Supernatural Enforcement Bureau, Book 1, The Dragon and The Vampire: Book 1 (7 page)

Esther held her hand up and Ronan came to a halt right at her back. “I hope you are sensing that we are not here to hurt you, dearie, we only want to help. We can keep you safe...”

*****

Starr jerked upright, getting to her feet so quickly that she gave herself a head rush. Voices and what was that? Humming? Someone was humming and they were close. She moved behind a large tree as the humming stopped and she heard a raised voice. Female, calm, saying they wanted to help her, saying she should use her empathic ability to sense they were being truthful.

Starr’s heart hammered in her chest, she was so very tired, having flown in circles for hours before finally landing at the edge of the treeline and working her way in, to find somewhere she could lay down and rest. She had only had about an hour of sleep and her body ached from lying on the forest floor. Who were these people and could she trust them?

Shaking her head, Starr concentrated, screwing up her face as she did so, bringing her empath powers alive. She waited, harnessing a little more, before sending them out in the direction of the voice. Her power flowed outwards, like an invisible strand of smoke that only she could see, further on and then she found them.

Her body jerked as she realized that the woman was first, a Witch, and second, not alone. She knew that essence, she had felt it before, not once, but twice. It was the huge Vampire that had shouted at her as she flew off the night before. How the hell did he find her and who was the Witch with him?

She centered her power towards the Witch, trying to sense the dark magic that the hunting party were always shrouded in. Starr blinked in surprise at finding the Witch was not, in fact, harnessing dark magic...strange, she thought. As her power seeped inside the psyche of the woman she got glimpses, like snapshots coming to life. What was most surprising was that she felt no ill will towards her. Starr was pretty sure the Witch was telling the truth.

Why, then, would the large Vampire be with her? Had he forced her to cooperate? Starr moved her power in the direction of the huge man, who stood behind the Witch. Starr’s eyes were closed as she sensed her power invade him and as his thoughts and feelings came back at her she took a step back, her breath hitching in her throat.

Starr clearly felt the deep seeded need in the Vampire to find her, to protect her, to help her. Her eyes filled with tears, as her breath left her lungs. Who was this Vampire that wanted to help her? She had no idea. She only knew that for the first time in over ten years...she wasn’t alone.

She brushed her eyes with the palms of her hands to rid her face of the tears, biting her bottom lip hard, to stop them entirely. Even though she felt these two were there to help her, she had no intention of showing any weakness. Wasn’t gonna happen. Starr stood up straighter before moving towards the two figures. She was still hidden from them by the trees but she knew, without a doubt, that they would know where she was and that she was coming towards them and not running away.

Starr took one more large breath in before stepping out from the trees, her eyes taking in the two in front of her. The Witch was an old woman, small, barely five foot and she looked even smaller standing in front of the Vampire. Starr’s eyes widened as she took him in, jeez, he must be well over six foot tall and broad, with muscles rippling underneath his combat gear. His thighs were so thick she wondered how the material didn’t rip at the seams. She could only guess at the strength that body contained as her eyes made their way to his face.

His deep, dark, brown eyes met hers, his face impassive, as he seemed to take all of her in, just as she had done with him. She tried hard not to show any emotion as she stared back at him, she was sure she even managed a nonchalant look as she cocked her head to the side and raised one eyebrow.

Was this the man that would keep her safe? She damn well hoped so.

*****

Ronan stood stock still when his hearing picked up footfalls coming in their direction. He sent his powers out and knew it was the girl. She was coming towards them, slowly, her feet seeming to hesitate a few times before continuing on. His eyes strained, trying to catch a first glimpse of her in the dawning light.

He knew exactly at what point she would exit the treeline and his eyes didn’t waver, even for a second, his senses telling him she was getting closer and closer. There! Her body appeared out from the trees and with his enhanced sight he could make out every last detail of her.

From her jet black hair, with purple streaks, to her long, lean, legs, encased in dark denim, to her leather jacket...zipped up tight...to those eyes. Those violet eyes that had been haunting him. As his eyes met hers he saw her take all of him in, staying a moment or two on his thighs before heading upwards and locking with his.

