Immortal Sins (20 page)

“Wife? Are you asking me to marry you?”

“So it would seem.”

Caught by surprise, she stared up at him. She had been expecting a completely different kind of proposal. She knew he wanted her. She had been on the brink of surrendering to the desire she saw in his eyes, to the need she heard in his voice. If she was totally honest with herself, it was what she wanted, as well. But to be his wife? Who would have thought that the Undead got married? What would it be like to be married to Rourke? Would she even survive the honeymoon? Mrs. Jason Rourke. It had a nice ring to it, but what would it be like to have a vampire for a husband, a man who could share only half of her life, who would be forever young and virile? What would her life be like without him?

“You need not answer now,” he said.

“I never thought…I don’t know…are you sure this is what you want?”

“I would not have asked otherwise.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “It is a big decision for you, I know.”

That was the understatement of the year!

He laughed softly when her stomach growled. “You need to eat,” he said, “and so do I.” He kissed her again. “I will not be gone long.”

She nodded, blatantly reminded yet again of the vast gulf between them.

Vilnius closed his traveling bag, then took a last turn around his dwelling place. He had taken care of everything here at home. Tomorrow, he would go after his daughter. It was time to bring her home, time to avenge himself once and for all on the vampire who had despoiled his only child. He intended to destroy Rourke this time, thereby ensuring that Ana Luisa would never again succumb to the creature’s lust. As for Luisa, he would be generous this time. He would forgive her for her past sins and bring her home. He would allow her to take her place at his side once again, and he would continue her education. She was a powerful witch, far more powerful than she knew. He had been careful to keep such knowledge from her and would continue to do so until she was older, wiser. Until she had her emotions under control. Until she knew her place.

He had but one more thing to do before he left home.

At midnight, he went down into the basement, where he practiced his magick, and closed the door, figuratively shutting out the distractions of the world. Magick could be done by day or by night, but late at night was the most opportune time for scrying, since it was easier to avoid the excessive psychic vibrations generated by the confusion of everyday living. Not only that, but he preferred the darkness.

Scrying was an ancient method of divination often used by witches and magicians. An old legend stated that the goddess Hathor had carried a shield that reflected all things in their true light. From this shield she had purportedly fashioned the first magic mirror.

The Ancient Greeks and Celts had used beryl, crystal, black glass, polished quartz, and water. Gypsy fortunetellers generally used a crystal ball, but the purpose was the same: to see into the future, or to find that which was lost. Other objects had been used through the ages. The Egyptians had used fresh blood or ink, the Romans had used shiny objects or stones. Mirrors were often used, as well, but Vilnius preferred living water.

He opened the cupboard where he kept his magical implements and the tools of his trade and withdrew several fat white candles, which he placed on the altar located in the center of the floor. He waved his hand over the wicks and the candles sprang to life, filling the room with iridescent light.

After drawing a piece of black chalk from his pants pocket, he drew a circle on the floor. Next, he filled a large black cauldron with water and placed it on the table between the candles.

Head bowed, he summoned his power, felt it gathering around him like a dark shroud. When the water settled, he focused his gaze on the mirror-like surface.

Lifting his hands at his sides, palms up, he chanted softly, “Eye of water, eye of fire, show me that which I desire.”

Most people saw only shadows and patterns of light when scrying, but Vilnius was not like most people. He was a wizard without equal.

Slowly, the water began to shimmer. All the colors of the rainbow swirled across the surface, mixing, mingling, until the face of Jason Rourke stared back at him.

Supernatural power flowed through the room as Vilnius slowly stretched his arms over his head. He held them there a moment before slowly lowering them to his sides. “Eye of water, eye of creek, show me the lair of the one I seek.”

Rourke’s image blurred and disappeared, and in its place Vilnius saw a two-story dwelling. The numbers 3235 were visible on the front of the house.

“Eye of ice, eye of snow, the city and state I would know.”

The candlelight flickered on the walls, the house disappeared, and a map of a small town in northern California appeared on the dark surface of the water. A star indicated the name of the street he sought.

Vilnius muttered, “Blessed be,” then emptied the cauldron into the sink, broke the circle, and blew out the candles. He had the information he needed. All he needed now was a suitable place to exact his revenge. When he had that, Jason Rourke’s future would be numbered in days instead of centuries.

Leaving the house, Vilnius locked the front door and set the wards. After tossing his luggage in the backseat of the Ferrari, he slid behind the wheel. He sat there a moment, enjoying the scent and feel of fine leather before he started the car. He loved being behind the wheel of the convertible, loved the low rumble of the powerful engine, the sense of exhilaration that came from being in control of such a finely crafted vehicle.

With the top down and the wind whistling in his ears, he paid no heed to traffic signals as he sped down the highway. Every light turned green as he approached.

