Embrace The Dawning (The Covenant Series Book 1) (16 page)

Chapter 9

Kayci slowly opened her eyes. She could see the sun shining in through a window. She looked around. Elise lay squished at the end of the couch. Immediate relief and affection filled Kayci. Elise was safe. But not from the sore neck she’d have when she woke up. Kayci quickly became aware of her own aching neck as memories arose from the night before. She lifted her arm up to inspect it. The cuts were barely more than a scratch now. She touched her lip. It felt fine. She lifted a piece of paper off the coffee table and read it.

When you’re ready.

801 Brickle Ave. 15
th
floor. Suite 1503.

Adrian

A rush of warmth flowed through her. She remembered him pulling Danika off before she bit Kayci. She remembered collapsing into his arms. She wished he were here now, still holding her in his arms. She felt safe there. Tonight she would thank him for saving her life and have the conversation he wanted and she dreaded.

Feeling a serious need for a shower, Kayci carefully uncovered herself, trying not to wake Elise. Her sore muscles rebelled against her every move. She slowly made her way up the stairs, using the railing as her support. She undressed, leaving her clothes in a careless pile on the floor. The warm, silky water ran along her skin and soothed her aching muscles. A shower had never felt as good as it did this morning. As the droplets fell onto her arm, burning the diagonal scratches across her forearm, visions of the attack came rushing back. She had killed a vampire. She shivered at the memory of his burning body.

Thankfully, Rosemary’s spell had worked, giving her more strength, or she wouldn’t have been able to fight all three vampires. She and Elise would both be dead. The thought caused a lump to grow in her throat. She closed her eyes and let the hot, soothing water run down her face. She forced all thoughts from the previous night out of her mind.

After finding comfortable jeans and a T-shirt and pampering her feet with soft slippers, Kayci made her way back downstairs. She strolled into her kitchen to find Elise pouring chai tea into a mug. She inhaled the spicy aroma, letting it soothe the last bit of her frayed nerves.

As Kayci entered, Elise grabbed a second mug from the cupboard and began pouring tea into it as well.

“How are you feeling? You look a hell of a lot better than you did last night.”

Kayci took a carton of milk out of the refrigerator and poured the milk into their teacups.

“I’m doing pretty good, considering what happened.”

Elise pointed to Kayci’s arm. “You healed pretty quick.”

Kayci glanced at her arm and nodded. “I’m glad it was my arm and not my throat. Adrian arrived just in time. I didn’t have any strength left in me.”

Kayci, tea mug in hand, followed Elise to the kitchen table.

“I’m glad he showed up when he did too. After he brought you inside last night, he stayed and made sure the vampires didn’t come back. He seems to really care about you.”

Kayci’s mood lightened. “I’m going to visit him tonight and thank him for helping me.”

“I saw the note. He knows what you are now.”

“I’m aware. It’s a conversation I’m not looking forward to. Just as much as I’m not looking forward to this one.”

Kayci set her warm cup in between her palms, as she always did. She paused a moment, enjoying the heat of the mug while she procrastinated. This conversation wouldn’t be easy.

Elise stared at her expectantly.

“After you leave for work this morning, Elise, I think it’s best that we keep our distance from each other for a while.”

Kayci’s gut wrenched. She was breaking up with her best friend. For a little while, at least.

Elise nodded. “I hate to admit it, but I kind of had the same thoughts.”

Kayci didn’t like hearing it, but Elise wasn’t safe around her right now.

“At least until Danika is found and I figure out what happens next between Adrian and me, now that he knows I’m part vampire.”

Elise rubbed her eyes and frowned. “I hope this all blows over soon. Just remember—Rosemary said you can trust Adrian.”

Kayci’s emotions flooded her. She figured her eyes matched her emotional state. When Elise looked away, Kayci knew she was right. While avoiding eye contact, Elise picked up her mug and set it in the sink. She quickly padded over to Kayci and gave her a long, affectionate hug.

“Thank you so much for saving my life. I’m sorry to leave you like this. Call me when you’re ready,” she said sadly before grabbing her duffel bag and leaving.

