 
# Bloodstorm

### Heart of a Vampire Book 1

## Amber Kallyn
Bloodstorm

Heart of a Vampire, Book 1

Copyright © 2012 Amber Kallyn

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Second Edition

Expanded & Revised Edition

Copyright © 2019 Amber Kallyn

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the author.

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All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Excerpt Hungerstorm

Heart of a Vampire, Book 2

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Expanded & Revised Edition Copyright © 2019 Amber Kallyn

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Cover art by: Dawné Dominique

Copyright © 2019

<http://dusktildawndesigns.com/>

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ISBN: 1499513186

ISBN-13: 9781499513189
_When duty forces a shaman to stop a vampire from her revenge, love doesn't just burn... it bites._

For two hundred years, Niki DeVeraux has hunted the monster who murdered her family, and made her a vampire. She finally catches up to her sire, only to face more than she bargained for. Local vampire clans don't care for rogues. And the local sheriff, too sexy for his own good, seems to want nothing more than to get in her way. Worse, he stirs something in Niki she's ignored since her turning, and forces her to remember she's not just a warrior, but a woman.

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Bound by his duties both as local Keeper of the Peace, and sheriff, Shane Spencer must protect humanity, while preventing the recent conflicts between the werewolves and vampires from becoming an all out blood war. When wolves start turning up dead, tensions between the pack and vampire clan grow. Suspicions fall to the only rogue in town, Niki. Yet, Shane knows she's not to blame. And it has nothing to do with the hot, primal emotions she stirs within him.

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Shane and Niki must work together to stop the bloodshed. Trouble is, the desires raging between them might prove more dangerous than the surrounding threats.

# Prologue

The pitch black tunnel, complete with crumbling dirt walls and cobwebs, didn't frighten Nicola DeVeraux.

The dark held nothing to fear.

She'd seen too many real monsters in the years since her death.

Besides, her night vision was as good as any normal human's would be in the bright light of day.

Niki delicately stepped over a skeleton, then around the grisly remains of a wild boar. At the far end of the tunnel, candlelight flared to life, as if welcoming her into the witch's den. She continued on, her boots stirring up dust. Ducked beneath the low arched entryway. Entered a small cave.

Walls glinted with a mix of crystalline dirt and flecked stone. The scent of a nearby spring layered heavy moisture in the air. In the center of the roomy area stood a long rectangular table, covered by black velvety cloth.

Strange items, some unrecognizable at first—or even second—glance, littered the top.

"Ye came."

Startled at the gravelly, androgynous voice suddenly behind her, Niki grabbed for the dagger at her waist, and spun around.

The old crone cackled, her grin nearly toothless. Stringy gray hair straggled around her dark, plump, wrinkled face.

Niki studied the old woman.

Unsurprisingly, she'd looked just as ancient a hundred years ago as she did now. Still chuckling, Jezamine glided to the table. "I didn't think ye'd answer my summons."

"You asked me to come, old woman. I assume there's a reason." Though the dark tunnel hadn't scared Niki, this witch did. She forced herself to take another step, deeper inside, though she continued to tightly grip the hilt of the still-sheathed dagger at her hip.

Losing her mirth in an instant, Jezamine suddenly demanded, her tone sharp, "What question do ye ask the gods?"

Ignoring the tension roiling in her stomach, Niki moved to the woman's side. "They're finally ready to answer me?"

"Ye know they take their time, girl." The old witch laughed again, but there was no amusement in it.

The sound sent skitters down Niki's spine. "You know my question. It hasn't changed." She breathed deep, focusing on the woman. Asked, for at least the hundredth time, "When will I finally find the man who murdered my family?"

Jezamine hovered one hand over the table. Sprightly snatched up a silver goblet. The rim of the cup was etched with strange, deep markings. She shook the cup three times, then dumped the contents into a circle made from small, round crystals.

Human finger bones clattered against one another.

Jezamine bent over the table to study the bones. "Hmm. Yes. Mmm." She poked at one, sticking above the others. "But what 'bout..."

Niki eased to sit on one of the dark wooden stools, at the far end of the table.

The witch sprung upright.

Silently stared at Niki with her fathomless dark eyes for a very long moment.

Then, her dark lips stretched in a grimacing smile. "It's nearly yer birthday. Samhain be a good day for birthin'."

Niki clenched her fists in her lap. "Not really."

Halloween was a cursed day to be born.

It had brought her nothing but pain. Brought her family nothing but death.

The old woman poked at the bones again. "Maybe. Hmm. Yes. Soon."

Barely restraining herself from jumping to her feet, rushing the woman and demanding answers, Niki managed a croaked, if hopeful, "Soon? Finally?"

Jezamine ignored her to continue staring at the bones. Then, once more, she stood up.

Studied Niki with that depthless, seemingly all-knowing, gaze. "Maybe ye be finding the monster ye seek. Maybe be getting some other kind of lucky." Her screeching laugh echoed from the cavern walls.

Shivers inched along Niki's spine. Flooded into her legs. Thankfully she was sitting down. "What do you mean, some other kind of lucky?"

Jezamine's dark eyes glittered. "Girl, I don't think ye want me telling. Don't think the Fates want me telling."

Of course not.

That would be too easy.

And fate was nothing if not capricious.

But...

"Then what about Thomas?" Niki's nails poked painfully into her palms as she focused—not on the past, or the horrid things that monster had done.

No.

Niki concentrated on the future taste of victory she'd feel, once she took his life.

Jezamine, as if reading her well, asked harshly, "Lil' girl. Why ye wanna spend all yer time tracking down pure evil?"

"Duty."

"Duty?"

Unable to hold back the flood this time, painful memories flooded Niki.

The Halloween ball.

Celebrating not just her seventeenth birthday, but her engagement as well. Her family's plantation, deep in the bayou, had rung with music and laughter.

At least until dawn arrived, the sun shining down on nothing but death.

Niki shook it off the best she could.

For now.

Then she repeated the only answer she had. "Duty. Thomas Montgomery owes me vengeance."

" 'Tis a fine line walked 'tween revenge and justice." Jezamine shook her head, the corners of her lips drooping in a frown. "Revenge could make yer soul dark as his."

"I don't care." In the far corner of the cave, wisps of white fog crept along the walls—whips few but Niki could see.

Soon, they would form into the shapes of those she loved, yet lost.

Those she fought for—the souls of the long dead.

Jumping to her feet, Niki turned away, determination surging through her veins. She asked the old woman, "Can you tell me anything else that might help?"

Jezamine walked around the table to face Niki, but her gaze sorrowfully took in the ghostly wisps along the edge of the cavern. Her voice was softer, holding a tinge of worry, as she said, " 'Ware child. He who turned ye may also be the cause of yer downfall."

Niki lifted her chin, facing down the words of concern.

She'd face down the very Fates themselves, if need be.

Her only response was one of bitterness. "As long as it's not until after I've killed him."

# Chapter 1

Shane Spencer finished the last of his beer, and set the empty mug on the table with a heavy sigh.

His deputy, Chase Campton, strode by. Slapped him on the back. "Another re-election year well done, Sheriff."

The small crowd in the bar cheered in reply.

Rae, one of the waitresses, slipped another full mug onto Shane's corner table. "Aye, sheriff. This one's on us, here at Henry's."

He tipped his head politely and plastered on a smile, unable to fully join in the spirit.

All day, something dark had been hanging over the town.

Not that anyone else sensed it.

The press of darkness left Shane restless, enough that his only thought was to head to his childhood home. On the edge of town, the house sat along the border of the Apache reservation, and Moss Creek, Arizona.

Shane's father, head shaman and seer, would know what this feeling meant.

Yet, as usual, doubt crept up inside Shane.

Questions, perpetually on his mind, whether he contemplated going home, or not.

How had the Fates passed over the eldest in their family line?

How could they have chosen Shane as their father's successor, rather than his older brother, Brian?

It had never happened before in their tribe's history.

Shane nursed his new beer.

Going home meant, most likely, running into Brian.

He wasn't sure he was up for that today.

Or anytime soon.

The front door banged open, letting in a cold autumn breeze that swirled the smoky air. A small woman followed it in, stopping just inside the bar.

A hum whispered in the back of Shane's mind. The air vibrated with unseen power. Even the deepest shadows shivered.

Everyone in the bar fell silent, turning nearly as one to look the woman's way.

Long black hair framed a pale face. Tumbled over her shoulders like silk. Head held high, she scanned the room with her bright green gaze. She passed over Shane without pause.

Only to snap her stare right back to him.

Something sizzled in his blood. Magic filled the room. The hairs on his forearms rose.

All others in this place fell away, forgotten.

Only the two of them existed.

Shane's heartbeat slowed. Skipped a beat. Then sped up like a racehorse barreling down a track. Caught in her strangely captivating gaze, he couldn't move.

The doorframe towered over her slight form. Yet her body was ripe, lush with curves. Tight blue jeans emphasized her hips, the narrowness of her waist. And the sleeveless white tank showed her breasts off to perfection.

Shane swallowed, though his mouth was suddenly dry.

Her eyes widened. Even over the distance of the room, he heard her soft, feminine gasp.

Palms slick, he set his beer mug back on the table.

His blood screamed primitive urges... lust fully demanding he drag her off to his cave.

He shook his head.

This wasn't like him.

Women, even the most beautiful, never affected him this way. He'd met with the rich and beautiful, including models and actresses galore, during his time in the big city.

Gathering the remaining shreds of his willpower, Shane closed his eyes. Called on the magic of his ancestors.

The spirits of the earth responded. Power surged through him. Magic prickled. Whispers, of the spirits in the nearby forests, filled Shane. Ignoring them to concentrate on what was here and now, he reopened his eyes.

Colorful hues surrounded everyone in the bar.

The woman's aura struck Shane like a punch to the gut.

A deep maroon, with flecks of black, revealed exactly what she was.

Vampire.

And certainly not local.

Shane blinked again, letting the auras fade.

The woman finally looked away. Took another step into the bar.

As quickly as it had hit, the captivating hold on him—and nearly every last one of his senses—dissipated.

The magical power surging through the room, from the woman, disappeared.

People began to talk and laugh again.

Everything within Shane surged, pushed at him to go over and talk to her. It was his duty after all, in multiple ways. A strange vampire suddenly in town.

Yet, he remained sitting there, quite stunned at the compelling interest rising in his gut.

What the hell kind of vampire was she, to cause such a ranging attraction? Such instant lust?

So much for his usual even-temperament, and hard-to-tempt palate.

Ignoring everyone, the woman strode to the bar, her glare shouting, _Don't mess with me_.

Though she didn't look old enough to drink, let alone be inside any bar in the first place, the bartender immediately poured her a shot of whiskey.

Shane would be talking to Henry about it later.

First, he needed to figure out what this vampire was doing in Moss Creek.

Sure, the small mountain town was a hub of paranormal activity, with the local vampire clan and the shifter pack both taking advantage of the surrounding nature.

But rogues generally tended to stay out of places dominated by orderly clans, knowing the structure and politics handed down by the Magic Council.

And the Council didn't like Rogues.

Neither did most clans.

Cupping the shot glass in her hands, the woman leaned towards Henry before the older man could walk away.

Shane tensed in his seat.

If this vampire was looking for a meal...

Henry murmured something.

The woman nodded abruptly. Disappointment flickered on her face. She downed her shot, then laid some money on the bar, before turning and striding out.

Shane waved to his deputy to come over. They'd follow her. See what she was up to.

Chase called back, "Just a minute, boss."

With a sigh, Shane stared at the door, worried.

Was this vampire the cause of the darkness pressing on his senses all day?

Even if she wasn't, what was a rogue doing in town?

The clan wouldn't be happy.

Worst of all, was the lingering warmth in the pit of Shane's stomach. The whispers of yearning still in his blood.

That piercing green gaze of hers had made him feel as if she'd somehow been able to see into his very soul.

Niki kept to the shadows of the forest as she skirted the parking lot. The only light came from a few dim bulbs along the building, and the blue neon sign on the roof, proclaiming someone called Henry owned this Spitfire Bar.

Senses alert, she quietly finished circling the parking area. Stopped near a clump of three trees on the other side. The trees marked a trail into the forest which she followed a short way, until coming to another large tree, this one marked with a painted red X.

How original. Yet this was where her contact had wanted to meet, so who was she to complain?

And, just like when she'd left a few minutes ago to check inside the bar, this place remained empty.

Was her contact a no-show?

It was nearly a half-hour later than their appointed time. Hell, Niki wasn't quite sure why she was still here.

If he hadn't promised such juicy information...

Her stomach grumbled lightly. She needed to eat soon. The blood she'd consumed earlier hadn't been enough.

Without both blood, and food, her strength would wane.

She couldn't afford that. Not now when she was, hopefully, so very close to her prey.

Finally.

So she'd give this snitch five more minutes.

Only three passed before the air whispered in the forest, behind her.

Niki turned, knife in hand, held down along her thigh.

"Lookin' for me?" a hoarse, husky whisper drifted out of the darkness.

"You Baal?" Niki tried not to snort. Sometimes vampires tried on grandioseness, as if eternal life made them superman.

Which, she guessed, in some ways it did.

The man replied, "Maybe. Depends. You got my money?"

"Sure. If you have the information you promised."

"Lemme see the cash first."

With her free hand, Niki slowly reached into one front jean pocket,, and pulled out four, one-hundred dollar bills.

Like a flash from the dark, the snitch closed in and tried to grab for it.

Niki held tight. "Information first."

The man stepped into a bit of moonlight, filtered through spreading tree branches above them.

With a sly grin, he stepped even closer. His eyes narrowed. Flushed blood red. Thin lips drew back, revealing two sharp fangs.

He chuckled cruelly. "Instead of information, maybe I got something else for you."

She merely sighed. "Let me guess. You're not going to give me the information. Assuming a creep like you even knows anything."

"Got that right." Confusion twisted his pale features, as if he didn't quite follow. Then he grinned again. "But you sure gonna give me something. Ain't just money, either."

Never trust a snitch.

Shaking her head, Niki tucked the bills back in her pocket. "Let's get on with it then."

Baal's grin twitched. His eyes flickered, following the money. Then he shook himself, confidence surging back.

She tightened her grip on her dagger. Watched him. Waiting.

He lunged.

Niki used his momentum to spin them both. She flung him against the trunk of the nearest tree.

His head slammed against the painted red X.

"Damn it," he yelled, quickly recovering and charging her again.

She waited until he was close, then rammed her knee into his groin.

Not even vampires were immune to that pain.

The snitch dropped, screaming obscenities on his way down.

Slamming her boot onto his shoulder, Niki pushed him back onto the leaf-strewn ground—only a bit harder than necessary.

Bending over the sobbing guy, she stared hard, while letting the blade of her dagger wink in the moonlight.

Slow and soft, she told him, "You know, it puts me in a bad mood when someone tries to screw with me. Now, here are your choices. You want to live, or die?" She smiled. "Permanently."

Shuddering, he replied in a choked voice, "I-I got information."

"Good boy. Go ahead. Tell me. Maybe I'll give you the money and let you crawl away."

"H-he's here. In town. But sometimes he goes down to the city. But he always comes back."

"Where in town?"

The snitch shook his head. "Dunno."

Niki waved her knife. Growled, "Where?"

"Dunno. Swear I don't. I've not been told."

She pressed her boot harder into his shoulder.

He screeched.

Distant, but too close for comfort, the bar door slammed open. Voices carried on the wind. Police radios crackled as a man demanded backup.

A large shadow flew from the trees. Smacked into Niki.

She hit the ground, already tucking and rolling. Jumping back to her feet, she held her knife front and ready.

Assessed the slight change in the situation.

Baal stood as well, though he wavered a bit. " 'Bout time. You're late."

The new guy grunted and bared his fangs.

Neither would be of much threat.

Niki taunted, "Aw. How sweet. Takes two of you, huh? Guess you're each just half a man by yourselves."

In the bar's parking lot, voices rose in argument.

Cops. One wanting to follow the sounds of the fight, the other arguing they should wait for backup.

The vampires took the opportunity to rush Niki.

She ducked beneath swinging fists and grasping fingers. Not quite fast enough to dodge one of the numerous blows completely.

Nails sliced her cheek.

The tangy scent of blood welled into the air.

With quick fists, she rabbit punched Baal's gut, sending him to his knees. Spun and kicked his friend. The newcomer stumbled back.

Both quickly rose once more, eyes hot with fury, as they attacked her again.

They fought, moving deeper into the trees, away from the bar and the humans who would soon interfere.

Niki slashed out with her dagger.

The new guy screamed to her satisfaction.

In the parking lot, the cops quit arguing. Footsteps slapped pavement, rushing toward the forest. Their steps were slow compared to the speed of this fight, but they'd be there soon enough.

Things needed to end quickly.

Niki certainly didn't need the deaths of some small town cops on her conscience.

Power, and the thrill of the fight, fired her blood. Her vision grew sharp. Her canines descended.

Grinning at the men, she allowed her fangs to flash.

Baal blanched. "Y-you didn't say you was a vampire too."

Niki silently continued to grin.

When he stumbled over a tree root, she darted close. Slashed her blade towards his throat—hard enough to cut, but not kill.

Not someone like _them_.

He clawed for her arm, but Niki didn't miss.

A sweet coppery tang bathed the air.

Baal clutched his throat, eyes wide with terror, and sank to his knees.

Idiot.

Couldn't he tell the wound wasn't mortal?

Not that she had time to pay it any mind. The other guy jumped back into the party with a roar.

He slipped past her defenses. Slammed a fist into the side of her head, hard enough to knock her back a couple feet. Her ears rang, sharp and piercing.

Ignoring the pain, Niki stepped back into his space. "Bastard," she hissed, and punched him in the face.

He flew back. Fell to the ground with a loud thump. Moaning loudly, he clutched at his nose.

Niki assessed them.

As she'd thought, these weaklings were no match for her.

Nothing like the ultimate monster she hunted.

The cops crashed through the forest, drawing closer.

Both vampires slowly rose to their feet, facing Niki.

Rage flushed their faces, their crimson stares.

She doubted they had additional information—and she'd not get it now, even if they did know more.

With a silent sigh, she reached down. Drew a second, longer blade from her boot. "I suggest you run," she quietly told them, hefting the blade in her expert grip.

Both vampires laughed.

Fine.

She'd do it the hard way.

Bracing herself, she spun, kicking high. Her boot slammed into the snitch's head.

He sprawled backwards and crashed into another tree. Something cracked—him or wood, she didn't know.

Blades flashing, she sliced at the other guy's chest.

The scent of blood soaked the air.

Someone else shouted right behind them.

Air rushed through the trees, knocking Niki backwards, away from the others. A snaking vine tangled her feet together. It crept up her legs and yanked them tight.

Niki hacked at the vine with her dagger until it disintegrated.

The man she'd seen earlier in the bar stood between her, and the other two vampires.

She met his gaze.

Once more nearly stumbled at the intensity of strange—uncomfortable—sensations strumming along her nerves.

Somehow, weakening her knees.

The man once again waved his hands in weird, symbol-like gestures.

A mage, then?

On the other side of him, the vamps were clawing at their own vines. They both managed to get free, and sent her heated glares promising retribution, before they melded into the shadows.

Niki turned to leave, too. Low hanging branches swung together, blocking her way. Casually, she turned. "That won't stop me."

The man's brows drew together above dark, narrowed eyes. "No?"

Leaves rustled. Niki found herself in the center of a leafy cocoon, branches and vines caging her in.

Anger tinged his voice, harsh and unbending. "Too bad your kind can't shift like in the myths. I bet a bat could get out of there, but not much else."

She inched her long, silver dagger up, slicing through the cage with its magic. The branches finally fell open. Niki stepped free.

His dark eyes glowed golden with anger and frustration, but not surprise.

As Niki stared at him, time seemed to slow, just like it had in the bar.

Chocolate colored hair flowed down his back. It was loose, but for a small braid at his left temple. It framed a face carved from granite—high, prominent cheekbones, straight, almost hawkish nose, square chin. The only softness in his face came from those gold eyes, and his wide, expressive mouth.

Something inside Niki warmed.

Blinking in surprise, she ignored the strangeness. She hadn't felt stirred this way in centuries.

Certainly, this man shouldn't be able to affect her.

Not like this.

Mage?

Perhaps.

But that didn't explain anything.

Leaves crunched nearby. A twig snapped, the crack echoing.

A uniformed cop stumbled from the trees, tripping over an exposed root. "Sheriff?" he called.

The sheriff glanced at the new guy.

As their eye-contact broke, energy moved through Niki once more. Disturbed—confused—she didn't look back as she raced into the forest and its shadows.

Behind her, both men cursed.

She soon left them far behind.

Though she relished the freedom of running through the trees at night, there were more important things to focus on right now.

Like figuring out how to find where Thomas was hiding.

Then, she could kill the man who'd destroyed every ounce of peace and happiness she'd ever known.

The man who'd made her into the monster she was now.

# Chapter 2

Shane led the way back to the bar's parking lot.

The entire walk, his deputy went on and on about the woman in the forest. "How could someone so pretty be such trouble?" Chase finally lamented.

"Because she's a vampire, that's why."

That straightened Chase up a little. "One of MacDougal's?"

"Doubtful, the way she behaved. Most likely a rogue."

Chase whistled. "Well that ain't good. Those kind get up to all sorts of mischief."

Vampires belonging to the local clan usually weren't a problem. Their Master made sure they ate plenty, since lack of real food could make one as crazed with hunger as the lack of blood. MacDougal also kept them supplied with plenty of blood from the local hospital's blood bank.

But rogues didn't have anyone to provide for them.

Or keep them from deciding to snack on any nearby humans.

And, there were plenty of rogues who'd kept to historical ideals—viewing humanity as nothing more than cattle for the taking.

Hell, Shane had recently heard of one vampire, who'd forsaken food, living on nothing but blood.

Only to lose the last remnants of his humanity, becoming a true monster of the dark. At least, until he'd been put down by the Magic Council.

All Shane said was, " _Mischief_ isn't the word I would use."

They crossed the parking lot, heading for their cars.

The radio at Shane's belt crackled and their dispatcher came on. "Sheriff? You there?"

He unclipped the radio. Hit the button. "What do you need, Becky?"

"There's been a call from Drayton's Pharmacy. He's got trouble."

"Of course he does. What's the problem this time?"

"Didn't say."

"Fine. I'm at Henry's Bar with Chase. We'll head on over to the pharmacy now."

The line filled with static, then Becky added, "Drayton was pretty worked up."

Friday night wouldn't be complete without a call from the crabby old man—about rowdy teenagers, or anything else he felt deserved complaining about.

"Let him know we're on the way." Shane glanced at Chase.

His deputy frowned, eyelids drooping.

Shane felt as tired as the other man looked. But duty called. "The quicker we're done, the faster we can get home, and to our beds."

He waited as Chase headed for his Camaro and started the engine. The deputy waved on his way out of the parking lot.

Shane got in his pick-up truck. Slid the key in the ignition. But before starting the engine, he sat back.

His thoughts turned to the woman.

A vampire, he reminded himself.

There'd been something about her he couldn't push past.

His grandfather would have said it was fate. Grandfather had seen signs in everything. Even Shane's dad would tell him to look deeper into it.

Find out more.

He snorted.

She was a vampire.

It didn't matter he'd felt a strong, unyielding pull towards her.

She was off limits.

Shane had enough trouble on his hands trying to keep the peace between the local Arcaine—primarily the vampires and the shifters—without becoming interested in one of them.

He finally started his truck. The rumble of the engine sent a small flock of bats from the nearby trees into flight.

Damn.

Perhaps it was some strange magic. Something he'd never heard of before.

Or the beer.

Hell, his reaction could've been because of the heaviness he'd felt all day.

Maybe he just needed some sleep.

Not that he'd be getting rest any time soon. Drayton would draw things out as long as the old miser could. Putting his truck in drive, Shane took the highway into town, unable to ignore thoughts of the beautiful stranger.

On Main Street, he headed to pharmacy. Parked out front.

Chase was already talking to Drayton, trying to calm the pharmacist down. But his deputy had a wide-eyed look Shane didn't like.

He grabbed his khaki uniform shirt and pulled it on, buttoning it up, then stepped from his truck. Buckled his utility belt around his waist. Tucking his shirt into his jeans, Shane strode over to the men.

Peter Drayton wrung his hands together in front of his bulging belly. He turned to Shane. "Sheriff. You must check it out. Really. You need to do something." The short, round man stepped closer.

Too close.

Shane glanced at Chase, who rolled his eyes.

Trying to sound sympathetic, Shane asked, "What's the problem?" He bit off the words 'this time'.

Drayton pointed to the side of the building. "It's in the alley. Some god-awful sounds, like someone was fighting. But it wasn't animals, even though it sounded like animals. I tell you, you must do something."

Shane nodded dutifully. "I'll go check it out. You head back inside. Deputy Campton will take your statement, all right?"

"Don't patronize me, just because you're all newly elected. Again."

Shane held back a laugh. "I know. You voted for Herman. I'll go check the alley for you."

Drayton's cheeks flushed, his gaze narrowed, but he stormed back into the store.

"Get his statement," Shane told his deputy. "I'll see whatever there is to see."

Chase glanced around uneasily. "You sure you don't want me backing you up?"

"It was probably some stray cats having a go at it. If I need you, I'll radio."

With a shake of his head, Chase followed the pharmacist.

Shane grabbed the flashlight from the loop on his belt, then headed toward the alley.

He wasn't stupid.

No matter how silly Drayton's calls always were, one thing Shane had learned during his time in the city was to always act like you were headed into a fight.

With that thought, he unsnapped the strap across the butt of his gun.

His back to the wall, Shane stopped at the corner.

He took a quick look into the alley.

Nothing.

Slowly, he continued on, into the shadows.

The pharmacy's back door and part of the dumpster were illuminated by a single bare bulb. The rest of the alley lay in varying degrees of darkness.

He blinked, letting his vision pick up the auras everywhere. Colors melded together. Nature's earthy tones.

A small, bright shape darted from shadow to shadow.

Cat.

On the fence separating the alley from the back of the supermarket, two darker shadows took human shape.

No life remained in the bodies.

Drawing his gun, Shane soundlessly stepped deeper into the alley, searching for anyone living—or undead—nearby.

Nothing.

Reaching the bodies, he let his vision fade back to normal.

Clicked on the flashlight.

Braced himself, then shone the light on the bodies.

They'd been strung up against the wooden fence. Ropes kept them in position. The woman faced the male with her chin tipped up, so their faces nearly touched, as if they were lovers about to kiss.

Steps came around the building, heading Shane's way.

He spun, tensing.

Officer Zach Miller, no more than nineteen and barely out of the academy, came around the corner.

Light hit Shane's eyes, blinding him for a second.

Miller stopped, mumbling an apology, and turned the light away. It shone on the fence, spot-lighting the two dead bodies.

The kid gasped air like a fish on land.

Shane wished Chase hadn't called for backup, especially not this youth. Reholstering his gun, he said softly, "Go help Deputy Campton get a statement from Drayton."

Miller swallowed loudly. His flashlight shook, swinging from the bodies to cross the ground in shaky circles.

"Kid? Zach?"

The boy finally looked up.

Holding his gaze, Shane instructed, "Go help Campton get a statement from the pharmacist."

"Um. Yeah. I mean, yes, sir." He raced back out of the alley and around the corner.

Shaking his head, Shane clicked his flashlight off and slid it back into the loop on his belt.

Breathing deep, centering himself, he rubbed his hands together.

" _Ya'áí_ ," he called in Apache.

A glowing orb rose from his palms and hovered in the air just above his shoulder. It lit the alley with a soft light.

Shane drew closer to the bodies.

Studied their faces.

Death stripped personality from everyone it claimed. These two were no different, their slack features expressionless. Almost wax-like. It always disturbed him on the deepest levels of his soul.

He didn't recognize either of them.

But the man... "Son of a bitch."

His glowing orb of light flickered dimly.

Damn it all.

"Hey, boss." Campton stepped into the alley. The deputy studied the bodies, his mouth thin. "Both out-of-towners?"

"Yup."

"Vampire bites. MacDougal doesn't let any of his clan kill humans."

Shane waved at the fence. "Take a closer look at the male."

Campton leaned in closer. "What am I looking for?"

Shane rubbed the scruff on his chin. "Shifter."

A vampire attack on a shifter.

The truce between the local clan and pack was already fragile. Lately, tensions had everyone on edge.

This could cause an all-out blood war, the Arcaine fighting until all were dead. Including any innocent mortals who got in the way.

"Well, dayum," Campton replied.

Shane turned to stare up at the nearly full moon, his thoughts running. "Call Greg Hanson. He can take pictures of the scene so we can untie the bodies. Then he can get them to the morgue."

As Campton pulled out his cell phone to make the call, Shane studied the night around the scene.

If this wasn't MacDougal's clan, which he felt certain...

He knew of only one rogue vampire in town recently.

The woman from the forest.

And didn't that just make his damn night.

Niki had left the forest around the bar and headed back to town, only to pick up the snitch's scent, if faintly.

With nothing better to do, she followed it.

Meeting up with Baal and his friend again would let her double-check, make sure there wasn't any information they were holding back.

It was, after all, aggravating to come so close, and yet, still be so very far from her true quarry.

She headed deeper into the sleepy mountain town. Until the wind brought her a rotten, blood-soaked stench.

Once she knew well.

The stench of her prey.

Thomas Montgomery.

Like usual, his scent led to death.

Keeping to the shadows, she surveyed the alley. The disturbing sheriff—now obvious with the tan, khaki shirt he'd put on at some point—stood with two deputies.

An older man knelt, taking pictures of the dead from all angles.

Coroner?

With vision better than any bird of prey, Niki stared at the bites on the victims' necks. The woman had been bitten cleanly, her blood drained based on the paleness of her skin.

But the male...

The raggedness of the bites, too many to count, and covering far more than just his neck, showed there had been some sort of fight.

Even if it'd most likely been one sided.

Niki breathed deep, drawing in the scents nearby. Sure enough, she smelled wolf from the victim.

Few, even a shifter, could fight against a Master vampire as strong as Thomas.

In the alley, the older man stood, lowering his camera. He said to the sheriff, "You know, this might be the straw, Shane."

"Yeah." Bitterness colored the sheriff's—Shane's—voice. "If the shifters don't retaliate..."

Startled, Niki once more studied the dead man.

There was nothing obvious that he'd been anything other than human.

Yet the sheriff knew.

Just as he'd marked _her_ , earlier at the bar.

How?

Sure, he had magic, but that didn't explain...

The sheriff shook his head. "Holding things to a simmer has been hard enough. If the shifters look for war because of this, the town will be right in the middle."

"Better figure out how to stop things, fast," the old man replied, returning to his camera.

Sarcasm colored the sheriff's voice. "Just gotta love both my jobs, some days."

Niki stiffened, pressing against the brick wall at her back, hiding deeper in the shadows.

His _jobs_?

Sheriff and _what_ , then?

He wasn't Arcaine, not that she could tell, yet he'd known her—and the dead man—instantly.

The easiest explanation that fit was one she fervently hoped was wrong.

Unfortunately, Niki feared this man must be a Keeper.

One appointed by who-the-hell-knew, to keep the peace between the paranormal Arcaine races.

Staring at the sheriff, she tried to think how this would affect her plans for killing Thomas.

She might hate being called a Rogue.

But to the Council and their guard dogs, like the Keepers, along with any local clans, that's exactly what Niki was.

With no sire to claim her—Thomas would never bother with such a thing... especially considering he wanted to kill Niki, nearly as much as she yearned to kill him—and no clan for protection, she had no recourse against anything others might try to do to her.

Other than herself, anyway.

So far, she'd done pretty damn good.

But right now, Niki had to remember she was in a clan's territory.

If _they_ were behind this attack, the local Master could easily toss all the blame at her.

Clan, or Keeper, any would be within rights to try executing her.

The older man shook his head at the bodies, snapped a few more pictures. Asked, "What do you plan to do, then?"

Shane closed his eyes. Pressed his knuckles to his forehead as if thinking. After a minute, he finally replied with certainty, "MacDougal wouldn't condone this."

The deputy from the bar spoke up. "What about that pretty little rogue we saw earlier?"

Niki's jaw tightened.

Here it was.

Scapegoat time.

The sheriff shrugged with an absent nod. "I need to talk to MacDougal. If it's the woman we saw earlier, he'll help us deal with her. I'd also like to see if he has any ideas about what's going on here lately."

The old man lifted the camera strap over his neck. Nestled the bulky camera in a large, padded bag on the ground, near the building opposite the bodies. "All set."

Shane and his deputy quickly cut the ropes, then gently, and surprising to Niki, empathetically and reverently, lay both of the dead on tarps, spread over the ground.

The older man left, returning with a gurney and yet another deputy. While the two deputies began to load and remove the bodies, one by one, from the alleyway, the old man pulled the sheriff aside.

Unfortunately, it was in Niki's direction.

At the edges of her senses she smelled the sheriff—smoke and spice and forest and a bite of soap. She gritted her teeth at the flutters rising in her belly.

Pressed tighter against the wall, deeper in the thick shadows, and held her breath.

Debated whether to leave and come back later, or stay.

It looked like things were nearly wrapped up here. She's get her chance to study the scene up close—and alone.

Besides, if she ran now, a part of her would call her _coward_.

She wouldn't be running from the uncomfortable, blooming warmth this Shane seemed to spark within her.

But a part of her thought so.

Niki wasn't a coward. She refused to act like one.

She remained still, waiting, watching. Listening.

The old guy shook his head. "You know as well as I, if you take this to MacDougal, but the woman you told me about is innocent, she could still be put to death just for being in the Master's territory."

Shane shrugged, though his brow slightly creased, as if he were considering the old man's words. "Not if she followed protocol, and is here with MacDougal's permission. Besides, she's a vampire. She's not innocent, whether responsible for these two murders, or not."

Niki's blood cooled at the insult.

So he was _that_ type of Keeper?

No surprise.

She'd met far too many people like him before.

Someone who held to the Council laws, kept the peace between Arcaine races... All the while considering each and every one of them a monster.

Could her night get any worse?

The old man slapped Shane upside the head, hard enough for the crack to reverberate—if not nearly as hard as Niki would've liked to do.

Shaking his head in disappointment, the elder grumbled, "I know you know better than that. Boy, you better get over the chip you're hauling around lately. The Fates chose you. Your brother—"

"Has nothing to do with anything," Shane interrupted.

The old man rocked back. "Tell me your sister doesn't have anything to do with it either."

The sheriff didn't say anything, but his lips tightened. His golden eyes glowed bright and fierce.

"That's what I thought." He sighed heavily. "Glory has the right to make her own decisions, boy."

Niki's curiosity rose.

What exactly was this sister's choice the sheriff so obviously didn't like?

"Not this choice," Shane grumbled, scowling darkly.

"Stubborn boy." The old man looked at him slyly. "I ought to call your parents."

Shane's mouth dropped open. A flush darkly spread up his neck, his sharp cheeks.

For some reason, Niki found it uncomfortably.... endearing.

Damn it.

She would control her hormones.

After all, how could she find anyone attractive who thought her nothing more than a monster?

He was an ass.

On top of it, a Keeper.

She had no right finding him... interesting.

The deputies returned to announce both bodies were loaded in the coroner's van, and ready to go.

The old man thanked them, waved them back out of the alley, then resumed his conversation with the sheriff. His voice was gruff as he stated, "You need to get over it. Otherwise, you won't be able to do your job. Any of them."

Shane replied gravelly, "I'll do what needs to be done."

"I could smack you again. Harder this time."

"You mean you're not going to?" Shane grinned slightly.

Niki noticed he had a dimple on the left side of his mouth.

The old man shook his head, but his eyes held an amused twinkle. "Insufferable. Ever since you came back from hightailing it off to the big city. Completely insufferable."

Shane lifted a shoulder. "I told you I'll do my jobs. All of them."

The old man stepped closer, his amusement fading. "I hope so. Because if you can't, what'll happen to this town?" With that dire question, he strode out of the alley, leaving Shane alone.

Every fiber of Niki's being suddenly screamed at her to leave.

And now.

There were other places she could look for Thomas.

But, she reminded herself, the sheriff would be gone soon. Then she could examine the alley.

Hopefully find a clue to tracking down the one she hunted.

Except, instead of leaving, Shane turned to stared in her direction. "We're alone now. You might as well come out. Unless you're planning on attacking?"

Stunned, Niki stared at the man who could sense a vampire.

He didn't look away, didn't move. Tense, his muscles tight, a scowl darkened his features with predatory intent.

There was no way he could see her.

No way.

Still, he knew she was there.

A damned Keepers powers.

Time ticked with straining weight.

Neither spoke.

Neither moved.

Shane finally took a step forward. Energy sparked through the alley. He harshly demanded, "Does this mean you are planning to attack?"

With a sigh, Niki gathered the confusing sparks of attraction inside of her. Shoved them down deep, where they could—mostly—be ignored.

_Not a coward_ , she reminded herself, again.

Stepping forward, she left the protective shadows for the revealing moonlight.

# Chapter 3

When the shadows in front of Shane finally stirred, he prepared himself. Gathered his magic, connecting to the earth beneath his boots.

All he could see was the blurry aura of vampire maroon flecked with black.

But was it friend, or foe?

He stiffened as the woman from earlier revealed herself.

As had happened then, something stirred within Shane once more. An intense interest.

Centered on her.

And not as a murder suspect.

He had to wonder just how long she'd been there. With his concentration on the crime scene, he'd not noticed her aura until just before the Doc left.

Which only pissed him off.

Not even the exhaustion clinging to him was excuse for letting his guard down so badly.

Yet, seeing her here, Shane felt like he should have been surprised.

Somehow, he wasn't.

His gut also stirred with some suspicion. The very fact she _was_ here pointed to some sort of connection to the events.

Still, Shane said nothing as she sauntered a little closer.

Her green gaze drifted over the fence, where the bodies had hung, before locking onto him. "Sherriff." Her voice was soft, with a slight lilt he couldn't place.

She continued to stir something warm deep inside of him.

So, his reaction in the bar hadn't been just his imagination.

It made him uneasy.

And pissed him off, even more.

Was this vampire using her strange wiles, some strange sort of powerful magic, to tap into his desire?

Well, he'd not have it.

His concentration was only for his job. Not this strange, compelling woman in front of him. Harsher than he'd intended, Shane bit out, "Another crime scene and here you are. This time, you won't disappear before I question you. Or arrest you, if necessary."

She smiled slightly. An inner light shone from her laughing green eyes and enhanced her captivating beauty. "Arrest me? For what? There was no crime earlier. And I didn't do this."

Shane contained his anger—the building desire wasn't so easy to ignore—and studied the woman.

Logic was needed here.

Scratching at the stubble on his chin, he thought things through.

Logic.

He'd wait for the Doc's official report. But with Drayton's report of hearing fighting, odds were the two had died around the time Shane—and this woman—had been in the forest near the bar.

He didn't think she had done this.

But that didn't mean she was innocent.

Or that he'd let his guard down.

Shane asked, a little softer, "What's your name?"

Her smile dimmed. "Nicola DeVeraux. And you're Shane."

So, not only had she been watching, she'd eavesdropped as well. "Why are you in Moss Creek, Miss DeVeraux?"