She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. He was certain she was trying not to show any emotion, however, the strained look on her face was clear for his skilled eyes to see. She was scared, dirty, looked half starved, but she desperately didn’t want them to know. He lifted one side of his mouth in a small smile and nodded his head.

Esther stepped forward and Ronan steeled himself to chase the girl down if she bolted. He was pleased when she stayed in place as Esther moved ever closer.

“Hello, my name is Esther, this big lug here is Ronan, and we want to help...”

The girl cut her off quickly. “How? How can you help? Do you have any idea of who and what is after me? Very powerful Witches that use dark magic, that’s who! Your ordinary magic won’t stand a chance against them. So tell me, Esther, how are you gonna help me?”

Ronan tried to hide the smile that threatened to take over his face. This girl had spunk and he saw Esther flinch at the words that were spat out at her. The old woman recovered quickly though and carried on as if she hadn’t been interrupted.

“
First, I can also wield dark magic, however, I only do so in the direst circumstances, so I am more than a match for those Witches that are in those hunting parties. Second, Ronan here is the Director of the Supernaturals Enforcement Bureau...if he can’t keep you safe...then no-one can. You have to trust us. You are tired, weak and in need of some care, so please let us help.”

Esther finished. Ronan continued to keep his eyes on the girl, waiting on her response.

“Director of the SEB? Jeez, what you doin out here bloodsucker? Don’t you sit behind a desk or something?” The girl was now staring openly at Ronan, who released smile, transforming his face entirely.

Ronan took a step forward, only a small one, so as not to spook the girl. “Or something. Yes, I do desk work but I also help out when I can. This case I had no choice in the matter, even if I had wanted to not be involved...which I did, by the way...my Sire ordered me to help you. He once helped a family of Dragons in Ireland over four centuries ago and he was adamant that I help...”

The girl took a couple of steps closer. “What? Ireland? My family were there then. Long before I was born, but my father told stories to my brother, Talon, who told me them, about an ancient Vampire that helped them. His name was Josef..”

“
Josef…” Ronan said the name at the same time as the girl, both of their eyes widened in surprise. Ronan was a little taken aback that Josef was the Vampire who had helped this girl’s family.

The girl’s hand flew to her mouth as she realized that Ronan’s Sire had been the one to help her family. Her eyes widened even more and Ronan was sure he saw the glistening of tears there. He fought the compulsion to step forward and wipe them away, but stayed exactly where he was, sure that if he did then she would bolt.

It was then that he saw the partner to the cuff they had found on one of her wrists, something similar was also wrapped around her neck. ‘What the hell?’ He thought as he saw the tough leather. He was definitely going to have to find out about those, and why she kept calling him bloodsucker.

Esther stepped closer, placing her hand on the girl’s elbow. “You know our names, what’s yours?”

The girl looked down into Esther’s face and shook her head, as if clearing her thoughts. “Starr, my name is Starr.”

Ronan spoke quietly, saying ‘Starr’ so very silently he was sure the other two wouldn’t hear him. Liking the sound of it rolling off his tongue. However, Starr’s head jerked towards him with a questioning look...she had obviously heard him. Good to know, he thought, she has super sensitive hearing. He was saved any further embarrassment as Esther spoke again.

“Okay, nice to meet you, Starr, but we need to get you back to base where you’ll be safe. I can then get some shielding wards in place, and alert spells done, to let us know if any of those hunters appear. Please trust me when I say you
will
be safe with us. Now, this will only take a moment, just stay right there, Ronan, a little closer please.”

Ronan watched as Starr’s eyes closed slightly, as if assessing what was about to happen. He steeled himself for that split second of weirdness and felt it quicker this time. It was as if Esther hurried the spell along, in case they lost Starr again.

As they reappeared Ronan took a sharp breath in...all three of them were in his apartment. What the hell, he thought as he found Esther’s smiling face. The old woman didn’t even let him speak before she took Starr’s arm, leading her to the large window overlooking the city.

