Baited Blood (9 page)

“Still, I am
not
having second thoughts.”

“Fine, then. Continue.”

Madison wanted to ball up a fist and hit Samuel out of frustration. But he would only laugh that off, too. Her only path of action was to push on with her thoughts or forget about them entirely. “Okay, you win.”

“I usually do.”

Again, she fought the urge to pummel him with her ineffective fists.

Madison took a deep breath before beginning. “I think Keleta should go out on a date.”

“A date?” Samuel looked at her, his amusement nearly neon in its intensity. “As in bringing a girl flowers and taking her to a movie?” He was toying with her, and they both knew it.

“Keleta needs to get laid.” There it was, nice and blunt. “And I don’t think Byron and Ricky are the ones to handle that.”

“I’m sure they could provide him with a suitable companion.”

“I’m sure they could, too.” Her irritation level was climbing, making it more difficult to put into words what she was trying to say. “But that seems so … so clinical. From talking to Keleta, sex seems to be one of the few things he enjoyed from his early days of being a vampire. I think if he saw his new vampire life could be much more rewarding and stable but still contain that one enjoyable part from before, he might be more relaxed about … well … the adjustment.”

Samuel wiped the smirk off his face and replaced it with curiosity. “Interesting theory.”

Curling one leg under her, Madison twisted in her seat to face him. “Right now you have two very settled, middle-aged guys teaching him how to be a vampire.” She held up both hands. “Don’t get me wrong. I think Ricky and Byron are super, and they seem to be doing a great job helping Keleta. But because he’s so young, I think Keleta needs more than that. I think he needs to go out and have some fun—blow off steam like other horny guys his age. And it’s not just the sex. He needs to go dancing, to movies, play sports—all the usual things a guy of twenty-two would do. Even dating. Keleta needs to see that even as a vampire, his life, though bizarre, can still be somewhat normal.”

“So, you think we’re normal?”

“I think you all work hard at being as normal as possible.”

Samuel adjusted in his seat and stared out the window for what seemed like a long time. Madison let him digest what she’d just said. When he turned back to look at her, he said, “I think you’ve made an excellent point, Madison.”

She was pleased that her idea was well received. “I think Colin should handle that part of Keleta’s adjustment. He’d be perfect at it.”

Samuel gave it a bit more thought. “I think Colin is an excellent choice. He knows all the hip clubs and activities. And while he’s at it, he can take you with them.”

Madison frowned. “Are you that determined to pimp me out to Keleta?”

Samuel’s laugh was as thick and rich as fine coffee. “No, not at all. It’s just that Keleta isn’t the only one who needs to be shown the fun, young side of life.”

“I have fun,” she protested.

“Uh-huh.” Samuel took out his cell phone and started sending a text message to someone. “I’m sending Colin a message that you have something important to discuss with him about Keleta.”

“Me?” Madison’s mouth fell open in protest. “That’s
your
department. You’re the head vampire. I’m just an assistant—a peon beater.”

“It’s your idea and a very good one. Take responsibility for it.” Samuel read an incoming message.

Madison leaned over to try to read the display. “That was fast.”

“Colin wants to know what time is good for you tomorrow, early in the evening or later?” Samuel glanced at her. “I suggest early. If Colin wants to take Keleta out tomorrow night, there will still be plenty of time after you speak to him.”

Madison leaned against the back of the leather car seat and crossed her arms in front of her in a sullen display. “Tell him tomorrow, after he rises.”

“Done.” After a pause, Samuel relayed to her Colin’s next response. “He says to come by his place around seven.”

“His place?”

“You know where it is, don’t you?”

“You know I do.”

Samuel punched his device, sending the confirmation off to Colin on the other end. “There, it’s all set. His place will give the two of you more privacy for such a delicate chat.”

Madison thought Samuel seemed way too pleased with himself, and it bugged her.

When they arrived at the Dedhams’ home, Hyun opened the car door for them. Samuel slipped on his sunglasses and got out first. He offered his hand to Madison, helping her out of the car. He was like that—a frustrating tease one moment, an elegant gentleman the next. He walked her to the door, passing Madison’s car, which was parked in the circular drive.