"Call me Niki, Sheriff. I don't bite." She grinned, the tips of her retracted canines visible.

He found it sexily distracting. So much so, the conflict within him tangled tighter. "You find death amusing?" he growled, annoyed at her teasing.

Worse, his senses were locked on to her. His gut continued to heat with wanting this woman—a stranger, a suspect, a vampire.

He gritted his jaw. His temper spiked. He didn't lose control like this.

Ever.

In response to his harshness, her eyes narrowed, thin bands of red encircling the green. "No. I don't find death amusing. At all."

"Then why are you here?"

"Old business." Her gaze once more darted to the fence, where the bodies had been strung.

Shane watched her, ready for any vampire tricks. "I'm not asking as sheriff."

"I know." Her voice, soft, tinged with sadness, slid through him silkily. "You're obviously a Keeper for the Magic Council. But I don't answer to you."

Was she trying to antagonize him?

Hackles rising, Shane took a deep breath. Control was everything and right now, his was slipping. "Then tell me who your sire is. I'll bring up the matter with him."

She scowled, her fangs extending to curve over her lower lip. "He wouldn't claim me. Nor would I want him to, even if you _could_ manage to track him down."

Shane watched her closely. "Do you have the clan's permission to be in their territory?"

Stressed emotions washed over her expressive face. "If I don't?"

His anger faded a little. She couldn't completely hide her uneasiness. "It's a dangerous game you play."

Niki shrugged. She strode to the fence and laid her hand against the wood. "Look, you have a problem here. It isn't me. And, sorry to say, even as a Keeper, you may not be able to handle it. So why don't I just get on with my business and you can get on with yours."

"I have a Rogue vampire in my town and two murders, but I should just let you—the only Rogue I've seen—get on with it?"

"Explain how I could be in the forest, with you I might add, and here killing someone? Vampires can't teleport, or be in two places at once."

"You could be working with a partner."

She snorted. "I work alone."

He clenched his jaw.

"Look, I'm not here to cause you trouble."

"And yet, you already have."

Niki met his gaze, holding her head high. "So arrest me."

"If I had cause, I would." He lifted an eyebrow. "Or, I could always escort you to the territory's Master."

Even as the man's threat rang hollow, something akin to terror rolled down Niki's spine. There was danger in meeting _any_ local vampire. "You'll have to take me by force."

Running into the Master would most likely be a death sentence.

For her.

The sheriff's hypnotizing golden eyes brightened in the moonlight, standing out above sharp, high cheekbones.

Thrills shot through Niki, bringing a blossoming heat.

He kept growling at her, but his sounds of anger didn't quite reach the depths of his gaze. Still, his stare held her tight.

Piercing. Stirring things she struggled to ignore.

This man was dangerous.

Being the sheriff, and a damned Keeper, had only a little to do with it.

She didn't know what to make of the strange feelings he was able to spark.

To avoid thinking about it—and to force herself to look away from his too-compelling, too-commanding gaze—Niki turned and studied the knotted ropes still dangling from the top of the fence.

"So what's it going to be," she asked, deceptively light, feeling as if she were walking on the tight-edge of danger. "Let me be, or attempted force?"

There was little warning.

The air stirred.

Shane slammed his hands on the fence, one on either side of her.

Trapping Niki between his large, warm body, and the wood.

He didn't actually touch her, but her senses were still invaded. Heat billowed around her. His scent—soap and smoke and spice—filled her lungs.

Her stomach fluttered.

Heat rushed from her head to toe.

She fought, barely won, managed to continue feigning easiness.

Staring up at the tall man, she met his gaze.

Grinned again.

His scowl darkened. He practically bit out his gruff words, "I have a dead shifter with vampire marks, a truce close to breaking, though hell if I can figure out all the whys, and a Rogue vampire in town."

His scent overwhelmed her.

A bit of craziness snuck in.

All of a sudden, she couldn't resist playing with fire.

Just a little.

She leaned closer. "And I'm obviously guilty. After all, I'm a murderer merely because I'm a vampire."

Niki bared her fangs in the moonlight.

Shane didn't flinch, though a flush worked up his face. He glanced past her, to the wooden fence, before finally meeting her gaze once more. His voice softened the tiniest bit. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

"Oh? It sounded pretty clear to me."

He opened his mouth, then snapped it shut without answer.

Niki continued to stare at him, curious what he'd been about to say.

"Look," Shane continued, his voice dipping soft, seductive.

She didn't trust it.

Shane shook his head slightly. Sighed. "I believe you didn't do this. But if you know who's behind the killings, I need that information."

"You can't con me with sweet smiles and pretty words," Niki replied, though her breath came just a little faster at his nearness.

His scent, his warmth, the humming prickle of his power and magic, continued to invade. To stir hot anticipation. To set her nerves on edge.

She could barely think clearly anymore.

Especially as Shane's golden eyes glowed with sparks of matching heat.

She licked her lips.

His gaze snapped lower, to her mouth. He swallowed loudly, drawing a tiny bit closer.

As if pulled by some magnetic field, Niki leaned in. She stared into those captivating golden eyes, unable to break free, unable to move from the hot energy rolling off his large, hard body.

"Niki." His voice was husky.

The way he said her name sent shivers racing through her.

Heat grew in his gaze. His shoulders tightened. His jaw clenched.

If Niki hadn't been the person she was, she feared she'd melt into a puddle, right then and there. Yet, she didn't have the strength to pull away.

Time stood still.

The rest of the world faded into nothingness.

Thoughts of everything but Shane disappeared.

All she could do was stand before him as long dormant feelings, sensations, needs, came awake.

Shane growled. He crossed the last hairsbreadth of distance between them. Pressed his lips to hers.

Hot, firm, warm.

Gasping, Niki drank him in.

Spice. Heat. Lust.

He tasted of forbidden desires. His touch was electrifying. The short stubble on his chin scraped against her skin deliciously.

Inside, something frozen for centuries continued to heat.

An unbidden urge, to embrace him fully, pushed at Niki.

Compelled.

Her hands curled in wonder of what his skin, his flowing hair, would feel like.

The unbidden picture of drawing him closer, tasting, exploring, startled Niki enough to allow her to find a sliver of control.

She forced herself to push away from the man.

Ducked under his arms, and scurried to the other side of the far-too-small alley.

Breathing fast, her lungs sharply pained and near hyperventilating with panic, Niki stared at the man.

Confused. Concerned.

Still stirred up.

Shane turned to keep her in his view, seeming as shaken and unsteady as her. "I... I don't..." He stopped, unsuredness creeping into his hot, golden gaze.

Niki remained mute, confusion fogging her mind.

Then a survival instinct kicked in.

She had to get away from this powerful man who could make her feel. He was nothing more than a distraction.

One she must ignore.

It wasn't cowardice.

It was prudence.

Turning on her heel, Niki raced away into the night.

Shane stared after Niki as she all-too-quickly melded into the darkness and disappeared.

He adjusted his vision, searching for the impression of her aura, but all that remained was a vague shadowy remnant to prove she'd even been there.

And it was already fading.

What the hell had he been thinking?

He let out a deep breath and wished for a long, ice-cold shower.

That was the problem.

He hadn't been thinking.

Only feeling.

What was he? A deprived teenage youth?

Sure he hadn't been in a relationship for quite some time, but that didn't excuse letting his hormones dictate his actions.

He could still smell her.

Soft and flowery.

Cursing under his breath, Shane turned back to the fence.

He'd told her the truth. He knew she hadn't done this.

She wasn't a suspect... exactly.

But she obviously had information he needed, if he was going to successfully protect the people of this town.

Protect the peace between the local Arcaine races.

If war broke out...

So why the hell was he so tuned into this woman on such a level?

Part of him wanted to believe it was some strange magic—her vampire powers, maybe—controlling his lust.

His gut told him otherwise.

It was just her.

Niki.

So he'd ignore it. Get on with his job. With his duty.

Breathing deep, Shane shook off the strange and unusual that filled this night—from the time he'd first seen Nicola DeVeraux.

Another deep breath and he managed to wrangle his thoughts. Constrain them to nothing more than the current job at hand.

Later, there'd be time to think of other things.

Pulling out his large pocket knife, Shane began the delicate process of removing the ropes without damaging them, or disturbing any potential evidence, and securing them in bags.

There was only one left to remove, when the air behind Shane swirled. Exploded with magical energy.

He spun.

Found himself facing two enraged vampires. Their canines extended over their bottom lips, saliva making them glint in the moonlight.

More familiar faces popping up a second time this night.

"Where is she?" the short, gaunt one asked.

Shane replied, "You two were out near Henry's bar earlier." He reached for his gun, but was too slow.

The taller one flashed close with supernatural speed. He slapped Shane's hand away and wrenched the gun from the holster, then tossed it into the shadows.

Shane just smiled.

While the special bullets he carried would damage even vampires, that wasn't his only—or even his most powerful—line of defense.

He slashed with his pocket knife, uncaring it was too small to do any real damage. It was enough to make both vampires jump back for a moment.

Shane dropped the knife. Drew his hands together, calling on his magic.

"Uh, uh," the short guy chortled as he barreled into Shane, making him lose the connection. "We know you's a magic man."

Even as Shane threw him off, the vampire managed to tangle their legs and send them both to the ground.

The short vampire jumped to his feet.

Shane stayed sitting on the ground.

Again, he only smiled up at the two circling vampires.

"What's so funny?" the taller one demanded.

"This." Shane drew the earth magic up through his entire body, connected to the earth. Shot powerful magic at the vampires.

It punched into them.

Drove them back.

Pained shouts filled the alleyway.

As a Keeper for the Council, Shane's power wasn't that of any ordinary magic user.

Instead, it had a bite that could hurt any Arcaine, no matter their race.

The two vampires seemed to realize exactly who they were dealing with.

With panicky glances at one another, they silently decided to run—in opposite directions.

Sighing, Shane sent magic rumbling through the earth after the short guy, who seemed to be the one in charge. As much as either of these idiots could be, anyway.

Deep green vines erupted from the dirt beneath the vampire's feet, waving wildly in a circle around him, before finding their target. They tangled around his ankles, legs. Tripped him up and sent him sprawling on the ground.

The vines continued to wrap around his body, pinning his arms to his sides so he couldn't claw free. The vampire writhed at the keeper-infused, earth magic.

Shane glanced at the other end of the alley, but the taller vampire was long gone.

He headed for the short one, pulling out a shiny pair of handcuffs, and slapped them on the guy's wrists.

"They're from the Council," Shane warned.

The vampire stilled, staring up with fright in his red gaze.

The air behind Shane whipped in a frenzy.

He turned in time to see the taller vampire charge, almost faster than could be seen. Fangs fully extended, the guy was ready to rip Shane into shreds.

He called his magic once again. Hurtled it at the returned vampire.

The guy dodged.

A fierce grin rose inside Shane.

This night was about to get enjoyable.

Before the vampire reached him, another shadow flashed. The guy flew to the side, crashing against the wooden fence, near where the bodies had hung.

Shane stared, unable to comprehend what was in front of him.

Niki stood over the second vampire, her face flushed, fangs fully extended.

Her eyes were no longer green, but blood red. She caught his gaze, then turned away, her silky black hair drawing a curtain in front of her face.

"What are you doing back here?" he mumbled.

"Something seemed... off. And, I felt your power from halfway across town."

He blinked. "Why'd you come back?"

"I guess not all vampires are only interested in killing." She shrugged as if unconcerned, but the tightness in her stance said otherwise. A little lighter, she replied, "Besides, I was looking for these two myself."

He flushed as she threw his earlier words at him. Again. He'd forever regret saying something so stupid. "Look—"

"I'll be by the sheriff's station later to talk to these two. Will you let me in?"

He made a split-second decision without knowing exactly where the answer came from. "Yes."

Clearing his throat, Shane assured himself it would allow him to further question _her_ , too.

"Good." Niki turned and disappeared back into the night.

He stared after her a long moment, his thoughts spinning in confusion at what had just happened.

Sure, he'd have been fine without her help.

But she'd shown him a little of the person she was.

Coming to help _him_?

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Even if he didn't have a clue what, exactly, to make of that woman.

Turning to the vampires struggling on the ground, he got down to business and cuffed the second one. Then he radioed Chase, calling his deputy to return to the scene.

They'd take these vampires to the station. And Shane would interview them—before Niki DeVeraux arrived.

They'd damn well better hope they could tell him something about the growing mess in his town.

But as he hauled the vampires from the alley to wait for his deputy, his thoughts lingered on Niki.

She'd come back to help him.

That touched him on much deeper levels than she had before.

# Chapter 4

Of course, in the confines of a specially warded room at the sheriff's station, both vampires claimed to know nothing.

In fact, they continued to assure him, they'd done nothing wrong.

The taller guy, Twink AKA Hank, rushed to answer Shane's latest question. "We was just looking for—"

"—a friend," the smaller guy, Baal, real name simply Frank Smith, interjected.

Hank blinked owlishly large eyes, while bobbing his head up and down. "Yeah. Yeah. A friend."

"And who's your friend?" Shane tapped his pen against his still mostly blank notebook.

"Well..." Frank leaned his elbows on the table. "See, we was supposed to meet her at the bar. But then we got into that little argument. You saw. We didn't know you, so we ran. Later, we tracked her down in the alley. How's we supposed to know you were a cop?"

Shane glanced down at his khaki shirt, clearly emblazoned with the symbols of the job on the front pocket, and both sleeves.

Hank stared at his friend, as if hearing all of this for the first time. When he caught Shane watching, the tall man nodded vigorously.

"And your friend's name?" Shane's suspicions were growing. He couldn't stop them.

A nagging question had entered his mind a while ago.

Whether, rather than coming to help him, instead, the whole situation had been setup by Niki and these two.

Had it all been a trap?

A ruse?

The two vampires glanced at each other. "Um..."

Relief swamped Shane. "If she's your friend, how come you don't know her name?"

Frank's eyes widened. He tried to stand, but the chains jerked him back down onto his metal chair. "Look, you can't arrest us for just walking along."

Shane leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "I didn't." He smiled. "I arrested you for attacking a Keeper."

Both men paled further. Hank stuttered, "We... we..."

"Attacked me."

"Well, we didn't know you were a Keeper," Frank protested, eyes flicking around and around, as if he might find help somewhere in the room.

"Doesn't matter. You saw I was a cop, and no more crap about you couldn't see my shirt. Your vision is just as good in the dark as in the light."

Frank shrugged. "Don't mean nothing to us. We're not bound by mortal laws."

Shane grinned, fierceness firing his blood. Exactly what he wanted to hear. "Interesting. You're just the type of monsters I get to track down, and send to the Council."

Hank's hands shook, rattling the chains. If he turned any whiter, the tall man would pass out.

Frank just tapped his fingers on the metal table as if he didn't care, but fear shone from his reddened eyes.

A knock came at the door.

Shane stepped out of the tiny interview room. His deputy, Chase, stood there, hands tight on his belt.

"What?" Shane demanded.

"MacDougal found out you have two vampires in custody. He's demanding they be turned over to him."

Damn it. Why now?

There was no help for it.

Shane strode down the hall and into his office. Softly closed the door behind him. Just in case.

The blast of agitated power inside the room didn't help things.

Jordan MacDougal sat casually in one of the visitor's chairs, his custom suit perfectly pressed, expensive leather shoes shining. A large man, old and powerful, he'd look at place in a corporate boardroom.

Ignoring the man's obvious angst, Shane strode around his desk and took his own seat, before facing the angry Master vampire.

Considering he was asking for the prisoners, this wasn't a social call.

Shane took a moment to compose his thoughts.

MacDougal settled back in his seat, giving time, and silence.

Finally, Shane asked, "What exactly do you want?"

The Master grinned, his eyes flashing humor. But his tone was serious when he replied, "To do my duty." Voice thick with a Scottish brogue, MacDougal continued, "I heard about the dead wolf. And the two Rogues you arrested. We both know you should have called me immediately. This is my territory so I'm taking them."

Shane leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "You can't have them. We both know my duties can outrank yours. I've already called into the Council—"

"Yes, yes. I know." MacDougal rose with a lazy grace. He grinned without humor, flashing his fangs. "The Council has turned those two over to me."

"Damn it, Jordan. What do you think you're doing?" Shane brushed his hands through his hair as he gave up on the contest of power and will. "These are my prisoners. They most likely know at least something about the murders tonight—maybe about the rest of the troubles our town's had lately. I need whatever information they have."

MacDougal's eyes softened, crimson receding to thin bands around his irises, allowing the normal deep blue to show. "I am sorry for, as you probably see it, butting in. But something is in the air. Something strange that whispers to me in a language I cannot understand." He sat back, quiet, musing.

Shook his head.

Met Shane's gaze once more as he leaned forward. "And let's face it. I will get the needed information much easier, and faster, than you possibly could."

As much as Shane wanted to argue with that statement, he couldn't. "Only because you'll torture them."

MacDougal shrugged. "If you wish to call it that."

Shane grumbled, "You know damn well that's what it's called."

"That's neither here nor there. I have my ways. And in the eyes of the Council, they're perfectly acceptable. Leave it at that."

"Blood-sucking barbarian," Shane muttered.

MacDougal laughed. "It's good to see you too, old friend."

The man stood, gave Shane half a bow, then walked out, heading in the direction of the holding cells.

Shane didn't bother to follow.

MacDougal would retrieve the vampires and be gone before any of the deputies could work up the courage to interfere with the territory's Master.

At this point, all Shane could do was wait for the man to succeed, then share whatever he might learn from the two.

He spent the next two hours boringly, if painstakingly, filling out a double sets of paperwork.

One for the state, which refused to officially admit believing in the paranormal. Another for the Council, who made the laws for magical beings.

It was tedious, but his job.

He was just finishing up when a soft knock came at his open doorway. Shane glanced up, took a deep breath and laid his pen down. "Come in."

Niki strode inside, glancing around the sparsely decorated room. "Nice place."

"Serves its purpose." His gut churned. He refused to ponder all the reasons why.

Her scent filled the room.

Flowery. Sexy. Alluring.

As alluring as the hum increasing along his nerves. The suddenly returning heat in his blood.

Shoving such thoughts back, Shane dove headfirst into conflict. "They're not here."

"What?" Niki's green eyes widened. Darkened. "Where are they?"

Shane leaned back in his seat, deceptively relaxed, and pointed to one of his visitor's chairs.

She sniffed, turning her back, but not before he caught sight of her fists clenched at her sides.

But she didn't leave.

Yet.

He answered, "I had a visit from Jordan MacDougal, the local Master."

She turned to shoot him a red-rimmed stare. "He took the two vampires?"

"Yes."

"And you let him?"

"It wasn't my choice. When the Council tells me to release one Arcaine to another, that's what I do."

Her eyes were wary. "I'm sure."

"Will you sit down already?"

"No."

"Fine." He sighed. "Look, I'm not going to apologize. I don't even know why you wanted to talk to them." He watched her closely. "They claimed to be friends of yours."

Her lips curled. "Not of mine."

Perhaps if he tried a different track? "Why don't you tell me your business here? I can help."

She appeared to waver, actually consider it—she studied him with a softening gaze, nibbled her lower lip with one retracted fang.

But then her walls slammed back up between them. "I have to go."

Niki swept out of his office.

Shane jumped to his feet and raced after her, catching up just outside the station. "When you're ready to tell me, you know where I'll be."

Again, she walked away.

This time, Shane stood still for a long moment, biting back the urge to chase after her.

Then he wondered why he hadn't told the Council, or MacDougal, about the woman.

And why she hadn't asked if he had.

Niki studied the comings and goings of the local hospital.

Glaring lights lit the white building against the night. It stretched out long and narrow, three stories tall. There wasn't much activity around the place.

There wouldn't be.

Not in such a small town. Not this late at night.

Yet, if one wanted to find vampires, this was a good place to begin.

The only hospital in Moss Creek meant the only blood bank.

The key was to avoid anyone from the local clan, and instead, manage to—somehow—come across someone who acted like they didn't fit in.

Finding Thomas would be better, but power-hungry Masters like him never ran their own errands.

Their time was too important.

Which was why Niki was shocked frozen when a large, blonde man strode out through the hospital doors, power crackling around him like whips slicing through the air.

Not Thomas.

But definitely a Master.

He was tall, well built beneath a dark, pin-striped suit. Blonde hair, cut semi-short, framed a strong, almost regal, face.

And his blue eyes blazed the instant he sensed her presence.

His power struck out, hitting Niki even at the distance she'd kept from the building. Heat rubbed along her skin, a caress of prickling pain. She'd never met anyone so old and powerful before.

Did she run?

Could she even get away?

The immense pressure of power blazed impossibly higher. Harder. Keeping her locked into place like some rabbit hearing an approaching hawk.

Another man suddenly ran from the hospital doors.

He ran into the Master's back. Nearly tumbled to the ground. Looked up, then around the parking lot cautiously. "What is it?"

Niki shuddered.

Why did this guy have to be _here_ of all places?

"Get the car, Max," the Master replied. His gaze pinned Niki in the shadows.

She was screwed.

Max hurried away, lugging a large satchel.

The Master didn't seem to move, but suddenly, he was only inches away from Niki.

"Hello." His voice was soft and seductive as he looked her over appreciatively.

"No, thanks," she responded to the blatant invitation. Fought against the press of his unrestrained power.

Struggled to appear unintimidated.

As if she wasn't quaking in trepidation at the power flowing over her.

"Really?" One dark blond eyebrow rose, and his lips twitched, as he tried to contain a grin. "I don't recall asking you anything. Yet." The Scottish burr in his voice soothed.

She struggled to meet his gaze as his power pushed harder.

Past her barriers.

Swept inside.

Sure, she _should_ look away, maybe even curtsy in his damn presence, but she didn't play their politics.

The man held out a large, smooth hand. "Shall we do this here, or at my place?"

Niki fought against the magic trying to control her. "I'm not going anywhere with you. I'm not your clan, so don't try ordering me around."

His hand fell to his side. The grin disappeared, replaced with a hardness that seemed more natural than his flirting. "Yet, you do seem to be in my territory. Uninvited."

"Don't worry. I won't be here long."

His power turned rougher, more insistent that she do as he commanded. "Stubborn, huh? The hard way then." He waved one hand.

The air behind her stirred. Niki turned to face the threat.

He whispered a soft, "Sorry."

Something crashed against the back of her head.

Her vision darkened.

She couldn't defend herself as his power surged once more, this time, taking control.

Niki woke with a start.

She held perfectly still, sensing her surroundings. Tight bindings on her arms and legs pinned her to a cold, metal chair. Nearby, people talked. More distant voices came muffled through thick walls. The air smelled slightly damp, and of old dust.

"Ah, the stubborn one is awake," the Master's voice, broguish and cajoling, echoed.

Niki opened her eyes.

Looked around a cavernous hall, walls made from stone. On either side of her, rows of wooden benches spread out. Her chair sat in a center aisle, facing a raised dais at the front of the room. On it sat an opulent, red-velvet draped, throne.

The Master stepped from the shadows. Slowly made his way to the huge chair.

Behind him, two hulking men followed.

Twins?

Stripped to the waist—other than leather straps crossing their chests—the men wore tawny pants of some sort of animal hide. Long, golden-white hair flowed freely to both men's waists.

The matching giants took their places on either side of the throne, then glared at her.

The Master settled in his chair. Stared at Niki as if waiting for her to say something.

She swallowed, hiding the trembling in her hands by virtue of being so tightly trussed up.

This guy wasn't just some small-clan Master, but obviously, a territorial King.

No wonder he had so much power.

Still, she shouldn't have allowed herself to be captured so easily.

Now she was on trial.

Her heart pounded loud enough she was certain everyone for miles could hear the galloping pace.

By law, this man could order her executed.

She could be dead by morning. Her family left unavenged and in limbo, never knowing the peace they should have.

No.

She refused.

There must be something she could do to get out of this.

Niki bit her tongue, one fang sinking into tender flesh. The pain, and the sharp taste of blood, helped clear her head. She pushed the frightened, tiny voice of fear down into a dark well.

Slammed a lid on it.

She would not leave this world without first claiming her vengeance.

Lifting her chin, she stared down the King.

The man pointed to each side. "My guards, Brandon and Eric."

Trepidation loosened Niki's tongue. Sarcastically, she asked, "How do you tell them apart?"

The King absently waved a hand.

As one, the men moved, reaching back and drawing blades—the guy on the left held a claymore, while the one on the right hefted a double bladed axe.

The King smiled fiercely. "Easily."

Well, all right, then.

She realized they were still playing a game of politics.

Yet, she could nearly feel the cold of steel, already pressing against her throat.

Behind her, a door clicked opened, slammed closed. Bootsteps came up the aisle. Stopped directly behind her.

The air whispered. Niki smelled the sheriff's unique scent.

The King clapped once. "Let us begin, shall we."

She didn't turn to look at the man behind her. She didn't have to. She could feel his presence.

It somehow overwhelmed that of the Master, so much so, that the magic prickling over her skin disappeared.

The King waved again.

Shane stepped to her side.

It was all Niki could do not to look up at the man.

Why was he even here?

To accuse her?

Had he turned her in to the King?

She wouldn't put it past either of them, Keeper and King, to decide to solve all their problems with her death.

From the throne, his broguish voice soft, if still commanding, the vampire stated, "I am Jordan MacDougal, King and Laird of this territory. Shane here tells me you are Niki DeVeraux. How old are you?"

Definitely Scottish. And old.

Very old.

With his attention focused on her once more, Niki could feel the immense pressure of his strength.

Still, her first instinct had her nearly snapping in reply.

She _could_ be a smartass... and get her head removed.

Maybe that wasn't the best idea.

It wasn't a hard question anyway. Cautious, Niki replied, "A little over two hundred."

"From?"

"Originally, New Orleans."

Jordan nodded and looked to Shane. "Do you think this Rogue is responsible for the murders?"

She stiffened, sudden fear making her cold.

So very cold.

But Niki refused to give in. She lifted her chin higher, stared down the all-powerful King sitting in front of her.

At her side, Shane shrugged. Then, to her immense surprise, he replied, "Not the first two—the shifter and his human woman. Niki was with me at the time of their deaths."

Wait, the first two?

Jordan's blue eyes widened. His gaze pierced Niki. "Really? And here I shall be your alibi for the third murder tonight." Silence descended in the room. After long moments, he shook his head. "Why are you in my territory?"

Niki thought carefully, ensuring she gave away nothing she didn't want known.

Perhaps she could turn things around?

She took a deep breath. "You have a Rogue."

Jordan chuckled. "Aye. I'm looking at one. Two more are guests in my dungeon."

Sneering, Niki replied, "No. Another. He's the one behind the murders. And he will continue, until I stop him. Those two you have locked up are most likely working for him." She couldn't help but add a sarcastic-tinged, "If I'd been able to talk to them at the sheriff's station, I'd have the answers I need."

Jordan blinked. His head fell back as he laughed. The sound was full-bodied and loud, echoing in the hall. "I felt you, and those other two. But no one else. If this vampire is truly here, why do I not sense him?"

"Because he's a Master, like you."

That shut him up.

Niki knew it was pushing, but couldn't resist. "If I could just talk to those two idiots—"

Jordan sneered. "I may share information with Shane, here, if I think he needs to know. But why would I tell _you_ anything, Rogue?"

She had no answer for that.

The man continued, asking, "Why do you hunt this Master?"

Niki shook her head.

"Then we are at an impasse." He rubbed his temples, suddenly looking a bit tired, weary. "I have a vampire killing people, and worse, shifters. There is a delicate balance between our kind and theirs, as you've probably seen."

"Yes."

"In this territory, it has become tenuous." He turned his penetrating gaze to Shane. "How do you see the state of the truce?"

"Crumbling. My father says there have been louder rumbles than usual. You already know things have been heating up for a while, but what hasn't been shared is that this isn't the first dead shifter. There were two others the past few months—and we couldn't tell how they died. There have also been reports of pack members going missing."

Jordan jumped to his feet, growling. "Why was I not told?"

Shane stared him down. "It is not clan business."

The King's fury filled the air. He visibly struggled before managing control.

Niki breathed deep as tensions calmed.

"You are correct. I apologize, Keeper." Jordan slid back into his seat, sitting stiffly tall.

Shane stepped forward. "You know me better than that."

Jordan shook his head. He held up a hand, and turned his back to them. His shoulders heaved as he took a few deep breaths.

When he faced them, the red rimming his eyes was again a narrow band, rather than a flood. "I do know." He sighed. "Do you need another apology?"

Shane scowled. "No."

"Good. Then, explain to me why you didn't inform me about this lovely little Rogue earlier, when I was in your office? That _is_ clan business, is it not?"

Niki swung to look up at Shane.

Expressionless, he shrugged. "It didn't come up."

"Mmm, hmm." Jordan looked from Niki, to Shane, and back.

The sheriff broke the strained silence. "I would have come sooner about the murders, but you beat me to it."

"Aye." The King sat back. "A vampire killing a shifter. That could break the truce entirely. War..."

Shane spoke up. "Maybe we should finish solving this problem first." He waved at Niki.

She fidgeted, uncomfortable at being talked over, if not nearly as much as someone else controlling her fate.

Being referred to as a problem just pissed her off.

"This has been a most intriguing... turn of events." Jordan waved to one of the guards.

Eric?

The giant lumbered to Niki's side.

She braced herself for whatever was coming. She'd put up all the fight she could, even strapped down to a damn chair.

Eric withdrew a dagger from his belt. Leaned in close.

As Niki yanked on the ties binding her wrists, the guard slipped the tip of the dagger between the metal and the rope, then sliced through it, releasing her arm.

Stunned, she stopped wriggling as he cut the rest of the ropes.

The instant she could, she stood up, though inside she continued to tremble.

Jordan's gaze assessed her. "If Shane believes you not guilty, you may go. But I warn you, things are complicated here. You need to leave this area entirely."

Now that she was free, and _not_ staring down her impending death, Niki's tongue was hard to control. "I'm not leaving until I have killed the one I came for."

Jordan's gaze narrowed. "You refuse the orders of a King?"

"I told you before, I'm not your clan." She barely stopped her knees from knocking together.

"Then I tell you this. If your actions result in pushing this war any closer, I shall hold you responsible. Beyond that, I'll allow you seven days to complete your business. After that, I shall hunt you down myself."

She held her chin high.

Inside, the shaking slowed.

He was letting her stay?

Niki managed a strained, "Why?"

Jordan merely stated, "Shane will show you out." He stood and strode from the hall, his twin guards following like overgrown puppies.

She turned to the sheriff, unable to believe her luck.

Or stop the pleasure she felt at drinking in the sight of the man.

His hair was still free flowing, but this time the braid adorning his left temple was entwined with a dark blue chord of some kind.

However, she couldn't read the emotion blazing from his golden eyes.

"You certainly have a way with finding trouble," he said, though there was no anger in his voice.

"You spoke up for me." It was still a strange idea.

"I spoke the truth. Come."

Niki followed him from the hall, down more stone-lined passages, and finally through an enormous wooden door.

Outside, her suspicions were confirmed.

The place was a freaking castle, straight from the middle ages. Above, entwined branches from towering trees criss-crossed over the whole place, hiding portions of the sky.

Magic still sometimes managed to amaze her.

A big, black pick-up sat outside. Shane headed for the passenger door, opened it, then turned to face Niki. "Need a ride?"

She nibbled her lower lip at the question. Debated about refusing.

But she wasn't quite sure where they were, or even how far from town. And the sun would be up soon. It wouldn't kill her, but she'd rather not be out when the weakness hit. She slid into the seat. "Thank you."

He headed down a long, tree-lined drive before finally pulling out onto the highway.

Shane didn't speak, and Niki didn't know what to say.

Finally, the town appeared ahead.

Softly, he asked, "Where are you staying?"

"The Inn."

He grunted and turned into Moss Creek. At the Inn, the only motel in town, he stopped in the lot and put the truck in park. Then abruptly, he demanded, "Who exactly is this person you're here to kill?"

Only then did Niki realize she'd admitted such a thing, not just in front of the town sheriff, but the local Keeper.

Damn, she was an idiot.

She gave him part of the truth. "He's another vampire."

"Yeah. I got that. But who is he to you?"

Wisps of smoke rose from the gravel lot, just outside Niki's door, swirling higher until they began to take human shapes.

She blinked, but they didn't go away. "He's the one who killed my family."

Shock, and warmth, spread through her when Shane suddenly took one of the fists she hadn't known she'd clenched, and rubbed it between his heated hands. "I can hear your pain, feel it. I am very sorry."

Warmth, and a strange gentle peace, flowed from him, into Niki.

How long had it been since she'd felt such a comforting touch?

He added, "I must ask—is this man your sire?"

No matter how this unusual man was making Niki feel—things she wanted to ignore, to deny—she refused the compelling urge to answer his question.

Even if silence was answer enough.

Shane's hold on her hand tightened. "The Council will order your death if you destroy your sire."

She blinked at the stinging in her eyes.

What was this? All of these emotions erupting within?

It certainly wasn't like her.

And she didn't enjoy it at all.

Without hesitation, with absolutely no uncertainty of her path, her goal, Niki stated, "I don't care, as long as he dies first."

Snatching her hand from his, she jumped from the truck. She didn't look back as she headed around the wisps, the ghostly images of her dead family, and hurried to her room.

Part of her feared that if she saw the sympathy on Shane's face that had colored his voice, her resolve might fray.

She couldn't afford such feelings.

They were weak and useless, anyway.

Vengeance was her only purpose.

In the cool—if empty—darkness of her motel room, Niki tugged the curtains, drawing them tight against the sunlight soon to come. Then she looked around the rented room.

There was nothing personal of hers, only sterile decor. The colors and designs were typical southwestern. Even the bedspread was rich in hues of reds and turquoises and golds.

The gold reminded her of Shane's eyes.

This was useless.

The spreading softness was unwanted.

Gritting her teeth, Niki pulled her special suitcase from the closet, where she'd tucked it away earlier.

From a hidden warming compartment, she pulled out a plastic medical bag of blood. Her stomach roiled with hunger. Her hands shook as she lifted the bag to her lips and drank it down.

Tossing the empty bag back in the suitcase, Niki headed for the mini-fridge and pulled out a pack of lunchmeat. The scent of the ham made her hungrier. She bit into the meat, chewing fast, until she'd finished the entire package.

It only partially sated her hunger, but the edge was gone at least.

Still, as she looked around the room, Niki couldn't settle. Couldn't push her anxiety—her anticipation—away.

Thomas must be close.

After all this time...

She wanted to leave this room. Track him down where ever he was hiding.

If only she could have spoken to the two snitches.

Admittedly—if only to herself—she was also a bit edgy at the fact she was actually still standing.

Free.

Alive.

By rights, the King could have killed her merely for being a rogue. Or hauled her away from his territory, under the threat of death if she dared return.

Instead, Jordan MacDougal had practically given her permission to stay, to hunt down Thomas and kill the bastard.

Of course, like Shane said, when the Council learned she'd destroyed her sire, they would demand her own death.

Niki squeezed her eyes shut as the wisps rose once again, this time in the corner of the room. She couldn't bear the sight of the ghostly images.

Her family, who unceasingly haunted her. Begged her for their justice. To finally find them their peace.

Heat burned Niki's chest, her throat. Prickled at her eyes.

After so much time, she was finally close to the monster.

And yet, a gulf remained between them.

Her ghosts drew closer, somehow both chilling, yet warming, at the same time.

They were Niki's loved ones, after all.

The heat in her chest burned hotter until frustration made her tremble.

She laid down on the bed, curling in a ball. Gripped a pillow to her chest as her breath came in short, hiccupping gasps.

Her throat tightened, aching. Hot wetness trailed down her face.

She stared at those she'd loved, yet lost long ago.

Her life should have ended with theirs.

Whether it was God or the devil who'd kept her in this semi-alive state, Niki only knew one thing with certainty.

She would give her family their everlasting peace.

She pictured finding Thomas.

Fighting.

Winning.

Her family, and she herself, would finally be free of the past.

Slowly the deep pain faded beneath burning anger.

Fury swallowed Niki as an image of Thomas dying filled her mind.

Yet, suddenly, thoughts of blood and death were interrupted.

By thoughts of the sheriff. The strange feelings flowing through her when he was around.

That had to stop.

Unfortunately, Niki wasn't used to such things. And she wasn't quite sure _how_ to shut them down.

The urges he stirred were insistent when she was around the disturbingly sexy man.

Fine then.

That was the solution.

She'd just avoid running into Shane again and it would no longer be an issue.

# Chapter 5

With the moon sinking on the horizon, and dawn not quite yet arrived, there was little to light the wide dirt road Shane followed. Eventually, he passed long fenced pastures, and reached a large, red barn, squatting next to an overgrown farmhouse.

Shane parked his truck near the barn. Got out and took a few deep breaths of early morning air.

Still unsettled, off balance, he strode into his parents' sprawling home.

Even this early in the day, family crowded in both the living room and the kitchen. It was a working farm, after all. He quietly moved through the rooms, searching for the one he _really_ needed to speak with.

Not finding his father anywhere in the crowd, Shane headed down a long back hall, to the study. He knocked on the closed door, then waited.

"Come in," his father's muffled voice easily came through thick oak.

Shane entered.

His father was turned from his desk, to the side, speaking quietly on his phone.

Silent, Shane headed to the desk. Took a seat in one of the thickly cushioned chairs across from his father. He waited, impatience creeping in. The only sign he showed was drumming his fingers on one knee.

His father, Gerald Spencer, looked upset at whoever he'd been speaking with.

From his sharp, angular face, to the long black hair held from his face with a bandana around his forehead, it had always been easy to picture his father, rallying warriors, ready to war against evil.

Gerald finally hung up the phone. Spun his seat back to face the desk, and Shane, then leaned back in his chair with a tired sigh. "The Council wants to bring in a Judge, but I've held them off. For now."

Shane's hands fisted on his knees. "A Judge? Why?"

Judges were members of the Arcaine races, but more powerful than the rest—no ordinary vampires, shifters or whatever one might be.

Each and every one of the too-powerful beings were given—essentially—an open hunting license by the Council.

They didn't hold trials.

Just dispensed justice as they saw fit.

A Judge showing up in Moss Creek would only make things worse.

With the way Shane's luck was holding lately, the odds of the Council sending one of the few Judges he could actually stand, or one of the fewer that he actually liked, were very, very low.

His father sighed once more, shaking his head. Shadows darkened his expression. "From what I gather, sounds like someone's sending the Council messages, saying a war has already started between the local clan and pack."

Shane leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk. He met his father's worried gaze. "I just came from Jordan's place. There's no war."

"He may be your friend, but the man is still the territorial Master. He owes his allegiance, first and foremost, to his people. Not us."

"True. But he also has high respect for Keepers. We've helped him out with pack problems many times. We can trust him."

Gerald stared hard, but with a slight twitch to his lips. "High praise considering what Greg Hanson told me you were saying about vampires last night."

Shane couldn't help a sharp laugh. "The old dog actually called you?"

"Worse. He called your mother. He's still got a sweet spot for her." After a long minute passed, his father's eyes darkened, amusement fleeing. "Glory stopped by, recently, as well."

Uncomfortable, yet somehow certain what his little sister had complained about, Shane stiffened in self-defense.

All he said was, "Oh?"

"She said you came across her and her boyfriend a couple days ago. Told me about an incident."