He spent the night at a country inn. The next day, at the airport, he magicked his way on board, bypassing the endless lines and security checks. He loved flying. Indeed, he had embraced every new luxury and invention that mankind had discovered in the last four hundred years. The cleverness and ingenuity of the human race never failed to amaze him. He pitied the poor mortals who lived only a short span of years. They missed so much!

Settling back in his seat, he looked out the window. It had been years since he had been to America. Perhaps he would do a little sightseeing before he dispatched the vampire and went after Luisa. No doubt she would be angry with him at first, but, in time, she would come to understand that he had done what was best for her. If not…He closed his eyes. If not, he was certain he could find a way to persuade her to change her mind.

Ana Luisa opened the oven door, slipped her hand into an oven mitt, and withdrew the cookie sheet. She took a deep breath, smiling as her nostrils filled with the scent of freshly baked sugar cookies. After placing the cookie sheet on the counter, she turned off the oven and closed the door.

She was enchanted with the appliances of this new world. Baking, which had been something of a drudgery in her time, was now a pleasure. In the last two days, she had baked an apple pie, two cakes—one chocolate and one strawberry—and dozens of different kinds of cookies. Since she couldn’t read English, Ramon had drawn pictures of the directions for her. Her only regret was that he couldn’t share the sweet treats with her. She hated to throw the uneaten desserts away, but there was no way she could consume all of them. When she mentioned it to Ramon, he told her not to worry about it.

Truly, this was a wondrous time in which to live. She found the washing machine and the dryer fascinating and washed her clothes even when they weren’t dirty. The hot running water in the shower and the sink was a never-ending pleasure. And the soap—it came in so many colors and scents.

She loved watching TV, even though she found some of the programs confusing. She also loved listening to the music on the stereo. Never had she heard such music. Often, she didn’t understand the lyrics, but that didn’t diminish her pleasure, and Ramon was always there to explain anything she didn’t understand.

Electric lights were a marvel. Imagine, light at the flick of a switch. Ramon had promised to teach her how to read and write English; he had already shown her how to play some of the games on his computer. There had been so many changes in the world while she had been trapped in that painting, and she wanted to embrace them all, to see everything, learn everything, experience everything.

And then there was Ramon…. Thinking of him made her smile. She wanted to know everything about him, as well. He was a most amazing man, strong yet gentle, powerful yet tender. She didn’t care that he was a vampire. She had, in fact, been giving serious consideration to asking him to make her what he was. She rather liked the idea of staying forever young, of never being sick. Of course, being a witch, she could expect to live a good long life, but she loved Ramon, and she wanted to share her whole life with him.

She also liked the idea of possessing the same kind of supernatural powers that he did. He could read her mind, compel people to obey his will, vanish into mist, hover in the air, walk up the side of a building like a spider. He could control the weather and move so fast it was as if he simply disappeared. Not only that, but he was incredibly strong. True, she could also do some amazing things, but he accomplished his without the need to cast circles or spells. She imagined the power she could have if she could combine her magical abilities with those inherent in being a vampire. She would never have to be afraid of her father again.

The idea had great appeal.

Perhaps tonight she would ask Ramon to bring her across.

“Are you sure about this?” Ramon asked. They were lying on a blanket in front of the hearth, sharing a glass of wine.

Ana Luisa traced his lower lip with the tip of her finger. “I thought it would make you happy.”

He took her finger into his mouth and sucked gently, then pressed her hand to his heart. “It does. I’m just surprised.”

“Will it hurt?”

He caressed her cheek. “A little, but I’ll be with you the whole time.”

She tilted her head to the side. “Your eyes are red. And glowing.”

He nodded. “Does it frighten you?”

“Not really,” she decided. “But why are they glowing?”

“It happens sometimes when I get excited, or when I’m on the hunt.”

A slow smile spread over her face. “Are you excited now?”

Cupping the back of her head, he drew her closer and kissed her. “You have no idea.”

“Do it, Ramon,” she murmured.

Leaning forward, he kissed her gently. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, his gaze searching hers. “You’ve only thought about it a few days, chica. Once it’s done, there’s no going back.”

“I’m sure.” Turning her head to the side, she brushed her hair away from her neck. “Do it now, Ramon. Make me what you are.”

With a low growl, he gathered her into his arms. His tongue laved the skin beneath her ear, arousing her, lulling her. She gasped, her body arching upward, when his fangs pierced her throat. Panicked, she clutched at his shoulders, and then, with a sigh, she surrendered to his dark kiss, content to let him take whatever he wanted.

To take it all…

High in the skies over the Atlantic Ocean, Josef Vilnius woke with a start. He stared out the window of the plane, a sudden emptiness stealing over him as his connection to his daughter abruptly disappeared, severed as cleanly and thoroughly as if someone had cut the magical bond that bound them as surely as blood.

His hands tightened on the armrests until his knuckles went white. Only death could break the bond between the two of them.

