“I’m not sure, why don’t you tell me? I’ve never met any.” Dani’s reply was equally smooth and cool.
Archer let out a laugh. “So you say. We shall see.”
The sparring seemed to end there, because he gestured for us to enter his office.
As we followed him in, the decor continued the film-noir theme. His desk was exactly the big oak desk I would have expected to see, with a massive computer set up on one side, and space to spread out files on the other. It was a huge U shape, with two other tables off to one side, giving him more desk space than I could ever imagine needing. An array of gadgets sat on one of the tables, including a printer and scanner, along with several other items that I didn’t recognize. A black leather chair sat behind the desk, smooth and supple from the looks of it.
Three chairs sat opposite, and a daybed was tucked into one corner. A thick blanket was draped over one arm, and the pillows looked like actual bed pillows, not ornamental throw ones. A stand held a minifridge below it, and a microwave on top, along with a coffee bar. It looked like he could set up shop here for awhile, if need be. That, of course, led me to wonder if he lived here, but that was none of my business.
“You say you have a matter of a rather urgent nature?”
I nodded. “Yes, actually. Jolene recommended we call you. She’s…a friend of mine. There are a number of us who are in danger if this proves to be what we think it is.”
“Do you mind if I record the session?” Archer moved to flip on a switch attached to a microphone, which appeared to be linked into his computer.
“Go ahead. It’s all right with me. Dani?”
She nodded. “Not a problem.”
As soon as he turned it on and motioned for me to go ahead, I explained what had happened to Tygur. Dani told him about Rebecca, and then we told him about the Souljacker escaping.
“A group of us all got ink from him shortly before he was turned. Rebecca and Tygur were two of his clients. Dani, our friends Nate and Jolene…we all were. We called ourselves the India Ink Club.” I paused, thinking of how long ago that seemed now.
“India ink used to be the standard for tattooing until the latter part of the twentieth century.” Archer glanced up at us, grinning. “I know that much.”
“Right. That’s why we picked the name. We were celebrating and all decided to get some ink to commemorate it. The Souljacker had a reputation for being able to reach inside and bring your inner self out onto your body. His talent went beyond mere artistry. It was as if…” I paused, thinking of my phoenix. “It’s like he could see into the depths of your soul, into your true nature and freeze it into ink. A couple months after we got our tattoos, Charles was trapped by a vampire. He was turned and caught. I’m not certain of the whole story, but he ended up being locked away at WestcoPsi. WestcoPsi is supposed to be escape proof but I think that’s been proven wrong.”
Archer nodded. “Do you know if there have been other victims who were his clients, who weren’t in your club?”
I shrugged. “I have no clue. Jolene might know.”
“Given he’s only been out for three days, I’m not sure how much damage he can have done so far.” Dani frowned.
Archer glanced over his notes. “What I’m curious about, Lily, is—if he’s after all of you, why didn’t he kill you that night, too?”
Reluctantly, I reached inside my shirt and brought out my pentacle. “Because of this. Dragon scale. Silver.”
If he was surprised, Archer didn’t show it. “That would do it, all right.” He frowned. “So he managed to get through your wards because one of them had been defaced. Do you have any clue when that might have happened?”
I let Dani answer that one. She was the expert in wards.
“No, it’s impossible to tell without a spell that I can’t cast. Even if I could, I don’t know if we could find out the answer. My guess is that somebody was messing around and scratched it up without thinking about it. By the shape of the marks, it looked like someone could have either keyed it, or they could have scraped against it by accident.”
Archer handed me a notepad and a pen. “Can you write me up a list of everybody who was in your club, along with any contact information that you might have for them? Meanwhile, I’ll scout around, see if I can find a list of his prior clients. That may be difficult, given the nature of the business.”
“I need to tell you something, before we go any farther.” Dani leaned forward. “My husband was killed and turned by a vampire. He didn’t get any ink from Charles, but…I think he’s still out there. His name is…was…Greg Fallow. I think he runs the vampire club, Veek, in the Underground.”
