Burning Both Ends (5 page)

“Daron is alive, and so are you. Why the complaints, Andreas? These small disagreements have been going on for centuries.” Sebastian turned his head, his beady eyes focusing on Ari. “We have neglected our manners, Andreas. Please introduce your companions. I believe I have previously met your lovely female.” He glided forward again and stopped about five feet away.

Ari’s witch blood clamored with alarm bells. She clenched her fists to hide the magical sparks threatening to burst from her fingers. Sebastian was too close. Way too close. Not even an instant away in vampire speed.

“Your memory is accurate,” Andreas said, his jaw clenched so tight it would have hurt a human. He followed the elder vampire’s lead. “Ms. Calin is the Guardian for Riverdale’s Olde Town district. She visited Toronto about a year ago. I think you also know Oliver.”

“Yes, yes, Oliver and I have met,” Sebastian said dismissively without looking at the other vampire. Sebastian’s focus remained fixed on Ari. “I remember the Guardian very well.
Very
well indeed. We shared a few interesting moments. Does she belong to you, Andreas?”

“I belong to no one,” Ari snapped before Andreas had a chance to speak. Sebastian was the same bully she’d seen before. Still a nasty, annoying toad.

“How very fortunate. I am delighted to hear that.”

What did he mean? Why would Sebastian be delighted? It didn’t sound like she was going to like the answer.

“Without a master, you are fair game, my sweet guardian. It might be fun to play with you.”

“Not interested,” she shot back. Even though she was appalled at the idea, she schooled her face into indifference. Inside, her stomach churned. The thought of hooking up with Sebastian, of having his hands on her, was repulsive. She could only imagine what he considered “play.”

Andreas stepped between Ari and Sebastian. “She is under my protection.”

So quickly Ari barely saw him move, Sebastian glided around him and stopped in front of her.

“I do not think that is true,” Sebastian purred. “She claims no master.” He reached a hand toward her. Ari stepped to one side, and Andreas moved to separate them again. He was stopped by Sebastian’s out-flung arm. The prince’s other hand flashed out, closing like a vise over the hand Ari had instinctively raised in defense. Sebastian laughed. “Peace, Andreas. I will not harm her.” He looked at Ari with scorn. “You are interesting, my dear, but someone needs to teach you your proper place.” Sebastian’s voice grew deep and richer as it filled with power. “You will kneel in my presence,” he boomed.

His hand forced her arm down. Not a hard thing to do considering his superior strength. But instead of kneeling as commanded, Ari bent toward him in a strange caricature of a formal bow, until they were staring into each other’s eyes. She’d learned a lot from Andreas about strengthening her mental blocking in the last three months. A year ago, Sebastian had rolled the outer defenses of her mind fairly easily, but that was when she was inexperienced and unprepared. Not today. She met his gaze long enough to surprise him before she glanced away.

He yanked her arm roughly downward, and she had to give way or have it break. She crashed to her knees, but he suddenly released her hand with force, flinging her backward. Her head smashed against the floor; the lights dimmed as dizziness took over. For an instant Ari was too stunned to move, only vaguely aware that Andreas had grabbed her attacker and spun him around. Sebastian’s power flared, and the two vampires were thrown apart, their auras repelling each other. They froze in place, knees bent, hands up, curled into claws. Predators with fangs fully extended.

“You claim this female?” Sebastian snarled.

“I do. She is under my protection, and the protection of Prince Daron.”

What the hell? Surely they weren’t going to use her as an excuse to fight? “Stop this,” Ari demanded, struggling to sit up. “I’m not a bone you can snarl and fight over.”

Ignoring her, the alpha vampires remained riveted on each other. Testosterone hung thick in the air, but the sudden rush of vampiric power was far more alarming. Ari’s skin crackled with Andreas’s energy, but it was nothing compared to the storm emanating from the older vamp. If this turned into a real fight, Andreas would need an army of help. A big army.

“Your claim is not good enough,” Sebastian said, speaking only on Andreas. “This is my territory, my rules. Do you wish to test me? Is that the real reason you are here? To try your hand for my throne?”

Uh-oh. They’d dropped the last pretense of diplomacy. Sebastian had looked for a reason to start something. Maybe that had been his plan from the beginning. In any case, she doubted if anything would stop them now. Sebastian’s body shimmered with growing energy. Hadn’t Andreas told her the old ones didn’t do their own fighting? Guess that didn’t apply if they were pissed enough. Sebastian’s circle of power expanded with each passing moment. Not a physical change so much as an invisible field that built around him.

