Fang Shway in LA (11 page)

Chapter 18

Leaving the safety of the rest room, I headed for the front of the station. So far, so good, it didn’t look like I was being followed. I got to the car, jumped in as Traygen started the car and we headed home

“We did it, one job down and two to go. Before I forget, there is one more thing I need to take care of.”

I pulled out my cell and called my new detective friend from the LAPD. I gave him the address of the Russians hotel and the address of the home in San Marino. Lastly, I let him know he might find some of the Russians tied up at Union Station.

“That ought to keep the Russians out of our hair for some time. Now I need to contact Jason and get rid of the spear. It’s evil and it’s a magnet for trouble.”

“I agree the thing gives me the creeps.
The council can have it.”

When we got home, I contacted Jason and Traygen made breakfast. We had just finished eating when Jason arrived for the spear.

“Well done. The World Council is indebted to you for recovering this. The goodwill you’ve produced has bought us a little bit more time to stop Azif and send Vicor packing.”

“Thank you, thank you. I need a good night’s sleep. So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a long bath. I need a good soak.”

Jason left and everyone else turned in. I ran a warm, fragrant tub, full of bubbles, the air hung heavy with the scent of jasmine, as I slid into the warm water. A few words from me and the multitude of candles I kept around the tub, burst into flame. Aah, now for some music. A flick of my wrist and the room filled with the sound of Pachelbel’s Canon. Heaven or so I thought until I heard a soft knock at my door.

“Yes?”

Traygen pulled open the door, “Do you want some company?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

I’d never tell. Feeling relaxed and more or less rested, I slept until nine the next morning. A rare luxury and I didn’t have the heart to wake my favorite dragon.
Slipping out of bed, I tiptoed from the room and went in search of my daily caffeine fix. Xena greeted me with a sloppy kiss.

“Are you hungry girl? Come on I’ll feed you. This will all be over soon and then I can take you for a run.”

I brought in the morning paper and opened it to the California section. Skimming the paper, I found what I was looking for on page five. The heading read ‘Russian Cartel Smuggling Ring Captured’. Yes, I believe we’re free from interference by the cartel for the foreseeable future.

Traygen put his arms around me and kissed my neck. “You’re up early, did I snore?”

I turned around and kissed him, wanting to take him back to bed, but time was running out and this wasn’t over.

“You snore? Never. I just wanted to see if the police arrested any of the cartel members. Here’s the story,” I said handing him the paper.

I put on some coffee for Traygen and myself, before getting a couple of bagels from the freezer. I tossed them in the microwave to thaw. Then I sliced them and popped them in the toaster. I handed the bagel and coffee to Traygen, as he finished reading the article.

“I could get used to this,” he murmured.

“You wish, this is the extent of my culinary skills although, I have other talents, which you can attest to.”

“You certainly do. I could get used to waking up next to you.”

“Why Traygen, is that a proposal or do you just suppose, I’m that kind of girl?”

“You know it is and it isn’t the first. I know you’re the kind of girl anyone would be lucky to marry.”

“You’re such a chivalrous lover, one of these days I might just surprise you and say yes. Unfortunately, right now we need to concentrate on finding Azif and Vicor. Any ideas on where we should start?”

“Yes, but you said we had to concentrate.” He said ducking the waded up napkin I aimed at him.

“Okay, I’ll get serious for now. I think the vampires are the key. Ekil wants to avenge his son’s murder. He’ll have Vicor searching for the murderer or us if he doesn’t believe our story. I believe he still thinks we killed his son or were somehow involved. Azif, on the other hand, will be tougher. Once he figures out we took the spear, he’ll be gunning for us. He is by far our toughest challenge. He’s unstable, unscrupulous, unethical and powerful, never a good combination.”

“I agree and I’m not eager to tangle with him. What do you think about being proactive and trying to talk with Ekil? Maybe we can convince him of our innocence. It can’t hurt, and it might help give us an indication of their frame of mind.”

