And he sent you here?
Yes.
Why?
My thoughts turn to Dexter. Is this the time to tell them, to tell Isabella, why she is here?
Wait a minute, Amy interrupts before I can speak. Barakov? I know that name.
So do I, adds Isabella. And I know Alan Pierce. Are you sure they arent all in on this together?
Zack steps forward. Were positive. She had help, obviously. Hes choosing his words carefully. But her husband wasnt involved in your kidnappings. Neither was Alan.
You will find out who was, though, right? Amy asks Zack, her green eyes flashing.
Well do what we can. Now that youre safe, thats the priority, he replies. He hears the threat in Amys tone, too. And hes already seen Isabella in action.
Amy and Isabella seem to have recovered completely. Recovered enough in fact for Amy to fix Zack and me with a steely gaze and ask, Who are you?
Zack extends a hand. Im Special Agent Zack Armstrong. This is Special Agent Emma Monroe. FBI.
She shakes both of our hands in turn, then looks at us from beneath lowered eyebrows. What are you? Agents of the FBIs X-Files Bureau?
I didnt know they let the furry into the Bureau these days, snorts Owen.
Zack glares at the vampire hes just saved. Even a young pup knows not to bite the hand that feeds it, he growls.
Owen looks appropriately contrite. Sorry, Agent Armstrong. That was out of line. I owe you both. Big-time.
Evan looks around the lab. Is anyone else here?
Zack and I exchange a quick look. His neutral expression and small shrug throw the question to me. Hes going to let me decide if we should tell them about Dexter. Tell Isabella that she was to be his donor. I dont know if she was aware that he was sick. Or if Dexter is aware of anything that happened since Alan drugged him the night before. I dont know how to begin.
Zack picks up on my hesitation and comes to my rescue, smoothly waving away Evans question by a skillful change of subject.
Amy, Ms. Haskell is going to be very relieved to see you. Shes been worried sick.
Amys eyes widen in surprise. How long have I been gone?
A little over two weeks.
She passes a hand over her face. My show in New York . . .
Zack and I look at each other. Thats the least of it. We have to come up with explanationscover storiesfor Amy, Isabella, and Owen.
And for our superiors. We certainly cant report any of this to the Bureau.
I look from Amy to Isabella. You two need to come up with a story to explain why youve been gone. Particularly you, Amy. Your disappearance hit the papers and theres been a lot of speculation, especially since you missed the opening of your own show. Haskell has done a good job deflecting the press, but youre going to have to come up with an explanation the public will buy.
Amy nods. She shoots the others a look of resignation. Ill have to give it some thought. Youd think as a vampire, Id be used to lying, wouldnt you?
Theres a general murmur of agreement.
I turn to Isabella. Any ideas? Youve been gone the longest, a little over two months.
Two months! Her expression darkens. That bitch stole two months of my life? How on earth am I going to catch up with school? Never mind my internship.
Shes on the verge of tears, so I give her a minute. You should know, Michael never gave up hope.
Isabellas face clears and her eyes brighten. He wouldnt. No matter what, Michael always seems to be there for me.
He knows you best, I say. Hell be wanting an explanation and could be the hardest to convince.
Isabella nods. Ill tell him I had to get away to clear my head. He knows how conflicted Ive been about this whole vampire thing. Hell yell and carry on, but hell accept it. Thats what best friends do. She frowns. What am I going to say to the people at school? Theyve probably dropped me by now.
I can pay the dean an unofficial visit and explain you were under our protection, Zack says. A witness to something we cant discuss, but that its over now. Ill flash my badge, be vague but officious. I can be very convincing.
Isabellas eyes sweep Zack, head to feet. Im sure you can be. Especially since the deans a she. Isabella is smiling again. Im confident youll wrap her around your finger in no time flat.
Im not sure I can do anything about your internship, though, he continues. Michael mentioned they couldnt hold the position.
She sighs, then steps closer to me, lowers her voice. How is Michael?
Her question jolts me back into facing the predicament I dodged before.
