Amelia knew the stories that vampires could read thoughts of their victims. So, she banished everything to do with what she knew about Declan, and everything to do with Erik’s profession and his previous one as a cop in Edenton.
If the Silver Council was involved, there was a good chance they were trying to get to the bottom of the deaths, like she was. And she knew it wasn’t Yuri. That was about the only thing she was sure of.
Supposedly, Yuri was going to let her go, but meeting these special players might change his plans.
“I’m Yuri Slovik, and this is Amelia Simons. Though it seems she knows at least two of you.” There was an air of threat in his voice.
Erik nodded, a smile on his lips as he glanced at Amelia and back. “She grew up down the road from my home. I understand she moved to Seattle to be closer to school and her job.”
Amelia nodded. “Yes. Erik Mortale, this is Yuri. That’s Declan O’Shea. And I’m sorry, but I’ve never seen you.”
“Consuela Bordeaux,” Yuri provided. His dark eyes locked on Consuela’s. “An old friend.”
Amelia couldn’t help assuming something more once upon a time. Which led her to a few questions. Of course, asking in front of the vampire who was quickly stealing her heart wasn’t a wise decision.
The journalist in her wanted all the answers now. Patience had never been her virtue. However, if she wanted the story she needed to find some fast.
Offering Yuri a smile, Amelia explained, “True. I lived down the road from Yuri when I was a child. He’d been close to my brother. And later, we grew closer. Though I haven’t seen him in a century.”
Amelia blinked, then nodded, wrapping her head around the numbers.
“I grew up down the road from Erik, though I’d call him an acquaintance. He’s quite a bit older than me. Not to mention he’s good friends with my father.”
Yuri smiled. “And how well do you know Declan, my dear?”
“Not well. I’ve only seen him in passing. I don’t spend much time in Edenton. I stay busy with work.”
That was a small lie. She was working on a story that wasn’t given to her. In fact, she’d been told to forget the story because she wasn’t ready. There was wisdom in Brent’s words. However, by the time she broke the news, she would be a vampire and maybe he’d let her do her damned job.
“Now, I understand you’re part of the DSF, Erik. And yet, here you are. Does the Silver Council believe I’m behind the deaths?” Yuri was better informed than she gave him credit for.
Erik shifted gears, a slow smile on his face. “Presently, we believe a coven of vampires is killing the players. I’m hoping to find out who would have a vendetta against you and why.”
Yuri’s head tipped to the side. “Revenge?” One corner of his mouth tipped up. “I see, and that makes sense. I’ll admit, I crossed a number of vampires when I first became one.”
“Any clue who?” Consuela prompted.
Declan froze. Amelia had to wonder who Consuela was to him. And what was Yuri’s history with her? The woman was ethereal, beautiful. African American, but pale as snow. Amelia had never seen anyone like her, and she was strangely drawn to her.
“Unfortunately, I’ve never been welcome in large groups of vampires. That’s the purpose of the game. To find people who want to be what I am and don’t have the standard way in. That, and to find our blood bound. Which I finally have.” He took Amelia’s hand and placed a kiss.
Amelia shivered, a smile spreading. Yuri’s devotion flared through their link. Something more. But was it love? Did vampire bonds work that way?
She wanted to laugh. She knew how werewolf mate bonds worked. But vampires? Nope.
She needed him to let her go to work the next day, otherwise all hell would break loose. Especially now that it seemed Yuri wanted to work with the council.
Maybe while he was dead for the day, she could get her own answers.
Hopefully.
* * * *
Guilt twisted through Consuela. For the moment, Yuri was the young man she remembered before everything had gone wrong. No wonder she’d missed the signs of possession.
Amazingly, she’d made it through life without a hitchhiker. She’d been reckless and stupid for most of her years. Over a hundred and fifty years of doing whatever she pleased without ever considering the consequences.
Lucky, beyond lucky really.
And Yuri had been an amazing man before his lust for power began. Had that started with a demon?
He watched Amelia much the same way he always watched her. Did he feel the beginning of a bond? Or was it all an act?
Amelia was quite taken with Yuri. Would she get away in time? Did she understand what she’d involved herself in?
Consuela watched the two of them together.
Disgusted, she wore the most pleasant smile she could muster and played along, trying to ignore the desire to take Amelia far from Yuri and his demon.
Destroying Yuri was the only way to save him. He was addicted to the power. If they did manage to separate the two, he would only find another demon to take Daloisha’s place.
Yuri’s voice pulled Consuela out of her thoughts. “You’ll help me find those killing humans, trying to tarnish this game, and stop them?”
Erik nodded. “We’ll need to know what you know. And we’ll need to know the true purpose of the game. The parts we can’t see from playing. The inner workings only you can provide.”
