Fire Within (15 page)

Andreas shook his head. “I am afraid I have very little familiarity with firearms. It was a dark-grey metallic handgun.”

“We’ll check for tire marks. Maybe we can trace the car.” Ryan had been writing in his notebook and looked up. “Any ideas about this? Recent trouble with anyone? Here at the club or otherwise?”

“No. Nothing unusual. The occasional guest might drink too much, but no threats or any incidents that stand out.”

“Could this be connected to the other shootings?” Ari asked the question that Ryan had avoided.

Ryan nodded slowly. “There are similarities.”

“With a couple of significant differences. I have no human lover, no consort hidden away.” Andreas winked at Ari. She dropped her gaze, remembering when she had once asked him that very question. “And I have no connection to Shale’s agency.”

Ryan must have noticed the wink, for he turned his head to give Ari a pointed look. She pretended not to notice. She didn’t want to talk about her current relationship with the vampire. If she examined it too closely, it would sound as if she’d agreed to dating.

“What about the Pure Bloods?” Ryan asked. “How hard did you come down on them? Could they be looking for pay back?”

Andreas flashed a brief smile. “No. No further trouble from them. Take my word for it.” He sounded very confident.

Ari wondered what had taken place. Had they been killed? It was this kind of unknown that drove the wedges between her and Andreas. Before she could go any farther down that road, Ryan’s words jerked her back to the conversation.

“Eddie’s out of jail,” he said. “Any trouble between you two?”

Andreas shook his head. “None.”

“Oh, come on, Ryan.” Ari rallied to the reporter’s defense. “What are you suggesting? That Eddie’s some kind of psychopath? He might’ve had a motive for Jules, but not Patricia. Certainly not Andreas. Give it up. He’s not guilty. He was never involved.”

“I don’t know that. He’s a proven liar, and still a suspect,” Ryan said, his forehead creased in annoyance. “At least, in Jules’s murder.” He re-directed himself to Andreas. “But presuming she’s right, then who? You’ve got to have some clue.”

Andreas raised his palms. “I do not. I am inclined to think it was a fanatic. The publicity around the murders has stirred up old biases. The only other possibility is another power move against Prince Daron, a strike at a member of his inner court.”

“By Sebastian?” Ari suggested. The vampire prince of Toronto, Canada and Prince Daron had been sworn enemies for centuries. She didn’t know what Daron had done to earn Sebastian’s hatred, but the brutal Canadian dictator had tried to destroy him many times, the most recent attack less than a year ago. He’d sent a murderous pack of werewolves and a rogue vampire to take over Daron’s throne. Several people had died, including Ari’s former mentor, before the matter was settled. It wasn’t so far-fetched that he might try again, and his first move might be against Andreas, Daron’s first lieutenant and chief of security. Sebastian didn’t have warm feelings toward Andreas. Or anyone in Riverdale. In fact, Ari’d had her own run-in with the Canadian prince.

Andreas bent his head in thought. “I cannot rule out the possibility, although it seems too soon. On the other hand, Sebastian is tenacious, and the two of them have been fighting a long time.”

“Why would Sebastian have chosen these victims?” Ari asked, playing Devil’s Advocate. “They weren't members of the vampire court. Unless they have some important function we don’t know about?”

Andreas shook his head. “Nothing.”

“So, where does that leave us?”

“With too big a coincidence,” Ryan said. “Three vampire shootings within a few days. They’ve got to be related.” He frowned, clearly not liking the implications. “If Sebastian’s involved, we’ll have to find his local stooges.” He got to his feet. “I’m going to check on the crew outside, and then start looking for the car. For now, I’m keeping all options open, but check out this Toronto angle. Call me, if you think of anything else. Ari, are you coming?”

Andreas looked at her, raised a brow. “Perhaps we should finish our discussion.”

Ari’s better sense told her to go. In fact, it screamed at her, but she chose not to listen. When had she stepped off the deep end? “You go ahead, and thanks for the ride. I’ll call you in the morning.” She was astonished how sane she sounded.

