Skulk out the back with our tails between our legs? Bones snorted. Fears a valuable motivator. If we sneak away, then theres nothing to give someone pause who might consider setting up shop in this place again, is there?
I considered that. In most of our operations, we had a smash-and-grab approach. Smash the bad guys (or girls!), grab the evidence (meaning bodies) and then leave. Maybe that strategy needed rethinking. Bones was right about fear being an excellent motivator. Patra was using that tactic against us now. Maybe we needed to highlight that we played for keeps, too.
I glanced at Dave. He gave me an almost imperceptible nod. Tate, however, was incensed.
Brilliant plan, Crypt Keeper. You want us to bring up those heads like souvenirs, then shake our fingers at them and say, They were naughty at all the freaks out there? Youre out of your mind!
Foolish. Coward.
Bones bit out both words precisely. Tate snarled, and I tripped him as he stalked toward Bones.
You must have slipped, because Iknow you werent about to do anything, were you?
Tate glared up at me, and then must have seen the consequences of following through with that intention in my gaze, because he lost his angry posture.
Your call, Cat. Whats it gonna be?
Oddly enough, its what happened when Id pushed off Tall, Dark, and Depraved that made my decision. The people around us, human and otherwise, had just laughed. Not jumped in and helped him beat me into submission.
We give a warning and show the proof. Like you said, Tate-Ill use those heads as props.
All units, stand by, Tate said into his radio. It didnt escape me that he sounded both pissed and resigned.
We made our way single file back up the stairs. Bones went first, followed by me, Tate, Dave, and our rescued couple, who hadnt said much all night. When we were all out, Bones lifted me up onto the counter of the fake bar, since my hands were full, and let out a whistle that pierced even over the loud music.
Shut that noise off, he barked, giving a menacing green glare to the puzzled vampire in what I assumed was the DJ box.
The pumping techno beat was silenced. There were sounds of protest that cut off when people saw me. You could say I stood out, what with being perched on a bar holding four severed heads by their hair.
Ill make this quick so you can get back to your fun. Im the Red Reaper, and these four-I held the heads up for better viewing-took their games too far by killing my kind. If it happens again here, Ill come back.
Two hundred pairs of eyes stared at us, and most of them didnt come with heartbeats. Inside I tensed. Who knew how this would go? Things could get very unpleasant very fast.
Bones held out his hand to help me down, and I dropped my grisly trophies and took it.
Maybe some of them recognized who he was, or could guess. Or maybe it was simple apathy. Either way, one by one, the humans and nonhumans pulled back until there was a clear path from our position to the door. Bones set me down from the bar, and all of us walked uninterrupted to the exit.
Un-fucking-real, Tate muttered when we reached the parking lot.
Which just shows you how much you have to learn, Bones replied.
THIRTEEN
BONES ANDIDROVE TO DENISES THE NEXT day. I hadnt seen my best friend in a while, what with gearing up for Tates change and then the whole aftermath of my kidnapping. So just to hang out with her and relax was nice. Denise also knew everything about me, Bones, vampires, ghouls, and even the war we were in. I had to call her and explain the reason behind her abrupt relocation, after all. Don probably just told her and her husband, Randy, to pack without giving any reason why.
Their new house was on the outskirts of Memphis. It was a good thing Randy was a private computer consultant and could work wherever, because I would have hated to be the cause of him losing his job. Denise had quit her job shortly after they got married, so again, I was spared some guilt. They hadnt said anything, but I thought they were trying for a baby. It would explain her sudden interest in things shed never bothered with before. Case in point, she made dinner for us instead of ordering out. Definitely a new trait.
This is really good, I enthused, helping myself to more pot roast. Well have to come here for the holidays. As you know, I burn water.
Denise grinned. Or you could have your own party and let Rodney cook. Didnt you tell me he was amazing in the kitchen?
Oh, he is, I answered, mouth still full. Then I cocked my head. Bones, how dangerous would it be for us to have a Christmas party?
