***
Living with vampires was messing up my routine big time, slowly turning me into a creature of the night, shunning daylight. I slept through most of the day, only waking twice to eat and cal my parents to tel them I was al right. By late afternoon, I found myself refreshed enough to take a hot shower and go around the house, waiting for the big event. Tonight we'd retrieve the book—whatever that might involve—but that wasn't what worried me. How would Aidan react to seeing me after the previous night? Was he stil mad?
The wind howled outside, rattling the shutters. I grabbed a soft drink from the kitchen and made myself comfortable on the sofa in the living room with several cushions propped up behind my back. Soon it'd be time to leave everything behind. After just a few days, I realised I felt at home and couldn't imagine myself living somewhere else. I could almost pretend the mansion was mine, forgetting that a few days ago I was a mere employee. Albeit, not a very good one, but I'd tried my best—sort of. Working for a vampire hadn't been an easy task, what with al the strange things happening and Aidan probably able to smel the dust I'd overlooked on occasion. Even Dal as hadn't failed to get Aidan's hints. But I hoped Aidan would consider al those things in my reference, because with my employment history I'd be lucky to land any crappy position. For a moment, I regretted quitting my job—my heated head was causing more harm than good these days—but asking him to take me back was out of the question. He'd ridiculed my cleaning skil s in front of the others. He was probably searching for a replacement already.
A car stopped in the driveway, gravel crunching under its tires. I pul ed the curtains aside, but the visitors had already moved out of my line of vision. A second later, the entrance door opened and I heard Cass's chatter, assuring someone they were welcome. I sighed and plopped down on the sofa. So much for seeing Aidan before we commenced our mission.
Cass peered in and switched on the lights, looking around the room. "Gee, Amber, we need to evacuate, like, right now. There's a hurricane amidst us." She chuckled. "I thought my place was bad."
I glanced from Clare's stacks of magazines gathering dust in the corners to the half-empty glasses I hadn't bothered to pick up after Dal as's visit. For a moment, I felt guilty. Then again, I realised my bad conscience wasn't warranted. Although I basical y stil lived here, free of charge, I wasn't Aidan's employee anymore.
I peered around me. It didn't even look that bad—just a few things thrown here and there, which helped give the house a homely touch. Real y, where was the charm in stacking away anything that might give away someone actual y lived here? I shrugged and looked back at Cass, only then noticing Devon and Angel standing in the doorway, hesitant whether to enter. With a flick of my hand, I motioned them to come in and grabbed Angel in a tight hug.
"I'm sorry I left you behind," I whispered in her ear so Devon wouldn't hear. Cass raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment.
Angel blushed and sat down on the sofa with a shy smile. "I'm just glad you're okay." Why wouldn't I be? And then it dawned on me. The girl believed what that eerie child queen spoon-fed her and didn't question the Shadows' actions. Angel continued, "They asked me to come along so you wouldn't feel al alone among these people."
No doubt, by 'people' she meant the vampires. I cringed inwardly, biting my tongue so I wouldn't make a snarky remark. Unlike the Shadows, the vampires hadn't threatened and kidnapped me. I could see a friendship developing between Angel and me, but not when her only purpose of being around me was to earn my trust in case the Shadows could get rid of the vampires to use me for their own wants. I shrugged. Wel , straying from Aidan's pack wasn't going to happen.
Devon's smile looked fake. His unnatural y black eyes betrayed reproach, as though he held a grudge that I escaped. I stuffed my hands in the pockets of my jeans and averted my gaze, lest he talk to me.
Cass inched closer and whispered, "Someone's irritated tonight. What bit your butt?" Her green eyes creased with laughter as she leaned forward, peering closer. "On second thought, the answer's right there on your neck."
Raising my hand to my throat, I blushed, the heat spreading across my skin at lightning speed. "I was attacked last night."
Cass winked. "You should've cal ed me. I could've taught you a thing or two about dealing with that kind of assault." The familiar pang of jealousy took hold of me. No way would I let Cass anywhere near Aidan. Cass rol ed her eyes. "Get a grip, mate. I was just joking. Besides, your guy isn't my type. Now, your brother's just—" she tapped a finger against her lips "—yum."
