You touch her again and we quit talking, Tate growled.
Anthony seemed to relax. Is she a good likeness of the real Reaper?
Tate shrugged. Close enough to count.
Id had my hair dyed back to its normal crimson shade, all the better to smell like its color wasnt natural, and I was wearing contacts with blue flecks in them. Just enough to change my gaze from clear gray. Plus my skin was freshly darkened, all thanks to a quick rub from a self-tanner that helped hide its normal luminescence. That had been Vlads idea. Drac was crafty indeed.
So far, the role-playing act was working. Anthony wasnt running for his life or his weapons.
Do you have to talk about thatother girl?
I pouted, which would be expected, considering the topic. Tate kissed the top of my head.
Not anymore, baby.
Then can we go home? With more pouting.
Tate looked down on me with an indulgent smile. Got a little business to take care of first, then Im all yours.
Anthony licked his lips. Splendid. Ill take you to my supervisor, Hykso, who can finalize our transaction. Just let me bring my car around back. Less notice that way.
I dont think so, friend, Tate said, steel underneath his genial tone. You might change your mind and decide to involve other people in our business, and I dont want to spend the rest of my night beingdead dead.
Anthony managed to appear offended. It never crossed my mind.
Tate smiled intractably. Then we leave now, together.
Anthony chewed his lower lip with normal, flat teeth. The gesture was so boyish, he could have been one of the older kids waiting in line to get a picture with Santa. He surveyed the people around us with indecision, either for the obvious leave-taking, or more sinister regrets.
I wanted a chance to nab Anthonys supervisor. The higher up we could go on Patras chain of command, the better this night would turn out to be.
If we dont go with him, I still want to leave, I whispered, rubbing against Tate in a way that left nothing to the imagination as to what I was offering as incentive.
Youve got five seconds before she changes my mind, Tate told Anthony, kissing me with a hunger that was too raw to be mistaken for anything but real.
All right, lets go, Anthony said.
Tate dragged his lips from mine. Green swirled in his eyes. My mouth was slightly swollen from the fierceness of his kiss, and I was a little out of breath.
Lets gotonight, Anthony repeated with annoyance, beginning to shoulder his way through the people with the rudeness of a vampire who had somewhere else to be.
SEVENTEEN
WE FOLLOWEDANTHONY INTO THE PARKING lot. His ride was a black stretch limousine. As soon as we approached it, I squeezed Tates hand, but hed already sensed it.
Who else is in there? he demanded, halting a few feet away.
Anthony grabbed Tate just as the doors opened and two vampires streaked out. One helped Anthony hold Tate, and the other yanked me by the arm. That single gesture told me in a split second they didnt know who I was. If they had, this chump wouldve had me in a bear hug at knifepoint.
Dont hurt us! I wailed. There were only four of them, plus Anthony. Two of them were Masters, but not overly strong, so I guessed this was Anthonys guard for when he went out on the town. There were too few of them for it to be a setup.
Tate swung his gaze to me with sudden clarity, then smacked at the hands restraining him.
Ill get into the car, no need to shove me, he barked.
Anthony didnt let go, but he nodded to the other man, who held the door open with sarcastic flourish. After you.
Mentally I sent messages to Bones, telling him to back off and let these punks lead us straight to Hykso. It was a step of faith-I didnt how far away he was or if he could hear me. It wasnt like I could check the bars on my cell phone, after all.
I hunched my shoulders and scurried after Tate, letting fear leak out of my pores, a neat trick Id developed over the years. To a vampire in a controlling position, it was the sweet scent of victory.
Whats going on?
My voice trembled for effect while I measured each of the five men in the limo, gauging their strengths. They hadnt frisked me for weapons, which was just not smart. I had two throwing knives taped to my upper back, and the heels on my shoes werent wood.
Were being kidnapped, Tate answered coolly as the car sped off. Dont worry, theyre only interested in me.
Anthony grinned, elbowing his closest companion. Can you believe the luck, finding one of Boness people at the carnival? Patra will be so happy!
