Angels and Hunters (Stoker Sisters 2) Page 9

  “Oh, I see.” Frank leaned in. “You're here about a particularly pretty blond.”

  Keegan hid his surprise. “Sadie?”

  “She’s the one, isn’t she?”

  “You mean the Angel?”

  Frank shot him an avuncular grin. “That and perhaps the girl who has really touched your heart.”

  “I’m not exactly sure about that.” Keegan thought of Alexis, wondering if she could possibly be the Angel. Stranger things had happened. All her drama and rebellion could just be for show. Beneath it all, she could be the pure one, the angel amongst vampires. She certainly had the mouth to end the feud between Strigois and good vampires.

  Alexis had helped him when he’d been attacked, even taking the time to bring him to the hospital. Not many aspiring Strigois would do that. Though he’d not known she was a vampire back then, he now realized how hungry she must have been that night, after all she’d been out to get a meal. Yet she’d shoved that aside in order to tend to his wellbeing.

  It made sense. Somewhere in there, beneath the hard veneer and sharp tongue, was the little girl who sought approval and praise. She’d proved that night just how kind hearted she truly was. She hid it so well, this good little girl, but she could very well be an Angel, just like Sadie.

  “Frank,” Keegan said, his heart heavy with the thought of Sadie lost out there with that weasel. “Sadie was in here with Ashley.”

  “I believe his name is…”

  “I know perfectly well what his name is. It just sticks to my tongue and refuses to emerge as it should.” Ignoring Frank’s amused grin, he brought more urgency to his question. “Why did you allow Sadie to leave with him?”

  “You don’t see the whole picture.”

  “Then enlighten me. Ashley is a Strigoi and when he strolled in here neither you nor Martha batted an eye. You didn’t alert me or any other hunter.”

  “He may be a Strigoi, but…”

  “What did he tell you to win such trust from you?”

  “Don’t get on the defensive, Hunter.”

  Keegan grinded his teeth on hearing Frank’s derogatory tone.

  “I should be just as wary of you as Ashwin. You're our enemy, remember?”

  Busying his hands with the folding and unfolding of a paper napkin, Keegan kept his gaze on the counter. He couldn’t argue that point with Frank.

  “Ashwin is more than just an average Strigoi. He’s strong. Much stronger than you can imagine. Maybe it’s because he’s one of the Ancients before he went to Skars.”

  “That hardly changes anything. He’s still a Strigoi.”

  “Keegan,” Frank said softly as he leaned closer. “Ashwin saved Martha’s life.”

  “I’m sure he had his own reasons for doing so.”

  Taking a quick glance at Martha at the other end of the restaurant, Frank shook his head.

  “She was on Skars’ death list. As one of Dracule’s followers, she was to be eliminated should she choose not to join Skars’ forces. Ashwin had her, right there in his clutches and of course Martha refused to have anything to do with Skars.”

  “Let me guess, he let her go.”

  “Yes.”

  “Right.”

  “That Bulgarian prince had a change of heart, Keegan, just like you did.”

  “Perhaps it’s simply Martha who has an overpowering hold on everyone.”

  Frank frown his lack of amusement at the remark. “You need to relax, kid.”

  “Yeah, right. I’m trying to figure out what that wuss wants with Sadie and I should relax,” Keegan said with an annoyed smirk. “Other than charming her straight into Skars’ hands, I can’t see what he’s doing with her.”

  “Maybe the same thing you're trying to do.” The soft feminine voice wafted from across the bar carrying an edge of wisdom with it.

  Feeling the sudden wave of heat sneaking up on him, Keegan glanced at Martha who just looked at him with loving pity.

  “You're not the only one to have noticed just how attractive she is,” she went on. “I think Ashwin could really be in love with her.”

  “In love?” Keegan echoed in disbelief.

  Her smile broadening as she approached, Martha came around the bar and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “You know, Ashwin may actually be trying to protect Sadie from you.”

  “Get serious.”

  “You are a hunter, Keegan,” she argued. “You may be a lovesick hunter, but a hunter nonetheless.”

  “So you really think she’s safe with him?”

