Fanged & Fabulous ib-2 Read online

  I touched my neck again, but said nothing.

  Nicolai continued. “I don’t believe Thierry meant to drain my Elizabeth. If I thought him capable of such an act, I never would have left. But it was an accident. When I returned, she had been dead for a week.

  It is the greatest regret of my life.”

  I never would have believed what Nicolai said. Not if I hadn’t just witnessed a blood-crazed Thierry for myself. If Nicolai hadn’t been around to revive me, would I have died? Thierry would have been responsible for killing me. The thought sent a chill through my body.

  “What did he say to you when you got back?” I asked.

  “Nothing at all. He resigned from the Ring and simply left. My hate has subsided over all the years, but seeing him again affected me more than I ever would have believed. And to think that after all this time,

  he has finally found someone who cares about him as my Elizabeth cared for me.” His expression tensed.

  “I must admit it bothered me that he should be allowed that luxury.”

  Was this one of the reasons why Thierry was the way he was? So guarded? So restrained? Unable to share himself fully with another person? Because of this ton of guilt he carried around for killing a friend’s wife a hundred years ago?

  For what happened to him if he had a taste of blood?

  No. I couldn’t think about this now.

  “We were talking about Gideon and your plan,” I said before I paused for a moment. “I still want to help if I can.”

  He shook his head gravely. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

  “You said that there are people ready to grab him when he comes for me, right? That this would make a big difference to vampires—help them stop being hunted a bit. If I have a chance to do something to make that happen, then I can’t exactly turn my back on that.”

  “I don’t know, Sarah.”

  “This reputation of mine won’t last much longer. The truth will eventually get out. Gideon and the other hunters will see that I’m nothing special. So it’s now or never. Plus, if doing this will take the price off

  Thierry’s head, then I have to do it.”

  “You’re in love with him.” It wasn’t a question. “Even after what he just did to you. Even after what I just told you.”

  I swallowed hard and didn’t answer directly. “He can’t know I’m doing this. He can’t know about

  Gideon. Just grab him when you get the chance and then we can all try to live happily ever after.”

  “You are very brave.”

  “I’ve lost a great deal of blood, you know.”

  A small smile tugged at his lips, and he glanced again at my neck. “Vampires worldwide will thank you.”

  I sighed. “Just have them send flowers to the funeral. And listen,” I stood up from my chair and touched his arm. “I’m so sorry about what happened with your wife. Really.”

  He was still looking at my neck. His eyes appeared to darken a shade and he took a step closer to close the space between the two of us.

  The door to Haven opened up to my left and we both looked over. It was George.

  “Hey Sarah, how did your date go?”

  I exchanged a glance with Nicolai, who stepped away from me and looked over toward the empty bar.

  “It was so much fun that I might have to be hospitalized.”

  He nodded with approval. “Glad you had a good time. Where is the boss now?”

  “He had to leave.”

  “As I must, as well.” Nicolai stood up from his chair. “We will speak again very soon.”

  “Definitely.”

  With a last look at me, Nicolai turned and left the club.

  George looked over at the broken bottle of champagne on the floor. “Do I even want to know what happened here?”

  The phone began to ring.

  “Probably not.” I slipped behind the bar and picked up the phone. “Haven. Hello?”

  “Yes, I wish to speak to my husband,” a sexy, lilting, lightly French-accented voice said. “He’s not answering his cell phone.”

  “Veronique? This is Sarah. Thierry’s . . . out.” I adjusted my dress, noticing that there was a rip in my thigh-high nylons.

  “Oh, Sarah, my dear. You’re still there.”

  “Yes. It’s only been a day since you left.”

  “Are you well? You sound distraught.”

  “I do?” I reached over to pour myself a shot of B-positive and knocked it back. “That’s strange, since everything’s so incredibly wonderful around here. The fun never ends.”

  “You are sure?”

  “Quite sure.”

  “Very well, my dear. You have my number should you need to talk.”