The other vampire didnt share Anthonys giddiness. His gaze traveled over me in a calculated manner.He dies first, was my instant decision.A thinker, didnt need one of those.
And his gray-eyed, red-haired friend? You havent mentioned her.
Something was in his hand, and I made a bleat of terror as a normal person would when it pointed at me. A gun, well, getting shot hurt less than getting burned, that was for damn sure. As long as he didnt blow a hole in my head or heart, any other area could get fixed.
Anthony giggled like a joke had been told. Kratas, why Patra assigned you to me, Ill never know. Shes a fake, of course. Tates into role-playing. Hes got a thing for the real Reaper, its common knowledge. Maybe Ill keep the redhead for a while. Shes not important, so Patra wont need her.
Kratas sent Anthony such a jaded look that the other vampires were suddenly at attention.
None of you can think past your cocks,thats why Patra assigned me. Can I imagine the luck? No, I cant.
Anthony seemed a little sobered by that. He considered me more objectively. Then he shook his head.
Her hair smells dyed, her eyes have some blue in them, and her skinit doesnt have a hint of glow, and shes got no tat. Plus, you didnt see the two of them when I came into the carnival. They were all over each other. Bones wouldnt let his wife fool around with the youngest member of his line.
Kratas gave me another hard stare. Waste of time to mesmerize her and ask, he muttered, almost more to himself. If shes not the Reaper, shell claim innocence, and if sheis, shell still claim innocence, since they say vampire powers dont work on her.
A brunette vampire shrugged. Then kill her, its not worth the risk.
I let out a frightened squeak for effect while I mentally readied myself for a fight. But Kratas was already shaking his head.
And risk losing our most valuable hostage ever? I think not.
I have an idea, one of the other vamps piped up. Have them fuck. He wouldnt risk the death sentence if thats the Reaper, and neither would the real Reaper do it.
Tate let out a disbelieving chuckle even as my hand tightened over his.
Come on, guys, you expect me to get it on now, when the poor girls shaking in fear? No thanks, Im not into rape.
Kratas, to my dismay, seemed to like the idea. He cocked his gun. You into death? Because this guns filled with silver bullets, and thats what you and your girlfriend are gonna get unless you do it. Here, well even give you some space.
With questionable helpfulness, the other vampires cleared off our seat and scrunched next to each other on the opposite one. Tate and I had their undivided attention. Great. Now what? They were all too alert for us to make a move. No, they had to be off their guard first.
Tate looked as rattled as I felt. I had to do something, fast, before he ruined it. The bottom line was, we needed them to lead us to Hykso. If we just started the mayhem now, there were too many of them for us to try and take a few alive. Sure, Bones would jump in on the fight, but what if before then, Tate or I happened to kill the only person who knew where Hykso was? We couldnt risk it.
I dont want to die, I quavered, rustling up some crocodile tears. We shouldnt have gone out tonight, I told you I wanted to stay home!
Tate only took a second to fling off his unease. My act was saying to play the game-for now. Just long enough to get us a little closer to Hykso.
Tate took me in his arms. Its all right, baby. Everything will be fine. Then he glared at them.
You can forget about using a stopwatch, because Im taking as long as it needs to get her in more of a mood.
Just glare her into the mood, one of them snapped impatiently.
Tate gave a disgusted grunt. That may be how you get chicks to want to fuck you, but I find a little something called foreplay works, too.
Fine, do it your way, Anthony said. As long as its in the next twenty minutes, because well be at Hyksos plane by then.
Mentally I smiled.Good, tell us how far away we are, thatll make it easier to coordinate an attack.
Kratas waved the gun. Get on with it.
I eyed Tate, wishing he had Boness mind-reading skills.Less than twenty minutes, okay, if we drag out the kissing and such, we can be almost there. Then Bones and the others will be close enough to find Hykso, if we end up killing whoever knows, well finish up here, and drinks will be on me. But first
Tate kissed me, brushing away my fake tears.