Her friend is in the next room, awaiting a transplant that isnt going to happen. Should I tell her? How will she feel knowing her freedom may be his death warrant?
Shes wringing her hands. His health had been failing.
Once again, Im torn between telling her the truthall of itand leaving it to Dexter to explain the gravity of his condition when theyre together.
I shrug noncommittally. Youll see him soon enough. Hell be thrilled to have you home.
Owens laugh makes Isabella turn away from me. Another reprieve. Zack has been questioning Owen, asking if he has a story ready. Owens response is a burst of laughter.
I dont need a story, he says, grinning. Ive never been part of the mainstream. Im forever disappearing, going off on binges. My sire seems to have infinite patience for my bullshit and accepts my comings and goings. Ive only been gone a couple of days, right? I doubt anyones missed me. Evan, if you give me a lift to the nearest Emporium, I can take it from there. If Im going to stay on the wagon, Im going to need a good supply.
Amy glances down at the scrubs. Theres one problem. I cant go home like this.
Me, either, chimes in Isabella. Well need clothes to make our stories stick.
Evan holds out a hand to me. Can I borrow your car? Ill bring Amy and Isabella to Liz. Shell be able to take care of the clothes.
I drop my keys in his hand. Leave the car in your guest spot and the keys in the glove box. I have a spare. When were finished here, Zack will drive me over to get it. I lower my voice. Dont rush to get Isabella and Amy home. Well need some time to sort this mess out.
No kidding. Evan smiles in sympathy, looking around. Ill drop Owen off first. You know Liz. Shell want to know every detail of what happened. That should buy you a couple of hours at least. His voice softens. I cant thank you enough, Emma. Youve gone above and beyond. I hope you dont get in trouble with your boss. Im not sure how youre going to explain
I interrupt with a wave of a hand. Dont worry about that, just get home. Liz has some news I think youll like. I cast my own skeptical eye around the room. But youre right, Zack and I have a lot of cleaning up to do.
Evan shepherds everyone out, the vampires leaving with repeated offerings of thanks.
Then Zack and I are alone. I take stock of the mess were in. We have a secret lab in downtown San Diego filled with custom-made silver-lined coffins. We have one very dead transplant surgeon. And last, but not least, we have a sedated and critically ill famous artist. I walk over to where Dr. Barbara Pierces body is lying on the floor. Shes looking up at me, her face drained of color, her eyes empty, her neck grotesquely twisted, mangled by a dozen frenzied bite marks.
Its one thing for Isabella and Amy to come up with plausible cover stories. How are Zack and I ever going to come up with ours? I look over at Zack. Got any bright ideas, Mr. Handyman?
Hes at the sink. Hes just finished rinsing off his burned hands and is wrapping gauze around them. Now that we have a body to get rid of, she appreciates me.
We dont have much time. We cant leave Alan sitting in his office forever. Somebody from the foundation might come in and find him.
Zack joins me. Were now standing across from each other, Pierces body on the floor between us. Fast, foolproof, or free, he says. Pick two. You cant have all three.
Youre going to charge me? I ask.
Zack frowns. Dont be ridiculous. I can do free and foolproof, but its going to take some time. Or free and fast, but
I cut him off. I get it. We need a cleaner.
He nods. I know someone in the area, he says. I can call in a favor.
The tone of his voice tells me he will, but he doesnt really want to. I understand. Hes trying to leave his old life, his old contacts, behind.
Still, what choice do we have? I cant see any way out of the situation we find ourselves in.
I open my mouth to respond, but before I can make a sound, Zack holds up his hand to silence me.
I freeze.
He cocks his head slightly to the side and listens, his expression intent.
I listen, too, but I dont hear a thing.
In short order Zack points to his ear, holds up three fingers. I nod. There are three people outside. He points to me, to himself, then with both hands to the walls on either side of the entrance. I already have my gun out. Together, we move, swiftly, silently. My back is flush against the left side of the door, Zack is on the right. Im acutely aware Im not wearing Kevlar and try to remember the last time I discharged my weapon at the firing range. Its been a while.
