Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (12 page)

Panic shimmied through her flesh. She wiggled out from under him and hopped to her feet. She backed up, pointing at him accusingly as he rose to his full height and licked a trickle of blood from the corner of his lips. Lips that only moments ago been had been worshipping her body with almost painful reverence.

The man standing before her was kind, gentle, and good. He might be a killing machine for the Presidium but he'd shown her and her daughter nothing but kindness. Why would a man like that want to be with someone like her?

Bloodmates or not, he didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve
her
. She was a hot mess. Trixie was damaged goods, a sad, pathetic girl who had given away her baby because she was too weak to contradict the social workers at the hospital.

A coward who had tried to take her own life.

An addict. A junkie. Trash. Broken.

Shadows and moonlight might have obscured all the sharp edges and rough angles of Dakota's handsome face, but nothing could hide the look of pity lingering there. He moved slowly toward her, and Trixie's gut clenched. There was nowhere else to hide.

Unable to face him, she flew out of the room and pushed open the enormous, ornately carved wooden doors that led out to the gardens. The crisp, cool air of the late November night slammed into her like a wall as she fought the tears, but it was no use. Her vision blurred as the floodgates opened. Her chest ached with regret, fear, and shame. She could no longer hide the ugliness from him.

She wanted to fly. To get the hell away from him and from the knowledge that he could no longer be tricked into thinking she was something that she wasn't. For the first time since she was turned vamp, Trixie wished she could get high. She wanted to fall into the sweet oblivion of the heroin rush and be cradled in its forgiving embrace. The drugs didn't judge or accuse. They provided the ultimate escape from the truth of who she was and what she'd done.

Before she reached the edge of the wall, a pair of strong warm hands curled around her biceps and pulled her gently backward. Trixie let out a shuddering sob when Dakota's tall firm body sidled up behind her. He held her there in his unyielding embrace. He dipped his head and pressed a kiss against her cheek, his scruffy jaw rasping over her flesh with delicious friction.

“Please don't run away from me,” he whispered. Dakota linked his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. He nestled his mouth against her ear. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everythin' you had to go through all by yourself. But you are not alone, darlin'. Not anymore.”

“I'm so ashamed. I don't deserve to call myself her mother.” Trixie squeezed her eyes shut and covered her face with both hands, shaking her head. “I gave her away. I told myself it was because I wanted her to have a better life but I think that was a lie. I didn't do it for her. I did it for me. I was afraid,” she said, her voice full of pain.

“Of course, the adults that surrounded me at the hospital—nurses, social workers, all of them—told me I couldn't handle it and that I would ruin her life. They told me I had to give her away… I wasn't good enough to be her mother. They were right, you know. Then after I got out of the hospital, Chelsea's father was gone and I was alone. Again. But do you know what never abandoned me?”

Dakota held her tighter. “Tell me.”

“Drugs…booze.” The words were barely above a whisper. “Those lovers were always there. That's why I love being a vampire. From the moment Olivia turned me, the need for drugs and booze was gone. It was the kindest gift anyone had ever given me. She freed me.”

It was the first time she'd openly admitted to another person that her one true love had been drugs. As her maker, Olivia had known but they'd never discussed it. Trixie finally and completely let out the horrible truth she'd carried with her for so many years.

“I was sixteen when I first used. Darryl, that's Chelsea's real father, he got me hooked. That first high? It was pure bliss. I just remember thinking that was what love must feel like. Over the years, no matter what else happened, the hazy highs were always there. They became my constant, something I could count on.” Her voice shuddered and cracked with shame. “When I was human, all I cared about was getting another fix… I gave away my daughter. What kind of mother does that?”

The tears fell freely now, but contrary to what she expected, Dakota didn't let her go or push her away, revolted. The man hung on and rocked her gently, the way a mother might rock her baby. The hitching sobs slowed as he continued his tender, hypnotic movement.

“Trix?”