Its okay, baby, he murmured. Just pretend were alone. Dont look at them. Think about how much you love to be touched like this.
The translation was clear-I had to act like he and I had done this before. Some of my reticence could be rationalized as fear. Not all of it.
I took a deep breath. If someone would have told me this morning that Id spend tonight getting to second base with Tate, I would have laughed and called them a liar. But that was exactly what I was about to do, though second base was as far as I was willing to commit to this charade.
Tate gave me a deep, openmouthed kiss. I put my arms around him, letting my fingers play in his short hair as I tried to simultaneously keep an eye on the vampires through slitted lids and act like I was getting turned on by Tates attention.
But I wasnt. Inside me, guilt was competing with the ruthlessness that said we had to get closer to our target. Right now, guilt was winning. Desire was pretty far from anything I felt.
Tate knew it, too. He broke the kiss, staring at me with mixed green and blue eyes. I knew he could tell that this wasnt doing anything for me, and so could the other vampires.
Kratas cocked the gun. Dammit all to hell. Id have to fake this better.
I twined my arms around Tate and pulled myself onto his lap, drawing his head to my throat. The feel of his tongue and fangs grazing the sensitive skin of my neck reminded me of Bones, and there were shivers to show for that. I arched my back and sucked on his throat in return. Tate shuddered, his hands wandering up my back to my breasts.
Warning shot through me. Did Tate remember about the two knives strapped to my upper back? Or had he forgotten that in his distraction over the extremely compromising position wed been forced into?
I reached for his hands, sliding them to the front of my jeans.
I dont have to get all the way naked in front of them, do I? I asked, making my voice high and vulnerable.
Tates gaze met mine. His eyes were all green now. No, baby. Thisll do.
He helped me slide my jeans off even as, absurdly, the night I met Bones flashed in my mind. How Bones had called my seduction bluff after Id lured him to a deserted patch of woods.You werent going to shag me with all your clothes on, were you, Kitten? Guess all youll need off is your knickers, then. Come on. Dont take all bloody night.
Id been embarrassed taking my pants off then and I was now, too, though for different reasons. Not because I was shy over Patras five gawking vampires eyeing my ass in its skimpy thong-hell, I wanted them to look, it made for great distraction-but because it was Tate dragging my jeans down my legs. Tates eyes wandering over me with a lust so raw, I almost abandoned my act right there, getting closer to Hykso be damned.
But then something changed in Tates gaze. He glanced at the vampires leering at me, and anger tightened his jaw. I almost heaved a relieved sigh, even though Tates being possessive was something that meant trouble later. Right now, though, it had the needed effect of getting him back on track. He kissed me again, but I could feel there was more calculation to it, even though it looked like he was being just as enthusiastic as before.
From the brief sideways glances I stole, with my mostly bare ass on display, the men were getting more into the show. Only Kratas seemed unaffected. His trigger finger didnt ease a fraction. Even through my irritation, I appreciated Patras decision to place him with this group. Dedication in the midst of distraction was a valuable trait. I just wished it wasnt being used against me at the moment.
Of course, if he were human, I wouldnt have concerned myself with the gun pointing at me. I could dodge the bullets faster than a human could fire them, but not faster than a vampire. I knew that from painful experience.
I let Tate shift until he was on kneeling in front of me, since it completely cut off their view of my back. Much easier to go for my knives this way.
Enough stalling.
Kratas tapped his gun for emphasis. At a guess, we were almost to the halfway point. Shit. This was going to be close.
Mentally I shouted a message to Bones, although I had no idea if he was close enough to hear me.Im going to count it down, Bones. Schools out at zero.
Five
Tate stopped kissing me to unbutton his pants. His eyes were blazing green.
Four
I clutched his shoulder while my other, hidden hand coiled around my knives.
Three
Tate unzipped his jeans, and he wasnt wearing any underwear. It was all I could do not to jerk back and give the charade away. Yeah, this was way further than Id ever anticipated things would go.