I slowly release a breath and try to relax. My eyes connect with Zacks. He appears calm, confident. His stance is relaxed. He holds his weapon as if it were a natural extension of his body. He senses whats coming. Reflexively, his nose lifts, his nostrils flare, his eyes widen. I see the change in him, but not in enough time to react.
Next thing I know, Im pinned to the wall. My feet are barely touching the floor. My arms are being held high above my head.
By an extremely old and pissed-off vampire.
CHAPTER 22
This vampires strength is like none Ive ever encountered. The Glock falls from my hand and clatters to the floor. Before I can get a good look at him, his face is buried in the crook of my neck. His nose travels from the spot just behind my ear, to the top of my shoulder, skimming along the surface of my skin. He hesitates for a fraction of a second along the way, and I shudder. The involuntary response, a testament to his power and my fear, pleases him. I feel him smile against my collarbone.
He slowly pulls back, his face just inches from mine.
I realize Ive seen him before. Twice.
First at Lizs.
Then going into the Blood Eemporium in the Gaslamp District.
The man in black.
A Siren. Remarkable, he whispers, a quiet reverence to his tone.
That voice. A rumbling baritone. Familiar. Unmistakable. Simons boss.
Hes as tall as Zack, maybe slightly taller. His muscles are leaner, his face thinner, the cheekbones are more defined. Shoulder-length black hair hangs loose in waves framing his oval-shaped face and clear blue eyes.
My mouth is dry. He sees through the glamour. I swallow. You know what I am?
Behind me I hear Zack growling in frustration. Sounds of scuffling, as if hes fighting to be released. But I cant see him. My view is blocked by an expanse of chest covered in a very expensive black dress shirt under a leather jacket. The top two buttons of the shirt are open, hinting at the smooth, flawless chest beneath.
The vampires smile is bittersweet. A sister of yours made me happy once. But that was many, many years ago . . . and before I was turned. I am Kallistos.
Behind him, the struggling ceases. For a fraction of a second, everything is completely still. The name means nothing to me. Evidently it means something to Zack.
Kallistos Kouros, Sovereign of the Western Territory? he asks.
The one and only. The smile turns so bright it could light up a room. He exudes the kind of easy confidence possessed only by one comfortable with his power. Release him. Kallistos is speaking to someone else, but all of his attention is focused on me. His grip loosens on my hands and he gently lowers my arms to my side and takes a step back.
He tries to slip into my mind. I feel the long-reaching tendrils of his will searching for an opening. Hes very strong and very skilled, but a vampires thrall is no match for my own powers. He may be a tad over a thousand years old, but Im older and Ive had many years of practice. I deftly and unceremoniously push him out.
The force of my rejection is so strong it must feel like a slap in the face. I could have been gentler, kinder, used more finesse. But Kallistos needs to know when it comes to this, I have the upper hand, and always will. He doesnt try to push back. Not even a little. He accepts the boundary that Ive drawn. Its almost as if hes longed for it, for someone he cant readily control.
A wondrous and worthy opponent. His voice is low and deep. I love a woman who knows what she wants. Have dinner with me.
Well, that was unexpected.
Suddenly Zack and I are shoulder to shoulder. He hands me my gun and puts his arm possessively around my waist. My partner has plans.
Plans, Kallistos repeats. The word rolls off his tongue as if its foreign to him and hes testing it out. Men like Kallistos dont have to make plans. The world is at their disposal. Hes used to getting what he wants, when he wants it.
Thats right, Zack answers.
A slow, sardonic smile forms on Kallistos lips. Look at you, trying to mark your territory.
Zack doesnt rise to the bait. I dont consider Agent Monroe territory.
Kallistos leans in. The smile fades. Trust me, youd be better off if you did.
Which sister? I ask, moving so that I am between Zack and Kallistos. Which sister doesnt matter. Whether it was my older sister or my younger, I can guess the story. They fell in love. It didnt end happily ever after. I just want to put distance between him and Zack. I feel Zacks rage mounting.
