Try Me (13 page)

"I'm sorry,” he muttered into my neck. “I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay,” I assured him. “That's what's supposed to happen, I think."

"But you—you're not satisfied."

"Sure I am. I let Lola drink her fill."

He raised up to search my face. “That's not what I meant—"

I cut him off. “It's enough.” Especially the way he looked at me, all sleepy, satisfied, and worshipful. That was Lola's doing. Feeding on him with his consent was one thing.. Letting him confuse his reaction to Lola with falling in love with me was quite another. I couldn't trust the way he felt and couldn't let myself get the two confused either.

I smoothed his hair back from his brow where his bruise still lingered. “How's your head doing?"

"It's fine,” he said impatiently. “Val—"

My bedroom door burst open then and we both jumped. Crap—I should have locked it. Dan stood there, but his face wasn't as easy to read as Shade's. All I could see was he'd shut down.

Fang barreled in after him. SORRY, VAL, WE COULDN'T TELL HE WAS GOING TO DO THIS.

Don't worry about it.

Gwen, Mood, and Josh peered in behind him, and I tried to untangle myself from Shade with as much dignity as I could. Thank heavens we were both still clothed. Before anyone could say anything, I went on the offensive. “What do you want?” I asked Dan.

"I came over to see my sister, and I find her place filled with . . . “ He fought for words and finally said,” . . . your friends.” He gestured, looking disgusted at finding Shade in my bed in all his swirly glory.

Well, I was beyond feeling embarrassed and heading straight for totally pissed. “Demons, you mean. Gwen knows what they are."

"She what? She shouldn't know a damned thing about them."

"Why not?” I challenged. “You told her about vampires and me—without my knowledge or consent, by the way."

"That's different. She lives with you—she had a right to know."

"Yes, she did, just as she has the right to know my friends are demons as well. Are you saying I can't have my friends over to my own place?"

Dan gaped at me, not knowing what to say.

Gwen touched his arm. “She's right, Dan. And she brought them only because Shade really needed my help. He was injured."

"Just like Nicole,” I added. “But he couldn't go to the hospital the way she could, so I had to get some help for him."

"But why my sister?"

"Because last time I looked she had way more medical training than anyone else I know. And she's a kind and generous person.” Unlike someone else I could name. “And though Shade can heal others, he can't heal himself. Remember that, Dan?” I pressed. “Maybe you should take a moment to recall how this demon healed you when you really needed it."

Dan relaxed a little and ran a hand over his face. “You're right. Shade deserves treatment just as much as anyone else. And I understand why you brought him here, to Gwen. I'd probably do the same thing in your shoes."

Whoa. That was quite a concession. I glanced at Mood to see if she was controlling him, but she shook her head. I guess Dan could be reasonable.

"But that doesn't mean I like it,” he added.

"You don't have to,” Gwen said, looking mulish. “I'm a big girl now and I can make decisions for myself. You don't have to play the protective big brother all the time, you know."

Dan spread his hands helplessly. “I can't help it. It's what I do."

Gwen laughed. “I know."

I did, too. It was what had made me fall for him in the first place—his hero complex. Unfortunately, it was also what made him so frustrating to deal with sometimes. Especially when it came to women. Speaking of that . . . “How's Nicole?"

He sighed. “She's very lucky she wasn't hurt worse. She's out of danger now.” He glanced at Shade. “She said you tried to protect her, to push her out of the way. You probably saved her life."

Shade shrugged, his expression inscrutably swirly now that no one was touching him. “You would have done the same."

All too true.

Dan shrugged. “Thanks just the same."

Gwen patted Dan's shoulder. “You're tired and not thinking straight. Why don't you go home and get some sleep? We'll talk tomorrow."

"Okay, good idea.” Dan glanced around him once more at all the demons in Gwen's townhouse—and in my bedroom, specifically. He started to say something, then shook his head and left.

The tension dissipated. Mood grasped Shade's hand and led him and Josh back into the kitchen.

I glanced at Gwen to see how she was taking the whole scene.

She looked concerned . . . for me. “I'll talk to Dan later, let him know he was being a jerk.” She cocked her head. “This attitude of his isn't really directed at you, you know. He gets all big brotherly overprotective when he thinks I'm in danger."