  “Yes, I have it.”

  “Please let Thierry know that I called.”

  “Sure. Listen, Vee, can I ask you a question?”

  “Anything. I am an open book to aid those who need my advice.”

  “Thierry’s got a price on his head, right?”

  She hesitated. “Unfortunately this is very true. One of the reasons he is so conscious about keeping those close to him safe.”

  “I’ve heard some guy named Gideon Chase is responsible for it. Is that true? And would taking this guy out of the picture mean that Thierry’s life is a little easier?”

  “Gideon is a handsome, powerful man who indulges his sadistic pleasures. His family for generations has loved to bring any elder vampire down, and Thierry is unfortunately at the top of their list. So am I, for that matter.”

  A simple yes would have sufficed, but whatever.

  “Veronique—”

  She cut me off. “Dear, speaking of Gideon upsets me greatly. Could you please tell my husband I called? I must get back to the party.”

  There was a click as she hung up.

  That was rather rude. She could afford the long distance.

  “Okay, miss, if you would clear out of the way, I need to set up now.”

  I glanced up at a very tall vampire who looked pissed off that I was in his space.

  “Are you the new bartender?” I asked, feeling shaky from blood loss and information overload.

  “Move it.”

  “Geez. Okay.” I moved away from the bar. The rest of the employees began to arrive.

  “Where’s Barry tonight?” I asked George.

  “He asked for it off, Sarah. Again. Can you believe it? Which means more work for the rest of us. Note my lack of enthusiasm.”

  Barry wasn’t here again? What was he up to?

  He couldn’t be cheating. I didn’t believe it for a minute. But I had to find out what he was up to. If I could prove his innocence and get rid of Amy’s doubts about her diminutive husband, the guy would owe me. Plus, he might start liking me a bit. Since he was Thierry’s number-one advisor, it would be nice to have him on my side. Barry, more than anyone, could tell me all I ever needed to know about Thierry. If he was properly motivated, that is.

  I’d check him out tomorrow. I was going to find out the truth.

  “Sarah?” the sullen new bartender asked. “You’re Sarah Dearly?”

  “Guilty.”

  A big smile spread across his face. He came out from behind the bar and before I knew it he was shaking my hand vigorously. “Oh, my word! You’re the Slayer of Slayers I’ve been hearing so much about.”

  I glanced at George. “Really, it’s no big deal.”

  “No big deal, she says. No big deal? It’s a big deal. Sorry I was a little rude earlier. I didn’t know who you were! Gosh. The Slayer of Slayers. It’s a pleasure to be in your presence.” He didn’t let go of my hand. “Ooo. I can feel it. Your powerful vibe. It’s coming off you in waves. It gives me shivers. But in a good way.”

  “Um . . . ”

  He frowned. “What happened to your neck?”

  George looked at me curiously.

  I wrenched my hand away from the enthusiastic new bartender and covered up my neck. “Oh, it’s nothi
ng. Just a bruise. You know, with two deep puncture marks. Into my jugular. No biggie.”

  George pulled my hand away and inspected the wound. He frowned. “Sarah, honey, what happened?”

  I cleared my throat. “I fell on some barbecue prongs.”

  He looked so concerned that I started to feel uncomfortable. “Sarah, this is serious. What happened?”

  “It’s nothing. Just a little accident.”

  He glanced around the club. “Where is Mr. Barbecue Prongs, anyhow?”

  I waved my hand absently. “Gone. I don’t know. He’ll be back. I’m going to take off, too. I’m kind of tired and I think I may be a tad anemic. Big day tomorrow. Plus, I’d better take Barkley for a walk.”

  His expression didn’t change. “We’ll talk about this. Later.”

  I nodded with fake enthusiasm and then felt a little dizzy. “Sure. Sounds like a plan. Okay, I’m out of here.”

  I left Haven to find Lenny waiting outside scribbling in a notebook under a nearby streetlamp. He waved when he saw me. I walked toward him as briskly as my high heels would take me away from the relative safety of the club.