I scowled. The thought of my brother being seduced by Lucifer's daughter made me nauseous. "He's not available." Before Cass could read more of my thoughts, I jumped up and headed out the door with a false smile, cal ing over my shoulder, "Drinks, anyone?"
From the corner of my eye I saw Cass mutter to herself something like, "I told you to shut up for a while, didn't I? Now she thinks I'm a tart."
Good grief! The girl was weird, talking to herself and al . I shook my head and headed down the corridor to the kitchen, hoping there were enough glasses left in the cabinet. If need be, I could just serve Diet Coke cans and straws, claiming the glasses were al shattered in a recent earthquake.
Among several plates and Tupperware, I found glasses piled high in the sink, but decided against washing up. For one, I'd have to dry up and polish, which is even worse than cooking because it entails some sort of higher understanding of cloths and the right amount of pressure I didn't possess just yet. And second, last time I'd tried I ended up in an emergency room with a huge piece of glass imbedded in my finger. Dal as didn't mind driving me to the hospital, but I doubted a pack of vampires would be quite so forthcoming.
Watching from the window, I could make out the last rays of light on the horizon. Darkness had almost descended over the forest, the heavy clouds bearing the promise of another rainy night. I sighed and grabbed three cans of Diet Coke, wondering when my vampire friends would final y make their grand entrance when Angel peered in, a timid smile playing on her lips. "May I help?"
"If you're up for washing dishes." I pointed at the dirty glasses. "Nah, I'l just get us some Diet Coke."
"You shouldn't have left—" Angel said, grabbing my hand.
I hesitated. "But I thought everyone was thirsty."
"Not that. But you're funny. I've missed you."
"Deidre asked you to accompany Devon and play the friendship card to change my mind." I regretted saying the words the moment I opened my mouth. It wasn't Angel's fault Deidre knew how to manipulate people.
Angel grimaced and dropped my hand. "Let's just say things haven't been the same without you."
"Do you remember the pendant Deidre gave me?" I didn't wait for her answer. "It was infused with some sort of dark magic that influenced my mind. You can't blame me for not trusting you when you're one of them."
She shook her head, eyes wide with honesty. "I would never—"
For an instant, I almost believed her earnest gaze. Then I held up a finger, interrupting her. "Listen, I'm sorry, but I had to do what was right for me." I gave her hand a squeeze and turned to the door, hoping she'd fol ow. "Now's not the time to argue. Can we talk later after we grab the book?"
Angel nodded. We returned to the living room in silence, meeting Devon's questioning gaze. When Angel shrugged, he scowled and turned away. Wel , I wasn't going to feel guilty for spoiling their plans. Not when their plans involved playing with my life.
My palms turned damp as I placed the cans on the coffee table. My heart started to race in my chest. I sensed him a moment before the door was swung open and Aidan walked in with Clare and Kieran fol owing a few steps behind.
Aidan made a derisive noise as his gaze skimmed Devon and then moved to me, gaze narrowed, nostrils flaring. He was stil mad, ego bumped and al , but cute as a button in his white shirt and jeans with that dishevel ed mop on his head. Unable to suppress a giggle, I pictured running my hand through his hair, planting a soft kiss on his lips and—
Cass puffed somewhere to my right. "Just get a room and give me a break, wil you?" I sat down, embarrassed. Aidan shot me an amused glance, and I groaned inwardly. Why couldn't Cass just keep her mouth shut?
"How did you get past the gates?" Kieran asked, suspiciously.
"That would be my doing. You see, your magic stands no chance against this little number." Cass retrieved her high-tech phone and waved it in front of Kieran's face.
"Daddy come up with a new invention?" Kieran said.
Cass raised her chin defiantly. "As a matter of fact, I did. Why? Are you jealous?"
"I see Amber has offered you refreshments," Aidan said, pointing at the unopened cans. His gaze move from the cans to the dirty glass on the sideboard and then back to me, the corners of his mouth twitching.
I glared at him. "I quit. Remember?" Surely, he could lift his manicured fingers and clean his own house?
"I've been meaning to talk to you, Aidan," Clare said. "Let's hire a new housekeeper next week."