Shane opened his hands. Stared—unseeing—at his palms, thinking about how badly he'd wanted to kick Blake's ass.

Drag his sister away from the wolf.

Days later, he still wanted to track the man down. "How can you let her have a... a relationship with him?"

His father opened a drawer and pulled out an engraved wooden pipe.

Heavy silence filled the room as Gerald filled it with tobacco. He stuck the pipe between his lips, then flourished his fingers over the carved bowl. Sparks hovered in the air, slowly dropping onto the tobacco.

A sweet-scented smoke—one that always brought to Shane's mind happy memories of his childhood—rose in a thin, curling line.

Finally, Gerald met his gaze. "Why should Glory not be allowed to keep love, no matter where she finds it?"

"Because he's a werewolf."

"And?"

Shane's hands fisted again. He struggled to speak of his biggest problem with the whole thing.

He, and his family, knew full well what exactly Glory's love could entail.

Finally, Shane managed to harshly state, "The only way they can have a relationship is if he turns her."

Gerald nodded slowly, his eyes narrow slits. "So you do have a problem with those you are sworn to protect."

It wasn't that.

Could his father not see?

This was Shane's _baby sister_ they were speaking of.

Her life... Or her possible death.

He managed to haltingly reply, "I don't mind protecting anyone, or keeping the peace. But... Glory..."

"You find your baby sister precious. Do you think your mother and I value her any less?" His father's voice held a threat.

"No," Shane replied with full honesty.

"Then leave it be. Glory will make her own choices. Just as you did."

Heat flushed up his neck at his father's reference to the time he'd run away.

Shane had left this small town, trying to get away from everything paranormal.

In the city, he joined the police force, only to be confronted by a past that just wouldn't let him alone.

He'd finally given up a few years ago. Came home to fulfill the duties that should have been his older brothers'.

But none of that mattered at the moment.

And it didn't change his mind about Glory.

For now, Shane dropped that subject.

Gerald tapped his pipe against an ashtray. Refilled and relit it. Studied Shane for a long, uneasy moment. Then he stated, "More is bothering you. What is it my son?"

Glory faded from his mind, to be replaced by a memory of Niki DeVeraux.

Shane's heart suddenly beat a bit faster.

The air warmed.

Suddenly feeling like a teenager about to embark on his first date, Shane fidgeted. Dropped his gaze. Muttered, "Nothing."

Besides not know what he'd even say about the matter, it seemed quite hypocritical to ask his father for advice about a vampire, when he himself had berated his sister's choice in a werewolf.

Gerald's gaze turned penetrating. "You're certain there's _nothing_ else you wish to speak to me about?"

Shane could only nod in answer.

His father smiled kindly. "That's fine. You know I'm always here. Go now. Your mother certainly waits."

Still feeling a little like some chastised young boy, he left his father's study and returned to the overflowing kitchen.

Relatives and friends greeted him, asked questions, or slapped him on the shoulder as hellos.

Shane's mother was a small woman. Tiny really. Barely five-six, the rest of the family towered over her.

Yet, with a single glance, she easily kept them all in line, for the most part.

Shane had more than once been terrified by her _look_.

As usual, she wore her long black hair in a braid. No make-up adorned her still youthful face. She glanced up, laughing at something, her brown eyes filled with amusement.

Jasmine spotted him and her warm expression lit with joy. "Shane. Son." Though much smaller than he, her head coming barely to his chest, she wrapped her arms around his waist and drew him into her tight, loving embrace.

Somehow, like always, this small woman always managed to help make all of his worries a little lighter.

Until Shane saw his older brother, sitting in the far corner, scowling with dark fury. Brian stood and stormed out of the house, knocking back a few people in his way.

Their mother sighed. "I don't know how to help him get over it."

"Neither do I."

Jasmine patted his cheek. "It's not your fault. He will come to know this."

Shane wasn't so sure.

It was bad enough to be chosen as the next tribal shaman, without the guilt of knowing his older brother had been passed over. They'd all grown up believing Brian to be the heir of the family's hereditary magic and power.

Expected it.

The Fates _always_ chose the eldest child.

Until this time.

The years since the Fates' decision had turned Brian into an angry, bitter man who rarely came to visit. Never spoke a word to Shane.

It was a hole in his life.

He'd lost not just a brother, but his best friend.

A hand tugged on his arm, gently demanding Shane's attention.

Morning Dove, his grandmother, beckoned him to the table. He followed, helping her sit comfortably. Then he took his place next to her, and let her have his hand.

She traced the lines over his palm with her finger absently, as she stared at the spot just above his head with dark, unfocused eyes. "Tell me about her."

"Who?" Shane asked.

His grandmother flicked his ear with one finger, near faster than Shane could blink. "Don't be dense, boy."

"She's a vampire."

"Mmm. But tell me about _her_."

He did, unable not to.

And not because he was afraid of his grandmother's magic, either. Even if she had held, and could still use, at least a little, the shamanic powers of Shane, and his father before him.

Morning Dove frowned. "The poor dear. Alone. So alone Yet, brave. Great pain can change a person." Her gaze slid to the back door where Brian had left. She shook her head sadly. Focused once more on Shane. "Bring her to me. I want to meet this Niki."

There was no way to get out of it. "I'll ask. But I'm not going to kidnap the woman, just so you can meet her."

Morning Dove laughed. "Maybe you won't. But maybe..."

He pressed a kiss to her soft, wrinkled cheek, then took his leave.

As he headed out to his truck, his thoughts spun. He needed more information.

If the vampire Niki sought was behind the recent murders, the growing unrest around town, then she was the best person to get that information from.

But could he trust her?

From deep in his gut, irregardless of the lack of facts of proof, came a loud, resounding _yes_.

Shane shook his head, started his truck, headed back toward town.

Well, there was no harm, but plenty of actual _logic_ , in giving the woman the benefit of the doubt. She'd done nothing heavily suspicious. Yet.

So, he'd talk to her.

This evening—after they'd both had a chance to get some rest.

And if Niki DeVeraux didn't want to work with him, Shane would just have to convince her to cooperate, by any means necessary.

# Chapter 6

The day passed quickly though Niki only managed a few hours of restless sleep.

To her consternation, it was partly due to the fact she'd not been able to completely stop thinking of the too-sexy sheriff.

As the sun set, Niki strapped on her daggers. She slid a short sword into a sheath at her hip, hidden beneath a billowing sapphire blouse.

She left the motel room as the last rays of the sun disappeared. The warmth of the day hung in the air, the promise of fall lingering, though it would soon be winter.

Niki stayed on high alert for any signs of the King's men.

Getting caught the night before had been embarrassing.

They'd not get such a drop on her again.

With the motel strategically placed, Niki was soon walking along the busy main street, headed for dinner.

At the edges of her senses, she began to feel another vampire.

Faintly, though.

Cars loudly passed by, full of boisterous teenagers on dates, or parents taking small children out and about. The laughter and smiles, tender glances between families, eased over the rip in Niki's soul.

She continued down the street, heading further into town.

The air cooled, allowing mist to rise from the gutters. Mists which served as brutal reminders of her own past losses.

Gritting her teeth, Niki concentrated on trying to track down the vampire's scent, growing heavier on the night air. Surprisingly, it led to her original destination, a small corner diner full of people.

Spurts of power came from inside.

It pushed, yet invited at the same time.

Making sure her weapons were hidden, Niki entered the bright eatery.

"Sit where ya want," a waitress called from behind the counter.

Scanning the black and white, fifties-style decor, Niki chose an empty booth in the furthest corner. Her back safe to the wall, she let the atmosphere wash over her.

A coppery metallic-edged scent of blood lingered.

The vampire's magic pushed harder, but it didn't have much power behind it, and couldn't even try to keep her away.

The waitress slapped a menu on the table, then spun, checking with other people as she made her way back to the kitchen.

Niki studied each and every person inside the place.

Until her gaze stopped on a young man seated at the counter. He was young, maybe fourteen or fifteen—in human years, anyway.

His lack of power, not even sensing her entrance, told her he was quite a youthful vampire, as well.

Her inner debate on whether to approach now, or eat first, was answered by the waitress reappearing to take Niki's order. She placed it, all the while watching the kid. Another waiter set a plate in front of the boy. He dug in like a starving pup.

Yet, the longer Niki watched him, the more she recognized the tight tension in his shoulders, the way he constantly looked around the diner.

Her food came and she ate heartily, to keep up her strength.

As she finished, both the meal, and her assessment of the scared young boy, he suddenly sat up straight, his fork clattering to his plate.

Sensing her at last, the kid glanced her way.

Recognized that she was like him.

He blinked, eyes flashing red. Jumping up from the bar stool, he raced out through the front door.

Niki didn't know if he was connected to Thomas or the King, but she'd damn sure find out.

She tossed a rather large bill on her table, then, in a flash, raced after the kid.

Outside, the air whispered with abundant scents.

Heavy magic.

Niki turned left, tracking the boy's fear-laden scent.

It might be a trap.

She didn't care.

She was a hunter out to catch her prey.

The thrill of the chase filled her blood with an age-old song of the hunt.

Her canines lengthened, slipping over her bottom lip. Hunger increased. Power strengthened.

Excitement pumping, she sensed each and every person she passed on an intrinsic level.

Their pulses were warm throbs on the night.

Niki continued on, flashing by fewer and fewer people. The trail led her along increasingly emptier, darker streets.

Let him run.

He'd not get away.

Not from her.

With the sun down, Shane readied to find Niki.

It had been a long day of work, sandwiched between two, far-too-short, naps. Tiredness continued to weigh on him as he prepared for, most likely, another long night ahead.

And all day, one main thought had plagued him greatly.

It was clear that if he and Niki didn't work together, it would take far too long to catch this rogue.

More—humans, vampires and shifters—would die.

He couldn't let that happen.

And he refused to allow the current tensions between vampire clan and wolf pack to explode into a full out war.

Certainly, Shane assured himself—yet again—the growing urge inside of him, this uncomfortable yearning to see Niki, had _absolutely nothing_ to do with the way he craved to once more hear her soft voice, be surrounded by her delightful scent. Feel her touch. Perhaps taste her again...

Nothing at all.

He left his house, shaking his head.

Maybe this second short nap he'd recently stolen hadn't helped at all.

Shane returned to the sheriff's station. It was nearly deserted, with only the night crew remaining. He slipped inside his office and closed the door. Shed his uniform shirt, more comfortable in only his sleeveless tank.

Then he pushed back his desk.

Beneath it, etched into the concrete floor, was a series of circles, four _Ndeé_ hoops. Three smaller circles surrounded a larger one in the middle.

In the central circle, sinuous lines formed some of the great animals—an eagle, a wolf, a bear.

Shane drew a medicine pouch from one of the desk drawers, and slipped it over his neck. He pulled open the leather string ties. Dipped a couple fingers inside, scooping out the precious sand, then scattered a handful of red grains over the form of the bear—his totem animal.

The tattoo covering his left side, from shoulder to knee, flared with heat.

Brother bear responding to Shane's call.

Lighting four colored candles, representing the earthly directions, he knelt before the circle. He folded his hands in his lap. Bowed his head, eyes closed.

Then he _listened_.

The spirits of the forest were dimmer here in town, yet he could still sense their calls.

From off the top of his desk, Shane lifted the dagger Niki had accidentally left inside his truck. He laid the knife on the carved image of the bear.

Whispering a few words of praise and thanks, Shane rose, and shuffle-stepped around the center _Ndeé_. He quietly chanted to brother bear in his native language while he danced.

The spirits of the earth whispered. Louder. Clearer.

Warned of danger stalking close.

Not just to Shane's physical being.

There was a threat to his very soul. To the harmony of his connection to the earth.

But that was something to worry over another time. Besides, it made no sense. Nothing could sever his magic, his spirit.

A hush descended.

The knife took on a bluish glow as the spirits responded to his request.

Shane respectfully knelt once more, giving thanks to all who had shared their magic.

Then, grabbing the dagger, he released the magic in the circles. Moved his desk back. Bolted from the station.

The dagger continued to glow, showing him the way to find Niki.

He reached Sal's Diner, but bypassed it.

She'd been there earlier.

Now, Niki's trail seemed to wind through town as if she'd chased—or been chased by—something.

Niki moved faster through the night.

Soon, she could hear the boy's running steps. He was so young, he didn't even have control of his power.

Too slow.

Too loud.

Couldn't escape.

Niki wouldn't let him.

She rounded a corner and raced into an alley.

The sounds of the boy's flight disappeared.

Cautiously, keeping to the shadows, she headed into the tight space. Niki smelled him. A tinge of blood, mixed with fear. And a hint of Thomas' stench.

This youth was definitely connected to her prey, somehow.

She grinned ferally.

Her gut twisted with gleeful anticipation.

Biting back the urge to rush, Niki kept her voice soft, soothing, cajoling. "Come out. I'm not going to hurt you."

He didn't respond.

Not that she'd expected him to. Expanding her senses, she studied the shadowed alleyway. Slowly walked deeper into the darkness.

Her senses hummed. Vibrated.

Near a row of trash cans, she turned.

In a blink, Niki reached between two barrels and gripped a shirt, jerking the boy from his hiding place.

He stumbled out into the middle of the alley. Sank to his knees. Stared up at her with wide, fear-filled eyes, trembling.

Pangs prickled Niki's heart. The bloodlust faded at the sight of this youth's desperation, the pure terror making him shake.

Softer, more soothing, she repeated, "I told you I'm not going to hurt you."

"Y-you're a vampire. Vamps always lie." He shuddered, surged to his feet, and tried to run again.

With a small sigh, Niki grabbed the back of his collar. Jerked him to a stop. She turned him to face her, if rather gently.

She also kept a hold of his arm in case he tried to break for it again.

Tilting her head to study him, she merely asked, "Really? Do you always lie?"

He shook his head, straining against her hold. "No."

"Then not all vampires lie."

When she kept him contained, but uninjured, the boy's struggles finally slowed a bit.

Hesitant, still fearful, he asked, "If you don't want to hurt me, why were you chasing me?" His eyes widened. Terror turned frantic. His voice grew high-pitched, panicky. "Y-you're going to take me back to _him_ , aren't you?"

"I chased because you ran," she replied with exasperation as his struggles increased. "And back to who?"

The boy slipped free.

She grabbed his shirt again.

This time it ripped as he tried to run away.

But Niki was faster.

She grabbed his arm and hauled him back, pushing him against the brick wall—still being as gentle as she could, but more forceful this time.

This kid certainly had something to do with Thomas. She had a sick, sinking feeling, knowing exactly who must have terrified this boy.

"I-I don't want to go back." His voice filled with bravado, and he raised his fists ready to fight. "You can't make me."

She leaned closer. "Who are you running from?"

The boy shot out a fist which she easily dodged.

A bit growly, she told him, "Try it again and I'll knock you to the ground, boy."

He did.

She hooked her foot behind his ankle and shoved him to the pavement. "Will you calm down? If I wanted to hurt you, I'd have done it already."

Shaking, he rolled to his side and curled into a ball. "Just kill me. I'm not going back."

Even without smelling Thomas, there were few who could instill this type of terror in another.

At least, not that she'd met.

And yet, while sympathy was quickly rising, she couldn't stop thinking about the fact that this kid must know where Thomas was hiding.

Still, something within her continued to soften at his trembling form.

Niki certainly wasn't about to torture the kid, so she'd have to convince him to share willingly. She reached down to tap his shoulder.

He struck out again, his fist glancing a near-painless blow against her cheek.

"For Christ's sake," she huffed, picking him up and tossing him over her shoulder.

He resisted, struggling for a long moment, before finally going slack.

Niki hauled him from the alley and back out onto the streets. "If you don't tell me who you're running from, I can't help."

The boy's only response was to shudder.

"Fine." She continued carrying him down the street, ignoring the strange glances from the few people she passed.

Only a few blocks from Main Street, the hair on the back of Niki's neck prickled.

The air filled with the cloying scent of wet dog.

She stopped, looking around, but the shadows were too dark, undulated too quickly, to pick anything specific out.

A growl came from behind her. Followed by others, surrounding her.

The boy, flung over her shoulder, tensed. His chest heaved.

"Vampire filth," a gravelly voice called from the darkness.

"Kill, kill, kill," another chanted.

"They need to die for Doug." The growling was joined by long, mournful howls.

Niki called out, "I don't know who Doug is, but I didn't kill him."

"Vampires. One's same as any other. All must pay for his death."

She tried again, even knowing it was useless. "We're just passing through. Not looking for a fight."

"Too bad, blood drinkers. You found one."

Damn it.

Just what she needed.

Making a swift decision, Niki dropped the kid onto his feet. She yanked her motel key from a jean pocket, and swiped a dagger from her boot, then pushed them both into the boy's hands.

He trembled so much he nearly dropped them.

Niki caught his chin. Forced him to look away from the shadows, and meet her stare. "Do you know where the Inn is?"

He shuddered, his gaze turning to skitter over the encircling shadows, his eyes glassy with panic.

She smacked him on the side of the head. "Do you know where the Inn is?"

Focus finally came back to his gaze. He nodded.

"Go to room 113. Wait for me." She gave him a warning look. "If you make me chase you down again, I won't be happy."

The growls came closer.

Louder, hungrier.

The kid squeaked, "And if you don't come back?"

"I will." Pushing him a few steps back, Niki drew the short sword from its sheath on her hip. Grabbed another dagger from her boot. "Right now, I'm going to clear the way. Run when I tell you."

Magic exploded around them. Wolves appeared, slinking from the shadows.

She counted four, but there were bound to be more.

Unseen and waiting in the darkness.

"I-I can try to fight," the boy whispered, without much confidence.

"Just do as I say." Niki braced herself, staring into the surrounding ice-blue eyes.

Watching.

Waiting.

Sensing.

Searching for the area with fewest enemies—the best way to send the boy on his flight to freedom, and safety.

Claws scrabbled on pavement as the first beast lunged.

Niki swung her short sword, slashing at the wolf.

He yowled in pain.

She stabbed her dagger into its side, then shoved it away. "Now," she yelled, rushing in the direction that seemed the clearest. Niki confronted another wolf who blocked the way.

It snapped, jumping. Teeth and claws scratched at her poorly protected belly and arms as it met her charge.

Ignoring the pain flaming along her nerves, she slashed, thrust. Cutting deep into its muzzle and back, she forced the wolf to the ground.

Grabbing the kid's hand, she barreled over the fallen beast. "Now, damn it."

The boy finally came his senses and ran.

Niki stayed just behind him, watching for any danger ahead. Forcing back the wolves nipping at their heels.

Growls followed them. The wolves weren't giving up, even if they'd grown slightly cautious.

Ahead, Niki spied a nearing section of the busier Main Street.

She didn't know about the laws in this town, but usually, the Arcaine took great strides not to appear in public.

Hopefully, if the kid could reach the road, he'd be alright.

She shoved at his back, sending him flying forward. "Go. Get to the Inn."

Then she stopped.

Spun.

Faced the chasing wolves.

A blur leapt toward Niki, jaws angling for her throat. She fell back. Jabbed her knife along the wolf's exposed belly as he flew over her.

Rolling to her feet, she stared at the growing pack.

Sliding her dagger back into her boot, she drew the special one from the sheath at her lower back.

Niki held it up. "This one is silver. You'll heal from the damage I've already done. Not nearly as well from what I'll do to your worthless hides if you continue this pointless attack."

One wolf whimpered. Another growled.

Then as a group, the wolves stalked forward, hackles raised, teeth bared.

"Fine." She slammed against the closest beast, slashing its legs with the silver blade.

It howled in fury and pain.

She hit another, stabbing its hindquarters. Then another, raking her blade along its side, digging deep. She fought in a blur, striking out at wolf after wolf, not seeing anything but her next target.

The pack finally broke, wolves tucking their tails and racing away, down the street.

Caught in the bloodlust, Niki started after the fleeing group.

The beasts bayed and she was lost in the age-old chase of prey and predator.

She sped down streets and alleys, this time headed away from the center of town, following the scent of cowardice and blood.

It was heavenly.

Shane picked up his pace when he came to Jasper Lane and found blood splattered over the sidewalk. Worry grew. He refused to consider that Niki might have been hurt... or worse.

He hurried on, soon reaching the forest that skirted the edges of town.

Just ahead, a wounded wolf's threatening growls turned into a howling cry for help.

"Asshole!" Niki screamed.

Shane slid the knife he'd used to track her into a back pocket as he ran forward. But when he broke through the trees, he stopped, stunned.

A huge wolf, far bigger than any found in the wild, lay on the ground. Niki bent over, a long dagger to its throat.

Smoke rose from a silver blade pressing against the wolf's skin.

Niki glared at three other wolves who circled, growling, ready to rip her to shreds.

She yelled, "Back off or I'll cut his throat. I didn't ask for this fight. Hell, I didn't do a damn thing to any of yours. If you'll think rationally, you'll realize everyone I injured will heal." Then she shrugged, and added, "Eventually."

Shane assessed the wolves. There was little humanity left in those glowing, blue stares. All three had lost most thought of rationalism.

He moved forward, drawing those hungry gazes in his direction.

Unfortunately, his magic might not be enough to easily, or quickly, pull so many wolves, this far gone, all back from the edge.

And right now, time felt like it was racing.

So, once again, Shane called on his animal spirit, though drawing on the bear, twice in such close succession, would require a price be paid.

He softly chanted, "Mother Earth. Father Sky. Brother Bear."

The black ink covering his left side flared. Heat spread over his skin like wildfire. Shane gritted his teeth against the hazy drain on his energy.

Niki gasped, her gaze locking onto him.

Shane knew what she saw.

He was no shifter. But when he called on Brother's spirit, others could sometimes see the superimposed image of the bear over his body.

Shane glared at the wolves, letting his power crackle in the night air. "Listen to me, _ba'chos_. As your friend, and as your Keeper. Do not shed any more blood tonight."

The wolves shuddered. The one in the middle blinked. His eyes faded from ice-blue to stormy gray. He howled in fury. Growled deep, promising retribution.

But then, he took the other two, and backed away.

The wolf beneath Niki's blade whimpered.

She stood, pulling her dagger away.

In a flash, it was up and rushing after its pack mates. All quickly disappeared.

Still, Shane stood silent, listening to the night, the earth spirits calling all around him, until the wolves were far away.

Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

He released the gathered energy, letting it seep back into the earth. Turned to study Niki, his thoughts whirling, as he wondered what had just gone on here this night.

Green eyes wide, Niki took a large step away from him.

Sighing, he raised a hand, asking her to wait.

Her shoulders stiffened. Her fist tightened on the long, silver dagger.

He softly told her, "I won't harm you."

"What the hell are you?" she demanded.

He shrugged. "Sheriff and Keeper."

Niki's gaze roamed the tattoos covering his left arm. She tilted her head as if trying to follow them where they disappeared beneath his tank. "More than that," she said quietly. "A lot more, I'd say."

"And you are vampire. Your point?"

She finally put her dagger away, though her gaze remained wary. "A bear?"

"My totem animal and spirit guide."

"You're not a mage. You're a shaman." She nodded as if assimilating what she'd seen this night. "So. What are you doing here?"

"Tracking you," he replied, trying not to reveal the worry still inside as he searched for any serious injuries. She was blood splattered, and scratched up, but he didn't see anything that wouldn't heal.

Niki rolled her neck, bones softly popping. "I had it under control. They'd have either left, or died."

Anger grew, piercing Shane. "You kill a wolf, and MacDougal will bring the wrath of hell down on you. So will every shifter and vampire around for miles. No one wants another war."

She glanced at him, her fangs still showing, eyes red. "I don't want to be the cause of it. But if a pack of wolves attack me and a boy for no reason, they made their choice."

As Keeper he couldn't quite argue with her.

But, it stunned him to realize that, a part of him wanted to track the wolves down. Hurt them for daring to touch this woman.

It was beyond bad.

He had a job to do, and he couldn't let anything, or anyone, interfere. Not with the state of things lately.

Trying not to think of it, Shane latched on to her other words. "What boy?"

"A young vampire. I found him in the diner. He's scared and running from something. I sent him to my motel room." She glanced around the trees. "Wonder if he actually went."

Shane didn't know how to respond. "You sent a strange vampire to your motel room when you know everyone is looking for rogues?"

She raised a dark brow, her cheeks flushing. "That's exactly why I sent him there. He's not strong enough to have killed the wolf. But he smelled of Thomas."

Shane walked closer. "What do you mean?"

"The boy's been around the man I'm looking for. Hopefully, he can tell me where Thomas is hiding." She turned and headed in the direction of town, and the Inn.

Shane figured it for the perfect time to share his earlier thoughts, here in the quietness. "You and I should really work together. It would solve at least half of our individual problems."

She grimaced. "Thomas might be keeping a step ahead of me, still, but I'll damn well get him." Her hands fisted at her sides.

Shane grabbed her shoulder and stopped her furious march. Waited until she glared at him. "He's your sire. You can't kill him."

Niki just arched a brow and stared him down, as if daring him to try to continue telling her what to do.

Shaking his head, he got to the point. "You seem to forget this is my town. I'm both sheriff for the humans, and Keeper of the Peace for the Arcaine. Anyone coming in here, stirring up trouble, murdering people, is my duty to take down. So why don't you just take a step back, slow down, and accept my help?"

The woman's eyes flashed, ruby coloring her irises with anger.

Feeling the prickles of his own temper, Shane demanded, "Does trying to make things easier on us both truly offend you so deeply?"

"No," she finally replied. "But I don't understand why you won't just stay out of my way."

Man, she was stubborn.

Shane slowly repeated, "Help. Easier. Us both. Together, we can probably take him down much faster than working alone."

That one finally sparked some interest.

Niki assessed him, her red-ringed irises fading back to emerald. "Perhaps," she said, then continued walking.

In town, she surprisingly let him take the lead, letting Shane direct her toward the station, and his waiting pickup truck. The walk remained filled with tension, though.

From her still-flaring temper, to the sensuality permeating the air between them, now that danger was no longer his first, immediate concern.

This close to Niki, and Shane remembered exactly how soft and giving her lips had been.

It wasn't a thought he should be having.

Certainly not now.

His concentration and focus deserved to be only on the brewing conflict, and this murderer in town.

Only, at the moment, Shane couldn't seem to give a damn.

There was something between them.

The urge to examine it, to figure out exactly what was there, would not be ignored.

The spirits of the earth, stronger here among the trees, whispered to Shane. Words of interest, questions of wonder.

The prickly woman stirred him.

And finally, Shane decided.

He'd not stop until he figured out exactly why.

# Chapter 7

Niki followed the sheriff through the outskirts of town.

She couldn't quite bring herself to agree with his demand for cooperation. Not easily anyway.

Yet, thinking about his display of power back in the forest, she began to wonder if there might be more benefits to working with him than he'd pointed out.

He'd harnessed the spirit power of a damn grizzly bear.

It wasn't like shifters. They were one—animal and man, both together.

Shane had been so much more.

And it was damn sexy.

She bit her lower lip. Shoved _that_ thought away.

And still...

She'd been in control of the situation.

Mostly.

His entrance had merely speeded up her win.

Even if a growing part of her argued otherwise—that it had felt more like a stalemate at the time.

So perhaps he had helped her.

She could accept that, she supposed.

What truly bothered Niki was the sweeping sensation she'd felt, seeing him appear.

Relief.

Thanks.

Even... a bit of happiness?

Hell, she shook her head with disgust, even now she couldn't keep her eyes off the muscles that his sheriff's uniform had hid earlier. It wasn't possible to ignore the magic, the power, crackling, emanating from him.

Contained, but still so strong.

This was a man who appeared able to go up against just about anything.

And win.

Shane glanced back, as if to make sure she was actually following.

His gaze drifted over her, from face to feet. Gold glowed with sparking interest.

Niki's blood warmed. She clenched her fists, ignoring the desire once again sparking inside her, all due to this damnable man.

He was a Keeper.

That was all she needed to know.

Everything she needed to remember.

All that beautiful, exciting power went into his job—hunting down Arcaine, like her.

In fact, once she killed Thomas, he'd probably be the one the Council called to carry out her execution.

Niki stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk.

Shane was instantly at her side, grasping her arm, helping her keep to her feet.

Not that she needed it, but the gesture was, surprisingly, kind of nice.

He continued to walk beside her. Heat blazed through her thin blouse where his palm rested on her lower back.

They reached the sheriff's station. Shane led her to his black truck. "Let's go see this boy you found."

Niki didn't want to ride with him.

She needed some time alone with her many strange thoughts.

Not just about this warmth, the lust, so obviously growing between them.

But...

Was she seriously considering working with him?

This man was dangerous to her peace of mind.

She looked over his truck, turned to Shane. "I'll meet you there."

He raised a brow, scowling. "Yeah, right."

Grasping any excuse she could find, Niki waved at her clothes. "I'll get blood all over your truck."

"I don't care." He bit out each word.

"I do." She crossed her arms, staring him down.

He sighed. "Fine. You can clean up here."

The unexpected offer made her jerk back. "What?"

His eyes glowed as if he knew she was trying to get away. "Change in the locker room. There are plenty of spare clothes."

Her mind went blank, unable to think of another excuse.

Mumbling under her breath at being trapped by her own doing, she followed him up the steps and into the station.

A deputy stood at their approach. His eyes grew wide as he looked from her, to Shane.

Niki recognized him, from both the bar, and the murder scene in the alley.

"Boss?"

"It's all right, Chase." Shane led her down a dim hall and into a locker room. He opened one of the unlabeled lockers on the far end. Drew out a towel, and some sweats.

Turning, he slowly eyed Niki up and down. "These should fit you." He pointed to a side door. "You can shower through there. Lock it behind you and no one will come in."

The man's eyes glowed bright.

Hot.

Filling with hunger.

At thoughts of her showering?

The sparks leaping in his gaze were contagious.

Niki shivered, warmth spreading in her veins.

Shane's gaze traced her face, her mouth. Dropped to caress her breasts.

Her nipples tightened in response. An ache spread through her body, an increasing hunger.

Shane's breath caught. His golden eyes burned. His hand dropped to his side. The clothes dangled limp, forgotten.

He took a step toward Niki.

His magnetism called.

She edged a bit closer to him, unable to break away from his gaze.

His blazing stare pulled her deep, deeper, into a welcoming abyss that she wasn't certain she could escape.

The image of this man earlier, in all his magical, powerful glory, flashed through her mind.

Made Niki burn.

Yet, right now, he stood before her only as a man. Nothing more.

And one who very obviously wanted her.

Shane's commanding presence surrounded Niki. His scent filled her lungs with every breath she drew.

Heat radiated from him, enflaming her senses.

The distance between them rapidly diminished, until he stood directly in front of her. Niki looked up into his face, feeling unaccustomedly vulnerable.

Part of her wanted to run.

She should.

This between them was impossible.

His eyes darkened, as if he read her hesitation.

Shane stepped even closer.

Niki shook at the delicious thought that, if she ran, he would only catch her. Her heart thumped. Heated blood pulsed from her head to her toes.

Shane let the clothing drop to the floor, by their feet. He reached up and brushed a loose lock of hair from Niki's face.

Hot sparks of magic blazed along her skin where he touched her.

Gasping for air, she could only stand frozen.

Wanting to run.

Yet, also, wanting to stay. To experience.

Time slowed to a ticking crawl when Shane leaned close.

Closer.

He brushed his smooth, firm lips against hers. Then he licked the corner of her mouth. Eased inside, flicking his tongue over hers, tasting, teasing.

Lust exploded, an aching throb in the pit of Niki's belly.

Shane tasted of smoky spice. She flicked her tongue over hers, drinking him in.

With a deep groan, he pulled her into his arms, tight against his large, hard body.

Needy hunger rose to envelope Niki.

She ran her hands up Shane's sides, over his back. The play of tensing muscles beneath her fingers spurred her on.

Cupping her neck with one hand, Shane tipped Niki's head back. He nipped along her jaw. Traced the path with his tongue.

The scruff on his face rasped against her skin. She moaned in delight. Pressed against his touch, wanting more.

He returned to devour her mouth, kissing her with intense hunger.

Niki took him in.

Demanded more in return.

Shane grasped her hips and eased between her thighs. He rubbed against her, the friction bringing a flare of heady lust.

With a rough groan, he slid a palm up her ribs, cupped one of her breasts.

Niki's nipples pebbled harder, throbbing for his touch.

He flicked his thumb over her.

She nearly cried out at the shooting shocks of pleasure. Could only lean into his touch as Shane traced his mouth down her throat, pressed a soft kiss to her throbbing pulse, then continued, to the swell of her breasts above the v-neck of her shirt.

His hot breath caressed her skin.

Heat spread. Her knees weakened.

Niki gave in.

Leaned into his touch. His strength.

A distant voice called out, "Boss? Sheriff?"

Coming to her senses, at least slightly, Niki tried to jump away from Shane.

He held her, kept her close, even as he stared at with hooded, glowing eyes. "I'll be out in a minute," he called in reply, his voice rough, husky.

Through the desire trying to cloud her mind, Niki whispered, "We can't do this."

"Not here, anyway." Shane's piercing stare dimmed, flickered.

He suddenly grinned with a bit of levity, the exact opposite of the panic currently racing through Niki at the situation she was in right now.

She couldn't even move as Shane pressed a soft, lingering kiss on her mouth. "Unless you need help changing?" He sounded so hopeful, though he was clearly teasing, that Niki somehow managed to relax the slightest bit—even with the man keeping her tight to his large, hot and hard body.

Instantly deciding her best course of action was to just ignore it all, Niki sniped at him, "Is this your way of talking me into working with you?"

He stiffened. "Absolutely not."

"Good. Because if we can't keep our hands off each other, I'll have to say no."

Shane held her caught in his stare as he slowly let her go.

He stepped back, then bent and grabbed the clothes from the floor. Handed them over. "Well, now, Ma'am. I think I can behave myself." He broke out into a grin and winked. "Can you?"

The man whistled a light tune on his way out of the locker room.

Confused, dazed, and slightly afraid of how he made her feel, Niki took a quick shower, then dressed in the borrowed sweats.

Pain lingered from the few deeper scratches she'd gotten, but not much. More important was a growing hunger, the need to replenish her strength.

Distracting, overriding it all, was a lingering heaviness in her breasts, an ache in her belly.

A craving for the sheriff she couldn't deny.

Couldn't completely ignore.

Maybe it was lingering adrenaline from fighting? Otherwise, she should have been able to easily resist him.

That had to be it.

Plus, Niki needed to eat to finish healing.

The more time passed, the more a lightheaded weakness stirred.

So it was merely the current set of circumstances making her lust uncontrollable.

She'd just ensure it didn't happen again.

But first, she had to face the damnable, confusing sheriff once more.

Niki headed down the hall, and toward the front area, slowing when she heard Shane and his deputy talking.

"And those dang problematic wolves?" the deputy, Chase, asked.

Shane harshly replied, "Don't worry. I'll be talking to Beider later today."

"I don't envy you that. The Alpha's an ass."

Shane chuckled. "You're coming with me."

Chase groaned.

Niki stepped from the hall.

Both men fell silent. Stared at her.

She demanded, "What?"

"Nothing," Shane softly answered. "Ready?"

Niki shrugged and headed out of the station.

Shane made certain she didn't have a chance to think about running off by staying at her heels. He opened the truck's passenger door. Half-bowed, waiting until she got in. Once she was settled, he closed the door, and strode around to the driver's side.

The trip to the Inn was short, but by the time they reached it, Niki was vibrating from the thick tension still heavy—still hot—between them.

The moment Shane pulled into a parking spot, she jumped out and hurried to her room.

Somehow, he was right behind her when she reached the door.

Sighing, she reached for the knob.

It was unlocked.

Someone had been there.

She strode inside, only to find the room empty.

Then she smelled the kid.

Kneeling on the motel room's thin carpet beside Niki, Shane stared at the youth curled on the floor, and deeply sleeping, beneath the bed.

He was just a youth.

Not even old enough to drive yet.

Concentrating, Shane let his senses expand.

The kid's shadow grew.

But...

He didn't have a vampire's normal aura.

Shane glanced at Niki.

Hers was normal. A crimson glow, flecked by the deepest black.

The boy's was almost fully black, with only small patches, here and there, of reddish gray.

Something was seriously wrong.

Shane let his vision return to normal. Asked softly, "How old a vampire do you think he is?"

Niki shrugged. "He's a newbie. Maybe three or four, based on the power he emanates. And he's inexperienced. He doesn't know how to use it." She glanced at Shane warily, as if worried he had some nefarious plans in mind for the kid.

Standing, Shane rubbed the back of his neck. He headed to the window. Stared through it without really seeing much.

Maybe he'd been too harsh with Niki earlier, demanding she cooperate. They _did_ need to work together, but he probably could have put it more delicately.

And then, grabbing her like that at the station...

Kissing her until they'd both been hot and bothered. Near senseless.

His body heating once more, Shane stared harder out the window. Ignored it the best he could.

Yet, that suspicious look she'd given him...

Did he perhaps owe her an apology?

He turned back, ready to ask.

She was still kneeling by the bed, peering at the boy beneath it. Her voice broke the quiet stretching through the room first. "Close the curtains."

After Shane complied, she reached beneath the bed and yanked the kid out.

The boy woke, his eyes blazing red, fangs extended. He hissed at Niki.

Shane stepped forward, but she already had it under control.

She smacked the back of the kid's head. "Knock it off."

The youth's eyes slowly faded to a washed out blue-gray. His fangs receded. Comprehension came into his expression. Turned to instant terror. He scrambled back until he hit the bed, then curled in on himself, trembling slightly.

Empathy fired inside Shane.

Poor kid.

No one, especially not someone so young, should know this extent of fear.

Gritting his jaw, Shane clasped his hands behind his back, into tight fists, and plastered a pleasant expression on his face. He remained silent. Assessed things.

Niki lifted the kid up and sat him on the bed. Then she moved to the small closet. Drew out a large, black leather suitcase.

From a hidden compartment, she pulled out two plastic medical bags of sloshing blood.

The sound set Shane's stomach roiling.

Niki tossed one to the boy.

The kid attacked it like he was starving, biting and gnawing at the thick plastic container. If his fangs had still been out it would've been no problem.

"Hey." Niki snapped her fingers in front of his face.

The boy's frantic movements slowed. It was an obvious struggle, but he managed to pry his gaze from the bagged blood in his hands, and lift his head to look at Niki.

She held her own bag out, between them. Showed him how to easily unscrew the lid.

After following her example, the youth gulped at the contents.

Niki turned to Shane, holding his stare as she lifted her bag. Drank the blood.

Her eyes flashed, as if in challenge, daring him to see her fully.

Vampire.

Shane refused to back down.

He knew exactly what she was. That had never been in doubt.

Watching her drink blood now didn't change anything.

He still wanted, needed to work with her.

Wanted, needed... _her_.

When they'd both finished their liquid meal, Niki slid the two empty bags into the case, then put it back in the closet. She took a seat on the bed, near the headboard, watching the boy. Her face was a study of politeness.

No emotion. No fear.

The boy didn't mask his expression at all.

He stared at them, tense, ready to flee. His gaze flickered between Niki and Shane. Panicky. Alert.

As if this kid was afraid he'd be beaten or otherwise harmed at any second.