  Yeah. Where I’d just been nearly bled to death by my date who was also a confirmed murderer, where

  I’d volunteered to be bait to trap the leader of all hunters, and where I’d met my biggest fan.

  All in all, a productive evening, I’d say.

  Chapter 9

  Islept for more than twelve hours. When I woke up it was almost noon. I didn’t want to get up. I wanted to pull the covers up over my head like I did when I was a little girl and make the world go away.

  But it didn’t look like the world was going anywhere.

  George wasn’t home, but he’d left some nearly undrinkable coffee and half an apple danish. I ignored the pastry and filled a mug with the dark, lukewarm liquid, sipping it slowly while I mentally assessed my current problems.

  Thierry couldn’t find out what I’d agreed to do. If he knew what Nicolai’s plan was, then I was off to live in a nunnery as Sister Sarah.

  I had no idea where he’d gone last night. I grabbed the phone and dialed his cell phone number, but I hung up after the first ring. Later. I’d talk to him later.

  I touched my neck. The bite marks were still there. Strange that they hadn’t healed yet, since most of my cuts and scrapes were gone within hours lately.

  My wardrobe and everything I owned could now fit comfortably in two suitcases. From the small selection I picked out some black jeans, a white T-shirt, and the leather jacket from last night to wear.

  Ready for the day. Ready to face all challenges head-on. Fearless and self-assured. That was me. Bring it on. Come and get me, Gideon Chase.

  I stood in place staring at the front door for a good twenty minutes before I finally opened it and went outside.

  Lenny and Janie were waiting. Janie eyed my neck but didn’t say anything other than “Good morning.”

  “I don’t know about good, but it is a morning,” I replied. “Listen, if you’re willing to give me some of those self-defense lessons today that we talked about, I would be eternally grateful. And as a vampire, that isn’t just an empty promise.”

  She glanced at Lenny, then back at me. “Sure. No problem.”

  I’d decided that learning self-defense was now essential. I needed to feel more secure. Leaving my life in the hands of other people was not a good thing. And I needed to learn how to protect myself as soon as possible. At least a little. And though Quinn had offered his enthusiastic services to me, I would have to decline. Being around Quinn was extremely distracting. It wasn’t good for him or for me. Plus after what

  George had said about it looking like I was using him to make Thierry jealous, I thought I’d try to avoid the ex-hunter as much as possible. Because Iwasn’t using him. Unless I was doing it subconsciously. My subconscious was a very devious thing.

  And this had nothing to do with my dreaming about kissing him. Because that was just a dream. I wasn’t interested in Quinn. No way.

  I never bothered to consider the fact that being with Quinn would cause me way less stress and emotional pain than being with Thierry. Or that we might be better matched, from the fact that we’re both fledgling vampires, to our ages, to our interests. Or that it was strongly possible that I had made a mistake in choosing to be with my bloodthirsty boyfriend who had scared the crap out of me last night and seemed to have enough issues to open his own magazine stand.

  Nope. Hadn’t considered any of those things. Not at all.

  “When do you want to start?” Janie asked.

  “I have a little something I need to take care of first. But right after that would be perfect.”

  “After we take care of your chore do you mind if we grab some lunch?” she asked. “It’s very unprofessional, I know. But I’ve been working a couple jobs while I’m in town and haven’t had a chance to grab anything this morning. And if I’m going to teach you some self-defense, I’d prefer to have some protein first.”

  Lenny tucked his notebook into his jacket pocket. “I could have picked something up for you. Why didn’t you say something?”

  She shook her head. “You’re guarding Sarah. It’s okay. Really.”

  “Remember when you picked me up that BLT sandwich because you thought I looked hungry? That was really sweet. I could do that for you, too.”

  She smiled. “Lenny, why don’t you go get the car?”

  “Can do.” He nodded and jogged off down the street.