Dakota turned her gently so she was facing him and cradled her face in both hands. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs before pressing his lips to hers in an almost reverent gesture and resting his forehead against hers.

“You are one hell of a woman. I saw what you went through, baby. No family. No one to love you or show you how to love. But you know what? In spite of all of that, you
do
know how to love.” His Texas drawl swirled through the night air, his presence covering her like a blanket, the steady dependable force that was Dakota Shelton. “You're a fighter. Don't you think for one second that what you did was wrong. Givin' Chelsea up for adoption was the best thing you could have done for her at that point. You gave that girl a good life, and
that
makes you a damn good mother.”

“You really believe that?” Trixie shook her head and pulled back, looking at him with nothing short of astonishment. “You aren't disgusted by who I was and what I did?”

“Not a chance.” He shook his head and tilted her chin with his thumb, forcing her to look him in the eyes. “I'm just glad I finally got to see what you've been hidin'. This is part of that gettin'-to-know-you stuff I've been talkin' about. After all, we are bloodmates.”

Silence hung between them for a few seconds, filled with weight of that word.

“Right.” Trixie nodded as he held her close and she grabbed the front of his shirt. The all-too-familiar feeling of panic threatened to rise, but she stuffed it down and forced herself to remain in the moment. “Can we take it slow? One step at a time, okay?”

“Yes, ma'am.” Dakota dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers in a slow, sweet kiss. “Now, I hate to kiss and run, but I have to be gettin' on my way to the cabin. And you need to stop kissin' on me, or I'll never get there.”

Trixie was about to argue with him when the cell phone in his pocket buzzed. Dakota let out a groan of discontent.

“It's fine.” Trixie slipped from his arms, suddenly self-conscious about her unusual display of emotion. Before today, Olivia had been the only one who had ever seen her cry. “You better see who it's from.”

She swiped at her eyes and hopped up onto the stone ledge. Trixie allowed the cool air to wash over her. She stared out over the Hudson River. It glinted in the darkness as the water ebbed and flowed. It was so peaceful up here at this time of night that it was almost easy to forget she was in the middle of the big bad city.

“Change of plans,” Dakota said abruptly. He stepped up onto the ledge next to her. “Xavier said there were no other gargoyle coins in the collection, and from what he can tell, she kept 'em all in a safety deposit box in the bank. Except for that one.” He pointed at the necklace. “Doug ran a background check on Gatlin, and it looks like we have an address in Queens and one in…”

“Let me guess,” Trixie said slowly. “Fredricksville, Texas?”

“Yes, ma'am.” Dakota's lips set in a tight line and he ran his hand over his jaw. “Chances are he didn't stick around, but Shane and I are going to have a look at his place in Queens to see what we can dig up.”

“Great.” Trixie cracked her knuckles. “Let's go.”

“Last time I checked, your name wasn't Shane.” Dakota let out a beleaguered sigh and settled his hands on his hips. He kept his gaze on the river, not looking at her. “Woman, are you gonna make me fight with you again?”

The muscles of his jaw clenched, and as Trixie studied his strong profile with the glow of the moon washing over it, a pang of guilt struck her. It was her turn to do something kind for him.

“Never mind,” she said quickly. “I've got some stuff to take care of at the club anyway. Suzie's with Chelsea, and Sadie's gonna be back from Alaska in a couple days. She'll be super pissed at how messy the bar has gotten and it's closed tonight. I should make good use of the time.”

“Are you sure?” Dakota narrowed his gaze and studied her intently. “I'm not gonna find you followin' me to Queens, am I?”

“No, it's cool. I'll go to the club.” Trixie spoke firmly and succinctly, trying to convince herself more than him. “I can't just sit around and do nothing. That will drive me crazy.” She spun to her right and grabbed the lapels of his leather coat. “But you better promise that you'll keep me posted. And if we do have to go to Texas or if you get any sign of that baby, you'll let me know right away and—”

Before she could say another word, Dakota silenced her with a hot demanding kiss that stole any further arguments from her mind. As he swept her up in his arms and deepened the kiss, his gruff whisper rushed into her mind.
Darlin', you can count on it.