Shane's growing concern strengthened, mixing with anger at whoever had done this to the boy. His hands, fisted at his back, tightened near painfully.

Niki settled deeper on the bed, drawing the kid's attention. Gently, she asked, "Ready to tell me your name yet?"

The boy shivered, but lifted his chin with false bravado to ask, "Who's he?"

"The local sheriff," she replied softly.

The youth looked even more frightened.

Still trying to keep his face pleasantly neutral, Shane decided to try giving the boy a slight grin.

He inched a bit closer toward Niki in response.

She laid a hand on the boy's arm. "Look, I saved your life tonight. I think it's obvious by now that I'm not planning to hurt you. The sheriff is here to help, too. Just tell us your story."

Shane nodded, trying to assure the boy he wasn't in trouble.

The kid looked between them. Slowly sat a little straighter. "And if I don't wanna tell you anything?"

With approval, Shane studied the kid. He certainly had a spine.

Having dealt with stubborn teens too many times to count, he knew what was real fear, rather than just bravado.

Still, there was only so much that could be done without assistance.

Though Shane's instincts told him to wrap this youth up and tuck him somewhere safe, he straightened. His relaxed hands fell to his sides. Keeping his voice soothing, yet unyielding, he asked softly, "Do you want our help?"

Even with the gentleness, the boy flinched.

Shane pulled a chair from the small table in front of the window, spun it around, and sat on it backwards, where he could face the bed. "We can't help sufficiently if we don't know what you're running from."

The kid shivered. Sighed.

His shoulders slumped in defeat.

Intense sympathy stirred inside Shane for this poor, lost boy.

Niki watched the kid, remembering how she'd been after her own turning.

At least, the time after the initial, unremembered bloodlust—the mindlessness that came to all newly woken vampires.

Once she'd come to her senses, and truly realized all that had horribly gone wrong, Niki had been able to feel nothing more than dread.

That everything was over, with nothing to live for.

Then the ghosts had come,.

She'd finally realized why she'd survived.

Here and now, studying this boy, Niki couldn't figure out where such immense concern for him was coming from.

His situation was nothing like hers.

Yet, she felt a strange kinship to him. An urge to help him find _his reason_. Help him get through the terror and pain she could feel strangling, crippling his soul.

She shook her head at the musings.

What she _needed_ to do was find out why he was here.

Just above a hoarse whisper, the kid said, "Robby. Robby Jackson." He reached up to tug at a ragged lock of hair, growing behind his ear.

"Where are you from, Robby?" she asked, just as quietly.

"Alabama."

"How long have you been a vampire?"

He shook his head, tugging at his hair harder. "I don't know. It's not easy to track time passing when..."

Silence grew. Stretched.

Kindly, Shane asked, "When what, son?"

Robby glanced at Niki.

She nodded, encouraging.

"The guy, the vamp, who had me... He kept us chained up. When we travel, we're loaded into a dark truck. Locked in." His breath came harder, his words faster. "New people would sometimes come. Others were taken away. Never returned. We don't, didn't, know where or why. We didn't even know where we were most the time."

Niki stared at him.

Such uncertainty, terror, this child must have gone through.

The change itself was bad enough, but to be locked up...

With growing anger, she asked, "You were a prisoner from the time you were turned?"

The boy nodded, still tugging at his hair.

"And the name of your captor?" Niki couldn't keep anger from tingeing her voice.

Robby flinched. "Y-you swear you're not gonna take me back?"

She scooted closer to the boy's side. Taking his hand from his hair, she trapped it between her palms. Waited until he met her gaze. "I swear, you will never be with that monster again."

The boy appraised her. As if deciding she might be strong enough to keep the promise, he nodded. "He calls himself Jeremy Oakdale. This time. He changes it a lot."

She asked, "Has he ever gone by Thomas Montgomery?"

Robby's eyes widened and he gulped, nodding slowly.

Shane leaned forward, rubbing his chin. "You keep saying us. How many others are there?"

Robby shuddered. "When I escaped a couple nights ago, there were three more in my room. There were others outside, too, but I never saw them. And a woman—she's got this cool pink hair. But she's not a vamp. Mr. Oakdale's had her for almost a year. She's not a guard, or anything, but she's not kept a prisoner like us. And he hasn't turned her."

"So she's working with him?" Niki asked.

"I don't know." The boy rubbed his free hand on one knee. "She brings—brought—us our food, sometimes."

After a few minutes of questions, she figured the kid didn't know much more. Certainly not where Thomas was hiding.

Robby leaned back against the headboard. Yawned wide.

Niki met Shane's gaze, questioning.

He shrugged his shoulders in reply. "I don't have anything more, at the moment."

Standing, Niki waved him toward the door, then told Robby, "Go back to sleep. You can take the bed." She headed for the door. "I'll get another room. Hopefully right next door.

The boy shook his head, paling. Asked frantically, "What are you doing?"

She looked him over, worry returning. "Getting another room."

"B-but it's sunlight out there," he replied, a bit panicky.

"Yeah."

"Y-you'll die. Burn to death."

"Whoever told you that?" She shook her head. "Let me guess. Thomas."

"Well, yeah. But I've heard stories about vamps my whole life." He hung his head. "I used to be a horror geek."

She laughed softly, kindly. "So it helped prepare you."

His eyes widened. "Yeah," he whispered and sat straighter, as if finding some pride in his human past.

But it made Niki's heart ache even more for all this boy had lost. "Most of what you've read, or seen on TV, is myth." She opened the door.

Sunlight flooded in. Caressing her.

Nearly reached the boy.

He cringed back into the shadows, but watched closely.

When Niki didn't burst into flames, Robby cautiously reached out. Let the sunlight fall over his hand. Wonder filled his face. He scooted further into the light, turning to the sun. Letting it bathe his skin.

The light warmed Niki as well.

Yet, at the same time, she could feel the sun trying to sap her power, warning she'd eventually weaken.

"B-but..." the boy began again, then stopped and shook his head.

Niki grinned. "We don't combust in sunlight." She closed the door. "Though during the daytime, we _are_ at our weakest. And, if we're in the sun for a while, it can steal our strength. But it won't kill us."

"Wow."

"My sentiments exactly."

"Will you tell me all of it?" he asked with childlike curiosity.

"Sure." She turned back to the door. "But not right now. You need to sleep."

They left the room, Niki quietly closing the door behind them.

"Poor kid," Shane grumbled.

She shrugged. "I've seen worse."

He took her arm, stopping her. "This vampire sounds like a monster. He has to be stopped before anyone else gets hurt."

Niki stared into his heated, glowing eyes. "What do you think I'm trying to do?"

"Together, we can find him faster."

She pulled from his grasp. Hurried to the lobby. A bell dinged when she opened the door and strode inside.

Work together?

Again with that?

But she'd decided earlier to ignore Shane.

To stay far away from him—and the strange things he'd woken with her.

Now, without the deep worry for the boy back in her room, Niki's senses zoned on the man hovering at her side.

His body heat.

His scent.

The humming caress of his magical energy.

Friction and desire sparked within her. Yearnings, to taste him once again.

Thankfully, a woman finally came through a door on one side of the lobby, her shrill voice echoing, "Coming, coming!"

She spied Shane and her eyes lit. A welcoming smile grew. "Sheriff, what brings you out here?" Her name tag read Molly. She leaned across the counter, showing off an exorbitant amount of cleavage, straight in his direction.

Shane fidgeted, color creeping into his cheeks as he glanced at Niki. "I'm visiting..."

Molly's eyes frosted.

Niki told her, "I need another room. Next to 113."

The woman stiffly filled out the information and took Niki's payment. The air was chilly in the lobby by the time she and Shane left.

To stall going into an empty room, alone, Niki stopped in and checked the boy first.

He slept soundly, curled into a ball on the bed, covered from head to toe. Only a tuft of light hair peeked out from under the blankets.

With a sigh, Niki headed for her new room, expecting Shane to leave.

Instead, he took the key. Opened the door and held it for her to enter.

Niki walked inside, suddenly self-conscious being alone with him.

Especially since a large bed dominated the room.

Heat flared through her.

Shane stood close once again. Too close.

The memories of his mouth and hands on her body, back at the station, turned the heat up a notch. Niki clenched her hands. Sought the control _not_ to turn, to pick up where they'd left off earlier.

Shane closed the door behind them with a soft thump that somehow felt like it held some strange finality. He dropped her key on the table. Faced her. "So, are we going to be working together?"

How Niki wanted to shout _no_.

To avoid him. The growing heat that blossomed every time she thought of this man.

But she wasn't an idiot.

He wouldn't leave her alone.

It would take more of Niki's time to avoid Shane than to cooperate. Besides, he had inside knowledge of the town she could use.

Those were her only reasons.

They had to be.

Finally, she replied, "Yes."

His golden eyes flared in anticipation.

Glowed with the heat of growing desires.

Shane took a step closer. Brushed a lock of hair from Niki's cheek. Tucked it behind her ear.

She shivered, his touch sending thrills shooting to her curling toes. His scent wrapped around her, filling her with desire and... comfort?

Which didn't make any sense.

And might just be the scariest part of all.

To ignore the strangeness, no matter how compelling, intriguing, Niki drew back. Sat on the edge of the bed.

Returned to the important—and safe—topic at hand.

The only thing that needed to be on either of their minds. "Thomas is obviously keeping young vampires. But I don't understand why."

Shane grabbed a chair from the table and brought it near the bed. He sat facing her, their knees nearly brushing. "Younger vampires are easier to control. To manipulate."

"Still doesn't make any sense."

"You were gentle with Robby," Shane said.

Niki glanced at him, then away. Emotions swamped her.

Why did she have so much sympathy for the youth? And what was this heat burning deep inside her, this attraction to the man in front of her.

She could feel his heat, radiating from his large body. Shane's scent invaded her senses, somehow invoking both desire, and an even stranger calmness, as if he shared his strength with her, too.

Ever since meeting this man, the cold, lonely place she'd kept locked up inside had been warming.

"Will you tell me how you were turned?" he asked, gentle, and with some concern. "Why you're so compelled to take down your sire?"

She lifted a trembling hand, but didn't know what she meant to do, so let it fall back into her lap.

Shane reached over to lace his fingers with hers.

Shivering, Niki stared at their hands. Asked, "Why does it matter?"

Thoughts of the past at least helped shove back some of the confusing feelings stirring inside of her. Even if it was pain that came.

Swallowing past her tightening throat, Niki stared at a thread-bare patch of carpet.

Asked again, "Why does any of it matter?"

There were so many ways Shane could answer that, but he didn't think Niki would accept any of them.

In fact, a few would definitely send her running.

He only admitted, "I can feel the agony inside you. Let it out."

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter."

"It might." He held her hand a little tighter. Leaned in, and grasped her chin with his other hand. Nudged her to meet his gaze.

Her eyes, green rimmed with red, flashed with pain. It was all Shane could do to resist pulling her into his arms. Try to ease it away.

He knew what he was asking, dredging up the past. How difficult it might be. But if it helped her, if it helped them find Thomas...

If it helped him understand her a little better...

All Shane said was, "Just like I told Robby. I need to know everything if I'm to help to my fullest ability."

"I..." She swallowed. "I've never talked about it before."

Shane stared in shock. "Never?"

She shook her head, avoiding his gaze.

He traced his fingers along her cheek. He thought it felt as if she pressed into his touch.

Just a little.

Shane continued, "A couple hundred years of holding everything in? We all need to share sometimes." In a whisper, he added, "Try me."

She shook her head again, nibbling at her lower lip with one retracted fang tip.

"I can help you get this Thomas. But you need to help me, too. Tell me about all we're facing."

Her strained expression turned her paler than usual.

It made Shane want to pull back. Leave her alone, and let her forget.

But he knew past hurts didn't work that way.

All the pain was bottled up inside her.

"Niki," he cajoled.

"You don't understand." She swallowed, her glance darting around the room.

"Let me try."

She took a deep breath. Finally met his gaze. Her eyes were flushed red. Her lips pressed together in thin lines.

He softly said, "It's all right. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

Niki shuddered. Breathed deep. Slowly nodded. "If it will help us find him."

It would also heal some of her heart, to release such bottle up, explosive emotion. But Shane didn't dare say such a thing out loud.

With another deep breath, Niki stared at their entwined fingers, resting on her knee. When she finally spoke, her voice was a near-whisper. "It was my seventeenth birthday."

She paused, her tension growing.

Shane caught her gaze, held it, steady and assured. Giving what comfort, any strength, he could.

After a moment, Niki continued to speak, if haltingly, and still quiet. "I'd become engaged to my father's choice for my husband. To celebrate, we had a ball at our plantation, outside New Orleans."

Her eyes blurred.

Her hand gripped his, tightening as memories overtook her.

"I still remember how cool the evening was. The band playing. The night was full of laughter. People danced and drank and ate, so merry, all evening long." She shuddered. "My father had ordered a huge banquet. And this cake. So tall. Covered with purple ribbons. And on the top, a crown for me."

She paused, blinking. Her grip on his hand tightened even more. "Thomas Montgomery was a guest. An investor from out of state. I didn't know much about him, nor did I care. It wasn't my business."

Trying to lessen some of the tension thrumming through her body, Shane replied, "You don't strike me as the dutiful daughter type."

She met his gaze. The red in her eyes had spread as she relived the past. "Things change."

"I suppose they do."

"When the party was over, close to dawn, those staying at our plantation retired to bed. My family and fiancé. Thomas." Her nails dug into his hand.

Shane refused to pull away.

He'd asked her to tell him about this nightmare.

He'd be damned if he would let go now.

Breathing faster, Niki told him, "It was the screaming that woke me. I raced out of my bedroom, and ran down the hall, to my little sister's room." She shuddered. Gulped for air. "Thomas stood over her. Blood was everywhere. I knew she was dead. I ran to my parents, but they too..."

He couldn't stand the agony drenching her voice any longer.

Shane moved from his chair to the bed, and drew Niki into his arms, wishing he could somehow slay her past—and the pain it brought.

She held onto him tightly. Her eyes flashed, pure crimson.

Unfocused.

Not seeing him, or now.

Niki was caught up in her own personal nightmare. "I didn't understand what was happening until Thomas caught me. I fought, but was so weak. I can still feel his teeth sinking into my neck. His claws scratching down my arms. My back."

"How did you get away?" Throat tight at hearing her horrors, Shane could do nothing but hold her closer.

"I don't know."

Silence fell.

Finally, she met Shane's gaze. The red in her eyes was beginning to fade.

She'd come back to the present.

Her voice regained a little strength. "The next few days are a blank. When I came to, I was in our barn."

Shane studied her face, holding her tight. The strain of agony was finally leaving her expression. A slight lightness blanketed her now.

Sharing had helped.

Niki leaned into his embrace a little more. Then she blinked. Looked down as if realizing she was in Shane's arms.

A blush flooded her cheeks rosily. Niki jumped to her feet. Began pacing, on the furthest side of the room possible.

Not pointing out the friction—so hot between them it nearly suffocated the room's air—Shane instead asked, "What happened then?"

Her pacing became jerky. "I knew what I was, because my horse lay dead beside me, drained of blood. Other animal carcasses were scattered around their stalls."

Shane watched her halting movements, feeling the pain still so deep inside of her.

"I went back to the house and found the mutilated remains of my family. It took me a day to bury them. Then I ran."

Shane couldn't stop himself. He crossed the room and pulled her into his arms once again. "It's over now."

Niki shook her head at his words. Tried to draw away from his soothing, comforting touch.

She could feel the past. So close, it seemed like yesterday.

The wounds fresh.

The agony grievous. It was tearing her up inside.

And this man...

This damnable man.

He'd been the one. To push her. Make her remember. Force her to feel.

It hurt too much.

Yet, even as she continued to struggle to move away, Niki knew it was halfhearted. A small, strange—twisted?—part of her actually seemed to enjoy Shane's refusal to let her go.

Enjoyed his warmth, his touch, his scent.

The peacefulness spreading from Shane to her. Strange sensations easing a bit of the pain, deep in her heart.

And yet...

Nothing was resolved.

In the corner of her room, ghostly images formed.

Her parents, brothers and sisters.

Niki stared at them, letting her anger build. Flow over the hurt.

That's what she needed to dull the pain.

Not the comfort this man brought her.

Yet, she couldn't stop from whispering, "They haunt me."

Shane drew back with a questioning brow. Followed the line of her stare. He blinked a few times, then his eyes widened. "Ah."

Startled, Niki searched his face. "What do you mean, _ah_?"

"I see them. How terribly haunting. They're so sad and lost."

She shook her head. After everything else, it shouldn't be a surprise this man could see her ghosts. "They are lost. My family cannot rest in peace until Thomas is dead." She finally found the strength to pull away, ignoring the warmth that lingered from his touch.

Instead, she concentrated on the energetic heat of her anger.

Of the revenge so close she could nearly taste it.

Niki told Shane, "This is the only reason I live. To avenge their deaths."

He assessed her, a seriousness in his sharp expression. Worry flickering in the depths of his golden eyes. "You've spent the last two hundred years tracking down Thomas to kill him?"

"Yes." And after false leads and too much time, she'd finally found him in this little town.

"There must be more to life than revenge." Shane reached for her hand.

Niki backed away, inching closer to her ghosts, softly moaning for peace, for release.

She answered the man, "Not for me."

Shane grabbed her hand once again. Refused to let her pull away. He drew her close, until only inches lay between them.

His warmth, his scent, cocooned Niki.

Comforting.

Serene.

It was also uncomfortable as hell that he kept doing such things to her.

Shane traced her jaw line with his fingertips, his touch making her shiver. His golden gaze was soft. Kind.

The small—if growing—twisted part of her actually yearned for _more_ of his comfort. The heat between them only seemed to be getting hotter.

More distracting.

More confusing.

Niki bit her cheek. Forced herself to harden her heart. And backed away from his soothing touch.

The very fact she yearned to return to his embrace made her itch to flee.

Far and fast.

She hardened herself more. Stated in a grating voice, "Thomas Montgomery is the only thing I care about. I will find him. And he will die."

Shane shook his head sadly. "You've become a hard woman."

His words prickled painfully in her chest, but Niki held her ground. "Perhaps. But people do what they must to survive."

"And what will you do when he's dead?"

Niki shrugged. Lied, "I haven't thought about it."

She had.

Many times.

And she'd accepted it.

The Council would come for her. She'd be executed for destroying her sire.

And suddenly, she could no longer see Shane in only black or white—sheriff and Keeper.

Would he do it?

Would he kill her?

Right now, looking at him, seeing the warmth in his worried stare, Niki thought that maybe, just maybe, he'd hesitate, if only a little, before he claimed her life on Council orders.

Shane's jaw clenched. He stepped toward the door, shaking his head. Then he stopped. "There must be more to life than revenge."

Niki gritted her jaw, refusing to repeat herself. No matter that this man was somehow managing to make her think he could be right.

He opened the door and stepped out of the room, then turned to pierce Niki with his heated golden stare. "I'll be back tomorrow at dusk. Maybe the boy can give us some hint where Thomas might be staying—though the odds of him still being there... Give me some time to ask around. Talk to some people."

She arched a brow. "You want me to sit here, doing nothing, all night long? I could be out there hunting for Thomas."

"Watch over the boy. Get some rest. Let me see if I can gather information." His gaze pierced her. "Wait for me. With or without help, we will find this Thomas. You and I. _Together_."

Straining to disguise a spurt of nervousness, her hands trembling at thoughts of actually working with him—being around him constantly—Niki merely shrugged once more. "Then don't be late."

For some reason, her sniping pricked at the man. Temper flushed his face. Leaving the door open at his back, Shane strode back inside.

Grabbed Niki in his arms and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with stunning hunger, and a strange, softer warmth that was, quite frankly, terrifying.

Niki's knees went weak.

Heat and need plowed through her, flushing the remnants of the painful past, even all thoughts of killing her sire, far from mind.

She couldn't think.

Could only experience.

Desire engulfed her in heady flames.

Then Shane lifted his head. Stepped back, leaving her bereft of his touch. He scowled at Niki, and demandingly repeated, "Wait for me."

Before she could even think to answer, he stormily swept out of the room, and slammed the door at his back.

Pressing her fingers to her tingling lips, Niki stared at the door.

Just why was _he_ so upset?

It wasn't like they'd...

Well, what?

Niki couldn't even begin to figure out—nor did she want to—what was between them.

All she knew was that it had begun to consume her.

She shook her head. Returned to sit on the bed.

Stared blankly at her empty, suddenly lonely, room.

It didn't matter what might be growing between them.

Nothing mattered but taking Thomas down.

Afterward, Niki would be the one hunted.

So, after all, there was no hope for these uncomfortable, unwanted, feelings.

And she couldn't afford the distraction.

# Chapter 8

Shane sped out of the motel parking lot, riding his anger. It was better than trying to fight the need to take Niki home and tie her down, keep her safe.

Some ravishing along with that would be just fine too.

The woman was too stubborn for her own good. If she wasn't killed by this Thomas, yet managed to take him down—her own sire—the Council would call on him to enforce the deadly punishment.

_Him_.

And she didn't care.

Hardheaded vampire.

Did her own life truly matter that little to her?

Even in two hundred years, she'd not found anything worth holding on to?

And why did her recklessness bother him so much, anyway?

The very thought of her death, by any hand, sent an ache surging in his chest. The idea of it being him...

His mind refused to even consider such a thing.

He parked in front of the sheriff's station and turned his pickup off, but then just sat in the silence.

Sure there was one hell of a walloping of lust between them. A mutual burning desire that sprang to life the second they were near one another.

But sex wasn't what was on Shane's mind.

It was something softer, more urgent, strengthening inside of him, insisting he do whatever was needed to not just save Niki DeVeraux from her enemies.

But, also, to save the woman from _herself_.

Shane got out of the truck, unsure whether or not he truly dared to examine such feelings more intensely. Outside, the night breeze blew, soft and cool.

Spirits, quieter in town, none-the-less managed to make their whispers heard clearly. _Ask the Fates what the future holds_.

As if Shane dared such things.

The woman was bringing him nothing but headaches and problems.

So why was standing here, yearning only to return to here this very instant? He had a murderer to track down. A war to stop. A woman to save.

The rising emotion in his gut would only complicate matters.

She was an Arcaine.

He was the local Keeper.

The two didn't go together.

So why then, did he no longer seem to care very much at all about those facts?

His worry, an increasing agitation, only grew stronger. Shaking his head, Shane headed for the station door.

Still, the spirits whispers refused to quiet.

He hurried inside the building and thankfully, they cut off.

Becky nodded from the reception desk as Shane pushed through the gate and looked over the bullpen.

Campton's desk was empty.

"Where's Chase?"

Becky nodded toward the front door. "Ran out to get coffee. Machine's on the fritz again."

"Tell him to come see me when he gets back." Shane walked into his office and closed the door.

He strode to the window.

Stared out over the town.

Things were wrong beneath the surface. Shifters were dead. At least two by vampires. Werewolves had attacked Niki—not caring _who_ she was, only _what_.

All of his complicated internal distractions needed to be shoved back, for the time being at least.

Right now, he needed to focus on his job.

His duty.

When Chase entered Shane's office, he held two cups of coffee. The deputy passed one over.

Shane sipped at it. Collected his thoughts. "Ready to go talk to MacDougal and Beider?"

Chase's eyes widened. "Hopefully not at the same time."

"No, not yet." Shane agreed.

The vampire Master and the pack Alpha didn't make for happy company together.

On the way out of the station, Shane stopped by Becky's desk and let her know where they were going. Then, with Chase at his back, he headed for his pickup.

Chase took the passenger seat, his fingertips rapping on one knee.

"Nervous?" Shane asked.

"Of what might be coming, yeah."

Good.

Then his deputy might be at least partially prepared.

Shane drove to the west end of town, passing the lake before he turned onto the long narrow drive leading to MacDougal's transplanted castle. He parked, then he and Chase got out and headed to the front.

One of the huge, wooden doors opened before they could knock.

The guard assessed them. One of the Viking twins MacDougal kept around him. He stated, "The King is expecting you. Come along."

Shane and Chase followed the towering man down one long hallway, and into a small receiving room. White silk and black velvet draped the walls, the furniture. It was a picture right out of history.

Jordan MacDougal sat near a roaring fireplace.

Even here in the comfort of his home, the man looked prepped and ready for some board meeting. There wasn't a single wrinkle on his designer suit.

He glanced up as Shane and Chase entered. Waved them both to chairs opposite his.

The guard took up position in front of the door, glaring darkly.

"So. You're back," MacDougal stated.

"I've had a busy day."

"Rumors say."

"A group of shifters attacked some vampires a few hours ago."

Since he'd filled his deputy in on the ride over, Chase didn't respond, just watched the vampires, studying them during the interaction.

MacDougal's brow rose. His eyes flashed steel. "Not _my_ vampires. Any of them would have immediately come to me." He assessed both men. "Must've been that little rogue you found."

Shane replied, "She came across a boy, a kid, last night. The young vampire claims his Master is here, keeping a group of others locked up, though the kid doesn't know—or remember—where."

MacDougal sat straighter. "Does this vampire have a name?"

"More than one. He's currently going by Jeremy Oakdale, but Niki knew him a couple hundred years ago as Thomas Montgomery."

"Interesting." MacDougal stared into the fire. "A few hundred years ago, aye? That would make this vampire her sire?"

Shane didn't answer.

This time, Chase stiffened, hearing that part for the first time.

The deputy didn't know all the many rules the Arcaine lived by, but he knew the penalty for killing one's maker, no matter their race.

"And yet, she plans to kill him? Interesting." A myriad of emotion and thoughts raced over MacDougal's face. He shook his head, sighed wearily. "I'll ask around, see if I can find anything."

"I appreciate it. What about the two you took from me? They working with this Thomas?"

Jordan shook his head. "Their answers revealed them to be nothing more than drifters out to make a buck... or get drunk on someone. All they knew about the strange vampire in town is that he preaches the old ways." He grimaced in distaste. "Humans are nothing more than food, and that sort of nonsense."

Chase continued to watch the vampires, seeming unconcerned with the topic at hand.

MacDougal continued, "They never met him. Were recruited to come to town for some supposed feeding frenzy, but had no details of anything of the sort."

Shane tensed. "A feeding frenzy?"

"Supposedly. My people are out searching for any details on the event." His gaze grew hard, irises flooding with crimson fury. "Believe me, no such thing will come to pass in my territory. I can promise you that." Power and anger blazed through the room.

Shane let it wash over him, unaffected.

His deputy shuddered, meeting his gaze.

With a nod to set Chase at ease, Shane relaxed in his chair. Watched the vampire Master until the man brought his temper back under control.

Then he asked, "You're positive they know nothing more?"

MacDougal only glared.

Shane shrugged in defense. "Just checking."

The man gruffly stated, "Besides, they've already been dealt with."

Which meant Shane couldn't ask to requestion the two vampires.

They were already dead.

"I assume," MacDougal added in a chilly, harder voice, "you will be speaking with the shifters. When you do, inform them that I will take personal offense if they attack another vampire—mine or otherwise."

Shane shook his head. "You know I'm not going to take a command like that to the pack."

"Put it as delicately as you wish. It is still fact."

Sighing, Shane asked, "You really willing to start a war?"

"Start the war?" MacDougal grinned, fangs flashing. "No. Finish it, on the other hand..."

And this was only part of what made Shane's job so hard.

MacDougal continued to grin, finally with some amusement, rather than just predatory hunger. "What else did you wish to discuss with me?"

Shane filled him in on everything else that had occurred which this vampire needed to know.

When he was done, Chase took the lead, pulling out his notebook and a pen. He peppered the vampire Master with questions—not just those of a cop, but a list Shane would be required to answer, from the Magic Council.

Most of it was bureaucracy at its finest, which the deputy excelled at.

When they were done, MacDougal nodded to his guard. "Eric will show you out." He rose and strode from the room.

Shane and Chase followed the tall, Viking guard to the front door, then headed outside.

Once more in the pickup truck, Chase shook his head. "I don't envy your position, Sheriff. How're you gonna keep the peace? Tensions sure seem like they're coming to a head."

"Any way I can." Shane took one last look at the castle, then put the truck in drive, and pointed it back toward town.

Next on the agenda, another lovely visit.

This time with the wolf pack's obnoxious Alpha.

Unfortunately, the man wasn't at the designated meeting spot.

After hours of searching, the damned Alpha remained elusively unfound. Disgruntled, Shane could do nothing but head back to the station.

Drop Chase off.

Get some sleep, considering the night was nearly over, with dawn streaking the horizon.

After some rest, he'd continue to search for the Alpha, and any other information about this Master vampire Niki hunted.

Then, Shane would ensure he was at the Inn before sunset—in time to meet the woman, before she thought to slip off alone.

The boy, screaming in the room next door, jerked Niki awake.

Something thudded loudly against the wall. Glass shattered with a crash.

She jumped from her bed, stumbling on her way to the pile of weapons she'd shed on the table. She grabbed her short sword, ripping it from the sheath, and slammed outside.

The boy's door had been shattered.

Another scream came from his room.

Niki flew through the broken pieces of door and inside.

Two stout men held Robby against the far wall. Their unwashed stench, crimson stares, and flashing fangs proclaimed them vampires. A third man stood directly in front of the boy, his broad back almost blocking the kid from Niki's view.

She thought she scented a wolf, but that didn't make sense.

The third man's hands wrapped around Robby's thin, pale throat. They stood out below the kid's harshly purple face.

Niki screamed, hoarse, harsh, loud.

Raced forward.

The man choking Robby spun, just in time to meet the edge of her blade. She stabbed him in the arm.

He let Robby go and stumbled back, growling.

His eyes blazed icy blue.

The scent of his blood told her the same thing as those glowing, husky eyes.

Wolf.

Working with vampires?

But...

How? Why?

The two vampires dropped the kid. Advanced on Niki, alongside the wolf.

Behind them, Robby slid to the floor, gasping and coughing as he clutched his bruised throat.

"Now, boys," Niki drawled. "This here's my runt. Why do you want to go beating him up?"

Three predatory gazes assessed her.

"Kill the vampire," the wolf shifter commanded gruffly.

Niki braced herself.

All three attackers jumped forward.

She spun, sword flashing in the thin light that managed to leak in through the shattered doorway.

Steel met flesh.

Wishing she had her daggers, Niki ducked beneath the shifter's ham-sized fist.

One of the vampires caught her loose flowing hair. Yanked her backwards.

Tears sprung to her eyes from the sharp pain in her scalp, but she bit her lip. Held in the cry. With her free hand, she raked sharp nails down his arm, opening bloody furrows.

He let go of her, shouting, "Bitch!"

She slashed her sword. Received a satisfying scream. The scent of blood spilled into the air.

Hunger, and adrenaline, spiked. She grinned fiercely at the three enemies.

Behind them, Robby stumbled to his feet.

Niki forced the men back a few steps. Then she jerked her chin at the boy, motioning him to run.

Instead, the stupid kid raced at the wolf, jumping on his back, and yanking at the shifter's blond locks.

A brick-like hand struck Niki across the cheek so hard she flew backwards, onto the bed.

The wolf cursed. Easily, he ripped Robby from his back. Tossed him aside.

Then he advanced on Niki.

Ignoring the throbbing pain radiating along the side of her head, Niki watched the men. She held tight to her growing anger. Embraced the power such fury brought.

Her fangs descended.

She hissed at them.

The two vampires—younger, and much weaker than her—felt her magic. They both shuddered. Stumbled.

"I said kill her," the wolf repeated, his voice guttural.

The vampires stared from Niki to him, then back. Neither moved.

Growling, the wolf reached for her.

She jerked her sword up. Ducked beneath his large hand. Impaled her blade in his shoulder.

He screamed. Fell back when she yanked her sword from his body.

Straightening, she faced all three and taunted, "Well? Are you gonna to try to kill me or not?"

The vampire on the left had a bit more courage than his buddy.

He rushed her.

Niki met him with a kick to the groin, wishing she was wearing her boots for maximum damage.

Still, he dropped to his knees.

Flashing behind him, Niki grabbed a handful of his hair. She tipped his head back. Held the sharp blade of her sword against his throat.

Staring down the other two, Niki grinned ferally. "Either of you value your buddy's life?"

No one rushed her, which meant they must.

"What do you want?" The wolf's voice came partially garbled.

He was ready to shift.

That would be bad. Vampires didn't have an easy time negotiating with shifters in their animal form.

It was more a _fight to the death_ mentality.

She assessed the situation.

One she could probably win, but while also keeping the boy safe?

Sometimes, avoidance could be the better choice.

Taking a breath, Niki prepared to settle things calmly. "I'm taking the boy and we're leaving. Try to stop me."

The wolf's icy blue eyes flared at the challenge.

Well, she'd never claimed to be a good negotiator.

The other vampire grabbed the wolf's shoulder. Held him still. Then he waved at the shattered door.

Niki watched them both a moment longer. Without looking away, she ordered Robby, "Go outside."

The kid looked dazed, but this time, he did as she commanded.

"We'll find you. Kill you," the wolf threatened. His voice sounded a touch more human.

"Can't wait for the party," her sarcasm responded.

Not wasting any more time, Niki grabbed the man she held. Threw him at the other two.

Then she spun. Raced outside.

She grabbed the kid's arm and they fled the motel. Niki led the way down alleys and back streets, quickly headed deeper into town. The sun slowly continued to rise, clearing out lingering shadows.

When she was certain they weren't being followed, Niki headed for the diner.

Robby's face was flushed, his gaze tempered with crimson hunger. He needed to eat before he lost control.

She could use some food, herself.

The waitress arrived. Niki ordered two thick steaks, with eggs and home fries. A large cup of coffee for herself.

Had to prod the boy before he whispered a squeaky request for soda.

While waiting for the food to come, she sat back, wondering just what to do.

Tonelessly, Robby muttered, "He's coming for me. He won't stop."

Worry stirred Niki's gut, but she didn't lie to the boy. "Yes."

"If he finds me—"

"I won't let that happen."

"How? They found me at the motel."

Niki couldn't argue with him.

How _would_ she keep him safe?

She couldn't take Robby back to the Inn. And even if she found somewhere to stash him, she'd be gone most the time looking for Thomas.

Which left only one place he'd be safe.

She didn't want to deal with the King again, but no other choice presented itself.

Their breakfast arrived. Niki no longer had much of an appetite.

The boy stared at the food, hunger growing on his face.

"Eat already."

As if he'd been waiting for explicit permission, he dug in.

Niki leaned back, staring at the lazy ceiling fan, turning in slow circles.

Could she contact the King? He wasn't her sire, and she wasn't his clan, so he probably wouldn't hear her.

She had to try.

In her mind, she pictured the brawny, if dandyish, Scot. Opened her magic, letting it flood her entire being.

She concentrated her thoughts.

Silently shouted in her mind, _Jordan MacDougal. Someone needs your help. He's just a kid. Will you come?_

She pushed Robby's image to the forefront of her message. Then, Niki sat back.

Waiting.

Wondered if the King had heard her summons, if he'd even bother to listen.

The boy finished devouring the food on his plate.

Niki slid her barely touched meal in front of him.

He glanced up with some surprise.

She smiled, nodded.

Robby dug in, still eating with the gusto of a starving pup unsure when he'd see his next meal.

Niki sipped her coffee, thinking over her limited options available, until the kid scraped the last bite from the plate. Sighing in satisfaction, he rubbed his belly.

The diner's front door jingled harshly as it was shoved open. Power blazed through the place.

Robby immediately felt it and cringed back in his seat.

Jordan MacDougal, clan King, entered.

Thankfully alone.

He glared at everyone inside. His scowl landed on Niki and he strode forward until reaching their booth. With a grumbled growl at her, the man turned to study the boy.

Finally, MacDougal asked in a harsh tone, "This him?"

"Yes," Niki replied.

He ordered Robby, "Scoot over."

The kid looked at her with wide eyes, flickering with returning hints of panic.

Encouraging, she nodded. "Go ahead."

Slowly, he moved close to the wall, scrunching himself up into the smallest shape he could manage.

MacDougal gently sat beside him, then turned a blazing glare to Niki. "You dare summon me? Demand my assistance?"

Stiffly, she retorted, "I don't ask for help myself."

"Close enough," he gruffly replied. "And it doesn't matter who."

The waitress stopped by with a fresh cup of coffee for MacDougal. He nodded his thanks. She topped off Niki's cup with steamy brew as well.

Once she left, the man grunted. "You have no right to ask anything of me, or mine. You're not clan."

Niki smacked her palms on the table top. "Look, I can try to protect him, but we've been attacked by shifters twice now. This morning, I woke to vampires—working with a wolf!—trying to kidnap this kid."

MacDougal leaned back, face flushing with harsh anger. "A wolf?"

"Working with vampires."

After a moment's thought, he cocked his head, studied her. Then he held out a hand. "May I?"

Niki knew what he asked. To try to get the scents of her attackers.

The idea sent an itch squirming down her spine.

She wanted to refuse.

But one glance at the again-terrified boy, and Niki could only sigh. Give in with a short nod, laying her hand in MacDougal's large palm.

He raised her hand to his face, sniffing her skin. Leaned over the table and moved up her arm. Her shoulder. Her neck.

Perfectly still, Niki concentrated on her breathing, rather than the urge to shove the man away from her. And from the vulnerability of her throat.

She certainly didn't like her space being invaded.

Then the damnable vampire King lightly nuzzled her collarbone. Shot her a gleaming wink.

Niki barely resisted slapping him. Instead, she settled for jerking away with a dark glare.

"Sorry. Couldn't resist." His eyes held amusement.

"Do it again, I'll damage your pretty nose."

He grinned. "So, you think my nose is pretty."

She blinked. "What?" Before he could answer, she shook her head and got back to the subject. "They your clan?"

"No. I don't recognize any of their scents. I would if they were locals." He finished his coffee, then turned to the boy. His tone, his very demeanor, softened slightly. "My name is Jordan, lad. What's yours?"

After a reassuring nod from Niki, he answered, "Robby."

"And your story?"

Robby hesitated, fear and pain returning to his expression.

Niki answered for the kid, "He escaped from the man I'm searching for. Seems like Thomas is keeping young vampires prisoner, though the _why_ is unknown."

"I heard." Jordan's eyes blazed, vampire red flooding dark blue. "How many?"

"A few."

"And you didn't tell me?"

She snorted. "As you said, I'm not your clan."

His fangs flashed behind another scowl. "Yet, you ask for my help?" he taunted.

"Let's not talk in circles. I can't keep an eye on the kid. Hell, he can't even protect himself. He knows nothing about us, or our powers—he was afraid he'd burn in the sun until I showed him otherwise."

Jordan glanced at the boy.

Robby was sitting a little straighter, listening intently. "You're sending me away? With him?"

A strange sensation pierced Niki's chest. Tightened her lungs. But this was for the best. "He can keep you hidden. Do you want to be safe?"

"I don't want to leave you."

She got that, though she didn't understand why.

Couldn't figure out her own reluctance.

But she only told him, "I need to find Thomas. I can't do that if you're with me."

The boy slumped back in his seat again, biting his lower lip and blinking furiously.

Niki turned her focus back to Jordan, hardening herself. Because, before _anything_ happened, there were some rules she'd ensure were followed.

Ignoring the demanding tone that slipped out, she told the vampire King, "If you take him, I have conditions."

