Pixie Dust (Karli Lane #1) (17 page)

He scoffed. “Leo Markos does
nothing
without an ulterior motive.”

“Vance, I really don’t think that’s true in this situation.” I insisted. “I truly think he was just trying to help. Look I know you guys have issues with each other, but he’s different with me.  He’s probably the reason we’re even having this conversation right now. He called me when you were hurt because he knows I have feelings for you. You said it yourself. He was encouraging you to talk to me. What motive could he possibly have for that?”

“I don’t know.” He admitted. “That’s irrelevant at this point. The fact remains that he’s tasted your blood. Did he say anything about your connection to the fairy race?” 

“Um, yeah kinda. But not right away. He told me that night I stayed at his place.”

Vance’s jaw ticked again at the reminder. In an accusatory tone he asked, “And what
exactly
were you two doing to bring up that particular conversation?”

“Nothing! We were
just
talking!!!”
I screamed. Taking a deep breath I said, “Look, I know what you’re thinking but you’re wrong. I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you, but Leo and I did not have sex. Not then, not ever.”

Relieved by my confession, he visibly relaxed and softened his tone. “I’m sorry Karli. I shouldn’t have accused you of anything. You’re right; I have no reason to feel angry about this. Even if something
had
happened between you two, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. We’re not in a committed relationship.  I was just letting my personal demons get the best of me.”

“That’s okay. I can’t say I wouldn’t feel the same if the situation was reversed.” I admitted.

“I think we’re getting off track here.” He said. “I’ve never heard of a vampire resisting the pull of Fae blood before. What exactly did he say to you?”

“He said that he can’t figure out what I am, but he knows I’m
not
a witch. He told me that he could taste my upcoming immortality which doesn’t make sense based on my age. He also said that my blood tastes very different, like nothing he’s ever had before. He picked up on the honey almond thing. Although, I thought that wasn’t supposed to come until after I was immortal? Anyway, he said the contrast was too great for me to deny.”

“The blood scent you are referring to does not come until you become immortal. He was referring to your blood’s
taste
which is the same from the day you are born. A vampire will be able to scent your blood from beneath your skin once you are an immortal but only in close proximity. They are very sensitive to it because of the history between the two races.”

“So, you’re telling me that as long as I don’t physically get too close to a vampire, I shouldn’t worry about it?” I asked.

“No, I’m not saying that. Your mother’s friend was right to hide your identity. If word spread, a vampire would seek you out.”    

“What about you?” I asked. “Can they scent your blood?”

He shook his head. “My blood gives off an entirely different scent since the Fae essence is so diluted.”

“Okay, I hear what you’re saying, but it doesn’t quite make sense. Why was Leo able to control himself then?”

“I don’t know.” He said through gritted teeth. “It’s possible that his
feelings
for you override his instincts.”
What feelings?

“So you’re saying that it’s
possible
a vampire wouldn’t lose control?” I asked.

“I think that we’ve already established that, Karli. We just don’t know the reasons behind it. Unless you plan on revealing your identity to Leo and asking him, we’re never going to know.”

“Of course I’m not going to do that!” I said incredulously.

“Well then you’re just going to have to stay away from him.”

“Vance, I can’t do that.” Oh Christ, there goes his jaw again!

“Why the hell not?” He shouted. “You’re putting yourself in harm’s way every time you go near him.”

“Because I work for him.”

“Yeah, and you don’t think that’s an awfully big coincidence?”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked.

“It means,” he snapped. “That I wouldn’t be surprised if Leo bought the bar so he
could be
your boss. He probably sensed something was different about you and wanted an opportunity to get closer.”

“That’s ridiculous.” I scoffed. “There are much easier and less expensive ways to get to know someone. Like, oh I don’t know….ask them on a date???”

“When’s the last time you went on an actual date Karli?”

I glared at him. “That’s none of your business.”

“See? There’s my point. You’re so closed off when it comes to men. I knew the first minute that I met you that somebody did a number on you. Vampires can sense emotions Karli. He could have figured it out just as easily as I did.”

I returned his glare. “Whatever. I don’t want to talk about this ridiculous theory of yours anymore.”

He shrugged. “Fine, but we do need to talk about what you’re going to do about him. You need to quit your job.”

“Excuse me?”

“If you’d pull your head out of your ass, you’d know I’m right.” He said. 

