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“No,” Selina said, kneeling next to him. “Damian, can you hear me?” she asked, feeling for his pulse. It was strong and steady. She let out a breath, not realizing she’d been holding it.
“We’ve got to get you downstairs,” she said more to herself than to him. While vampires are stronger than humans, Selina was not sure she could carry him all the way to her apartment.
She went down and grabbed the first aid kit from behind the bar and hurried back up, setting it next to him. As she removed the shards of wood and cleaned his arm, she didn’t realize she was singing. It was something she’d always done with the girls when they got hurt, and she did it without thinking.
As she finished bandaging his wounds, he slowly reached over and took her hand. “Don’t stop,” he whispered.
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re all right,” Selina said. “We’ve got to get you downstairs. Do you think you can walk?”
Damian nodded. “I think so,” he replied. “Just move slowly, and I’ll try to keep up.”
Selina helped him stand and supported most of his weight as they made their way down the stairs. “Keep going through the office and into my apartment,” she said, “if you think you can make it.”
“It’s easier without the stairs,” Damian admitted. As they got into the apartment, he expected her to help him to the sofa, but she took him into her bedroom. “Well, this night is definitely looking up,” he said.
“Don’t get too excited,” Selina replied. “You need sleep and my room has the largest bed.”
“Again,” Damian said with a trace of humor, which changed to pain as she helped him to the bed. “It’s all right,” he added, catching his breath, “I heal quickly.”
Selina shook her head. “Twenty minutes ago, I was scared you were...” she stopped. “I guess I should be glad you’re flirting with me. You must be feeling better.”
“Truthfully,” Damian said, “I feel terrible. I hurt all over and worse, I let the vampire get away.”
Selina pulled a chair up to the bed. “Tell me what happened.”
“I was right about someone being in the alley. I felt his presence all the way down to the waterfront, then I lost him. It was on my way back, near Pioneer Square, that I heard the screaming. He had attacked a young woman.”
Selina put her hand to her mouth. “Is she dead?”
“No,” Damian replied, “but that’s no thanks to me. Two other vampires, Diana’s associates, must have seen what happened and chased him off. I caught up to them in the Underground City, and we had a little discussion.”
“I can see that,” Selina said, looking at the bandages on his arm and chest.
“We didn’t exactly see things the same way,” Damian admitted. “The killer pretended to be the innocent victim. The other vampire, one I hadn’t seen before, got into it with me and I thought he was the murderer.”
“Diana has more associates in Seattle?” Selina asked surprised.
“Apparently, this guy is a specialist,” he said, thinking about the fight. “And he was quick. I was holding my own until he threw me into that wooden beam.”
Selina touched his cheek. “I’m just glad you came back to me. Did you recognize this other vampire? The one they were chasing?”
“No, but that’s what was odd,” Damian observed. “It wasn’t anyone I’d seen in the neighborhood. We were wrong about the neighbors, at least regarding these murders.”
“Then, why leave the bodies behind my club?” Selina asked. “It’s so frustrating.”
Damian took her hand. “Carina, I am sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Selina said. “I’m just glad you’re all right. Although, it may take you a few days to get back on your feet.” She smiled. “You’re welcome to the bed as long as you need it.”
“And where will you be sleeping?” Damian asked with an eyebrow raised. “As you mentioned, it’s a very large bed.”
Selina shook her head. “I will stay in one of the girls’ rooms. I think you’ve had enough excitement this evening. You need to get some rest.”
“I am a little tired,” Damian admitted, closing his eyes.
Selina watched him sleep for a few minutes, then stood up and walked into one of the other bedrooms. She came back with a blanket, curled up in the chair, and closed her eyes. For the next few hours, she’d stay here in case he needed her.
When Selina opened her eyes, Damian was still sleeping. It was almost seven and she checked his forehead, relieved that he didn’t have a fever. As she got up to make coffee, he opened his eyes.
“Have you been sleeping here all night?” he asked, shifting so he could sit up.
“How do you feel?” Selina asked.
“Much better,” Damian replied. He carefully moved his arm. “Still a bit sore, but nothing like last night.”
“Then, I’ll make some coffee,” Selina said. “Do you want anything to eat?”
“What do you think?” Damian asked, smiling. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a shower,” he added, looking towards her bathroom door. “Fighting in an Underground City is dirty work.”
Selina thought of the tub with bath salts and candles on the table. “Of course,” she said. “Let me get you a towel, and then I’ll start the coffee.” She walked into the bathroom and put a few things away, then came back out. “Help yourself,” she said, walking out of the room.