He raised a brow. Smirked. "Ah, there are demands to go along with your _request_."

"You can keep him safe. Isn't that your duty?"

"He's not my clan."

"He doesn't have one."

He waved the argument aside. "Go on. What are your demands, woman?"

She hesitated at the barely controlled anger in his voice, but forged ahead. She was already sinking.

Might as well go all the way down.

Niki stated, "First, you'll have someone start teaching him about us, and his powers."

"Next?"

She took a deep breath. "I want your word, that you won't force Robby to join your clan. You won't even ask him until he has enough knowledge about vampire politics to make his own decision."

MacDougal's eyes blazed with fury. "Just what kind of bastard do you think I am?"

Stunned at the ferocity of his reaction, Niki sat back. "Well, you're a Master vampire, and a King to boot. You're probably one hell of a bastard."

He stared at her for a moment before laughing sharply. "You've got balls, lassie. That's for sure."

Either that or she was the biggest idiot around.

But, he hadn't killed her yet.

He sighed, relaxed. "I'll take the lad. And you have my word, there will be no forcing him to join up with my horrible corrupt self."

Robby's face was so distraught, Niki couldn't stop herself from adding, "And when I'm finished here, he will have the choice of leaving with me."

They both knew the odds of her surviving Thomas were slim.

And Niki knew full well that if she did manage to kill her sire, she herself would have no future.

Neither bothered saying any of it out loud.

MacDougal stood. Winked at her. "I'll take my leave now, before you add any further demands."

Niki shrugged, as if none of this was of any consequence to her. As if her stomach wasn't roiling, her heartbeat thundering, at the idea of sending this kid away.

She barely even knew him.

And he'd be safe with Jordan MacDougal.

At least she felt that certainty, as deeply as the strange, growing ache.

Downcast, Robby slowly inched out of the booth. He stood, slumped, next to MacDougal.

With a regal nod, the man turned and headed for the door.

Robby shuffled after him.

Watching them go, Niki tried to turn her mind to the rest of the day ahead.

But her focus remained on the kid's leaving.

Just before they reached the door, Robby turned, raced back to her booth. He slid in the seat beside her and hugged her tight.

Voice croaking a bit, he asked, "Promise you'll come for me?"

Her heart thumped. Emotion lodged in her throat.

The kid's eyes shone with blind belief in her.

"If I can," she finally managed to say.

Robby nodded and scooted back. This time, there was a bit more lightness to his step as he headed for MacDougal.

Niki met the vampire's amused gaze.

Then, they were both gone.

She continued to sit in the booth, wondering just how she'd gotten into this mess in the first place.

This town was dangerous.

Full of people who could make her feel.

How had it happened?

When she couldn't come up with any answers, she left the diner and headed back to the Inn, making sure no one was watching or following.

Everything was quiet.

Silent and deserted.

In her room, she strapped on her weapons, skipping the steel and going straight to silver, in case she ran into more shifters. Out in the Inn's parking lot, she picked up the blood trail of those she'd fought.

The area was quickly lightening as dawn progressed, in colorful hues of reds and golds.

The bloody scent trail led away from town, northwest, towards the surrounding forest. She headed after them.

It was time to find the men who'd tried taking Robby.

And, hopefully, finally, the damn monster behind it all.

# Chapter 9

With the sky bright, making his eyes feel grainy, Shane drove down mostly empty streets, toward the station. They'd not found much of use this long night. Now, all he wanted was to drop Chase off, and head home, to bed.

He was serious lacking in the sleep department lately. Didn't even want to think of how little he'd managed the past few days.

They finally reached the station. Shane pulled up beside his deputy's bright Camaro. Nudged the man fully awake. "Go home. Rest. Call me when you're up."

The man mumbled, "Yeah, yeah. You too, buddy. You look like shit."

Shane barked out a laugh. "Thanks. G'night."

"Not-so-good morning," Chase grumbled before he shut the truck door and headed for his car. The man slapped himself awake a few times, then slid in the driver's seat and took off.

Shane considered doing the same, but his house wasn't that far.

Before he could pull out, Becky's voice came over the radio. "Sheriff?"

Of course.

What now?

With a heavy sigh, he clicked the radio and answered, "Here."

Becky replied, "There's been a disturbance at the Inn. Molly just got in for the morning. She found a problem. Called us."

Shane's heart thumped with heavy trepidation. "What kind of disturbance?"

"A room was broken into and trashed, the lady renting it nowhere to be found."

His mouth dried. "Room number?"

"113."

He cursed. "I'm on my way."

Shane sped down the road, worry pushing him to the limit. When he pulled to a dusty stop at the Inn, Molly hovered near the room's broken door.

She tried to smile when he got out. "Sheriff. How are you?"

"What happened?"

Her smile dimmed at his brusqueness, but Shane didn't particularly care at the moment. "I just got here to open for the day and found this mess."

He headed to the next room, banging on the door.

"She's not there, either. I checked."

"Did anyone see her or the kid leave?"

Molly shook her head. "Jimmy's out with the flu, so no one was in the lobby overnight."

Shane bent down in front of the broken door and laid his hands in the gravel. He unfocused his eyes until the auras appeared.

Almost faded, he caught thin strands heading from the destroyed room. Three were tinged pink with gray flecks, which would have been the maroon of vampires if they'd been fresher.

Another dark gray could have been the kid.

The last was a silvery-blue.

Shifter?

What had one of them been doing here, and at the same time as the vampires?

The aural threads led to the trees northwest of the Inn.

He told Molly, "Lock the doors. Call the station. Tell Becky I want a couple deputies out here, to search the room and document the damage."

"What?" Molly pouted. "Where are you going?"

Taking Niki's dagger from his pocket, Shane studied the flickering glow. It was still tied to the stubborn woman—who hadn't waited for him.

Sure enough, it directed him along the same northwestern path as the auras.

A little disgruntled, Shane realized what really bothered him was the obvious danger she'd faced—and she hadn't thought to call _him_ for help.

Not as sheriff.

Not as Keeper.

Why did that bug him so much?

Well, no matter. Tracking her would be easier this time.

Still, when he caught up to Niki, she was going to get an earful.

Niki emerged from the forest on the edge of overgrown, unplowed fields circling a small farm.

The house looked old. Deserted. Outside, dingy gray paint had nearly peeled away, though, every window appeared to have been freshly blackened on the inside.

Tall weeds wrapped around the wooden porch. The steps were cracked, one missing, two others broken.

She approached. Jumped up onto the porch, landing lightly with only a few creaks.

Inside the house, Robby screamed.

Her heart stopped beating. Niki couldn't draw breath. Fury and fear rose to swamp her, making her tremble in vicious anger.

But no.

It couldn't be him. She'd made sure he was safe.

Hadn't she?

Niki rushed the door. Barreled inside the dark interior.

More screams echoed, coming from below the floorboards.

A basement?

Her eyes adjusted almost immediately to the dark. The living room lay empty, but for a few scraps of wood and cloth.

Fists tight, body tense, ready for a fight, Niki followed the screams of the young boy being tortured.

Her blood remained cold. Her temper icy.

She slipped down a hall. Into the kitchen. To one side, an open doorway led into deeper darkness. Musty dampness drifted up from the basement, tinged with a coppery metallic bitterness.

Blood.

But not fresh.

Silent, Niki headed down rickety stairs.

As far as she could tell, no one was there.

Yet the screams continued.

She stepped from the stairs, onto hard-packed earth. A light flashed on, making her blink in the glare.

In the center of the room, on a small table, lay a tape recorder.

It continued to play.

Robby's tortured, pain filled whimpers filled the basement. Turned to hoarse screaming cries once more.

Niki strode towards the table.

As she moved further into the basement, another recorder clicked on. "You shouldn't steal from other people, m'dear." Thomas' voice interrupted the screams, sending shivers down her skin. "The boy belongs to me. Don't worry, though. He'll be properly punished for daring to escape. As for you, we'll have our showdown soon. I do hope you are as excited as I am."

The second tape clicked off.

Niki growled.

Picking it up, she hurtling it at the wall.

It shattered. Bits of metal and plastic and tape scattered on the floor. The one with Robby's screams soon joined it.

After a few deep breaths in blessed silence, she studied the basement.

Chains were embedded all along the walls.

The stink of vampires, fear, and blood were heavy down here.

But she was too late.

Thomas was long gone.

Her fists clenched. She took another deep breath to keep from screaming.

At least her sire no longer had the boy to torture. And Thomas would never get him from Jordan MacDougal's protection.

She searched the room for any clues, no matter how small. But nothing other than the tape recorders and table, and the blood stained, rusted chains, had been left behind.

Thomas was sure to have more hiding places around town.

So how would she possibly find him?

Steps sounded above, entering the house, thudding into the living room. Headed for the kitchen. And the basement stairs.

Niki blended back into the shadows behind the wooden steps, waiting for whoever was above to come down.

The stairs creaked beneath their weight. They stepped onto the basement floor.

Niki flowed with the shadows, drawing close. Then she sprung, grabbing them by the throat. She threw them to the floor.

Leaping fast, she pinned them beneath her.

Demanded, "Where is he? Where is Thomas hiding?" Her anger surged.

Her fingers flexed around the person's throat as she struggled to control her anger.

Then she smelled him.

Recognition hit.

Niki blinked, drew back slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Shane tugged his arms from beneath her knees. Rested his hands on her hips as he looked up at her with a neutral expression. "Since you didn't wait for me, or get in touch, I had to track you down. Again."

She leaned back, still straddling him. "You've got to stop doing that."

"Why?"

"Because." She felt as inane as her answer sounded.

"Why didn't you call me when you had trouble?"

Did his voice sound... almost... forlorn?

Archly, she replied, "I'm used to working alone. I count on no one but myself."

His eyes darkened at her words. Shane reached up, cupped her cheek with one hand. "I'm sorry."

Startled, Niki replied, "For what?"

"You can count on my help, you know." His golden gaze warmed.

Heart thumping, mouth dry, Niki tried to break from his piercing stare.

Shane refused to let her. "It can't hurt to try."

"Yes. It could." The reply slipped out before Niki could bite it back.

Rubbing his thumb over her cheek, Shane shook his head, expression darkening. "And if there's too much danger around here right now to go it alone?"

She tried to get up.

He held her captive. The warm friction of his thumb on her cheek tried to entice. His words tried to comfort.

Niki resisted.

Sliding his hand to cup the back of her neck, Shane tugged Niki down. Closer. His golden stare caught her completely.

His husky voice made her shiver. "Perhaps, I can convince you to reach out one of these days." Then his lips covered hers in delicious heat.

Niki kissed him back, relishing the taste of spice and male. Relishing the feel of his hard, muscled body beneath her.

Wrapping his arms around her tightly, Shane crushed her to his chest. His hips jerked, and he rubbed against her, hard and ready.

Niki shuddered. Flames of hunger licked through her veins. She kissed Shane, tasting his own need and want and desire.

His hips flexed again. Moaning, Niki pushed against his strength, loving the hardness of his body against her softness.

Shane traced his hands over her back. Cupped her butt, holding her tight. Grinded between her thighs, hard, urgent.

Gasping for air, Niki couldn't contain her shivers. Her panted moans.

Shane's husky groan only spurred her on. She rubbed against him. The heat flaring between them expanded, the controlling hunger strengthened.

He kissed her harder, delving deep, tasting, touching.

Making her burn.

It was a soft whisper in the air, stirring around them, that brought Niki to her senses.

Wisps of fog rolling on the ground around them.

She pulled back, breathing heavy. Panting with hot need.

Shane's glowing, golden gaze shuddered. He closed his eyes for a long moment, composing himself. Slowly drew his hands up, back to her waist.

His husky voice made her shiver again. "Niki," he whispered. "You want to move. Before I lose it."

She scrambled away, trying to resist the inner urge to stay. To let him put his hands back on her.

All over her.

And this time, on bare skin.

Shane shook himself as he sat up, fists curling against his thighs. His erection strained at his jeans.

Niki flushed, yanking her gaze away.

"Business," he ground out.

As she stared at the ghostly images forming, Niki's lust swiftly cooled.

He was right.

Business.

That's all she was here for.

Nothing else.

So why did she still burn with a near-irresistible hunger?

She stared at her family, standing around her. Caught her breath. Ignored all else.

In a matter of fact tone, she explained all that had happened at the motel, earlier.

Shane didn't say anything for a long moment. Finally, he asked, "Where's the boy?"

Niki also ignored the pangs in her heart at _that_ question. "I took him to MacDougal. The King can keep him safe."

"Good." He glanced around the room. "Did you find anything?"

She jerked her chin toward the broken recorders.

"Temper much?"

"You didn't hear them."

Shaking his head, Shane stood. Brushed the dirt from his khaki shirt, his jeans. Then he held out a hand to Niki.

She stared at him for a long moment. Realized that if she refused, not only would she feel cowardly, it would be giving far too much credence to what the man forced her to feel.

Biting her lip, she allowed him to help her to her feet.

But the instant she was up, she released his burning touch.

Told him, "Thomas was here, but he's long gone now. I don't know where to start looking next."

He leaned close, until their breath mingled. "See. I can help."

"How?" she whispered, trying to swallow past her throat closing up.

"It's my job to know what's going on in this place, if you've forgotten."

"No." How could she forget who, what, he was.

"I know this town. But first, we both need some rest."

Her temper prickled at his ordering. "If that's a quip on my looks, it's not a great start."

Shane raised a brow. "How about we just leave it at my being exhausted?"

"So we waste the entire day?"

"I gathered at least some information during the long night, fear not."

"What?" she demanded again.

"I'll let you know after we've slept."

Stubborn man. "And then?"

"We'll head to Henry's bar."

This was his idea?

She smirked. "I'm not up for a drink and dancing."

He looked her over, a slightly amused twist to his delicious mouth. "Well, that's good, as I suppose neither am I." Then Shane turned and started up the stairs.

When she didn't follow, he stopped. Asked, teasingly, "Coming?"

His gaze was hard, daring her to say no.

Considering she didn't really have a choice, Niki finally followed. She _did_ need rest, after all.

The night had been restless.

Besides, if he planned to dangle answers like a lure, then she had no choice.

At the moment.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Shane asked, "Ever heard the saying, 'use all your resources'?"

"Is that what you are? A resource?"

He stopped. Faced her. "I don't know what I am to you."

Niki fidgeted under the intensity of his stare.

"No smartass comment to that?"

"No."

What could she say?

She was confused and uncertain. Not that she wanted to acknowledge such a thing. Not even to herself.

Shane studied her a moment longer before sighing. "Shall we go?"

Uncomfortable, uncertain, and completely confused, Niki took the lead, heading to the front porch. Outside, the sun had risen into full morning.

On the edges of the empty fields, the forest lay unnaturally quiet.

She sniffed the air.

Caught the distinct scent of one of the vampires who'd attacked at the motel earlier.

Before she could warn Shane, shots rang out.

The sudden boom startled Shane. Instinctively, he shoved Niki behind him, shielding her.

Fiery pain slammed into his shoulder, sending him spinning, stumbling against the wall.

Niki dragged him down to the wooden porch. She crouched beside him, searching the shadowed forest. Her eyes blazed pure red.

Shane drew his pistol, turning to watch their other side.

More shots rang out, in fast enough succession, it was clear more than one enemy lurked nearby.

Niki inhaled deeply. "Two vampires."

"Who?" The pain in Shane's shoulder cooled into a freezing ache.

Her gaze turned his way. He had to brace himself against the power of fury blazing in her eyes. "The guys from the Inn today."

More shots rang out.

Splinters rained down from the wall.

Blood welled on Niki's cheek, but she didn't flinch.

A sudden, instant rage pounded Shane's temples at the thought of her being hurt.

Calling to the earth, he drew its magic. Sent shoots of power outward, like a spiderweb of magic. Tried pinpointing the enemy.

Niki had said two.

There could be more.

He glanced at her.

Hands fisted, she stared out at the trees with a fierce scowl.

Shane's assessment of the situation was to leave. Here and now weren't optimal for taking on unknown enemies.

Another bullet thunked into the wall near the door.

In a slight lull, he surged to his feet. Grabbing Niki's hand, he raced down the stairs.

A voice rang with laughter. "You won't get away so easily."

Shots came, one after another.

Shane reached his pickup.

All four tires had been demolished.

Niki pushed forward, jerking him around the truck, and toward the cover of the forest.

Assuming they didn't run in to one of the enemy.

Their enemy continued to shoot.

As he and Niki raced over the barren field, she shoved Shane in front of her, and sped up, running so unnaturally fast, he had to call his magic to keep up with her.

Even as he kept trying to move behind the woman.

To shield her from the continued rapid shots.

She fought to remain at his back, hissing, "I'm a vampire. I'll live through it. You won't."

Damn it.

That wasn't the point.

His anger at the shooters increased. His temper slightly prickled, as well, to have her consider him so weak.

Just because he didn't have vampiric speed or strength didn't mean he was lacking in defense.

More shots thundered in the night.

Then came the twang of a bow string let loose.

Behind him, Niki cried out. Tripped, and stumbled down onto one knee.

Shane stepped between her and their enemies.

Definitely more than only two.

He bent down. Slammed his hands on the ground. Ignored the blaze of pain in his shoulder where he'd been shot. He let power surge up, and through him.

A protective sphere of magic rose around them.

Bullets, and a couple more arrows, pinged against the invisible shield, letting off small flashes of light where they hit.

Niki blinked. Began to grin.

Shane sent more tendrils of magic rolling through the earth in all directions, searching for exactly where, and how many, lay out there.

"That's nifty," Niki said, waving at the bullets and arrows dropping around them.

Her smile slowly faded as she reached behind her. When she drew her hand back, it was covered in blood.

Voice soft, words slow, she stated, "I don't think they're using ordinary arrows."

She pitched forward.

Shane caught her, ignoring the pain in his shoulder. For all he knew, the bullet he'd been hit with was poison as well.

Not that it was his primary concern right now.

He gently laid Niki down, on her side, then assessed the damage.

Blood rapidly stained her shirt around the wooden shaft.

Shane didn't dare try to pull it out, not knowing how barbed the arrow head might be, or even what concoction was in the damn thing, to be able to weaken her.

Niki mewled in pain. Began to shake, her eyes rolling up, showing only white.

Definitely poison.

Few things could affect a vampire like this.

The pings against his shield of protective magic started to slow.

Either the enemy was running out of ammo, or had decided to stop wasting time, and approach directly.

He'd deal with them as needed.

Right now, his concern was Niki.

He drew out his wickedly sharp pocket knife. Warned her, "I have to cut the shaft. It's going to hurt."

"Do it," she whispered through gritted teeth.

The pings against his shield stopped.

Tense, ready for attack, Shane kept most of his focus in front of him.

He held the shaft in a tight grip.

It looked like Rowan wood.

Made sense.

Rowan was poison to vampires. One of the few old woods that still retained strong fey magic.

He took a deep breath. Then, with a quick slice of his knife, he severed the arrow's shaft neatly in two.

Niki's only response was a sharp breath.

"Honey, I need you to get up. Can you do that?"

She nodded, pushed at the ground.

"Let me help." He grasped her arms. Lifted her. His shoulder screamed in agony. Shane ignored it.

He got her on her feet, but she swayed.

Looking around them, Shane felt the tendrils he'd sent searching.

No one had appeared or approached.

Sure enough, his magic told him the enemy had fled—not daring to face them, then?

His truck was a lost cause for now. And they weren't that far from a place of safety.

Shane tucked an arm around her. "Come on. We need to walk."

Niki's face was too pale. She swayed again, staying on her feet only because he refused to let her fall.

He had to get her away, figure out what was in the arrow tip. He strained to lift her into his arms. The bullet wound in his shoulder limited his mobility.

She cried out, head thrashing back and forth. Shuddered.

The pain must be spreading.

The poison hitting harder.

Shane gently laid her back on the ground, his concern growing.

His thoughts were useless, until he latched on to one idea.

There was something he could do, right here, right now, to help Niki. He cupped the back of her head. Barely felt the split second of hesitation.

Was he really going to do this?

Never before had a vampire tasted him.

She screamed.

Decision made, Shane drew her mouth to his neck. "Drink."

Shuddering harder, Niki pulled back. "Are you sure?" Her voice was weak.

"Drink," he repeated, pressing her lips to his skin.

The sharp prick of pain when her sharp fangs punctured his skin quickly faded.

Numbed.

Was fast replaced by a delicious, fever-like need spreading through him.

Desire made him hard.

His skin flushed. He ached, pulsing with primal needs. A heady urge, to take this woman, explore her.

Taste.

Touch, to his heart's content.

Make love to her until they were both senseless.

Niki moaned. Pressed closer. Her soft, full breasts rubbed against his chest seductively. She continued to drink.

Images flashed through Shane's mind.

_Ripping off her shirt. Her bra. Cupping her breasts in his palms. Taking her puckered nipples in his mouth. Sucking deeply._

_Her hands on him, soft fingers curling around his length. Cupping his balls._

Shane groaned, struggling to keep his wits.

Niki retracted her teeth. Licked up his neck.

He shuddered at the raging impulses to pull her to the ground.

She kissed lightly along his jaw.

Their lips met. Shane took her mouth, delving into wet heat. This woman was driving him mad.

She moaned against his mouth, this time a sound of pain, rather than passion.

Shane quickly came to his senses.

She needed looked over. Cared for.

Not ravished.

The spreading burn in his shoulder, blood loss—from the shot and Niki—began taking its toll.

His voice came gruff when he asked her, "Do you feel a little better now?"

"You taste so... good. Different." Her face was flushed, cheeks rosy. Her eyes unfocused, dreamy.

He had to get her to safety.

Calling to the earth and Brother Bear, Shane drew all the energy he could.

Then, lifting Niki in his arms, he stumbled deeper into the now empty forest.

# Chapter 10

Niki woke in strangeness.

Billowing white surrounded her. The walls, curtains, bedding, everything was colorless.

She tried to sit up, but pain raced through her back. Groaning, she glanced down at the only splash of color—a too-small, frilly blue robe.

One which bared far more of her breasts than she was comfortable with.

A gentle hand pushed her back onto the bed.

Niki looked over into a dark, lined face, framed by hair as white as the room.

The old woman smiled kindly, her black eyes sparkling. "I told my grandson I wanted to meet you. This isn't exactly what I had in mind."

Niki blinked, trying to make sense of the words.

She continued on, "I removed all of the wood splinters. Put a special salve on your wound. You're already healing, of course, though you should really take it easy. For a few days at least." The old woman raised an eyebrow. "You probably won't follow that advice."

Before Niki could say anything, the door opened.

Shane strode inside the room carrying a tray. He was stripped to the waist. A white bandage covered most of his right shoulder.

Niki stared at his left side.

The tats on his arm spread over half his chest.

Black lines and swirls mesmerized. Some formed the shapes of animals. Others, symbols that radiated magic and power.

As he turned to shut the door, Niki saw the tattoos covered his entire left half—chest, shoulder, back. They dipped beneath the waistband of his jeans.

She couldn't help but wonder just how far _down_ they went, as well. Pain simmered through her back. Growing heat from Shane's presence overlaid it.

Looking between the two, Niki asked, "Where am I?"

"Safe," the old woman replied.

"I brought you to my grandmother's home," Shane added. "This is Morning Dove."

The woman reached for the tray he carried and lifted a porcelain cup from it. Bending close, she held the cup toward Niki.

She pulled back, even as the movement sent more pain shooting down her spine. "What is it?"

Morning Dove smiled. "A special blend of steeped herbs that will help you heal." She pressed the cup to Niki's lips.

Niki didn't have to be told what the spices were steeped in.

The scent of blood rising from the cup made her stomach clench in hunger. She greedily drank down the mixture.

The old woman watched approvingly. When Niki finished the drink, Morning Dove rose.

She passed Shane. Stopped to rise on her toes, reaching up to pat the man on his cheek. "Take care of her." Then she continued on out.

Shane nodded, his gaze never wavering from Niki.

Morning Dove shut the door behind her, leaving them alone.

Niki shifted on the bed, uncomfortable at the growing awareness of Shane's half-naked body in the tiny, too-white room.

It worsened when he drew closer. Sat on the side of the bed.

His weight dipped the mattress, tilting her toward him. The heat of his body caressed her skin, making her all too aware of her body sparking to life.

Voice a bit husky, Niki said, "Thank you for your help. For having my wound tended." She didn't want to consider what could've happened had she been alone. What had been in that arrow, anyway?

Her mind flashed with memories.

Kissing Shane.

Taking his blood into her.

It had been a rush, almost as if he were some kind of drug.

Swallowing, she ignored it all to ask, "What were they shooting?"

"The arrows were Rowan wood, tipped with yew seed, and a few other vampire defenses, inside."

"Wow. They really were trying to kill me."

Shane rubbed his bandaged shoulder.

Her gaze was drawn to the two small pinpricks on his neck, just above his collarbone.

She wanted to lick them.

To taste him again.

That wide, expressive mouth.

His delicious blood.

Either.

Both.

"You're not the only one they were trying to kill," he said, interrupting her thoughts.

Niki jerked her gaze from his throat. Met his darkening golden eyes. She hastily mumbled, "No. I suppose not."

Shane suddenly stiffened, his eyes hardening. "And would you like to explain just what the hell you were thinking, covering my back like that?"

"You're mortal."

"So? It's my job to protect you." It was almost a growl. "I'm not without my own ways to defend and help. As you well saw."

Niki read between his words.

The man was more upset at what he saw as her distrust in him to keep her safe. Not as a Keeper, even.

But as a man.

His ego had been irked having a woman protect him?

"Would you like me to apologize?" She tried to keep the humor out of her voice.

He blinked. Scratched his scruffy chin. "We'll just say we saved each other."

"All right."

Shane's expression turned more serious. Reaching out, he took one of her hands between his.

The air sparked with tension, wiping Niki's amusement away.

Her pulse beat faster.

She reached up. Softly touched the bandage over his shoulder.

The thought of him being hurt made something ferocious stir.

Niki wanted to go back to the farmhouse. Track down the vampires who'd dared hurt Shane.

Return such things to them, in kind.

Studying her intently, Shane stated, "You can't keep me out."

She didn't think he was only speaking of hunting Thomas.

When Shane trailed his fingertips along her jaw, down the side of her throat, Niki shivered.

She itched to touch him back.

To draw him close.

She couldn't move an inch, captured in the heat of his glowing stare.

Slowly, he trailed his fingers lower, along the frill of the robe opening. His touch burned. Her breasts ached, growing heavy with the thought of his hands all over her.

The heat between them sparked. Turned to hungry flames.

Emotion flickered in Shane's gaze.

Things Niki couldn't bring herself to examine.

Huskily, he whispered, "I'm very glad you'll be all right."

The feeling was mutual.

Pressing his palm flat to the skin between her breasts, just over her heart, Shane bent closer.

She watched him draw near, unable to break away from his magnetic gaze.

He stopped.

So unbearably close.

When Niki breathed, it was his exhaled breath she drew in.

Ever so slowly, Shane touched his lips to hers.

Soft, yet firm.

Warm.

She sighed, her fears and worries melting away in the overriding sensations of his touch, his kiss.

Niki couldn't pull away.

Was fairly certain she didn't really want to.

Shane drew her against him, dragging her deeper beneath his spell. He nuzzled her mouth. Traced his tongue over her bottom lip. Electrified her senses.

He slid his hand further beneath her frilly robe. Covered one of her breasts with heat.

Gasping in pleasure, Niki pressed into his touch.

Invading, Shane kissed her with a soft, gentle hunger. He tasted of spice and male and strength.

Heavenly.

Delectable sensations swept through Niki.

Passion rose to devour, zinging along her every nerve. Every inch of her skin.

Without thought, she reached up. Trailed her fingers through his long, unbound hair. It was as silky as she'd imagined.

Shane's shoulders tightened when she explored, careful of his wound, caressing his overly warm skin with her palms. Moving down the flexing muscles of his back.

His hoarse groan, his hot touch, inflamed her further.

Niki's fangs descended. She traced a finger along the waistband of his jeans. Tugged on one loop, urging him closer.

She wanted to feel him against her. Completely. Pressing against her, skin to skin.

Gods, how she wanted it.

But, beyond the heady desire, were other sensations. Softer, warmer feelings rising within.

Quite terrifying.

Finally, overcoming the haze of lust.

It made Niki pause.

As if he felt her inner conflict, Shane nipped her lower lip, then drew back.

Slow, with some regret, he pulled his hand from beneath her borrowed robe. Tugged the cloth together a bit more.

His voice came husky, but with slight—if forced—levity, as he told her, "I've been wanting to kiss you properly."

Considering she could barely breathe, her heart was galloping, and her body was on fire with need, Niki could only reply, "I'm fairly certain you've accomplished that."

More than once, at this point.

Breathing deep, Shane sat up and moved back a little.

Niki felt the loss of his touch acutely. Wanted it back more than she could remember wanting much of anything.

Behind Shane, fog stirred, swirled.

The ghosts of her family rose in the corner of the room as if to remind Niki of her purpose.

As if she could ever, fully, forget why she was here. No matter the distraction this man caused.

But the sadness on the ghostly, wavering faces was too much to bear at the moment.

Niki closed her eyes and turned away.

Shane stiffened. "Perhaps I owe you an apology."

She swallowed the pain in her chest. "I'll let you know when I require one."

What exactly was going on with her lately?

Ever since she came to this place.

She'd never met a man who could make her feel so much.

So deep.

So fast.

It confused her.

She wasn't good at such emotions. She certainly couldn't afford complications. Distractions.

Thomas was finally close.

Too close to let anything interfere.

She might not understand what was going on, but Niki couldn't—wouldn't—let such a feminine response to this guy get in her way.

Resolve strengthened, she opened her eyes.

Sat up—if slower, once radiating pain struck.

Thankfully, the ghostly wisps along the edge of the room had gone.

Ignoring everything else, Niki asked, "What time is it?"

A variety of emotions raced across Shane's face before his expression hardened a little. "Noon. We've only been here a couple hours."

No wonder she was exhausted. Little sleep, multiple fights, plus wounded with ammo loaded for vampire.

She needed food. More blood.

Then, she'd be desperate enough to beg for some sleep.

Decided, Niki tonelessly stated, "I need to get back to the Inn."

Shane's jaw tensed, but he only replied, "I'll get your clothes." He strode from the room, the lines of his body stiff.

When the door opened again, his grandmother shuffled in with a pile of clothes in her arms. She laid them at the foot of the bed. "You really shouldn't move yet."

Niki blinked. "I'll recover. Been hurt worse than this."

"You're welcome to stay here, you know. The sun is fully up, bright and harsh out there. I know how the day eats at your strength."

"Thank you," she replied, uncomfortable at the woman's kindness. "But I really must go."

After Morning Dove left, Niki gingerly pulled on her clothing.

Not only were her clothes clean and mended, but her blades had been sharpened and oiled.

Ready—she hoped—Niki left the room, rolling her shoulders to try to work out the stiffness and lingering pains.

Shane waited by the front door, also fully dressed, his look gloomy. He led her outside to his truck. The smell of new rubber permeated the air.

Niki remembered the truck earlier, outside the farmhouse, the tires ripped to shreds. Shane had obviously been busy while she was out of it.

He opened the passenger door for her. Once she'd gotten inside, he slammed it closed, with a bit more force than necessary.

Not that Niki could fully blame his upset. She'd turned from hot to cold. Essentially shot him down.

Another blow to his ego, she supposed.

Well, he'd just have to get over it.

They had a job to do.

Jumping in the driver's seat, Shane started the truck. Headed down a long, dirt drive.

The air was silent, thick, on the way to town.

It wasn't the Inn Shane parked in front of.

He stopped the truck facing a three-story, southern-gothic architect's dream. Wide shuttered windows and balconies. Curving, scrolling rails and banisters. A sweeping, wrap-around porch reached nearly to the driveway.

All Niki could ask, stunned at the beauty seemingly out of place in this mountain town, "Where are we?"

"My house," he tersely replied.

"What?" she stiffened in surprise. "I need to go to the Inn."

His eyes blazed. "Look, Miss Stubborn. I don't know what kind of man you think I am, but I'll be damned if I send an injured woman, alone, to a place where those trying to kill her are aware she's been staying." With each word, he got louder, until the last bit was a near-shout.

Niki's first instinct was to ask what had crawled up his ass. Her second was to argue. "I need food. I need blood."

He simply sniped, "It's taken care of."

In that case...

Niki eyed the house.

It _would_ be a safe place. Perhaps she'd finally get some decent rest.

And after all, Shane made sense. Even if, being with him sometimes felt more dangerous than the vampires hunting her.

Slowly, she nodded. "All right."

Shane's mouth snapped shut at her agreement and some of the tension left his shoulders.

She followed him inside, surprised at the hominess of the place.

Their shoes tapped on wooden floors as he led her through the entryway, then up the stairs, to the second floor. He headed to a bedroom that was obviously rarely used.

Yet, on the bed were bags.

_Niki's_ bags.

From her motel room.

She shot him a dark look.

"What?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

Shaking her head, she pushed the suitcases over to sit down, then pulled out a couple bags of blood.

Shane waited in the doorway, a falsely relaxed pose, while Niki drank them down. After she slipped the empty bags back in the suitcase, Shane straightened. "Food. Come."

Back downstairs, he led her into a large kitchen. Pointed her to a chair along the wide island, then rummaged in an oversized fridge.

Dinner was quiet, and quick, consisting of deli sandwiches and fresh fruit. A satisfying meal.

Back in the spare bedroom, Shane asked, "Anything else you need?" When Niki shook her head, he told her, "Sleep well," then turned and walked out.

She was tired.

Drained by her roller-coaster emotions, along with the increasing pain in her back.

Too much activity. Too much fighting.

The food and blood would help restore her strength. Finish healing.

Now, as Shane had said, she needed sleep.

Ignoring her suitcases, Niki stretched out on the bed. Tugged the corner of the blanket over her shoulders.

But she couldn't get away from Shane.

His scent was everywhere in this place—his home.

Her last thought before falling asleep was of the man's hot, hungry mouth on hers.

Shane strode into his bedroom and stripped. In the bathroom, he turned the shower on cold. Stepped inside.

The icy water shocked his senses, but didn't stop the desire raging through his body. Heightening his senses.

Friction continued to race along his nerves.

And, he had a good idea why.

Niki was in his house.

Just a couple doors away.

Even from his bathroom, he could smell her scent, as if it clung to him.

The woman wanted him as much as he lusted for her.

He could return to her room. Kiss her senseless. Slake both their needs. Explore her luscious body.

But then, he again remembered her reaction to his kiss, last time.

He shook his head.

If he went back to her, she'd just turn away from him again.

Exhaustion was driving him to the edge of feeling near-crazed.

Hell, he hadn't slept in forever.

Could barely even think straight at this point.

He stumbled from the shower. Not bothering to dry off, he fell onto his bed. His damned imagination continued to send him pictures of Niki, curled against him.

The shower hadn't done a thing.

Shane didn't know if he was cursed, or depraved, but these thoughts weren't like him.

This need was nothing he'd felt before.

It burned.

Commanded to be fulfilled.

Burying his head beneath a pillow, Shane fisted his hands and ignored it.

He'd sleep.

After that, if he still felt this strongly, he'd deal with it.

# Chapter 11

When Niki woke, the remnants of pain from the arrow she'd been shot with were nearly gone.

In return for the speed of healing, her hands shook with a bit of weakness. Her stomach growled loudly.

She rummaged in her suitcase. Drew out a bag of blood and drank it down.

It barely sated the hunger.

After downing two more bags—nearly depleting her supply—she felt like she could be around humans without the urge to eat them.

Sounds coming from downstairs told her that Shane was also up.

Niki hadn't slept very well, her dreams full of him, and his hands, and mouth.

Such thoughts made her hunger in a different way.

One that she wouldn't, couldn't, fulfill.

She took the time to change. Brushed the tangles from her hair. Convinced herself it was simple grooming, and not because she wanted to look nice for the man banging around below.

Frustrated, with herself, with him, with everything, Niki left the bedroom and headed downstairs.

She glanced around the large living room, before following the sounds to the kitchen, at the back of the house.

Sunset shone in through glass doors, spreading reds and golds over the room. Shane stood at the stove, jabbing a spatula at a pan of scrambled eggs.

The scent of coffee and bacon drew Niki further into the room.

Shane whipped around.

Saw her.

His eyes blazed with a golden glow.

Quickly turning back to the poor eggs, he grumbled, "Help yourself."

She hesitated, but she needed the food as badly as the blood. Taking an empty plate from the center island, she put a slice of toast, and a couple pieces of bacon on it, then grabbed coffee.

Shane scooped some eggs from the pan and dumped them on her plate as she walked past.

"Thank you," she muttered.

What was his deal?

Had he slept as badly as she?

Niki felt the prickles of her temper.

Near exhausted, quite frustrated and confused, she eyed the man.

If he wanted to be pissy, well then, she'd have a thing or two to say about it.

When Shane finally joined her at the table, the silence was so strained she could scream.

They avoided looking at each other, instead concentrating on pushing food around their plates.

Niki glanced at him, but not sure what to say, looked back at her mutilated breakfast. The strain of energy kept her one edge.

Uneasy.

Upset.

Her stomach churned.

Finally, unable to stand it any longer, she set her fork down, crossed her arms, and stared at the man.

Shane sensed her gaze. Looked up.

The thick tension in the room jumped from anger, to desire, in less than a heartbeat.

She gasped. Shane ground his teeth.

Forgetting all she'd planned to say, Niki broke away from his hot gaze. Stared anywhere, but at him.

Ignoring the instant heat, she tried focusing only on the business at hand—and something actually safe to discuss. "You still think going to that bar is the best use of our time?"

He silently nodded.

"All right. Let's go there, then."

"Fine." His answer was gruff, short, stiff.

Niki would much rather be angry, than sitting here, near squirming, over the way he made her pulse race. Gritting her teeth, she demanded, "You wanna tell me what your problem is?"

He slammed his fork down. "I didn't know I had one."

Yes.

Anger was better.

Easier.

Anger she understood. "Oh, funny. I hadn't noticed you walk around perpetually pissed."

His eyes narrowed. "Well, you don't really know me, do you?"

"Obviously not." She stabbed some eggs.

Shane shoved his plate back and stalked out of the room.

Niki sat there, forcing herself to eat because she needed it, but the food tasted like dirt. She washed her plate and set it to dry, then headed back upstairs.

Shane stood at the top of the stairs.

Niki stopped at the bottom, holding the rail, watching him.

Anger warred with lust.

Long, silent moments passed, tension rising.

Shane ground his teeth, jaw tight. "Look. I'm sorry. I didn't sleep well and that's one thing sorely lacking in my life lately."

"Fine," she replied. Started up the stairs.

He didn't move until she passed right beside him. Then he gently grabbed her arm.

She met his hard gaze, but this time, something softer flickered in his eyes.

As his heat, his scent, wrapped around her, caressingly, Niki's temper faded. Consumed by hot needs.

Mouth dry, she stiffened. Forced herself to ask, "What?"

Shane just continued to stare at her. Finally, he shook his head. Let her go. Mumbled, "You know, it's not every day I kiss a woman. But usually, she doesn't turn away, teary-eyed, about to cry."

Stunned at his begrudging words, Niki's eyes widened. She took a step back.