Or when Nicole has been hurt, apparently. I nodded, not really caring at the moment. I didn't want to think or worry about any of this anymore. Remembering something Gwen had said before, I asked, “Didn't you mention something yesterday about going shopping with me?"

She perked up. “I did. And I have the day off. Want to go?"

"Sure. But I need to shower and change first."

SHOPPING? Fang said incredulously. WE HAVE A THIEF TO CATCH AND YOU'RE GOING SHOPPING?

Yep. I guess you missed the part where Josh said Andrew hangs out at the Rivercenter Mall?

OH, Fang said, sounding impressed. WELL, AREN'T YOU THE CLEVER GIRL?

Why, yes, I thought at him, not bothering to hide my smugness. I was riding the crest of Shade's appreciation for me, even if Lola was part of it. And don't you forget it, either.

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Gwen offered to drive, and as I got in her car, she said, “I'm guessing you want to go to the Rivercenter Mall?"

Busted. I shot her a guilty look. “I forget how smart you are."

She laughed. “No, I'm not, but I do know how Dan thinks when he's working a case. I figure you aren't too much different.” She pulled out of the parking spot. “But you have to promise me one thing."

"What?"

"If you can't find Andrew, you'll still spend time really shopping."

"Okay. That actually sounds fun."

It didn't take too long to get to Rivercenter. Located downtown on the River Walk, the four-story, glass-walled mall was nestled between a couple of high-end hotels, including the historic Menger. The glass could have made it look cold and modern, but it didn't. That's because one arm of the San Antonio River dead-ended inside the mall. Surrounded by the food court, with plants and brightly colored umbrellas outside, the area looked comfy and inviting.

If Andrew was hanging out somewhere in the mall, it was probably there, the most popular social spot. We cruised the area but didn't see the redheaded fire demon. I did, however, spot someone who looked familiar—the green-haired girl I'd met at Micah's party. She was chatting with some friends, so I steered Gwen in that direction.

I walked by and pretended I'd just recognized her. “Oh, hi. Shawndra, right? I'm Val. We met at Micah's party."

She smiled and nodded, but cast nervous glances at her companions—they must be fully human and not aware that Shawndra wasn't. I wasn't in a mood to be too sympathetic. “Say, Shawndra, have you seen Andrew? I heard he hangs out here."

She shook her head. “Haven't seen him in days."

"Do you know where he might be?"

"No. He's been kind of weird ever since his sister died. Can't blame him, y'know?"

I nodded. “Well, Micah's looking for him, so if you see Andrew or know where he might be, let Micah know."

"Okay,” she said, but wouldn't meet my eyes.

She knew something, but I couldn't press the issue here and now.

"Thanks.” Gwen and I had only gone a few feet when Shawndra caught up to us.

She leaned in close and lowered her voice. “Tell Micah that Veronica and her boyfriend got kinda cozy with the vamps toward the end. Andrew wasn't very happy about it."

That made sense. “Thanks. Do you know—"

"Sorry, gotta go,” she said and scooted off before I could question her more.

I started to follow her, but Gwen stopped me with a hand on my arm. “Not a good time,” she murmured.

Yeah, I knew that. But it was frustrating to get information in little bits and pieces like this. What did this mean? Was it even important?

Gwen put an arm around my waist. “Okay, Val. Job over. Time to have fun. You promised."

I thought about protesting, but she was right—I had promised. “Okay.” Besides, the next obvious step was to talk to Alejandro again, and he wouldn't be available until the sun went down. I did text Micah, though, to let him know what little I'd learned. I grinned at Gwen. “Let's go shopping."

"Great. First stop, Macy's.” As we headed upstairs, Gwen said, “Let's not worry about what styles are called and just figure out what you like. First, what kind of feeling do you want in your bedroom?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"Well, what do you want to feel when you're in there? Warm and comfortable? Cool and relaxed? Or hot and sexy?"

"Definitely not hot and sexy.” Lola didn't need any encouragement.

"Okay, then how do you want to feel when you're at home alone in your room? Think about it for a few minutes."

I didn't realize choosing a style and colors would be so complicated. “I don't know . . . I guess I want . . . a sanctuary. Somewhere quiet and relaxing where I can go and just chill."

"Okay, what do you find calm and relaxing? What kind of place?"

That was easy. “The River Walk.” It's where I went to unwind.