Two
Three things happened at once. I whipped my arm around to send the blades sailing; Kratas fired, the bullet striking me in the side instead of the heart because of Tates body in front of mine; and the roof ripped right off the limo.
There was a stunned second when I saw Bones before he snatched me out of the car. In the next instant, Spade and Ian descended like bats from hell onto the now-convertible limo while Tick Tock and Dave slammed into it from the highway.
The few cars on the road screeched madly around the careening vehicle. All of this I observed from my new viewpoint of fifty feet in the air, gripped in the crook of Boness arm. I didnt have time to wonder about what wed do with all the traffic when he abruptly swooped back down.
Lets get this piece of rot off the road, he barked.
Bones, Spade, and Ian each grasped an edge of the limo and then propelled upward. The car lifted off the asphalt like it had grown wings. There was still scuffling going on in the interior of the limo, but it had a different sound to it now. More like muffled screams cut off before completion.
A few miles away in the distance, I saw a twin engine aircraft, propellers starting up. That had to be Hykso, and if we could see him, he could see us.
Bones growled and aimed straight for it, his emerald gaze lighting the night.
Think theyll make it off the ground, Crispin? Ian sang out, streamlining his body while handling his part of the limo.
Not a bloody chance, Bones snarled back.
We can take them on ourselves. Tend to Cat, shes been shot, Spade called out without turning his head.
Dont even think about it, I snapped. Flesh wound, keep going.
We are.
I didnt need mind-reading skills to know Bones was pissed, but flying Superman style while toting an automobile and chasing a plane was not conducive for a chat.
The aircraft started to taxi, picking up speed. So did we, with a burst of nosferatu energy that crackled the air with invisible currents. I shut my eyes, not out of fear, but because the wind nearly blinded me. Through slits I saw the plane start to take off. We were still about fifty yards away.
Now, Bones commanded, and dropped me.
A blur snatched me in midair before I hit the ground. My stupefied gaze took in the sight of bodies ejecting from the car as Bones flung it at the small plane. There was an explosion, its bright flash interrupted by the vampire setting me safely on the ground.
Stay here, Ian muttered even as he darted away toward the wreckage. I ignored him, lurching in the same direction, but oddly shivering. Why did I feel this cold when the fire was so close?
Flaming forms crawled out of the remains of the plane and were promptly tackled. Through the wavering fire, people who were familiar to me almost appeared demonic as they hacked their way through the scrambling vampires. In minutes it was over, and somehow I was on the grass without noticing Id fallen. That gunshot must have been more serious than I realized.
Bones came out of the orange haze. He had blood and soot on him, and his shirt was patchy in places. He knelt by me.
This will hurt, Kitten, but its quicker.
The warning made my eyes widen as he held me down. He took out a knife and gouged it into my side. I couldnt help but scream as his fingers followed, feeling around for the bullet. After a moment that seemed to last infinitely longer, Bones drew it out, then cut his palm and placed it over the site, healing the larger wound hed just made. Then Bones sliced his wrist and pressed it to my mouth. I took a deep swallow of his blood, closing my eyes as the pain lost its grip.
My side tingled as it knit back together. It occurred to me that I must have been unconscious when Bones did this after Max shot me. Getting my throat torn open really had numbed me to everything else that day.
Bones drew his shirt over his head. Bit torn in places, but itll cover your arse, he said, handing it to me. Fraid your trousers are incinerated back in the car.
There were many things in his gaze, and reproach was one of them. Fumbling, I pulled his shirt on like it was a skirt. Bones, I-
Later, he cut me off. Got a few matters to settle first.
Crispin.
Ian strode forward, dragging someone by the back of his neck. He shook the person like a rag doll and flung him near our feet.
Here, reckoned youd want this one alive. Charles and Tick Tock are holding Hykso, but we shouldnt linger here. Bloody coppers are on their way, I suspect.