He was serious.

A strange lightness suddenly swept over her, and she couldn't help burst out laughing.

Shane scowled. Tucked his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "I don't see what's so funny."

"That's why you've been so damned grouchy?"

Heat flushed his neck. "Never mind."

She tried hard to stop laughing, but couldn't hold back a large grin. "Wow."

His flush deepened.

"Really, wow." Niki leaned against the wall, studying the man. Haltingly, she explained, "I... it wasn't because you kissed me. _Again_ , I might add."

"Like I said, it doesn't matter."

But she knew better. "Look, are we going to work together or not?"

"You're going to work with me. You don't have a choice."

Niki bit her lip, not bothering to argue that point.

She'd put Mr. High and Mighty Sheriff in his place if needed.

He might be a Keeper, but that didn't mean he could keep up with her.

Instead, all she replied was a sarcastic, "Whatever. But next time you have a stick up your ass, why don't you try yanking it out and talking to me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I told you I'm haunted."

"Your family."

"Yes."

He must've heard something in the way her voice caught, because the tension eased from his shoulders. "You saw them."

She nodded.

Shane sighed and shook his head. "I told you I'm lacking sleep. Can I apologize, and just say sleeplessness makes me cranky?"

She merely raised an eyebrow.

The man assessed her.

Cracked a half-smile as his eyes lit. "How about this, then?" He waved her to follow him, down the hall, and to the last door at the end.

The air behind Shane stirred as Niki followed him.

He didn't look back.

And how badly did he want to kick himself right now?

Damn was he an idiot.

He hadn't even realized he'd been so upset at what he'd thought was her reaction to his kiss. Not until she'd walked into the kitchen this morning.

The woman was spinning him round and round. Taking him to places he wasn't used to.

To get so mad over such a silly thing.

Idiot.

He pushed through the last door in the upper hallway. Entered the library.

Niki gasped, staring at all the books.

"You read?" he asked.

"Yes." Her tone was awed.

It was an interesting tidbit to know.

He headed to the center of the room. A thick rope hung from the ceiling. Shane grabbed it and pulled.

Attic stairs smoothly descended.

With another wave at Niki to follow, Shane started up the steps. At the top, he flicked on the lights. Waited.

Niki stepped up and into the attic. Looked around curiously.

Shane's father had helped him design and build this space. The walls were covered with shelves, holding books and bones, minerals and herbs. On the far wall, a worktable sprawled beneath a lone window. It too was cluttered.

"This place reminds me of a witch I know," Niki whispered.

Shane bypassed it all for the locked door on the left wall. He used three different keys to unlock the deadbolts, then entered a deep, walk-in closet.

Niki followed. Moaned in delight, the sound sending flames of need straight to his groin. He bit back rising urges.

Watched the woman's green gaze lovingly caress the shiny on the walls.

In a soft voice, she said, "This is my kind of place."

Weapons hung on the walls, filled the shelves and drawers.

Niki traced one smooth bladed dagger, coated in black. "Nice," she crooned, her voice sexily husky.

Shane could only watch her, captivated at the pleasure flitting through her expression.

His hands tightened at his sides. He nodded shortly.

He might be an idiot.

But he'd at least decided a few things during the long, restless day.

First being, that _he_ would be the one to go after this Thomas Montgomery. Whether Niki liked it or not.

If _he_ killed the man, she wouldn't be forced to face the Council's judgment.

She would live.

One would think that was of importance to anyone.

Not her.

And Shane had a feeling that if he shared his thoughts, Niki would only argue.

He grabbed a large duffle bag from a side cupboard, set it on the floor. Then he began loading up—silver daggers, a longer sword. A few plastic water bottles filled with a concoction of liquids that could do damage to plenty of Arcaine types.

From one wall, he took hold of a short-bow his grandfather had made. Beside it hung a quiver of special arrows, their tips a mix of silver and rowan wood, coated with salt. The shafts were iron.

They, too, would hurt most Arcaine, from shifters and vampires, to demons, or other creatures that went bump in the night.

Niki reached for the quiver.

Shane held it back. "Look, don't touch."

She leaned over to sniff the arrows, then glanced at him, a brow arched. "Covering all your bases, huh?"

"Usually works better that way." He added the quiver to his packed duffel. Zipping it up, Shane took it to the workbench.

He slid out a hidden drawer beneath the table. Inside, nestled on a bed of velvet, lay rows of homemade bullets.

"What are they?" Niki asked.

"Same concept as the arrows. Silver hollow-points, packed with rowan wood, salt, a few other items."

Her eyes were wide as she looked them over. "Planning to go to a paranormal war?"

Shane shrugged. "I hope not."

"You were a boy scout, weren't you?"

He raised his hand, three middle fingers up. "Always be prepared."

Niki snorted. "Figures."

"Besides," he added, "the state requires me to keep an arsenal at the sheriff's station. Same case here, from the Council."

"I guess."

Shane thought for a moment, then opened another shallow drawer.

To one side lay a dagger, nestled in rabbit fur.

He pulled it out, saying, "Here."

Niki reached for it, but he caught her hand. Laid it over his own, where he held the hilt. Whispered a few words.

Magic welled from the blade, encompassed both their hands, then settled back down, sleepily.

Shane laid the dagger in Niki's palm.

She held it gently, studying it as if looking for danger.

He assured her, "It won't hurt you anymore. But I've seen your blades. This one should make a fine addition. My grandmother made it long ago. The metal is a combination of iron, silver and steel. The handle is rowan."

Niki almost dropped it, but her palm was fine, unblemished, unhurt.

"It's infused with magic so that it can't hurt its owner."

"But that's you."

"Not anymore. It's yours now."

She hefted it in her hand, checking the balance. Smiled slowly. "I guess there are some benefits to knowing a Keeper."

"Maybe a few." All Shane knew was that he wanted her safe.

The dagger could help.

He finished loading the duffle, then they headed downstairs.

Outside, the sun had fallen. The gloom of night crept over the town. He wanted to ask Niki to stay here, to let him take care of things.

But she'd probably smack him and take off on her own.

Taking a deep breath, Shane stepped out into the night, vowing to keep her safe.

From others, and _herself_ , if need be.

# Chapter 12

Niki strode into Henry's bar, again looking for information. But this time, Shane was at her side.

He opened the door for her. Followed her in.

Rested his hand lightly on her lower back, sending shivers up her spine.

She figured he wanted to ensure she didn't run off. Search for Thomas on her own.

Based on the way he'd been looking at her during the drive over, it was obviously forefront on his thoughts.

At this point, she figured she'd keep _all_ her options open.

Niki wasn't sure she believed they'd actually find anything here. But, it was better than nothing.

Besides, ever since learning the reason for Shane's pissiness, she'd been in a strange mood.

Almost lighthearted.

She was used to working alone, yet here she was, hardly a peep of protest, as she slid into a booth across from Shane.

The man seemed to feel at least some of the same lightness.

He winked at her.

A waitress stopped at their table, brow raised as she looked between Niki and Shane. "Well, howdy." She grinned slowly. "Introduce me to your pretty lady, Sheriff."

Niki stiffened at how much she liked the sound of that. Angry at her own reaction, she stated, hard, "I'm not his _pretty lady_."

Her tone made the waitress' smile wobble.

Shane shook his head. "Don't mind her, Rae. We're both on the grouchy side tonight."

The woman nodded, shot Niki a small smile.

Feeling a bit petty, Niki returned it. Ordered a whiskey double.

Shane asked for a beer, then added, "We'd like to speak to Henry, when he has a minute."

Rae nodded. "I'll let him know." She returned shortly with their drinks, saying, "Henry'll be over shortly."

Shane nodded his thanks as she hurried off to take another's order.

They sat quietly for a long moment.

Niki downed her shot.

Replaced the glass on the table.

"I'll get you another," Shane stated, taking her glass to the bar.

When he returned, the bartender was with him. "This is Henry."

"We've met," the disheveled man stated gruffly.

Niki plastered on a sweet smile. "And you were so helpful."

The bartender grunted.

Shane took his seat. Waved Henry to join them.

The man grabbed a chair from a nearby table and slid it to the end of their booth. Sat down. "Who're you looking for this time?"

Shane raised a brow.

Niki sighed. "He's going by Jeremy Oakdale, now."

"I don't do names. What's he look like?"

She sat back, easily calling up a memory of Thomas. "About five-eight. Black hair. Pale."

Shane added, "Vampire."

"Seen me a bunch of them lately." Henry shook his head. "Sad state."

Niki didn't have much response to that. "He has a scar on the right side of his face, by his temple. It runs to his jaw."

Henry rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Yeah. Been in here a few times."

"With anyone you know?" Shane asked.

"I'll have to think it over. Might be, though."

The bartender unfolded his lanky frame from the chair and put it back. His step was a slow shuffle as he made his way back to the bar.

Shane shrugged. "He's a deep thinker."

"Meaning it takes him a while?"

He nodded. "So you might as well enjoy the company."

She met his gaze.

A slow smile lifted the corners of his lips. Enhanced the dimple on his cheek.

Niki hardened herself with the reminder this was business.

Only business.

She was here to find her prey, after all.

Nothing else.

Voice toneless, she stated, "I'm not much for chatting about the weather, and I don't follow politics."

Shane laughed. It was infectious.

Niki found herself fighting back a returning grin.

He asked, "How about telling me about yourself, then?"

"I've already told you everything important."

"Maybe." His golden eyes glowed with amusement. And interest. "Perhaps I'd like to know more about the woman who used to do exactly what her daddy said."

Niki shrugged. Replied with a bit of defensiveness, "Times were different." Too easily, the past drew her in. "I had a few friends who chaffed against arranged marriages, but my father was a good man. He made sure my intended was nice, with enough wealth and land to support us. It's how things were done."

He studied her for a long, silent moment. Then he leaned over the table to trace the edge of her pinky with one finger. "You're not the type to do as you're told anymore."

"No." Her throat was tight.

His touch, even something as simple as his finger, slowly stroking her own, made her edgy, nervous. Hot and quite bothered.

Tightly, Niki added, "But I'm not the same person I was."

He finally sat back once more.

Why did she feel suddenly bereft at the loss of his touch?

Shane asked, "Have you ever gone back?"

Collecting herself, and her rioting thoughts, Niki met his glowing gaze head-on. Answered, "Yes. Long ago, I bought our old plantation. I have people keeping it up for me. Farming the fields and such."

"When's the last time you were there?"

The bartender interrupted them, having come up to their booth soundlessly.

At least, that's what Niki would rather believe, than that she'd been so focused on Shane, she hadn't been paying enough attention to what—and who—was around them.

A mistake like that could get one killed.

Henry didn't sit this time, just mumbled, "Closing time. Every few nights. Might be around tonight." He left as quickly as he had come.

Niki's focus finally—thankfully—zoned in on her quarry.

Tonight?

She might finally see the monster, end him, _tonight_?

Shane tapped his fingers on the tabletop. "Closing time isn't for a few hours yet. If he doesn't show, there are other places we can check, throughout the night."

Niki nodded. Settled in to wait.

The question wasn't whether she could handle facing Thomas after all this time.

No.

The question burning in her gut was whether she could handle hours of Shane's prodding company.

Shane studied Niki, confused at the back-and-forth of her reactions. It bothered him that she'd, finally, started to open up a little, only to abruptly withdraw.

Yet again.

It wasn't until he spotted sparks of fear the depths of her emerald gaze that he understood something very clearly.

Niki was afraid of him.

Of how he made her feel.

Considering he'd been off-balance, and damn uncomfortable, since her arrival, Shane could commiserate.

He hid a grin.

Nothing worth fighting for was ever easy.

He took a deep breath, ready to brashly push through. Talk to Niki about what was between them.

But before he could speak, a large mug of beer was slammed onto the table between them.

Shane glanced up.

Stared into his older brother's face.

"Who's yer new whore?" Brian was a nasty drunk. Which was why, once upon a time, he'd avoided alcohol.

But that was before, as he put it, the Fates cursed him.

"Brian." He rose to his feet, searching for a way to diffuse the situation before it turned worse. The conflict within Shane didn't help much.

Part of him wanted to embrace his brother, the lost friend Shane missed so greatly. At the same time, his words about Niki made his temper burn.

Niki's eyes flared. She slowly stood, somehow seeming to stare Brian down, though he had almost a good foot on her in height. She spoke low, but hard. "Excuse me? A whore?"

"You're with him, ain't you?" Brian waved to Shane.

"A woman sits at a booth with a man, and all of a sudden she's _with him_ and _a whore_?" She eyed Brian up, down.

Before Shane could act, Niki drew back her fist and punched Brian in the face.

His brother stumbled back. Sprawled over a thankfully empty table.

Shane took Niki's arm and drew her behind him. "I'm sorry," he told her, then turned to his brother. "Go home. Sleep it off."

Brian staggered to his feet. "Or what? You gonna arrest me?"

The idea sent Shane's gut roiling.

It would hurt their family, especially their mother, if such a thing came to pass. But...

He only replied, "If I must."

Brian sent them both a furious glare, but finally turned in disgust. He weaved through the watching crowd toward the door.

When he disappeared outside, Shane sighed.

There seemed to be no use in trying to talk to his brother anymore.

Drunk, or not.

Niki retook her seat at their booth, asking, "Who was that pleasant fellow?"

"My older brother," Shane replied wearily, taking his own seat as well. "I'm sorry for his behavior. That you were the one who dealt with him."

Not that she'd seemed to mind decking Brian.

Niki watched him with a curious expression. "Why would you be sorry? Did you make him do it?"

"Yeah. In a way, I did."

Her bright green gaze was assessing. "All right, then. Tell me how you made your brother into an asshole?"

While the statement made Shane uncomfortable—they _were_ speaking of his brother, after all—he couldn't exactly argue with the truth. He shrugged. "Brian's the eldest in the family."

"So?"

"Our family descends from a long line of shamans, medicine men and women. When the oldest child reaches a certain age, the power, the magic, starts to slowly transfer from parent to child."

"So your brother should be inheriting?"

"Yes."

She added it up. "But he's not. You are." Her expression softened with sympathy.

"Exactly."

Niki rested her arms on the table, not seeming to notice her own actions when she took one of Shane's hands, drew it between her warm palms, as if trying to comfort him.

Throat tight, blood warming at her touch, Shane continued his explanation. "We found out a few years ago that Brian was, for some reason, passed by. I don't know why it chose me, but he's had a hard time of things."

"Sounds like he's being childish."

Anger flared to life at her words, mostly because Shane couldn't deny them.

He wanted to defend his brother.

Hell, it was hard to grow up expecting something only to have it yanked out beneath your feet, and all without knowing why.

She gently patted his hand. "So he blames you?"

"I'm the one who inherited."

Niki shook her head. "Family is too important for such disagreements, no matter their cause."

While Shane agreed—and his brother had too, years ago—reality was never so simple.

Before he could reply, the bar's door opened.

Niki glanced over.

Stiffened.

Her face drained of the little color she had, turning ghostly pale.

Eyes flashing bright crimson, she growled towards the front of the bar, her fangs descending.

Shane turned to stare at the man who'd entered, heading straight for the bar.

Nothing about the guy stood out.

Pale skin. Dark hair. He was average height. Average looks.

Yet across the table from Shane, Niki was practically vibrating.

He grabbed her arm, just before she could jump from the booth, cautioned, "Wait."

Thomas was here.

In Niki's sights.

At last.

Fury roiled.

She would rip him to shreds.

Afterwards, she'd burn his body, until he was nothing but ash.

Then, she'd take those cursed ashes.

Burn them again.

Shane gripped her arm tight, holding her there.

Niki jerked at his hold, tried to break free.

"Wait," he whispered again. "We do this right, so he doesn't get away."

Get away?

No.

Thomas wouldn't get away.

Niki's world was awash in red—everything tinged with her anger.

Except for Shane.

His golden eyes held soft emotion that, somehow, helped Niki calm, if only the tiniest bit.

It was enough to make her pause.

Shane was right, part of her knew.

But the need to reach Thomas, now, to destroy him...

Fury grew once more.

She shook, shivering. Heard small hissing growls. Barely realized they came from herself.

Then a shock raced up her arm.

Magic from Shane's hand on her skin, pulsing, trying to calm.

Niki jerked her glare from Thomas to Shane.

His wide, expressive mouth was turned down in a grim line. His glowing eyes were narrow, focused.

Another shock of magic rushed from his hand and into Niki, seeping deep inside her. Slowly, he helped her push back some of the boiling, burning fury.

Helped her to think, at least semi-rationally.

Still, Niki growled, "I want his blood."

Shane nodded. "I know."

"Now."

"Wait."

She took a deep breath, battling to not look at Thomas again. Instead, she kept her focus on Shane and his effort at calmness.

"Wait," she repeated with a nod, breathing deep. The smartest course. But... "Not for long."

"No. Just until we make sure he won't escape." Shane pulled out his radio and called the station. "Tell Campton it's time. The bar."

The radio crackled.

A woman replied, "They're already almost to Henry's Bar."

Shane slid his radio back on his belt. "Chase as impatient as you."

Niki shrugged. "I didn't know you were planning on backup."

"It's my job."

She looked him over.

Sometimes it was easy, maybe too easy, to forget.

Before she could reply, the air in the bar exploded with power.

It washed over Niki. Made her cry out in surprise, at the storm of pain hiding within the pulsating power.

She met Thomas' gaze from across the bar.

He'd sensed her.

Seen her.

It didn't matter how.

He knew she was there.

Rage rose. Losing control, Niki ripped from Shane's grip.

He tried to catch her.

Couldn't as she sprung from the booth. Raced for Thomas, lusting for his blood.

For his permanent death.

The Master vampire's gaze was full of matching hate.

And so very cold.

Just like the magic prickling painfully at Niki, sliding along her nerves with shots of agony.

Her sire's power managed to catch her.

Forced her to slow.

Still her fury grew hotter. Stronger.

She refused to be controlled by this monster.

Clutching tight to her anger, Niki fought, shoved her way through Thomas's magic.

Managing to reclaim movement, even speed, she flashed over an empty table. Landed directly in front of her prey.

Niki hissed.

Somehow, a blade was already in her fist.

She swung.

Sliced through Thomas' shirt, his skin.

He roared, but there was no pain in the sound.

Thomas reached out, almost faster than even she could follow. His magic swept into Niki. Pain blazed through her body.

Then, he clawed at her throat.

Fire opened up along her skin.

Warm liquid bubbled down her neck.

Niki held tight to her fury. Barely felt any of the pain.

She arced her dagger, swinging hard, trying to do more damage.

But Thomas had already disappeared.

The people in the bar erupted.

Screaming.

Running.

Getting in her damn way.

Niki shoved through them—easily, once they caught sight of her blood soaked shirt—then crashed through the door and outside.

Her sire was already long gone.

But, she could smell his reeking stench.

She'd be able to follow him by that alone.

A heavy hand grabbed Niki's shoulder. Spun her around, slamming her against the building.

She snapped her teeth. Clawed at the restraining arms, holding tight.

"Niki. Stop!" Shane yelled.

His voice finally penetrated the red haze in her head. She blinked. Found his face directly in front of hers.

He pinned her to the wall, trying to contain her flying hands.

The scent of _his_ blood, the sight of three long scratches scored down his cheek, yanked Niki the rest of the way back.

His golden eyes glowed.

Wary. Worried.

But he didn't flinch away from her.

"Shane?" Niki's voice came hoarse, a bit weak.

"Yes. Are you calmer now?"

In answer, Niki relaxed against the wall.

Waited for him to let her go.

When he did, she slowly reached up. Traced his jaw line. Stared at the deep scratches on his face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

He pushed her hand away to glare at her throat. "It's not _me_ I'm worried about."

She reached up.

Felt a gash across her neck.

The fresh wetness on her fingertips told her she was still bleeding, even if there was nearly no pain.

"I'll be fine," she whispered.

She had to be.

Thomas was out there.

Niki needed to track him while his scent lasted.

But Shane grabbed her arm. Again.

This time, he marched her to the bed of his truck. Yanked down the tailgate, then lifted her by the waist and set her on it.

"I'm fine. We have to follow—"

He snarled. "You will sit here until I've tended your wounds." His eyes blazed with an unrelenting fury.

"Why are you mad at me? I apologized—"

"Shut up. Just shut up, you stubborn, thick-headed woman. I'm not mad at you." He took a deep breath. Punched his truck. "That guy could have killed you."

Shane was worried about _her_?

Her chest burned, a softness creeping up.

Niki hopped off the tailgate. Taking Shane's hand, she uncurled his fist. Looked over his bruised, bleeding knuckles. "Now you need to be fixed up."

She drew his hand to her mouth. Tenderly licked his wounds, savoring the exotic taste of his blood. Ignoring the growing sparks of desire, she finished.

His bleeding had stopped.

"Damn it, woman. I'm supposed to be tending to you."

Niki arched a brow. "If you call me woman in that tone one more time, you'll need more than a doctor."

He looked like he was about to explode.

Without thought, feeling only the heaviness of the rollercoaster driving her emotions, Niki laid her hands on Shane's chest.

Rose on her toes.

Kissed him.

Beneath her hands, some of the tension slipped from his body.

After a moment of heady heat, Niki forced herself back.

Shane followed her. Drew her in his arms. Captured her mouth once again.

Until a car pulled up, tires crunching on gravel, horn honking.

Slowly, Shane stepped back. "Later."

Niki burned.

She didn't understand how, with her goal so very close now—he'd actually been in her sights—she wasn't chasing Thomas.

Instead, she was standing in this parking lot, kissing the local sheriff.

Shane's deputy, along with another youthful, uniformed officer, both jumped out from the car parked beside them.

The two men took in Niki's bloodiness and started scrambling.

"We need an ambulance," Campton said.

The much younger guy leaned heavily against the truck, trying not to faint.

Niki solved it by smiling at them and showing her fangs clearly.

Campton relaxed. The kid jumped a good foot.

"I'll live," she said shortly.

Shane took a wet towel from the waitress, who'd brought it out. Gently wiped Niki's neck. From his relieved expression, the wounds must be healed.

"You must have something mighty special in your blood." She considered the man. "That's twice I've tasted it, and twice I've healed faster than normal."

He shrugged, but something in his golden gaze said he had an idea what she was talking about.

Interesting.

"Now that I'm fine," Niki settled her hands on her hips, "I'm leaving. With, or without you."

Shane turned to his deputies. Told them, "Follow us."

Niki only sighed.

Those two would be nothing but food for Thomas. No match for his vampire strength or speed.

But she wasn't going to waste time arguing.

A small voice whispered in her mind that _she_ might not be much match for her sire, either, regardless how strong she'd become.

Niki ignored the spark of fear.

She'd not allow Thomas to win, no matter what.

# Chapter 13

As dawn grew closer, crickets chirped in the forest around them. A few birds sang. The wind whistled through the leaves.

Nature's orchestra, serenading them.

Shane paid less attention to where they were, and instead, ensured the vampire they tracked didn't jump out and try to hurt Niki again.

At least, until she stepped through a thick cluster of trees and gasped in delight.

He followed her, hand on his gun, only to realize they'd reached the shore of the lake.

"It's beautiful," Niki whispered.

Shane agreed. It was one of his favorite spots, after all.

They headed along the shore.

Soon, Niki kicked at a rock in her path. It tumbled over the ground and splashed into the water. Her voice was dark, lacking hope, when she mumbled, "Thomas' scent disappeared hours ago. We've not found anything. He's gone."

Shane tried to encourage her. "We'll find him. It might not be now, or even today. But it will be soon. Don't forget, you're not alone anymore."

He wasn't quite sure where that last statement had come from.

Not that he wanted to take it back.

Niki looked at him with such misery in her eyes, his gut clenched.

Between her pain, and Shane's earlier turmoil, seeing her so close to death, he abruptly decided to share something with her.

Something special he'd rarely shown to others. Never to another woman.

The caves.

He pulled out his radio. "Campton?"

The radio crackled.

Chase answered. "Yeah, boss?"

"We're done for the night. The two of you head home. Sleep. I'll see you in the office this afternoon."

"Got it."

Shane clicked the radio off.

Niki started to argue, "There's plenty of areas we can still search—"

"You need rest as well. Have you forgotten your earlier injury?"

She turned away. "It feels wrong to stop."

"And what would you do if you caught up to him while tired and hungry?"

Niki continued to stare out over the lake, mute.

He took her hand. "Come."

She let him lead her further around the lake's curve, until the beach stopped at a rocky cliff that jutted up along the shore.

Shane glanced at Niki. "How brave are you?"

She smirked. "Brave enough, Sheriff."

"This way, then."

They scrambled over a few boulders. Reached a thin ledge leading out over the water. Shane balanced himself and inched across.

He glanced back, to see Niki walking without any issue at all.

Vampires.

They quickly reached a narrow strip of shore, in front of a hidden cave.

It had seemed huge when Shane was a boy.

Not so much anymore.

Still, at about fifteen feet deep, and six across, it was big enough for them to enter standing up.

Shane headed for the back.

Other locals still came here, as evidenced by the stack of wood for the stone-ring fire pit. Matches. A few folded blankets that smelled recently washed.

Since they had time on their hands—they'd continue hunting Thomas after night returned, Shane wouldn't allow Niki to search for danger while she was weakened—he started a fire.

Warm light filled the small cave.

He pointed to the far wall.

Niki turned. Gasped in wonder at the paintings. "Who did these?"

"Some are older than spit. The ones on the bottom are the most recent." Shane touched the wall, feeling the power of age, the magic, the spirit of all who'd come before him. He pointed to one animal. "This horse is mine."

She drew closer, staring at the white stallion galloping over a yellow prairie. "It's beautiful."

As she tried to get a better look, she brushed against him. Shane inhaled her scent, his body tightening.

She caught his gaze.

The air sparked. Warmed with a thick tension.

All at once, the abundant worry—fear—from earlier, suddenly returned to engulf him.

Shane laid his hands on Niki's shoulders.

This time, he would do things right. He wanted this woman, and he would control himself, taking things slow, rather than letting the driving need push him too fast. "I'm going to kiss you, Nicola DeVeraux."

Her eyes widened, lips parting as the tip of her pink tongue darted out and wetted them. Fear filled her face, but she didn't run. Emotions flashed through her eyes.

As if making a choice, she leaned into his embrace.

He drew her closer, relishing the feel of her body pressed to his. He kissed her, lingering.

Niki hesitantly traced her hands over his back.

Shane's heart raced. His blood heated.

Primitive urges rose.

With a groan, he pushed her lips apart to taste her further. Their kiss became urgent, frenzied.

She started to pull back, but Shane held tight. "Don't run away. Not again. Not yet."

The need to flee flashed in her gaze. Her pupils were enlarged, the thinnest band of red rimming the green.

"There's no future in this." Her whisper turned husky. "No future in us."

Though her words were true, they pierced something. An ache spread.

Shane realized he no longer cared what the truth might be.

They could make their own fate, their own truth, if they wanted.

He kissed her again, taking and giving. Niki moaned, pressing closer.

When Shane broke away, they were both breathing heavily. He met her gaze.

Told her, "Now is not the future. And neither of us knows, truly, what that future might hold. But we can both live in this moment. And enjoy it."

A silent voice screamed at Niki to run away, far and fast, before this man became too dangerous to her peace of mind.

Yet, even as she strained to listen, it was overpowered and drowned out by another.

Shane's.

"Forget tomorrow. For once, live for now," he repeated, caressing her cheek, lifting her chin to meet his hot, golden gaze.

She didn't know how.

Or if she even could.

But she'd been cold and lonely for so long.

And he somehow made her feel the warmth of life.

Slowly, unsure of herself, Niki leaned in. Kissed his sensual mouth.

Shane growled, sweeping her into his embrace. His hands trailed down her sides, clasped her waist.

The intensity of all she felt frightened her, but she didn't back away from the fire burning between them. Just for tonight, she'd try as he said.

Forget the battle, the pain, the horror the future held.

Concentrate only on the now.

On Shane's kiss, his touch.

Niki grabbed hold of the flames, the desire. Pressed against his hard body, as close as she could get.

A sensuous smile grew on his lips. "You're not running."

She trembled a bit, from soft emotions sweeping through her.

From fear.

But Niki managed to answer, "No."

Why, she didn't know.

All she knew was that right now, what she wanted most was this man, standing right in front of her.

Nothing else managed to matter nearly as much.

Shane groaned. He drew her down, onto the blanket he'd laid to cover the sandy ground.

The flickering fire sent warmth radiating in the cave.

Not that they needed it.

Shane tugged her on top of him.

Niki lay on his muscled body. She could feel his heart beating. His every breath. Blood pounded in her temples. Heat flushed through her. Lust thrummed along her nerves.

Shane filled her senses.

His scent, his taste, his delightful touch. His hardness pressed between her thighs, tantalizing.

Beyond her control, Niki's fangs extended.

He kissed her again. His tongue slipped across one long fang.

The taste of his blood, an aphrodisiac in its own right, filled her mouth.

Shane shuddered. Devoured her mouth.

As he deepened their kiss, her body came fully awake. She rubbed against him, loving the sparks of friction.

He ran his hands over her back, cupped her butt in his firm grip.

Niki curled her fingers in his long, soft hair. Licked his lips, along his jaw and down his neck.

His heartbeat made the vein on his throat throb.

She pressed her mouth to his skin, resisting the urge to nibble.

Shane reached between them. Tugged her shirt from her jeans.

Her breasts ached to feel his touch.

His hands were rough on her skin, sending shivers through her. He shoved her shirt higher. Unclasped her bra.

Then he sat up, carrying her with him. Shane tugged her shirt, and the lacy bra, off. Let them fall to the sand.

His hot gaze caressed.

Anticipation left her trembling.

He cupped her breasts. Flicked his thumbs over her nipples.

Niki gasped. Electrifying thrills shot high. Flames of need, of hunger, spread. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and returned the favor, pulling it over his head. Discarding it by her clothing.

She wanted, needed to feel his bare skin.

Hands rough on her breasts, Shane caught Niki's gaze. His stare was piercing, not just with lust, but softer things that she couldn't think about, could only respond to.

Shane dipped her onto the blanket, hovered above her. Asked hoarsely, "Still not running?"

She should.

Really, she should.

From the softness and emotion on his carved face, to the matching sparks inside of her, warming something cold and alone for so very long.

And yet, Niki couldn't resist.

No longer.

Not even if the stirrings inside of her were quite terrifying.

Nothing could dampen her hunger.

In answer to Shane's question, she lifted her hips. Rubbed against him. Held tight to the pleasure he brought. The heat he surrounded her with.

Shane groaned. He traced his mouth down her neck, her shoulder. Licked the slope of one breast. Captured her nipple between his lips.

Niki shuddered from the pleasure.

He lavished her breasts, caressing, licking, until she trembled.

The emotion blazing across Shane's face left her stunned.

The ecstasy sent her reeling.

Dipping lower, he unsnapped her jeans. Tugged them down her hips, her thighs. He slipped off her shoes, then the pants, leaving her lying on the blanket in nothing but her panties.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, running his hands lightly up her legs.

She blinked, trying to come up with something to say. Finally, she muttered, "You're wearing too many clothes."

He chuckled and stood. Left her suddenly cool, even with the passion firing her blood, the fire flickering beside them.

He quickly removed his own jeans. Stood there naked in front of her, his skin bathed in firelight.

Niki's heart pounded. Hunger snaked through her veins. She stared at his hard, luscious body. Dipped her gaze to his groin. Long, thick, ready.

Trying to catch her breath, she asked, "Not much for underwear?"

"Nope." He knelt between her thighs, placing light kisses along her hips and belly. His fingers softly traced the edges of her underwear.

The longer he teased, the more Niki had to fight an urge to grab him, make him hurry.

Shane tugged the straps of her panties down an inch. Kissed her bared skin.

Another inch. Another kiss.

Then he slipped a hand beneath the lace. Cupped her wet heat.

Niki's back bowed to his touch. She moaned, gasping for breath, strained into his touch.

Her body pulsed with need.

She wanted more.

So much more.

Barely able to think, she stopped trying.

Gave over to all he made her feel.

Shane ran his hands over Niki's enticing, velvety skin, amazed at how she'd gone so quickly from cool to hot.

She was ready, wet beneath his hand. He rubbed her slick flesh. Niki moaned, her lips curling in a smile. Her eyes, green and bright, unfocused.

He had to take this slow, afraid he'd scare her away with the intensity of how much he wanted to bury himself inside her. The primitive urges only she made him feel were near uncontrollable.

But there was so much more growing between them.

He could feel it.

Surely she could to.

If not, he'd just have to show her.

Shane slipped her lace panties down the delectable curve of her legs, her small, arched feet.

She watched him with a hooded, but intense, stare. One full of hunger.

And, he'd swear, much softer emotions, just like those rising to swamp him.

Turning to nuzzle her belly, Shane took her in.

Tasting, touching.

Enjoying.

Niki's small mewls, her panting gasps, spurred him on. He nibbled his way along her soft skin. Flicked his tongue over her core.

She shuddered, her back arching. She slipped her hands through his hair. Cupped his head. Pushed into his touch.

Shane drank her in gladly, happily. He lifted her hips, to take in her heat. To give them both more of this stunning pleasure. He flicked his tongue over her wetness. Niki cried out beneath him.

Trembling, her moans and mewls soft but urgent, she tugged at his hair, demanding more.

He teased her, drawing out both their pleasure, until her breath came in sharp little pants, spurring him on.

He continued, rougher, until she cried out her pleasure.

When he met her gaze, she looked dreamy, a satisfied smile on her swollen lips.

Watching her, a sweetness spread through Shane.

This woman made him feel so much.

And he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to get enough.

Pleasure making her head spin, Niki trembled beneath Shane's reverent gaze. She'd forgotten a man's body could make her delirious with yearning.

Yet never before had she felt this expansive need, to feel completed.

The idea this man could do such a thing, make her want it.

He roamed her skin with his hands and mouth, derailing such unwanted thoughts. Another tight ball of tension built as he explored every inch of her.

She did the same, sweeping her palms over his tight shoulders, his rippling back.

Shane rose higher, their legs entwining, skin against skin. He traced his hot tongue up her belly. The valley of her breasts. Her neck. Then he kissed her, invading with a thrust of his tongue.

His hands were everywhere, her breasts, her stomach, her hips.

Niki spiraled into the heady sensations racing through her.

Where Shane touched her, sparks ignited.

Pulling back a little, he met her gaze. "Beautiful," he whispered a bit reverently. Then, his stare intense, he drove deep inside of her.

Niki cried out, taking him in fully, happily.

The pleasure wouldn't be denied.

She felt everything completely, as if her senses had expanded to encompass the strange magic between them.

Shane groaned huskily. Flexed his hips. Niki rose to meet each thrust. Held onto him tight.

Exquisite pleasure took over. Such heavenly sensations couldn't possibly be contained.

Yet Niki wanted, demanded, more. She clenched his shoulders, his muscles bunching beneath her grip.

Their eyes locked.

In his dark golden gaze, something shifted, soft, sweet.

Niki felt an answering pulse in her heart.

They were connected.

Not just join joined by lustful hunger.

But something softer. Much deeper.

And frightening.

Something which had no name Niki was willing to give.

Shane's gaze was powerful, commanding her to not look away, to not run from what she saw.

He bent close. Kissed her. Sent her back to an unthinking place, pulling her into the hot storm of ecstasy.

She moaned against his lips as he tension within built higher. Faster.

Then Shane shoved her over the edge.

Niki's breathy cries echoed from the rocky walls. Mixed with his hoarse, husky groans.

She felt washed along a torrential river of pleasure—whirling, caressing, the force awe-inspiring.

Shuddering against Shane, she could do nothing but take him in.

He continued to move, the onslaught of pleasure relentless.

And she didn't want him to stop.

She reached the peak. Fell once more, his name on her lips. Exquisite waves of fulfillment swept through her.

Shane's shout of release echoed hers. He stiffened, slowed, his touch turning tender, sweet.

After a moment, he rolled to lay by her side, breathing as heavily as her. Then he drew Niki into the curve of his body.

Held her close. Tight.

She should move.

Pull away from the soft , sweet emotions suddenly swamping her. Things only this man made her feel.

But, Niki found she couldn't.

She enjoyed being here, with Shane, far too much to give it up just yet.

# Chapter 14

Shane didn't have the energy to move.

Nor did he care. He was content to lay here, with Niki in his arms, for the rest of eternity.

He smoothed a hand down her hair, surprised, yet happy, when she snuggled a little closer. Tenderness swept through him.

He'd been ignoring it since they'd met, but now, he figured it long past time to face it head on.

This woman had a strange hold on him that wouldn't let go.

And again, he couldn't bring himself to mind.

Shane traced a finger down her cheek, her jaw.

Again, she leaned into his touch.

Then, seemingly lighthearted, Niki sat up, looking out at the water. A mischievous glint lit her eyes as she stood. "Dare you."

She dashed into the icy lake.

Her mood from earlier in the bar was back.

Carefree and playful, she splashed in the water.

Shane loved seeing her like this.

He raced after her, his breath stopping at the coldness of the water. He caught Niki around her waist. Lifted her high, then dropped her into the lake.

She came up spluttering and splashed his face. They laughed as they played a while longer.

When Shane felt kindred to an ice cube, he lifted Niki in his arms and carried her from the lake.

They shivered as he built the fire back up. When they were mostly dry, they dressed.

The entire time, Shane could practically hear her thoughts revving.

The tension in the air had changed, yet again.

Rubbing her hands together, Niki sat by the fire. Stared into the flames. Abruptly, she asked, "What did we just do?"

Knowing if he dared speak of emotions, or his earlier thoughts, she'd run away, Shane instead tried to lighten her suddenly serious mood. "Have fun?"

Niki sent him a piercing glare.

"Look." He took her hand in his, refusing to let her pull away.

She stared at their interlocking fingers.

He spoke slow, cautious, "There's been an attraction between us since we first laid eyes on each other."

She glanced away, but not before he caught the fear in her green eyes. "I'm not talking about the sex."

So. She _did_ feel the same emotions, this beyond physical connection, that kept tugging at his heart.

His heart leapt at the knowledge, this proof, even as the fear in her gaze deepened.

Niki shook her head. "There can't be anything between us, don't you understand?"

Before Shane could figure out how to reply, a splash came from the lake, fairly close. A moment later, something splashed in the lake, nearby.

A howl rose, just outside the cave.

Niki jumped to her feet, grabbing one of her daggers so fast, it was a blur.

A wolf stepped into the fire light, a man right behind him.

Shane rose. Moved in front of Niki. "What is this?"

The wolf growled.

Behind Shane, Niki hissed.

The man stepped forward. "Our Alpha said you wanted to talk. We were sent to find you," he stated harshly. "Didn't know you'd be with a _vampire_."

"Smells of sex," the wolf grumbled in its distorted, unnatural voice.

The man glared at Shane. "So. The Keeper is taking sides."

Taken aback, yet unsurprised, Shane harshly replied, "No. I am not."

Niki stepped forward, glaring at the shifters. Her eyes were bright red, her fangs pointy splashes of white.

Not exactly helping the situation.

Shane moved between her and the shifters once more.

Told the intruders, "Tell your Alpha I'll be by later. I'll call first. However, all of you keep in mind that anything I do in private is exactly that. Private. And none of the pack's business."