He considered the question. Have to only invite a few people, but I dont think it would be cause for any real alarm.
I swallowed as the idea grew in my mind. Ive never done that kind of thing before. My grandparents werent social butterflies and I didnt much feel like entertaining during the years we were apart. Our guesthouse is finished, so wed have plenty of room. We cant have our wedding right now, but we can have a small holiday party. Itll be our first Christmas together, Bones.
He smiled at me. Thats an excellent reason to celebrate, and I know Rodney would be delighted to come and cook. Its his favorite pastime.
Denise clapped her hands. Oh, itll be so cool. Ive never celebrated a holiday with dead people before!
Randy rolled his eyes, but Bones just laughed. Yes, that usually does make for a more interesting time than a midnight Mass at church, I suspect.
Well have to invite my mother, too, I said. In fact, shes not that far from here. Rodneys place is what? About an hour away?
Bones nodded. Yes. Want to visit her next?
I considered my options. If she knew Id been this close to her and hadnt stopped by, Id never hear the end of it. Okay, so that was settled.
Well drop by. God knows shell be there. The woman never goes out.
Whens her new place going to be ready? Denise asked.
Next week. I think Don deliberately took a while relocating her out of Rodneys to pay her back for some of the grief shes heaped over him in the past. Theres no reason it should have taken so long to get her a safe place, not that Ill tell her that.
Denise got up, rummaged in her pantry for a minute, and then came out with an unopened bottle of gin.
Here. If youre going to your mothers, youll need this.
We said our goodbyes to Denise and Randy an hour later and headed off to my mothers temporary residence. It had been a pleasant drive through the country, very relaxing-until suddenly Bones cocked his head to the side as if concentrating, and then stomped on the gas pedal.
Whats wrong?
Hed said moments ago that we were almost there. Alarmed, I strained my ears, but my range wasnt as far as his. All I could hear were the sounds from various families as we whizzed by their homes.
Dont bleedin believe it, Bones chuckled.
What!
He continued to streak through the streets at a high rate of speed. Oh, youll see. And youll need that bottle Denise gave you.
I figured there wasnt a bloodbath going on, because he still grinned with maniacal humor. Hopefully the sound of my mother being axed to death wouldnt make him so gleeful. When we pulled up in the driveway of what I assumed had to be Rodneys house, all I heard was her fumbling around and muttering curses. What was unusual about that?
Bones darted out of the car without even turning the engine off and pounded on the door hard enough to rattle the windows.
Open up, Justina, or Ill break down this door!
The front door flung open as I approached at a slower rate than Bones had. Someone had to turn the car off, after all.
Bones went right past my mother, ignoring her demands to stay out. He gave her a wicked rake of the eyes, and his lips twitched uncontrollably.
Well. As I dont live and breathe. Justina, hairs a bit disheveled, luv, been cleaning house? No? And your faceif I didnt know better, Id say it was flushed. Back when I was a degenerate whore, as you like to say, Id see women look like you do all the time. After they wereshagging.
My mouth dropped and I took in her appearance. She was wearing only a robe, her brown hair was indeed going every which way, her face was distinctly colored, and holy shit, was that ahickey on her neck?
You filthy animal, get out of here, she commanded Bones.
He laughed so hard it bent him double. Really, thats a bit of the pot calling the kettle black now, isnt it? And to think how Kitten used to be terrified about you finding out she was shagging a vampire. You cant say much about that anymore, can you? Come on down, mate, take a bow! I stand in abject awe.
Bones, Rodneys voice called out gratingly from upstairs. Just get out of here.
I staggered. Mom? You andRodney?
A scarlet blush graced my mothers features. He was making me dinner, she sputtered.
I found my voice amid the astonishment. And dessert, too, apparently! I dont believe you. All those years, you crucified me for sleeping with a vampire, and look at you. Rodneys a ghoul, you hypocrite!
