Chapter Six

Things were not going as planned. He’d taken more blood from the man in the parking lot than he’d intended. The donor would be fine, but he usually had a lot more control. Something about this job, about being around Cassie, was messing with him.

It had gone beyond speculation. She knew he was other. She was either a very well-informed human or she was other as well. If he had to bet, he’d put his money on the latter. He still had no clue exactly what that was.

“I won’t hurt you,” he hastened to assure her.

She snorted. “As if you could.”

Now that was telling. She was wary but honestly not afraid. “What are you?” he asked.

“I asked you first,” she countered.

In spite of the tenseness of the situation, her boldness made him smile. Most people answered him when he asked them questions. She countered with her own.

“You find me amusing?”

“I find you incredible.” That seemed to take her aback. A song came on the jukebox, a slow country ballad. “Dance with me?”

Where the hell had that come from? He wasn’t exactly known for his dancing skills, but he’d give just about anything to hold Cassie in his arms. It would also keep anyone from overhearing their conversation.

“What?” She frowned, seeming as perplexed by his request as he was for making it.

“Dance with me.” He angled his head toward the patrons sitting around the room, knowing she’d understand.

Her frown deepened.

“Just one and I’ll tell you everything,” he promised.

“One,” she echoed. Ditching the cloth in her hand, she walked around the counter. He led her toward the jukebox. Every eye in the place was on them.

Ignoring them all, he looped his arms around her waist. Her amazing wildflower scent filled his nostrils. She stood stiffly in his arms. This was a mistake.

He was about to apologize and release her when she sighed and relaxed against him. They weren’t really dancing, more swaying from side to side.

Taking a chance, he eased her closer, trapping her hands between them. Even though he had more than a foot in height on her, they fit together perfectly. If she were so inclined, she could rest her head against his heart. Deep contentment, something he’d never experienced, washed over him.

It was crazy to get so intimately involved with her, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Something about her called to his more primitive side. His bear wanted to keep her. His vampire side was fascinated. And the man, well, he wanted to hold her in his arms forever.

The professional whispered caution.

The music played on. Time was short. She’d said one song and would hold him to it. He hated to break the beauty of the moment, but the clock was ticking.

“What kind of family did you run from?” Before he could make any decision about his next move, he needed facts.

She shook her head, her earrings dancing and sparkling in the light. “Oh no, you don’t. I asked you first.” When he hesitated, she reminded him, “You promised.” Both of them were keeping their voices low, even though there was little chance of anyone overhearing them.

“Polar.” He’d keep the part about him being a hybrid to himself for a while. Even among his own kind, he was viewed as a freak and an abomination.

There was an edge to her laugh that bothered him. “Of course you are. And to think I was worried about you walking home in the cold last night. You must have laughed your ass off.”

No way could he let her believe that. He shook his head. “No. I thought it was the kindest thing anyone had ever done for me.”

That silenced her. She tilted her head to one side, studying him. “You mean that, don’t you?”

He gave an abrupt nod. Before he could say anything else, the song ended, and the cook called out from the kitchen.

Their interlude was over, and he still had no idea what she was. She looked torn between ignoring Pete and questioning Alexei further. Finally, she slipped out of his arms and ducked behind the bar. While he took his seat, she began ferrying plates back and forth, slamming them onto the counter in front of him.

Another song started to play on the jukebox, this one more up-tempo. The patrons, who’d made no secret they’d been watching, resumed their own conversations. Pool balls cracked. Male laughter rang out.

After she delivered the pizza, she crossed her arms over her chest, the pose a defensive one. “I’m not looking for trouble.”

He was hungry but for once ignored food. The urge to pledge his protection was overwhelming. It didn’t come from his brain but his heart. He usually thought things through, weighing facts and possibilities before making judgments, but around her, he was more a creature of instinct.

He kept his mouth shut because there was still a sizeable bounty out on her, and he was one of the Forgotten Brotherhood, with all the responsibilities and expectations that came with that.

His food was getting cold, but it didn’t matter. Nothing was as important as Cassie. Nothing. Whatever she was, whoever was after her, it was his job to keep her safe.

She belonged to him. Now all he had to do was convince her of that.

Easy.

From the first moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d known she’d complicate his life.

He still wasn’t sorry he’d found her.

Someone wanted her dead. It was supposed to be his task. Everything had flipped upside down. Now, she was his to defend. Didn’t get more complicated than that.