Ryan nodded. Without another word, he walked out and closed the office door behind him. The man could take a hint, although Andreas hadn’t been exactly subtle with that wink. Ari was uncomfortable with how fast things were changing. Especially when she wasn’t sure what the changes were. She’d suggested friendship; Andreas had assumed a whole lot more. Not that she hadn’t let him maneuver her into considering it, still… She wasn’t sure she knew the rules.

“You are very quiet. Having second thoughts?” Andreas asked.

Ari gave him a thin smile. “Maybe.”

“Why am I not surprised? What is on your mind?”

Ari lips quirked in a wry smile. “Just that, my mind. As in, if you really wanted to, could your magic control it? I need to know.”

Andreas frowned, some emotion flashed across his face. “Before I try to answer that, tell me why you ask? What prompted the question? Have I done something?”

She shook her head. “No, but I think you might have that kind of power, and you’re used to getting your way. And, well,” she looked away for a moment, “my magic doesn’t seem to want to resist. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if you forced the issue without asking or listening to me. You already invaded my dreams, until I used magic to stop you.”

“You invited me.” He frowned, searching her face. “I came to your dreams because your magic sought me out. I stayed away, after I realized you had placed a protection charm under your pillow. I knew there had been a misunderstanding. Although I still do not know how or why.” He ran his hands through his black locks. “Believe me when I say I have suffered my own concerns about your ability to control me.”

“What? Andreas, I swear I didn’t do anything.” she said, then added uncertainly, “At least, not on purpose.” Had she? It would explain how he’d gotten past her wards, their power negated by her own magical summoning. Was this Ramora’s legend at work? Goddess help her. “What’s happening to us?”

“I do not know.” He gave her a speculative look. “Your face tells me you suspect something. Will you tell me?”

Ari shook her head. “You’re mistaken.” What could she say? She wasn’t about to reveal the existence of the legend—not until she was sure.

“Am I?” His eyes darkened. “Someday, when we trust each other more, we will have this discussion again. For now, I promise I will not attempt to overrule your free will. Besides, what makes you think I could? Have you forgotten Sebastian’s failed attempt so soon?” He caught her gaze. “You too must guard your magic. It is too strong to be allowed to run free. Now, enough of this talk. Would you join me for dinner? I could definitely use a glass of wine. Or a bottle,” he added with a wry smile.

“Tempting,” Ari said, welcoming the change of subject. “And I accept. We still have other things to discuss. At the top of that list would be the security around here.”

Andreas groaned. “Can we not also avoid that topic?” He opened the door, and they emerged into the hallway near the dining room.

“Not a chance. If you got killed it would be very bad for my reputation. I plan to keep a close eye on you.” She grinned up at him.

Andreas let out a small laugh. “To what have I subjected myself?”

“Having second thoughts?” she teased.

* * *

After steak and a baked potato and a light conversation that ranged from the qualities of a good wine to childhood memories, Ari sat back sipping her second glass of wine. The restaurant was dimly lit, and Andreas had chosen a rear corner which gave them the illusion of being the club’s only guests. A harpist played a haunting melody. Candles flickered, forming highlights on Andreas’s hair, leaving his features shrouded in darkness.

He was so relaxed, Ari almost hated to bring up business, but it was time. She wasn’t leaving tonight until his safety was assured. “So, what do we do about security?”

He chuckled. “I knew you wouldn’t let it go, so I have been thinking. What if I bring in Lilith and Russell? They only guard Prince Daron two days a week, and the rest of the team can fill in. I already have three or four replacements in mind. I am convinced it would be easier on all of us if I hired someone for the club that you already trust.”

“Perfect idea. They can train Marcus and Gordon and the rest of your current staff.” Russell and Lilith would be tough instructors, and if someone was going to be taking pot shots at him, Andreas needed security twenty-four/seven.

“I will have to be careful how I do this,” Andreas cautioned. “I do not want anyone, including Prince Daron, to jump to the conclusion I am forming a group that could become a threat to his leadership.”

“Would he really think that? OK, considering vampire paranoia I suppose he might. But can’t we tell him I was afraid for you?”

Andreas grinned. “Not if you use that word. After what he has seen of you, I doubt he would believe you were afraid of anything. No, leave this to me.”

Ari lifted her shoulders noncommittally. She was getting the hang of this shrugging business. She could say a whole lot without saying anything.

