Caressed by Night (2 page)

Red wiped the blood from his brow. The king had not gone without a fight. He would have to use the remainder of his power to heal before he could head home. In this shape, he was too weak to travel.

He collected all his discarded weapons, which lay broken or bloodied on the forest floor, but one remained—the dagger in Dimitri’s chest. Red’s eyes fixed on the weapon. Fear gripped him as he slowly approached the vampire’s body. He was dead. No vampire could withstand a blade to the heart, but still the tiny hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention. His eyes flickered to the jagged branch that lay just an arm’s length from the corpse.

He is dead,
Red thought.
He can’t use it
.

With a curse he forced the fear from his mind, bent down and wrapped his fingers around the leather hilt.

Almost without moving, Dimitri’s fingers slowly wrapped around the fallen tree limb. With one powerfully swift movement, he impaled the hunter, twisting the spear-like tree branch before wrenching it free. The hunter had no time to scream in pain or blink in surprise as he collapsed, his blood soaking the soil.

Dimitri struggled to his knees, his limbs weak from pain, blood loss, and fatigue. He gripped the hilt of the dagger still embedded in his chest. Clenching his jaw, his breath turned to ice in his lungs as he ripped the foreign object free. The wound would take time to heal, time he did not have. For his plan to work, he could not be found. Glancing about the forest, he remembered passing by a cave before he allowed himself to be ambushed.

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Forcing himself to his feet he stumbled over to his cloak, which lay discarded amongst the brush. Removing a vile of glowing yellow liquid, he came to the body. The Shaw had given him this position to aid him in his mission. With a pop, he removed the cork and poured the contents over the witch. The body quickly disintegrated, the flesh burning, the bones melting until nothing remained but a scorched outline on the forest floor. Dimitri hoped his people would believe the mark was all that remained of his body, having been burnt by the sun.

Stashing the empty vile in the pocket of his torn pants, he staggered forward and made his way through the trees on trembling legs. He fell to his knees once he reached the safety of the cave; its cool darkness was a soothing balm for his pain-ravaged body. Using what remained of his energy, he dug himself a deep hole. Here is where he would rest, here is where his powers would grow beyond even his own imagination, and here he would be undisturbed until the time came for him to reclaim his throne.

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4

The pounding of the bass and the high pitch sound of techno was all that could be heard in the club. Bright spotlights roamed, flowing like waves over the sea of people dancing mindlessly to the music.

Turning from the window, Gabriel Erhard reclaimed his seat behind his massive, mahogany desk. He roughly ran his hand through his short hair before turning his gaze back to the vampire nonchalantly reclining across from him.

He struggled to believe what he was seeing. It was strange to think that an hour ago he had been sitting in this exact spot reminiscing about the first day he had met Dimitri and now the murdered vampire was here, in his office.

“Four hundred years.”

Chills shook Gabriel’s entire body just as they had when Dimitri had materialized in his office. He had once believed he would never again hear that smooth, controlled, regal voice.

“To the day,” Gabriel added.

“I thought the anniversary of my death would be the best day to reenter vampire society.”

“I think it will take me four hundred years to get over my shock.”

“I thought you were going to faint.”

“If it were possible for us to faint, I would’ve.” Dimitri laughed, his fangs flashing for the briefest of moments.

Gabriel once again was stunned into silence. How could this be happening? How could Dimitri Arsov, who was murdered ages ago, be
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sitting in his office? Was this all a hallucination? Had he gone insane?

Gabriel never thought he would join Hadrian, the mad, exiled king, but now he wasn’t so sure.

“You are not crazy,” Dimitri said with a smile, reading his friend’s troubled thoughts.

“That’s comforting,” Gabriel sighed as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “How is this possible?”

“It’s all really simple, I was never murdered.”

“I don’t understand. Why would you fake your death?” Dimitri’s eyes turned cold and penetrating. “My reasons will reveal themselves.”

Gabriel slammed his hand on the desk and laughed, “Damn, you haven’t changed a bit! You are as cryptic as ever.”

“You would not want to tempt Fate by knowing her plans.” Gabriel shrugged, stood, and headed for the bar. He was itching for a drink.

“I have one more question for you. Why did you come here, to Vegas?”

Dimitri waited for Gabriel to finish pouring his brandy to answer, “There are many reasons behind my decision for coming to your city. One of which is that I can trust you. As you know, this country belongs to the shape-shifting breed and the Outcast Society.

You, my friend, I know are loyal. Do not worry, your secret is safe with me.” He chuckled at Gabriel’s sharp look. “I will not tarnish your reputation by assigning you admirable qualities.”

“Thank you.”

Dimitri smiled and continued, “Most of the chieftains remain in the old countries with only colonies here in the States. My Clan, however, is the exception. Ven has been slowly moving my people for the last fifty years.”

“Yes, it’s common knowledge that he and Boras are working together to form a vampire stronghold in the U.S. Boras is uniting the outcasts. He hopes to form his own Clan one day.” Gabriel took a swig of brandy and scoffed, “They’re idiots.”

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Dimitri shrugged. “I have been in America a little over a hundred years, watching Ven’s every move and learning the ways of the mortals’ ever-changing culture. I have been waiting for the perfect moment to make my presence known and it has arrived.”

“I don’t suppose you will tell me what makes this moment in time so special.”

Dimitri shook his head.

“I’ll find out.” Gabriel took another drink. “Damn! I can’t wait to see the look on Ven’s arrogant face when he sees you.”

