Born to Love (The Vampire Reborn Series) (Entangled Ignite) (12 page)

“Special Agent Diana Reyes, FBI,” Diana said, stepping into the leadership role and taking back the framed photo from one of the wolves. “And my husband, Ryder Latimer.” That generated quite a few raised eyebrows and shocked glances at her baby belly.

Ryder stepped close to her and tenderly grasped her free hand. The tension vibrating in her was obvious to him, but she hid it well.

After the shifters’ not-so-friendly inspection, Diana continued. “NYFD Lieutenant Rafe Lazaro. He was bitten two months ago during a fire in a brownstone on Central Park North.”

“Randall Newark’s home,” Brendon said, and Diana nodded.

Anna spoke, her tones friendlier, almost conciliatory. “We heard Randall died, but had heard nothing about his partner.”

“Is that the other man in the photo?” Diana asked.

A few pack members nodded, and Brendon continued. “I assume you believe his partner did the recent biting and killing?”

“That’s what we’re assuming, and that’s why we’re here. To find out who he is, and why he might be doing this,” Ryder said, and laid a hand on his wife’s shoulder.

At his touch, her muscles relaxed, but beneath that he sensed another wave of weakness within her, along with the too-fast beat of her heart. Fear gripped him anew. But now was definitely not the time to display vulnerability. He kept hold of her, pushing as much of his strength into her as he could.

“The ‘who’ is easy. Brad Jefferson,” Anna said, and mirrored Ryder’s position, reaching up to lay a hand on her husband’s broad shoulder.

The big man’s discomfort over the topic was clear, and his actions abrupt as he yanked his T-shirt high to reveal a network of vicious and puckered scars across his chest and abdomen. “And this is the why.”

Chapter Seventeen

“Brad Jefferson did that to you?” Ryder asked, and winced, imagining the pain and suffering such deep wounds must have caused.

Anna, who had been looking at Diana with concern, offered her hand and said quietly, “Maybe we all should sit down to discuss this.”

With a graceful wave of her other hand to one of the pack members tending the bar, she said, “Please bring some refreshments for our guests.” Looking back at them, she made a wry face. “Brendon and I recently inherited this pub, so I hope you’ll excuse its dust. We plan to do some renovations to make it more inviting.”

Grateful for her friendly demeanor, Ryder followed Diana to a chair at the scarred oak table at which the pack members had been sitting. She took a seat, but he remained standing behind her, ready for action in case things went south. Rafe did the same, but Brendon, Anna, and the other pack members all assumed spots at the table.

“Caffeine-free Cokes for the ladies,” the bartender said as he set frosty glasses before them.

Anna smiled, her face glowing with pleasure. “I’m pregnant as well, although not as far along as you.”

“More reason for all of us to work together,” Ryder said, exchanging a look of male pride with the alpha wolf.

Brendon nodded, and grunted his reluctant agreement. “I guess you’re right, in this case.” He lifted the shot glass a bartender placed before himand knocked back the liquor. Fortified, he told them his story. “Randall used to belong to our pack. Contrary to our pack rules, he decided to mate with Jefferson about two years ago.”

“By ‘mate,’ I assume biting was involved? Which turned him?” Diana asked.

With a quick bob of his head, Brendon continued. “As I said before, half-bloods are unpredictable. But even if they can learn to control their animal spirit, some humans can’t handle the responsibility that comes with such power. That’s the problem with vampires, too. You suddenly get fangs, and don’t have time to understand all that such power entails.”

Ryder couldn’t argue with that. He’d seen firsthand what a vampire’s blood lust could do. But he wanted to comprehend the shifters and their social structure. “Are you saying you train your people on how to handle these capabilities?”

Brendon nodded, and moved his hand to lay it along Anna’s flat belly, the gesture touchingly gentle. The look that passed between the two was filled with love and admiration. With a smile at his wife, Brendon explained. “From birth, shifters are taught to honor their gift and use it responsibly. It takes great character in a human to come late into such strength and not abuse it.”