The door opened, letting in a blast of cool air that he enjoyed. It also brought with it a scent of something darker on the wind. He sniffed to double check.

Things are about to get even more complicated.

“Vamp,” he whispered under his breath. Outwardly he remained calm. Inwardly, every sense went on high alert. It was too much of a coincidence that one would simply show up here.

Cassie heard him, but so did the bloodsucker. He claimed no kinship with them. They tended to travel in small packs. Most of them ate responsibly, living and working alongside people, but every now and again a group would go rabid, wreaking havoc and going on a rampage of bloodlust and death. That usually led to one of his brethren being brought in by the Vampire Council to deal with the problem.

“This is the last thing I need.” She seemed more peeved than anything. Now he really wanted to know what she was that neither a polar shifter nor vamp scared her.

He reached for the pizza, helping himself to a large slice. Best to keep his energy up if there was the possibility he’d have to tangle with a bloodsucker.

She shot him an incredulous look. “Really? You’re just going to eat?”

“I’m hungry,” he told her around a mouthful of pepperoni.

The newcomer sidled up to the bar, taking the stool two down from Alexei. Cassie glared at him. “We don’t serve what you want in here.”

She was bold, he’d give her that. He kept eating, looking relaxed, but was ready to move if it became necessary. Most people—normal and paranormal—took one look at him and thought slow and plodding. But the melding of both parts of him made him incredibly fast.

“My name is Damian.” He smiled and flashed some fang.

“Good for you,” she shot back. “Is that your real name or did you make it up because you thought it made you sound cool?” Alexei barely contained a snort of laughter at her audacity. Her sassy side appealed to him.

The newcomer continued as though she hadn’t interrupted him. “I think you do have what I want.” He gave her a not-so-subtle onceover before glancing at the back room where Buck and Tiny were engaged in a game of pool.

“You leave them alone,” she shot back.

He barely refrained from wincing. Last thing she should have done was let the vamp know that these people were important to her. She’d shown Damian a weakness. And there was no other creature alive that exploited a weakness as well. They were sly and devious.

Was he biased because of his personal experience? Probably. But he was okay with that.

Sensing Alexei studying him, the male’s smile widened as he swiveled on the stool. “What do we have here?” He sniffed dramatically. “Bear. I don’t know what kind. You all smell the same to me.”

The insult didn’t bother him in the least. He didn’t get upset by lowly idiots who didn’t know any better.

“Vamp.” He nodded his head in acknowledgment. Since he’d finished off the pizza, which had been delicious, he reached for the nachos.

“You shifters are all about food. Always eating.”

“And you’re not?” she interjected, getting Damian’s attention once again. She seemed angry. Was it on his behalf? Because of the insult? He shook his head. No, of course not. That was wishful thinking on his part. She was pissed because this nightcrawler was in her place of work, in her chosen home.

Just who was Cassie?

“Cassandra Dobbs, I presume.” He gave a half bow. It seemed so natural that it made Alexei take a second look. This was no youngster. He had to be at least a couple hundred years old. Huh, interesting.

“Why are you here?” she demanded.

The dark-haired man shrugged. “Maybe I came for the weather. All this darkness is delicious.”

“Less people,” she pointed out.

He listened intently as he continued to make serious inroads in the food in front of him. He catalogued every word and nuance spoken, watched every reaction. The vampire was relaxed, for now.

“Where’s the rest of your pack?” Alexei asked. Was he waiting for reinforcements? It was a myth that vampires were solitary. They needed people to survive. Preferred to be surrounded by those of their own kind. The lone vampire was mostly a romantic myth, although there were some solitary ones. They were usually the most dangerous. And unhinged.

“Alas, I am but a single weary traveler on the road.”

“Bullshit.” She rested her hands on her hips.

She was magnificent. Her short hair accentuated the angles of her face, giving her an exotic look. Her lips were full and a deep shade of pink, her natural coloring bumped up with lipstick. Her eyes appeared larger. It was a trick of makeup, but it worked for her. Her earrings sparkled in the light whenever she moved her head. The form-fitting jeans and deep purple top she wore hugged her curves. In short, she was perfection.

And he wanted her. Naked and in his arms. Maybe inappropriate considering the situation, but he could multitask—defend her while daydreaming about future possibilities.

But it was the expression in her eyes, her indomitable spirit that he was coming to admire. She wasn’t frightened in the least, not even with two powerful paranormals sitting across from her. And it wasn’t an act. Her heart rate was normal, and she wasn’t sweating, either.

