Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jenson Guardian 5)

Rhoan had the coffee made and waiting by the time I walked in our apartment door the following morning.

"What, you've suddenly gained sister radar or something?" I said, as I wrapped my hands gratefully around the mug of steaming liquid. Melbourne had pulled another of its weather tricks, and it was as cold as hell outside.

"It sounded like a herd of elephants running up the stairs," he said, amusement twinkling deep in his gray eyes. "Knew it had to be you. Light of foot you are not in the mornings."

"If I wasn't so grateful for the coffee, I'd kick your kneecaps." I took a sip and sighed happily. Hazelnut might not be "in" when it came to coffee these days, but it had always been my favorite. There was just something about the sweet, nutty aroma that made my taste buds do happy little handsprings. "So, did you talk to Liander last night?"

He nodded. "I actually sat him down before sex and talked to him. He understands. He's not happy, but he does understand. You?"

I screwed up my nose. "We talked. I said I'd give him an answer in a week."

"Coward."

"Totally."

He grabbed my arm and tugged me into a hug. "Just don't lose this one through fear, sis. He's a good man. And rich, which is always a bonus."

I snorted softly and pulled away. "Money isn't everything."

"Maybe not, but it sure as hell can make things a whole lot more pleasant."

"So why are you still here rather than living the high life at Liander's?"

"Because I value freedom more than money. And he's clingy enough. Can you imagine what it would be like if I lived with him?"

Actually, I could, and there was no way it would be as bad as my brother was imagining. I drank some more coffee, then said, "You heading into the Directorate this morning?"

He shook his head. "I'm doing the legwork for a case the night boys arc having trouble with. Seems we may have a day-walker on our hands."

I raised my eyebrows. "Day-walker?"

"A nonhuman with vampire tendencies."

"But not actually a vampire?"

"No. They tend to be psychos who like the taste of blood. We've had to track down one or two of them during my years as a guardian." He shrugged, like it was no big deal. "How about you?"

"Gotta go in and write up a report, then I might head over to that club and see if I can track down the man matching the picture Adrienne drew."

"You think he might be involved in Adrienne's disappearance?"

"Probably not, but right now, he's my only lead."

"You could wash your hands of the whole thing, you know."

"And leave Mom hanging? Sorry, not going to happen." I hesitated, remembering yesterday's events. "And besides, we now have the joy of Patrin and his bodyguard coming down for more regular reports of our progress."

Rhoan's ringers flexed. "Good. I believe there is some unfinished business between the two of us."

"As I mentioned, he has a bodyguard."

"So?"

"So knowing Patrin, he's probably the type to shoot first and ask questions later. And I don't want a dead brother."

He snorted softly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Only Superman can run faster than a speeding bullet, bro."