Im not here to dredge up the past. Kallistos steps back, now flanked by the two other vampires hed brought with him.
Why are you here? I ask him.
The witch called me. She asked for my help. Her story piqued my interest, so I went to see her. Weve had a rash of missing vampires lately. While I was there, one of her spells kicked in. She was able to pinpoint Evans location. Here. She wanted to come with me but He looks around the room. I didnt know what wed find. I convinced her to wait.
Convinced? Compelled, most likely. You just missed Evan, I say. He should be home shortly.
Kallistos turns and surveys the room, taking in the disarray. There were others.
Six. Zack gestures to the coffins on the far side of the room. Two were completely desiccated. Evan said they were beyond help.
Kallistos crosses to one of the silver-lined tombs, opens the lid, then places his hands on the side and peers in. Smoke rises between his fingers. I smell his flesh burn, yet he doesnt flinch. She kept them in here?
Yes, Zack replies. Evan released them.
What they must have endured. And some say we are the monsters. His expression is a mixture of bewilderment and disgust.
His gaze sweeps the room. The ones Evan released, who were they?
Zacks crosses his arms. Hes being cooperative, but he isnt happy about the interrogation. No idea.
Kallistos walks over to Barbara Pierce. This one was responsible for their capture and containment?
Zack nods.
What happened to her?
Isabella Mancini killed her. When she woke, she was half mad from starvation and torture, I explain. There were two others we were able to save, an Amy Patterson and some kid named Owen Cooper. His expression changes ever so slightly when I mention the last name. Is it relief? I cant tell. No missing persons report on Cooper as far as I know. That name wasnt familiar.
Thats because he doesnt quite live in the mainstream. Amy Patterson. Isnt she the artist whos been missing? he asks.
I nod.
Kallistos points to the door Zack is standing in front of. Zack has his arms crossed over his chest, his expression stern.
Whos in there? I detected four heartbeats in the buildingthree on this floor, one on the main floor. From the way youre guarding the door, Im going to guess human.
Zack looks surprised that Kallistos was able to detect the number of heartbeats before even entering the room. I have heard that only the oldest and most powerful of vampires acquire the skill, but in my immortal life span, Ive never met one. No wonder Zack hasnt, either.
Before today.
I wonder what other tricks Kallistos has up his sleeve.
He had nothing to do with this, I say. Like the others, he was kidnapped and brought here against his will. Hes sick, dying, and hes come to peace with that. His lover hadnt. We need to get him to a hospital.
Kallistos eyes narrow. But what is he doing here, in this lab? Why were any of them here?
I realize he doesnt know about Pierces organ factory. I tell him, quickly, succinctly. How she was blackmailed and forced to harvest organs from humans for a black market transplant operation. How she came up with the idea of using vampires since, to her way of thinking, they were already dead. I relayed her discoveries. Vampires are universal donors, possessing organs that wont be rejected. Theyre capable of donating repeatedly, potentially endlessly. And then, finally, I told him about the silver, how she used it to subdue, restrain, and anesthetize her captives during surgery. How prolonged exposure to the silver appeared to be what caused the severe desiccation, the madness, the need for absolute death.
I expect an explosion of revulsion and rage. Instead his eyes are clouded with sadness. This is why we hide ourselves, our powers, our gift, he says. Perhaps someday when humans learn humanity, things will be different.
Kallistos removes his jacket, then begins to roll up his sleeves. We can avoid the hospital for this human. Out of my way.
I cross to stand beside Zack.
Hes not going to be turned, Zack tells him.
Kallistos isnt used to being told anything. That much is obvious. He doesnt react with anger, though. Instead his gaze turns to me.
I can help him. Surely, a soul as old as you, a creature with your amount of . . . experience . . . knows this.
I do know. Thats what makes this entire debacle even more tragic. I nod.
Kallistos turns to Zack. Move aside, dog.
Make me.
