Christian's Hunt Page 3

  “I called because I didn’t have a current address for you.” Mrs. Winters bit her cheek. She concentrated on Valentine and struggled to sound relaxed. “I wanted to send you a few of your old sketchbooks. There are loads of old drawings of Kelly and Josh. I thought you’d love to get them.”

  “Give them to Josh. He’ll deliver them to me.” Addison’s voice was pleasant. This didn’t sound like a young woman in trouble. The lack of background noise showed she was alone.

  “It’d be easier if you gave me your address.”

  “It’d be easier if you gave them to Josh.”

  “Why are you secretive lately?” her mother questioned. “Are you in trouble?”

  “Secretive? I’m not being secretive. I told you to give them to Josh because he can give them to Christian. I don’t have a permanent address right now for you to send them.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’m hopping around doing commissions,” Addison countered, irritation in her tone. “You know that.”

  “Well, you have a mansion someplace, don’t you? Like I can mail them there.”

  “No, you—” Addison paused. A man spoke in the background but his words were muffled. Addison talked to him. “I’m speaking to my mom.”

  “Sweetheart?” Mrs. Winters spoke in an anxious tone.

  “I need to get back to my painting. I’m working on a project and we have a tight deadline. Can I call you later?”

  “No, I—”

  “Bye, Mom. Love you.” Addison hung up on her end.

  Mrs. Winters shrugged as she fisted her cell. “See? She’s doing everything not to let me know where she is.”

  “Do you recognize the man she was speaking to?” Valentine took over the conversation again.

  “Yes, that’s Darien. He’s the one I told you worked for Vallore. She’s with him often. I guess they work together on different projects and such. When I inquire about her husband, he’s never home, or she sidesteps the subject. I assume their marriage isn’t doing too well. From what I pick up, he’s a workaholic.”

  “But she’s tight with Darien?” Valentine asked.

  “Close from what I hear.” Mrs. Winters frowned as she leafed through the pictures. “Josh tells me this guy is Addison’s best friend and sometimes I wonder—” She leaned closer to Valentine, a gossipy tone in her soft words. “—if there might be something else going on there. It’s awfully suspicious that he’s with her more than her husband is.”

  “Sidepiece, eh?” Valentine chuckled, his eyebrows raising. His mood was lighter now that he felt better. “I thought you said she wasn’t into that kind of thing?”

  “Into what?” Confused, Mrs. Winters narrowed her gaze and fidgeted with her ring.

  “Multiple partners,” Valentine said with a chuckle as he wrote on his notepad.

  “She’s not.” Offended by his comment, Mrs. Winters clicked her tongue. “My Addy is a respectable girl. I meant that maybe she’s only married to Vallore for show.” She gestured with her hand as she spoke. “Like they aren’t romantically together. That isn’t cheating if that’s how it is.”

  “Technically, it is.” Valentine gave a sideways smile and raised an eyebrow.

  “No, it’s not,” she countered.

  He shook his head and changed the subject. “She mentioned giving stuff to her twin. Do you have a number we can contact him? An address?” Valentine asked as he braced his pen.

  “He works at the big Vallore manor and lives in a residence on the grounds.” She ripped a paper towel from her sweater pocket and wiped at her nose. She sniffled a few times as she flapped the towel.

  “Can you write down Addison and Josh’s numbers for me?” Valentine gave her his notepad and a pen. He was antsy like she gave him the tip he desired.

  “Sure.” She did as he requested and handed it back.

  “Let’s keep this quiet for now. Don’t let on to your children you know what’s going on or we communicated with you.” Valentine stood as he tucked the paper inside his jacket. He reached into his back pocket and gave her a white envelope. “Write a note and put this inside. The heart is a tracker.”

  She opened the letter and retrieved a plastic heart. It was the kind you’d get in a grab bag in grade school. It had a sticker of a cherub on the surface.

  Valentine laughed as he spoke in a sweetened tone, his hand clutching her knee. “They claim the heart will always discover a way, right? With your help, mine will find its way to her. I know it will. And once it does—” He held up a single finger, her eyes narrowing on it. His nails were short, but his fingers were thick. “I’ll swoop in and save her from Vallore.” He pretended his fist was a plane dive-bombing into his other palm. He jabbed it and drove her to jump.

  “Thank you.” She ran her fingers over the creamy paper. “Promise you’ll save her?”

  “I’ll save her, Mrs. Winters. I promise.” Valentine placed a tender hand on her shoulder. His oath was strong and genuine. “And thank you for your help. You will be the key to helping us bring her to safety. We’ll call you if we have any news.” Valentine rose and picked up the heap of albums. “Can I borrow these? I’ll return them tomorrow.”

  “All of them?” His question confused her, and he took her off guard.

  “Thanks,” he added before she argued with him. “We’ve got another call. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He jogged out the door.

  “But your drink—” she rose and pointed to his cola.

  “We must be going. Good day, Mrs. Winters.” Hogan gulped his coffee and set it on the table before following Valentine out.

  Chapter Two

  Vallore Manor: Castile, Northern Pargon

  T he dawn bathed the land in pink, but with the drapes drawn, they darkened the sitting room. The chandeliers produced enough light to maneuver the chamber, but nothing further.

  Christian’s vampires slept on lounges or passed out on the floor. Co-sleeping was typical for the Castile vampires. Despite last night’s kills being removed, it didn’t snuff out the stench of blood lingering here. It was trapped, the air stale.