“You need a new car,” Samuel told her.

Madison studied her car. She’d picked it up in Idaho before moving to LA. It was over ten years old, with enough dings and dents to give its finish a pimply look. It ran well enough if she kept watch over it. It had been cheap, and she’d paid cash for it. “Nothing wrong with the one I have.”

Samuel wasn’t convinced. “You need something more dependable and fitting your position with the council.”

“I’ve already overhauled my wardrobe at your bidding.”

“Yes, Colin told me that the two of you went shopping recently. He has quite an eye for the latest fashion, doesn’t he?” He ran his eyes up and down Madison’s usual jeans and sweater. “Though I haven’t seen much evidence of your shopping spree.”

“Hardly seems necessary to drag out the new stuff when I’m just hanging out or going to school.”

His eyes moved back to the car. “Why don’t you pick out something you like and let me know. The council will cover it.”

“I can afford a new car if I want one, Samuel. You guys pay me very well, and the Dedhams refuse to let me pay room and board.”

“The council will still pay for the car, and you can continue squirreling your money away.” Samuel turned serious. “As I’ve told you before, Madison, vampires never know when they must disappear. If that happens, you need to be prepared to start over.” His demeanor changed back to playful. “I do hope you’re not still keeping your money in a tampon box.”

Madison shook her head, remembering how she used to do that before coming to the Dedhams’ home. Hiding money was a habit she’d developed from years of foster care, when she didn’t know when or where she would be moved. Years of distrust had been layered one on top of the other like a lopsided cake.

“No. Doug has invested the money I had left from my great aunt Eleanor, and I’m building a healthy bank account thanks to my job with the council. Though I still keep ready cash, just as I’m sure you do.” She fixed him with a knowing eye.

He smiled at her accurate assumption. He did have a sizeable stash ready to move with him at a moment’s notice. All smart vampires did.

“Samuel,” Madison began just before she pulled out her door keys, “is Keleta going to make it? I mean, will he be able to live as a vampire, or will he be … you know … terminated?”

Under the outside light, Samuel took her left hand, bent over it, and kissed her knuckles. “You have such a tender heart, Madison Rose. Tough and tender, that’s you.” Continuing to hold on to her hand, he said, “It’s still early, but both Byron and Ricky seem to think the boy is salvageable and could have a lot to offer the vampire community in time.”

Madison gave a noticeable sigh of relief. “I’m glad.”

Samuel turned her hand over and studied the palm, running an index finger over her plain and solitary lifeline. When he looked up at her, a wide grin spread across his face like freshly hung laundry.

“Too bad you don’t have a bloodline, Madison. You’d make an excellent vampire.”

TEN

M
ike Notchey picked Madison up at six forty-five for their run. Madison had crawled out of bed at six thirty.

“Long night?” he asked as soon as they were on their way.

“Yeah.” Madison buckled her seat belt and slouched in the seat. “Got home around one. Bed by one thirty. An early night by council standards.”

“We could have skipped the run. I could have met up with you later to get the scoop.”

“The run energizes me, and I do okay on five hours of sleep.”

Notchey half laughed. “Tell me that in another ten years—even in five.”

On the way to the trail, Madison got him up to speed about Keleta.

“You have any ideas about this ‘castle’?” Madison asked just as they were getting out of the car and warming up.

“Not off the top of my head, but I’ll look into it. I do know of a place up in Glendora that looks like a castle, but I doubt that’s it.”

“And,” she added, “Samuel wants to get me a new car. Any idea what model I should get? I’m thinking a hybrid of some kind.”

Notchey grunted.

They ran in silence, with Notchey keeping a better pace with her than before. He was quickly getting used to the hilly trail. When they returned to the parking lot, Madison didn’t have to wait for him. He’d arrived with her, though puffing harder and sweating more.

“Nice work, Notchey. I didn’t have to leave you in the dust today.”

He produced a water bottle, twisted the top off, and handed it to her. “Pretty soon, I’ll be waiting on you.”

She took a drink. “I doubt it, old man.” She giggled and shook her water at him, splashing it in his face.