“
This is Ronan’s apartment, it’s on top of the SEB’s offices here in the city. Underneath you, you have floor upon floor of agents, Vampires, Wolves, Witches and even a Mage or two. You could not be in a safer place than right here. Until we can sort some things out, and make sure you are safe, then this is the best place for you.” Esther turned her head towards Ronan. “Isn’t that right, Ronan, and you have a spare bedroom or two, don’t you?”

Ronan almost snarled at the wicked smile that Esther was throwing in his direction. He was about to say, that no way in hell was he having this girl in his home, when she turned to look at him. A look of relief on her features.

“Yes, that’s right,” he said instead, wondering how he was going to cope with this girl in his living space. He never let anyone stay here, ever. He liked his apartment to be private and his alone. Although there were originally three bedrooms, there were now only two, he had transformed one into a gym area, for when he either couldn’t be bothered, or didn’t have the time, to go to the large gym downstairs.

The other bedroom was set up with a bed and furniture and it was right next to his. Shit, he would be able to hear everything. Her breathing, when she showered...everything. He almost hissed at the thought as he turned to go and find some bedding.

He was sure this was not a good idea, not at all.

Chapter 7

Ronan heard his door close, assumed Esther had left, and continued to make the bed up for his guest. He heard soft breathing coming from the lounge, guessed she was still standing at the window and taking everything in. Then he heard her footfalls and thought for a moment, she was coming to see where he was. However, the next thing he heard was his lock being engaged and the security chain rattling.

He placed the coverlet over the bed then made his way through the hallway. Standing at the end as he saw Starr check and double check the door was secure. He could hear her heartbeat racing in her chest and realized she was still scared.

Leaning against the wall, he crossed his ankles and arms, coughing lightly to get her attention. “You’re safe here. I’m sure Esther is, at this very minute, placing shields, wards, alerts, and God knows what else around us. You’ll be okay here, I promise.”

Starr jumped and whirled around, a look of fright on her face, quickly covered up by a frown. “Hell! You always sneak up on folks? It’s kinda rude, bloodsucker.”

Ronan inclined his head, still hearing her racing heart beating in her chest. His eyes taking in every single part of her, from her toes, to the top of her head. Once again he noticed the leather cuff on one wrist and a larger one around her neck. Frowning now, trying to figure out why she had them on, he moved an arm, pointing at her neck.

“
Why do you wear those and why do you insist on insulting me?” he asked, his voice full of curiosity.

Starr’s hand moved to her neck, fingering the thick leather that encompassed it. “Oh these, well they’re in case any Vamps get too close. If they get to me before the Witch, they try to feed to weaken me.” She continued to touch the leather around her neck. “This here has saved my ass more than once, they get a bit of a surprise when their fangs encounter the titanium studs and I don’t know what you mean about insulting you!”

Ronan saw the hard look on her face, as she fingered the metal studs set all around her neck, he knew how terrifying it must have been for a Vamp to be that close to her in anger. He also realized he felt more than a little impressed at her solution to the problem. He didn’t think even his fangs would break through the metal. He realized her fear and loathing for Vamps was well founded, he guessed he would just have to make sure she realized they weren’t all like those that hunted her.

“
Good thinking, though I guess you had it custom made?” Ronan stayed where he was, still aware that his size was imposing to everyone, far less a frightened girl.

“
Yeah, my brother, Talon, got them made for me about fifteen years ago. He always tried to keep me safe, but he’s gone now and so is one of my cuffs. I lost it at the warehouse and knew it would be stupid to go back for it...”

“
I have it.” Ronan reached into his pocket and pulled out the leather cuff he took from Esther’s desk earlier. He held it out to her in his large hand, still making no move towards her.

Starr darted forward and grabbed it, a smile appearing on her face. A smile that lit up the entire fucking room...in Ronan’s opinion.

“Oh thank you! I thought it was gone forever ‘n here you have it. It’s one of the few things I have that reminds me of my brother.”

Ronan pulled himself away from the wall. “Where is he? Your brother?”

As soon as the words left his mouth he wished he could cut his tongue out. The look of fear, horror and pain that ran across Starr’s features had him closing the gap between them. He put his arms out, onto her shoulders then around her, pulling her close and patting her back, gently.

