Fang Me (6 page)

CHAPTER SIX

When I woke the next day, I felt really groggy. It was dark again, so I must have slept a long time. Better for healing, I guess. Something niggled at the edge of my brain, something I wanted to remember. It took a moment, but I recalled the voice I'd heard right before I drifted off to sleep. Was it real, or the product of a drugged mind?

I listened, but didn't hear anything now, not even Fang. I hadn't recognized the voice, and doubted anyone could send a thought from a distance into the head of someone they'd never met. Sheesh, I'd probably dreamed the weird incident. No more of those drugs for me.

Fang was nowhere around and the townhouse was quiet. I sat up and turned on the bedside light. Feeling a twinge of pain, I reminded myself to take it easy. I would have liked to stay and snuggle longer, but my bladder and stomach were both protesting.

I used the bathroom and showered, checking my wound. It was healing nicely. I still had some pain, but nowhere near yesterday's level. Gwen had left some bandages and instructions, so I was able to replace the dressing. Feeling better now that I was up and around, I wandered into the kitchen to find something to eat.

Shade was there, reading a book. It looked kind of weird given the general swirliness of his hands and face, but I was getting used to it.

Now that we were dating, should I kiss him each time I saw him? I wasn't sure about the protocol between boyfriend and girlfriend. On TV, they seemed to suck face all the time, but it didn't seem like people did that in real life. And with us, kissing could lead to other things left better unthought-of.

"Hey there," he said softly."How do you feel?"

I hesitated but when he didn't make a move toward me, I wasn't sure if I should be offended or happy. Lola was disappointed, of course. But, like a two-year-old, she needed to learn that she didn't always get everything she wanted. Besides, she'd gotten pretty stoked at Alejandro's house and should be good for awhile."Better, thanks. Where's Fang?"

"I brought Princess over, and they took off together out the doggie door. He said he'd be back in time to go to work."

"Good." I opened the refrigerator and looked inside, hoping I'd find something I wouldn't have to cook.

"Gwen left you some lasagna," Shade said."She wouldn't let anyone else touch it. Some garlic bread, too."

"She's a goddess," I said with relief. Too bad garlic didn't really deter vampires. I found the covered plate and put it in the microwave, careful not to stretch my injured side too much.

"You're not really going in to work for Alejandro today, are you?"

"Sure. Why wouldn't I?" Shade might be my boyfriend, but he didn't dictate what I could and couldn't do. I'd had enough of that from my mother to last me a lifetime.

"Oh, I don't know. Because you're stiff and still hurting, maybe?"

Shade, sarcastic? That was a new one. I turned to look at him to gauge his expression. It didn't do any good, of course. The swirls seemed more agitated, if that meant anything."It's that accelerated healing of mine. I really do feel better. Besides, I'm not doing the Slayer thing tonight. Just going to look for the books."

"With Trevor Jackson?"

I didn't quite understand the tone of his voice."Yes, and whoever else Alejandro sends along." The microwave beeped and I took the food out. Maybe he didn't trust Trevor either."Did you meet him when he came to see Micah?"

As I joined him at the small round table, Shade said,"No, but I heard about him."

Again, the tone of his voice was sarcastic. Wanting to see his expression, I casually placed my hand on his arm. Because people rarely saw his face, Shade had never learned to hide his feelings. He was getting better at it with exposure to the Demon Underground, but it was still incredibly easy to read him. Right now, he looked hurt . . . and defensive.

Whoa. Was he jealous? He had absolutely no reason to be. I took a bite of Gwen's fabulous lasagna then said casually,"So you heard he really likes himself . . . and Rosa?"

I left my hand on his arm so I could gauge his emotions.

He looked surprised then frowned."I heard he likes you, too."

"He flirts with everyone. He has a very high opinion of himself and thinks everyone else should, too."

Shade relaxed, moving his arm so his hand covered mine."And do you?"

I shrugged."He hasn't shown me anything yet but a nice exterior." I grinned."But yours is prettier." I leaned over to kiss him. It seemed like the right time. More natural. Gee, maybe I'd get the hang of this dating thing soon after all. Lola's interest spiked, but I pulled away before she could do anything about it.