Kayci sat while warm, wet tears ran down her cheeks and dripped onto her shirt and table. She didn’t care. She felt frozen in this moment and utterly alone. A rogue vampire, dangerous and crazy, wanted to kill her and use her to get rid of Adrian. With Adrian knowing about her half-breed status, she feared for his safety and hers, especially with the Covenant so close. If only her father had stuck around and raised her, perhaps this new world wouldn’t be so terrifying.

Kayci reached up and wiped the tears from her face. She stood and tried to regain control over her emotions. She refused to sit and succumb to her own pity party. She had normal human obligations to attend to today. They would at least distract her for a little while. She set her mug in the sink next to Elise’s, wiped her face with a towel, then thought about what stores sold blue-colored contacts. She needed to get them before her noon and two o’clock appointments.

***

Adrian paced, staring at the ceiling. An open book lay on the side table by the chair, a sorry attempt to distract himself. After rereading the same paragraph three times, he gave up and tossed it aside, his thoughts focused on Kayci. As much as it pleased him to know she was like him, it also worried him immensely. He would do everything he could to hide her from the Covenant, but it would only be a matter of time until they found out about her, if Danika hadn’t already informed them. If Kayci’s eyes flashed gold at him last night, they’d done the same at Danika as well.

He couldn’t believe a witch had successfully bound the vampire curse long enough for a vampire to conceive a child with a human. He had heard the stories but never believed it possible. If vampires learned about Kayci, chaos would erupt. Vampires would hunt down witches and force them to repeat the spell. The truce between the species would be torn apart if witches felt threatened. The Covenant’s rule could easily be weakened. Kayci’s safety was in peril. Danika would undoubtedly spread the news and take full advantage of the upheaval. It would make taking down the Covenant that much easier for her. Kayci would be safe from Danika for a while—she wouldn’t want to kill an important pawn in her schemes.

Adrian’s thoughts were disrupted when he heard footsteps coming down the corridor. The footsteps slowed as they neared his door. He opened the door just as Vladimir raised his hand to knock.

Vladimir, with his usual calm, collected demeanor, provided his customary pleasantries before entering. Adrian closed the door behind them.

“What brings you here?” Adrian asked, knowing Vladimir’s visit was business, not friendly.

“The Covenant knows about the half-breed vampire. They know you are protecting her.”

“Danika,” Adrian guessed, jaw tense.

Vladimir nodded. Adrian had expected it, yet it still angered him.

“What happens now?”

“I’ve arranged for you to speak with the Covenant. They would like to meet her.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

“I’m surprised you weren’t sent to retrieve my head.”

“A few Covenant members wanted just that, but as we both know, Eva has a soft spot for you. She wants to hear your side of the story. She wouldn’t dare take the word of Danika Panetierre.”

Adrian rubbed his fingers along his facial hair, a nervous habit he had developed.

“Thankfully, Eva is a reasonable woman. I truly didn’t know she was a half-breed until last night. She hides it well. Does the Covenant have any plans for her?”

“After we meet with her, we’ll decide on her fate.”

“When shall I expect my summoning?”

Vladimir smiled at Adrian’s normal obstinate attitude.

“Tomorrow night.”

Adrian showed Vladimir to the front door.

“I appreciate the visit.” Which Adrian knew was really a forewarning.

“You would have done the same for me,” Vladimir replied casually, trying to play down his act of kindness.

Adrian nodded, smiled as Vladimir exited, then closed the door behind him. If Adrian could feel sick, he would. The knot in his stomach was tighter than a hangman’s noose. He needed to lessen his nerves and feed before Kayci arrived. He grabbed his keys off the peg and locked the door behind him.

***

Danika sat back in her Victorian chair, tapping her sharp nails on the wooden arm. The room was dim, with a small fire lit in the large marble fireplace. Her sinister smile revealed her white pearly fangs, beautifully contrasted against her dark eyes. Danika stopped watching the activity of the vampires feeding behind her and brought her attention to Reece.

“They clearly didn’t take the news well. Edward hasn’t returned.”

“Isn’t that what you expected?” Reece asked.