“
Damnú air
!
Hey, I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer.” Ronan could almost feel the grief seeping from the girl’s pores, and cursed himself for opening his mouth. He was a trained operative long before he became Director. She was on the run, scared out of her wits, on her own...it was pretty obvious something bad happened to her brother.

Starr allowed him to hold her, but her body was strung tight like a drum, every muscle tense and ready for flight. He released her slightly, putting a finger under her chin and turning her face up to his. “I’m sorry. When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here. For now, how about a nice shower and some food?”

Starr nodded her head and he led her to her bedroom, showing her the attached bath and where to get towels. “I’m afraid all I’ve got is some shower gel and soap. I don’t have any ladies toi...”

A loud knocking on his front door stopped him mid-word as he turned and left Starr in the bedroom. He unchained, then unlocked the door and found Celeste standing there with her usual dreamy look on her face, a large box parked by her  side, on the floor. She held two brown grocery bags in her arms and held them out to him.

Celeste’s face was screwed up as if she was trying to remember something important. “Esther said you would need these, though I don’t know why. I mean, you’re a Vampire, you don’t eat–do you? Or has something happened and you can eat now? Did I miss it? Whatever it was that made you able to eat?”

Ronan couldn’t help the small smile that crossed his face as he looked down at Celeste’s confused expression. “No, I still don’t eat, these are for a guest.”

Celeste visibly relaxed and a long sigh escaped her throat. “Oh thank goodness, this box makes sense now. I mean, what would you want with ladies toiletries and clothes? I just had a vision of you trying to get into the jeans in the box and I was like...no...he could never get into those. He’s too big!”

Ronan just nodded, he knew better than to try to elaborate. It would only confuse the woman even more than she already was. He watched as she pushed the box with her foot towards him and he noticed her face had gone back to the dreamy state it normally was.

He used his own foot to maneuver the box inside the apartment before turning back to Celeste. “Thank you, for the food and the ladies clothes ‘n stuff. Let Esther know I’ll talk to her later.”

The young Witch looked up at him, once more confused. “Food? What on earth would you need food for?”

Celeste shook her head then turned and walked away, with Ronan staring after her. God, Esther must have the patience of a saint dealing with Celeste every day, he thought, as he watched her disappear into the elevator.

He moved back inside and closed the door with his hip, a hand snaked passed him and clicked the lock before grabbing the chain and replacing it. Starr’s body was pressed up close to his and her scent invaded his senses.
Her
scent, not the dirt, not the sweat, but
her
own unique scent. His heart beat faster, his breathing hitched, as she was imprinted into his brain. It was exquisite and he almost dropped the groceries to take her into his arms once more.

He heard her gasp, then pull away from him, as if she had been burned. Her eyes wide, her heart beating so fast that he could see it pulse in her throat. She took a few steps back as his eyes found hers. Those violet eyes staring at him as if in shock. Had she felt it too? Going by her reaction he guessed she had.

She was nothing more than a girl, he admonished himself. A mere child. He swore under his breath, ‘Ifreann na Fola’, then tore his eyes from hers.

“
What is that? You keep talking in a foreign language, what is it?”

Her voice shattered the moment and he breathed a little easier. “It’s Gaelic, I use it to swear, that was ‘bloody hell.’”

Ronan moved, going towards his kitchen, which, up ‘til now, had only housed his blood in the fridge. He guessed he would need to sort out things like plates and cutlery, or as some of his American friends said...silverware. Although he had been in the US for a very long time, he still had a slight Irish brogue and religiously used some words that reminded him of home. He could just barely remember his mother telling him to ‘set the table and make sure the cutlery is clean, mind!’

He placed the grocery bags on the counter-top and started to unpack. Esther had got the basics like milk, bread, butter, with some OJ and fixings for sandwiches, together with some eggs and bacon. On top of one of the bags was a Costa Coffee takeout cup full to the brim and a large muffin. Ronan guessed Starr would enjoy both. He placed those to the side, then carried on placing things either in the fridge or in cupboards.

It took him a little while to locate plates but soon had the muffin sitting in the middle of a small white plate, the coffee next to it. He heard the shower as he had worked around the kitchen, guessing that Starr had retreated to her room after the little ‘occurrence’ at the door.