It was impressive. And sexy as hell.

“You going to order something?” she demanded. “Or just take up space?”

Damian’s pleasant facade wavered slightly. “Not much hospitality to be found here, is there?”

She snorted. “You want hospitality, go raid a morgue. I’m sure the dead would enjoy your company.” She batted her eyelashes at him in a flirtatious manner, but the coldness in her eyes told another story.

Wow, she wasn’t pulling punches. Fascinated, he shoved aside the empty dishes and leaned his forearms on the scarred wooden counter. While Cassie had his attention, he was very aware of the other male at all times.

“I like the company here.” When Damian reached across the counter, he clamped his hand around the guy’s wrist.

“You don’t touch her,” he told the other man.

He pulled away. “Feeling protective, are we? Odd, I assumed you were here for the same reason as me.”

“And what reason is that?” Cassie sounded almost bored, but he knew better. There was a slight tension that hadn’t been there before.

“Why, to collect the sizeable bounty on your head.”

…

Shit. She’d suspected, but now the truth was undeniable. Her family was trying to kill her. Even though she’d known it was a possibility when she’d left, it still left her feeling as though she’d been kicked in the gut.

Or were they trying to end her?

Neither paranormal could destroy her. While Damian’s motives weren’t in doubt, Alexei’s were another matter altogether. He’d had ample opportunities to try to take her down but hadn’t. If anything, he seemed almost…protective.

Why send them after her?

Trackers. Now, that made sense. They didn’t know where she was and couldn’t trace her. But vampires and shifters had other skills they could use to sniff her out. Both lived in the world and could navigate it, something beyond most reapers as they didn’t have to, had never learned. Somehow, someway, both men had found her.

And if they had, there would be more.

It was time to get the hell out of town.

She swallowed the disappointment welling inside her.

Grow up.

After all the years she’d lived and everything she’d seen, she knew better. People always had an ulterior motive.

Alexei was attractive, and dancing with him had been a sensual experience, much like foreplay, but she’d always known their relationship couldn’t move past the fantasy stage.

Sucked to be proved right. He’d tracked her, had come with the intention of executing her, if the vamp was to be believed.

Why hadn’t he made an attempt?

So many questions.

But first, she had to deal with Damian. He’d threatened people she considered under her protection. She’d stayed here too long, allowed herself to get attached. It was unwise on her part, but she’d done it anyway.

Now she’d have to pay the price.

A vamp wouldn’t be concerned about maintaining the balance. But wasn’t her family’s interference throwing off the natural order?

Trying to understand what constituted keeping the balance was sometimes difficult, which was why reapers kept their heads down and did their jobs. Mistakes weren’t easily overlooked or forgiven.

The tension in the room ramped up so much that the patrons started getting restless. Several of them rose and silently left. Buck came out from the pool area and took in the situation.

“Everything okay here?” He might be old, but he would fight if he thought she was in danger. He was honest and good and incredibly kind. It was no wonder he and Tiny got along so well. They were kindred spirits.

“I’m fine.” She waved him off.

“Nothing to worry about here, old man.” Damian stared hard at him. “Just go on back to your game.”

The vamp was using mind control. Oh no, he wasn’t. Not on her friends. She vaulted over the bar.

Buck’s eyes went blank and he turned around. Tiny had finished his shot and now joined them. “What’s going on? What’s wrong with Buck?”

She didn’t know what to do. With her abilities leashed, she was at a disadvantage. If she released them, that would be a beacon, allowing others to pinpoint her location. If anyone died, that would bring one of her kind in a big hurry.

Either way, I’m screwed.

Alexei muscled his way in front of her and shoved the other paranormal male aside. He gently touched Buck’s shoulder. “Look at me.”

The older man blinked and shook himself, coming out of the daze. “Hey, Alexei.” He seemed confused as to why he was the center of attention. “What happened?”

“I think you’re tired and maybe had too much excitement this evening.” She took charge of the situation and gave Tiny a smile. “Could you take him home?”

As she’d known he would, he immediately tossed his pool stick on the table. “Sure thing.” He draped his arm around Buck to offer support. “Marlene is off with the women tonight. Why don’t you come on over to my place? I’ve got plenty of snacks. We can watch a movie or something.”

Buck nodded and collected his belongings. In under a minute, they were gone. In that time, the rest of the place had cleared out.