Damian watched her leave, wishing the evening had ended differently. As he got up and walked into the bathroom, he noticed the large tub and smiled. Very romantic, he thought to himself. When he saw the steam jets in the shower, he forgot all about the tub.
A few minutes later, Selina walked in with his suitcase and left it by the bed, then went into the kitchen and poured two cups of coffee. As she came back in, she looked at the bed and realized Damian was right...the Underground City had plenty of dirt and a good portion of it seemed to be on her sheets. She quickly stripped the bed and remade it, finishing just as Damian walked out of the bathroom. Selina glanced over and stopped what she was doing when she saw he was only wearing a towel.
“I thought you were making breakfast,” Damian said, moving closer to her. “As you can see, I’m much better this morning.”
“I, um...I was going to make breakfast. I brought you some coffee,” Selina said a little too fast.
Damian looked at the bed and saw the new sheets. “You’ve been busy,” he said, smiling.
“The sheets were dirty,” Selina replied. She was trying to concentrate on anything, but how good he looked in that towel with his hair still damp. His arm did seem better, which she focused on hoping to regain her control.
“Your arm,” she said, taking a step towards him. “Do you need me to put on another bandage?” As she got closer, she could smell the soap on his skin. Big mistake, she told herself, then looked up and saw he was staring at her. His eyes held her gaze as she tried to think of something to say.
“I...I’d better start breakfast,” Selina stammered, starting to back away.
“Suddenly, I’m not hungry,” Damian said, taking her hand, “at least not for food.”
“You’re hurt,” Selina replied as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
She stood there, willing herself to move, but all she could do was look into his eyes. “Why do you get so warm at my touch, Carina?” Damian asked, kissing her fingers one by one.
“I don’t know,” Selina replied.
“I think perhaps, you do,” Damian said, kissing her wrist.
Selina tried to breathe, but suddenly the room was too warm. It was almost overwhelming. “I need to make breakfast,” she whispered, pulling her hand away and walking out of the room.
Damian got dressed, then followed her into the kitchen. “Are you all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” Selina replied as she turned the bacon over in the skillet. “Go rest and I’ll bring you something to eat.” She tried not to think about what Apollonia had once told her. There was a legend that when a vampire falls in love, he or she would feel warmth again. She looked up at Damian. “I’ll bring you a plate,” she added, flashing him a quick smile.
“Very well,” Damian replied, walking toward the bedroom, but he stopped and looked back at her before going in. As soon as he disappeared, Selina let out a breath. This was a complication she did not need. Being attracted to him was challenging enough, but now this. She finished making breakfast and brought it into the bedroom.
“Here you are,” Selina said, setting the plate down on the nightstand with silverware and a napkin. “Would you like any juice or more coffee?”
Damian looked at the plate and smiled. “It looks delicious. More coffee would be great if it’s not too much trouble.”
Selina nodded and took the cup back into the kitchen. She was going to have to tell him something, she realized, but not until after he finished eating. She brought the coffee in and set it down. “I’d better get dressed,” she said, taking a few clothes with her. “I’ll use the guest bath,” she added as she walked out.
Damian watched her go, wondering what that was all about. He decided she would tell him when she was ready. He finished eating and stretched out on the bed, but all he could think about was her reaction when he’d kissed her hand.
When Selina came back to check on him, her hair was still damp, and she had it pulled back with two combs. “Can I get you anything?” she asked, seeing he was still awake.
“Come, sit down,” Damian said, indicating the chair next to the bed. “I want to talk to you.”
Selina sat down. “What is it?”
“Carina, you know what I’m going to ask you,” he replied. “Are you going to tell me this time?”
She thought about it a moment, then nodded. “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by my reaction to your touch,” she said. “Actually, that’s not entirely true,” she continued. “I’m feeling very overwhelmed.”
“Is that good or bad?” Damian asked with a trace of a smile.
“I don’t know,” Selina replied, “maybe a bit of both.” She looked up and smiled. “I don’t want to rush this, Damian, but earlier it was all I could do to walk away from you. I...I am not used to feeling that way.”
“Then, it is a good thing,” Damian said, taking her hand. “Maybe we should see what happens if I do more than kiss your hand,” he added, gently pulling her towards him.
Selina hesitated. “Are you sure you’re up for this?” she asked.
“Believe me, I definitely am,” Damian said.
Selina smiled. “I see.” She stood up, pulling her hand away. “If we’re going to try this, it won’t be in the bed.” Not yet, she thought to herself as she walked towards the door.
Damian stood up and walked over to her. “One kiss,” he said, putting his arm around her and pulling her to him. As he looked into her eyes, he saw hesitation, then it was replaced with something else. She put her arms around him and kissed him softly on the lips. As he felt her starting to grow warmer, the kiss warmed, too. It became more passionate and demanding.