Ryder’s estimation of the man grew. He moved his hand back to Diana’s shoulder, suddenly needing to feel their connection. Once again he perceived her troubling frailty, which brought to mind another question for the shifter.

“You’re a big, powerful man. How did this Brad guy get a jump on you and inflict that much damage?” He indicated the nasty wounds beneath the pack leader’s shirt.

Brendon’s lips tightened and he gritted his teeth. When he spoke, his tone was humbler. “Brad had been challenging me for some time. Fomenting unrest in the other half-bloods in the pack. It was creating a lot of friction amongst us, throwing everything into turmoil.” His gaze skimmed over those gathered at the table. The other men and women nodded and quietly sipped their drinks, not about to interrupt their leader.

“When Brad offered to meet me in the park to discuss the growing tension—”

“Central Park?” Diana asked.

Brendon shook his head and continued. “Highbridge. That’s not to say we don’t go to Central Park for certain needs, but in general, we have more freedom in this area.”

“Did he jump you?” she asked, taking the lead again in the questioning.

Ryder hung back, understanding she had to reassert who was in control of their group. It was the only way the wolves would respect his wife and accept that she was trying to help. Hopefully with that recognition, they would offer their assistance—the whole reason they’d come.

…

Diana found herself feeling deep compassion for Brendon as, with a pained look at his wife, he recounted what had happened next. “Brad had a bottle with him, and offered me a drink to break the ice. I barely took a sip, but that was enough to have my head reeling and make me incredibly weak from the poison. Brad morphed then, and attacked me over and over. I was so out of it I couldn’t assume my wolf form to defend myself.”

Brendon rubbed his wife’s belly again before he growled out, “If Anna and my pack hadn’t been nearby, I’d be dead. They saved me.
She
saved me.”

Diana’s throat tightened at the devoted look the alpha wolf shot his wife. It said so much about the man. It boasted honor, love, and respect. And, despite their initial encounter, Diana was convinced Brendon was a reasonable man. She hoped in time they could consider him an ally in their search for Brad Jefferson.

“What happened next?” she asked, certain that in most otherworldly groups, such an attack on a leader would be met with instant death.

“We exiled Randall for breaking our rules and banned him from coming above 120
th
Street onto pack grounds. His partner, Brad Jefferson, was sentenced to death once he was caught. We tried to find him, but couldn’t.”

Diana found that hard to believe. “We spoke to neighbors who saw Brad coming and going from Randall’s place regularly. And there’s evidence an animal was kept chained in Randall’s basement. How hard were you looking?”

Brendon’s features hardened. His hands clenched into fists, but Anna laid her hands over his, urging calm.

With a rough sigh, he explained. “At first I was too weak because Brad had poisoned his claws with silver and the healing was taking a long time. A long, painful time. Once I recovered enough to hunt, we searched everywhere and kept a close eye on Randall. We saw no indication Brad was nearby.” He shrugged. “Maybe he knew we were watching. After a few months, I couldn’t keep on wasting pack resources. It was time to focus on life, not death.” His gaze drifted to his wife and his look glowed with happiness.

His words resonated with Diana. Sadly, sometimes death was a stubborn master.

“But now he’s back, viciously attacking humans,” she said. “We need your help to find him and stop the killing.”

“And to help me,” Rafe said, his emotions clearly on the edge. “And the woman I bit.”

Diana took over, in an effort to soothe the agitated firefighter. “After Jefferson attacked and turned him, during Rafe’s second full-moon shift, he bit one of our FBI agents. She’s a good friend. We need to know how to stop what’s happening to her and—”

“It can’t be stopped,” Anna said softly, her gaze filled with apology. “Once infected, a human will gain certain shifter powers. Some can control them, others can’t. Judging by Rafe’s behavior and conscience over what happened, I’m guessing he can be taught to handle his new wolf self.”

“Is that supposed to be a good thing?” he replied harshly.

Anna sent him a look of empathy. “The wolf brings many great traits and strength. Increased abilities in every one of your senses. All these things can be used for good, if you can learn to control your wolf.”

“Such as a better sense of smell? Can we try to track Brad by his scent?” Diana asked, brightening, thinking of her earlier plan.