We dont have to worry about them. Perks of her sodding job. She flashes her badge and makes a call, and they curse and kick the stones for not being allowed to venture nearer. Almost funny, really.
Boness tone changed to cruel in the next heartbeat. Ah, hallo there, mate. Youll remember my wife. Shes the one you shot.
Kratas wore an expression of grim resignation. I had a feeling about you, he said to me. Should have listened to my instinct.
Know what Im going to do with this bullet?
Boness casual tone didnt lull Kratas. His face showed he had no illusions.
Im going to melt it down and have a blade crafted with part of the silver. Then Im going to run it through every part of your body except your heart.
God, sometimes Bones did scare me.
Are you going to store him with Max? Ian asked, not looking upset by the prospect of Kratass pain.
Elsewhere. Well sort it out later. Get them set up in the truck so we can get out of here.
The two eighteen-wheelers that pulled up looked like any youd see on the highway. Dirty on the outside, dents on the fenders, even the drivers were the quintessential trucker type. Furthermore, when the trailer back of one of them slid open, a line of crates met your eyes. Of course, those crates were a false wall that led to an interior the average shipping company had never conceived of.
Charles, youre in this one with Hykso. Perhaps well get lucky and the bloke will know where Patra is. Kitten, were in the other until we get to the airport. Ian, traveling with us or on your own?
Ian cast a snooty glance at the trucks and shook his head. Ill arrange for my own transportation.
Take Tate with you.
Bones didnt make it a request. Ian shrugged.
As you wish.
Spade led forward a heavily chained vampire. No introduction was necessary, it had to be Hykso. He certainly had an Egyptian flair to him, with straight black hair, dusky skin, and a distinctive nose. His eyes were trained on me as he approached. Then he smiled.
Reaper. I look forward to you meeting my mistress.
I smiled back, just as coldly. So do I, Hykso.
EIGHTEEN
SPADE LEDHYKSO ANDKRATAS INTO THE trailer, where there were clamps and other such restraints attached to a reinforced wall.
Bones took my arm. Lets go.
Bones jumped into the back of the second truck and lifted me up. As soon as I passed through the mock crate, I gaped. This interior was so vastly different from the other rig that I just stared.
Two couches were clamped in place to the floor, as were two chairs and a refrigerator. There was even a rug tacked down.
My God, I breathed. Its a frigging RV!
This is what my men will be staying in, when theyre not with Hykso and Kratas, Bones replied briskly. No need for them all to be cramped inside the one truck. Were just borrowing it to get back to the airport.
The axles made a wheeze underneath us as the truck was put into gear. There was a lurch and then intermittent jerking as we drove away.
Bones folded his arms and stared at me. I fidgeted, hating how loaded the silence was.
You know I had no intention for things to go that far with Tate, I began. I just wanted to get us closer to Hykso, and get them distracted before I chucked those knives
And a brilliant toss it was, pet. Blades landed right in Kratass eyes. He fired at you blind.
I winced at his tone. Im sorry, I said, and he knew I wasnt talking about blinding the other vampire.
Bones stalked around the small room. I didnt need vampire senses to feel the anger pouring off him, but I wasnt sure if it was directed at me, at Tate, or at the war that had put us in the limo in the first place.
We should talk about this, I said, steeling myself for whatever incriminations he heaped on me. After all, I was only supposed to have kissed Tate during this charade. Not made out with him for over ten minutes while clad in only a sweater and my underwear. Yeah, if the situation were reversed, Id be pissed, too.
Bones spun around. I rather doubt talking will help. You did what you felt was necessary. Im very brassed off by your methods, though I cant argue with your results.
He walked over in a measured, deliberate way that was no less predatory for its slowness. When he was only a few inches away, his hand traced down the sleeve of my shirt, and I couldnt help but flinch. There was something almost menacing in the way he touched me.
Where did he kiss you? Touch you?
I looked him in the eye.
It didnt mean anything, Bones. It was nothing like how I feel with you.
