Seizing Darkness (Fur, Fangs, and Fairies) (22 page)

Chapter Twenty-two

My eyes were locked onto Radek. Val had already reached me and his chuckle brought my attention to him.

“Well, it looks like you’ve had a bit of fun, Natalya. I saw the whole thing so you don’t need to worry. You were in the right. You are a bit of a mess though.” He tweaked my ear then turned to the men. “Madon, Radek, will you go with her? Have her shift, clean her up, and then get back here.”

“Come on, she left her clothes in the kitchen,” Madon said.

I walked between them. I could feel the tension. Once we were outside Madon said, “I’m sorry about that, Nat. I’m glad you’re all right.”

I just growled at him. What was I supposed to do? I couldn’t talk yet.

Radek answered for me, “I wouldn’t worry about it, Madon. I think she needed to let off a little steam anyway.”

“I’m sure. I’m glad to see you’ve recovered.” Madon thumped Radek on his back in affection.

“Thanks. I see you’re still alpha. Glad to hear it.” Radek’s rich voice flowed over me, calming me. I was so relieved he was alive.

“Me too. I found out why I was challenged,” Madon said with a laugh.

“And why was that?” Radek asked, his curiosity evident in his voice.

“It was pointed out to me that I don’t have a mate and it has left me weak,” Madon answered with a hint of disbelief.

Oh so that was what that was all about earlier. I thought he had just hit his head hard or something. I went under Radek’s arm as he held the door for me. Once inside, I shifted.

“Can I use your shower, Madon?” I asked when I noticed that I had blood all over me. I only had the one set of clothes and didn’t want to get it all over them. I must have made a face because they both laughed.

“Yeah, come on.” M
adon smiled and motioned toward the stairs. I grabbed my clothes and followed him to what must have been his room.

“Thanks.” I shut the door on his face. As a shifter, I was used to being naked in front of people, but I wanted some privacy. I didn’t know what to say to Radek and I needed a few minutes to collect myself.

To see him without warning had thrown me for a bit of a loop. I cleaned up quickly, knowing that Val was waiting for us. I had to use Madon’s soap; now I was going to smell like him. Oh well, it could be worse, I thought. I got dressed and joined the other two in the kitchen. They were sure chummy, I thought.

“I’m better now,” I sighed and studied them.

“Good. We better head back.” Radek winked at me.

I went out the door first this time, leaving them to catch up. I wanted to get this night over with. They were at my side before I took five steps from the house. It figured.

“After we finish up here, I was going to take Natalya and Dante out for a pint. Do you want to join us?” Madon asked.

“Yeah, I want to hear more about how you’re planning on getting a mate.” Radek sounded really amused by the idea.

“I was thinking of asking Nat to help me with that,” Madon’s statement made me pause.

I couldn’t help it; I busted out laughing. “What would I get out of helping you?” This whole conversation was insane.

“My undying gratitude,” Madon sounded like a little boy asking for cookies. Too bad that didn’t work on me.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said.

This conversation and evening had gone from insane to ludicrous. Lucky for me, we reached the barn so the exchange was postponed. We entered to find Val and Dante almost alone. Carly, Jake and Trent were the only ones left.

“I took the liberty of sending them all home,” Val informed us as we approached.

“That works for me. It was over anyway.” Madon shrugged.

“How are you doing, Natalya?” Val studied me.

I wanted to shrink away from his scrutiny, but held myself there. “Fine, maybe a little ticked off, but fine nonetheless.” I tried to sound more nonchalant than I was. I knew what I’d done would hit me later. Much later, like when I’d had enough alcohol to temper it a bit. I was glad that we were going out for drinks. I could really use a few.

“I’ll send out a formal announcement tomorrow for the pledges, but tonight the drinks are on me. I was thinking of going to The Gamut.” Madon eyed me with a sly smile.

I rolled my eyes at him. He was so not going to hold that fight against me. “I’m so in,” I said, maybe a little too enthusiastically.

Val lifted an eyebrow at me. I wasn’t in the mood to discuss anything. It was beginning to hit me, but I wanted to put it off a little longer. This had been a long week. Too many deaths and too many of those I cared about risking their lives.

In the old days, I’d had very few people I cared about. I usually didn’t get close to anyone. As I looked at those around me, I realized I somehow now had a family of sorts. That was one thing I hadn’t had since the time I’d spent at the martial arts school.

