Blood Pact

Detective Fergusson will be so happy to have his murderer, I think he'll let you be a bit vague as to where and how you found it.”

    Vicki's lips almost curved. "You know, most guys just give a girl flowers or candy.”

    "Most guys," Henry agreed.

    The air in the apartment seemed suddenly charged and Celluci felt the hair on his arms rise. Fitzroy's eyes had darkened and even from across the room he thought he could see Vicki's reflection gazing out of their depths. The sudden flash of understanding snapped the pencil he held. Neither of them noticed.

    Vampire.

    How often do vampires have to feed?

    Had Fitzroy fed at all since they'd come to Kingston?

    Yeah, well you're not feeding in front of me, boyo. And you're not sending me off to never, never land again while you . . . while you . . .

    While you offer her a comfort she won't take from me.

    Another look at Henry's face and he knew the offer wouldn't be made at his expense. Somewhere, somewhen, they'd gone beyond that.

    "I've got to get out of here." His voice brusk but determined, Celluci stood. I can't believe I'm doing this. "I need a nice long walk to clear my head. Help me think." Half a dozen long-legged strides took him to the door. He yanked his jacket off the coat stand and charged out into the hall before they had a chance to try and stop him. 'Cause I sure as shit can't offer this more than once.

    Safely outside, door closed behind him, he sagged against the wall and closed his eyes for a second, amazed at what he'd just done. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, see a man act like a fool completely of his own free will.

    But he had the day.

    Was it fair to deny Fitzroy the night?

    And anyway, he shoved both hands up through his hair. It should be Vicki's choice. Not a choice forced on her by my presence.

    If you love something, let it go. . . .

    "Jesus H. Christ. What kind of idiot takes advice from a fucking T-shirt?”

    Vicki stared across the room at the apartment door and then turned to stare at Henry. "Did he just? . . .”

    "Leave?" Henry nodded, more than a little amazed himself. "Yes.”

    She couldn't get her brain around it. "Why?”

    "I believe he is removing himself as an obstacle between us.”

    "Between us? You mean so we can? . . .”

    "Yes.”

    "Why that arrogant shit!" Her brows snapped down, but she was so tired the exclamation had little force. "Didn't he think I might have something to say about that?”

    Henry spread his hands, the fine red-gold hairs glinting in the lamplight. "No one's stopping you from saying it, Vicki.”

    She glared at him for a moment longer, then sighed. "All right. Valid point. But I think you two are getting along too god-damned well."

    “Wouldn't it make things easier for you if Detective-Sergeant Celluci and I got along?”

    "That depends." She sank back against the sofa cushions and added dryly, "On how well you get along.”

    "Vicki!" Her name dripped with exaggerated shock. "Surely you don't think . . .”

    It took her a moment to catch the implication and when she did, she couldn't stop herself from giggling. It had to be the exhaustion; she never giggled. "You wish. Michael Celluci is straight enough to draw lines with.”

    Henry's smile changed slightly and his eyes darkened, enough of the hunter showing to make his desire plain. "Then I shall have to find someone else.”

    Vicki swallowed, if only to move her heart down out of her throat. He was making no attempt to catch her gaze, to draw her into his power. If she said no, and she could taste the word on her tongue, he would hunt elsewhere. But he needs me. Even from across the room, she could feel his Hunger. It wouldn't be a betrayal. There was nothing more she could do for her mother tonight. More important, his needs covered hers and behind their camouflage, she could, if only for the duration, let go.

    He needs me. Repeated, it drew attention from the more dangerous, I need him.

    "Vicki?”

    His voice stroked heat into her skin. "Yes.”

    Celluci watched Henry cross the parking lot, and worked at unclenching his teeth. There was nothing in the way the other man, vampire-slash-romance writer, Celluci savagely corrected the thought, moved to give any indication of what had gone on in the apartment. Well, he doesn't brag. I'll give the little fucker that.

    "Detective.”

    "Fitzroy.”

    "Be quiet when you go into the apartment. She's asleep.”

    "How is she?”

    "Some of the knots have loosened. I wish I could