Okay, now I was getting irritated. “Fuck you Vance. I refuse to live in fear anymore! I’ve been doing that
my whole life
. I’m not going to take any unnecessary risks, but Leo has already proven himself to me. In doing so, he’s actually given me some hope that I’m not going to die before I get to actually live my life!”

He narrowed his eyes at me.“Well I’m glad
Leo
has been such a great comfort to you Karli.”

“You’re impossible! You know what? You can leave now. Just go!” I walked over to my door in case he needed a demonstration.

“What? I’m not leaving. We’re not done. We’ve barely even scratched the surface!” He shouted.

“Well too bad.” I replied. “We can continue this discussion when you’re ready to put your issues with Leo aside and act like an adult. I’m too pissed at you right now to hear anything else you have to say.”

“Well, aren’t you the pot calling the kettle black?”

I placed my hands on my hips. “Oh hell no, did you just call
me
immature?”

“If the shoe fits…..”

I opened the door for him as I gritted my teeth. “Leave. NOW.”

He got up and stormed out the door. When he was halfway down the hall he said, “You’re going to regret this Karli. Call me when you’re ready to think sensibly.”

“Don’t hold your breath jackass!” I screamed. Ugh! 

Chapter 15

*************

Almost two weeks have passed and I haven’t spoken to Vance once. I almost called him so many times to apologize, but I refrained. I wasn’t going to budge on this. I know I’m being stubborn but this is about principle. I’m not going to let him, or any man think they can run my life.

As for the other complication in my life, Leo has remained distant which is really starting to upset me. He’s still kind as always, but it’s not the same. I miss his playfulness and his affectionate nicknames. I heard that his lunch date with Kendra turned into another for drinks, then a third for dinner. The fact that he was dating anyone really bothered me. I know that I don’t have any rights to him, but I was jealous all the same. 

To top things off, the investigation was at a standstill. Thankfully no one else has been attacked but the fact that a murderer is still out there somewhere didn’t sit very well with me. Apparently the police have explored every possible angle and they still have nothing. They even hired Erica to perform a locator spell with Vance using a piece of hair they found at the scene. I guess they were thinking two magical people were better than one? Erica thinks this thing is cloaking itself somehow because she’s never failed when trying to locate someone before. Who knows?

Tonight is my last night working before I had a few days off. I relieve Kendra on Sundays which I am really dreading at the moment. Quite frankly, I’m not looking forward to seeing her and Leo together. It’s not like I have much of a choice though considering the fact that I’m walking in right now.  I scanned the bar. Leo isn’t here yet which makes things a little easier I guess. I took a deep breath to face the inevitable; I had to go behind the bar so Kendra could leave.

“Hey girl, how’s it going?” She asked.

“Um, okay Kendra. How about you?” I didn’t really want to know but I felt that being polite was the best course of action.

“Well to be honest, not so hot.” She replied.

“Why not?” 

“Can I ask you something, as a friend?”

Okay, I would consider us more co-workers than friends but I’ll bite. “Sure.” 

“How well do you know Leo?” Alright, maybe I shouldn’t have taken the bait. Let me think, what is the fastest way out of this conversation?

“Not well at all. He’s just my boss.” I lied.

“Hmm, that’s weird because he brings you up a lot. Anyway, the reason I was asking is because I need some advice. Leo and I have been on a few dates which all went really well. I mean, he’s super sexy, he’s rich, and he’s sweet. What more could a girl want, right?”

“That doesn’t sound like a problem to me Kendra.” I replied, maybe a little more bitterly than I had intended.

“Well, I’m just confused that’s all. I mean he’s a vampire, right?”

“Yes, Leo is a vampire. And…?” Oh c’mon just shoot me now please!

She lowered her voice before continuing. “Well, I’ve never dated one before, but I thought vampires were supposed to be
really
sexual, right? And well, I’ve been trying to put the moves on him, but he’s been the perfect gentleman. The most action I’ve gotten from him is a goodnight kiss on the cheek! Is there something wrong with me?”

“Hold on,” I said. “Are you trying to tell me that you and Leo haven’t slept together?” Okay,
now
I was interested in this conversation.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She replied. “I even went as far as offering my blood to him the other night, but he politely refused! God, I’m so embarrassed! Am I pathetic or what? I’m practically throwing myself at him! I don’t understand why he keeps asking me out when he’s so obviously not interested.”

“That is a good question.” I said.
“One that I intend to find the answer to.”