It had been years since Trixie had felt this exposed and vulnerable.

She sat alone on the roof of the nightclub, her knees pulled to her chest and her chin resting on top. How exactly had the world been turned upside down and inside out so quickly? She closed her eyes and let the sounds of the city drift over her, surrounding her with their familiar comforting hum. It was close to four in the morning—Trixie's favorite time because the city was
almost
quiet. There was still life to be heard, cars whizzing by and human heartbeats in the air, but there was calmness to it that she found soothing.

When Dakota read her blood memories, he had stripped her of her defenses. To her surprise, she was actually okay with it. She knew, deep in her gut, that he wouldn't exploit that vulnerability. That knowledge alone was what kept her from spinning into the abyss.

Somehow it would all work itself out.

We're on our way back, darlin'
. As if on cue, Dakota's seductive drawl drifted into her mind, soothing like the breeze.
No sign of Gatlin or the baby but someone else had already been there. His place was completely trashed. Seems we aren't the only ones who are lookin' for this fella. There was also a message written on the bathroom mirror.

A message?
The cold finger of dread tickled the back of her neck, making her sit up straighter.
What did it say?

See you in Texas.

Oh my God
. Fear laced her voice, in spite of her best efforts to sound calm.
We have to find her, Dakota
.

Then you better pack your bags, because we're leavin' as soon as possible.

We?
Hope and uncertainty fired through her.
You want me to go with you?

Well, you don't think I'm gonna go away with Quesada for a few days do you?
A low laugh rumbled through her mind and tickled her from the inside out.
Besides, how am I ever gonna find the spot where you found the coin?

Trixie squeezed her eyes shut as a fresh flood of tears threatened to run. A funny feeling of melancholy washed over her when his mind withdrew from hers. The connection between them had deepened significantly since he'd tasted her blood. The way he touched her mind now was almost seamless, as though he'd been communicating with her that way forever.

It was startling how easy it was…how
right
.

How much more connected would they be once she completed the bloodmate bond and drank from him? Once that was done, would she still be Trixie, or would she become someone else? Would she become dependent upon him? A shiver ran over her, and she hugged her knees tighter.

That was the big bad question that hung over her head, more frightening than anything else. How much of herself would she have to give up to be Dakota's bloodmate?

“You okay?” Damien's deep voice sounded behind Trixie as he landed on the roof. “I was worried about you.”

“What tipped you off?” Trixie said with a laugh. “That my daughter is turning vamp, my granddaughter is missing, or that Dakota is my bloodmate and my life might not be mine anymore?”

“None of the above.” He elbowed her as he sat down next to her, his hulking frame a welcome and familiar presence. “The only other time I've seen the bar that clean was when Olivia was in labor with Emily.”

“Very funny.” Trixie rolled her eyes but couldn't conceal her smile. Damien was like the brother she'd never had. He always could put her at ease with his good-natured teasing. “I never could get anything past you, could I?”

“Nope.”

They sat for a few minutes in comfortable silence, the kind that could be shared between true friends. But as the sky began to ebb purple and the tug in her gut warned her of the approaching sunrise, Trixie knew this moment of peace couldn't last too much longer.

“We should go in.” Trixie patted Damien on the leg and rose to her feet. She brushed off her butt, ridding herself of the grit from the rooftop. “The sun's coming up. And unlike most of our coven mates, you and I are not daywalkers.”

She extended her hand to him and yanked the big lug to his feet. His toothy white grin practically gleamed in the brightening night, and she couldn't help but smile back.

“You will be soon enough though. I heard through the grapevine that you and Dakota have started to telepath.”

“Jeez. There is, like, totally no privacy around here.”

“Truth.” He elbowed her playfully. “Come on, girl. You remember what it was like when the other girls hooked up with their men. It's exciting. So tell me, are the rumors true?”