  “He’s not Skars,” Frank interjected. “If anything, he loathes Skars and everything he stands for. He’ll do everything he can to keep Sadie away from Skars.” Frank straightened up and looked at Keegan. “Besides, she didn’t really give me the impression of being a frail flower. Despite her delicate beauty, she looked pretty headstrong and capable. After all, she’s Dracule’s daughter. I bet she can stand up for herself well enough.”

  “She may have the power of a vampire, but she’s not that strong. She needs protection, true protection. That pansy can hardly be trusted to be with Sadie.”

  Martha giggled. “Trusted to protect her or trusted to simply be with her. I do believe you’re allowing a little green monster to take over, Keegan.”

  “I have no time for useless emotions like jealousy. My only concern is in keeping her away from Skars.” The flash of an image of Sadie in Ashwin’s arms came to Keegan’s mind and he fought to keep from crumpling the tattered napkin he still nervously played with. Sadie wasn’t his girl. Despite what he’d seen in her eyes – the affection, longing and caring – he had made it clear to her they weren’t a pair.

  “Opposites…” Martha whispered as her eyes rolled up to the ceiling.

  “We’re a little more than simple opposites. We’re literally on opposing teams. She’s about as far from being the right type of girl for me as a girl can get. She may as well be the lamb to my cougar, the small fish to my shark, the…”

  “Yeah, I see where you're going with all this, but that doesn’t change the fact that you love…”

  Keegan’s mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t listen anymore to anyone around him...his mind was on Sadie. Her soft skin against his rough stubble. The silky long hair through his calloused fingers. She was everything he wasn’t… and everything he needed. Lord help him, he did love her, and he loved her with a fierceness he had never experienced. “I have to find her.”

  “You better believe you do.”

  Keegan would have recognized that sultry and raspy voice anywhere.

  “And since you know where to look…”

  The click of her heels sounded against the hardwood floor and every pair of eyes in the place turned towards the door. Keeping his cool, Keegan turned, unhurried and relaxed. He was not about to be frazzled by the likes of Alexis.

  “Wah…” he uttered beneath his breath as he laid his eyes on her. Her jeans were virtually painted on and the delicate fabric of her sheer blouse fluttered angelically about her, all while revealing far too much of her devilishly toned body. Cleavage exposing part of her breasts, high, firm and enticing, beckoned him.

  Damn it. How could she affect him so?

  “Hey, baby,” a young college guy called out. “If you’re looking for some real action, I’m your man.”

  No doubt accustomed to such attention, Alexis eyed the guy with cool reserve then directed her gaze and stride to Keegan.

  “Ah, come on, honey,” another college student called out as he wrapped his arm around two obviously inebriated buddies. “We’re here to party. Join the fun.”

  Though she refused to look their way, Keegan saw the curve of pride at the corners of her mouth.

  “Afraid we’ll be too much for you, sweetie?” The tallest one among the young group called out.

  Keegan recognized them from earlier when they’d ogled Sadie. Did they realize they were now all over her sister?

  “Maybe she’s more of a prude than she’s le
t on,” the drunk called out. “Tease!”

  “Yeah,” his buddy shouted. “Tease.”

  “Tease,” they all shouted in unison.

  Her gaze shifted. It was almost imperceptible at first, but Keegan saw the challenge in her eyes. She flipped back the thick waves of wild curls and winked at him. “I’ll take care of you in a minute,” she whispered before strutting off to tend to her admirers.

  “Oooh,” they chanted.

  “Coming over to teach us a lesson?” one ventured.

  Her stride was slow and deliberate as she swayed her hips, licked her lips and shook her hair until it fell wantonly over her face.

  “My God, does she know how to play a room,” Martha muttered in awe.

  The men hushed, enraptured by the vision that approached them. A few even backed away.

  “I’m looking for action,” she rasped. “So,” she went on, looking at the first guy who’d called to her. “You're my man, huh?”

  “Umm.” He licked his lips, hungry and nervous as he stood his ground.