I whirled around. “You never told me about the club! I’ve heard of that. It’s infamous among the wild boys set.”
“I didn’t want to think about it.” She lifted her chin stubbornly, tears in her eyes. “Greg died. That’s not my husband out there. Not anymore.”
Archer stared at her for a moment, then softly said, “I’m sorry, Ms. Halloran. It can’t be easy to live with that memory.”
Dani let out a slow breath. “It’s not.”
“Yes, well…” Archer stood. “I think I have all I need to get started. I’ll scout around and get back to you as soon as I have anything to report. Meanwhile, I suggest you check with Rebecca’s household. See if there was any disruption to her wards that might have allowed the vampire to get through.”
“What about payment? I know the department won’t pay for it—Jolene told me that much. How much will this cost?”
He cocked his head, staring at me for a moment. “Why don’t you let me see what I can find out and then we’ll work out the details. This initial consultation won’t run you over a hundred for today and the legwork I plan on doing based on our appointment today is included. After that, we’ll discuss terms if you want to continue the investigation.”
“I suppose you’ll want a retainer?” I started to pull out my credit card, but he shook his head.
“Let’s see what I find before discussing any more money.” And with that, he escorted us to the door.
I turned, as we were about to leave, and my gaze locked with Archer’s. Again, a spark. “Thank you. We really aren’t sure what to do at this point.”
“I suggest you stay indoors, in a heavily warded area, after sunset. In other words, don’t hang around outside after dark. If the Souljacker is after you, then he’s going to be studying where you go, how he can get at you. In other words, until we know different, consider that you, along with your friends, are being stalked by a deadly hunter.”
And with those less-than-comforting words, he showed us out the door.
Chapter 8
As Dani and I headed back to the parking garage, I glanced at the clock tower in Pioneer Square. “We don’t have long till sunset. I think Archer is right. We should forego dancing or anything else on the town tonight.”
Dani frowned. “I hate being corralled because of a vampire. This sucks. No pun intended.”
“I know, but the Souljacker is dangerous. Two people that we know of are dead. We’re on the potential hit list.” I paused, not wanting to ask the next question but deciding I might as well get it over with. “Have you ever thought about visiting Veek? Seeing Greg?”
In a carefully guarded voice, Dani said, “Never ask me that again. My husband is dead. The monster that wears his body? That’s not him.”
“I’m sorry. I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“It’s all right.” She glanced at the sky. The sun had already set. “You know, we’re in danger now, just standing here.”
“I just realized that.” I pulled my jacket tighter. The cold was seeping in and the parking garage was dark as we exited the stairwell, with the cold florescent lights spaced few and far between. “You don’t think he could have followed us here, do you?”
She pressed her lips together, glancing from side to side. “I don’t know what to think,” she finally said. “I
really hate this, you know?”
What Dani hated was being pushed around. She was stubborn as an ox and smart as a whip, but the two didn’t always pair well and I could tell she was conflicted. Right now, my fear of dying was stronger than my desire to rebel.
“Come on. Our cars are parked together. We’ll check them first, make sure nothing’s inside, and then leave at the same time.” Stopping, I turned to her and put my hand on her arm. “Dani, I know you’re pissed. Neither one of us wants to end up dead. And remember, Charles can turn you into a vampire, and I know you don’t want that. So, don’t let your temper get away with you, please? I don’t want to lose my best friend.”
“I know, and I don’t want to lose you. I’ll be careful. I promise.”
“Why don’t you come over? We can watch TV, goof around…whatever strikes our fancy.”
“All right, you’ve talked me into it. We’ll go to your house, but I’m only going to stay for awhile. I’ve got plenty of protection in my car and at home. But…hanging out for awhile sounds like it might be fun.” She forced a smile, and I knew it was to cover up her nervousness.