“Yeah, we have telepathed.” Her face heated with embarrassment. “Among other stuff.”

“What's it like to hear someone else in your mind?” His voice softened with almost childlike inquisitiveness. “I was turned by Pete, and since he's mated to Marianna, an Amoveo, I've never been able to telepath with him. I'm the only one he ever turned, so no siblings. I get the feeling that it would be pretty cool to be able to speak to someone else with your mind, especially someone you care about.”

Trixie was caught off guard by the question. She and Damien had always shared a playful relationship, one full of good-natured teasing. This was probably the most personal question he'd ever asked her. She paused for a moment, not sure how honest she should be. Staring into his sweet face though… He deserved the truth.

“Telepathing with Dakota is the most intimate, freaky, amazing, and wild sensation I've ever experienced.” She folded her arms over her breasts and looked out over the twinkling lights of the city. “It's different than it was with Olivia and the girls. Kinda like he can touch my soul with one word…a whisper. I know that sounds dopey,” she added quickly.

“No,” he said wistfully. “It sounds awesome.” The look of surprise on her face elicited a belly laugh from Damien. “Girl, you know my deal. I was a street kid, and until Olivia found me, I didn't even have a family. Not really. I love all this coven drama. I tell you, if the supernaturals ever come out of the closet, you girls need your own reality show.
The Real Bloodmate Housewives of New York City
.”

“You are too much,” she said with a laugh. Trixie ran her hands through her hair and laced her fingers behind her head. “Olivia and Sadie were the first real family I've ever had too. Olivia was the
only
person who knew everything about me and still…” Trixie let the words die on her lips as she dropped her hands to her sides. “Anyway…the telepathing is cool.”

“Dakota's a good guy, Trixie. I know, I know, he's kind of a dork, with all his outdated slang and his lollipops, but he's solid. Y'know? You're lucky that you've got a bloodmate.”

“I guess. But it's scary, Damien. To have someone else see inside you and get past all of the bullshit.” Trixie walked to the edge of the roof and peered over the side to the alley below. “Besides, I haven't decided if I wanna commit to the whole bloodmate deal. Y'know?”

“No, actually,” Damien said flatly, “I don't.”

Surprised by his admission and unusually serious tone, Trixie turned to him. An air of sadness clung to her friend, and the smile that was almost always crinkling at the corners of his eyes was gone.

“I love you, Trixie. You're that wacky baby sister I never had. But if you squander this gift—and that's exactly having a bloodmate is—then you really are crazy, girl.”

She opened her mouth to argue with him but he held up both hands, immediately silencing her. Damien rarely spoke to her with such seriousness and she wasn't sure how to react.

“I know, you're gonna tell me that you don't care about daywalking and all that shit, but that's not the gift I'm talking about.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and peered at her with earnest intensity. “That man cares for you, Trixie. No matter how much you want to deny it. I know that you dig him too. He would do anything for you. Think about how special that is. Love, any kind of love, should be cherished and appreciated. Trust me. Until Olivia came into my life, I didn't even know what it felt like.”

Trixie was rendered speechless. He was right. She was being foolish. How many nights in her human life had she wished for someone to love, to really truly love her? And now that the possibility was in front of her, she was wary of it.

“Jeez.” Trixie let out a laugh and cracked her knuckles before punching him in the arm. “You sure do tell it like it is, don't you?”

“Hey”—he shrugged his massive shoulders—“I gotta look out for you. That's what family is for. Right?”

“Right,” Trixie said wistfully. She linked her fingers around her chain and pulled the coin out from under her T-shirt. “But our family won't be complete until we get that baby girl back here with her mama.”

“Yeah, well, something tells me that Dakota will move heaven and earth to find her.” He slung his arm over her shoulder and started leading her toward the hidden entrance into the building. “The sun's coming up. Let's get inside and go check on Chelsea.”

“Hmmm.” Trixie bumped her hip playfully against him. “Your desire to check on Chelsea wouldn't have to do with the fact that Suzie is with her, would it?”