He gazed into the vast nothingness of the heavens, surprised by the soul-deep pain her passing left in its wake. He had raised Luisa single-handedly, taught her about the world and her place in it, looked after her when she was sick, applauded her accomplishments. It grieved him to realize that their last words to one another had been filled with anger and recriminations.

It occurred to him that he had never told Luisa that he was fond of her.

He would never have the chance now.

He had waited too long.

Everlastingly too long.

Rourke grinned as he laid his last card on the table. “I believe that’s zero for me and twenty-six points for you, since I just…what did you call it?”

“You call it winning,” Kari said. “That last hand put me over five hundred. And don’t gloat!”

He had just learned how to play the game, and he had already beat her three games in a row. Kari glared at him, and then she frowned. Of course he was winning. He could read her mind!

“You’re cheating!” she exclaimed. “Admit it, you know what cards are in my hand and what I’m going to play before I even do it.”

He lifted one brow. “In days gone by, accusing another of cheating at cards often led to swordplay.”

“Well, I don’t have a sword,” she said with some asperity. “And don’t change the subject! Have you been reading my mind?”

Talk of swords brought Vilnius to mind, but Rourke shook the wizard from his thoughts. He was enjoying his time with Karinna far too much to ruin it by thinking about Vilnius now.

“Rourke? Hello? Earth to Rourke.”

“Forgive me,” he murmured. “What did you say?”

“I asked if you were reading my mind.”

“Ah. Would you believe me if I said no?”

“Yes.” She replied without hesitation, knowing in her heart of hearts that he was too honorable a man to take advantage of her.

“I have a good memory for what cards have been played,” he remarked as he shuffled the deck.

Kari sighed. He didn’t seem to have any trouble concentrating on the game. She wished she could say the same thing, but she spent more time watching him than paying attention to what cards had been played. He wore a pair of black jeans, and a dark green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing muscular forearms. She had never known a man who exuded such raw sensuality. Even doing no more than sitting across from him, she was acutely aware of his every movement, of the attraction that hummed between them whenever their eyes met. Sometimes, when he looked at her, she felt it like a physical caress. Would it be so bad to let him make love to her? She was a big girl. Maybe it was time to leave her morals behind and have a fling with a wildly handsome, dangerous man. Maybe it was time to stop thinking so much and give in to her deepest desire.

She drew her gaze from his. What was she thinking? There was no commitment between them. True, he had proposed, but she hadn’t said yes. And as tempting as marriage was, what was the point? He was a vampire. Sooner or later, he would tire of her and move on. Who needed a marriage that wouldn’t last? If they made love, no matter how casually she approached it, she knew it would break her heart when he left. Of course, she was afraid she was in for some serious heartache sooner or later whether they made love or not.

With a shake of her head, she put such thoughts out of her mind. Even if Rourke had been just an ordinary man, it was way too soon in their relationship to be thinking about making love, at least where she was concerned.

Rourke was dealing a new hand when he stopped middeal. He swore softly, his eyes narrowing.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

Muttering another oath, he tossed the cards into the center of the table. “Vega has turned Ana Luisa.”

Kari blinked at him, wondering if she had heard right. Vega lived on the other side of town. How could Rourke possibly know what was going on there?

When she put the question to him, he simply said, “I know.”

He said it with such conviction, she had to believe it.

Kari shook her head. Poor Ana Luisa. First, she had spent three hundred years trapped in a painting, and now she was a vampire, doomed to prey on humanity and walk in the shadows for the rest of her existence. Given her druthers, Kari thought being trapped in a painting might be the lesser of two evils.

Rourke clenched his fist and brought it down on the table. “If he turned her against her wishes, I will destroy him.”

“He must have,” Kari said. “I mean, why would anyone ask to be a vampire?”

Rourke grunted softly. “Why, indeed.”

Kari bit down on her lower lip. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“You did not offend me, sweeting.” He rose, then drew her to her feet and kissed her. “I will be back as soon as I can.”

“You wouldn’t really kill him?”

“No. He is already dead.”

“You know what I mean,” Kari said. Kill him, destroy him, it amounted to the same thing.

Rourke didn’t answer her question. Instead, he kissed the tip of her nose, and then he was gone.

Kari stared at the spot where he had stood, wondering if she would ever get used to his disappearing like that. Probably not, she decided. She would have to ask him how he accomplished it. Did he turn invisible, or just magically transport himself out of the room?

With a sigh, she went into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

A thought took Rourke to Ramon Vega’s house. He pounded on the door, his anger building with each passing moment.

Vega opened the door, a fleeting look of surprise flitting across his face. “What do you want?”

“Where is Ana Luisa?”

“Resting.”

“I want to see her.”

Vega propped his hand on the opposite door frame, blocking Rourke’s entrance to the house. “Why?”

“You insolent pup, I know what you have done!”