Ronan leaned his hips against the sink, kicking his feet out front and crossing his ankles, as he pondered what the hell had happened. He had never felt anything like it in his life. A pull so strong that he had to fight not to take Starr into his arms. What the hell was going on? He had no idea, none whatsoever.

She was a young girl, scared, alone, in his care. He was to keep her safe. Not take her to his bed for Christ sake. He jumped as he realized Starr was in the room. Not just in the room but standing right in front of him.

Her long black hair, still wet from the shower was tied up in some kind of knot, her face fresh and clean. She wore what appeared to be a pair of pajama bottoms and a tank top, both of which hugged every, single, inch of her body. Her eyes were hooded slightly, she was staring up at him from beneath her long, dark lashes.

Neither of them moved, nor spoke, for long moments, only watching each other...a space of two feet between them. Starr cocked her head to the side, a questioning look on her face. Ronan then realized, too late, what she was doing–as the blush rose from her neck, up over her cheeks–she had been using her power.

Shit! What had she seen? What had she felt? His mind ran at a million miles an hour trying to remember exactly what he had been thinking. He couldn’t, he wasn’t sure he
had
been thinking...only feeling. The strong urge to get closer to her, to hold her in his arms as his lips lowered onto hers.

Ronan swore as he pushed himself away from the sink, standing tall, frowning down into her face. “Cac! Stop it! You shouldn’t just go around doing that!”

Starr only stared at him, as if he was a puzzle she needed to solve, then she turned and scooped up the muffin and coffee. She watched him as she took small bites from the muffin, then sips of the coffee, not once breaking eye contact with him.

Ronan was ready to leave the room when she finally spoke. “What is going on with us? I feel something, like I’m being pulled towards you. Why? Are you using some kind of magic?”

Ronan actually laughed, magic...he hated magic. “No, I’m not using any magic. In fact I don’t particularly like it, and I don’t know what’s going on between us. You’re nothing but a girl...”

Starr’s laughter sounded loud in the kitchen and he watched as she continued, almost choking in the process. What the hell did she find so funny?

She finally stopped, took a deep breath, then a sip of coffee before speaking. “A girl? You think I’m a young girl? That’s good, thanks for the compliment. It’s obvious you have no clue whatsoever about Dragons. I’m over a hundred years old. We kinda live forever...unless we’re killed that is. So, Ronan, I’m no more a girl than you are a young man, Vampire.”

Ronan gazed into those eyes, he was sure he could actually fall right on in, and as Starr’s words made it through to his brain he raised an eyebrow, a small smile on his face. So she wasn’t a girl, good to know. However, she was still entrusted to his care and he was sure as hell not going to take advantage of her. She was alone and vulnerable, scared and beautiful...God was she beautiful.

He hissed as his thoughts wandered, again, and tried to clear his head. No matter what was going on he had to stay in control of the situation. He was not going to take her into his arms and carry her to his bed. No, that wasn’t going to happen, even if that’s what he wanted to do.

Starr had now finished her muffin and was staring at him as if studying something intently. “You didn’t answer me. What’s going on between us? I know you can feel it too so please don’t insult me by trying to deny it.”

Ronan shook his head. “I don’t know, I mean it. I have no clue what’s going on. I’ve not felt this before so I honestly can’t answer. Why don’t you go and lie down. Get some rest...”

Ronan almost jumped at the sharp and loud ‘NO’ that came from her lips. The look of a hunted animal coming across that gorgeous face.

He put his hands out in front of him, palms forward, placating her. “It’s okay, you
are
safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. I was just gonna go and see if Esther had any ideas about something I discussed with her earlier and then I’ll come straight back. I..”

Starr stood up as tall as she could, her back ramrod straight, her head shaking from side to side. “No, please, I want to rest. I really want to rest, trust me on that, but I won’t be able to if you’re not here. Please don’t leave me alone.”

Starr was frowning as if she was angry at herself, for what or why he had no clue, but he found himself nodding his head. “Okay, I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll stay, I’ll phone Esther and I’ll stay here, if you promise not to call me bloodsucker any more. You go and try to get some sleep. I won’t leave you alone.”