He doesnt kill people, theyre dead when he gets to them! she thundered back with questionable logic. And I am forty-five years old and dont need to be explaining myself to my daughter.
I stared at her like Id never seen her before. Did Rodney like them? I asked.
She huffed. Did he like what, Catherine?
The balls on you, thats what!
Bones laughed again and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Lets go, Kitten. Just had to rub it in, I couldnt resist. Justina, good on you, and Rodney-another decadent chuckle-admirablecourage.
Bones propelled me, still bitching, from the house. The door slammed behind us.
Bones still couldnt contain his laughter as we drove away at safer speeds. Im delighted you didnt ring her in advance, luv. That was priceless.
I didnt answer, just settled back in my chair and broke the seal on the gin.
My dress was silver. It hung to my feet in a clinging line from the waist, two ties forming a halter at the neck. The back was bare, and the front had a deep V that made a bra impossible. Those stick-on ones didnt do the trick, either.
I frowned at my reflection. Youll be able to tell right off if I get cold. Im the hostess, Im not supposed to look cheap.
Bones appeared behind me in the mirror. You dont look cheap, youre stunning.
A brush of his lips on my back punctuated his compliment, and as if on cue, both my nipples puckered. Yeah, it looked indecent, all right.
Ravishing, he whispered into my skin.
He should like the dress, he picked it out. Bones always chose more revealing outfits than I did. At least I had on underwear, minuscule though it was. Some things I insisted on despite his limitless powers of persuasion.
Bones tilted his head to the side for a second. Your mums here.
I went downstairs to greet her, since Bones wasnt dressed yet. I hadnt seen her since that unbelievable night at Rodneys, and I didnt even want to know if they were now, um, dating. Rodney, being a gentleman, hadnt mentioned the incident when he showed up this morning to prep for the evenings meal, but Id heard Bones greet him with an All hail the dragon slayer! salute.
I opened the doorand my smile froze. Thiscouldnt be my mother.
Her brown hair was free of gray and had new lighter highlights. Whether it was makeup or a chemical peel that seemed to have taken ten years off her in less than three weeks was anyones guess. Her dark amethyst velvet dress was tighter than mine, and cut high on one leg before draping down to her ankle on the other side. One shoulder was bared in Grecian style, and her hair was swept half up with stray pieces trailing. Her blue eyes were the only thing familiar about her.
Catherine. She swept by me without a hug. Okay,that was familiar, too. You really should wear something warmer, its freezing out.
Hello to you, too, Mom. Or whoever the hell you are, because you sure dont look like the woman who raised me.
You should talk, I managed. I can see all the way up to your thigh. My God, if Grandma saw you now, shed come right out of her grave!
My mother opened her mouth, paused, and then smiled. I wont tell if you wont.
I was going directly to the kitchen to fall to my knees in awe before Rodney. Lo and behold, hed managed to give her a sense of humor, and here Id figured that would take voodoo, several headless chickens, and a lot of gris-gris.
Lets get you some eggnog, Mom, I said, recovering from my shock enough to steer her into the living room. Its spiked.
FOURTEEN
OUR LIST OF GUESTS WAS SMALL DUE TO THE unfestive circumstances of being at war. There were Rodney, Spade, Rattler, Tick Tock, Ian, Zero, and another vampire Annette brought as her date named Doc. Mencheres wasnt here, and that was fine by me. My guests consisted of Denise, Randy, my mother, Don, Cooper, Dave, Juan, and Tate.
Bones had invited Ian at the last minute. He hadnt been on my original list of people I wanted to spend time with, but since hed thrown in his side with ours, Bones felt hed deserved the nod. Id been hoping he wouldnt show, but that was in vain. In fact, I wondered if the reason Ian came was because he knew he was here against my preference-and got a kick out of that.
We were sitting in the dining room. Ian had arrived late and as soon as he crossed the threshold, my mother and Don had gotten up from the table. They were lingering near the porch with Dave, Cooper, and Juan, who also had reason not to like the chestnut-haired vampire across from me.