Vega shrugged. “I did only what she asked.”

“I do not believe you.”

“Then ask her yourself.” Vega glanced over his shoulder. “Ana, you have company.”

She appeared behind him a moment later. “Jason,” she murmured. “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

Rourke’s gaze moved over her. She appeared a little disoriented, but that was to be expected. Already, subtle changes were taking place in her appearance. There was a telltale hint of red in her eyes, a richer luster to her hair. When she rose tomorrow night, she would be a full-fledged vampire, gifted with the preternatural senses and other abilities peculiar to their kind.

“Is this what you wanted, Ana?” he asked.

She blinked at him. “How did you know?”

“I have taken your blood in the past. It formed a link between us.” He took a deep breath. “You did not answer me, Ana. Was this your choice?”

She nodded. “The most amazing thing has happened. I am no longer bound to my father.” Her smile was brilliant, her teeth blindingly white. “I am free.”

Rourke grunted softly. He had not realized that the wizard and his daughter shared a bond. If Ana Luisa felt free, what was Vilnius feeling?

Rourke fixed his gaze on Vega. “Take good care of her. If you hurt her…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Vega said, draping his arm around Ana Luisa’s shoulders. “You’ll destroy me.”

“Never doubt it,” Rourke said coldly. “And it will be slow. And painful.”

Ana Luisa glanced from Rourke to Vega. “Can we not all be friends?” she asked quietly. “After all, we are all the same now.”

“It’s okay by me, kiddo,” Vega said. “Your friend’s the one making all the threats.”

“They are not threats,” Rourke muttered.

“Please, Jason,” Ana Luisa said. “For the first time in three hundred years, I am happy. I feel like I am where I was meant to be.”

Rourke dragged a hand over his jaw. “If this is what you truly want, then so be it,” he said, and offered Vega his hand.

The other vampire hesitated only a moment.

Ana Luisa smiled as the two men she loved most in the world shook hands. Rising on her tiptoes, she kissed Jason on the cheek, and then she kissed Ramon. “Thank you,” she said. “Both of you.”

Rourke took both of her hands in his. “If he ever hurts you, if you ever need me…”

“I know. Thank you, Jason, for everything.”

He nodded. With a last warning glance at Vega, Rourke turned and headed for home. He grunted softly. He had no home, no place to call his own save the shed in Karinna’s backyard, and that wasn’t really his. He needed to find a more secure lair, perhaps some kind of employment, though he had no idea what kind of work he could do in this day and age. Still, he wasn’t the kind of man to let a woman support him. He had allowed Karinna to provide him with clothing and shelter, partly because it was necessary, and partly because he wanted to be near her, but it was unfair to expect Karinna to continue to provide for his needs. He had every intention of repaying her for what she had spent on him, and on Ana Luisa, as well.

As a young man, he had been in charge of his family’s estate. He had looked after the land and the livestock, managed the family finances, settled whatever disputes arose, but that had been 736 years ago.

Muttering an oath, he turned down a dark street in search of prey. It took only minutes to find what he sought. Bending over the woman’s neck, he wished it was Karinna in his arms, Karinna’s essence filling him, warming him.

Karinna…She wanted him, he thought, but not enough to accept him for what he was. The thought saddened him even though he could understand her apprehension, perhaps better than she understood it herself. For the first time in his life, he was in love, really in love. Ana had found someone to love. The fact that Vega was a vampire hadn’t kept her from loving him. Ana had wanted to be with him and she had taken the steps necessary to join her life with his.

Rourke swore softly, annoyed with himself for envying Ramon and Ana Luisa, angry with Karinna because she couldn’t love him as wholeheartedly as Ana loved Ramon Vega.

Releasing the woman in his thrall, he sent her on her way.

Heading for Karinna’s house, he wondered how he could overcome her innate wariness of what he was and win her to his side.

He shook his head. Perhaps she needed some time to herself. Perhaps it was time for him to go to the house of Vilnius and retrieve his father’s sword. It was all Rourke had left from his father, the only physical possession that he had owned that was important to him after he had been turned. It represented his father’s love, his home and his family, and all that was forever lost to him.

Maybe it would be wiser to let Vilnius keep the sword, he mused as he turned down yet another dark street. Maybe he should just forget who he had been and where he had come from. That man was dead. And yet, it was because the sword reminded him of who and what he had once been that he refused to let it go. It would be all too easy to lose himself in what he had become, to let go of his tenuous hold on what was left of his humanity, to become what so many others of his kind became—merciless hunters who preyed on mankind as if men and women and even children were no more than so many sheep, put on the earth for no other reason than to provide nourishment for his kind.

Muttering an oath, he turned the corner and headed back toward Karinna’s house. He needed a place of his own, he thought again, a lair where he could take his rest in more comfortable surroundings than the wooden shed in Karinna’s backyard.