“Yes, it will be most satisfactory.”

Gabriel almost choked on his shock. “Are you telling me you don’t want revenge? The vampire hired a witch to kill you so he could claim your throne.”

“I never said I did not desire revenge.” He leaned forward in his seat. “Kal did something similar to Dorian, if you recall.”

“And Dorian killed the son of a bitch.”

“My point is, Dorian did not go to his home bent on revenge.

He went to reclaim his crown and save his wife, Victoria,” Dimitri said.

Gabriel set his glass on the bar. “How is it that you know so much about what’s happened? You’ve been out of circulation for four centuries.”

“After my battle with Red, I went underground, literally. Over time, my powers grew. I awoke from my deep slumber in 1896, yet, I know all that has happened within our world of darkness since the time of my ‘death’.”

Gabriel was not surprised by Dimitri’s vague answer. “You let us believe, for centuries, that you were dead,” he poured himself more brandy, “Your passing left scars on many warriors’ hearts.” Dimitri’s eyes dropped and Gabriel froze. Was it shame that made him look away?

“I know, and for that, I am deeply sorry,” his fingers gripped the arms of his chair, his knuckles white, “but I had to do it.” His eyes shot back up and Gabriel shook from the force of his all-knowing gaze.

“Believe me, the world is better off because of my demise.”
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“I find that hard to believe, but if you say it, then it must be true.” Gabriel took another drink. “Where are you staying?” Dimitri visibly relaxed and welcomed the change in subject. “I have purchased a house outside the city.”

“Are you staying there alone?”

“For the moment. I will have a companion, a ‘roommate’

soon.”

Gabriel sucked in a sharp breath. “A human?”

Dimitri inclined his head.

“That’s even more dangerous than you living alone. They are weak-minded creatures and can’t be trusted.”

“I can handle myself.”

“You know that isn’t what I meant.” He drained his glass, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You are more than welcome to stay at my hotel.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I like my home.”

“The thought of you out there alone makes me uncomfortable.

Although, I am thankful there aren’t many hunters in my city. They know to leave my territory alone.”

Dimitri slowly turned his head to the side and, for the first time, gazed out the one-way window, his eyes scanning the dance floor below. He stood in one quick, smooth movement. Gabriel had not seen him move.

“There is some place I need to be.” He shrugged into his heavy, rich, black coat. “I will be stopping by later in the week. It is time I stop living in secret.”

“Should I throw you a coming-out party?”

Pausing at the door, Dimitri chuckled, “I think I can make do without one.”

Gabriel filled his glass once more and took in a deep breath as his office door closed.

Dimitri is alive.

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Kerstyn fought her way through the mass of people. Denise had texted her, demanding she come home, something had happened. All kinds of horrible images played in her head as she struggled to gain her freedom. The apartment could have caught fire, someone could have broken in, or worse. She had to stay calm. It couldn’t be as terrible as she was imagining. Or it could be good news. Maybe Denise had finally broken up with Bobby. Denise had refused to go to the club, claiming she and Bobby had something important to discuss.

She smiled as she recalled what happened earlier that day. The pig had thought he was being sneaky while spying on her in the shower, but she spotted him in the mirror. She threw the shampoo bottle as hard as she could and laughed until her sides hurt when it nailed him in the head.

He deserved worse
, she thought with an evil grin.

She finally broke free of the crowd and ran up the steps to the exit. Slipping between the two monstrous bouncers guarding the entrance to Dark, she rushed down the street. She had to find a cab. She hated being without her car, but she and her friends had all planned on drinking tonight.

Kerstyn began to walk down the street hoping a taxi would drive by or maybe she could get one at a hotel. The sound of footsteps thudding behind her sliced through her thoughts. Glancing over her shoulder, she groaned. The three men who had been trying to pick up on her and her friends in the club were following her. Apparently, they didn’t know what “not interested” meant. She hated persistent out-of-towners who strongly believed in the “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” motto.

She crossed the street and quickened her pace when they followed. Her heart began to pound as her eyes darted across the parking lot searching for a cab. It was unlike cabbies to not be circling the area on a Friday night. She looked back again; the men were getting closer.

Kerstyn headed toward the mob of people standing outside the line of bars. She got tangled in one group of drunks. Once free, she glanced back. The men were closer. Not knowing what else to do, she rounded the corner. Kerstyn’s breath came hard and fast as she ran
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down the alley. She wished she had not worn her tallest heels. Her feet screamed with every step and sent painful shocks up her calves.

“Quit being a tease, honey,” one called out.

The men’s laughter echoed in her ears, they were getting closer.

She tried to run faster, but her shoes would not allow it. One stiletto snapped and she went crashing to the ground. Panic choked her as she scrambled to her feet. Her heart thundered in her ears as she began to run again. There was one right behind her; she could hear his breathing and feel his menacing presence.

She took a deep breath, preparing to scream just as a meaty, cold hand clamped over her mouth.

“You smell so sweet, little redhead,” he hissed in her ear, “a delectable strawberry treat.”

Kerstyn blindly fought, striking out behind her. She kicked back and slammed the heel of her foot into her attacker’s groin. He released her and crumpled to the ground. Without looking back, she sprinted down the ally. The other men ran after her, shouting threats and taunts. Grasping, greedy fingers brushed the back of her jacket. She swung around. Hands fisted, ready to defend herself, and froze.