Chasing the Shadows (Nikki & Michael 3)

"It never is,” she said, unable to keep the hint of bitterness in her voice. God, why wouldn't he just listen?

"The cops are on the way,” Jake said. “I told them to come through that hole we found in the hotel's basement. Easier than trying to find the nearest street entry, especially seeing I can't tell them where exactly we are."

"And the paramedics?"

"On their way as well.” Jake hesitated. “What about those bodies out there in the tunnel?"

"I'll move them if you'll come over here and keep pressure on this wound." His touch left her, to be quickly replaced by Jake's cooler grip. “How are we going to explain this wound, your bruises and the blood on the wall?"

"We don't. I'll ensure they won't see or question it." Touch their minds, take it all away, she thought with a shudder. “Michael, you can't—"

"I can and I will.” He rose, and though she heard no footsteps, she knew he'd moved away. Jake took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I don't think I've ever seen him so angry." She snorted softly and opened her eyes. Pinpricks of red light pranced crazily everywhere she looked—even across his face. They weren't real, just a side effect of the hammering in her brain. She blinked, and the spots faded a little. She wished the pain would ease as quickly.

"He doesn't like being disobeyed."

Jake smiled. “You'd think after living with you for four months, he'd be used to it."

"You'd think,” she muttered and glanced at her wrist. The vampire had certainly done a number on it. No neat pinprick holes for him, that was for sure. She dug her other hand into her pocket and dragged out a handkerchief. “Here, use this. Better than you being attached to my wrist until the police and paramedics get here."

Jake grabbed the handkerchief, but the minute he released her arm the blood began to pulse freely. Even though she knew she couldn't die from blood loss, it was still an alarming sight. And one that explained Michael's sudden departure. Maybe it wasn't so much anger as the need to distance himself from the smell of her blood. It was little more than ten months ago that she'd sliced her wrist in an effort to save his life, and in doing so had almost destroyed his control over his demon half. Had almost brought the vampire fully to the surface. His struggle for control continued, though he would never admit it to her. But she'd seen it in his eyes, seen the flicker of darkness the one or two times she'd cut herself. She loved him and she trusted him—but even so, she sometimes wondered if one day she'd wake up and find herself tied to a stranger. A stranger desperate to kill her.

"How's Dale doing?"

Jake finished tying the handkerchief then rose and walked over to the other woman. “Not good,” he said, touching her neck. “Pulse is still thready, and her skin is clammy. It suggests heart problems to me." She remembered the tingling, achy sensation in her chest and arm when she'd been in Dale's mind, and knew that Jake was more than likely right. “Let's hope the paramedics get here soon, then."

"They're on the way,” Michael said, appearing by her side once more. “I can hear them. Hear their heartbeats."

"And no doubt the person behind all this will, too." He reached out, brushing something from her cheek, his fingers so warm against her skin. “You tell me. You've been sensing him, haven't you?"

"Sort of.” She frowned, not sure she could really explain. It wasn't so much that she could feel the other vampire's presence—not in the way she'd been able to sense Jasper or Cordell. This vamp was evil, but in a totally different way from those other two. His evil was born more of anger. An anger so deep it had all but consumed him.

Michael raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying these murders are the result of a need for revenge?" She shrugged. “That's what I'm sensing.” She hesitated, listening. Footsteps echoed in the hush. The police and paramedics were finally here.

Michael glanced at Jake. “Why don't you go meet them while I disappear. For the moment, it's better if I remain an unseen partner in these investigations."

Jake nodded and moved out of the small room. Michael leaned forward and kissed her. “I'll be close,”

he said, breath brushing warmth against her lips. “And I agree with what you said earlier. You and I really do need to talk."

She stroked his cheek and wondered if she'd ever tire of his touch. Ever stop wanting him. “Only if you intend to listen."

"I'll listen, if you promise to do the same. It's a two way street, my love." The endearment stirred her heart. Yet as she stared into the depths of his beautiful eyes, she could see only determination. In reality, that two-way street was still headed one way—his, not hers. He wasn't ready yet to hear what she had to say, no matter what he said. But she had to try anyway. Voices drew closer. He kissed her again, harder this time, stealing her breath and leaving her dizzy with wanting. Then the shadows wrapped around him and he disappeared.

"Damn you,” she muttered. It was bad enough that she had to face the police and their endless questions. Doing so when she was feeling hornier than hell was only going to make the experience all that much more uncomfortable.

His soft chuckle stirred air past her ear. I promise to relieve your tension once we're alone. Knowing the cops, that's going to be an unpleasant amount of time from now. The wait will be worth it.

She raised an eyebrow and half grinned. Now there's a statement from a man totally confident in his own abilities.

After three hundred and sixty years of life, I should be. Shadows caressed her cheek, warm and gentle. Yet in all that time, I have never felt anything like this. What we share is special, Nikki. And so very rare.

She sighed. Even the very rarest of jewels can be smashed if care isn't taken. That's all I'm asking you to allow me to do. Care.

And that was the whole trouble. He cared too much, and it was smothering her. She glanced up as the first of the police officers arrived. The look in his eyes told her it was going to be a longer night than even she'd anticipated.

She sighed again and slowly climbed to her feet. She was not looking forward to the next few hours.

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