“I think a drink sounds good. Natalya, please try not to cause a brawl this time,” Val said.

I glared at him. “As long as everyone keeps their fins, paws and other body parts to themselves, we won’t have a problem.”

That got a laugh from everyone. Apparently they’d all heard the story by now. I wasn’t sure how it happened, but I ended up in the car with only Madon and Radek.

“Are you still not talking to me, Natalya?” Radek asked from the driver’s seat.

“It’s not that, Dek. I just have a lot on my mind right now. Let me get a few drinks down first, okay? It was a long night.” I pleaded with my eyes. I hoped he would let it pass for now.

He glanced out of the corner of his eye at me. “I can live with that. Since we aren’t talking about you, I’m rather intrigued by Madon’s little problem.” A wicked grin spread across his face. I felt my shoulders relax as he changed the subject.

“I’m beginning to regret telling you, Dek.” Madon sounded anxious.

It felt good to laugh. “I’m sure you will. Now what did you want my help with? From what I’ve observed, you could have your choice of wolves – the whole entire female population is practically drooling at your feet.”

“She’s right you know,” Radek agreed.

“Well it’s not just any wolf I want. It’s a particular one,” Madon admitted.

“Which one is it?” I was very curious now.

He looked and smelled nervous. It was so ridiculous I was tempted to laugh, but I managed not to, barely. The big bad alpha wolf was afraid of a girl. I bit my tongue to hold back the laughter. Maybe all the events of the night were catching up with me and making me a little punchy.

“Um, Carly,” Madon mumbled. I could almost hear him blush.

It took me a minute to say anything as I took a few deep breaths to temper down the laughter that threatened to overtake me. I had a feeling that if I started, I wouldn’t stop. After a minute, I had myself under control and began to ponder his dilemma. At least he wasn’t attracted to someone that would be impossible for him to get. I knew for a fact that she’d been in love with him forever. In fact, I think just about everyone knew that, but Madon. I accidently laughed out loud. I really didn’t mean for it to slip out.

“That bad, huh?” Madon put a hand over his eyes.

I got control of myself. “Oh no, sorry, it’s just been an interesting night. And you’ve got to admit, this is a bit out of the ordinary.”

“Will you just put the poor little wolf out of his misery, Nat?” Radek piped in. The look on his face told me he was enjoying this.

“Hey, that was told to me in confidence. I can’t tell him that and you know it.”

“Can’t tell me what?” Madon’s head snapped up in attention.

“Seriously, I thought I just said I couldn’t tell you. I can, however, nudge you in the right direction…since you may be on the right track,” I said, glaring at Radek.

“I wasn’t told in confidence, so I can tell him.” Radek gave me that damn wicked smile that should’ve been outlawed.

I motioned for him to continue; it wasn’t like I could stop him or anything.

“Carly has been in love with you for years, pup.”

“Really?” Madon asked with amazement in his voice. He ignored the pup comment.

I rolled my eyes. Really, were men always this blind and dumb? “Seriously, you sound like a freaking love-sick school girl, Madon.”

“Hey,” Madon protested.

“Actually, she has it right in this instance,” Radek laughed.

I smacked his leg. “Just because she already likes you doesn’t mean that you don’t have to work for it,” I told Madon.

“Why? I mean she wants me, I want her – so what’s the problem?”

Typical male logic, I thought. I really wanted to bang my head against the window in my frustration. Why were men so stupid sometimes? “I hate to inform you of this, Madon, but women in general like their men to work for it.”

“Why would they want that? And what should I do?” Madon asked like he was truly astonished.

“First off, don’t let on that you know that she wants you. Arrogance is not attractive. You may think you’re god’s gift to the female sex, but you’re not. Treat her with respect and date her.” I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation. I felt like I’d fallen into some kind of warp hole in one of those space movies.

“What should I do then?” Madon was obviously confused.

“I would start slow and see how it goes. Ask her out for dinner or something. I might know what she wants, but that doesn’t mean I’ll tell you. You might want to figure those things out first, and before you ask, no, I’m not going to help you with that. You’re on your own for that part,” I said sternly.

“I think I can do that. Thanks, Natalya,” Madon said thoughtfully.

I was so relieved when Radek pulled into the parking lot. Oh I was so relieved. “Now you owe me like ten drinks,” I said and rushed out of the car. Val, Dante and the others arrived just behind us.