Her question seemed to prompt some concern amongst Brendon, Anna, and the pack members gathered around the table.

“Would you give us a moment?” Brendon asked as he rose from the table, and led the group to a far corner of the room. Judging from the looks on their faces and the tension in their bodies, they were conflicted about her query. After a long, agitated discussion, Brendon slashed his hand through the air sharply, commanding silence…and possibly obedience. A moment later, the group returned to the table.

“A lone wolf or two on the hunt won’t call attention to the other were-factions. Anything more than that, and the other were-groups may consider it a hostile action,” Brendon said, standing before her with his arms tucked across his massive chest. The casual pose belied the anxiety she sensed in him and the other shifters.

“Other were-groups? Such as…?” she prompted.

“Rats, eagles, falcons, and others. The were-rats in particular are very territorial. They’re small, but their numbers compensate for their size,” Anna said, and wrapped her arm around her husband’s waist.

Rafe stood, and eyeballed the couple. He was inches shorter than the other man, and leaner, but still physically intimidating. “I want to go along on the hunt. I need to do this. For me, and for Maggie.”

A smile erupted on Brendon’s face, surprising Diana as well as Rafe and Ryder.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Brendon said. “I sense you can be a fine addition to our pack. I’d like to begin your training. See if you’re a good fit with the others.”

“Even though I’m a half-blood?” Rafe asked doubtfully, his head tilted back in defiance.

“I’m not above making mistakes, but know this, half-blood.” Brendon leaned forward to whisper something in Rafe’s ear. Something only the two of them shared.

Rafe’s mood relaxed a bit, and with a deferential nod, he said, “I understand, Brendon.”

Relief swept over Diana at the agreement that settled between the two men. Her work here was done.

She rose, slipped her hand into Ryder’s, and asked a final question, “When will you go after Jefferson?”

“Tonight. We’ll start uptown where I know some places he might be hiding. Then we’ll work our way down,” Brendon said.

“What about his scent? Do you have a way to track him?” she asked.

“I think I can help with that,” Anna said, and reached into a purse dangling from one of the chairs. She opened it and pulled out a small plastic bag filled with silver-brown fur. With a devilish smile, she handed it to her husband. “I managed to scalp a piece off of him the last time we fought. I’ve been saving it for just the right occasion.”

Diana dug into her jacket pocket for an evidence bag. “Would you mind giving me a few hairs? I’d like to compare them to the ones we have in evidence, to confirm it’s Jefferson behind the killings.”

“Not a problem,” Anna said, and transferred a sample of the fur to the bag. She then gave them Jefferson’s full name, birthplace, age, and general physical characteristics.

After writing it all down, Diana glanced at Rafe. “You’ll call us as soon as you have something?”

“I will. And can you let Maggie know…” His voice trailed off uncertainly, then he plowed on. “Tell her I’ll make this up to her somehow.”

Diana didn’t know how that would be possible. Or even if it was necessary. Rafe hadn’t been able to control what had happened at the time, but she prayed he would be able to muster better restraint in the future. And that Maggie would as well, when her time came.

“Stay in touch,” she said, and with a tug on Ryder’s hand, they walked outside to the waiting sedan. Once inside, they both leaned forward at the same time to give instructions to the driver.

“Take us home.”

“Take me to Federal Plaza.”

Chapter Eighteen

Ryder and Diana stared at each other, each disbelieving of the other’s request.

“You can’t possibly—” they began at the same time.

Diana raised one slim hand, pleading for his silence. “I need to get this evidence to Maggie and fill her in on what’s happened.”

“You need to rest,” Ryder countered. “I can feel your weakness. It’s getting worse.” He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. A hint of chill marked her skin the same way as before the pregnancy. That iciness gripped his heart, bringing with it fear and apprehension. Especially when she didn’t deny it.

“I didn’t want to worry you,” she said, and leaned forward again, directing the driver to her office.

The vampire chauffeur swiveled in his seat and looked at Ryder, seeking confirmation.