“I did not come seeking your crown,” Andreas said. “No challenge was intended. Ours is a diplomatic mission.” His words sounded reasonable, but the look on his face was anything but conciliatory.

“You lie.” Sebastian curled his lips, his disdain raking Andreas from head to toe. “You have grown stronger since we last met, but no wiser. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can take me.”

“Paranoia clouds your perceptions. But if you force a fight, you leave me no choice. I will not walk away.”

That tears it, Ari thought. Some diplomat! Someone was going to die in the next few minutes. And things weren’t looking good for her side. She glanced at Oliver. He was focused on Sebastian’s lieutenants, who seemed as stunned by developments as Ari.

Ari was still lying on the floor propped up by her arms, too dizzy and mesmerized by the mounting hell storm to move. Andreas’s defiant words broke the spell. She pushed to her feet, her magic coming to life as she slipped the silver dagger from her pocket. It was cool, reassuring in her hand, although she questioned her ability to successfully use it against the prince. Considering his massive recuperative powers, the blade would have to be held in his heart until it stopped beating. That would take incredible strength.

Her greatest weapon, the lethal, crimson witch fire, was limited by her oath. Was she justified in using it if Andreas was attacked? Would that be close enough to self-defense? It certainly wouldn’t fit defense of the helpless. Would she have to break her oath?

And what of the risk to Andreas? How could she turn the fire on one combatant without endangering the other?

As Sebastian’s power expanded, his vampire court began to stir, not moving toward the confrontation, but shifting with nervous uncertainty. His last orders to the vampiress Marta had been to stay out of it. Given his reputation of brutality against his own people, would they choose to support him or stand clear? For now, they simply watched, apparently shocked by the mere idea that someone would challenge him.

Sebastian and Andreas began to circle, pushing their power outward against each other, ill-matched in many ways. Experience against youth. Power against athleticism. The first advantage went to Sebastian as Andreas staggered under the vise of Sebastian’s energy squeezing him like a huge, iron fist. He managed to shake it off, but in a pure energy struggle, Andreas would eventually lose to Sebastian’s superior power.

The air crackled. Pressure levels rose, pouring over everyone in the room with a shrill whine. The human girls clapped their hands to their ears in apparent agony, crawling and stumbling away toward the edges of the room. Sebastian’s vampires hissed and snarled, eyes rolling with fear and primal urges.

Ari heard automatic weapon fire in the hallways and was vaguely aware that Lilith and Russell had burst into the room. She clutched her dagger, wishing it was in Andreas’s hands rather than hers. He would have the greater strength to wield it.

So why not try? Maybe she could get the idea across to him by using this mystical bond. If their magics were so determined to link up, this would be a damn fine time.

Ari ignored the wild energy scalding her skin and concentrated on forming mental images of the silver dagger, showing it flipping through the air from her hand to his. Could the images penetrate the powerful fog created by their battle? Would Andreas understand?

She stole a quick glance at him, looking for some sign. The pressure of the competing powers had flushed his skin and eyes to an unnatural red. Heat shimmers rose around him, as if his blood was starting to boil. Horrified, Ari’s concentration faltered.

Sebastian suddenly flashed forward, his fat fingers stretched toward the younger vampire’s throat, but Andreas launched himself into the air. With an athletic twist gymnasts would envy, he flipped over Sebastian’s head. The vampire prince screeched with uncontrolled rage and whirled in pursuit. As Andreas landed on his feet, he turned his head toward Ari, and she pitched the dagger to him. He snatched the hilt in one hand and turned in a fluid movement to meet the onrushing prince.

As soon as she released the dagger, Ari shot the blue flames of a heavy stunner toward Sebastian, followed by a handful of magic dust from her pocket. The double whammy was just enough—Sebastian’s focus flickered to Ari for one fatal instant. Andreas took advantage by plunging the dagger into the elder vampire’s heart. He rode the body to the floor, using his strength to hold the dagger in its lethal position. Sebastian bucked and writhed, but before anyone else could react, it was over. Sebastian’s power exploded outward, knocking people and furniture against the walls. And then was gone.

Oliver leaped forward to place his body between Andreas and Sebastian’s vampires. Lilith and Russell raced to the front with their guns ready. Ari had already lifted her hands toward the stage, not to use the witch fire, but to call upon a greater magic. She chanted the summons that would bring the sentient fire spirits, the ancient salamanders.