“It is worth a try, as much as I hate going into a vampire thrall.”

“That makes two of us. I’ll send for a messenger; under World Council protocol he can’t kill the messenger. ”

“That is a great idea.
Do you have anyone in mind?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. A sylph that tends my flowers, her name is Orabelle. She will do whatever I ask, as long as I feed her a spell every now and again. Before I do, I’d better check in with Jake. I haven’t been near my office in a week.”

“If it’s all right with you’ll I’ll take Xena with me on my run.”

“She’d love it and Traygen, be careful. I’m jealous because I’ve missed my morning runs on the beach.”

I went to my office and called Jake. He was hard at work putting the finishing touches on the church group’s trip to Chichen Itza and several cruises. Business it seemed was good and thankfully Jake didn’t need my guidance. He also didn’t ask many questions.

I needed to send for Orabelle.
I thought about what blossom to send. Then I went to the garden and picked a gardenia. It was her favorite flower, placing it on my Dragon’ Eye statue I called her full name. I’m never sure how long it will take, so I started to pull some things together to use during our visit to Ekil’s.

A tiny tinkling sound built and grew louder and I knew Orabelle must be in the area. “Lauren, the blossom is so beautiful and fragrant. You know how much I love gardenias. Thank you for the gift. How may I return your kindness?”

“I need you to deliver a message to Ekil’s thrall. You’ll be protected by the World Council protocol, no one will harm you. I guarantee it.”

“I trust you Lauren, what do you wish me to carry?”

I handed her a tiny scroll she was to read to Ekil and then wait for a reply. She scanned the scroll and nodded she understood. Then she was gone, in a blurring of rapidly beating wings, the sound vanishing as quickly as she had.

Tokem wasn’t up yet and Traygen hadn’t returned. So, I continued putting together my essentials for dealing with vampires. Silver, whitethorn, a small mirror and the pouch I’d received from the Sidhe queen. I hoped I wouldn’t need any of these things, but it was better to be prepared.

I was as ready as I would ever be I thought, as I decided to get dressed. Pushing myself up, I went to my room to get my clothes. Looking at the rumpled covers and disheveled sheets on my bed brought a smile to my face. Traygen, my love, our time will come. We won’t always be protecting the world from evil. I didn’t mean to sound melodramatic but, I was correct and besides, someone else would eventually replace us.

Scanning my closet I decided on a pantsuit, which would never be my first choice. I think a little leg is always an asset. However, it’s never a good idea to arouse vampires. Blood might be their first choice but, they also feed on emotion, fear and lust to name a few. There is a reason all those vampire novels emphasize seduction, sleaze, sex and death by fang.

A tiny tinkling sound announced Orabelle’s return. “Lauren, Ekil expects you at two P.M. He said you’d understand they’re not early risers.”

“Thank you Orabelle. I appreciate your help. I owe you.”

“Lauren, I didn’t like the feeling I got from that place. Those vampires are all wound up about something. Be careful,” she said, vanishing as quickly as she had come.

I’d
just finished putting on my makeup when Traygen returned. I brought him up to speed and he went to shower and wake up Tokem. Something was bothering me. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Besides the obvious, no one in their right mind willingly walks into a house full of vampires. Maybe that was it, especially ones who put a price on my head.

I got behind the wheel, hoping that driving would take my mind off whatever was gnawing at me. I was only partially successful. I didn’t get any answers but, the driving took my mind off the vamps. We pulled up in front of Ekil’s home a few minutes before two
PM. It didn’t pay to keep a vampire prince waiting and besides, I was raised to be a proper lady.

The front door was opened by a human housekeeper, who showed us to the den, which was just off the main entryway. There wasn’t any one there. Naturally, I took the opportunity to snoop. I sent out my feelers and did not detect Vicor or any other magic. Actually, I didn’t sense many vampires. I wondered where everyone had gone. A few minutes later a butler announced Ekil’s arrival. He entered the room followed by three burly human goons. I couldn’t believe our luck, it must be ‘Be Kind to Mortal’s Day’. Or else, the vamps were occupied elsewhere, that thought continued to make me uneasy.