“ ‘Old man’ ?”

Notchey grabbed for the bottle, but Madison quickly twisted it out of his reach. She followed the movement back around, hitting his head with another spray of water.

“So that’s how it is,” he said with a grin.

Using both hands, Notchey playfully made a grab for the bottle, but Madison deftly hopped out of his reach. After folding himself into a slight crouch, he leapt at her with surprising agility, trapping her against the front fender of the car. He grabbed the water bottle and tipped it over her head, with her own hand still grasped around it.

“Old man, my ass.” Notchey laughed and released the bottle. He didn’t move away but kept her pressed against the car.

Madison shook her head, soggy and chilly in the morning air, sending a small spray at Notchey. They were both laughing when Notchey clutched her waist in his hands and brought his mouth down hard on hers. Dropping the plastic bottle, Madison grasped his shoulders in her hands and responded.

Ignoring the early morning cold that nipped their sweaty bodies like fire ants, they kissed deeply before Notchey pulled back. He stared into her face as if seeing a stranger, then broke away from her. Without a word, he opened the passenger door for her and started around the car to the driver’s side.

Madison walked the few steps to the passenger side but didn’t get in. “What’s going on, Mike?”

He didn’t look at her. “You’re cold and wet. I need to get you home.”

“Oh, no.” Her voice was thick with hurt and aborted passion. “I’m not buying that. Every time we get close, you do this. You break it off and act like I have a contagious disease.”

He glanced at her, then looked away. “Get in the car.”

Madison slapped the palm of her hand against the roof of the car. “No! Tell me what’s going on.” She shivered. Reaching into the car, she grabbed her warm-up jacket and slipped into it. “See, I’m all warm now. So what’s the problem?”

Notchey looked around. It was shaping up to be a very gray day with possible rain. The overcast sky matched his foul mood. There were fewer cars in the parking lot than usual, the threatening weather keeping many of the morning runners home warm in their beds. He wished he’d done the same.

“Why can’t you just leave it alone, Madison,” he said to her over the top of the car. “I won’t kiss you again. Fuck, I won’t touch you again if it’s going to lead to this shit.”

In spite of herself, Madison started to cry. Steeling her shoulders, she sniffed back the tears and strode around the car to Notchey. “One minute you want me, the next you act like you’re disgusted by me. Are you still hung up on why I was arrested in Boise? I told you that was a long time ago, and I never once turned a trick.”

“I said forget it.” He turned to climb into the car, but she stopped him.

“No, Mike, I won’t forget it.” She grabbed his sweaty tee shirt and hung on, keeping him from getting into the car. “What is going on?”

“You really want to know?”

“Yes, I do.”

He broke free of her grip and spun around, his face distorted in anger. “You may not have done tricks then, but what about now?”

Madison staggered back from the naked ferocity in his voice. “What in the hell are you talking about?”

“Now, Madison. I’m talking about now. Your new clothes. A new car. Fancy nights at Samuel’s.”

“I paid for those new clothes with my own money.” Her protest fell on deaf ears.

“You just fucking Samuel, or is Colin getting his share, too?”

Madison couldn’t believe her ears. She took a step toward Notchey, her face hot with indignation. “There is
nothing
going on between me and Samuel—or Colin. I work for them, and we’re friends. That’s it.”

Notchey shook his head. “I’ve seen the way those two look at you, Madison. I’ve seen vampires look at women like that before. They’ve had you, and they want more. You’ll belong to them until they’ve had their fill. Then they’ll toss you aside like garbage.”

“You’re insane!”

“Am I?”

“Yes, you are. You’re
certifiable
. If you don’t believe me, ask the Dedhams.”

“Vampires will lie for other vampires. They will always protect their own against us.”

Madison leaned against the car, limp with emotional exhaustion. Looking over at Notchey, his revulsion tattooed on his face, she knew she would never be able to change his mind. It was as set as dried concrete.

“I thought you were different, Mike. I thought you liked me. Valentine’s Day. The running. The dinners. You even gave me a Christmas present.” She looked at him, her eyes puffy and blinking against the cold. “Was that all an act? Were you just playing me to find out information about the council?”