He kissed her back, feeling the heat between them spike into something more. Of course, he wanted her, but suddenly he felt he needed her. Needed to feel her skin against his, her body under his hands. He started to put his other arm around her and winced.
Selina stopped and took a step back. “Maybe, we should give you a little more time to heal,” she said. “Why don’t you get some rest and perhaps we’ll try this again after dinner.” She turned and walked out of the bedroom.
Damian watched her go, then cursed under his breath. He had been so close, but she was right about the arm. With luck, he’d have both his arms around her by tonight.
That afternoon, Diana showed up with her associates, who she told to wait in the limo. They’d had no luck picking up the scent of the rogue vampire, and she wanted to talk to this werewolf. When she knocked, there was no response, so she looked up the number to the club on her phone and called. When Selina answered, she was surprised it was Diana, but opened the door and invited her in.
“Thank you for seeing me,” Diana said, walking down the stairs. When she reached the bottom, she saw Damian standing by the bar drinking coffee. “Any more of that?” she asked casually.
Selina poured some into a mug. “Do you still like cream?” she asked.
Pleased she’d remembered, Diana nodded. “Yes,” she said. “Thank you.” As she took the mug, Diana looked over at Damian. “Actually, I’m here to see you.”
“You didn’t find him, did you?” Damian asked.
“No, we did not,” Diana replied, “but I’m not here to place blame. I need your help.”
“What can I do?” Damian asked, carefully moving his arm. “I’m not quite up for another chase this evening.”
“Sorry about that,” Diana replied. “I usually keep Giovanni on a shorter leash.” She shrugged, looking from Damian to Selina. “He’s very good at what he does, but he can be temperamental.”
“I noticed that,” Damian said, wondering if Giovanni was hurting today, too. He hoped so. Looking at Diana, he added, “I didn’t recognize the vampire if that’s what you wanted to know.”
“No, my question is why were you in the area?” Diana asked. “What were you doing in Pioneer Square?”
Damian looked at Selina, who nodded. If she thought Diana should know, then he’d tell her. “I’ve felt someone watching the club the past two nights. Last night, I decided to take a walk and I’m sure he followed me.”
“He was here?” Diana asked, looking over at Selina. “I was hoping this alley was just a convenience for him, but it he’s watching the club...” Diana turned to Damian. “You should take her away from the city.”
“I’m right here,” Selina said, walking over to Diana. “And I’m not a child. If he really is after me, then why not use that to our advantage? Let him know that we’re leaving and then set a trap for him.”
“No!” Diana and Damian said together. Diana looked at Damian and smiled. “Finally, something we agree on.”
Selina started to say something when Damian put his hand on her arm. “We aren’t even sure that he’s here because of you,” Damian said quietly. “Maybe it is the location. We’re not the only ones who’ve wondered if this was an easy place to dump the first body, and now he’s using it to confuse the police.”
Diana nodded. “Throwing suspicion on you and the club,” she said to Selina, “rather than looking at the suspects who live nearby.” She paused. “Maybe we should stake out the club tonight.” At Selina’s look, she smiled. “Outside only.”
Selina looked over at Damian before replying, “If you think it would help...but I want to stay here. If you do catch him, maybe I would recognize him. I’ve lived here for three years.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Damian said, glancing over at Diana, then back at Selina. “This is much more secure than your house in the country.”
Diana nodded. “Your werewolf is right. You should stay here where it is safe, and we will let you know if we catch him.”
Selina walked up to Diana. “I am not afraid, and I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing that for over two centuries with no help from anyone.” She walked over to the bar and set up some glasses. “I think we could all use a drink.” She looked at Diana. “Irish whiskey all right with you?”
“Oui,” Diana replied. As she took the glass, she smiled. “I am sorry if I offended you.”
Selina nodded and handed a glass to Damian. “We need to work together. I want to bring my girls back, and we have to stop this vampire before he kills anyone else.”
Damian glanced over at Diana, then picked up his glass. “A toast then, to stopping this vampire and making Seattle safe enough to bring your girls home,” he said, looking at Selina.
Diana raised her glass, remembering the girls when they were little. She wanted them safe just as much, but knew it was not her place to say so. She drank the whiskey, then set down her glass. “I will be back tonight, and we will set up a little surprise for this vampire. Until then,” Diana said, turning and walking up the stairs to the back entry. Selina followed her and unlocked the back door.
As Diana walked out, Selina said, “Be careful.”
Diana nodded, then turned and walked over to the limo, trying not to think about how much those two words had meant to her.