On the Edge of Destiny (Book 3) (A Vampire SEAL Novel) (10 page)

“But Ms. Lawrence seems to think you can help me learn to control them.”

“Jo, the reason why I told your father no was I don’t have the capability to help you. Your powers seem too strong. I would be more than happy to tutor you and Sam in your studies of math and such.”

“But Sam is going back to school.”

“Pops wants me to hang around the base right now. If you can get tutored, then we both can sit through the sessions together at the library.” My brother smirked. He would give his fangs to ditch school or not wear the uniform he hated.

“Why would everyone think you could help me with my powers, then?”

Ms. Costner petted Biker on the snout. “Matthew, please grab my purse from the table in the foyer.”

Without a word, Matthew obeyed his mother.

“Both of you,” Ms. Costner started, “have grown so much from when I last saw you as humans. Sam, when I heard what had happened, I was devastated. I truly am glad you survived that ordeal with your uncle. Jo, I can’t say I’m surprised at how you turned out. The last day in my classroom, I knew it was a matter of time before your life changed. But what you’ve grown into in almost three months’ time is remarkable. And I will admit I can help new vampires get their powers under control, but only those who have weak abilities. You, Jo, don’t fall into that category. Telekinesis and elements are unheard at your stage. I mean, we haven’t seen anyone in our world with telekinesis since your grandfather.”

I had all sorts of questions for her: Why she hadn’t made the change? How could she do magic if she wasn’t a vampire? How did she know my grandfather?

Matthew poked in his head. “Mom, we should go.”

I unfolded myself from the couch, and Sam did the same.

“Jo, let’s table this discussion. I’ll make it a point to visit you. Maybe you can show me some of your talents, and I’ll decide then. Plus I want to do some research. Until then, enjoy yourselves tonight. I’m glad you’re both here and your father decided to come. And I’m also glad he donated a lot of money to the foundation.”

We started for the main house. Sam escorted Ms. Costner while Matthew escorted me. He lightly explained the history of the property. His great-grandfather had settled in this area from the Azores many moons ago, in a small shack. Open fields had graced the five acres of the sprawling estate.

I gathered my gown and lifted it as I walked, careful not to trip over it.

“She’s pretty,” Matthew said.

“Thank you.” I looked up at him.

“For what?” He angled his head.

“Didn’t you just compliment me?”

“No.”

“You didn’t just say ‘pretty’?”

He shook his head slightly. “I didn’t say anything, Jo.”

Then who did? It sounded like his voice. Maybe Sam was complimenting Ms. Costner. No. I knew my brother’s voice. Still, I dialed my hearing to him and Ms. Costner, who were strolling along the path ahead of us, talking about math.

“The slope of the line would increase,” he said to Ms. Costner.

Maybe there were little faeries protecting the place, and they were talking to me.

Inwardly, I cracked up. Faeries? Ha.

Don’t discount the idea. Stranger things have happened,
my inner voice reminded me.

“Wow, she smells wonderful.”

There was the voice again, and it sounded like Matthew’s, only not as deep. My gaze darted in all directions.

“Are you okay, Jo?” Matthew asked as we passed a cluster of peonies.

“I’m fine,” I lied. “Are you sure you didn’t utter a word?”

“You look a little pale,” he said, ignoring my question.

It had to be all the magic, making me hear voices.

When we cleared the tunnel of trees, I let out a huge sigh, relieved to be away from the magic. Maybe I wouldn’t hear any more voices. “Thank you for escorting me.”

He placed a hand at the small of back. “No problem. Are you ready? My mother masked the house with one of her spells so vampires don’t get a whiff of the human scents. So you should be fine this evening.”

All I could think was
Cool!

Music tickled my ears as we entered through a side door, and into a wide hallway leading into an enormous ballroom. The large chandelier created sparkling diamonds on the black-and-white marble floor. Round tables and chairs were strategically positioned around the dance floor, where couples danced to the waltz. Ms. Costner and Matthew merged into the crowd.

“So what now?” Sam asked, casually scoping out the room.

If humans were present, I couldn’t tell, even when I opened my senses. Whatever magic Ms. Costner weaved, it worked. “You’re asking me? I’ve never been to one of these things.”

“Like I have?” he asked.

Okay, so we were both new at this.

“I don’t see Pops,” Sam said.

I didn’t care about Dad. I searched for one other vampire in particular: Webb.