"The Keeper is pack business," the man replied, trying to stare at Niki. His face distorted. Bulged at his jaw line. His teeth lengthened. Anger bringing out his animal. Shaking himself for control, he said, "Taking sides makes traitor. No longer acceptable as Keeper."

The word stopped Shane's thoughts.

Was that how all the Arcaine would see his relationship with Niki?

Niki hefted her blade, ready for a fight.

The man snarled. His teeth lengthened, growing too long, jutting grotesquely from his mouth.

Beside her, Shane stiffened.

The wolf growled, padded a step forward. The man behind him didn't move, but claws sprouted from his fingers.

Niki lifted her blade higher.

The wolf growled.

Shane grabbed her arm. Held her back.

To the shifters, he said, "If you fight here, the judgment will come against you. She's not harming anyone."

The wolf hesitated for a long moment before he backed up to the edge of the light.

The man shot another angry glare at Shane—and her—then the two left the cave. Disappeared into the night.

Shane sighed.

Niki felt his confusion. As well as her own. She struggled with anger, an urge to chase after the wolves. Fight them.

When she managed to calm enough, she focused on her other mistake of the night.

Told Shane, short and toneless, "We need to go."

He turned, golden eyes blazing.

But he didn't say a word.

They headed back to the bar parking lot, not touching, not speaking.

An awkwardness had sprung up between them.

Niki couldn't guess what he was thinking, but acutely felt the loss of the closeness they'd shared such a short time ago.

They'd just reached Shane's black pickup when his phone rang.

He answered gruffly, "What?"

Someone mumbled on the other end, though not quiet enough for Niki's enhanced hearing to miss the words, "Chase was attacked."

Face white, hands fisting, Shane demanded, "What? How bad?"

Niki met his horrified gaze.

The voice on the other end choked up. "It's bad. The ambulance is on its way to the hospital. Henry is with Chase, says it doesn't look good."

Shane swallowed loud. Hoarsely asked, "What about Zach Miller? Wasn't the kid with Campton?"

Niki didn't need to hear the answer to know.

The young cop was dead.

Shane's expression hardened. Fire, a mix of worry and fury, lit his golden eyes. "I'll head to the hospital now." He punched the off button on his phone, then held it so tight, plastic began to snap and crack.

Niki softly laid a hand on his tight, tense arm. There was nothing to say that could help, so she remained mute.

She couldn't help but look back at the forest.

So. Thomas hadn't just been running around to get away from them. He'd looped back to attack.

Part of Niki felt she should have anticipated such a thing.

It was just like Thomas, after all. Didn't he always do as much damage to anyone he possibly could?

Shane sprung into action, helping Niki into the truck's passenger seat, then hurrying to the driver's side.

They drove in silence, Shane pushing the truck to its limits.

When they reached the hospital, he slammed the pickup into park. Nearly broke the key yanking it out. Then he jumped out and rushed into the emergency room.

Shane spoke to nurses and doctors. When no one could give him any solid answers yet, he slumped in the waiting area.

Niki sat next to him, feeling his pain, the deep fear for his deputy, but unsure how to help.

In the air, power sparked, flowed into the room, as Jordan MacDougal strode in.

His eyes lit when he saw Niki. Darkened when his gaze fell on Shane. Quiet, he crossed the room and sat on Shane's other side.

None of them spoke during the long wait.

Finally, a doctor came out. "Sheriff?"

Niki stared at the vampire.

The two men beside her both jumped to their feet.

Seeing Jordan, the doctor's eyes widened. He bowed regally. Then he turned to Shane, while neatly ignoring Niki.

He'd sense she wasn't clan.

Therefore, she was nothing to him.

The doctor shook his head. "Chase isn't looking good. He lost too much blood. Even with all my experience, there's not much more I can do. You need to be prepared." He looked from Shane to Jordan. "If the man survives, he'll most likely turn."

Shane let out a harsh sigh. "Damn it all, Chase." He strode across the waiting area. Paced near the wall.

Ignoring Shane, Jordan pierced the doctor with a hard look. "Matt Dixon. Meet Nicola DeVeraux."

The doctor finally glanced at her, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Continuing, Jordan commanded, "Say hello, Matt. Where are your manners?"

"Miss DeVeraux," Doctor Dixon said with a skimpy bow.

"Doctor."

"This your handiwork?" he pointed back to where he'd come from.

She wanted to say no.

But wasn't it _her_ who'd made Thomas run into the woods?

Wasn't it _her_ who'd let Shane bring his deputies along to track down a Master vampire?

How stupid could she be?

The silence stretched until the doctor bowed to Jordan once more, then strode away.

The clan King took Niki's arm. Sat her down. Dragged Shane into the seat next to her.

Then he stared at them both harshly. "If you both want to wallow in guilt and self-pity, fine. I'll track this Rogue down and kick his ass myself."

Niki started to argue.

Jordan shushed her with a look. "The only person who's at fault here is this Thomas. Shane, if your deputy turns, you know I'll be there for him."

"Yeah," Shane said, a spark of emotion coming back to his voice.

"Niki, did you bring Thomas here?"

"No." Her cheeks burned. "If you recall, I followed him."

"Exactly." Jordan turned and strode down the hall. At the doors marked 'No Admittance', he glanced back. "Coming?"

Shane jumped to his feet.

Niki followed.

Jordan led the way through the doors. Down another hall. Finally stopped at a closed door.

Shane hesitated before slowly entering. Just inside, he stopped, staring at his injured man. Niki stayed close to his side, unsure how to help anyone.

Chase Campton lay in the hospital bed, gadgets hooked up to him, beeping away. His skin was pale, damp with sweat. His eyes rolled back, his mouth gaped open.

For a long moment, he seemed dead.

Then he sat up.

Screamed.

Jordan gently pushed him back down. Taking a cup from the bedside table, he held it to the deputy's lips.

Chase drank greedily until his eyes slipped closed.

Stiffening, Shane clenched his fists.

Trying to comfort, Niki slipped her hand in one of his.

Together, they approached the side of the bed.

Shane's grip tightened as he looked Chase over. "Is there anything..."

Jordan laid a hand on Shane's shoulder. "You know there's nothing we can do. Chase will survive, or not."

Shane's fingers dug into her palm, but Niki didn't pull away. She wished she could spare him this pain.

It wasn't hard to immediately pick up the stench of the monster she chased.

There was no doubt he was responsible for this man's condition.

On the other side of the bed, wisps began to grow.

Soon, her family stood along the wall, past Chase's bed, mournfully staring at the young man.

Jordan nearly jumped.

The Master strode to Niki's ghosts, looking them over. When he turned to her, his eyes brimmed with sympathy.

She avoided his gaze and instead stared at Shane's white-knuckled grip on her fingers.

He shuddered, grip tightening.

The room was silent, but for the beeps of the machines.

With a rough growl, Shane abruptly dropped Niki's hand. He turned and stomped out of the room.

"Go to him," Jordan said.

As if Niki needed to be told.

She was already hurrying after the man. She caught up to Shane outside. "Where are you going?"

"Was it Thomas?" he demanded.

"Yes."

Shane nodded sharply. "So we led my friend to his death."

She didn't point out Chase might change and become, instead, rather undead.

That wasn't the issue.

He gruffly stated, "I need to speak with my father. As soon as the sun sets, I'm going hunting. You're not returning to the Inn and I don't want to leave you alone at my house. I don't know if it'll be safe, and I won't be there to keep you protected."

She wanted to argue, but he was so angry, so frustrated at all that had happened, Niki instead bit it back.

Yet, she couldn't stop herself from offering, "Then I'll come with you."

Shane assessed her a long moment. "Why?"

Stiffening, she replied, "Why not?"

"That's no reason."

Perhaps not, but she didn't really want to examine _why_. "Can we leave it at my being concerned for you? That I understand how you feel, after what happened to your friend?"

His gaze softened imperceptibly. "I thought you said there was nothing between us?"

Again, words came unbidden, unstoppable. "I said there couldn't be. I didn't deny what is."

# Chapter 15

His parent's house was surprisingly empty.

Quietly pensive, Shane fed Niki, then led her to a guest bedroom. After shortly ensuring she had all she needed, he strode away without another word.

She didn't know why his cool silence hurt so badly.

Hours later, Niki woke. Feeling restless, unrested, she left the bedroom. Headed down the hall and strode into a living room.

Then she froze, more terrified than she'd been in a long time.

People surrounded her.

So many people.

They were touchers, too.

Hands patted Niki's arms, her shoulders.

And talkers, as well.

Each of the many, many people in the house seemed to think it was their duty to say hello. Ask about her health. Her business in Moss Creek. Even her history.

All the while, Shane was nowhere to be found.

Niki finally made her way to one far wall. From there, she slid along, to the corner of the room.

Searched in vain for as escape route, even a window would do the trick.

But the wall-sized window beside her wouldn't open.

She didn't think Shane would appreciate her jumping through the glass just to get away from his overbearing—gods, they were everywhere—family.

An old, short woman hobbled up. Took Niki's hand and led her from the fray in rescue.

Niki thought it was Shane's grandmother, but she'd been a bit fuzzy when she'd met the woman. Certainly, she didn't want to put her foot in her mouth.

Uncomfortable, unsure, Niki realized she'd not had to deal with family politics in a couple of centuries.

The old woman led her through a kitchen. Into a small library.

Niki breathed a sigh of relief at the empty room.

"I'm the boy's grandmother, Morning Dove." She awkwardly knelt to the ground in front of the stone fireplace and began building a fire. "If you don't remember me, don't worry."

Niki hurried over. "Let me do that."

Morning Dove looked up with dark eyes. Knowledge and magic swirled in her gaze. She held out her hand.

Niki took it without thinking and helped the woman to her feet.

"Thank you, dear."

Niki nodded. Started a fire.

Once heat began spreading through the room, she rubbed her hands together nervously, not sure what to do or say.

"How is my grandson's deputy?"

"Not well, ma'am."

Morning Dove chuckled. "Call me Dove. Anything is better than ma'am."

While Niki personally agreed with the sentiment, she couldn't quite see herself calling this elder woman Dove.

"So, have you and my grandson made love yet?" she asked.

Niki stared at the old lady, face burning, mouth agape at the question. "Excuse me?"

"Ah. You have. Good for you both. That will encourage the Fates."

Still stunned at the topic of conversation, Niki could barely speak. "Encourage the Fates what?"

"Why, to make sure the two of you stay together. Don't you realize your souls complete each other?"

"Look..." Niki stopped, trying to keep her tone level and non-snarky. "I don't know what you think, but there's nothing going on between Shane and me."

His grandmother raised an eyebrow and laughed. "So it's just good sex?"

Heat continued to crawl up Niki's face. "Um, I need to go. Thanks and all, but... I need to go."

As she walked to the door, the old woman said, "The men in this family take a while to find their soul mates. But girl, once they do, they refuse to let go."

Niki strode out of the room, edged around the kitchen. Lost, she headed down another hallway.

She needed to find Shane.

Soon.

Otherwise, she'd lose it and run away without him.

Finally, she heard his voice, coming from a doorway ahead. The door was cracked open a few inches.

She reached to push it the rest of the way.

A girl shouted, making Niki hesitate, "I don't care what you think. I love Blake, and he loves me."

"Glory," Shane replied. "He's a monster. You can't trust a werewolf."

Wood rattled. Glass crashed to the floor.

Niki pushed inside, worried, but then stopped short in the doorway.

A young woman held a glass vase hefted above her head, ready to fling it at Shane. "You don't even know him."

She was a feminine version of the man, with long dark hair, deeply tanned skin, and golden eyes.

Shane, his back to Niki, shook his head. "You can't fully trust anyone paranormal. They're full of wildness, of consuming magic, that will only bring you down. You don't even know if they're all able to even truly love a human."

Niki couldn't stop her gasp.

Something within her cracked. Pain bled into her chest.

That's what he thought of her?

Shane turned. Stiffened when he saw her.

Unable to speak, Niki headed back down the hall.

She didn't know what exactly she felt for the man. Not after making love to him. Or his nutty grandmother talking about soul mates.

But now, through the ache spreading in her heart, her mind was clear. She'd allowed herself to get far too involved.

She finally found an outer door.

Stumbled outside.

Shielding her eyes from the bright sunset, she raced into the trees, trying to lose herself in the running.

She didn't know how any of this had happened.

But she must harden her heart.

Why hadn't she remembered Shane's words from the first night she'd been here?

In the alley, at the crime scene, he'd said basically the same.

The man didn't trust the Arcaine.

She'd known that.

And still, she'd let down her guard.

No longer.

She was here for only one reason.

The distracting sheriff would not be allowed to keep her from her revenge.

Even as she decided, her ghosts rose along the forest floor.

Ran alongside her.

And far, far behind Niki, came Shane's voice, shouting her name.

Over and over.

It took a larger effort than she preferred, but Niki ignored him.

Raced faster.

Repeated her life's mantra.

She only had one purpose.

Kill Thomas.

Find the peace for her family that they deserved, that they so desperately needed.

She would ignore any more distractions. She'd ignore the damnable things Shane made her feel.

And that was all there was to it.

Shane fell to his knees, gripping the grassy dirt. It crumbled in his fingers. Refused to be contained.

How had he not seen that his feeling for Glory's relationship, also reflected on his own growing feelings for Niki?

Hell, he'd made love to the woman. Had been more connected to her than any other person in the entirety of his life.

Yet, a short time ago, when Glory confronted him, he'd automatically fell back on his same argument.

Hypocritical.

Especially considering his case—and the outside troubles such a relationship would bring.

And yet...

Shane couldn't truly find it within himself to care.

He wanted to be selfish in this regard.

He wanted to explore what was between himself and Niki.

So how could he task his sister's choice any longer?

Even with it being Glory's life at stake, Shane could only now truly understand how some things might even be more important than _that_.

He continued staring out at the shadow drenched forest.

And realized, he would do anything, pay any price, to have never caused the look of devastated hurt—of betrayal—on Niki's face.

The ripping ache in his chest told Shane he might not _ever_ be able to make it up to her.

A quiet voice whispered at him to let it be.

She was a complex complication.

Could he be Keeper, neutral between the pack and the clan, and have her too?

Shane found that he still didn't care. He roared into the night.

The voice disappeared.

A soft hand fell on his shoulder. "Let me guess. You made an ass of yourself."

Breathing deep, he calmed himself the best he could. Brushed his hands off. Laid them on his knees.

Finally glanced up at his grandmother. "Yes."

"Let's hope you've learned your lesson and not pissed off the Fates, boy."

He continued to kneel, looking up into her kind face. "What do you mean, the Fates?"

She raised a snowy white brow over dark, understanding eyes. Pressed a hand to his head, comforting. "You've felt it. I know. So don't ask stupid questions. The spirits answered you a while ago."

Shane glanced back to the forest in front of them.

Remembered the feelings, the whispers, everything, since he'd first laid eyes on Niki DeVeraux.

Was Niki his soul's destiny?

She's caught him from the first moment, in Henry's Bar.

Her beauty was only enhanced by what he'd learned of her since. Smart. Brave. Certainly stubborn, but even that was endearing—if also sometimes frustrating.

He didn't speak, but his grandmother, per usual, somehow knew what he was thinking. "Love is beautiful, yes?"

He nodded, his throat tight, hot.

Morning Dove added, "But only if you haven't screwed it up. I suggest you find that lovely woman and fix it."

Fix it.

Yes.

He had to.

Because even the thought of losing this precious woman was too great to bear. "How?"

His grandmother flicked his ear. "Figure out a way."

Shane slowly got to his feet.

After giving his grandmother a thankful hug, he headed for his truck, started it with a rumble, and sped back toward town.

Not knowing where Niki might've gone, Shane parked near the sheriff's station. Hopped out of the truck holding her dagger. The spell was fading, but should do the trick, at least, long enough.

The chilly air grew cooler as Shane followed the magic through town.

A few times, he paused, his instincts prickling. Alerting him to trouble nearby.

He stopped. Searching, sensing.

Found nothing each time, so continued on his way.

Even as the feeling kept returning.

Shane reached the small, eastern warehouse district. Still felt someone else around, if not close.

But watching him, perhaps?

His focus remained on Niki.

He had to find her.

Explain he'd been an idiot.

The tracking magic still on her dagger flickered. Disappeared.

The power, the presence, he'd been sensing increased.

Was it Niki that he sensed watching?

It felt more... malevolent.

Of course, he had angered Niki. Worse, he'd hurt her. That had been clear on her pale face, her deep green eyes.

He searched the night, but couldn't see any auras hiding in the shadows.

Shane shouted into the night, "Niki! I'm not giving up until we talk."

When the echo of his voice faded, silence reigned.

Long moments passed.

He didn't move.

Didn't speak.

The press of malevolence prickled harder.

The hair on the back of his neck rose.

A huge wolf stepped from a nearby alley, into the streetlight. Blue eyes blazed. Lips curled back to reveal a muzzleful of sharp teeth.

Behind Shane, metal clattered onto concrete.

He turned to keep an eye on the wolf, as well as the two men emerging from a different alley, on his other side.

He blinked, letting his vision blur.

Auras brightened.

Vampires?

And he was quite sure they weren't clan.

Shane looked the wolf over. More than likely not pack.

What the hell had he walked into the middle of?

He commanded them, "I am Keeper of this place. There will be no fighting here, between you."

One of the vampires paled, slowed but the others just grinned.

"Says who?" the wolf replied, voice garbled, gruff, in this form.

Pushing magic into his answer, Shane replied harshly, "I do."

The wolf padded closer. "Who said we were going to fight _each other_?"

Shane read the intent to attack in the ice-blue stare. The way the wolf's hindquarters bunched, in preparation to leap.

Not waiting for the attack, Shane slapped his hands together in front of him. Pulled on the earth magic flowing beneath his feet.

Weaker in town, but still useful.

The concrete sidewalk beneath the wolf's paws erupted in thin, green strands. Vines curled up its legs.

The wolf howled, chewing on them to escape.

But for now, he was contained.

Shane sent his focus out, searching for the two vampires who'd, of course, used the distraction to disappear.

He cleared his mind.

Searched the darkness.

Pinpointed one, a vampire's dark-flecked, maroon aura. With Shane's vision attuned to the natural world, the magic he shot out was visible.

Green flashed, streaked across the street.

It touched the dark aura of the vampire.

Screams rose as a web of magical vines encased him, too.

Footsteps raced up behind Shane.

Before he could turn, the second vampire slammed into him. Knocked him to the ground.

The vampire stopped. Stood over Shane, red eyes flashing, fangs bared. At his side, the wolf, now free, growled low. Fury blazed from his ice-blue glare.

Before Shane could react, the wolf leapt. Its heavy weight landed, crushingly, on his chest. Sharp clawed paws pinned his legs. The animal thrust its muzzle beneath Shane's chin, jaws open, reaching for his throat.

Jerking his arms free, Shane shoved his hands between them, slamming his fists on its chest. Then he shoved his Keeper magic into the wolf.

It flew back, yelping and whining in agony. Crashed against a building. There'd be no quickly getting back up from _that_.

Jumping to his feet, Shane turned on the second vampire.

Again, the guy was gone.

Unholstering his gun, Shane searched the night. He didn't want to kill anyone, but if they refused to give him a choice, he'd do his duty.

Shouting into the night, he warned, "This is loaded with Keeper bullets. Stop now, and face arrest. Otherwise, I can't guarantee you'll all survive this night."

Silence met him in reply.

Tension built.

A prickle crossed the back of Shane's neck. He spun to see the second vampire, flashing through deep shadows, racing his way.

He didn't waste time on a second warning.

Shane fired.

The bullet exploded in the vampire's chest. He dropped, rolling and screaming for a long second. Then, he stilled.

The other vampire cried out in fury. Managed to tear free from the vines. Flew at Shane.

He cocked his gun and prepared to end this one, as well.

But the air all around him suddenly crackled with a new power. It washed over Shane, making his skin itch.

The vampire racing for him stopped, darted into an alleyway, hidden once again.

Immense magic flared harder. Shane searched the area, but couldn't pinpoint the newcomer, their power so intense.

This was no ordinary vampire.

It was a Master—and not Jordan.

Shane continued to search for the source. Even as, from all the nearby alleys along the street, came numerous black-flecked, crimson auras.

The Master had brought plenty of backup.

Shane had none.

Didn't matter.

He studied the auras surrounding him. Found the largest, most powerful.

Fired.

Somehow, he missed.

The Master was faster than the bullet.

Unsurprising.

The group kept coming, if slowly. Deliberately slow.

Toying with him?

Fine. Let them. He'd show them all a thing or two.

Reholstering his gun, Shane called his magic.

Sent a shock blast out through the ground around him.

Many of the oncoming vampires stumbled. A few cried out, fell to their knees. One shuddered so hard, he rocked backwards, knocking others down.

Still, the rest continued to advance.

And none of Shane's magic came even close to reaching the Master.

Damn it.

That wasn't possible.

Not with his Keeper magic.

He continued to throw magic out around him, taking down the weaker ones. At least somewhat damaging most of the rest.

Not that their actions made much sense, either, with this creeping approach. He'd expect so many to rush him.

With great enough numbers, he could be taken down.

Even now he felt tiredness nipping at his senses from the continued use of magic.

But when those still standing drew within about fifteen feet of Shane, they all—nearly as one—stopped.

An aisle formed in the center of the remaining group.

Were they stupid to give him time to prepare?

Shane whispered words to Brother Bear, asking to harness strength, power. Magic surged within him.

Then Thomas Montgomery stepped from the crowd.

The damned Master vampire held Niki in his arms.

A long, curving blade rested lightly at her throat.

The sight froze Shane. His magic faltered. He couldn't find words, couldn't find strength to even move.

Pulse pounding, blood rushed, boiling in Shane's veins.

Strength suddenly returned. Shane started forward without thought, his only need to save her.

"Tut, tut," Montgomery crooned, pressing the blade harder against Niki's vulnerable skin.

Once more, Shane froze.

Stared at Niki's wide, desperate eyes.

He commanded the vampire, "Let her go." Took another unconscious step forward.

Montgomery tsked him again. "Come closer and I will remove her head."

Shane straightened. "As Keeper of this territory—"

The vampire interrupted, "Why should I care about such things? The Council is nothing to me." His grip on the knife tightened.

Niki gasped.

"What do you want?" Shane's heart thumped in loud, ominous beats. His head pounded with fury. His thoughts spun.

Everything inside of him wanted to rush forward. Free her from the vampire's grip.

But Montgomery was fast.

Shane would never make it. He started to regather his composure. His magic.

"Uh, uh. No magic either." The knife cut into Niki's neck, enough for a thin red line to appear. "Now, as to what I want. Why, I want you."

"Fine," Shane stated with not even a hint of hesitation. "Let her go and you can have me."

Not that he was idiot enough to believe the man would free Niki.

But he had to try.

Everything inside of Shane cried out it was better for this damned vampire to have _him_ , than this precious woman.

Montgomery waved at those surrounding Shane.

They flashed forward. Crashed into him.

It took every ounce of willpower not to fight as enemies grabbed Shane's hands, his legs, his head.

He was searched for weapons, his gun, and the rest, all torn away.

Once he was contained, held tight, the Master finally strode over.

Coward.

Staring down at him, Montgomery grinned. "Humans are so very easy."

Surprisingly, he did as promised.

He let Niki go.

She smiled at Shane.

Rose into the air, her body dissolving into smoke.

Stunned, Shane stared at Montgomery. "You're a mage?"

"Why, yes."

So, it had all been illusion.

This vampire didn't have Niki.

Shane had given himself up for nothing.

The earth pressed against his back. He drew on its magic.

He didn't even have time to blink as the Master reached down, his movements a blur, and slammed a fist against the side of Shane's head.

Magic pummeled through his body.

Darkness swallowed him whole.

# Chapter 16

Near the edge of town, Niki morosely strode along empty sidewalks.

Barely seeing anything around her, she continued to mutter under her breath, anger—and the pain she tried to ignore—prodding her along.

Damn it.

What was with her?

Hadn't she figured Shane out her first night in town? While speaking with the coroner, his words had shown the truth of his heart.

So how had she forgotten?

Because he'd never acted like those words were truly from his heart.

Even as he'd annoyed her with his constant presence, the man had never seemed to look down on her.

It left her reeling. Confused.

Furious.

She wanted to head to the forest. Race through the night, expending her energy. Scream at the stars with all the furiously churning emotion in her gut.

A few blocks away, screams rang out sharply.

Shoving her thoughts aside, Niki dashed along the street.

She breathed deep of the cool night air.

Smelled vampires. Shifters.

And blood.

Quickly following the scents, she found an area of sidewalk with red droplets scattered over white concrete.

They led into a shadow filled alleyway, between two, tall warehouses.

It had trap written all over it.

Yet, Niki had no choice but to enter.

Because she'd picked up another sent.

Fury and anticipation rushed her veins.

Thomas.

He was near.

His smell was all over this area.

She slipped into the alley. Deeper inside, a new power hummed.

Shocked, Niki recognized that magic.

Shane.

He was fighting?

Her fangs suddenly extended. Her blood pumped hot and fast.

The man might not want her. He might not trust her kind. But that didn't mean she'd leave him to danger.

Besides.

This was _her_ fight.

Ignoring caution, she raced further into the dark alley.

Nothing moved.

Then, a burst of light drew her gaze to the far end.

Shane fought a group of vampires.

Wolves circled him, snapping at his legs. He blasted magic at one and the guy fell back. Vines twisted around the wolves' paws, but they jumped out of reach.

Another person rushed in.

Scratches appeared on Shane's neck.

Niki screamed in fury. She ran forward, barreling into one of the vampires at Shane's back.

He vanished.

She crashed through nothing but air. Slammed against a brick wall.

Stumbling, she turned back to the fight.

Reached for Shane.

When she touched his image, he too disappeared.

"What damn magic is this?"

She could smell them.

Shane.

The wolves.

Vampires and blood.

Thomas, the bastard.

The ground beneath her boots was soaked red. Littered with patches of fur.

Shane had been here.

Yet all that remained seemed to be some strange visual magic of his presence.

Niki sorted out the scents.

Found Shane's—man tinged with magic.

She followed it out the other side of the alley. Into town. Eventually, onto Main Street.

The most obvious explanation was he'd been captured.

Unfortunately, Niki knew _exactly_ who held Shane.

Who'd left the little droplets of blood, like bread crumbs for her to follow.

The crimson trail stopped at the pharmacy.

Niki stared at the dark windows. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the unlocked door.

A little bell jingled, announcing her arrival.

So much for sneaky.

Silently, she slid the short sword from the scabbard on her side. Held it along her leg.

The store _seemed_ empty.

Shane's blood trail continued toward the back.

Cautiously, Niki headed through the pharmacy, alert for any who'd most certainly be waiting.

Yet, no hint of movement broke the air, no sound came.

She didn't buy it.

Near the pharmacist's counter in the back, Niki finally heard the tale-tell sounds of others.

Below the floor.

She moved past the counter.

A dark shape barreled from behind it. Crashed into her.

Claws slashed down Niki's shoulder, ripping her shirt and gouging her flesh. Musty fur brushed her face. She cried out, stumbling, trying to stay on her feet. The weight of the wolf shoved her down.

Paws scrabbled on the slick, tile floor as she pushed back, hard. Managed to shove the wolf away.

Niki swung her short sword at the wolf with all the fury and fear building inside. The blade cut deep along its furred muzzle.

Yelping, the wolf drew away, glowering. Blood dripped to the floor at its paws.

Drawing one of the silver daggers from her boot, Niki rushed the animal.

It chuckled gruffly, distorted.

Then it leapt to meet her charge.

She thrust her sword into its side. Slammed the wolf onto the ground.

Grabbing the scruff of its neck, she slid her silver dagger along its muzzle.

The wolf jerked, whimpering in pain from the blade sticking from its side, more so from the touch of silver on flesh.

"Where are they?" Niki demanded.

The beast whimpered again, rolling its eyes as if searching for help.

"Tell me." She rubbed the silver blade over its muzzle.

"Down." The word remained garbled, coming from the wolf's throat.

"How do I get there?"

Its paws flashed out, claws scratching along her belly and thighs. It twisted against her hold.

Niki lost her grip.

The wolf fell on the sword, plunging it deeper, all the way to the hilt.

She shoved the stupid thing to its side.

Its eyes were glassy from pain, but it would live. Her short sword wasn't silver and she didn't plan on finishing the beast. She yanked out her blade.

Sighed when the wolf passed out.

In the pharmacy's bandage aisle, Niki grabbed a couple rolls of surgical tape. Hogtied the wolf's paws.

One down.

Who knew how many to go.

Heading through the pharmacists area, she found the office. And inside, on the far wall, stood an open door.

Niki crept down wooden stairs, cringing at every squeak and groan.

As she reached the bottom, lights turned on, flooded over her.

Shane drifted in and out of consciousness, struggling against some sort of magic binding him.

Around him, others cried out in pain.

Someone sobbed.

An animal whimpered.

The air was stale, dry. Redolent with the stench of vampire, wolf, blood, and rot. It prickled, awash with strange, dark powers.

His hands were bound and hooked above his head, to the cold concrete wall at his back. Numbness spread from his fingers, along his arms and shoulders.

He tugged at the chains. There was no give.

Fighting the binding magic harder, Shane finally managed to pry his eyes open.

Only to find himself still surrounded by darkness.

Shaking his head to clear it best he could, he concentrated. Blinked, arranging the world around him, opening his senses.

The darkness fought back.

Finally, hints of the power containing him wavered into view. Shane stared at the magic here.

Dark. Sickly. Tinged black.

Something corrupt.

Evil.

Calling to the earth beneath him, Shane tried to draw its power.

There was no response.

He could barely even feel the ties to his own magic.

Of course his captor had warded him.

It would have been supremely stupid not to.

Shane didn't think he'd get lucky enough to escape from carelessness on his captor's part.

From the surrounding darkness, others continued to sob, or cry. Whispered movements came from all around.

Fighting the binding magic drained the little strength Shane could muster, as if it didn't just bind, block the world around him, but also actively sapped his power.

He continued to struggle, to search for a hint of freedom.

Something brushed against Shane's leg.

He lifted his heavy head.

An emaciated vampire crawled blindly, dry, thin lips drawn back, teeth snapping.

Someone shouted.

The vampire was yanked back into the surrounding darkness.

A wolf howled, the sound all pain.

Then a vampire began to feast.

The slurping sounds made Shane's stomach shudder.

He let his head fall back against the wall.

Stared into the inky nothingness.

Fought against dizziness, pain and exhaustion trying to drag him back down.

More whispers came, closer.

"She's here," a young girl quietly said, her voice hopeful. "I can feel her. She's coming closer."

"Master'll kill her," a boy replied darkly.

"No," the girl answered, though fear began to dampen her hope. "Niki can beat him. Dalia said so. Dalia said we can all be free soon."

Shane jerked straighter. Yelled, "Niki?"

"Shh," the girl said softly, and quite close. Small hands reached above Shane. Began tugging at the chains. Metal scraped against metal. "If they hear us, we'll be in trouble."

"Where's Niki?" he demanded.

"Shh." The girl's hands warmed against his skin. Metal began to burn.

Shane pulled at his numb wrists.

"Stop it," the girl told him. "I'm trying to get you free. Dalia said Niki's going to fight the Master."

"She'll die," the boy keened.

"No, she won't," Shane replied, trying to stay still so the girl could release him.

"She might," the girl said. "But if you help her, maybe the two of you together can somehow figure out how to kill him."

Her movements stopped.

In a soft, hesitant voice, she asked, "You'll help us, then, won't you? You won't kill us, too?"

"Of course not."

"Master says you're a Keeper. You'll kill us all," the boy cried.

"And Master is a liar." The girl's hands brushed Shane's face. "This one smells of truth."

She yanked hard.

Metal cracked. Shattered. Pieces fell from his wrists.

"I can't get you out of the magic circle, you'll have to do that." Her whisper seemed to come from much farther away.

"Thank you," Shane replied, but his senses claimed he was once more alone.

As he drew his hands into his lap, his left arm flared in agony. His shoulder throbbed. His wrist was damaged, and the shoulder out of joint.

The last of the numbness faded. Pain rose to try and scream shrilly.

This wouldn't do.

Niki was out there, facing Thomas.

Shane had to save her.

From the Master.

And from herself.

Using the wall at his back, Shane turned, leaned his shoulder against cold brick.

Gritting his jaw, he drew back.

Swung his shoulder against the wall. With a loud, painful pop, the joint slid back into place.

He turned, resting against the wall, and assessed the rest of his pains.

Manageable.

He ignored them the best he could.

Sitting cross-legged, Shane studied the darkness all around him.

Gathering the little power he could harness, he threw some at the prison of dark magic.

Nothing happened.

He hadn't thought it would be that easy.

When Niki turned down yet another cavernous tunnel, more lights automatically flashed on. She'd gone so far, and deep, it wasn't possible to merely be in a pharmacy basement.

It was as if the entire town stood on top of a vast cave system.

And Niki was feeling quite sure that she kept going in circles.

She'd only met two vampires and one wolf.

So far.

Those three were now trussed up and left behind.

Finally she came to a small, circular cave. Tunnels led in five different directions. She stopped in the center, trying to figure out which way to go.

All of a sudden, the silence was shattered by screams and shouts, coming from seemingly every direction.

From each of the five tunnels, came vampires, and wolves, flowing out to surround Niki.

Trapped.

Not that she was surprised by it, only that she'd been allowed to wander for so long.

Still, Niki fought hard, using her blades. Her fangs and claws.

The sharp scent of blood filled the air.

She slashed with her dagger and sword, over and over.

Enemies fell at her feet.

But there were so many, she couldn't stop from taking hits.

Teeth bit into her wrists and legs.

Claws gouged her skin.

Refusing to give up, Niki fought harder.

Bodies continued to fall.

Still more came.

She slammed her sword into one vampire, then another. A shrill, angry shout came from directly behind her. She couldn't turn in time.

An iron-spiked fist slammed into the back of her neck.

She fell.

Then they were on her, ripping her weapons away.

Drenched in blood, Niki stared up into a sea of faces.

A wolf in human form grabbed her arms. Jerked them behind her back, holding them an inch from breaking.

One of the vampires took the damned medical tape _she'd_ brought. Bound her wrists together.

"Come with us before we hurt you more." The musical voice sounded out of place here.

Niki searched for the source.

Found it.

A small girl, only twelve or so, brought blood-drenched fingers to her lips. Licked them clean. Added cheerfully, "The Master wants that pleasure for himself."

At the girl's command, hands roughly yanked Niki up.

Shoved her in the direction of the far right tunnel.

As Niki was forced into the darkness, she kicked at the rocky wall.

More hands shoved her. A wolf growled.

Niki hid a grin as she continued on.

She didn't know how, but they hadn't found one of the daggers hidden in her boot.

The blade Shane had given her.

Unfortunately, as they continued to march her down the endless tunnel, weakness dragged at her.

How much blood had she lost?

A lot, it seemed.

It was starting to catch up.

Niki bit her tongue hard.

She'd be damned if she'd stop now.

Not when she was so close.

They finally came to the end of the tunnel, blocked by a door. The little girl opened it, pushing Niki into a receiving chamber.

She stumbled, fell to her knees.

The door closed, leaving Niki alone with the girl, a burly male vampire, and a wolf with ice-blue eyes flashing hungrily.

The room had been decorated in old-world opulence, with red velvet curtains hiding the walls. Two Victorian-era chairs faced each other over a cherry-wood table. And on the far side, a closed black door stood sentry.

Two people were chained to the wall, one on either side of the door.

On the left, a young woman, her short blonde hair streaked with hot pink, listed against the wall, held upright only by her chains.

The boy, Robby, had mentioned a woman with pink hair tending him. He hadn't known if she was a prisoner or not.

By the state of things in this room, she wasn't there by choice.

The woman moaned, throwing her head back.

Niki spotted numerous, deep punctures on her neck.

Not surprising Thomas would keep his own little buffet close at hand.

The man hanging on the right side of the door didn't move. Niki wasn't sure he was even breathing.

Long, silent moments passed before the black door creaked open.

The two vampires behind Niki grabbed her arms, jerked her to her feet, then hustled her into the next room.

This, too, was decorated like the sitting room.

But a bed took up most of the area, covered a red and black mosaic blanket.

Niki gritted her teeth at the thought how the color would be great at hiding bloodstains.

Thomas sat in a regal chair on the left of the room, in front of a roaring fire.

He watched dispassionately as she was shoved down onto her knees, right in front of his feet. Hands forced her into a bow, until her forehead touched Thomas' shoes.

After a long, drawn minute, the hands finally disappeared.

Niki struggled to sit up.

Thomas looked her over, curiosity, interest, in his dark gaze.

Niki struggled to figure out a way out of this—after taking the bastard's life.

In a blink, Thomas reached out. Harshly grabbed her jaw, drawing her closer. In a smooth voice, he said, "Hello, my dear."

She jerked back, scrambled away from his cold touch. Demanded, "Where's the sheriff?"

He raised a brow, waving at the others to leave.

The door slammed shut with a finality that wanted to steal Niki's hope.

She refused it, though a creeping weakness was making her thoughts a bit fuzzy. Blood continued to ooze from the cuts and bites covering her trembling limbs.

Thomas chuckled. "I thought taking the Keeper might bring you here. Did you like my little magic show? Heard you bumbled right through it."

The dig couldn't raise her ire. "Where is he?"

"Maybe I ate him."

"You wouldn't dare, bastard."

His eyes reddened. His fangs descended. "Watch your tongue."

"Why should I?"

Thomas snapped his fingers.

Pain shot into Niki's temples.

She gasped, biting her lip to keep from crying out.

Jumping to his feet, Thomas strode around her. "Do you know how much trouble you've caused me lately?"

"A lot, I hope." Her voice was a mere whisper.

He faced her once more. "Yes. I'd heard you've turned into quite a smart ass since I turned you. Wonders never cease. You used to be so weak. Biddable. It was really quite pathetic."

Niki said nothing, ignored his barbs.

"Well," Thomas continued, retaking his seat. "You've at least kept things lively, on occasion, these last couple centuries. Unfortunately for you, I have some rather large, and important, things coming up. And no more time for your games of cat and mouse."

"Games?" Niki rasped.

She'd been hunting this monster for over two hundred years. Her very purpose only to destroy him.

And he saw it all as a game?

"You didn't truly believe you could ever best me?" He laughed. "Come, my dear. Even you can't be that naive."

Niki jerked at the ungiving tape on her wrists.

Not such a brilliant idea, now that _she_ was the one trussed up.

Sitting back on her heels, she met Thomas' blood-red gaze.

He laughed at her. Continued listing off her weaknesses.

Her waste of hundreds of years.

Tuning out his bluster, Niki slowly moved her hands toward her boot. She wiggled her fingertips inside, until she touched the hilt of her lone, remaining dagger.

# Chapter 17

Shane studied the magic surrounding him in darkness. Holding most of his own magic at bay.

Finally, he felt a slight pulse in one area.

A weakness.

An opening.

He shoved the last remnants of power at the spot.

The circle around him finally crackled. With a wet ripping sound, the darkness disappeared.

A rocky cave appeared.

The walls were covered in chains, some holding heavily abused prisoners.