“Fine. Take
us
to Federal Plaza. We’ll wait for my wife, then return home,” Ryder relented, earning Diana’s grudging, “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he warned. “I won’t wait all night for you to use some sense and get the rest you need.”

When they were on their way, he closed the privacy screen and studied Diana. Was she much paler than she had been that morning? Snaking his hand beneath her hair to her throat, his palm registered her insistent pulse. Strong, but slightly faster than usual.

She avoided his gaze, peering out the tinted windows into the dark of night and the blur of buildings, people, and cars that were a constant on New York City streets.

“I know you didn’t want to worry me, but were you ever going to tell me?” he asked, trying his best to understand why she would not share something so important with him.

She lifted a diffident shoulder. Obviously unsure. “Right now there’s so much going on. Who knows if the tiredness is just from the long hours or from something else? I wasn’t sure how to tell you because…things seem so different now between us.”

He considered that somberly. “Marriage brings changes. That’s natural.”

A heavy sigh greeted him. “Is it? Why do I feel you’ve changed more than I have? That all of a sudden you’re expecting more from me than I can give?”

Her question shouldn’t have shocked him. He’d sensed her increasing unease in recent weeks. But it did. It made him wonder what would happen if the day came that she could no longer handle what he wanted from her in their marriage.

To be certain she understood his feelings, he cradled her cheek, and said, “All I expect is that you love me. Maybe show some restraint, and stay safe. Especially now.” It came out maybe a little snippier than he’d intended. Hell, he was tired, too. Tired of fighting over something that should come second nature to a pregnant woman.

She faced him and shoved away his hand, her gold-green gaze blazing with fire. “Do you think I care so little for my life, for our baby’s life, that I would risk it unnecessarily?”

He wished he could accept her words at face value, but his own anger had risen, fueled by fear for her, and his acute awareness of the crazy risks she had taken in the past. Risks that had nearly cost her her life. That knowledge loosened his hold on his vampire and freed the violence within him.

The demon’s fury and distrust resonated in his tone. “You care more for others than you do for yourself, Diana. A noble thought, to be sure. But you are
my
wife now, carrying
my
child. I have a say in what happens to you both, and I will
damn
well keep you safe.”

…

Diana controlled her flinch as the gleam of neon bled into the midnight color of Ryder’s eyes and the harsh sound of the vampire reverberated in his voice. After so long, she should be used to that part of him. Yet, at times it still scared the hell out of her.

Maybe that was what he wanted tonight, but she wouldn’t be intimidated. “I don’t need you reminding me of that.”

“I think you do,” he countered, the civilized words at odds with his savage physical aspect.

She clenched her hands, fighting irritation more than anger because she knew he meant well.

“I’ll keep it in mind, then,” she replied in her chilliest tone.

“Fuck me, darlin’. I’m not some nobody that you can dismiss,” he growled, the vampire fully erupting as he lost control over his emotions.

Because she knew he was only thinking of her welfare, even if he was behaving like a Neanderthal, she wanted to put an end to the discord. She cupped his jaw and ran her thumb across the deadly line of fang beneath his lips. “I don’t mean to disrespect you, Ryder. But the one way I can stay safe is to stay focused. I can’t let this”—she motioned between them with her free hand—“distract me. I can’t let the baby and all the thoughts associated with her take my mind away from what I need to do.”

At her reasonable words and loving touch, the demon retreated, as did Ryder’s anger. “I’m trying to be patient, darlin’. But count on this. I’ll be watching your back whether you want me to or not.”

…

Maggie was in her lab, face plastered to her microscope, when Diana found her.

“Busy reviewing the evidence?” her friend asked, startling Maggie from her huddled position.

Straightening, she shrugged and gathered up her long hair with her fingers. “I guess you could say that. I’m comparing the blood samples and saliva from all the attacks. Plus, I’d put a rush on the DNA tests from the jogger and the first victim, and I just got those back.”

She handed Diana the file with the DNA results, and she regarded her suspiciously. “Fast work. It usually takes a lot longer.”

Maggie felt some of her usual impishness return, despite the late hour and the fatigue making her eyes and mouth feel like dry cotton. “Sean in the DNA unit thinks I’m cute.”