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if they’d be okay on the way home, but she didn’t want to draw more attention to them. Damian wasn’t paying them any attention for the moment. He was too busy staring at Alexei, as though he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“How did you do that?” he demanded.

Alexei didn’t answer. No surprise there. He might be a man of few words, but there was no denying he was powerful. He’d broken the thrall. Something she’d thought only another, more powerful vampire could do.

She was as curious as Damian.

Now that it was only paranormals in the place, she relaxed, but only slightly. She couldn’t let her guard down for one second. She had to somehow get rid of both men without there being any blood spilled, but not before getting the information she needed.

Contrary to what most people might believe, her kind didn’t kill. Their sole purpose was to guide the newly dead to where they belonged. But she had. Which was why Death was probably very concerned about her being AWOL. If she decided to go on a killing spree, only he or a powerful group of senior reapers could stop her.

Yeah, she was just that good.

“Who hired you?” she demanded, going on the offensive.

His frown deepened. “I don’t know and don’t care. The money is good. And it’s a challenge. A kill I can make without repercussions.”

The absurdity of the lie made her smile. Someone was playing with the guy. Not only couldn’t he end her, but if he somehow managed, the fallout would be on scale with a nuclear war.

“That amuses you?” His eyes turned red and his fangs dropped. As did all pretence of civility.

“I find it hilarious. They didn’t hire you to kill me.” She eyed both men, more curious about Alexei’s reaction. “They sent you after me as bait, hoping I’ll take you out so they can find me.”

“Impossible. I’m a three-hundred-year-old vampire. There’s no one more dangerous than me.”

“Don’t get out much, do you?” Alexei’s reply was so unexpected that she laughed.

Damian leaped into the air, his body hurtling toward her at an inhuman speed. She ducked, ready to defend herself, but he never reached her. In a blur of motion, Alexei seized him and tossed him across the room.

She winced as the wall separating the pool area from the main room became little more than kindling. That was going to be a costly repair.

Alexei lumbered toward him, head lowered, fists clenched. “You don’t touch her.”

Wow, that was unexpected and…nice. No one ever protected her. Most people avoided her like the plague. Death followed wherever she went.

Damian jumped back to his feet and wiped a drop of blood from the corner of his mouth before licking it from the tip of his finger. “You’ll pay for that.”

“Walk away,” Alexei told him. Cassie wasn’t sure if she was impressed he was giving the other man an out or if she should be worried. He’d come here this evening to execute her, which meant he’d do the same to Alexei to get to her.

After tossing him through a wall, she figured Damian would find it very necessary to end him for the insult alone.

What if it had been nothing more than sheer luck that Alexei had stopped him? He was quick, but he was a shifter. Vamps were deadly and fast. She had no idea which one of them was actually stronger.

“No plodding polar is going to stop me.” He shot her a glare, looking past Alexei to her. “And whatever you are, I’m going to drink your blood.”

She shook her head and sighed. Why couldn’t life be easy, just for once? After an eternity of service, you’d think she’d deserve retirement, or at least a prolonged vacation.

It wasn’t fair.

But if she’d learned anything over the course of her existence, it was that life wasn’t fair. Not in the least. The fates and gods were capricious, granting and removing favor on a whim. If there was a plan, she couldn’t see it.

She could philosophize later. Now was the time to fight. Something else she’d never done before. Never had to.

She really wasn’t equipped to fend off attackers. Her only recourse was to kill them. And damn Death and the rest of them. They knew that.

“Go away.” Alexei moved in front of her, a giant wall of muscle and bone. He was so broad, so wide, she had to peer around him to see Damian.

“You’ve got more balls than brains, my friend.” He dusted some sawdust from the arm of his jacket. “Move aside and I’ll make your death quick.”

There were no more warnings, no more words at all. One second, Alexei was standing in front of her, the next, his large fist smashed through the other man’s chest. When he pulled his hand back, he had the vampire’s heart in his hand.

Damian’s eyes widened. His mouth fell open. Then he dropped to the floor.

“What have you done?” Horrified, she moved toward the downed man, but it was too late. His body was already starting to disintegrate.

Alexei ignored her and unleashed his powerful claws, as sharp and deadly as titanium daggers. He brought them down, sweeping across Damian’s neck, severing his head from his spine.

“Vamps are tricky. You have to remove the heart and head to be sure they won’t rise again.”

At least she didn’t have to clean up a bloody mess. Already what was left of him was shriveling and becoming ash.

“Older they are, quicker they crumble,” he told her. His claws retracted. “You okay?”