"Yes, let's do that," Kieran said. "And this time, bro, don't date the help."
Aidan raised his brows meaningful y. "You both know I've bigger things going on in my mind than discussing the future help. Like the book."
"Or Amber." Cass smirked.
My heartbeat sped up. What did Cass hear in his thoughts? Was he thinking about me the way I was thinking about him?
"After the stunt you pul ed on us, I don't care for smal talk with Shadows, so let's get going," Kieran said.
Cass jumped up from the sofa. "Goody."
"We should discuss the plan one more time because we can't afford to screw up," Devon said, glancing at Kieran.
"You know what's screwed up?" Kieran said. "Those big black eyes of yours. Must be some major inbreeding problem among Shadows."
Clare grabbed his arm to silence him. "Let's go over the plan one last time, just to make everyone happy."
"There's no need," Aidan said. "We've discussed it a mil ion times. Everyone should know their part."
Devon pointed at me. "Including Amber?"
"Let's go," Aidan said. I could hear an edge in his tone.
"So you're keeping her in the dark?" Devon shot me a disbelieving look. "What do you see in this guy?" Ignoring his remark, I stood, signal ing Aidan I was ready to leave when they were. As long as we got the book, I didn't want the details because, after Aidan saved my life last night, I trusted he knew what he was doing.
"But your life is on the line," Angel said.
Same old, same old. "Isn't yours too? You're just as mortal as I am. I've been fil ed in on the dangers. Now, can we get on with this? My family's waiting."
"Dad might be cal ing any time," Cass said, nodding. "I don't want my new position as ambassador to clash with my hel duties."
"What is it that you assist Daddy with?" Kieran asked, barely able to suppress his laughter. "You help the big guy create more swarms of rats and locusts, destroy a poor farmer's crops, send out a plague or two, offer contracts to steal people's souls, perhaps start a few wars?"
Two flames blazed in Cass's eyes. "Drop dead, jerk."
"Been there, done that, hot stuff. But I came back to life." Kieran chuckled. "And when I say hot, I'm talking about temperature, not looks."
Cass's cheeks turned bright red, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap. Geez, did she have a temper. If she couldn't even handle Kieran, she wasn't going anywhere near Dal as. "I'd rather be hot than an ice cube," she said. "Better yet, why don't you pop over and I'l show you what my new phone can do."
Kieran raised his hands in mock defence. "Did you have to invent a phone to do the work for you because you have no supernatural abilities?"
"I told you I get them when I turn eighteen," Cass snapped.
"Let's just go." Aidan held the door open, muttering under his breath, "Am I the only sane one here?"
I hurried after him, eager to catch a moment alone, but the others fol owed too close behind to the cars parked outside. Aidan retrieved the keys from his pocket and threw the bundle to Kieran who caught it in mid-air. I realised getting him alone in the car was out of the question. Sighing, I jumped on the cold backseat as Kieran started the engine. Peeking out the tinted glass, I watched Aidan pul Devon aside, talking heatedly. I craned my neck to listen, but Kieran switched on the radio as if to stop me from eavesdropping.
I punched Kieran's shoulder. "What is it you don't want me to know?"
"Ouch." Kieran rubbed his shoulder, grinning.
"Don't quit your day job. You're the worst actor ever." I rol ed my eyes and threw Aidan another glance. Hundreds of questions raced through my mind. Where were we going? Why wasn't Clare riding with us? What'd happen and why did we need the Shadows? I took a deep breath and pushed my thoughts to the back of my mind, but the more I tried, the more popped up. Eventual y, Aidan squeezed onto the front seat and Kieran sped off, tailing Cass's SUV.
He did drive like a maniac, too close, foot on the gas pedal like he couldn't wait to get to his destination fast enough. My hands clutched the leather tight, holding on for dear life. His reflexes might be supernatural, but I didn't trust them one bit.