“Lauren, Traygen, and Tokem, I must say I didn’t expect to see you three. What can I do for you? I trust it’s of the upmost importance, since my family and I are mourning the loss of my son.”

“Ekil, we came to offer our regrets and to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Have you found the person or people responsible?”

“Not yet, but we are leaving no stone unturned to find the murderer. I will avenge my son’s death.”

“Have you ruled us out? You have my word. We had nothing to do with your son’s murder. Besides, I can prove we’re not responsible.”

Ekil’s head snapped up, and he arched his eyebrows. “Do tell.”

“Whoever killed your son employed the Mistsmand as you know that is a forbidden use of magic. The World Council can testify we were not involved. I would have been sent for immediately, or I would be in hiding.”

“What you say has a certain amount of logic, still you could be lying.”

“How can I convince you?”

“Allow Vicor to scan your soul. He’ll know if what you’re saying is true. What do you say?”

“I won’t do that and you know it Ekil. No one has the right to that information, but me. You can take my word for it or not. I didn’t kill your son and neither did Traygen. I came here today to keep this from escalating any further.”

Ekil waved his hand dismissively. “It’s a little late for that. I gave you an opportunity to clear your name. You’ve refused. Vicor, the wizard and dragon are all yours.” He strode from the room surrounded by his fawning followers, leaving us to face Vicor by ourselves.

Traygen moved to stand beside me. “Well Vicor, what’s it going to be? Ambush, poison, pick your pleasure?” I asked with more courage than I felt.

“I don’t need to resort to deception.” His voice lowered almost to a hiss. “I challenge you to a duel, your magic versus mine. The only rule is that there is no outside interference.” He said looking at Traygen to make his meaning clear.

Traygen grabbed my arm, and I shook it off. He knew better than to push it. “How do I know I can trust you? No, don’t answer. I’ll agree with one condition, there is a member of the World Court present to witness the duel.”

“I don’t recognize that court. However, I’ll provide someone from the Lazarian Court. Do we have a deal?”

“You’ve got a deal. When and where?”

“Since time is of the essence, midnight tonight at the Coliseum.”

Nodding, I turned and left the room. I’m a huge SC fan.
Once we were in the car, Traygen exploded.

“You’ve got to be out of your mind. Taking on a Daywalker, who’s had centuries of experience killing, it’s reckless, stupid and likely to prove deadly. You said yourself you weren’t sure you could handle him. Lauren, what in the world were you thinking?”

“That was before, now I have the upper hand.” Then pressing my fingers to his lips, I silenced him. I let my fingers trail from his lips, covering his mouth with mine, and probing his mouth with my tongue. I ran my fingers through his hair. He responded by running his hands up and down my body. Something about certain death really turns me on. I can’t help it and honestly I don’t try. I think it’s because it makes me realize how precious life is.

Chapter 19

I didn’t remember driving home, or tearing each other’s clothes off. Before I even realized it, I found myself running my fingers over his chest and nibbling on his nipples. Traygen moaned his pleasure and I continued exploring his body with my mouth and hands. I straddled him, starting to lower myself onto him.

Traygen seized my hips and turned me so my back was to him. He kissed my neck and caressed my breasts. Cupping each breast and rubbing my nipples between his thumb and forefinger, arching back into him, I moaned with pleasure. He rolled me over, climbing so he was on top of me and I locked my legs around him, moving together until bliss washed through us in waves.

I slipped from the bed leaving Traygen softly snoring. It wasn’t my first choice, but I needed to contact Jason. Pulling on a t-shirt and shorts, I padded down the hall to my office. I closed the door and knelt down beside my Dragon’s Eye to summon Jason. This was the easy part, convincing him to come wouldn’t. He relented when I reminded him he ordered me to stop the Daywalker. Jason would represent the council tonight when I battled Vicor.