Fire poured from her fingertips, not the lethal streams of witch fire, but snake-like flames that responded to her bidding and formed a ring around the stage. Sebastian’s vamps halted in place, trapped and confused.

Tails flickering, the glowing eyes of the ageless fire spirits hovered, awaiting Ari’s command.

She was almost as shocked as the vampires. She’d only called the fire salamanders once before—by accident. Since that time she’d studied her magic books, talked with her witch mentor, practiced the summons, but she hadn’t been positive she could do it again. The proof crackled before her.

Now that Ari had the upper hand, she took a deep breath and searched her brain for some way to end this. There were eight enemy vampires inside the room, countless numbers beyond the closed doors. She had the two werelions, Oliver, and Andreas, who was down on one knee, covered with blood. If she wanted to avoid a bigger bloodbath, whatever she did next would have to be good. She took a confident step forward.

“Acknowledge your new prince,” she said in a loud, firm voice. “Prince Andreas!”

Chapter Four

“Prince Andreas!” Oliver’s voice echoed in the silent room, as he followed her lead by turning and bowing to Andreas.

Shock quickly turned to confusion and fear, as Sebastian’s people realized their prince was dead and they were at the mercy of Ari’s fire.

“Sebastian is dead,” Ari said, fighting to calm her pounding heart. “Defeated in battle by Andreas. You were all witnesses. You have a new prince. Acknowledge him.”

The fire crackled ominously as the spirits lashed their tails. She didn’t need to add the “or else.”

“Wait. No one else has to die tonight.” Andreas slowly got to his feet and straightened. He was soaked in blood, his and Sebastian’s, but he stood on his own without wavering. “Sebastian alone was responsible for what happened here.” With one hand he pushed the hair off his forehead. “Release his people, Arianna, so that we may discuss this.”

Ari bit her lip, deciding what to do. She couldn’t tell how badly Andreas was injured or whether he was thinking clearly. Was he making a big mistake? Yet she understood it was necessary for him to take command of the situation. She glanced at him again, and he gave a subtle nod.

With all eyes upon her, Ari decided to put on a good show, reminding them of the ability she held. She lifted her arms over her head and centered her thoughts. Once ready, her lashes fluttered and closed. In a clear voice she thanked the fire spirits for coming to her aid. She gathered the fire images in her mind, and when she announced, “Go now,” she envisioned the fire going out.

Ari opened her eyes. The circle of flames had vanished.

Sebastian’s vampires, more confused than ever, glared around them, heads whipping from side to side. Two of them circled the stage, hissing, as if expecting a new attack. When nothing more happened, their focus settled on Andreas. Ari couldn’t tell whether they were ready to attack him, afraid he would attack them, or were simply attracted by all the blood. She pulled her derringer from her pocket. She always felt safer with a weapon in her hand.

In a sudden move that caused Ari’s finger to tighten on the trigger, two of the vamps began to argue over the human girl’s trickle of blood. Since the donor appeared agreeable to them licking and sucking on her neck, Ari eased off the trigger and ignored them, for now. Plenty of time later to worry about the niceties when the current crisis was over.

Andreas pulled his remaining power around him like a cloak. His skin tone was returning to normal, the dark gleam back in his eyes. “All of you witnessed Sebastian break his pledge of safe passage. We claim the right of self defense.”

The female vampire dressed in leather was the first to speak. “I am Marta, Sebastian’s first lieutenant.” The human male companion at her side handed her a short sword. When she gripped the handle and raised the weapon, the blond vampire came around the couch, as if he might interfere. Ari wasn’t sure what he had in mind.

Her finger tensed on the derringer’s trigger again. Maybe she should shoot the vampiress now. Andreas didn’t move. Taking her cue from him, Ari waited.

Marta glanced at Ari briefly, acknowledged the derringer with an indifferent look, and walked slowly toward Sebastian’s prone body. In one swift motion, she brought the sword up and slashed down on Sebastian’s throat. The severed head rolled across the stage. His body began to smoke and shrivel, releasing a putrid odor. Ari managed not to throw up or shoot anybody.

“With the crown now empty,” Marta said in a measured tone, “I grant your claim of self defense, and extend the continued protection of this court. The crown is a different matter. Your consort’s claim for possession is premature.”

Andreas gave a grave nod. “The right of succession will be discussed. In the meantime, thank you for your hospitality.” His gaze roamed over the group of vampires. The blond male took a step forward and eyed Andreas with a tentative smile. “Gabriel, I am surprised to see you here. I thought you were on the continent.”

The blond’s smile broadened into a grin.