Diana made a face, “Isn’t Sean like fifty?”

She grinned. “I think I remind him of his daughter.”

Diana flipped open the folder and skimmed the DNA reports. Maggie knew there was nothing in them to indicate the blood was anything other than human. Two samples had been analyzed, but only one individual had been confirmed at both locations.

“I’m assuming the specimens present at both crime scenes match those we think belong to Brad Jefferson?”

Maggie nodded and gestured at the papers. “Yep. And guess what? We got a hit from CODIS. The same DNA was found on a young woman who was raped and killed four months ago. Straight murder, no bites.”

Diana’s eyes narrowed. “Which may have given Brad his taste for human blood. Without the pack around to control him—”

Maggie straightened like a shot. “You found a pack of werewolves?”

Diana blinked, then nodded. “Yeah. But man, it was touch and go at first.”

“Did they agree to cooperate?” Maggie asked, excitement rising in her. Maybe they could tell her how to stop what was happening to her.

“They did. It seems that Brad tried to kill their alpha, so they’ve got a score to settle. Rafe is with them now.”

Maggie’s optimism evaporated and her emotions shuttered. “Oh.”

Diana’s head tilted. “You’re still bothered by Rafe.”

With a heavy sigh, Maggie admitted, “When he’s nearby, there’s this weird vibe between us. This…
pull
inside me.” She twisted her hands, not liking the feeling.

Diana eyes filled with understanding. “I get it. I felt the same way when I first laid eyes on Ryder’s long, lean bod. And it just got stronger when he started feeding from me.” She got a faraway look in her eyes. “Every time we kiss I feel the connection between us. It’s like I’m almost able to share his thoughts, feelings, and even his words.”

That did not make Maggie feel any better about Rafe. “Scary,” she murmured.

“It’s elemental, Maggie. Hard to fight on so many levels. In time, you’ll know what to do about it.”

Somehow, she doubted it. “Do
you
? Even now that you’re his wife, can you handle that powerful a connection?”

Diana swallowed. “Honestly? I’m not sure I can. I thought I knew him, but he’s become more protective lately. Way too demanding.”

Maggie gave her a wan smile. “Honey, even a human husband would behave like that. After all, you’re carrying his child. Did you really expect something different?”

Diana took a deep breath. “Falling in love with him changed my life, but marriage is even more complicated than I anticipated,” she said, looking more than disturbed.

A charged silence followed the reluctant confession, and as Maggie met her friend’s troubled gaze, she couldn’t help the anguish that filled her. If someone as strong and confident as Diana couldn’t handle the choices…“What do I do, Di? Besides getting furry once a month. What happens with my life now?”

Diana let out a sigh. “You go on. You live each day as if it were your last. In time, the answers will come to you and you’ll find peace.”

Maggie wanted to say, “Like you did?” but she refrained. Diana was obviously still searching for that peace herself, unsure of how to deal with the radical changes in her life.

It didn’t bode well for Maggie’s own future peace of mind. But at least they had each other. Having a true friend to talk to, and go through things with, made all the difference.

Because Maggie suspected that Ryder was waiting outside, concerned that Diana was pushing herself beyond her physical limits, she tried to get her friend moving.

“So, what have you got for me?” she asked, and held out her hand. She knew Diana would never have met with a wolf pack without slipping something into her pocket that Maggie could analyze, and maybe provide some answers.

Diana grinned and pulled out the evidence bag from her jacket pocket. “Am I really that predictable?”

“Hell, yeah. Thank God.” She took the bag. “What is it?”

“A sample of Brad Jefferson’s wolf fur. Don’t stay too long analyzing it.”

“I won’t. Now go home and get some rest.”

Diana nodded, and after giving her a weary hug, left the lab.

Maggie logged the fur into evidence, then removed one strand from the bag. She had just finished prepping the sample when she heard the squeak of a wheel at the lab door.

She turned to see David roll in in his wheelchair. Tucked against the back of the chair were two crutches. Wordlessly, he drew them out, slipped the braces around his forearms, and with a powerful surge, got to his feet.