“Maybe.”

Damien's shoulders shook as his deep baritone chuckle rumbled through the night. Trixie smiled and was about to open the hidden panel when the sickening familiar scent of rotten flowers drifted through the air. Without even realizing what she was doing, Trixie reached out and touched Dakota's mind with hers…
Dakota, the gargoyles are here at the club!

Trixie's fangs unsheathed. A powerful cramp racked her stomach and she fought to stay on her feet, the pain stabbing through her body in unrelenting waves.

“Damien, we have to get inside right now,” she bit the words out through clenched teeth, but it was already too late. “Gargoyles. That smell…it's them.”

“Where?” Damien glanced around warily. “I don't see anything.”

“They're coming…” she said, barely able to get the words out.

“It's okay. I got you.”

Damien grabbed her arm as she stumbled to her knees, but her body wouldn't cooperate. Somewhere through the red haze of agony and the debilitating fear, she heard her friend's concerned voice call her name.

She peeled her eyes open and struggled to get back on her feet. That was when she saw them. Like something out of a nightmare, the two massive creatures swept down from the skies, a pair of dark hideous silhouettes with glowing eyes, descending like death incarnate. Their screeches, high pitched and ragged, reminded her of the sound a subway train makes as it comes to a grinding halt. That sound filled the air as they swooped in, claws extended and yellow eyes glowing in the night. Damien pushed Trixie out of the way just before a pair of silvery talons could slash her arms.

Pain blinding her and their hideous scent fogging her brain, Trixie rolled down the slanted slate roof and tumbled toward the alley below. She landed on the pavement and bounced against the metal Dumpster, and as the pain racked her body, the screeches of the beasts above filled the city night.

* * *

Dakota had never flown that fast in his whole damn life.

The instant that Trixie's frightened voice filled his mind, Dakota knew true fear. The knowledge that she was in danger and those creatures could get to her was almost more than he could bear. What if he lost her?

No. That was not an option.

Would the fates be that cruel? Would they finally give him the one woman he was meant to be with only to take her away? He'd tried to connect with her since she called to him but had been met with gut-wrenching silence.

The sounds of the creature's shrieks, their battle cries, the ones he hadn't heard for years, rippled through the early morning sky as he and Shane swept onto the scene.

Dakota scanned the area wildly, but it didn't take long to find Trixie. She was in the alley with one of the creatures hunched over her. She wasn't moving. The gold coin glinted against the pale flesh of her throat as the gargoyle, its wings outstretched, shuffled around her. It looked like it was to figure out how to get the gold without getting burned.

“Oh, dear God,” Shane murmured as he flew next to Dakota. “Damien…”

Fury, pure and unadulterated, bloomed in Dakota's chest when he saw his woman at the mercy of one of those
things
. Trixie was obviously wounded—if anyone would stand up and fight, it would be her.

In that moment he understood the expression “blind with rage.”

He sliced through the air like a bullet, pulling the stone dagger from the sheath in his belt. He landed on the creature's back, slinging his arm around its throat. It fought and thrashed wildly, desperately trying to take flight, but Dakota clenched his legs down, pinning the creature's leathery wings to its sides. The gargoyle bucked and screamed, shaking him like a bull at the rodeo. There was no chance Dakota was gettin' thrown off this time around.

He grinned wickedly and clenched his powerful thighs and tightened his noose-like grip around its neck. Then he raised the knife high in the air.

The gargoyle spun around and threw itself backward, slamming Dakota into the brick wall of the building. He hung on with a viselike grip—for Trixie. Clinging to the creature with all of his strength, Dakota drove the knife down and into the chest of the gargoyle with one powerful thrust.

Within seconds the beast stilled. A crackling sound filled the air as it turned to stone. Dakota scrambled off the creature, sheathed the dagger, and immediately ran to Trixie's side. He knelt down and pulled her gently into his lap before noticing the ever-brightening sky.

They had to get inside.