“We have talked enough about my security,” he said. “What is next in the investigation?”

“Figure out who tried to kill you.” When he frowned, she added, “Well, Ryan thinks they’re all connected. Speaking of that, you pointed out the victim ties with Shale’s agency, and I think we should take a deeper look at both his staff and clientele. I’ll talk with Ryan about running background checks. And see if I can put my hands on the client lists. Shale’s bound to object, claiming confidentiality, but I’ll give it a try.”

Talking about the murders brought back all her edgy feelings. Her witch senses nagged her constantly these days, telling her she’d missed something. The community couldn’t afford more deaths, but the situation had become personal with the attack on Andreas. She protected her friends. “You may still be in danger,” she said. “Whoever tried today may try again. In some ways it doesn’t matter whether it’s connected to the murders or not. Either you have a personal enemy or we’re dealing with a serial killer—and he’s targeting vampires.”

“I promise I will not ignore the potential danger.” He flashed a wicked smile. “I have every reason to want to stay alive, little witch. I very much look forward to the future.” The soft hint of danger in his voice was like a velvet brush across her skin.

Andreas was taking great pains to remind Ari he was no choirboy. Since she’d never been drawn to the tame ones, his warnings were having no deterrent effect. In fact, she was beginning to think that being together might have its rewards—as long as she didn’t lose her life, her mind, her heart, or her soul. All possibilities if you were dating a vampire.

After dinner Andreas walked her home. It was a beautiful July night, a little humid, but Ari barely noticed. She was much too conscious of the man walking beside her. What was she getting into? Was she letting her hormones dictate her life? It was madness to even contemplate anything between them.

As they arrived at her door, she made up her mind. She had to convince him this wasn’t going to work, put an end to it now. Then she felt his hands touch her hair, his lips on the base of her neck, and she quit thinking about anything except those lips moving across her sensitive skin. She leaned against him for a moment before pulling away.

“I should go in,” she said, struggling to keep her voice steady.

“Do not fight this, Arianna.”

“I can’t promise that,” she said, fumbling with the door handle. “But I guess I’m willing to see what happens.” She looked over her shoulder. “What did you have in mind?”

Chapter Nine

By the time Ari reached her office on Monday, it was mid-morning. Having long, intense discussions with a guy who stayed up all night wasn’t good for her day job, but she felt like they’d reached a compromise she could live with. Slow and steady, no commitment, no promises.

Her first client paced impatiently in the hallway, and the phone was jumping off the hook. She snatched it on the fourth peal.

“Hey, Ari. It’s Russell.”

“And Lilith,” another voice chimed in. Andreas’s new security team of werelions. “Almost gave up on reaching you. Is your cell off?”

She pulled it from her pocket. Dark. “Uh, I guess so. Either that or dead. What’s up?”

“Andreas woke us near dawn. Said shots were fired at him yesterday, but he didn’t give me the details. In fact, he kind of brushed it off, said you’d fill us in.” Russell’s voice was business-like, but Ari heard a layer of excitement. As a former mercenary, the everyday guarding of the Prince—checking visitors and packages, watching the surveillance screens—must be dull stuff. He sounded eager to tackle a bigger challenge.

“I was surprised to hear you’d be briefing us,” Lilith said, bald curiosity in her tone. “Something’s sure changed since I saw you. What’s going on?”

Ari tucked the phone under her chin, grabbed the jug of distilled water, and started fixing coffee while she struggled for an acceptable answer to Lilith’s question. Leave it to the lioness to get straight to the point. No subtlety in her nature.

Russell was impatient. “The girl gossip can wait, security can’t. Who or what are we guarding against, Ari?”

“Wish I knew. Somebody took pot shots at Andreas from a passing car. In the last week, we’ve had two vampire murders. Unknown killer. Apparent shootings but the weapon isn’t confirmed. The attack on Andreas might be part of that or something personal. Where are you right now?”

“Andreas’s office at the club.”

“Good. Familiarize yourselves with every corner of the building. I’ll be there this afternoon to fill you in with what I know. In the meantime, I wouldn’t let anyone in. The club doesn’t open until 5:30, and if they’re legit, they can wait. Call me if something urgent comes up.”