The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jenson Guardian 6)

"Sal told me. You and Rhoan okay?"

"Yeah, we survived the encounter. Rhoan's thinking a little more clearly now."

I looked at Rhoan as I said it. He grimaced, and thrust a hand through his hair. His body was still taut with tension, and the smell of his anger and frustration stained the air. He was in control, but only just.

"What about Liander?"

"He's missing. I think Aron Young might have him."

"Why? What is his connection to the other men Young has murdered?"

"As far as I can see, the only connection between any of them is the fact they all did tenth grade in the same school as Young. It's not much."

"For twisted minds, it often doesn't have to be. What do you need?"

"I need a trace on a van and the following names. Liander's not dead yet, so he's been snatched rather than killed outright. Young knows we're onto him, so maybe he's gone for the rest of them, too. Maybe he's planned on one big killing party."

"It's possible. Give me the details."

I read the names out, then added the plate number the bouncer had given me. "I'm about to head on over to Vinny's. She tasted him, and I'm sure knows more than what she's saying. I think it's about time she anted up."

"Just be careful," he warned. "Emos don't have to be touching to suck emotion from you. She and her crew can drain from a distance if they wish."

"She wouldn't want to try it on Rhoan right now. Trust me on that."

"I can imagine." His voice was dry. "You sure you two are unscathed?"

"We can walk, we can talk, and we can certainly throw a punch or two. We're fine."

"Good. I'll contact you as soon as we have any info."

"Thanks, boss."

I hung up.

"So who is this Vinny?" Rhoan said.

"An emo vamp who has set up camp in one of the abandoned government housing towers. I mentioned her before, remember?"

"No." He frowned. "When?"

"After the premiere - when you and Liander came home pissed."

Darkness ran across his face, and he took a deep, shuddering breath. "Yeah, I remember. Let's go see this Vinny, so that there is a next time."

I gave him a hug, and his arms wrapped around my waist, holding on to me briefly. I could smell the fear on him, smell the pain. Feel the quivering in his limbs that was a mix of anger and the need to hit out, to hurt those responsible.

Vinny had better not try anything on my brother.

I pulled back. "Quinn should drive, in case you get any more hits from Liander."

He nodded and thrust a hand through his hair again. "It's gone quiet on that front."

"He's okay, Rhoan. You'd know if it were otherwise." I turned and headed for the door, so he couldn't see the worry in my eyes. Him getting nothing from Liander was not a good sign.

It meant he was getting weaker, that the link between them was fading.

He couldn't die. God, fate, and whatever else might be up there watching - please don't let him die.