  She grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulled him to her, crushing her breasts to his chest. “Let’s see.” She pressed her lips to his, plundered his mouth with her tongue, then traced her lips along his jaw and up to his ear where she whispered.

  Keegan, along with every other patron in the restaurant, male or female, watched Alexis turn the poor young man into pudding. When she finally released him, his lips were thick, his eyes bleary and his knees barely able to hold him up.

  “Not bad,” Alexis muttered as she dusted her hands off of his shirt. “But I wouldn’t go off bragging about it.”

  Twirling about with a swing of her hips, she returned to Keegan, every step forward blowing her hair back and giving her an allure that was virtually impossible to resist.

  Sadie, Keegan reminded himself. Sadie is the one I want.

  “Now, let’s get down to business.”

  Silently, Keegan waited for her to go on.

  “Can I see you outside?”

  “Lucky guy,” one of the college guys said in a feeble attempt to rile the gang up again.

  Slipping off the stool, Keegan shot a glance at Frank and Martha. “Thanks for everything. Apparently I’m wanted outside.”

  As he followed the sultry movements of Alexis’ hips, he tried to remember who was really important to him… Sadie.

  But the moment he stepped outside and turned the corner of the building he was jumped. Within seconds, his duster was stripped off him, along with every weapon he’d brought with him.

  “The famous Keegan Knowles,” a sweet but seductively raspy voice whispered in his ear.

  He turned to face the delicate and exquisite features of a petite woman. “The famous Delilah Wu,” he said. How long had he been hunting her? A hundred, two hundred years? And here she was, black spike heels, tight black dress and luscious red lips… definitely more of a woman than he’d anticipated. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “As I have you, Mr. Knowles.” She leaned in to sniff him. “And that scent. Very enticing, interesting.”

  He couldn’t help the arrogant grin that came to his lips.

  “I’ll keep my distance,” Delilah added. “If not I may very well give up container blood and sink my teeth into him.”

  “So, you smell it, too?” Alexis approached and took a whiff. “I was taken in the very first time I smelled him… and it was only a remnant of his scent on Sadie’s backpack. We were both completely taken in by him.”

  “I commend you both,” Delilah said with an impressed cock of her brow. “It must not have been easy. You two are still relatively young and new at the world of vampirism and showing such restraint is something I’ve only rarely seen over the years.”

  Keegan watched the exchange and was stunned when he actually saw a hint of humility in Alexis. Though the lighting wasn’t optimal, he could have sworn he’d seen her blush.

  “It was hard, harder than I would have thought, but we managed.”

  The two women turned to Keegan, their lips parted, their tongue hungering as their eyes devoured him.

  “He is a good-looking guy,” Delilah said, patting Alexis on the shoulder.

  Tempted to point out how impolite it was to speak of him as though he weren’t even there, Keegan simply stood his ground in silence. Though he’d befriended Alexis when he’d first met Sadie, their relationship was now limited to that of hunter and vampire. He really didn’t have anything much to discuss with her.

  But keeping quiet and still didn’t keep Delilah from finally ending the idolizing and getting down to business. In the blink of an eye she was all over him, pushing him to the wall and pressing her fingers into his throat.

  “Where’s Sadie, Hunter?”

  “I don’t know,” he choked out, his Adam’s apple stressing against her hold.

  “You're smart, Hunter,” Delilah moaned. “Too smart to let Sadie out of your sight.”

  Alexis nudged Delilah aside and came in close to Keegan, her fierce blue eyes staring right through him. “Listen to me, Keeg. We can do this the hard way if you insist, or we can do this the hard way.”

  Keegan knew that look, knew the threat and though he tried to fight the compulsion, he felt his will wither away.

  “Now, why did he have to go and be so darn cute?” Alexis asked Delilah. “I mean, look at this guy. Strong, sweet, sexy, yet so darned innocent you just want to scoop him up and hug him forever.”

  She came closer, sucked in a breath as he exhaled, and covered his mouth with her lips. The kiss was deep and passionate, demanding and giving. She pressed him to the wall, the swell of her breasts welcomed and exciting against his chest.

  “Get a grip, Alexis,” Delilah cut in. “We need to get a few answers from him before you turn him into a completely useless mound of mush.”

