Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael 1)

"Questions.” The stranger's voice dripped cold sarcasm. “Always questions from my captives." Jake swallowed. He knew who had him. Knew why.

"Nikki won't be fool enough to fall into your trap a second time."

"We shall see.” The darkness moved, forming shape. Became a man with the eyes of a demon. It was easy to understand Nikki's fear, Jake thought, studying the muscular form warily. He wasn't psychic, but he could feel the power that oozed from the man. And those eyes ... they were almost hypnotic.

Don't look, he thought with a frown.

"Interesting,” Jasper murmured. “You have a certain ... strength I did not expect." Jake made no comment and studied the darkness beyond Jasper. There had to be some clue as to his whereabouts—some way to warn Nikki not to come after him.

"You will find no escape."

His gaze darted back to Jasper. He noted the insanity entrenched in the blue depths of his eyes, saw the gloating. Knew he was a man who enjoyed toying with his victims. No, not a man. A vampire. Jake cleared his throat. “Where are we?"

"Underground. Deep underground.” As Jasper spoke, a tremor ran through the ground, a vibration that shook the air and rushed wind through the darkness.

Were they in a tunnel? Did some sort of vehicle passing through cause the vibration? Maybe a train?

"Not even close,” Jasper mused. “I could, of course, tell you, but I doubt it would do you any good."

"Nikki won't look for me,” Jake replied, trying to sound casual, though tension knotted his gut and constricted his throat. “She won't run the risk of falling into your trap a second time."

"You lie, little man. I know her mind. I know how much she values your friendship." Jake closed his eyes. “They will stop you,” he whispered. “No matter what it takes.

"I like a man with confidence.” Jasper smiled sharply. “What if the cost is your own life?" Jake shrugged. He would die no matter what happened. He could see it in the monster's eyes. But he wasn't about to give Jasper the pleasure of his fear.

"I can read your mind, little man. I know what you feel."

"Then you know I loathe you more than I fear you."

The chill in the mad blue depths sent ice splintering down his spine. For an instant he regretted his rash words.

"Bravery must run in your profession,” Jasper said. “As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I must go tend to my traps. But first, a drink is called for, I think."

The fiend lunged at him. Jake scrambled backwards, but talon-like fingers caught his arm, tearing into skin. Jake swore and kicked out. Jasper only laughed. Fear slammed through Jake's entire being, and no amount of fighting against Jasper's hold could stop the journey towards the gleaming white teeth and death.

"Struggle little man. Struggle as hard as you can. I like my meal accompanied by fear." Teeth tore into his neck. Jake screamed as the warm gush of horror plunged him into darkness... Nikki's scream echoed through Michael's soul. He tore her from Jake's mind and lurched forward, catching her as she fell sideways out of the chair.

"Easy, little one. We're safe. You're safe,” he whispered and held her gently, one hand caressing the silky length of her hair.

She shuddered and wrapped her arms around him, holding on as if she'd never let him go. Which was about as far from the truth as you could get. “I'm sorry, Nikki. I should have pulled us out earlier."

"Yes,” she agreed softly.

Lightly linked as they were, he could see the visions running riot in her mind, felt her shudder as she remembered Jasper's teeth tearing into her flesh...

"Jake's memory. Not yours.” It will not happen to you, Nikki. I won't allow it.

"My memories because we were there."

"Hush. It's over."

She sighed into his chest, her breath warm against his skin. “For us. Not for Jake." True. He pulled away from her, though it was the last thing in the world he wanted to do, and held her at arm's length. “If we want to save him, we'll have to move quickly." She sniffed then turned and sifted quickly through the papers of Jake's desk. “There's a map of the area

... here it is."

"Right.” He stood, giving her no time to dwell, no time to fear. “Where are all the tunnels situated?" She frowned, studying the map. “If it was a rail tunnel, there are three.” She pointed them out with a trembling hand.

He ignored the sudden desire to comfort her again. They had no time, nor was it right for him to keep touching her like he cared. “What about old caves? Mine shafts?"