“Of course. That’s why I sent him. He was too weak to continue to be a member of our coven.”

She grinned. “I imagine the Covenant will soon drag Adrian into their pathetic conference room to rip his head from his body.” Danika paused, imagining Adrian gone. The moment quickly passed.

“This new issue with the half-breed vampire will buy us a little more time. May even become beneficial for us. If other vampires know it’s possible to temporarily bind our curse, they’d become crazed with the possibilities it could offer them. We could create disorder just with that knowledge alone.” Danika smiled at the leverage she possessed.

Reece studied Danika’s expression. “Do you want to change the plans?”

Danika smiled. Her fangs escaped her top lip. “Not at all. A matter of fact, I’d like you and Mia to start scouting for abandoned buildings on the east and south side of Naples. It’s time to take action.”

Chapter 10

Kayci looked up at the high-rise condominium. The sun had gone down a few hours ago, leaving the beautiful lights of the condominium sparkling above her. The building towered over her, creating an intimidating impression for a first-time visitor. Unsure of what to expect, she took a deep breath and entered the building’s main lobby.

Inside, the building sparkled with chic furniture, ornate crystal chandeliers, and modern art full of colorful and scenic landscapes. Clearly, people who made a good living lived in these condominiums. She tried not to get sucked into all the stimulants and searched for the nearest elevator. She reached out to click the number for level 15, but it wasn’t there. She instead clicked 14, hoping to find an entrance to level 15 from there.

As she exited the elevator, the signs directed residents to a work-out facility, swimming pool, spa, and salon. The extravagance of this place continued to amaze her. As she scanned her surroundings, she spotted a young, skinny blond woman standing behind a tall desk counter, in a uniform of a white button-down shirt and black slacks.

“Can I help you?” she asked kindly.

“Yes. Do you know how I can get to the fifteenth floor?”

The blond woman’s eyes narrowed. She studied Kayci closely.

“I’m sorry. The owners live on the fifteenth floor. Access to the fifteenth floor is by invitation only.”

The blond woman looked away from Kayci and went back to clicking on the keyboard in front of her, obviously expecting Kayci to walk away. Kayci tilted her head in surprise at the woman’s sudden rudeness. She stood up straighter, more confidently.

“Actually, I was invited. I’m here to see Adrian Spade,” Kayci declared.

The blond woman looked back at Kayci. Her eyes narrowed once more.

“My apologies, ma’am. I’ll have to phone in your name and confirm the invitation.”

Kayci chuckled slightly. “Okay.”

“Your name, miss?”

“Kayci Pierce,” she replied, trying not to laugh at the woman’s smugness and the odd process.

The blonde picked up a black office phone and clicked a few buttons. Kayci could hear someone answer on the other end.

“Sorry to bother you, sir, but there is someone here asking to see you. Kayci Pierce, sir. Uh-huh. Okay, will do, sir.”

The blonde hung up the phone, furrowed her brows, licked her lips, then glared back at Kayci. “He said he’s on his way down to meet you. Come with me, please.”

The woman stepped out from behind the counter, looked back at Kayci, then led her through an office door across from the desk. The door opened up into a long corridor. At the end, the hallway expanded into a room with an elevator on each side.

“Wait here,” the woman insisted, then abruptly walked away, leaving Kayci standing there alone.

Kayci watched as the blond woman walked back down the hall. She glanced back at Kayci once. As soon as she did, Kayci noticed the gold eyes.

“Clever,” Kayci mumbled.

She stepped back when she heard the elevator door ding. Would another vampire or vampires exit the elevator instead of Adrian? When the door cracked open and she saw Adrian’s face through the doors, her nerves settled. The doors slid all the way open. Adrian walked up to her with an inviting and charming smile. Kayci’s stomach fluttered the moment he came toward her.

“It’s nice to see you again.”

She blushed before returning the same happy smile he had. “It’s nice to see you too. It really is.”

Adrian clearly understood the special emphasis, with what had happened the night before.

“I’m glad you came,” he said with sincerity in his voice.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to. It’s quite the fortress you live in,” Kayci teased.