Kallistos grins and takes one step closer. I reach out, planting a hand firmly in the middle of his chest. This is unnecessary. Explain to him.
Several seconds pass. I hold my breath.
I have no intention of turning him, the vampire assures Zack.
Only he doesnt buy it. He continues to stand his ground.
I reach for Zacks arm. Trust him. The blood of an old one has the power to heal. A few sips of Kallistos blood and Michael will be cured.
Ive never heard
Trust me.
His lips press into a thin line. Youre certain? His hand is now poised on the doorknob. He looks at me expectantly. I know whats hes asking. His intent telegraphs itself as clearly as if hed spoken it aloud. He wants to know if I can read Kallistos, if its safe.
Yes, I say. Im sure. Absolutely sure.
The door opens. Kallistos pushes past. I turn to follow, sense Zack at my back. I turn, shake my head. No, you have to stay here.
Confusion clouds his face.
Please, I add. I dont want you caught in the wake of my powers. I need to read him alone. You need to trust me. I cant deal with both of you at the same time.
He looks ready to argue, but he holds his tongue.
Im sorry.
Zack takes my hand in his. I feel something cool and round press into it. His expression gives away nothing.
Be careful.
I give him a reassuring smile as I discreetly slide my hand into my pocket. Always.
Zack closes the door once I pass through and I lock it between us, leaning my head against it for an instant before a voice at my ear whispers in silky smoothness, If you wanted to be alone with me, all you had to do is ask.
Kallistos.
Hes behind me. Right behind me. So close, I feel the pulse of his breath against my neck.
The man has no respect for personal space. My spine stiffens. I turn to face him, push him away. The door is now at my back.
He steps close again, leans over me, one arm poised over my head. That door wont hold him. He can hear us, you know. Are you trying to purposefully drive your wolf wild?
What Im trying to do is find out how honest you are. How noble your intentions. I keep my voice steady, the tone professional.
Kallistos lowers his hand, draws a finger along the contours of my face, my lips, as if hes going to touch them. But he doesnt. My intentions are quite dishonorable, I can assure you.
Hes not talking about Dexter and we both know it.
What I wouldnt give to possess this mouth, he whispers, finger still poised over my lips. Along with the rest of you.
I push the finger away. You presume far too much, Mr. Kouros. You have nothing I want.
Oh no? I can give you what you crave, what you need. Anything you desire, save my heart. I made that mistake once. I can guarantee you, I will never make it again. We could have decades, centuries of pure, uncomplicated pleasure. No. Strings. Attached.
Ive been alive long enough to know there are always strings. I duck under his arm, moving away.
Kallistos smiles. I make you nervous.
Actually, youre making me impatient. Were wasting time. I gesture to Dexter, still and pale on the bed. If you arent going to help him, we need to get him to a hospital.
He spreads his arms wide. Lets get on with it, then. Youre here to ensure that Im not going to harm the human. Use your power to test me. Youll find you can trust me. Youll taste the truth in my statement.
We move to stand on opposite sides of the room, the bed containing an unconscious Michael Dexter between us. Suddenly my conviction wavers. I have never tested the powers of one so powerful. Am I about to test Kallistos, or is he about to test me? Is he counting on me to walk away rather than to risk our mutual exposure, or is he goading me into giving him what he wants, a glimpse of the real me? He knew a Siren once, my sister. He knows the danger, yet he invites me in. Why?
Kallistos gaze is haughty, as if he knows the battle Im fighting, as if he expects me to back down. I draw myself up, remember that I bested him just minutes before, and let the walls fall away, the doors to my power fly open. It happens in a rush, fast and furious. The heat rises around us, the wind that comes with it rages. It would knock a lesser vampire off his feet. Kallistos stands tall, feet firmly planted on the floor. The hem of his leather coat whips out behind him.
What do you plan to do to him? I shout out over the din of the storm Ive created.
Im going to give him blood. To stabilize him. To cure him. He will no longer need a hospital.
Why would you do this for a human you do not know?