"Good.” She beamed at me. “Now we're getting somewhere.” She pulled me toward the bedding department and helped me figure out what I liked and didn't like. Nothing seemed quite right, though, until Gwen said, “I think I found something you might like. It's on sale, too.” She pulled out a duvet cover in a beautiful shade of silvery grayish blue with a cracked pattern of a lighter ice blue. Very soothing. I loved it and could definitely imagine myself relaxing under its palette of watery colors.

We paired it with chocolate brown and soon had pillows, curtains, and a rug that matched. I couldn't wait to get home and put it all together. “A chic, sophisticated look,” Gwen called it.

Me, sophisticated? Who knew?

I checked out and gulped at the final total. But I hadn't spent much of my salary since Ramirez had hired me for the San Antonio P.D., so my checking account could handle it. Gwen and I loaded up with the bags of my purchases and, feeling like a pack mule, I said, “Thanks for your help with this. I appreciate it."

"No problem. Once we get your bedroom decorated, we'll work on your clothes."

I didn't trust that gleam in her eye. I glanced down at my jeans and sweatshirt. “What's wrong—"

"Val!” someone yelled.

I glanced around and saw my perky, blond, half-sister hurrying toward me, beaming. “Val, you're shopping,” Jennifer said, as if it were an earth-shattering event.

As she almost strangled me with a hug, and her ponytail whacked me in the face, I said, “Yeah, Gwen talked me into it."

Behind Jen, I heard an exasperated, “Jennifer, I told you not to run through the mall like that.” It was Mom, and she came to an abrupt halt when she saw me. Surprise and chagrin crossed her face, then she came forward more slowly. “Hello, Val.” There was a lot less tension in her face than I was accustomed to. Had kicking me out made her happier?

"Hi, Mom.” My pleasure in seeing my sister—back to normal after the recent events, in which Lily had held her hostage at Alejandro's house—dimmed. Gwen nudged me. Oh yeah, introductions. “This is my roommate, Gwen, Dan's sister. Gwen, this is my little sister, Jen, and my mom, Sharon."

They all made polite noises and Jen said brightly, “What are you shopping for? Christmas? Are all those bags yours?"

"All just for me,” I said, feeling selfish. Mom and Jen always shopped early for the holidays, but I was the last-minute type. “Gwen was helping pick out some things to decorate my room. It's kind of boring and blah."

"Cool,” Jen said. She peered inside the largest bag. “Oh, sweet. Aren't these colors sweet, Mom?"

Jen was trying a little too hard, but I appreciated the effort.

Mom dutifully looked in the bag. “Yes, very nice,” she said. But what I heard in her tone was, I'm only being polite to please my real daughter.

Strange how Mom could make me feel like a kid, and unwanted, again, all with a few simple words. Wait—she could only make me feel that way if I let her. And I was determined not to let her. I had a place of my own now . . . a job, friends. I didn't need her anymore.

"We were just going to go to lunch,” Jen said brightly. “Why don't you join us?"

Crap. Eating lunch with a churning stomach didn't sound like fun. I glanced at Mom.

She smiled politely and said, “Yes, why don't you?"

Well, at least she was trying to be pleasant. Guess if she was making the effort, I could, too. Otherwise, I wouldn't get to see Jen or Rick much. I glanced at Gwen. She knew my history, and though she looked sympathetic, she was obviously leaving the choice up to me.

"Okay,” I said. “Where do you want to go?"

We decided to eat at Chili's, and headed in that direction. Jen, thinking she was being subtle, drew Gwen slightly ahead, babbling away and asking her questions.

"How have you been?” Mom asked in a carefully neutral tone.

Just as cautiously, I said, “Fine. I have a great job, great friends."

"I knew you'd land on your feet."

She did? She really thought I'd be okay? Well, that was a small consolation for her kicking me out of the house. Very small. “Uh, how about you and Rick?"

"Fine. We're doing fine."

Sheesh, could this be any more awkward? “And Jen? Is she doing better now?” No longer trying to be like me, no longer scaring the heck out of her parents by consorting with vampires?

"Yes. And you?” Mom asked tightly. “Are you learning to control your . . . self better?"

What had happened to make her sound all pissed off again? Her gaze darted toward a group of guys up ahead. They were watching us, laughing too loud, and strutting.