Chasing the Shadows (Nikki & Michael 3)

Because I want to go for a walk and see if I can sense the presence of the other vamp, and I have no intention of leaving you in the hotel alone.

He's nowhere near. I'd feel him if he was.

I'd still like to check, just in case.

He caught the sweater and pulled it on. It smelled faintly of cinnamon and vanilla. He smiled and hoped she was right. Hoped they didn't find the scent, just so he could walk hand in hand with her. They'd spent too little time simply being lovers of late.

More clothes tumbled down to the pavement. Be there in five . Wait. Catch this rifle and tuck it safely under our mattress. She appeared in the window again. He checked to ensure the safety was on then tossed the rifle up to her. She caught it deftly, if a little gingerly, and disappeared. He quickly dressed then walked down to the hotel entrance to wait for her.

She bounced out four minutes later, wearing a short black skirt that showcased her wonderful legs, and a dark red sweater that clung to her breasts and highlighted the fact she wasn't wearing a bra.

"You look entirely too energetic for someone who has had so little sleep,” he commented, wrapping his hand around her waist and pulling her close. “Are you going to be warm enough in those clothes?"

"The look in your eyes will keep me hot enough, believe me.” Her grin was pure cheek. “And we can always find a secluded foggy spot in which to warm each other up." That definitely sounded more enticing that hunting a vampire. He kissed her, long and tender. Her pulse was doing a double-time dance, and with the heat of her body pressed against him so wantonly, he really didn't want to go anywhere but back to the hotel room. Which was obviously the effect she'd been after when she'd donned these clothes. “You're incorrigible,” he said eventually. Her eyes twinkled with amusement and desire. “I try hard. Are we walking, or do you have something else in mind?"

"Walking."

Her sigh was dramatic. “Such a spoil sport."

He smiled and led her down the street. The fog was a blanket of white dampness that swirled sluggishly around them, muffling the noise of passing traffic and the late night laughter of partygoers. Street lights twinkled like forlorn stars in the distance, and from the direction of the bay came the haunting cry of fog horns. The night was peaceful, untainted by the touch of evil. It was doubtful he'd find any hint of the other vampire, but he kept walking anyway. He was enjoying the night. Enjoying doing something semi-normal with Nikki.

"Why do you think this vamp wants to meet you?” she said. He shrugged. “Loneliness. The night can be a desolate place after a few years." Her expression was curious. “Was it for you?"

He nodded. “You asked why I stayed so long with Elizabeth. Perhaps there lies your answer."

"Yet you survived it. And her."

He smiled at the slight emphasis she placed on her . “Thanks in part to the friendships I formed. But the lifestyle of many vampires does not allow them to form true friendships."

"Because they drink human blood?"

"Yes."

"Can two vampires ever become truly good friends?"

He hesitated. “There are a number of vampires in the Circle, and I would call them friends. But not close. It is never truly comfortable for us."

She raised her eyebrows. “Why?"

"It's the nature of the beast.” He shrugged. “Vampires are hunters. Hunters tend to be territorial."

"And no true hunter likes another in his territory?"

"Yes."

"Then why is this vampire inviting you to dinner?” She hesitated, and amusement spun through the link, warm and sexy. “Maybe he's taken a fancy to you."

"Wouldn't be the first time it's happened."

She pulled him to a stop, her expression slightly shocked. “What?" He grinned and kissed her nose. “Both sexes seem attracted by my natural good looks and charm." She snorted softly and whacked him lightly on the arm. “Yeah, right." He raised his eyebrows. “It's true. I've been propositioned by many a male, both before and after death."

She stared at him for a moment. “Before death?"

"Not all our English landlords were as straight as they claimed.” He tugged her across the intersection and continued on up Hyde Street hill. “I was barely twelve at the time."

"What did you do?"

"Kept well out of his way, and hid whenever he came to our farm.” He shrugged. “He found other sport to chase after a week or so."