On the far side, silver bars caged three pacing, growling wolves.

Closer, but too far to be able to reach Shane—even if they somehow had—a young girl, and beside her, an even younger boy, both sat, chained as well.

Shane couldn't figure out how she could have reached him to help release his bindings.

The girl smiled. "I knew you could do it."

That made one of them.

It had taken Shane so long, he'd begun to have his doubts.

With the binding prison broken and released, Shane's ties to the earth began to return, if slowly.

Too slow.

He started to get up, but the pain he'd been ignoring surged.

There was no time for this.

He pressed a palm to his side, on his tattoo of Brother Bear. Drew harder on the earth and shoved strength and power into the mark.

A roar built inside him.

Burst from his throat, echoing through the room.

The sounds around him faded into nothing. Heat spread over his arm and shoulder, bringing the numbness back.

This time, it was warm.

He grew lightheaded as the power of the bear helped him to heal.

Shane thanked the great spirit.

Then he laid both hands on the dirt beneath him. Closed his eyes.

Drew magic into himself.

More power.

More strength.

He needed every last drop.

Niki.

Shane had to reach her, and swiftly. Time was ticking away.

He feared if he didn't get to her soon, it would be too late.

"He passed out," the boy mumbled.

"No," the girl said, chiding. "He's getting ready."

Power and strength flowed into Shane's body.

He opened his eyes.

Stood.

"There are guards everywhere," the girl whispered. "Be careful."

"I'll be back for you," Shane assured her.

She nodded, but the boy turned to face the wall, his shoulders slumped.

The pitiful sight of the kids, one with no hope remaining, the other, eyes shining with her belief that Shane would rescue them, hit hard.

He wouldn't let them down.

But first, he had to get to Niki.

Shane continued drawing power as he silently strode out of the prison, and into a long, sparsely lit tunnel.

With Thomas still laughing, crowing over some of her actions the last couple centuries—he called them _antics_ —Niki desperately dug for her last dagger.

Not just to kill him, at last.

But to shut the damn man up.

A dinging bell saved her ears.

The bedroom door creaked open. The little girl entered, carrying the pink-haired woman, like some reverent bridegroom.

"Ah," Thomas crooned, hands on his rounded stomach. "Yes, dinner before dessert, I suppose."

With the man distracted, and the little girl not paying any attention, Niki managed to finally slide her dagger out. She palmed it, pressing the blade against the tape that secured her wrists.

The little girl draped the pink-haired woman on Thomas' lap.

Niki drew away from them as far as she could.

Thomas met her gaze.

He stared at Niki as he sank his teeth into the woman's unprotected throat.

Pink-hair jerked, moaning. Her hands fluttered up, slapping at Thomas's head, but she was weak.

He paid her struggles no heed.

Disgusted at the tableau, Niki made her move.

Her bones howled in pain at the strange angle, but Niki slowly, imperceptibly, sawed back and forth at her bonds.

Pink-hair's eyes opened.

A stunning green-blue.

She looked straight at Niki, piercing. Captivating.

Niki stared into endless depths, caught in something she didn't understand.

Outside in the receiving room, a man screamed.

Niki found strength. Broke from the woman's entrancing gaze.

She ripped her blade through the last of the tape.

Free, Niki crawled forward, holding her knife tightly, hidden, and inched closer to Thomas.

She accidentally caught Pink-hair's gaze once more.

Managed to jerk away from the woman's strange magic, trying to suck her under, again.

The sounds of fighting exploded close by.

Outside the door, more shouts and screams rose.

Wood crashed. Glass shattered. People yelled.

Thomas rose, letting the woman fall to the floor.

He started for the door.

Niki saw her chance.

She pushed to her feet. Ignored her weakness, the exhaustion making her legs shake.

Stumbled toward Thomas, her grip on the dagger tight.

Grinning, he stopped, watching her come. "Don't worry, my dear. I'll get to you soon enough."

Adrenaline-fueled strength surged through Niki's limbs.

With a cry of fury, she grabbed Thomas.

He didn't move, didn't even resist when she pressed her blade along his unprotected throat.

The magic of the dagger burned his skin, but the monster didn't even seem to notice.

He chuckled. "Ah, my dear. How trite."

"You're finally going to die for what you did to my family," she rasped hoarsely.

He laughed, the sound a cherry rumble. "And what did I do to them? Hmm? Ended their pitifully short mortal lives a few years early? So what?"

Years, centuries, of fury rose to wash the world in red.

Niki dug her blade into his throat.

Thomas finally reacted.

He hissed. Grabbed her by the arm, ripping the dagger from his neck. Then he hurtled Niki against one of the walls.

Behind the velvet curtains lay hard, crushing rock.

She slammed against it.

Pain exploded, singing along her arms and legs. Sapping the little strength she'd managed to find.

She crumpled to the ground like a rag doll.

Urged herself to move.

Her body refused to respond.

The bedroom door splintered open with a resounding crash.

Shane stood in the broken doorway, his golden eyes ablaze as he took in everything.

Including Niki.

He scowled, his gaze darkening, steely. "Thomas Montgomery. You are under arrest by power of the Keeper and the Magic Council."

Thomas threw his head back and laughed harder. "Of course."

He raised his hands.

Power rushed through the room.

Shane flew backwards, out of the doorway. Disappeared far into the other room.

Beside Niki—still fighting to force movement back into her body—ghostly wisps rose.

She stared at her forming family.

Felt their pain.

Drew strength from their presence.

Whispered, "I will kill him for you. For all of us."

The woman with pink hair crawled closer. Her captivating gaze fell on Niki.

Instantly, she was lost, sucked into that dreamy stare.

Hoarse, the woman whispered, "Take what you need."

She pressed her throat to Niki's mouth.

Instinct took over.

Niki bit down, strength flowing into her on the woman's warm blood.

Seconds or hours passed. She wasn't sure.

It was sweet and strong.

Not quite like Shane's blood, but not ordinary human.

Power filled Niki with each deep swallow. Tiredness was shoved away, leaving her fury burning hot.

The woman cried out.

Niki pulled back, staring at the pulsing beat at Pink-hair's throat. It enticed, called her to take more.

Until she moaned, rolling onto her back. "Kill him. I beg you."

Niki dug deep. Found the will to pull away from this addictive, intoxicating woman. She pushed to her feet, then swayed, feeling drunk.

Somewhere, seemingly far, Shane shouted.

Thomas laughed.

Niki grabbed her dagger from the floor, then stumbled to the broken door.

In the outer chamber, Thomas and Shane fought furiously. Sparks lit the air, clashes of crashing magic.

In the fireplace, the fire roared.

Flames shot through the air at Shane.

Energy continued to build inside Niki.

But not fast enough.

She couldn't reach Shane.

She'd be too late.

Her heart beat heavy.

Niki refused to lose.

Staring at the pulse beating at Thomas' throat, she rushed the monster. She had to stop him from harming anyone else she... cared for.

Not that Shane appeared bothered. He waved his hands and the flames stopped, as if hitting a shield.

But he grunted from the effort.

Niki heard pain in the sound.

In a split-second, she assessed the man. Exhaustion lined his sharp face. Golden eyes burned with anger, with fear and worry.

Injuries covered him. Blood stained his clothes.

Red washed through Niki's vision.

She jumped at Thomas' back.

Drove the tip of her dagger into the side of his neck.

Blood gushed from the wound. He twisted and turned, trying to get her off.

Niki jerked back.

Plunged the knife into Thomas once more.

Already, the first wound was healing in front of her eyes.

"No!" she screamed, trying to cut deeper.

Shane barreled into them.

He grabbed Niki's aching wrists. Dragged her from Thomas.

She stared blankly as he pried the dagger from her fist.

"Why?" she whispered, unable to comprehend anything through the fog of bloodlust in her mind.

Shane grabbed her shoulders.

Shook her.

Growled furiously, "I will not allow you to die."

"This is my fight. My vengeance. Not yours."

He glared. "It's my fight as much as yours. This vampire brought his death to _my_ town."

Before she could move, or argue, Shane shoved Niki behind him.

Faced Thomas.

Demanded in a voice full of power and authority, "Do you yield?"

"Never," Thomas hissed, equally furious. "But I'll ensure neither of you will ever bother me again." He blasted painfully hot magic through the room.

Niki reached for the dagger Shane had taken.

More power exploded in the room, this time, from him.

It bit at Niki.

A Keeper's magic.

She barely saw Shane move. He rushed forward.

Grabbed Thomas by his dark hair.

Power pulsed harder.

Shane swung the dagger at the monster's neck.

Thomas screamed.

The bite of Keeper magic increased until Niki feared she'd fall.

With all his might, and the immense power at his beck and call, Shane drove the blade into Thomas.

Through his neck.

The monster cried out, a short sound that abruptly cut off into blissful silence.

Shane dropped the vampire.

Turned to Niki, sweeping her into his arms, as, at her feet, Thomas disintegrated into nothing more than ash.

Niki stared. Slowly said, "He's dead."

She couldn't quite believe it.

The ghosts of her family rose.

Wavered.

Niki stepped towards them, hands out.

Her mother smiled—something she'd not seen since they'd been alive.

Niki's eyes burned at the bright, joyous sight.

Then, as one, they faded. Disappeared.

She wobbled, about to fall.

Shane grabbed her again. Pulled her to his chest.

He buried his face against her throat, breathing deep. Gruffly stated, "It is done. It is ended."

Still caught in a sense of disbelief, Niki looked back at the pile of ashes. Then around the room.

Ended?

The fighting, her injuries and blood loss, continued to catch up to Niki.

She started to shake, her thoughts scattering.

Looking up into Shane's face, she couldn't speak as the world around her faded to gray, then black.

Niki woke, once again in the pure white room.

Shane's grandmother bustled in with a tray. Her lined face stretched with a smile when she saw Niki awake. "Good, I thought you'd finally be coming around soon. You've slept for quite a while." She bustled over and took a seat beside the bed.

From the tray, she picked up a cup, then held it to Niki's lips.

As Niki drank the blood and herbs, strength returned.

When the cup was empty, Morning Dove set it back on the tray. Handed Niki a thick sandwich.

Niki wolfed it down, then asked—in a whisper since her throat felt rough, scratchy and dry, "How long?"

"Three days," Morning Dove replied, brushing hair from Niki's forehead.

Impossible. "What?"

"Yes. Days."

"How?"

"You needed much healing."

Niki looked down at the nightgown she wore. Her movements didn't bring hardly any pain. But if she'd needed that much recovery, had been out of it for so long... "I didn't... hurt anyone, did I?"

"No." Morning Dove's black eyes flashed kindly. "The young man, Jordan, brought what you needed."

Niki couldn't help but grin a little, at the King being called a young man.

Then she realized the repercussions.

The local Master had assisted her, yet again. This time, he'd ensured she didn't go crazed with hunger.

Trepidation filling her veins, Niki hesitantly asked, "Is he still here?"

From the door, Shane spoke. "Jordan told me to assure you there is no obligation."

The quick flash of relief quickly turned to one of warmth. Niki drank in the sight of Shane, standing there, alive and unharmed.

Then she came to her senses.

Biting her lower lip, she forced her focus away from him.

To the many questions springing to mind.

Hesitant, afraid she might have dreamed the whole thing, Niki quietly asked, "Thomas is dead?"

He nodded. "Yes."

Morning Dove rose, quietly headed out of the room. She patted Shane's shoulder as she walked by him.

He remained in the doorway.

Niki tried to swallow past her scratchy, dry throat. "And the others in the cave?"

"Imprisoned, or freed, depending on their roles. Between the Council and Jordan, we're getting the help any of his prisoners need."

Niki nodded, trying to figure things out.

Shane hadn't let her kill Thomas.

He'd done it himself.

Which meant the Council would not be coming for her.

She didn't have a clue what to think of _that_.

For hundreds of years, her plan hadn't changed.

Hunt Thomas.

Kill him.

Decide then whether to run from those who'd hunt _her_ for killing her sire... or let them take her out. Rejoin her family once again.

Yet...

Niki glanced at Shane.

His eyes were dark, full of emotion she couldn't name. Circles lay heavy beneath them and he seemed drawn, as if he hadn't been sleeping.

"Why..." She stopped, trying to find the courage to push on. "Why did you kill Thomas, rather than let me do it?"

Anger narrowed his eyes.

A scowl thinned his lips.

He only shrugged, silent.

Niki pushed herself up to lean against the headboard. "Why?"

"I told you I wouldn't let you die."

And now she wouldn't.

She almost felt giddy at the knowledge she didn't need to run.

She was free.

Not that she really knew what such a thing meant.

Maybe...

Maybe she could think about the future now.

Warmth blossomed in her chest.

She looked back to Shane, but he was gone.

Niki remembered what he'd said to his sister.

Realized how stupid she was to hope.

He didn't want her.

Would never trust her.

There was nothing for Niki here.

# Chapter 18

Shane couldn't stop thinking about Niki, lying in that wide bed, seeming so fragile, even though her strength rivaled his own.

But, before he could try to claim her as his heart desperately desired, there were things he must first do.

He pounded on Glory's front door.

Waited for his little sister to answer.

The slide of the peep-hole cover moving seemed to drag on forever. As did the time it took for the door to creak open.

His baby sister scowled at him. "Go away."

Shane shook his head. Not until he finished what he'd come to do. "I was... an idiot."

"More like an asshole," Glory replied.

He cringed at her words, but didn't deny them, as an image Niki, angry yet pained, filled his head. "Yes," was his simple reply. "Love happens where it happens."

His sister raised a brow, her dark eyes blazing. "Change of heart 'cause you fell in love with a vampire?"

"Perhaps."

"Whatever works, I suppose." Glory looked him over. "You're lucky I love you so much, brother. I'll take your apology." She grasped his hand, and led him inside, to the living room.

A wolf shifter—Blake, her boyfriend—sat on the long purple couch, trembling at the sight of Shane.

Glory smiled at the boy.

In her face, Shane read the same emotions that he felt so deeply for Niki.

"My brother is here to apologize." She gave Shane a sharp glance. "Aren't you?"

"Yes." He rubbed his hands together, staring from his sister, to the werewolf. "I will no longer deny what the two of you have together. I cannot."

Glory patted his cheek. "Though I would have never wished such a tumultuous relationship as one with an Arcaine on you, I'm happy you can finally see how I love this man."

He could. He might not like it, but he couldn't deny the truth of the love he saw between these two.

Just as he knew his feelings for Niki were pure.

He didn't care she was vampire.

Niki was his fate.

And he wasn't about to fight fate. It had given him the only woman on this earth who was perfect for him.

Now he just had to convince her of that.

Shane stood straighter, glaring at Blake, daring him to do anything that would hurt Glory.

The kid shuddered.

Good.

Pressing a soft kiss to Glory's forehead, Shane left.

His thoughts spun, consumed by the woman he'd do anything to make his.

As soon as she could, Niki slipped out of Shane's grandmother's house. She headed through the forest, and toward town.

Outside Shane's home, Niki used the protective cover of the trees to sit.

Watch.

After thirty minutes or so, she felt certain no one was home.

Sneaking inside, Niki headed upstairs to the guest room, to grab her things. But when she walked in the bedroom, shock jerked her to a stop.

Jordan MacDougal sat in the rocking chair in the far corner, still, and silent as a hunting cat. "Took you long enough. You should have needed only seconds to verify Shane wasn't home."

Niki shrugged.

So what if it had?

She'd wanted to be very, _very_ , sure.

Damn it all that she'd been unable to sense this Master vampire's presence.

She'd prefer to avoid him, too.

Jordan finally moved, rocking the chair slowly, his gaze watchful. "Skipping out of town are you?"

"I've done what I came to do. Besides, you told me I only had a week." Inside, she shivered at what this man could do to her, but somehow, she was sure he wasn't here as King or a Master.

With that thought, Niki relaxed the slightest bit.

She headed to the bed and started shoving the few stray items in one of the suitcases. "How's Robby?"

"The boy is fine. Learning and growing used to his new life." Jordan stopped rocking. "Do you wish to take him with you?"

She stilled. "I told you before, it will be his choice."

"And if I tell you he wants to stay with me?"

Niki met his gaze, assessing him silently for long moments. "If I asked to hear it from him, would you let me?"

His eyes shone with amusement at her pushing. "Of course."

"I'll take your word." She'd somehow grow fond of the boy.

And Niki worried that if she saw him, she'd want to take him with her. That he'd ask to come.

But she didn't even know where she was going.

There was no room for some pup to tagalong. Most important, she wasn't sure she'd be able to take care of him properly.

But this Master, who strangely made her feel reassured, could give Robby everything the boy needed.

It would be best for him to stay here.

Jordan finished assessing her, surprised by her answer. He replied with only a small bite of sarcasm, "How kind."

"It's not kindness." Honesty slipped out, unbidden. "I think you're honorable."

Jordan dipped his head. "That pleases me, and is, I believe, a rare thing on your part."

Niki wasn't quite sure what to say.

He told her softly, "You know, you are welcome to stay."

Her eyes widened. She gaped at him in surprise.

Jordan nodded. "Shane is my friend. I see how the two of you feel about each other. If you wish, I would offer you independence from the clan, yet the protection of our territory."

Which, if Niki wasn't imagining his words, meant she would be welcome, yet unbound by the clan or its politics.

Still, in a way, she would be attached to the local clan.

Protected.

Welcomed.

He was offering her a home without strings.

Her heart thudded.

She wiped her hands on her pants.

For one precious moment, hope bloomed.

But it faded as Niki came to her senses. She half-bowed in respect. "I thank you for your offer, but must decline."

"Why?"

"You offer this because of Shane." She sighed. "But there is nothing for the two of us."

"There you are wrong." Jordan winked. "But don't worry. My offer stands, when you want it."

She blinked and he disappeared.

Damn vampire.

Shane's truck rumbled up the drive.

Hurriedly, Niki stuffed the rest of her things into the suitcases, zipped them up, and fled back down the stairs.

Shane felt Niki's presence inside his house.

Silently, he thanked the gods she was still there.

Making a split-second decision—knowing Niki well enough—Shane hurried around the house and to the back door.

Just as she slunk out onto the porch.

He cleared his throat, wondering if she could hear his thundering heartbeat.

Of course she could.

She was a vampire, after all.

Yet she jumped with a squeak. Spun to face him. Clutching at her suitcases, Niki raked a wide gaze over him.

There was so much Shane wanted to say.

To tell her.

Suddenly, he didn't know how.

Didn't know what to say.

Stupidly, he only managed to ask, "No goodbye?"

She fidgeted. "Thomas is dead."

"Yes."

She looked around, at anything but him. "How's your deputy?"

Shane's gut churned at the thought of Chase. "He turned. Jordan is helping him."

"I'm sorry," Niki whispered.

"Not your fault."

"Still..."

Silence filled the air, making it thick.

It was all Shane could do to keep from grabbing her. Taking her back into the house. Making love to her until she was weak.

Then tying her up until he convinced her to stay.

Really not the best of plans.

And yet, with everything inside him near bursting, he couldn't find the words to say.

He tried again. "So."

Felt stupid once more.

Shane cleared his throat. "Where are you headed now?"

She blinked. "I'm not sure." Her grip tightened on her suitcase. "I do owe you thanks, though. I won't have to worry about the Council coming after me."

He pushed past the fire blocking his throat. "You don't owe me anything."

She nodded. "Well..."

Damn it.

Why couldn't he say what he needed to?

How would he convince her of his feelings?

Ask her to stay?

Frustration, hunger, love, all welled within him.

Shane bit out a curse.

Ripping the suitcases from Niki's clenched fists, he tossed them to the wooden porch.

Then he grabbed her, drew her into his arms.

Kissed her with all the hunger, all the heavy emotion welling inside.

He wanted this woman.

He needed Niki with his very soul.

She was far too important. He'd damn well not pussyfoot around any longer.

Shane's heat, his scent—his passion—surrounded Niki.

It was insistent, filling her heart.

Making her yearn. Wish for things she feared were too far out of her grasp.

And yet, she couldn't—didn't want—to pull away from him.

Niki sank into his embrace, kissing Shane back with all the fierce hunger rising in her belly, firing her blood.

Far too soon, Shane he stepped back, breathing heavily. "You push the limits of my control."

Confused, Niki stared at him.

Why had he kissed her?

A good-bye?

Did it even matter?

His previous words to his sister, _never trust an Arcaine_ , echoed in her mind.

She mumbled, "I-I've got to go."

Niki turned toward her suitcases, unsure what to say, what to do.

Yearnings inside her continued to flare, refusing to be ignored.

The idea of walking away from this man hurt terribly, beyond anything she'd thought possible.

What was she even still doing here?

Shane grabbed her hands.

Drew her close. Rested her palms on his chest, just over his racing heart.

His voice came hoarse, whispered. Pleading. "Stay."

She avoided his hotly intense gaze. "Look. What you said to your sister earlier—"

"Was bullshit. I've spoken with Glory and let her know how wrong I've been. How stubbornly blind."

Niki's heart thumped loudly behind her ribs.

Her knees shook.

Weakened.

Shane's heartbeat pulsed beneath her palms, thunking as hard and fast as her own.

"Stay," he repeated.

"N-no. You were right. We have no business together." She took a shaky breath confusion, and fear, growing out of control. "It wouldn't work out anyway."

"Why?" he asked softly, leaned closer until she could see only his glowing golden eyes.

"Because you're a Keeper. And I'm a vampire." And a coward, she thought.

Wasn't part of her need to run due to fear?

Fear of everything Shane made her feel?

Made her yearn for?

After all, nearly her entire life had been spent hunting for revenge, not living any kind of life. She didn't even know who _she_ was. Not anymore.

"Keepers and vampires don't mix," she said. "Besides, I have nothing inside me to give."

He stared hard. "I don't care about the first. And, Lady, you have everything to give me. I want it all—your heart, your love. The Fates have spoken—"

"The Fates," Niki cried, fear spiking. She struggled against his hold. "They are nothing to me and they can be damned. If the Fates had any care, my family would not have been slaughtered in the first place."

And she would have never fallen in love with a man she couldn't have.

Shane pulled her to his chest, wrapping his strong, comforting arms around her shaking form. "Life happens, Darling."

"What have the Fates ever done for me, that I should be ordered about by them now?"

Leaning back, Shane tilted her chin up. "The Fates may have brought us together. Started the sparks of what lies between us. But they don't control us. They can't force either of us to accept anything. It is up to you and me to embrace it. To help it grow."

His words warmed something inside Niki.

She started to lean against him, but then stiffened, forced herself to push away. "I can't," was her whispered reply.

Fear continued to sweep through her.

Could she?

Did he really want her?

Shane growled, "Who said I would give you any other choice?"

The emotion in his glowing golden eyes was so intense, Niki had to look away.

He held her tighter.

Quietly stated, "Nicola DeVeraux. I've fallen for you. Head over heels, completely and entirely. You amaze me. You make me feel things I've never before experienced."

He fell silent.

Brushed a kiss over her cheek.

Stunned at his words, at the emotion blazing from him, Niki could only stand there, mute.

Hesitantly, Shane added, "I know you have at least some care for me."

Gathering every last ounce of courage she possessed, she answered truthfully. "Yes."

"Then stay. Let us see what we have together. I swear to you, even if you run, I will hunt you down until you agree."

She glanced sharply into his hopeful face. "You don't know what you're asking. I've spent two hundred years on the move, never settling down, never letting anyone close. It works for me."

"It worked for you then. Now, let me show you a different way of life."

"But—"

He brushed his lips over hers.

Niki sighed as his warmth invaded, refusing to give up.

"Stay with me. Give us a chance. You should know by now I can track you no matter where you go. I swear, I will make up for the hurt my stupid words caused." He took a deep breath. "I will never love anyone as much as you. I need you."

Her last bit of resistance melted, leaving her feeling lighter than she could ever remember.

She felt too safe, so right with this man.

Almost, as if she had found a home once more, after being alone for so very long.

Gripping her courage, Niki whispered, "Then maybe I should save you the trouble of tracking me down."

His grin was irresistible.

Shane drew her closer.

Niki only hesitated for a moment before reaching up to meet his kiss.

She didn't know what the Fates had in store for them, or if she cared.

But perhaps, hope wasn't pointless after all.

I hope you've enjoyed this story. If you had fun reading, please consider leaving a review to help other readers find me and my books.

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~Always, Amber

See a sneak peek at the next Heart of a Vampire book....

# Hungerstorm

### Heart of a Vampire, Book 2

_After centuries alone, can a vampire king trust the woman who's woken his heart?_

The woman chained to the steel bed frame hadn't stirred in days. But, soon enough, she should finally wake.

An event that wouldn't be easy to handle.

Not that he'd have any other choice but to manage.

Jordan MacDougal sat in the dark shadows of the basement room.

Waiting.

The darkness didn't bother him.

Vampires could see as well at night, as any mortal could in the sun. Besides, narrow hints of light, seeping in from around the thick metal door, lit the room plenty.

Jordan spun a wooden match between his fingers, turning it around and around. Still unable to tear his gaze from the bed.

After a couple weeks around this unusual woman, even with her being comatose the majority of the time, there was something about Dalia Jensen that he just couldn't quite figure out.

Almost like a prickling at his attention.

Drawing him to her, like a moth to a flame.

Jordan didn't understand the commanding, irresistible call.

Hells, logic stated that he _should_ have allowed things to take their natural course.

He should have let this woman die.

In his millennia as a vampire, he'd only dared to try turning a handful of people.

And he'd regretted each and every one.

Yet, watching this woman waste away in the hospital—dying, even as she'd occasionally come to, lucid and ornery and demanding—he'd not been able to stop himself.

She was so young.

Only twenty-three according to her driver's license, tucked in Jordan's back pocket.

Even in her coma-like state, she exuded a vibrancy which continued to draw him. It was worse when she was awake.

A spitfire. Stubborn. Magnetic.

It was highly unusual for him to be so... captivated by another.

Especially this strange woman.

It was also distracting.

And quite annoying.

Jordan pushed to his feet. Stretched. Forced himself to look away from the woman.

Aggravation at himself surged.

His hands fisted.

The matchstick snapped.

Sighing, Jordan focused on relaxing the best he could. He dropped the two pieces of the wooden match onto the bedside table, next to an unlit candle.

As if he wasn't trying to avoid her at all, the woman continued to magnetically draw his attention.

Large chunks of pink streaked through white-blonde hair, the ends curling just below her pointed, pixie chin.

Her eyes had been a hazel rainbow of greens and blues. Dalia's gaze, while awake, held challenge, even while she'd been weak.

So near death.

Her voice had been smoky, husky, with a slight western twang.

Thick quilts disguised the generous curves of her body. Though the basement rooms were kept warm, the newly turned needed the extra heat until they learned control of their new selves.

Not that Jordan could forget anything about this woman.

He sighed. Turned back toward his chair.

Screams rang out from another locked room nearby.

Chase Campton. A friend who'd recently been changed as well.

Not by Jordan.

Not Chase, anyway.

His screams—mindless, hungry—pierced the soundproofing.

Echoed through the walls.

Jordan ran his hands through his hair. Frustration snaked through his veins.

Chase had been turned by the same vampire responsible for Dalia near death.

Like all new vampires, he'd woken crazed, with a bloodlust that continued to rule him.

Staring at Dalia's face, Jordan memorized the soft lines and curves.

When she woke, she'd face a huge change.

Hunger would make her, like Chase, ravenous, unthinking, driven only by a need to feed.

Jordan's powerful blood usually helped fledglings calm.

And his duty was to be here every night.

To feed Chase, and Dalia, while trying to break through. Recover the remnants of their humanity.

Assuming she survived the last, final changes.

Once she became lucid, they'd have _the talk_.

Another duty, as clan King, which Jordan despised.

Horror and disappointment would fill the woman's eyes as he explained what she was—and how her old life was forever lost.

This time, he'd have to add how it was his fault.

The age old struggle between right and wrong continued to argue in his head.

Which was better?

Death?

Or being undead?

Hells, Jordan himself still didn't have a personal answer to that one. Not even after so many endless centuries.

A knock pounded at the room's thick metal door.

Dragging his thoughts from useless musings—and from the woman in the bed—Jordan strode across the room.

Slipped out into the hall.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust from darkness to bright light.

Then he looked into a feminine version of his own face. "Fionah? I'm busy," he said cautiously, unable to read which mood she was in this hour.

His sister grinned. "Aye, _brothair_. When are you not?" She swept her long, silk skirts to the side. Stepped toward the door at his back.

Jordan held out an arm, blocking her. "What do you want, sweetling?"

She raised one blonde eyebrow, her blue eyes widening.

When she giggled, Jordan realized that in this moment, she was the child, rather than the thousand-year-old vampire.

"To see your new pet," she replied with a smile.

He sighed. "You know well she's not a pet."

"What else, then?" Fionah twirled, her skirts billowing around her ankles. "You've not brought over a human in hundreds of years. Why now?"

If Jordan had an answer, he might have spoken.

Instead, he merely crossed his arms over his chest and stared at his sister. "If she reclaims her wits, it will be soon enough for you to meet her. Until then it's too dangerous. You know this."

Fionah pouted. Stomped one, slippered foot. "I don't want to wait."

At the far end of the hall, Eric, one of his Viking guards, rushed down the steps. Hurried their way. The man abruptly slowed the moment he caught sight of Fionah.

Jordan's guards quite never knew what to make of his sister, either.

She could switch from child-like, to screaming fury, in a blink. All without any apparent cause.

Her mind was a strange thing.

Had been since they were children, growing up on their clan's lands, in Scotland.

Fionah's ability to _see_ things—past, present... future—was equally unsettling. A thousand years had only increased her strangeness.

Whispers of movement broke the silence from the room at Jordan's back.

He scowled, a sudden, insistent urge to rejoin Dalia pressing hard. "It there a party going on down here I wasn't informed of?"

Eric's eyes, usually full of laughter, instead sparked with worry. He blurted out, "Luci is missing."

Jordan straightened.

Heat fired his blood. A burning fury.

His gut twisted, anger mixed with worry.

Not again.

He demanded, "From where?"

"She was on the blood run to the hospital."

Jordan barely refrained from slamming his fist into the stone wall.

Who in the hells was still taking his people?

They'd thought the problem solved, after the recent, intruding vampires had been hunted down. Killed.

Mind spinning with unanswerable questions, Jordan asked, "Did she make it to the hospital?"

Eric shook his head.

Fionah stepped forward, brushing her long, blonde curls over one shoulder. Her blue gaze narrowed. Sparked with intelligence. The child-like grin disappeared. "How do you know she didn't make it?"

Eric shot her a questioning look. " 'Tis my duty."

Jordan rubbed his hands together, thinking fast. "Get some men together. We'll—"

The sound of stirring in the room behind him stopped Jordan.

He glanced from Eric, to the door.

Torn.

He couldn't leave, not during the woman's wakening.

Eric's eyes flashed understanding. "I'll get a group together. We'll find Luci."

Partly relieved—yet also unavoidably feeling as if there was no way to not let _someone_ down—Jordan nodded to his Viking guard. "Report to me on your return."

Eric glanced at Fionah and respectfully dipped his head, then strode back toward the stairs.

Fionah stared at Jordan. Blue eyes flushed with vampire crimson. Waving at the door behind him, she demanded, "You put this woman before the clan?"

"I turned her. You know as well as I that it is my duty to help her. To help all newly turned brought here."

"Aye. But 'tis not all. You never stay with them so much. So long."

Jordan could only shrug to that statement.

There was no argument—logical or not—to explain it.

All he said was, "You know I wish to be going out and searching for our missing Luci. But duty forces me elsewhere at the moment."

Fionah studied him, the intelligent spark in her eyes growing. "There's more. I feel it."

"Such as?"

"Something." She shook her head. "What's so special about this girl?"

"I don't know."

She continued to watch him for long moments. But slowly, interest faded. Replaced by childlike glee. "It's nearly dinnertime, _brothair_."

"Then you should go eat."

Fionah's smile lit the hall. She hugged him close. Then, with a brief curtsy, she turned and skipped back down the hall.

Jordan watched her go, relieved she hadn't continued her questions.

He didn't have any answers.

Finally, he gave in to the demanding urges. Slipped back inside the dark room. Crossed to the bed.

Sure enough, the woman was stirring.

Slowly waking.

Breathing deep, preparing himself, Jordan sat down in the chair beside the bed.

It wouldn't be long now.

She woke with a start.

Agony seared through her, from scalp to toes.

Brought a harsh scream to her throat.

Her heart beat a deafening rhythm. Her stomach clenched with fiery hunger. She jerked upright, staring into the darkness, thoughts scattering like petals on the wind.

Her temples pounded painfully.

She reached up to rub them.

Chains rattled.

She stopped moving at the feel of cold metal, weighing heavily on her wrists.

A deep, masculine voice, tinted by a thick broguish accent, soothingly murmured, "Hush. It's all right. All will be well."

The sound broke through the fog in her mind.

Only then did she realize she was keening. Sharp cries, from a burning need she couldn't name.

She hurt.

Oh how she hurt.

Her body ached.

Her stomach roiled.

And she was so damn hungry.

A match flared.

Candlelight spread a flickering pool over a man sitting near the bed she lay on. His features were harsh, yet his blue eyes held kindness.

The pulse beating at his throat drew all of her attention.

She could hear his calm heartbeat over the erratic thumping of her own.

Consuming fire flared.

Unthinking, she lunged.

The chains yanked her back to the mattress. Kept her from reaching the man.

Sharp canines pierced her tongue.

The coppery taste of blood welled in her mouth.

Startled, she stopped jerking at the chains. Tried to think, as the sweet taste brought tiny hints of clarity.

The man left his chair to crouch beside the bed.

Hunger increased.

Controlling heat.

Flaring pain.

She jumped for him again.

He remained just out of reach. "It's all right, Dalia. You'll feel better soon."

Dalia?

That was her name.

Yes.

Her thoughts cleared slightly.

The pain rushing through her body grew worse.

In front of her, the guy raised his wrist to his mouth. Bit down. An urgent scent of salty copper teased the air.

Made her stomach clench.

He lowered his arm.

Her gaze locked on the blood welling over tanned skin.

"Drink." He held his wrist in front of her face.

A red haze covered her vision.

She sank her teeth into his skin.

Blood, warm and comforting, filled her mouth.

Mindless with a hunger she couldn't place, she drank greedily.

The fire in her belly roared.

She drank more, tried to pull him closer. To wrap her hands around his arm. Hold him tight to her lips.

The chains rattled loudly, still keeping her back. She growled in frustration at the cold metal.

But as she continued to drink more of the sweet liquid filling her mouth, the flames in her stomach slowly dampened.

Voices, silently screaming in her head, broke through the fog.

And she realized exactly what she was doing.

Dalia jerked back, pressing herself against the headboard. Confusion lingered. Disgust brought a stirring nausea.

Her breathing sped up. Her heart raced.

Panic teased at her senses.

And yet, she could still smell the blood welling from his wrist.

The flames of hunger, the pain screaming through her entire body, urged her to return. To drink more of the delicious sweetness she craved.

Panic rose higher.

Silently watching her, dark shadow's filled the man's blue eyes. His wide mouth curled into a fierce frown.

She shivered at the anger, turning his expression harsh.

Cold.

The fog in her head continued to slowly dissipate.

Thoughts began to spin.

Where was she?

And why had she just been drinking—devouring—this man's blood?

His anger swept over her.

Panic exploded.

With a hoarse cry, Dalia scrambled as far as she could across the small bed. Pressed against the stone wall, burrowing in the corner.

"It's all right," he said gently.

She shook her head, trying to straighten out her thinking.

Nothing made sense.

And she couldn't even remember why.

"Dalia." His voice rumbled, his accent thickening. "Come to me."

Heat flared in the room. His words tugged at her. Called, insistent that she pay attention. Warmth bloomed deep within.

His voice came again, this time seemingly from inside her head.

Dalia shook her head, hard.

The buzzing of his command grew louder. More demanding.

So did the urge to comply.

Instead, she concentrated on the other voice in her head—a crazed screaming and jabbering, defiant with refusal.

Curling into a ball, Dalia fisted her hands over her ears.

The chains rattled but she barely heard them over his insistent call.

Available now

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# Readers Love Heart of a Vampire...

**Praise for Heart of a Vampire Series**

**Bloodstorm**

_When duty forces a shaman to stop a vampire from her revenge, love doesn't just burn... it bites._

"Ms. Kallyn delivers a whirlwind of magic & intrigue that will have your heart racing for more."

_~ Jami Gray, author of Shadow's Edge_

"Loved It! Wonderfully written and with a fascinating plot, Bloodstorm will keep you wanting more"

_~ Crystal_

**Hungerstorm**

_After centuries alone, can a vampire king trust the woman who's woken his heart?_

"These vampires are so HOT, and their lives are so intertwined with the need for a mate and family, that you can't help but feel everything with them...."

~ Lyssa Reviews

"There is love, doubt, betrayal and action in the 2nd book of the Heart of a Vampire series."

~ Rhonda D

# Readers Fall in Love with Dragos...

**Praise for Amber Kallyn's Dragos Series**

**Dragos 1: Burned**

_What happens when a dragon falls in love with a fireman? Someone's bound to get... Burned._

"Intense and incendiary...I recommend this for all of the dragon lovers out there..."

~ Whipped Cream Erotic Romance

"Ms. Kallyn takes the paranormal world and adds a dangerous twist of dragons, fires, and a mysterious past to make this an intense read..."

~ Coffee Time Romance

**Dragos 2: Scorched**

_A bounty hunter and a dragon on opposite sides of the law? Even dragons can be Scorched by love._

"SCORCHED is a wildly passionate, captivating, 'steal your heart' read that is sure to bring a smile to the reader's face..."

~ Romance Junkies

"...intriguing moments in the story when things become much more than two people coming together, and these surprises make this a very good reading experience..."

~ Whipped Cream Erotic Romance

# Other Titles by Amber Kallyn

### Heart of a Vampire

_(Paranormal Romance)_

Bloodstorm

Hungerstorm

Darkstorm

Magicstorm

Firestorm

Demonstorm

Coldstorm

Bladestorm

Nightstorm

### Red's Wolf

_(Paranormal Romance)_

Volume 1: Beginnings

Volume 2: Changes

Volume 3: Obsessions

Volume 4: Revenge

Volume 5: Rescue

Volume 6: Redemption

Volume 7: Hunter

Volume 8: Hunted

### Dragos Series

_(Paranormal Erotic Romance)_

Dragos 1: Burned

Dragos 1.5: Mistletoe

Dragos 2: Scorched

Dragos 3: Blazed

Dragos 4: Inflamed

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For free goodies and stories, visit my website at:

www.AmberKallyn.com

# About the Author

One of those rare breeds, Amber Kallyn is an Arizona native who can trace her family's history through six generations in the state. She lives with her family. Included in the menagerie are many cats (though there's always room for more) and two lovely puppies.

* * *

Amber loves the paranormal, from dragons to werewolves to vampires. She's currently at work on her next book, probably running around the house acting out a fight scene with her collection of swords and daggers.

* * *

A voracious lover of the written word, Amber found at an early age that she could read fast. Really fast. She devours novels by the day, novellas by the hour, and is always looking to get her hands on more.

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### Contents

Blurb

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Hungerstorm

Other Titles by Amber Kallyn

About the Author
