Fire Within

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

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

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

  Andreas shook his head. “None.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Andreas shook his head. “Nothing.”

  “So, where does that leave us?”

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

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

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

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

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

  Ari gave him a thin smile. “Maybe.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  “Having second thoughts?” she teased.

  * * *

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

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

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

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

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

  “Would he really think that? OK, considering vampire paranoia I suppose he might. But can’t we tell him I was afraid for you?”
/>
  Andreas grinned. “Not if you use that word. After what he has seen of you, I doubt he would believe you were afraid of anything. No, leave this to me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  “Do not fight this, Arianna.”

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

  Chapter Nine

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

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

  “Hey, Ari. It’s Russell.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  “Andreas’s office at the club.”

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

  Andreas was safely tucked away in his hidey-hole for the day. Ari needed time to deal with her client, check in with Ryan, and have a sit down talk with Claris. No way she was going to pursue this thinly disguised friendship with Andreas without warning her best friend. Ari owed her that. Maybe Claris could still bring her to her senses.

  * * *

  As Ari entered the touristy shop section of Olde Town, she thought about how she was going to explain what was happening with Andreas. She could hardly explain it to herself. One minute she was afraid his magic would overpower her, and the next he was kissing her neck, and she wasn’t thinking at all. Even if the power of the legend was at work here, Ari knew it went beyond a Goddess-blessed union. Their magics liked each other.

  As Ari crossed the street toward Basil & Sage, she considered Claris’s reaction. Hadn’t she warned Ari against seeing him from the first night they met? And after the split, she’d held Ari’s hand without once saying I told you so. She wouldn’t be thrilled.

  Ari had timed her arrival just right. Claris was hanging the “Out to Lunch” sign.

  “Hey! Come for lunch?” Claris locked the front door and ushered Ari into the rear kitchen area. “Lentil soup and turkey on wheat. I have plenty.”

  Ari never mentioned it around Claris, but her preferred food groups included junk food interspersed with the occasional big salad to sooth her conscience. Claris was a health nut. But the soup smelled good, and Ari realized she was hungry. “Yum, I think so. Count me in.”

  “Worked up quite an appetite myself,” Claris said. “Busy, busy morning. They’ve been streaming in the door today.”

  Claris’s herb and holistic medicine shop, which occupied the front half of the building, was a big attraction for both tourists and practitioners in the artsy, crafty part of Riverdale’s Olde Town district. The area, renovated to reflect its 1800s glory, spanned the banks of the Oak River and ended at the foot of the Otherworld nightlife district that wound up the hill to the upper cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Claris had been there four years now and had built a solid clientele. The back portion of the building and the second floor had been remodeled into a cozy residence. They were currently standing in her ground floor kitchen with its attached greenhouse on the back.

  Claris dished up the soup, while Ari pulled the sandwich fixings from the fridge. They chatted about the shop and the recent flood of customers, until they were well into the meal. Finally, they both fell silent.

  Ari set down her uneaten sandwich. “There’s something we need to talk about.”

  “Sounds serious.” Claris frowned at her friend’s expression. “Are you all right? Is someone sick?”

  “No, nothing like that. I’m fine.”

  “Then this has to be about Andreas.”

  Ari met Claris’s hazel-eyed gaze. “Why would you say that?”

  “Because I’m your best friend.” Claris
gave her a good-natured frown. “And I’m not stupid or blind. You told me you were working with him again, so what’s happened now?”

  “Someone tried to kill him yesterday. Shot at him. They missed, but for a while I thought he was dead.” Ari stopped, remembering those awful moments, unable to put that emptiness into words. She stared helplessly at her friend, watching the emotions chase across Claris’s face, from startled to suddenly filled with understanding.

  “My God,” Claris breathed. “You finally realized you’re in love with him.”

  Ari’s laugh was shaky. “I don’t think love’s the right word. But, there’s something.”

  “And you thought this would take me by surprise? Could have told you. I did tell you a year ago. You never listened.” Claris got up and went to the fridge for a couple of diet cokes. “So what about the legend, the dreams, the bond? You’ve been pretty freaked out about those. What happened to all that?”

  Ari shrugged. “I forget all that stuff when I’m with him. And when I’m alone, well, I still worry about it, but it helped when I found out he was worried too. He doesn’t like having me inside his head, either. And, well, Sebastian tried to bespell me and failed. After talking it over, I don’t think Andreas will try, but if he does… Oh, hell, Clare, maybe I’m kidding myself because I want it to be true.”

  “Maybe not. You’ve always had good instincts. Hon, I wish you two had never met, but it’s way too late for that. You should tell him how you feel.”

  Ari stared at her open-mouthed. “I can’t believe you said that. You told me not to see him again.”

  “And we know how well that worked. You stayed away from him for all the wrong reasons. The she-wolf’s death…he killed her to protect you.”

  Yeah, that was one explanation, Ari thought. Or maybe he’d wanted his own revenge. She might never know. Maybe it no longer mattered. If Claris wanted to make Andreas an unsung hero, that was fine with Ari.