  Stepping back, Alexis sighed. “Heavens. Sorry, I lost myself for a moment there. I’ve wanted to taste him for so long. But Sadie… damn she was always in the way.”

  Taking in the sultry sight of him a moment longer, Alexis smiled. The smile disappeared and her hand made a quick job of bringing him back to the reality of the situation.

  She turned to Delilah. “Proceed.”

  “What happened?” Keegan asked. His lips felt swollen and hot. And the scent of vampire was closer than it should be… on him, in him.

  “Injustice,” Alexis answered as she turned away. “Sadie always gets the guy.”

  “We don’t have all night, Keegan. Skars and Ashwin are out to do her great harm. So where is Sadie?” Delilah said.

  “I told you I don’t know where she is.” He looked at them and knew they truly wanted what was best for Sadie. “All I know is that Ashwin has her.”

  “You're one of the world’s most successful vampire hunters. If you really put your mind to it, I’m sure you’d find her.”

  “And you're one of the world’s more famous and ancient vampires, with powers that far outshine mine. Why don’t you just tap into her thoughts and go after her?”

  Creasing her brow with concern, Delilah shook her head. “Ashwin is as ancient as I am and his powers are well honed. He’s blocking me, shutting me out of Sadie’s mind.

  “That pansy? He’s blocking you?” The man had barely seemed capable of swatting a fly, never mind blocking telephathic powers. But thoughts of the last time he’d seen the ancient Lord and prince were swept away as he took in just how attractive and enticing the old Delilah was. So unlike what he’d envisioned. She was a rare beauty, made all the more appealing with the wisdom, power and wit she had.

  “I’m impressed,” Alexis threw in. “I didn’t really think Ashwin had such power. It’s thrilling.”

  Keegan shot her a hard glance. Could she really be taken in by that fruit? His jaw tightened as he realized the hold Ashwin had on both girls.

  “Unfortunately, yes.” Delilah grimaced. “As Dracule’s progeny.” The grimace turned to wistfulness. “He’s also quite the
charmer. He even had me going for a while.”

  Alexis looked shocked, something that both amused and surprised Keegan. Did she really think Ashwin hadn’t practiced his charms on others before her?

  The night went silent for a moment as Delilah reached out to grip Alexis’ wrist, her gaze suddenly distant and intent. “Ashwin has faltered. I was able to get through to Sadie.”

  “Where is she?”

  “Get in the car,” Delilah shouted. “She knows she has to leave. She’s just realizing the danger she’s in.”

  Chapter 13

  “I’ve brought some of that old world charm in to blend with many of the more contemporary lines,” Ashwin said as he led Sadie through the foyer and up the grand staircase. “Art deco really inspired me, but I also fell in love with some aspects of country French.”

  “You certainly do have an eye for color and texture. Every room has its own personality and flair.”

  Ashwin opened the door to a pleasant bedroom that was alive with color. Bright and colorful, it was a splash of sunshine with a touch of whimsy and fun.

  “I didn’t really think you were the daisy type, Ashwin.”

  “It’s a favorite among guests’ children.” He pushed another door open. “This one is preferred by guests who are stressed and pressed by the rigors of business life. Very Zen.”

  Taupe, black and eggshell white streaked across the room in straight lines with no fuss or muss. The furniture was tasteful, but lacked ornamentation of any kind.

  “Not my cup of tea,” he admitted, “but many enjoy the simplicity.”

  When they reached the last door down at the end of the eastern wing, Ashwin paused. His hand on the doorknob, he leaned closer to Sadie. “This room will tell you exactly the man that I truly am.”

  Sadie smiled as Ashwin pushed the door open to reveal his room. Strong and masculine, the room lacked frills and flora. The furniture, dark, heavy oak, was skillfully crafted without being overly ornate. The hardwood floors were darker than the remainder of the house, although a rich and thick rug was thrown beneath the bed.

  Earth tones blended well with the occasional scattering of brushed silver and heavy pewter. The bed, massive with its four posters and heavy drapes, took center stage.