Shade grimaced but it wasn't because of the kiss. He stroked my arm possessively, like he wasn't even aware he was doing it. Kinda nice."Guys aren't pretty," he protested.

"Devastatingly handsome then," I teased. When he twisted his lips in protest, I added,"Oh, come on, you have to know you're gorgeous. I'm glad you're a shadow demon so other girls don't see the real you. Otherwise, I'd have to beat them off with a stake." I took a bite and grinned at him, wondering how he'd respond.

He gave me a slow smile that had my blood sizzling and Lola wanting to play. He leaned forward and caressed my cheek."I thought you loved me for my mind . . . and my ability to please Lola."

I swallowed and the lasagna went down hard. Oh, my. The"L" word. Love, not Lola. Had we really progressed that far . . . or was it just a figure of speech? Better assume the latter.

Trying to act casual, I speared another bite and waved my fork airily."That, too," I said, trying to keep it light. But in reality, what I loved about Shade was his willingness to accept me totally as I was, without trying to change me. The eye candy was just a great bonus.

His expression softened, looking almost sappy. It was nice to see how much he cared about me, but embarrassing, too. I felt my face warm and didn't know how to react, where to look. Plus, I didn't want him to see how much I cared about him. That would just make it harder to stay away from him. So, I pretended to be really interested in the food for awhile.

I owed him the truth, though. I stared down at my plate, unwilling to raise my eyes yet."Shade, I just want you to know that if I seem a little distant lately, it's not you."

"It's not?"

He sounded doubtful so I looked up and gazed into his fabulous blue eyes."No. It's this whole . . . thing," I said, for lack of a better word. Or rather, lack of any words I wanted to use in front of him.

Luckily, he seemed to get what I was trying to say."You mean making love?"

"Yeah, that thing." I avoided his gaze again.

His voice softened."I told you I wouldn't push you. I understand what a huge deal it is for you, and we won't do anything unless you're absolutely ready."

That's how he felt now, but what if I put the decision off for months, even years? Would he be so understanding then? He was a guy, after all. A guy with needs that Lola stirred up every time we touched.

I was afraid to ask that question, so I said,"It's just that I want to make that decision myself, not lose control accidentally and be coerced into it by the demon inside me." Sheesh, this was getting intense. To lighten it up, I added,"You're just too tempting, you know?"

He laughed."So are you. But don't worry, I totally get it. We'll tone it down a notch."

Relieved, I said,"Why don't you come along with us tonight . . . unless Micah has something else for you?" I didn't want him to think there was any reason to be jealous of Trevor, and meeting the keeper for himself should do that nicely.

Another smile spread across his face."Sounds good. Micah let me off work to look after you as long as you're still not a hundred percent. I picked up your bike from Alejandro's."

That annoyed me a little—I could look after myself. But there was no use quibbling about it. I glanced at the clock. Wow—I'd slept for a long time. It was almost ten o'clock.

We watched television for awhile then took off when Fang and Princess came in. Though Shade had installed a sidecar on his Ducati for Princess, we didn't take her with us. Her bluntness and willingness to speak whatever she heard in someone's mind often made her a real pain in the butt and had caused problems in the past. She was just as willing to stay at my place and chill.

I didn't realize how painful the ride over would be. But every time I cornered or changed balance, my side screamed at me. Thankfully, the mansion wasn't too far away. Rosa answered the door this time and Trevor was waiting for us in Alejandro's Christmassy great room, chatting with Andrew. He was so crisp and fashionably put together that he looked radically out of place in Alejandro's old-world style home. Rosa excused herself, leaving only non-vamps in the room.

Trevor rose from the dark, heavy couch with a wide smile."Please, introduce me to your friend," he said to me, not taking his eyes off Shade.

I did, and Trevor looked delighted when he shook Shade's hand and his features appeared."You're a shadow demon?"

Shade nodded."Yes. And you?"

SMOOTH, Fang said approvingly.

Yeah, the Demon Underground might consider it rude to ask about a person's demon origins, but Shade managed to make it sound natural.

"The keeper of the Encyclopedia Magicka," Trevor said, not letting go of Shade's hand.

Which didn't answer the question about what kind of demon he was, darn it.

"Are you joining us?" Trevor continued.