Why, Cat, you seem edgy, Ian baited me after my silence at the table grew pointed. Youre not still cross at me over kidnapping your ex-boyfriend last summer, are you?
I resisted the urge to hurl my plate at him. Of course not, Ian. Its just that normally at this hour, Bones and I are fucking like rabbits, so I get twitchy when I have to wait for him to climb aboard.
Ian wasnt amused. Do you let her insult me when I have come in goodwill, Crispin? he demanded.
Bones lifted a brow. Youre not insulted in the least, and bringing up reference to how you attempted to force Cat into your line was extremely ill-mannered. Let it be the last time you speak of it.
The words were mild-his eyes werent. They were swimming with green.
Ian leaned back in his chair. Well, mate, look at you. Claws come shooting out straightaway, and here I was barely even being rude. At first I thought you snatched her away from me out of spite, but thats not it, is it? You of all people to fall prey to love.
They had over two hundred and twenty years of history between them, both good and bad. The air seemed to thicken around the table.
You didnt come here just to discuss my wife, did you?
Ian leaned forward. It was Maxs treatment of her that prompted you to declare violent retribution to any who had a part in it. Why wouldnt I want to see how committed you were before I stuck my own neck out farther than I already have? If you were merely angry out of a sense of pride, well Ian dangled the sen tence with a careless flick of his hand. Why endanger me and mine over ruffled feathers?
Do you remember the time I jammed a silver knife into your heart, Ian? I asked brightly. You cant count how many times Ive wished Id twisted it. Ruffled feathers over my kidnapping, torture, and attempted murder? Fuck you!
Im not downplaying what happened to you, Cat, Ian said at once. Only stating my interest in Crispins reaction to it. What hes done to Max is deserved, but that could have been the smart response of a leader showing his mettle, nothing more. You do appreciate the difference?
Ians piercing turquoise eyes met mine. He was a cold bastard, I knew that from experience, but there must be more to him than I saw. Or Bones would have killed him decades ago.
Bones inclined his head. You have your answer, Ian. My response is entirely personal when it comes to her.
Lucky for you that Mencheres merged lines with you and gave you more power. And speaking of your new alliance, I cant imagine why Mencheres chose you over me, considering of the two of us, Im not the one who shagged his wife.
I froze even as Bones let out a vicious curse. Ian, catching my expression, began to laugh.
What, didnt Crispin tell you about that? Dont know why, happened before your parents were even born.
I got up from the table. Discussing this in front of Ian was not going to happen. Bones followed me as I went outside on the porch. Once we were alone, I rounded on him.
Why? I know you didnt think much of screwing around before me, but Patra was your grandsires wife!
His jaw clenched. I didnt know who she was when it happened. Mencheres and Patra hadnt been on good terms since before I became a vampire. A few decades ago, I met a woman, spent the night, and then a week later I found out she was Mencheress wife. Patra knew whoI was. She did it to hurt Mencheres, bloody hell, who do you think told him about it? I didnt understand why he didnt kill me back then, but after whats happened recently, I suppose he knew one day hed need me around.
By having sex with another vampires wife, Bones would be under a death sentence-if the wronged spouse chose to claim it.
Is there anything else I dont know? Because I better not find out there was something more you decided to keep from me.
Theres nothing else. I promise.
I stopped my pacing to look at Bones. He was gorgeous, and the longer I was with him, the more I was reminded that many women had shared that opinion. I was sure thered be a lot more ex-flings of his popping up, but heres hoping they wouldnt be powerful, homicidal ones like Patra.
All right. Lets go back in. Im sure Ian misses us.
Bones ignored my sarcasm and pulled me into his arms. Do you know its nearly midnight? he whispered. Only two more days until Christmas Eve.
So much had happened since last Christmas. What would the next year bring?
Better things, Bones answered low. I promise.
He kissed me, his lips cooler than usual, but who needed ninety-eight degrees when he made me feel this way? In fact, I began to feel warmer as his hands slid lower on my back.