The orchestra on stage switched from the waltz to another slow tune.

I was about to go in search of Webb when Ms. Costner walked up to Sam and me with a very large and tall man at her side.

“Dad, meet Sam and Jo Mason,” Ms. Costner said.

I craned my neck. Unlike the sentinels, Mr. Costner had short brown hair, shaven at the sides and styled on top with some styling product.

He shook Sam’s hand then mine. “My daughter has told me a lot about you two. Please make sure your father donates lots of money.” An arrogant smile stretched his thin lips.

“Dad, Steven has already donated. You know that,” Ms. Costner reminded him.

“Um…do the…humans here know about us vampires?”

Sam looked at me as if to say “What a great question.” I hadn’t thought about it until now.

“Of course not,” Mr. Costner said, as though I were an idiot for asking. “And we don’t want them to.” Lines formed around Mr. Costner’s eyes. “You two are new vampires, so behave. I’m not sure why my daughter asked you to be here.” He peered down at Ms. Costner. “This might be a mistake. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Then his head bobbed as he pushed his way through the crowd.

Were Sam and I the reasons he’d asked the sentinels to help with security? Did he think we would attack the humans?

“Pay no attention to my father. He’s just a worrywart.”

If Ms. Costner was right about her father being a worrywart, he might have a very good reason, especially if the meeting between Kate and Webb didn’t go well…or if Edmund showed up.

Matthew strode up with two glass flutes in his hand.

“I hope that’s not champagne,” Ms. Costner said to Matthew.

“Mom, of course not. It’s sparkling water.” He handed one to me.

I wrapped my fingers around the stem and sipped it. The bubbles in the water danced on my taste buds as they slithered down my throat.

“Sis, I’m going to find Pops. Will you be okay?” Sam touched my arm lightly.

“She’ll be fine,” Matthew answered for me.

I tapped my heart twice. Sam returned the gesture.

“Matthew, take care of Jo.” Ms. Costner kissed her son on the cheek and excused herself.

“Well, what would you like to do?” he asked now that we were alone.

Oh, my. Did he think I was his date?

“Do you dance?” he asked.

I choked, almost spitting out the water.

“Okay, so you don’t,” he said, laughing.

He was rather handsome. I liked the way his blond curls were kind of wild in some spots, especially how they wound their way around the lower part of his ears. Darcy would love him. His eyes were crystal blue. His mother’s were more bluish-green.

“Nope. Never have.” I swept my gaze over the room again.

Where was Webb?

“Come, I’ll teach you.” He grasped my hand.

A tickle skated across my nape, and not from Matthew’s touch.

Holding a human’s hand. Do you think that’s wise?
Webb’s voice was firm but gentle.

How did he know Matthew was human? The magic spell was working because I couldn’t smell any humans, unless he knew Matthew?

“Something wrong, Jo?” Matthew tugged on me.

Before I could utter one word, Webb appeared out of nowhere at my side.

“There you are,” Webb said. “We should sit.”

Not letting go of my hand, Matthew sized up Webb.

I removed my hand from Matthew’s, and Webb quickly wrapped an arm around my waist drawing me close to him. The vampire was either jealous or afraid for the human in my presence, or maybe a little of both. Regardless, I introduced to them.

“Matthew, this is Webb, my father’s lieutenant and my date for the evening.” A date who was acting a little weird.

A look of disappointment washed over Matthew. “Nice to meet you.” He nodded to Webb. “I’ll see you later, Jo. Maybe a dance.” He smiled weakly.

Webb’s hand tightened on my hip as the music stopped.

“Please, everyone,” Ms. Costner said through a microphone, “take your seats. Dinner will begin momentarily.”

“That’s my cue,” Matthew sauntered toward his mom.

Webb tugged me into the hall. “Why were you holding his hand?” His face tightened.

“How did you know he was human?” I ignored his question, only because whatever answer I gave him wouldn’t soothe the poor attitude that seemed to linger from our time in the car.

“You’re avoiding my question.” His eyes narrowed.

Even mad and jealous, the vampire stole the breath from my lungs.

“There you two are.” Dad’s voice filled the hallway. “We need to take our seats.”

Webb and I were in a stare-down.

“Lieutenant, whatever is eating at you, drop it for now,” Dad said in an even tone.