As we were going through the door, Dante leaned down and whispered, “You’re looking a bit harassed there, Nat.”

“You have no idea. I’m not ever riding in a car with both of them again. That was insane,” I whispered back.

“Really? Whatever did you talk about?” he asked as we entered the busy club.

“I really don’t want to relive that conversation, Dante,” I told him as we were led to the back room. Seeing how Gregory and Madon both owned the place, we didn’t have to be with the rest of the crowd. I saw Flipper as we passed through the bar room and sent him a glare. He was about to approach me, but noticed who I was with and stopped. I smiled as we entered the room. Radek made sure he was sitting by me. Dante was on my other side. Madon was sitting next to Carly. Well at least it looked like he was trying.

I took my first drink. It was Irish whisky and just what I needed. I downed at least four or five shots before I was ready to relax a little. I felt Radek’s hand on my leg and did nothing about
it. I was glad he was back and alive. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted a relationship with him. That would be a large complication.

First off, he was Val’s son and basically his second. Then there was my past that looked like it was coming back to bite me in the tail. Everything was still up in the air because Andrei had gotten away. He wasn’t ever going to stop hunting for me and might hurt Radek to get to me. Then there was the fact that I wasn’t sure I was ready to be in any kind of relationship. I knew what Radek wanted, and it wasn’t a fling. I didn’t want a fling with him either. It would be all or nothing; there was no halfway in this. I took another shot. Finally the alcohol was starting to make me a bit buzzed and shutting down my mind.

Chapter Twenty-three

I woke to my phone ringing and a horrible hangover. I reached over and realized I wasn’t in my own bed. Oops. My nose told me whom I was sleeping with.
It looks like Radek and I made up last night,
I thought as I looked on the floor for my phone that wouldn’t shut up. I located my jeans and got my phone out of the pocket. Glancing at the number, I frowned. Why would Carly be calling me this early? I lay back down as I answered, cursing Faerie wine – it was the only thing that could have gotten me drunk.

“Hey Carly, what’s up?” I wondered how many drinks I’d had last night. I forgot about that when I heard Carly crying.

“Can you come get me?” she managed to get out between sobs.

I sat up in concern for my friend and regretted it when my head started spinning. “What happened? Where are you?” I groaned out.

“I’m at Madon’s,” she choked out.

Radek groaned beside me. I took a couple of deep breaths before I said anything. “Just hang tight I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Okay, just hurry,” she sniffled.

“I will.” I hung up before saying out loud, “That stupid f-
ing moron. I’m going to kill the bastard.” I got up and started throwing my clothes on, ranting and calling Madon every name I knew in every language I could think of. I found Radek’s jeans and threw them at his head. “Get dressed. You’re coming with me.”

“Hey, what did I do?” He started to get out of bed.

“Oh don’t get me started on what you did besides being born male.”

He was smart enough to shut up and get dressed. He snatched the keys from my hand. “There is no way you are driving while you’re this pissed.”

“You haven’t even seen pissed yet,” I grumbled, but let him drive.

Carly was sitting on the top step when we got there. Madon had the nerve to look out the door. I glared at him, and he went back in, shutting the door quickly.

“Carly, go get in the car,” I told her, then turned to Radek and held out my hand. “You are going to stay here and keep him here until I get back.”

He raised an eyebrow at me, but complied without saying anything. Carly was already in the passenger seat. I got in and backed out of the driveway. Radek had already gone in the house.

“What happened?” I asked as gently as I could.

“I got a little drunk last night, and he was being so nice to me that when he asked me to come home with him I did, and one thing led to another, and, well, you know,” she said and then added, “Isn’t this Radek’s car?”

“Yes it is, and no changing the subject. I think we all had a little too much to drink last night. Who ordered the Faerie wine I don’t remember? Never mind, it doesn’t matter. Why are you so upset? What did that good for nothing mutt do now?”

“He asked me to be his mate,” she said as she started to cry.

Huh? Had I missed something? And hadn’t I told him to take it slow? He was an idiot. “Okay. Want to explain a bit more?”

“He only asked me because I beat Tracy last night and he heard that’s why he was being challenged. To him anyone would do. I don’t want to be just something he has to have to keep peace in the pack. I want him to want me to be his mate for me,” she sobbed out.