It didn't seem to bother Shade that the guy was still holding his hand and gazing into his face, especially since Trevor seemed so genuinely glad to meet him."Yes, if you don't mind." He even smiled.

What was up with that? He met Trevor and suddenly all his jealousy vanished?

HE CAN SEE NOW THAT TREVOR IS NO THREAT TO HIM.

Humph. He could have taken my word for it . . . .

"I don't mind at all." Trevor turned to glance at Andrew, who seemed less sullen in Trevor's presence."Andrew tells me that he doesn't remember where he hid the books, but I thought we could retrace his steps, see if I can sense them."

"Works for me," I agreed, wondering why if the reason he still hadn't let go of Shade's hand was because the swirls made him uncomfortable.

I DON'T KNOW, Fang said. MAYBE THE DUDE SWINGS BOTH WAYS.

I hadn't even thought about that. Or maybe his kind of demon learned more about people by shaking their hand? Naw, a bit far-fetched.

Rosa returned with a set of keys. Handing them to me, she said,"Alejandro is loaning you one of his cars tonight, to make it easier to search. Please, do not damage it. The cars are his pride and joy."

I appreciated the offer. It would be possible to search together on our motorcycles, but difficult. Besides, I didn't want either Trevor or Andrew riding behind me on my bike, with their arms around me. The thought made me squirm, and not in a good way. And I really wanted to give my injury a break."I'll try not to," I said. Best not to make promises when I never knew what we'd encounter."Thanks."

I'M SURE ALEJANDRO HAS INSURANCE, Fang said with a doggie grin. YOU MIGHT NEED IT.

Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.

Andrew got into the front with me so he could give directions, and Shade and Trevor rode in the back, Fang riding on Shade's lap so the shadow demon would look normal to anyone we passed.

"So, where do we start?" I asked, fumbling with the unfamiliar controls.

Andrew shrugged."The last place I remember having the books was at Mood's house." He turned around to speak to Trevor."She locked me in her basement because I was planning on burning down the mansion, but I broke out."

"Okay, let's start there," I said.

Andrew gave me the address and I drove toward the west side of town, near Lackland Air Force Base, following his directions. Trevor and Shade were chatting in the back seat, having a good old time."Uh, Trevor, the books may be hidden anywhere along this route. Shouldn't you pay attention?"

"No need," he said airily."I'll feel them if I get within five hundred feet, no matter how much I'm enjoying myself."

And he continued to enjoy himself while I played chauffer. By the time we reached Mood's house, he'd learned more about Shade than I'd ever thought to ask, like the fact that his parents were both dead, Micah's father had taken him in as a kid, and his favorite hobbies were learning about demonkind and competing in online games against other players. It annoyed me that I felt embarrassed for not knowing these things.

"Okay, we're here," I said, sounding more snappish than I'd intended as I turned off the engine."Now what?"

Trevor shook his head."They're not here."

"Can you tell that they've been here?" Shade asked."Can you track them?"

"I'm afraid it doesn't work that way." Trevor tapped Andrew on the shoulder."What do you remember after leaving here that night?"

Andrew thought for a moment."I remember the books encouraging me to use my powers to get back at the vampires, so I was all about burning their house down. But the books were afraid they'd burn, too, so they told me to hide them." He paused, then added slowly,"That's the last time I remember seeing them."

HE'S TELLING THE TRUTH, Fang confirmed.

"Think harder," Trevor urged."What do you remember immediately after you left here? Do you remember arriving at the mansion? What direction did you come from?"

Andrew shook his head."I'm sorry, but all I remember is the books badgering me to hide, hide, hide. I've been trying to remember for days, but all I recall is leaving here to find a hiding place. Then the next thing I knew, I was splashing gasoline on the side of the house, more powerful and more pissed off than I've ever been in my life."

Trevor clenched his fists on his thighs and persisted."Do you have any idea how much time passed between the two memories?"

Again, Andrew paused."I'm not sure 'cause Mood used her mojo on me to make me stupid happy. It was about noon when she put me in the basement. She put me to sleep and took away my cell so I don't know what time it was when I woke up." He shook his head."I don't know how long I slept. All I know is that it was still daylight when I left."