“Come on.” I feigned a smile at Webb. I didn’t want any trouble. Plus, this wasn’t the place to have this conversation with him.

Dad stalked into the ballroom.

“Wait, Jo,” Webb said.

“We need to—”

He moved in a blur, and his lips pressed to mine. I almost pushed him away. Almost. My instincts told me to let him take what he needed for now.

“Bizarre” summed up Webb’s behavior and everything else that had transpired so far today, and I still had hours to go before the day ended.

Chapter 8

T
he dinner went smoothly, although I didn’t touch my food. Sam examined the chicken on his plate before pushing it away. Dad and Webb ate theirs. As the waiter poured the coffee, I glimpsed Dr. Vieira sitting at Alia Costner’s table. He wore a red bow tie instead of the standard black one that everyone else was wearing with their tuxedos. His dark brown hair was slicked back, and the style seemed to enhance his round facial features. He nodded to me when our eyes met. I returned the gesture with a smile then diverted my gaze to Matthew, who was sitting next to Dr. Vieira. He too nodded my way. Then he leaned in to Dr. Vieira and whispered something in his ear.

Was he asking about me? I tried to tune in to their conversation, since they sat two tables in front of us near the stage. But with the soft music playing overhead and others chatting, I couldn’t hear. Not to mention, Webb growled low when he saw that Matthew was looking at me. Webb was still in a weird mood. One minute he was quiet, like in the car, and the next, he was jealous of a human giving me attention. I wasn’t surprised. Webb acted this way when Ben was around me, although he might be wound tight since Kate was supposed to be here.

Dishes clashed and silverware clanged as the servers cleared the tables.

I leaned towards Webb. “Have you seen Kate?” Not that I was excited to see her.

“No.” He laid his arm over the back of my chair and drew closer to me. “I’m not in the mood, anyway. It’s best she isn’t here.”

“What? Are you serious? You wanted to talk to her.” I slanted my head.

“I did. I do. But not here, especially—”

“Because you’re grouchy,” I finished for him.

He traced circles on my bare shoulder.

An elderly human couple presented themselves. The baldheaded man was dressed in a gray suit, making him stand out among the other men in their tuxes. The lady wore a soft pink gown that complemented the gray in her companion’s attire.

“Is anyone sitting here?” the man asked as he pulled out the chair next to Dad.

“No, sir. Go ahead,” Dad said.

“You missed dinner,” Sam said as the man waited for the white-haired lady to sit.

She gave her companion a flirty smile as she gracefully eased down onto the chair.

“We know. We had a prior engagement,” the old man said as he took his seat.

“Coffee, madam?” the server asked the lady.

“Please.”

The waiter filled her cup.

“You two look like you’re in love.” Her brown eyes were on Webb and me.

Dad’s head shot up. Sam snorted, and Webb tensed. Me—well, I almost choked. Love was not in the air between Webb and me. I guess she couldn’t tell the vampire was cantankerous.

“Young love. I do remember when Harry and I were like that,” she said.

Maybe she saw something in Webb that I didn’t. Right now, his expression screamed of nothing, zip, blank.

“But, Millie, we still are, darling.” Harry kissed her on the cheek.

She cooed.

How sweet.

“So you support the Illiteracy Foundation?” I asked, deflecting the conversation to a safer topic.

“We do,” said Millie. “We’ve known the Costner family a long time and helped Alia put the organization together.”

“She’s our math teacher,” I said.

Dad and Sam gaped. Why? No matter.

“Oh, how nice, dear. She loves children. Every chance she gets she’s at the public library reading to them. They have a wonderful reading program for the kids. Do you help out?” Her brown eyes were soft as she tilted her head to the side.

“I haven’t yet but would like to.” I used to read to the younger children when Sam and I lived in foster care. I enjoyed reading
Winnie-the-Pooh
to them.

“Why don’t you come down to the public library on Wednesday? The audience range in age from five to eight years old. I’m sure Alia would love to have the help.”

I glanced at Dad. “Why don’t we do that at our library?”

“You have a library?” Millie’s voice hitched.

“My dad is the commander of the military base in the city.”

“I’m sorry, are you Steven Mason?” She turned her attention to Dad, beaming with excitement.

“I am. This is my son, Sam; my daughter, Jo; and Webb.”

I caught a hint of human. Was the magic spell wearing off?