I imagine he finds me impertinent, perhaps even insulting. So be it. There are things at stake that are more important than smoothing the feathers of a self-appointed sovereign.
But if hes insulted, he doesnt show it. Because I gave you my word. You said he wasnt at fault and . . . youre attached to him. Yes?
I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes. And when he is cured? What happens then?
My men will see him safely home. Hell remember none of this. I have no more desire than you to risk exposure. His tone is surprisingly calm and measured, with no hint of deceit.
Then hes right in front of me, his hands on my shoulders, his eyes boring into mine. Why hide who you are? he whispers. You could rule the world with your beauty, possess anything in it, anything but me.
Thats convenient, I mutter with a roll of my eyes. Since I dont want you. Now, getting back to Dexter
My breath catches midsentence. Kallistos movements are a blur. One hand behind my neck, the other moves to cup the side of my face. For an instant our eyes lock. I feel my heart beat faster.
Then his mouth is on mine. Hard, hot, and demanding. His lips part, his tongue slides inside my mouth. Something ignites. I feel myself relent, feel my heart beat faster, feel my blood turn to fire. I want to return the kiss and for the briefest moment, before I come back to my senses, I do. Wantonly. Wickedly. With uncontrolled abandon.
Stop. I wrench control back, reeling in my power more swiftly than ever before. I swear the air is momentarily sucked out of the room. The surge is so strong Im caught in it. I feel myself stagger back, light-headed, dizzy.
Kallistos doesnt move.
I raise my hand, intent on slapping the smug look right off his face.
He thwarts me, grabbing hold of my wrist.
Emma? Are you all right? Zacks voice through the door seems far away, distant.
I shake my head to clear it. Kallistos releases me. He makes no move to stop me as I turn to the door and fumble with the lock. But before I can open it, my legs momentarily give way. A strong arm encircles my waist and holds me steady.
Breathe, he says.
My cheek is pressed against something hard and cool.
Kallistos chest.
Its been far too long since youve so fully let it go. His lips graze the top of my head. Youve grown unused to it. Just ride it out. Youll be right as rain in a minute. Assure your wolfhound.
Im fine, Zack. The words fall unbidden from my lips. Kallistos is in my head. How can this be?
I move away, put distance between the vampire and myself until my head stops spinning. This time when I speak, its on my own. I face Kallistos. Take care of Dexter.
Then I turn my back on him, step again to the door. My hands are shaking, but when I try this time, the door opens. Theres a blast of cool air. Then Zacks arms are around me. I lean into him.
What happened? Zack asks.
He told the truth. He wont harm Dexter. My words sound hollow. I cant meet Zacks eyes.
Zack lifts my chin. I meant what happened to you.
One of Dexters monitors begins to beep. Its been disconnected. His IV lines have also been pulled out. Theyre draped over the bedside pole, contents from the bags drip onto the floor.
Kallistos holds his wrist to Dexters mouth. The smear of blood on his lower lip tells me he punctured his wrist with his own fangs. Dexter sucks hungrily at the blood, a reflex action over which he has no control. Kallistos strokes Dexters hair as he feeds, watching me.
When color returns to Dexters face, Kallistos calls out, Tony!
One of the two who came in with him comes to the door. Yes, sir?
The data? Kallistos asks.
Its all backed up on a server. Peter has control of it. There are a few handwritten notes. I have them boxed and ready to go.
Dexters eyes are closed, but his throat is still working. Kallistos gently disengages Dexters mouth from his wrist, then passes a hand over Dexters face. Dexter falls back onto the pillows, his face relaxed in sleep. Kallistos wounds close instantly, but not before leaving several bright red dots on the clean white bedsheets.
Kallistos turns to Tony. Use the van to take him home. Wait for him to come to, then make him forget what happened here.
The minion nods and steps toward the bed.
Kallistos exits and walks past Zack and me. He stops in front of the sink Zack used earlier and washes the remnants of blood from his wrist. Hes talking over his shoulder. Make sure you take the notes with you, Tony. Security is the priority. We dont want any loose ends.