Adrian smiled. “It keeps any humans from walking into vampire living quarters. It keeps both humans and vampires safe.”

“That’s clever, having a vampire work the desk.”

Adrian nodded in agreement. “Perfect for the night shifts, and she does her job well.”

“Clearly.”

Adrian grinned.

“Shall we go up?”

“Sure,” Kayci replied, unsure of what to expect.

She and Adrian stepped into the elevator. He clicked the only button available.

“Kayci.” Adrian waited until he had her full attention. “What you’re about to see is going to be startling. We have to walk through the communal area before entering the corridor to my condo.”

“Communal area?” Kayci asked.

“It’s a large room that vampires socialize in. I live alongside a vampire coven. I don’t spend much time with the vampires in the coven, but even independent vampires like me prefer to live alongside other vampires. We need the socialization.”

“Okay… What should I expect to see in there?”

“There may be vampires feeding on humans. There’s a party going on in the communal area right now. I didn’t know they were having one tonight, or I wouldn’t have invited you here.”

The elevator dinged. Kayci’s nerves exploded. The doors slid open to an array of fresh and unfamiliar stimulants. Adrian wrapped his hand around hers. He leaned in closely and whispered, “Stay close to me.”

Kayci looked around the dark, dimly lit room. The walls were thick, with dark cherry-red wallpaper with black designs. Heavy maroon curtains covered any and all windows. A massive black marble fireplace nearly filled the right side of one wall. The large fire made the room uncomfortably warm. Cream and gray-colored Victorian couches and large black leather chairs filled the center of the room. To the left in the corner was a small stage with two large speakers surrounding a small sound system that pumped out fast-moving dance music. Vampires were scattered into pairs and small groups, some dancing, some talking. Two were making out against the wall. She was aware she caught their attention. Adrian casually pulled her along right through the center of the room. Why did he take her through the center and not inconspicuously along the edge?

As she passed the vampires, golden glaring eyes followed her movements. As she walked by the couch, two golden-eyed female vampires sucked on the neck of a guy who appeared human. Kayci cringed when she saw the blood running down his neck. The man passionately rubbed the breast of the vampire in front of him while the female vampire behind him had her hand tucked under his pants. It was obvious what she was doing as her hand moved and caressed. Kayci’s throat went dry. Her palms dampened. A shiver trickled down her spine. She was quickly becoming edgy with the amount of vampires around her and the pungent scent of sexual tension filling the room.

A female vampire dressed a bit punk-like with pixy dark hair caught Kayci looking at the threesome on the couch. She immediately replaced her expression with a casual one—too late though. The female vampire nudged another vampire standing next to her. He turned to see what she wanted. She nodded her head and pointed in Kayci’s direction. She leaned in and said something that made him smirk. As Kayci passed, the dark-haired female vampire reached out and grabbed Kayci’s arm. Kayci tensed.

The female vampire was about to say something, but Adrian stepped toward her, eyes golden and a fierce expression on his face. The vampire quickly released Kayci’s arm with a childlike look of having just been rebuked, then returned to socializing.

Kayci finally exhaled once she and Adrian reached the other side of the spacious room.

Adrian didn’t say a word, only continued to lead her down a corridor. He stopped in front of the third door on the right and placed a key into the lock. Once inside, he let go of her hand and locked the door behind them. Kayci rubbed her sweaty palms on her jeans.

“I apologize you had to see that. Their parties can get wild at times.”

Kayci furrowed her brows and nodded casually, though she still reeled from all she had just seen. “Might as well jump in head first, right?” she replied, trying to ease her awkward tension with humor.

She tried to relax as Adrian studied her.

“Would you like a drink?”

“Yes!” Kayci nearly shouted. She brought her voice down a couple notches. “Yes, I would.”

Adrian smiled and walked over to his kitchen. He pulled out a bottle of whiskey, poured some into a glass, and then opened his fridge, pulled out a jug of what looked like sweet tea, and poured some of that into the same glass as the whiskey. Adrian brought the glass over to Kayci and handed it to her.

Kayci sniffed before taking a sip. “Sweet tea and whiskey?”