Oh, I got it now. This is why I’d told the moron to take it slow. I sighed, my anger subsiding a little. “I’m sorry Carly, I think some of this might be my fault.”

“How so?” she asked, sniffling.

“Last night in the car, Madon was asking my advice. For the record, he didn’t follow it. I didn’t tell him anything that you told me in confidence either,” I told her.

“Okay,” she said.

“You didn’t hear this from me, and he is so getting a piece of my mind. He does want you for you. Apparently has for a while; he just didn’t know how to go about it. Last night he was just being a stupid male.”

“Really?” She found a tissue from her purse.

“Really. Just because you know this, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to work for it a little. You deserve to be treated right. Don’t settle for anything else. I know that you love him. Just make sure he earns it, all right?” I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye.

“Okay, if you say so. Thanks for coming to get me, by the way.”

“No problem,” I said. I was feeling a bit calmer. Maybe there was hope for them. It wasn’t like I had any idea what a relationship took. I was so not the right one to be in the middle of this.

“So why are we in Radek’s car?” she asked.

If I couldn’t tell her, who could I talk to? “I think my night went along the same lines as yours. I’m not really sure, but I’m going to find out. After I get done with Madon, Dek is next,” I said darkly.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I think so. I just don’t know what to do about everything. This has been a crazy week. I barely know him. I know him through Dante’s memories and all, but it’s not the same. Everything has been happening so fast. I still haven’t come to grips with my past. There are a lot of things that I have to work through. I like him a lot, and may even love him, but I’m scared.” That’s what it boiled down to.

My phone rang again. It better not be Radek or Madon, I thought. It wasn’t – it was Val.

“I’m not in the best of moods, Val,” I warned him as I answered.

“Wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” he asked innocently.

“More like the wrong bed,” I growled out. He had the nerve to laugh. I growled louder into the phone.

“I know. I’ve talked to my son already. He and Madon both deserve to be raked over the coals by you, for the record,” he said to placate me.

“You still dared to call me after talking to him? Brave cat,” I said.

He laughed again. “Yes, I’d like to think I am. Of course I’m talking to you over the phone and not in person. I figured you weren’t too mad at me at the moment. My only fault is that I’m male.”

Carly laughed at that and so did I. I relented a little and said, “That’s true for now. So what did you need?”

“We’ll be having a meeting this evening. I would like Carly there as well. I’m glad I caught you while you were still together.”

“When and where?” I asked, suddenly tired.

“We are going to meet at headquarters in the conference room. And Natalya, please at least leave those two semi-functioning after you’re done with them. I still need them around.” Val hung up.

“Why would he want me there?” Carly asked.

“I’ve given up trying to figure that cat out.” I pulled into Carly’s drive. She started to get out. “I’ll pick you up later, okay? Get some sleep.”

“Thanks. You too.” She smiled at me and closed the door. As soon as I saw she was safely inside, I took my frustration out on Radek’s car.

It didn’t take me long to make the return trip. I stomped up the stairs and entered the living room. Radek met me with a venti peppermint mocha. So he was going to try to butter me up. Madon was on the couch with his head in his hands. He didn’t have a shirt on, only a pair of worn jeans. He wouldn’t look at me.

“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?” I glared at Radek as I took the coffee from him.

“I’m sorry, Natalya. I should’ve listened to you. You were right.” Madon was miserable and his eyes were rimmed with red.

“You think I’m going to let you off that easy?” I wouldn’t relent even though he looked like a whipped little puppy at the moment.

I noticed Radek trying to leave. “Oh no you don’t; you get your tail back here. I’m going to get to you next.”

He stopped. His eyes were sparkling with amusement. That did not improve my mood.

“What should I do, Nat? I asked her and she started crying? Why would she do that? Have I totally ruined everything?” Madon asked in a tortured voice.

“Roses, chocolates and a lot of groveling would be a good start. No, you haven’t ruined it,” I said. I turned to Radek and pointed at him. “You better be taking notes, mister. This applies to you too.”

“I can do that,” Madon said, looking up hopefully.

“What were you thinking, asking her like that?” I asked in exasperation.

“I wasn’t thinking. Maybe it was the alcohol or the fight last night. I don’t know.” Madon shrugged. At least he looked a little guilty.

