overhead. Yes, this guy was following her.

  In less than a minute, the man caught up to her. She jerked back, appearing startled, when he spoke. Mattias strove to hear their conversation, but couldn’t at this distance. The muted sounds of traffic drowned them out. She hurried from him glancing over her shoulder. The man followed with long strides, relentless in his pursuit. Mattias sensed aggression would soon follow.

  He had to intervene.

  After he landed behind a dumpster in an alley, the scent of rotting garbage made his nostrils curl. He hurried to shift back to human form and dress. Then, he ran to where he last spotted them.

  “Is there a problem?” Mattias asked, revealing himself.

  They both turned to face him.

  The man glared at Mattias, sizing him up. “Who the hell are you?”

  “Security.” It wasn’t exactly true, and it wasn’t exactly false. He had served in that capacity at Vamps for a long time.

  “Security for what?” The man spread his arms palms up.

  When Mattias glanced at Rachel, her eyes were wide.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked him.

  “Making sure you’re okay.”

  “She’s fine,” the guy answered for her. “We’re having a conversation. A private one.”

  “I’m not going anywhere until I hear from her. Rachel, are you all right?”

  She stared at him, her mouth agape. “I’m fine.”

  “Is he bothering you?” he asked her.

  “Yes.” She raised her chin and stared at the man.

  Mattias turned his stare back at him. His jaw tensed and he clenched his teeth. “Leave. Now.” In those two words, the warning
descended over his adversary.

  The man glared with defiance. He stepped forward as if ready to escalate the situation, but then paused. Mattias stood well over half a foot above him and outweighed him by at least fifty pounds. Mattias squeezed his hands into fists. The man swallowed. He would have to be out of his mind, or on a dangerous substance, to pick a fight where he was the clear underdog.

  He grimaced and turned away. As he strode up the pavement, he unleashed a string of curses.

  Mattias stared, not willing to let down his guard. The guy could turn at any time and rush forward with some makeshift weapon. It wasn’t until he was out of view that Mattias turned to Rachel.

  He stepped closer. Rachel’s scent wrapped around him like a beguiling enchantment. He inhaled and ambrosia intoxicated his brain. The pleasure that suffused him made him want to moan, but he resisted.

  “What was that about?” she asked.

  “He was bothering you. I intervened.”

  “Are you following me?”

  “Technically, I suppose. I saw him trying to chat you up in the club. When you left and he followed, I had to make sure you were safe.”

  “Safe?” she repeated. “What? Why?”

  “You know—unharmed.”

  “I know what the definition of safe is,” she uttered with exasperation. “I’m trying to piece together what just happened.” She ran a hand over her temple and dropped her arm to her side. Her face tightened with a perplexing expression. “It’s weird that you followed me from the club.”

  “Why?”

  “It means you were watching me. It rings somewhat—stalker-like,” she completed with a wave.

  He grunted. “I disagree. It’s my duty to make sure people are safe.”

  “Duty?” she repeated. “To who?”

  He didn’t answer. How could he? He couldn’t admit that as a gargoyle, he was programmed with instincts to protect others. What was with her odd reaction? She was grilling him as if he did something wrong.

  “I sensed something was off, so I watched you both. That’s what I’ve been trained to do.” Mattias ran a hand through his hair. “I find your reaction odd. Most people are grateful when someone helps them.”

  She blanched and covered her mouth. After dropping her hand to her side, she said, “You’re right. Thank you. I—uh—well, I’m a little spooked out.” She pursed her lips. “I have this thing with privacy. So all this bothers me.” She motioned around her.