He nodded, a smile stretching across his face as he looked at Consuela. “You’ll help as well?”
She nodded, afraid to open her mouth. She’d help, but she’d still destroy an old friend to stop the demon. Not to mention, Gaius would want answers.
Erik countered, “You’ll share the inner workings?”
Yuri leaned forward, releasing Amelia. “Of course. I don’t want the game to get a bad name. My goal is to add like-minded individuals to the vampire community. Those who want everlasting life, but not to kill. Those seeking a real companionship. Together we can eradicate the fear that surrounds vampires.”
“With all the people playing the game, it seems more people are fascinated by us,” Declan answered.
He shook his head. “Those are the thrill-seekers and the truth-searchers. Most fear us. That’s why the media is painting the game in such a negative light.”
“That has everything to do with the murders.”
Yuri shook his head. “No, they were already protesting the game before the first body was found. They wanted to believe it’s the devil’s game.” He rolled his eyes. “Most humans believe we’re monsters.”
Yuri was a monster. Or was it just the demon residing within? She didn’t know anymore. She had a million questions all pouring through her head.
* * * *
Yuri did his best to explain the upper echelon, how he chose who to turn, and who was ignored. He’d already created a dozen vampires. They spent two hours going over everything.
He could have chosen those most blood-thirsty. But no, he was choosing those who were sick and dying. Those who had a shit life and wanted something better. He was picking those who had talent who never got anywhere. He was giving people chances.
He honestly wanted to change everyone’s opinion of vampires. And this coven of assholes wanted to ruin him because he knew going in most vampires would fear him. His talent with death made him an outcast.
Yuri wanted his own coven to change the vampires’ opinion as well. Over the last yeah, he’d turned a hundred people. The next would be Amelia.
He turned to her, a smile on his lips. “Will you share my story with all the Others?”
She blinked, her mouth popping open.
“I know what publication you work for. And I know you were hoping to break the story. You still can.”
She nodded, her breath hitching as her face lit up. “I’ll make you proud.”
He shook his head. “No. Make your boss proud. Show them you’re as good as the rest of the reporters.”
She beamed. “I will, but it means I have to leave in the morning.”
“Your car is in my garage. You’re free to come and go. I even had a GPS system installed so you could find your way back.”
Her head tipped. “Where are we?”
“An hour outside of Seattle.”
She nodded. “Then I have time before I should leave.”
“You do.”
Erik continued to smile. “Then I suppose we should go. Though it would be good to have a way to contact you.”
He nodded. “Agreed.” Standing, Yuri pulled out four cards, placing one in each of their hands, including Amelia’s. “Though I’d like a way to get in touch with you all as well.”
Erik placed his card in Yuri’s hand. Consuela handed one to him. “You can reach Declan through me.”
He dipped his head. “It warms me to see you happy, Consuela.” And he meant it. Initially, he’d been jealous, but then he claimed Amelia, and all the old feelings were washed away.
Declan didn’t seem to trust Yuri yet, but he would. Sooner or later, he’d realize they needed to stick together. Especially with someone like Consuela bound to him.
“Enjoy the rest of your night,” Yuri said, wanting them gone. He needed Amelia again before she left. He realized he might wake up without her, but he would let her go, to prove he meant no ill to anyone, especially her.
Hopefully, the vampire elders wouldn’t get involved. At least not until he had enough force behind him to push through the red tape to make his coven official. That could take years, though.
Consuela squeezed his shoulder on the way out. “It was good to see you again. I’m glad you’ve finally found your purpose.”
He wanted to pull her into his arms, but refrained for both Declan’s and Amelia’s sakes. “We’ll have to catch up soon.”
She dipped her head and left with Declan, who didn’t say a word.
Erik nodded. “A pleasure. Both of you.”
Amelia turned to Yuri as the door shut. “You knew the Silver Council was involved?”
He nodded. “I remember Erik from years ago when he was in New York. I lived there for decades. He’s quite skilled with the dead. I don’t want to be on the wrong side of Other law.”
“Good, because I’m quite fond of you,” she purred.
Grinning, he swept her off her feet and blurred up to his room. He placed her before the bed. “I meant what I said. You should go back to work. I shouldn’t have taken you like I did. Shouldn’t have put you in the coffin. I thought—I believed you only wanted to know what I was for a story, but I feel what you do. I know you want me.”
“At first, it was only a story.” She blinked. “There’s a bond.”
Nodding, Yuri caressed her cheek. “Yes, there is a bond. And you’re mine. You’ll always want me, and soon, you’ll even love me. The kind of love that never ends. You may even now, but you don’t believe.”
She dropped her face.
He lifted her chin. “Let me prove what I feel for you.”
His mouth crashed over hers.