A branch snapping nearby doused my mood and put me on instant alert. Bones straightened, breaking the kiss.
Well, mate. I wondered how long youd spy on us.
His sardonic tone confirmed what my belated senses finally picked up on. God, Bones distracted me to a dangerous level when we kissed. Good thing he could still pay attention, even though I suppose that wasnt an endorsement ofmy allure. Also good was that the vampire in the trees didnt want to kill us.
Tate came through the trees with more cracking of branches. Hi, Cat. God, you look beautiful.
Uh oh. Why couldnt he just say, Happy Holidays?
Dave broke the loaded hostile atmosphere by coming onto the porch. Buddy, you made it!
Another confrontation delayed.
Dave. Tate smiled as he received a bear hug from his friend. Juan came out next, followed by my uncle. Dons normally stoic features changed into a smile as he came forward and embraced Tate. Bones made a cynical noise and led me back inside with a parting comment to Tate.
Im sure youll have no trouble finding your way to the cottage at the bottom of the hill. Thats where youre staying.
Ian, ever tactless, chose that moment to sidle up to me. You and Crispin resolved your differences, I hope?
Yes. Now youll be able to sleep tonight.
Ian laughed. My mother wandered past us, and Ian eyed her with more than casual appreciation. I say, Cat, I can see what led Max to his eventual downfall.
I gave him a black look. Would you mind not bringing Max up in front of whats left of my family?
Ian smiled without a touch of remorse. Why would they be cross with me? I am owed no small amount of gratitude. If I hadnt changed Max, then there wouldnt be you.
That whipped my mothers head around. How like Ian not to have lowered his voice. I could have rammed my fist straight through his stupid mouth.
Good one, I growled. She didnt know you were his sire.
Bones appeared from behind him. Mate, come with me for a moment.
He didnt wait for Ians reply, but propelled him onto the porch. I went in the opposite direction to intercept my mothers furious beeline.
Catherine! she snapped as I blocked her path. Get out of my way. I need to have a word with that thing.
Since she usually called Bones filthy animal, I assumed thing meant Ian.
Mom, I know youre upset.
She continued to shove her way past me. Dont worry, I wont make a scene, she said with a final push by me. For her, that was the height of consideration.
You. She marched straight up to Ian and jabbed a finger in his chest. He gave it an amused glance. You created her father? Didnt you know what kind of filth he was? Or are you brainless, oblivious, and uncaring about the monsters you make?
Bones let out a grim snort. Clean up your mess, mate, but no matter how rude she gets, dont be insulting.
Ian rolled his eyes. No, Justina, Im not brainless, oblivious, or uncaring about those I sire. But if Im responsible for every action my offspring does, then the same goes for you. Your daughter murdered my friend the day I met her. What do you owe me for that?
I was nearly as taken aback as my mother was by Ians cool turning of the tables.
Another filthy vampire? my mother purred when she regrouped. One of many who tried to feast on her neck?
A ghoul doing his duty to defend me against a woman who tried to kill me in my own home, Ian countered. Ask Cat. Shell tell you I never even attempted to bite her before she beheaded my friend.
I shuffled uncomfortably. How did I know Don had ulterior motives in sending me after Ian? Id thought I was on just another job taking out the bad guys, not being the unwitting murderer of someone whod done nothing wrong.
Im sorry about your friend, but I thought he was a killer, and he was sneaking up behind me to knock me out, I replied. Besides, before that, you admitted youd killed two people, Ian. Your employees.
Who stole from me, was Ians response. Really, Crispin, what would you do to a couple of blokes who raided your home and tried to hawk your valuables on eBay?
Bones shrugged. The same. If you cant trust a chap with something as small as your possessions, how can you trust them not to betray you in a more serious manner?
Even so, Ian agreed, before giving my mother another measured look. Then with Max were more than even, poppet, so what else are you riled at me about?