  I raised an eyebrow.

  “He’s got a bit of a crush on me,” she explained. “What can I say? I’m irresistible. And extremely hungry.”

  I’d decided that I liked Janie. We could probably become friends given enough time. And now she was going to teach me how to kick some ass. It was totally fate that she was hired as my bodyguard. Fate that I’d spilled a moccaccino on her expensive suede shoes.

  And speaking of fate, I had a promise to fulfill.

  When Lenny pulled the black sedan up to the curb, I instructed him on how to get to Amy’sMelrose

  Place - like building. She’d left a message that she was going to be out all day at the spa with her mother as an early birthday present. Her mother apparently had recently learned her daughter is a vampire and didn’t particularly mind since she was so excited about her little girl finally getting married.

  Sounded like the perfect time for a diminutive, tuxedo-wearing, ass-kissing vampire to get some hot afternoon lovin’.

  I squinted out of the backseat window of Lenny’s car, which was parked across the street from the flank of modest townhomes.

  Target: Barry Jordan.

  Height: Four feet and change.

  Charisma: Zero.

  The front door to the unit he and Amy shared opened, and a tall, beautiful redhead emerged into the sunshine and put on dark sunglasses. I could see Barry standing in the doorway, shielding his eyes from the intense sunlight. She kept talking to him for a minute. She had a briefcase under her arm. They laughed. Then she leaned over to give him a hug and she turned to walk away.

  The door closed.

  I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes. Amy’s suspicions were true!

  “I’ll be right back,” I said, then let myself out of the car to march right up to the front of the house and knock on the door. It opened after a moment.

  “Doris, did you forget something—?” Barry’s eyes widened when he saw it was me.

  “Doris, huh?”

  “Oh, no.” He tried to slam the door but I put my weight against it and slipped inside the apartment.

  I jabbed my finger at him. “You are in big trouble, little man.”

  He held up his hands. “This isn’t what it looks like.”

  “Oh? And what do you think it looks like?”

  He frowned at me. “What are you doing here, anyhow?”

  “Investigating your sorry little ass, that’s what I’m doing. And I was on your side! I wanted to pr
ove you were innocent. What do you think you’re doing, cheating on Amy? Do you have any idea how lucky you are she even realizes that you exist, let alone allowing you to put that diamond smear on her finger?”

  His eyes narrowed. “This is none of your business. You should go.”

  “Oh, we’re not at the club right now. So don’t even think you can boss me around. I want to know what you’re doing, and what that bimbo was doing here. Just gloss over the top. Leave out the gory details or

  I might throw up.”

  His face reddened. “You weren’t supposed to find out about this.”

  “Obviously.”

  He stared at me for another moment, his small fists clenched at his sides. And then he sighed. “Fine. But you better not tell Amy a thing.” He turned away and walked into the kitchen.

  “You have got to be kidding. You think I’m going to keep your seedy little secret?” I followed him. “I told her she never should have married you, you little—”

  There was a huge birthday cake on the kitchen counter and several flower arrangements. Three packages of balloons and a helium tank sat nearby.

  “I’m planning a surprise birthday party for her.” Barry glanced at all the stuff before glaring at me. “Doris is the event planner who’s helping me out. I want it to be really special since it’s Amy’s thirtieth and I know she’s a little upset about it.”

  I deflated. “Oh, Barry. You have my permission to think I’m a total idiot.”

  “Way ahead of you.”

  “I’m so sorry. I thought you were . . . ” I gritted my teeth.

  “Cheating?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “Well, yeah.”

  He shrugged. “I’m not.”

  I frowned. “So this is for a surprise party.”

  “That’s right.”

  “For my best friend.” My frown deepened. “That I haven’t heard anything about until now. Am I even invited?”

  He sighed. “Of course you’re invited. It’s 6:30 tomorrow night at Haven. The master is closing the club to anyone but invited guests.”

  Thierry knew. He didn’t mention it.