From my seat, I watched the brothers exchanging meaningful glances a few times. Okay, if they weren't going to talk, neither would I. Who needed conversation anyway? Leaning back, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift to my post-Aidan time. He had ignored me as though nothing happened between us the night before, so there was no doubt he saw no future. While his silence drove me bal istic and made me insecure, it also put things into perspective. I had a knack for commitment phobes. No, scratch that. The women's magazines I read were right. Guys just didn't want relationships anymore. Mum would tel me to suck it up and keep searching, but Mum had been married for the past thirty years and to the same man—a phenomenon that probably died down with the perm.
Half an hour later, Kieran pushed the brake briskly, and I lurched forward between the front seats, knocking my head in the process. Two pairs of eyes turned to regard me, like I was some sort of freak. Dal as would've cracked up with laughter. I could certainly deal with someone laughing in my face. But Aidan and Kieran just gawked, no doubt ready to guffaw behind my back.
I straightened and raised my chin a notch, avoiding their gazes, my face burning. As I opened the car door and stepped out, my foot caught in a loose branch and I toppled forward. Talk about keeping it graceful for the guy I loved. Aidan wrapped his arm around my waist, catching my fal . I murmured a thank-you and yanked my hand out of his grip. He didn't respond, but his palm lingered on the smal of my back a little too long, as he gazed down on me in the darkness.
"We'l be walking the rest of the way." Devon's voice startled me, breaking my magical moment, and I jumped a step back.
"Are you okay to walk?" Aidan whispered.
The cold wind blew my hair in my face, chil ing me to the bone. I tested my leg. My thigh felt sore, my toes were already frozen in my leather boots, but I gathered I'd rather be in pain than let him carry me and risk standing out like a sore thumb among the rich, athletic kids, so I nodded.
Frowning, Aidan turned away.
"Do you have a flashlight?" Cass asked.
Kieran snorted. "You can't see in the dark? What sort of immortal are you?"
"Why would I want to see in the night? That's the time when normal people sleep." Cass flicked out her phone and started punching. A moment later, a legion of fireflies appeared over our head, flickering like a dying flashlight. Their light barely penetrated the thick bushes, but at least it cast a dim glow on our path, warning me of impending danger in the form of stones, loose branches, and what else not.
"A bunch of insects? Seriously, that's al you could come up with?" Kieran said.
Aidan frowned. "Come on, guys. Shut it for a change. Amber has a task to finish. Your banter's not exactly helping ease her nerves."
I threw him a grateful look. The longer we stood here, the more I felt like going home. No idea how
these people could just stand here in the middle of nowhere, dressed in clothes befitting a Californian barbecue evening, and continue chatting while I froze my butt off in my summer coat, denims and boots.
Cass appeared beside Aidan and pointed at the winding path stretching through the trees. "Wait, we're going up there?" When he nodded, she groaned. "You've got to be kidding. Had I known my job duties involved climbing Mount Everest, I'd have reconsidered my career choices."
"This is hardly Mount Everest," Kieran said.
Cass glared at him, her eyes burning bright in the semi-darkness. "What, you've been there too, moron? You don't strike me as the outdoorsy type. More like getting your Boy Scouts medal from watching the Discovery channel."
"And you strike me as a girl I'd want to throw into the nearest volcano," Kieran said. "You know, it'd be like giving you a lift back home, down into the depths of hel ."
"Here we go again." Aidan slung his arm over Cass's shoulders, pushing her forward. "You said you were in a hurry. Let's get this over with, shal we? Preferably without you two kil ing each other."
Cass snorted, but started walking behind Devon who led the way. Smiling, Clare gave Angel a nudge. "Don't worry. They fight like this al the time. I think it's courting."
"Clare!" Cass yel ed, outraged. "I wouldn't date this guy if my life depended on it."
Kieran started to speak when Aidan tugged on his sleeve. "Not another word."
We walked in silence for a while, passing yet more trees. I didn't dare look up the path in case it seemed to stretch on forever, crushing my spirits. The fireflies hovered over our heads, il uminating our way. I reached up to touch them, then decided against it because I didn't trust demonic animals.
"The question is when wil the demon attack the vampire with a fire bolt and when wil the vampire bite the demon?" Devon said, resuming the conversation. "It's only a matter of time until someone's seriously hurt. Hanging around with them is a lethal combination, Amber. For the life of me, I can't figure out why you're stil alive."