I sighed, “Why do I have this urge to smack you upside the head? Fine, I’ll give you that none of us were thinking clearly last night. Start with the flowers and an apology.” My headache was getting worse. I rubbed my forehead and drank some of the rich coffee. It did make me feel better.

I really didn’t know why I was upset with Radek. I was wishing painkillers worked with my system
, but they didn’t. Sometimes it sucked to be a shifter. “Now I’ve got a killer hangover and I feel disgusting. I’m going home for a long soak in the tub. Can you manage to stay out of trouble until the meeting tonight?”

“Yes.” Madon looked sufficiently contrite.

“Good. Come on Radek, you can take me home now,” I said and went out the door without pausing.

Radek was right on my heels. I tossed him the keys and got in the passenger seat. It hit me then that I really didn’t have a home to go to. I’d been staying with Dante the last few days. He wouldn’t be awake
, but I didn’t really want to go there right now. That was where my stuff was though. I sighed. Today just sucked, I thought. I rubbed my head again. There was no way I was going to cry. Assassins don’t cry.

“That bad, huh?” Radek asked as he settled into the driver’s seat.

“I just realized I don’t have anywhere for you to take me.” For some reason saying it out loud made it all come crashing down on me. The tears started to run down my cheeks and I looked away. I felt his thumb brush them off my cheek.

“Don’t fret. I’ll take care of everything.” He started to drive.

I just stared out the window and drank my coffee, not really caring where he was taking me. We pulled into Dante’s driveway. I was about to get out when he put an arm out to stop me.

“Just stay here. I’ll be right back,” he said gently. I complied, not really caring about anything. I was numb. He was back in a few minutes, carrying my bag. He put it in the trunk and we were off again.

“How much do you remember of last night?” he glanced at me out of the corner of his eye.

“Not much, really. I don’t remember leaving the club,” I admitted. “What happened?”

“Nothing. You passed out in the car.” His voice was soft and comforting.

Oh, so what did that mean? I thought. I had to ask, “So we didn’t?”

He smiled at me. “No, we didn’t.”

“Then how?” I wasn’t able to come up with the words – my brain wasn’t working right.

“You didn’t want to be in those nasty clothes, as you put it. You were really adamant about it. You passed out as soon as I undressed you.”

I blushed. “I guess I’m sorry for yelling at you.”

“Why were you mad at me? If I may inquire,” he asked cautiously.

“I’m still not sure,” I admitted. He raised one of his perfect eyebrows at me and I felt like a heel. “In my defense, I’ve had a rough couple of weeks.”

“I know. Don’t worry, I have thick skin.” He smiled at me.

I was beginning to hate that smile. It did funny things to me. He pulled into a house I only recognized from this morning.

“Hey, where are we anyway?” I changed the subject.

“This is my place when I’m in the area. Father lives a few streets north.”

“Oh,” was all I said when I couldn’t think of anything else.

“Come on in.”

I hadn’t really had a chance to look around this morning. I’d been too upset and in a big hurry. It was an older farm house. Well kept, but nothing special. He took my bag up the stairs to the main bedroom. I looked around as I followed. The other bedroom had been turned into an office of sorts. I snapped out of it when I heard the water running. He had gone into the bathroom with my bag. I could smell my bubble bath a moment later. I went in there. He didn’t just have a bathtub, but one of those Jacuzzi ones. I looked at it longingly.

“I grabbed some of your books from by your bed. You should have everything you need. Relax and come on out when you‘re done.”

I didn’t know what to say. “Thank you.” I looked up at him as he paused at the door. He had that look that I couldn’t decipher again. He was being so nice. It did something to me. I was warm on the inside, not aware that I had been cold.

“Just let me know if you need anything.” He turned to leave.

I grabbed his arm and he stopped to look down at me with a questioning look in his eyes. I didn’t think about it. I grabbed him by the neck and pulled him down to kiss him. His lips were soft against mine. He opened his mouth and deepened the kiss. I don’t know how long we stood there like that, but it seemed like the whole world had stopped. He slowly pulled back. I was breathing hard and so was he.

“Take your bath. I’ll be around.” He kissed the tip of my nose and left.

My skin was tingling. Maybe I needed a cold shower instead, but I laughed at that idea. The bubble bath looked so inviting. I dug through my bag and came out with a hair tie. I quickly threw off my clothes, put my hair up and sank into the inviting warm water. I couldn’t stop the
sigh that escaped me. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew Radek was knocking on the door.