Adrian nodded. “I hope it’s good. The cashier at the liquor store suggested it as an easy mixed drink. Making alcoholic beverages isn’t exactly a common practice for me.”

“So you don’t entertain humans at your condo very often?”

“No, can’t say that I have. The whiskey and sweet tea are brand new bottles. Bought them just for you tonight. Figured you’d like something to drink at some point.”

Kayci took a swig, impressed.

“Chivalry doesn’t die just because you become a vampire,” Adrian jested.

Kayci let out a genuine chuckle of laughter, finally starting to relax. Her eyes were transitioning back to their dark-blue color.

“So this is your place?” Kayci asked after another sip of her drink. She looked around the condo, admiring his decoration choices. He had an open-concept design, where each room was visible except the bathroom. The floors were beautifully aged hardwood, yet shined from whatever sealant they had on them. He too had thick maroon curtains, but his were pulled to the sides, revealing the beautiful night sky and large windows that covered one side of the condo. In the center of the windows were sliding doors leading out to a balcony.

In front of the windows sat a moderately sized TV facing a comfortable-looking tan suede couch and matching chair, sitting on a dark-green rug with thick, fluffy fabric that Kayci desperately wanted to rub her toes in. Farther into the condo on the left was an office area. The far side of the wall was completely covered in bookshelves, with books overflowing on each shelf. A small and simple wooden desk sat at the center of the office space, with only a laptop, a leather-bound journal, and a lamp on the desk. In the corner of that space was a large night jasmine. She thought the nocturnal plant quite befitted a vampire. The fragrance it released was sweet and delightful. It provided his condo with just the right amount of liveliness.

To the right of the office was his bedroom. He had a large, lavish rug with intricate designs and color variations of red, green, brown, and pale yellow intertwined. On the stylish rug sat a solid-wood four-poster bed. The posts had designs carved into the wood, but she was too far away to make out the intricate patterns. The bedspread had neutral tones of dark brown, bronze, and tan, with two soft and comfortable-looking pillows piled on top.

She wasn’t able to see into the bathroom with the door closed, but she imagined it was just as beautifully decorated as the rest. A large oil painting covered most of the wall leading to the kitchen. The painting depicted a Civil War–era scene. In the background, a large tree free of fall foliage stretched crookedly outward toward the sky. To the left of the crooked and barren tree was a large wooden cross atop what appeared to be a church in the distance. In the foreground was a man buried by the winter snow. Only visible were the man’s knees, leather boots, and military hat protruding out of the snow. To the man’s right was a loyal horse with his pack still filled with the man’s gear. The horse stood waiting, frozen in the painting with everything else. The painting didn’t match Adrian’s decorations but somehow still seemed to belong. The painting’s display of cold, unforgiving death was overshadowed by its beauty. Kayci found herself mesmerized and wanted to admire the painting more closely, but now wasn’t the time. She finished checking out his condo with its stunning pine cabinetry, marble counters, and modern appliances that looked as though they’d never been used.

“Your home is beautiful,” she told him. “I love everything about it.”

Adrian smiled wide. “Thank you.”

Kayci took another strong sip of her drink. “The vampire at the desk said the owners live on the fifteenth floor. Does that mean your coven owns the whole building?”

“Yes, you could say that. There is a corporation that owns this building and two others. This coven and myself are large investors of the corporation. As investors we have a say in what the business does as well as how the building layout was formed. We took the top floor as our home and created the spa and gym on the fourteenth floor as a barrier between us and humans. It ended up being a profitable business plan. The residents of the condos pay a little extra for the convenience of having a gym and spa in their building.”

Kayci’s eyes widened. “You vampires continue to surprise me.”

“Vampires do enjoy taking part in society one way or another. Some vampires even have jobs. Gives them something to do. Although those jobs usually are working for other vampires. Vampires can only hide their identity for so long, with the fact that we don’t age and sometimes can’t control our vampire appearance.”

“I’m blown away with the level of social and economic hierarchy amongst vampires. It makes sense that vampires would be financially well off, considering they can live more than one lifetime. Gives you the opportunity to build a substantial amount of wealth.”