Now that Ari had time to really look at him, he was gorgeous. Compelling eyes, flaxen hair in a modern, tousled style, muscular physique. Adonis come to life. And Andreas seemed to know him.

“A recent recruit,” the Adonis said easily. “I would greet you more enthusiastically, my friend, but frankly, you’re a mess, and I am hungry. We are all hungry. Our prince…uh…” He looked at the headless, decaying body. “Our former prince was rather heavy-handed in his edicts. Also, your companion still has a gun in her hand. May we put off further discussion until we are all more comfortable?”

In spite of the blood, Andreas and Gabriel slapped each other on the back, as men will do, and hostilities were over. At least for the present. Andreas, Oliver and Ari were shown to a small suite where the rest of their delegation joined them, including Marcus. He had remained in the front hallway watching the wounded werewolves after Russell and Lilith had shot their way into the audience chambers. After everyone was brought up to date on the current situation, Andreas excused himself to clean up. Ari found a quiet corner to sit and pull herself back together. Her head hurt, her left shoulder was bruised, but they’d gotten off cheaply.

When Andreas came out of the bathroom, he looked spotless again and totally unruffled by all that had happened. How did he do that? He walked straight over to Ari and dragged her into his arms.

“
Cara mia
,” he whispered. “You are something else.”

Ari leaned back and looked up at him. “Me? Look at you. I still can’t believe you killed Sebastian.”

“Impossible without you.” Andreas’s eyes darkened, saying everything his words were not in front of an audience.

“Whatever. However we did it, it’s done. We won.” Ari smile was tentative. “That’s what really matters, isn’t it?”

“I’ve never seen anything like your use of fire,” Oliver interrupted, coming up to them. “Why didn’t you burn Sebastian? Burn them all? Wouldn’t that have been easier?”

Ari pushed away from Andreas and sighed. No conversation is private when Otherworlders are in the room.

“It’s forbidden,” she said. “Those who can call fire have an unfair advantage over most creatures, but vampires in particular. If we work with or around vamps, especially in law enforcement, we are sworn to use the lethal fire only under certain conditions and only as a last resort. I consider the oath sacred.”

Oliver shook his head. “I’d like to know what you consider a last resort.” His voice was dry, but he regarded her with new respect. Whether it was for her keeping her oath or the power of her witch fire, Ari figured she’d never know.

“Besides, it wasn’t safe,” she said, ignoring his comment. “I might have hit Andreas.”

Oliver turned toward Andreas. “Nice catch on the dagger. How did you know she would throw it?”

Andreas’s mouth quirked as he looked at Ari. “A lucky guess. I know my witch by now. It is what I would expect her to do.”

Ari had nothing to add. Long before tonight, they had agreed not to reveal their telepathic link. A few—like the werelions and Marcus—probably had a pretty good idea, but Andreas and Ari had never confirmed it. Whatever magical thing was going on between them, whatever it might mean, they weren’t ready for the rest of the world to know it existed.

Oliver looked doubtful over the vague explanation, but all he said was, “It all went down so quickly that I don’t think Sebastian knew what was happening.”

“At least not in time,” Andreas agreed. “Now I think we should join the others. I do not anticipate more fighting tonight, but stay alert. We are badly outnumbered.”

When Ari and her companions arrived in the court hall, no one appeared to be in a mood to fight. In fact, Sebastian’s former court members, looking fed and contented, were celebrating with music, jugglers, and wine.

Gabriel approached them with a wide smile on his beautiful face.

“Gabriel and I have been friends a very long time,” Andreas explained, before turning to greet his friend. He introduced everyone.

“Welcome to you all.” Gabriel’s eyes danced at their reaction to the scene before them. “The entertainment was already scheduled, and we saw no reason to send the performers away. Um, except for the donor girls,” he added, giving Andreas a sideways look. “As you can see, Sebastian was obsessed by feudal court functions.” Gabriel waved his hand. “Come, allow me to introduce you to the others.”

“You have not changed much,” Andreas murmured with amusement. “Always ready for a party.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Gabriel announced, raising his voice to gain everyone’s attention. Even the musicians and jugglers paused and waited. “May I present Andreas and his lovely lady, Arianna. This fellow here is Oliver, and Andreas, you will have to introduce the rest of your company as I don’t remember all the names.”

Andreas did so. When he finished, everyone remained quiet, clearly expecting something more. He did not disappoint them.