“Am I okay?” Even to her own ears she sounded a tad hysterical. She sucked in a breath. “Calm. Stay calm, Cassie.” She flinched when Alexei reached for her. He frowned, and a profound sadness filled his eyes. “Sorry, but you just destroyed a vampire in the middle of the bar.”

His brows lowered and he appeared deeply concerned. “There wasn’t time to take him outside.”

God, her bear was so literal. And when had he become hers?

When he’d killed for her. Maybe it was all an elaborate ruse so she’d drop her guard, but it was a chance she’d have to take. A death would bring one of her people to the area. They didn’t have much time.

“We need to get out of here. Now.” She ran for the door, but somehow he beat her to it. He really was fast.

“Let me go first.” He opened the door and peered out. “Clear. Let’s go.”

She’d never been more grateful to live above where she worked. She raced up the stairs with him right behind her. Her hands shook as she dug out her keys. Alexei simply reached around her, gripped the handle, and gave it a hard push. The door cracked, and the lock snapped.

As soon as it opened, she was inside. It took only seconds for her to grab the knapsack she kept packed for such an event. She took the time to scoop up her collection of earrings and toss them into an outer pocket of the bag. Then she quickly pulled on a heavy coat and slipped the bag over her shoulder before bolting down the stairs once again.

“Hurry.” She lengthened her strides, her boots crunching against the snow. She could almost feel a reaper breathing down their necks. The urge to use her abilities was almost more than she could resist.

Vampires might be considered undead, but their souls didn’t leave them during their transition to creature of the night. Now that his body was ash and his existence ended for good, his restless spirit hovered nearby, waiting to be shown the way.

If one of her kind didn’t show up quick enough to an unscheduled death—and it was unscheduled, otherwise someone would have been there when it happened—the restless spirit called. Sometimes the person’s essence slipped away, going into an in-between world where they’d be trapped. It wasn’t pleasant and was something everyone wanted to avoid.

Once again, Alexei asked no questions. The air around him shimmered. What was happening? His body began to change shape, his clothes ripping and falling away. He fell forward, and by the time he hit the ground, he was a massive polar bear with thick white fur.

Whoa. Talk about impressive. Fast, too.

She threw her hands out in front of her as deadly paws—the size of large serving platters—enfolded her and took her to the ground. The breath was knocked out of her, but she fought.

He simply chuffed so loudly her hair rippled and the snow around them swirled like the inside of a snow globe.

She stopped beating at his arms long enough to realize his razor-sharp claws were tucked away and his hold was protective, not crushing. He covered her like a big, furry blanket. With his head tucked down in the snowy landscape, he’d appear to be nothing more than a snowbank.

What is he doing?

Deciding to trust him, she went limp in his grasp. He pulled her under him, sharing his body heat. Barely daring to breathe, she waited and waited and waited.

There was a ripple in the air. Something called to her.

They’re here.

And they were trying to draw her out of hiding.

Instinctually, her body moved toward them. But Alexei wasn’t letting her go anywhere. With his huge furry arms around her and the bulk of his massive body resting on her, she couldn’t move.

And if they became aware of her presence, Alexei would be the one to pay the price. His death would be viewed as acceptable to keep this incident quiet.

She couldn’t allow that.

She tucked her face against his chest and clung to him, burying her fingers in his thick fur. He was all dense muscle and heavy bone and was very careful not to crush her. He didn’t move, staying as still as a corpse. More like a rock. Was he even breathing?

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, but was probably only several hours, he shifted, his fur receding, his limbs reshaping. Naked, he was as impressive as he’d been as a giant polar. The wind whipped through his hair. At least his beard would keep his face warm. But the rest of him…

She shivered and scrambled to her feet.

“They’re gone.” He stared down at her. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

“Not particularly.” She rubbed the toe of her boot against the snow. Once she told him what she was, everything would change. He’d leave her and she’d be on her own again.

But it was the right thing to do.

Alexei was still waiting. He was good at it. She, on the other hand, was more impulsive.

One final time, she took him in from head to toe, enjoying the rippling muscles and especially the appendage between his legs, which wasn’t bothered by the cold one bit. She briefly regretted not sleeping with him last night when she’d had the chance. Now she’d never know what it was like to have sex with him.

And that was tragic.

Hands on his waist, he stood in the snow like another man would stand on a tropical beach. His blue eyes studied her intently.

She took a deep breath and gave him the truth. “I’m a reaper.”