Ah. Boness reply was soft, but his eyes went green. Whether that was anger or something else, I had no idea.
He leaned closer, his mouth almost brushing my neck. I couldnt help but shiver, wondering what he was about to do.
He kissed you here. Boness voice was a low growl. I suspect he touched you here-he touched my breasts through my shirt-and I can smell his hands here-while kneeling and running a hand along the outside of my thigh.
I didnt move, holding myself still the way prey does while it tries not to catch the attention of the hunter.
I almost killed him tonight.
Bones breathed the words so close to my skin that gooseflesh broke out on me where they landed. I didnt say anything, sensing that whatever control Bones had used in not doing that before was at its breaking point now.
Ive never been jealous before I met you, Bones went on, still in that same soft, menacing tone. It burns, luv. Like silver through my veins. Some nights, watching you with other men on your jobs, I think it will drive me mad.
His hands were still stroking my legs with a light, scary sensuality that made me want to cringe back-and edge forward at the same time. My whole body seemed to be holding its breath. Despite his outwardly calm demeanor, there was something boiling up in Bones that would break free any moment, I could feel it.
It was just an act, I said again.
Oh, I know that, Bones replied at once. Those glittering green eyes met mine. Tate wouldnt be alive now if it wasnt. I know you only did this to get Hykso, but Kitten. His voice deepened. Hardened. No matter the cause, dont you dare, ever, let someone handle you in such a way again.
Then, to my complete surprise, Bones yanked my underwear down.
What are youdoing? I gasped.
What does it look like Im doing? he muttered even as he spread my legs.
Of all the things Id expected, this would have been last on my list. But youre, er, still mad at me.
Right you are, was his somewhat muted response as a deep lick made my knees weak.
I was about to say this wasnt a fair way to fight, when Bones grasped me around the waist and lifted me. Color rose to my cheeks, because my legs were around his shoulders and my head almost reached the ceiling.
Bones, I managed to say. Stop. Let me down.
Ruthlessly his tongue continued to tease me. No. Youre mine, and Im taking you now.
I didnt want to respond to him. It seemedwrong to do this while he was still mad, but if this was a new way to fight, I was losing the battle. A short cry wrenched from me as Boness fangs rubbed my clitoris, not piercing it, just applying pressure. It felt incredible, inciting me to arch against him to feel it again. And again. Then repeatedly, gasping in ecstasy at the sensations bombarding me. Talking things out suddenly felt very overrated. Bones knew just what I loved, and I couldnt stop myself from getting lost in the sensations.
Tell me you want me, he growled.
God, yes, I managed, aching for him to be inside me.
Say it. It was a demand even as his mouth continued to torment me. I dug my fingers into his hair and almost tore him away from my flesh.
I want you, I rasped. Now. Dont you dare say no to me.
A harsh laugh tickled me. Wouldnt dream of it.
Bones set me down, dragging his mouth up my skin until my feet made contact with the floor. As soon as they did, I pushed him back toward the couch. He fell on it with me on top of him. I slid down, yanking his pants off, and then wrapped my mouth around him.
His flesh was cool, like marble come to life. I took him in until I couldnt fit any more, then began sucking with deep, rough pulls.
Bones moaned, his back arching. Harder.
I increased the pressure. His hands tangled in my hair, then clenched into fists as I drew harder still.
Bloody hell, thats so good, he said in a choked tone. I cant wait.
He lifted me, ignoring my protests, and settled me on his hips while thrusting deeply into me. Filling me until it almost hurt. The jostling of the truck increased our friction as he moved with hungry, rapid strokes.
My head fell back and I moved with him, lost in blind sensation. Bones sat up, catching my nipple in his mouth. He sucked on it until it was almost numb with pleasure, then switched to my other nipple, giving it the same sweet, rough attention.
My nails raked down his sides. His mouth slid to my neck as he pressed me closer to him. I cried out at the feel of his fangs on my neck, grazing but not breaking my skin.
I held him closer to my throat. Bite me.