“Tonight’s events have been as surprising to us as to you. Sebastian’s defeat was not something I sought or foresaw.” He paused and looked around the room. “Over the next few days many decisions will be made that affect you. I am sure you have opinions about those decisions, and I am interested in hearing them.”

Murmuring started among the crowd. Ari could see the surprise and confusion on their faces. Having been under Sebastian’s dictatorial thumb, Andreas’s style of politics would be foreign to them. It remained to be seen whether they would embrace the new freedoms or see them as a sign of weakness.

“Perhaps I should clarify,” he said as the murmuring turned to chatter, “I do not want to hear all your ideas tonight.” A laugh erupted, followed by several others. “For now, just enjoy your evening.” He smiled and turned to Gabriel. “I think it is time we met some of your friends personally.”

Ari couldn’t remember most of the names she heard throughout the next hour. She wasn’t good with names, but Andreas more than made up for her deficiency. He appeared to assimilate and use the name of each vampire or werewolf, as if he had a teleprompter. Maybe a photographic memory was a secret vampire trait. Or Andreas had inherited the talent of group socializing from his well-bred family, along with the Italian estates and vineyards. In his genes, so to speak.

Ari watched his aristocratic figure move around the room and imagined how his life had been as a wealthy landowner, caring for the land and the people. He must have been good at it. His estates were still intact, and he’d earned such loyalty that his weretiger families had followed him to America. Their descendants were still in his employ. He had a gift for managing businesses and the people who made them work. Club Dintero, his supper club, was clear evidence.

Ari almost choked on the wine she was sipping when the truth suddenly hit home. Andreas really
was
the prince here. He wouldn’t be returning to Riverdale. By killing Sebastian, they’d created a power void in Toronto, making this court his responsibility. Andreas would never shirk his duty. Her chest tightened. Duty would keep Andreas in Canada, and duty would return Ari to Riverdale.

She found his tall, beautiful figure again and studied his features, consigning them to memory. The dusky Italian complexion, the raven black hair, the inscrutable eyes with their long dark lashes. In mere days, their time would run out, and she wanted to remember every detail.

She watched him work the room, a casual smile on his face. He hadn’t yet realized what this situation meant for them. She’d stay in Canada for a while, of course, until his court was established. Two or three weeks at most, and then she’d quietly slip away. No big good-byes, no tears. She’d be a grown-up about this. No matter how hard it was.

He glanced over, his smile broadening when he found her, and he beckoned for her to join him. Mustering a return smile, she crossed the room.

Andreas’s eyes brimmed with mischief. “Gabriel tells me Sebastian’s consorts are mine now, if I wish to keep them. What do you think?”

“No way,” she blurted, then caught herself. What would he do after she left? She gave him a serious look. “How many are there?”

“He had four,” Gabriel said, suppressed laughter in his voice.

“They all survived the breaking of the bond? How? I thought they usually died.”

“Only when there’s a deep bond. Can you imagine anyone being genuinely fond of Sebastian? I doubt if any of these bonds were by choice.” Gabriel discarded his serious tone, the mischief returning to his voice. “Would you like to inspect the ladies?”

“No, but maybe Andreas should. I mean, what else are they going to do?”

The humor left Andreas’s face. He looked perplexed, clearly at a loss to understand her.

“That’s what I like, an accommodating girlfriend,” Gabriel said. He grinned and threw an arm across Ari’s shoulders. “You’re a lucky man, Andreas.” Gabriel stepped back and offered Ari his arm. “Come with me, my lady. Let me show you around the place, including the royal bedchamber.”

“Perhaps later…” Andreas began. He questioned Ari with his eyes, but she looked away.

“Oh, no. You can’t deny me,” Gabriel protested. “You and Marta need time to talk, and I’ll see that Ari is suitably entertained. My lady?”

Relieved to avoid further discussion of the consorts, Ari nodded and allowed Gabriel to lead her away. Andreas’s gaze followed her, a trail of awareness running across her back. She ignored the urge to return to his side. They could talk later—when they’d both had time to adjust to the situation.

Gabriel turned his head to look at Ari as he led her across the room. “A fascinating display of fire tonight. I thought the ancient salamanders were merely a legend.”

“So did I, in the beginning. They’re pretty awesome.”

“May I say I hope I never make you angry with me?”

“If you play nice with Andreas, you won’t have to worry.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Their conversation turned to more general topics regarding the compound, the staff. As Gabriel showed her from room to room, Ari gave in to an urge to pump him for information on Andreas’s history. Ironic, now that they wouldn’t be together in the future, she wanted to know everything about his past.