Notchey moved to stand in front of her, his eyes hard, stabbing into her like an awl. “It’s not an act. I do like you—more than I should. More than I want to.” He lifted his hand up to her face but held himself back, as if the feel of her skin would burn him. “Don’t be fooled, Madison. Blood and sex, that’s all vampires are about. Blood, sex, and power.” He withdrew his hand. “And I’ll be damned if I’ll take leftovers from the likes of them.”

Notchey moved to get into the car. “Now get in,” he ordered. “So I can take you home.”

“No.” Madison stood straight and backed away from the car. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Notchey was halfway in the car, one foot still on the pavement. “Get in the car, Madison.”

“Get the hell out of here, Notchey.” She spit the words at him. “I’ll find my own way home.”

“Come on, now. It’s gotta be at least two miles, and you’re tired from our run and your late night.”

“Two miles,” she repeated with scorn. “Enough time for me to infect you with vampire lust and suck your dick dry, just like I do the vamps.”

Notchey blew out a gust of breath as he tried to rein in his own emotions to reason with her. “I’m sorry, Madison, but it’s how I feel about the matter. I thought I could ignore it, but I can’t.”

As his words slapped her, she recoiled and took a few more steps backward. “I said, I’ll find my own way home,
cop
.”

Notchey finished climbing into his car and started the engine. He backed it out of its parking space and pointed it in the direction of the road. Rolling down his window, he called to her, “Last chance.”

In response, Madison raised a middle finger.

After she watched Notchey’s car disappear, Madison sat down on a nearby bench. She was in shock. Notchey believed she was sleeping with the vampires, at least with Samuel and possibly Colin. She’d always found both of them sexy and attractive, especially Colin. She’d even been kissed by Colin, and it had been hot, no doubt about it, but she couldn’t get beyond knowing that same mouth sucked blood out of people. She was attracted to Mike, too. She found him solid and smart, even funny in his own odd way. She wanted someone like him. Someone alive and with a heartbeat. She wasn’t drawn in to the glamour, power, and wealth of the undead. She wanted someone like herself—screwed up, maybe, but at least if Notchey bit her it wouldn’t be as a food source.

Madison hugged herself. She was chilled in spite of her jacket, and her face stung from her tears. The dew on the bench was beginning to work its way through her leggings. She had to get home. Getting up from the bench, she started walking toward the road when a black SUV drove up and lowered its window. Inside was one of the young women she often saw running in the morning. She had strawberry blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. She looked to be in her late twenties. Madison recalled she usually ran with a man. Today she was alone.

“Do you need a lift?” the woman asked.

“Thanks, but I’m fine.”

The woman jerked her chin in the direction of the road. “I saw the fight you just had with your boyfriend. Looked like a beaut.”

“He’s not my boyfriend. Just a … a friend.” Madison wondered if she even wanted him as that anymore.

“Uh-huh. You can see I’m alone today. We fought this morning, too. Must be something in the air or the stars, or some shit like that.”

Madison smiled at the remark.

“Come on,” the woman said, seeing Madison’s cheerier look. “Get in. I’ll drive you home. Think of it as a girls-bonding-over-assholes thing.”

This time, Madison laughed softly and put both of her hands on the edge of the woman’s window. “Thanks anyway, but I don’t live very far. Maybe the run will burn off my anger before I get home.”

“Sure?”

The invitation was tempting, but Madison was a bundle of nerves. The run would do her good, even if she had finished a strenuous workout just minutes before. She also wasn’t in the habit of taking rides from strangers, male or female.

“I’m sure, but thanks for being so nice.”

“Anytime.” The woman started to leave, then braked after moving forward a foot. “Hey,” she said, hanging her head out the window. “Maybe we could run together sometime. I’ll look for you.”

“That would be great,” Madison told her, already feeling better. “Thanks.”

“My name’s Julianne—Julianne Jaz.”

Madison pointed at herself. “Madison Rose.”

After waving goodbye to Julianne, Madison started again for the road. Once there, she broke into a steady jog. She could do two miles standing on her head, and she’d made a new friend. Mike Notchey could just piss off.