“I’m Millie, and this is Harry. We’re pleased to meet you. I’ve heard about your library. Alia was so excited when she was designing that place. I have yet to see it.”

“We’d love to show you around. Why don’t you make an appointment with my secretary?” Dad said.

Huh? Dad hated for humans to visit the base. Or did he just hate Mr. Jackson nosing around?

“I would absolutely love to. Do you have a reading program for the children living on base?” she asked.

“We do,” Webb said.

My head swiveled so fast his way I thought my neck would snap. “We do?”

“Sure,” Dad said. “Ms. Simpson has a program for the little ones where she reads to them on most afternoons. The kids love it.”

Sam slouched in his seat, as bored as ever. If I knew my brother, he wanted to be hunting the enemy, or anywhere but here.

The music faded. The conversations died as Ms. Costner’s delicate voice said “Check.”

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Ms. Costner paused from her spot on stage, scanning the crowd.

Clothing rustled as some people changed the angle of their chairs to face the stage.

“I want to thank all of you for coming this evening.” Ms. Costner pulled the mic closer to her. “Without your healthy donations, our organization wouldn’t be able to support the many, many people who struggle for one reason or another in learning how to read. With that said, I would like to introduce Debra Broward, president of the Greater Fall River Illiteracy Foundation. She and her magnificent team have done a terrific job in touching lives and helping people of all ages learn the basics of the written word.”

The room erupted in applause.

A short, black-haired woman stepped up to the podium while Ms. Costner shuffled to the side.

Debra explained her organization, sharing examples of citizens in the local community who had benefited from the program. The speech lasted fifteen minutes before Ms. Costner took the podium again.

“The music and dancing will resume momentarily, but first, I would like to recognize a few of our larger donors this evening: the Davenports, the Stroths, the Johnsons, the Masons, and rounding out the top five, Edmund Rain. Thank you for digging deep into your bank accounts. The organization and the children are grateful.”

At the mention of Edmund’s name, I searched the room. Was Edmund here? If he was, did that mean Kate was, too? Everyone clapped except me. Okay, Sam didn’t, either.

Dad and Webb didn’t seem surprised.

“He’s not here,” Webb whispered so low only I could hear.

“Why would he donate to this event?” Edmund was the villain. Well, he was our enemy. I’d only seen the worst of him when he tried to kill Sam and me. I was shocked at his generosity. Even more shocked that there could be a good side to Edmund.

“Remember he wants power, greed, and revenge.” Webb said. “The one way to get that is to inveigle himself into the community, the government. Look like the nice guy. Make them like you. If they do, it’ll be easier for him to infiltrate an organization.”

“But what about the vampire government? Don’t they want him for kidnapping humans?” I didn’t know a whole lot about our world, since I’d only been part of it for a few months.

“They do, if they can catch him. Which is where the sentinels come in. Our team was formed because of people like Edmund. Keep in mind, Jo, anyone—human or vampire—can be bought. Money speaks to many different people. And there are a lot of people in both governments who are greedy for money and power.”

“So why do you think Kate didn’t show?” I asked.

He leaned in. “We need to leave. We’ve served our purpose here.”

I tried hard to keep patient despite my anger that he ignored my question, but his moodiness infuriated me. I needed a time-out before I got into a car with him.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room first.” I pushed myself to my feet.

“Webb?” Dad said. “I need a word with you. Sam, please accompany your sister to the ladies’ room.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine.”

Sam stood. “Yeah, like the last time. You remember what happened, right?”

All too well. The last time I went to the bathroom alone, I ended up drugged by Kate, taken out to a yacht in the ocean, and pretty much left for dead. Still, did I always need a bodyguard with me to go to the bathroom?

“Whatever,” I murmured. I had little energy left to argue.

After wandering around, we finally found the bathrooms. I slipped inside and dropped down on a cushioned bench in the sitting area between the entrance and the bathroom. I inhaled the bouquet of fragrant lilies on the table in front of me and closed my eyes. I had just drifted off when a knock jolted me awake.

“Sis, you okay?” Sam asked.

“I’ll be right out,” I replied.

Well, so much for quiet time.

The ballroom was packed with people standing in groups, chatting; some sat and sipped their drinks while others danced to the slow melody played by the orchestra. When Sam and I returned to the table, it was empty. I spotted the elderly couple swaying to the music on the dance floor, but Dad and Webb were nowhere to be found.