We hurried through the garage, eyeing every shadow that seemed to move on its own, every nook and cranny we passed. Finally, we came to our cars and cautiously unlocked them, searching every possible place a vampire could hide, including the trunks. I tried not to think about the fact that if we actually found ourselves facing a vamp, neither one of us was equipped to fend him off. My pentacle would protect me, but it wouldn’t protect Dani. And if he had any sort of weapon besides his fangs and hands, well, it wouldn’t protect me, either. Instead, I focused on searching the cars and keeping alert.
As we pulled out of the garage—I was close on Dani’s wheels—the swirl of snow began to fall heavier, the chill knifing me right to my bones. When Wynter had taken up residence on the Eastside, she brought with her the cold and snow during the autumn and winter months, and all the worry about the greenhouse effect seemed to vanish from the northern half of the world. I wasn’t sure what it was like in the southern hemisphere, under Summerlyn’s rule. Perhaps the sisters balanced each other out; maybe we were back to a time before the world had begun its crazy swing toward being a perpetual hothouse. Whatever the case, the snow piled up in winter now, and summers were moderate, with few spikes into heat anymore.
As we headed toward my house I said, “Phone. Call Dani.” My phone’s VOX system put in the call. When she came on the line, I said, “We should stop somewhere to pick up takeout for dinner. What do you feel like? Sen’s Chicken and Teriyaki is on the corner of the next street. We can get a bucket, and some fried rice and chow mein if you want. I can call ahead so it will be ready and we can go through the drive-thru.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll pull in when I get there and you follow me.”
After we picked up dinner, including a quick stop at the bakery next to Sen’s for a deep-dish apple pie, we headed directly for my house. As soon as we edged into the driveway, I saw Nate come running out of his house.
“Come over for dinner!” I didn’t want him staying alone either. Nate was the least able to fend off a vampire attack, even though his wards were still working.
Nate nodded, then jogged over. As I watched him, I became aware that my hunger was still deep, and I wanted more than just a taste. I needed sex, and a lot of chi to sate the drive. I’d have to go out to feed, possibly tonight, but the thought scared the hell out of me.
I stared into the darkness. The more I thought about it, the more I knew that this was the Souljacker’s work, and that he was out there waiting for us.
We headed inside, Nate gallantly carrying the takeout bags while I told him about our meeting with Archer. “He said we shouldn’t be alone.”
Dani must have caught something in my voice because she sauntered over. “What are you going to do about feeding? You haven’t had anything to eat except what little you got from me last night. With no appointments this week, you can’t wait it out. I know what happens. You’ll either become too ravenous to care, or you’ll resist long enough that you’ll be too weak to feed. Which one depends on whether your will power can outlast your hunger.”
I hung my head, staring at the table. “I don’t know, to be honest. I was just thinking about that. I have to feed. I have to do something.”
Nate finished setting the table. He glanced toward me. “I’d volunteer but…”
“Don’t even think about it. I can’t touch you—I won’t take a chance. I’ll just have to call over someone from Wynter’s court. They’ll help me. And Dani, don’t you offer. Last night was an emergency, but I need to feed hard. And I’m not going to put you through that.” I unpacked the cartons and the bucket of chicken and spread them out on the kitchen table. Who did I know who might be free? Who wasn’t a Were waiting to humiliate me or punish me for Tygur’s death?
A knock on the door interrupted our dinner preparations. I answered, cautiously peeking through the window. Archer?
Wondering what he wanted, I opened the door. “Hi, come on in.”
He was looking even better than at the office, now wearing a pair of tight black jeans under the suit coat instead of dress pants. In one hand, he carried a briefcase. In another, he carried a bag. “I brought information and wine.”
“You already found out something? Hey, join the party.” As I stared at him, I realized I was practically drooling. And then, I felt my body shift, responding to his presence. Archer Desmond would have plenty of chi, and being a demon, he’d be able to handle my needs very well. I brushed past him, resting a hand on his for a moment before taking the wine from him, letting my glamour radiate out through my fingers onto his hand. As the spark flared, he glanced up at me, a curious, knowing look on his face.