She appeared rattled, but then gestured at Bones. Him. You made him, and hes the reason my parents were murdered, so were hardly even, vampire.
A shadow flickered across Boness face.You werent responsible for that, I told him.Shes wrong.
Yet he also taught Cat how to fight, making her stronger, faster, and deadlier. Without that, do you think shed still be alive? Furthermore, didnt he just save her lifeand yours recently? Are you telling me thats worth less than your parents?
My mother stared at him in an odd way. Like she didnt know what to make of him. Ian returned her gaze, unblinking and unapologetic. Finally, after a tense silence, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Glad we had a chance to talk, he called after her.
She didnt reply.
Ian clapped a hand across Boness shoulders. Shall we return inside? Its chilly out, and your wife is clearly cold. His eyes roamed over me and he laughed. Clearly.
Sod off, Bones snapped.
Ian walked away, whistling. I snorted. Told you I should have worn a bra. Then I changed the subject, not wanting anything else to dampen our evening. If you ask nicely, Ill let you open one of your presents, even though its early.
Boness lips curled. What must I say? Please? Ah, Kitten, please, I implore you, beseech you-
Shut up. With a smirk, I pulled him into the library and retrieved a box from under the couch. A quick glance told me no one was watching, because I didnt want an audience for this. Id been kidding when I said it was one of his real presents. It was something else. Here.
Bones unwrapped it, and his smile grew to a dirty leer. Arent these lovely? Not my size, but if youd like me to wear them, Ill be happy to oblige.
Arent you funny? But you know youre supposed to pick which one you wantme to put on.
His choice was instant. The red.
I thought youd like that one. My voice was wispy from the sudden flare of heat in his eyes.
Bones leaned closer until his mouth grazed mine.
Right you are.
FIFTEEN
THE RED NIGHTGOWN FLOWED AROUND ME, as dark as blood on my skin. Bones held me by the hips and arched underneath me, sharp noises of pleasure coming from his throat.
Yes, Kitten. Moredont stop
I closed my eyes, caught up in the ecstasy. My fingers wound the sheet into handholds as I moved faster.
Yes
The sensuality of the moment faded as a haze seemed to appear around us and the sheets began to develop a life of their own. They coiled around my wrists and ankles, as if the cotton had become an evil serpent. I tried to tell Bones to stop, but when I opened my mouth, blood poured out.
Still trying to be brave, little girl? a voice witheringly asked.
Horror crawled over me. I knew that voice.
The haze lifted, and I screamed in a long, piercing wail as Bones and the bed faded, and I was somehow on the floor in front of my father. Those serpentine sheets became knives that speared me through the wrists. My gut, leg, and arms throbbed in agony.
Know what Im going to do to you, little girl? Max went on. Im going to rip your throat out again.
He came toward me. I tried to twist away, but those knives in my wrists prevented me. Max laughed as his fangs neared my skin, my struggles as frantic as they were useless. Then I screamed as he dragged his fangs slowly across my neck.
Stop stop stop stop-!
Max pressed something to my mouth. I coughed, sputtered, and swallowed, but after a few moments, Max faded and I could see someone else.
Wake up, Kitten!
Bones focused in front of me. Before my gaze, welts and scratches on him healed, leaving only blood to show where theyd been. His wrist was pressed to my mouth, the sheets were shredded all around us, and we werent alone in the room.
Spade was at the side of the bed grasping my shoulders. He let go and sat back with a noise of relief when I blinked at him. Dave, Rodney, and Tate hovered by the door, Denise almost hopping to see over them. Then all I saw was Boness chest as he clutched me to him.
Bloody hell, youre awake. He pushed me back and cupped my face. Do you know where you are?
In my bedroom. Stark naked and so was Bones. Spade rose to his feet and I looked away. We werent the only ones undressed.
Bones, what is everyone doing in here? Spade, cover up. Frigging vampires think everyone wants to see what theyve got.
Bones still had me clasped to him. At least being in his arms kept my breasts from being on display.