“Let’s go, Sis. We’ll walk around. We’re not going to find them standing here.”

Sam led, and I followed. The groups of people automatically moved one way or another as Sam and I snaked through. I’d just passed a lady in a yellow three-quarter-length gown when a tall black-haired man turned from the people he was talking to and bumped into me. I stumbled backward, but he grabbed my shoulders just before I fell on my butt.

“Excuse me.” I dragged my gaze upward to lock with his.

He glared down at me as if it were my fault he plowed into me. We stared at one another for a minute before his features softened. “I’m sorry, young lady.”

Sam backtracked a few steps. “Jo, let’s go.”

The man let go of me, smiled, then disappeared behind me. Sam and I continued our quest to find Dad and Webb. We were walking around the large ballroom when Sam stopped short.

“What is it?” I asked. I followed his line of sight, and my heart fell out of my chest. We’d found Webb, all right. His body was stuck to Nicki’s on the dance floor. What the hell? When did she show up? Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. She had one hand on his shoulder while he held her other in his hand close to his chest. I blinked a few times just to be sure I wasn’t imagining things. Then a blinding flash caused me to squeeze my eyes shut.

“Damn camera,” Sam barked.

After a few seconds, I opened them, and white specks floated in front of me as the photographer snapped more pictures. Once the cameraman moved to his next victim, I shook off the blurriness. When I looked out on the dance floor, Webb and Nicki were gone. As I scanned the throng of dancers, a man twirled his partner, and an area opened up. Webb and Nicki waltzed into view.

The desire to kill sped through me like wildfire. I clenched my fists as the air fled my lungs. My heart rate topped the charts. Pressure pressed against my gums, my fangs itching to drop. The room and the people in it vanished. The music became a faint sound, and my body vibrated with energy.

I had to get out of here before I attacked Nicki.

Another flash blinded me.

“Sis?” Sam’s voice was in my ear. “Breathe. We’re going to walk outside.”

I blinked to erase the flecks of white. As my vision cleared, Webb’s gaze latched onto mine, and I froze. Nicki smirked and trailed her hand up Webb’s chest. My fangs shot out.

“Don’t make a scene, Sis. And tuck your fangs in. Remember, humans are among us.”

His last sentence penetrated my rage. I couldn’t let humans see what I was capable of, plus I didn’t want to prove Mr. Costner right. I liked and respected his daughter too much to get her into a squabble with her father. He reminded me of mine, in some ways, and the wrath of a domineering father was never good.

Covering my mouth, I barreled through the crowd and ran out. Once outside, I dropped my hand, gathered my dress in both hands, and soared past the valet, cars, and other people lingering outside, and kept running for several blocks.

I stopped and removed my sandals, thankful I hadn’t fallen, given the heel size. Without the shoes, I walked at a brisker pace, continually looking over my shoulder. A light breeze rustled the leaves of the trees along the street. A dog barked, and red taillights shone as a car backed out of a driveway, stopping for a brief second.

No one was following me. I panted and slowed. Tears sprang to my eyes. How could Webb dance with her? He didn’t want me to hang around Matthew, but it was okay for him to dance with Nicki?

I wiped a tear from my face.

Out of nowhere, arms grabbed me from behind.

My shoes fell from my hand. After a second of reorienting my wits, I remembered the Taser. As I reached for it, I got a whiff of a familiar scent, and I tensed. Ben? My hand froze on my chest, and my lips moved, but nothing came out. Where did he come from? How did he know I was even here?

“I’m not going to hurt you, Jo,” Ben whispered in my ear.

I didn’t think he would. He did save my life, and if he was in love with me, he wouldn’t hurt me. Would he?

“B-Ben?” I twisted in his arms to look at him.

His eyes had deepened to red—dark, blood-like. Even Edmund’s vampire eyes weren’t that color red.

I gasped.

“Cat got your tongue?” His hands tightened around my waist.

Finally. She’s in my arms. The plan is working.
Okay, that was Ben’s voice, but his lips weren’t moving. I shook my head and squeezed my eyes shut at the same time, hoping like heck I wasn’t reading his mind. When I opened my eyes Ben had an evil smirk on his face, reminding me of Edmund.

“Don’t think of running or using any of your vampire powers on me. It won’t work.”

I hadn’t planned on running. I wanted to help him. But his hold on me was beginning to hurt, and if I had to reason with him, I needed him away from me.