Dani, who had seen right through what I was doing, flashed me a cockeyed grin. “Hello, Archer. You can see we’re taking your advice and not hanging out where we’ll be in danger.”
“We’re about to eat dinner,” I added. “Would you like to stay? There’s plenty, though it’s not fancy. And we have dessert.” Maybe I was laying it on a little thick, but I was hungry, damn it. I needed sex and I needed chi, and I wanted him.
Archer glanced at the spread. “Looks good to me. This is what I order when I stay in my office to work on a case.” He edged toward me, a shrewd look on his face. “You’re hungry, aren’t you?”
I nodded. There was no use in beating around the bush. “I haven’t fed in awhile and it’s getting dangerous.”
He glanced at Nate and at Dani. “Let me guess—you don’t feed on friends.”
“Not on humans—not anymore. And Dani…she’s human, but she’s a witch and can spare the chi. But I won’t touch her when I’m this hungry. It’s just too dangerous.” I stared at him, deciding blunt would be best. “Archer…”
But I didn’t have to get into it. His eyes glittered as he looked me up and down. “I’ve never bedded a succubus before.”
“Then it goes two ways. I’ve never fucked a chaos demon before. You’ll help me out?”
“On one condition.” He motioned to the table. “If they promise to leave us some chicken.”
Nate snorted. “We will. But only if you take it out of the room. It’s been too long for me, and I sure as hell don’t want to watch.”
Dani just laughed. “Go get busy so we can talk over whatever the information is that you found. Lily will be able to think better once she’s got her honey pot satisfied.”
I snorted. “Nice mouth there.”
“You should know; you’ve kissed it before.” And with a wave, she turned back to the table.
Feeling awkward but so hungry that I could have fucked Archer right there on the kitchen floor, I led him toward the stairs. “We’ll be back in awhile. Be careful and don’t open the door for anybody. If anything happens, feel free to interrupt us but don’t worry about any loud thumps or shrieks.”
As we headed upstairs, I hesitated. I hadn’t allo
wed any of my clients to enter my private bedroom. My friends had been there, but only to look at clothes or smell perfume. Clients were entertained in the salon. So it felt new…allowing Archer in.
As we entered the room, I paused. “Listen. I don’t think the Souljacker can get in now, but keep your guard up as much as possible.”
“I hope to keep more than that up, girl,” he said with a lazy smile. “But set your mind at ease. I brought a ward with me that will secure the house for the next four hours. I’m not about to get involved with this case unless I’m also protected. I may not be on the hit list, but neither am I interested in being collateral damage. And before you ask, you inferred right. There is a hit list, and it is the Souljacker after you and your friends.”
He pulled a small talisman out of his pocket. I immediately sensed something fill the room—a force that seemed to engulf and shroud the walls. The energy raced along like an electrical streak. As I closed my eyes, I could sense it surround my entire home.
“I want one of those. Permanently.”
“That would cost you a king’s fortune.” Archer turned to me. “So…” He reached out slowly, taking my hand. “You need to feed.” His voice was low, and a roiling heat crackled off his body.
“I’m so hungry, I’m almost sick from it.”
His proximity made my stomach lurch. He was even more handsome close up and every nerve on my body began to jangle as my breath grew short. His lips, his wonderfully full lips, were close to mine. His gaze slinked over my body, starting at my feet and working their way up to my breasts and then my face.
“Do you like what you see?”
“Yes, I do, but I think I’ll like what I feel even better.” He laughed, slow and rich, and the sound of his voice rippled through me.
I dropped my head back, moaning softly as he drew me in, anchoring my waist with one hand as he backed me against the nearest wall. He crushed my mouth with his, lips warm and full against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back, drawing energy from his breath as the chi passed through my lips like a warm gust of summer heat. The strength of his life force was immense and it shook me to the core.