  Christian relaxed on the couch, his spouse, Addison, laying across it, her head in his crotch. She was in a heavy slumber, and her silky dark curls covered his hand. He heard each breath leave her lips. They were slow and steady like the crashing waves on the coast. She calmed him, his breathing in sync with her’s.

  Diamonds dripped from a giant chandelier overhead and shook when Darien approached. But Christian didn’t respond to the caller. His gaze was distant, his palm lying on Addison’s shoulder.

  “How’s the queen this morning?” Darien dropped into the wingback chair next to Christian. He yawned and raised his arms above his head as he scanned his brethren. No one else roused. “She’s been quiet ever since you got home last night.”

  “It was a mistake to leave her when I went to Hanton. Being apart from one’s mate is the cruelest torture. And now, I must leave her. Again. She’s furious with me.”

  “She don’t look furious right now.” Giving a hearty chuckle, Darien rubbed his face, running his fingers across the black stubble. Dried blood stained his clothes and clumped the hairs in his beard.

  Christian’s brow lowered as he averted his gaze from the chandelier to scowl at Darien. He didn’t find his joke amusing.

  “I drove the jag up front and packed it with your luggage. And though I hate to ruin your cuddle, you must go. You’re plane leaves in an hour.”

  Christian brought his finger to his lips, plucking at his fang, the side of his mouth rising to show his perfect, white teeth. “I’m aware.” Christian exhaled and let his hand sink. “Watch her for me while I’m gone.” As he stroked Addison’s hair his command was soft.

  “Of course, Master.” Darien smiled as he reclined. “I’ll watch her like she’s my own.”

  “No, you treat her as your Master’s mate.” Christian sent a sneer in Darien’s direction as he stood and laid Addison’s head and shoulders on t
he couch, arranging her flat. She shifted, tucked her hands under her head, and brought her legs tight to her abdomen.

  He kissed Addison’s hair, before refocusing on Darien. “Don’t let her out of your sight.” He pointed a finger at Darien, the heat in his glare enough to make Darien shy away. “I want nothing to happen to her. After that damn hunter—”

  “She’ll be fine. I’ll protect her, I promise. You have nothing to worry about, Master. No one’s gonna come after her.”

  Christian focused on Addison as she sat up, yawned, and spread out her arms to the heavens. Her lids were heavy as she stood. “Are you going already?”

  “Yes.” Christian held out his arms, and she hugged him. A happy sigh left her lips, her hold on him loose. “I’ll be home in a few days.” He supported her chin with his index finger and made her greet his gaze.

  *

  A few hours passed and Addison retreated to her room. Thick, fluffy pillows surrounded her, and she melted into the feather-soft mattress at her back. She settled in and if she had her way, she’d stay here the rest of the afternoon.

  Her sketchbook was open on her lap, a box of colored pencils on the nightstand. She had every hue imaginable, the container the size of a medium tackle box.

  She used graphite pencils today. This project didn’t need color. She was the House’s “unofficial” Oracle. In her dreams, she had visions of sinners. She drew what she saw and sent it to the House via Christian.

  This second sight was a gift from God. It was his way of reaching out and noting which sinners needed exterminating. What she did helped the world, but to her, it was a curse.

  There was a tap at the door followed by it’s opening. She inquired backward and caught Darien walking into her room. He donned thick cargo pants and a black tank showing his hairy upper arms and his well-worn leather boots.

  Built like a tank, he towered a foot or higher over her. A transparent plastic apron covered him from his collar to his knees. It bore fresh blood, but his hands were clean. Most likely he wore gloves he’d since disposed of elsewhere.

  “Afternoon, Mistress,” he chirped in a bright tone. He held one arm behind his back and hid an item.

  “Hey.” Her words were soft as she collected her pencils and tossed them in the crate. She shut her sketchbook and focused on him, instead. “I see you got dolled up for me,” she quipped.

  “Ah, yeah, spoiled blood and corpse guts.” He snickered as he pointed to his smock. “Makes a good cologne, eh?” He stepped closer and she smelled the odor he pointed out. She scoffed and pinched her nose. “This came for you.” He offered her what he hid behind him.

  The manila envelope was from Caron and addressed to Sr. Addison Bloodstone. They drew a white heart around her name and address along with a few cartoons. An expert hand did the graphics and the presentation was humorous.

  She recognized the handiwork of the former graffiti artist. Laughing, she covered her mouth, a few tears squeezing from her lids.

  “Tell him to quit sending stuff like that here,” Darien snapped. “You’re supposed to be in hiding from Monroe and the House and your shit of a brother sends you mail in these gaudy—” He made jazz hands and spoke. “—look-at-me letters.”

  “Oh, Darien,” she spoke in a breathless tone as she struggled to soften her laugh. “It’s supposed to be funny.”

  “Funny? No, it ain’t. It makes me want to pound the little fucker.” He rattled his raised fist. “Tell him next time he sends funny shit here I’m recruiting Samson to whip the piss out of him.”

  She shook her head, her gaze ticking from the letter to him. “I will—and thanks for delivering it.” The envelope smelled metallic like coated in blood. Her smile vanished. “Smells like you.”

  “Like my ass, maybe.” He wiggled his nose and exposed his fangs. He pointed behind him, and his words were playful. “Gotta go back to my duties. Lots of crap to incinerate this afternoon.”

  She waited for him to leave before opening the letter. Covered in graphite from working on her drawings, Addison’s fingers soiled the white envelope.

  Hooking her fingernail under the closed flap, she broke the glue. It contained an unopened card, and Josh jotted a message on lined paper.

  She read the note from Josh.

  Mom wanted me to send this card. She’s worried and suddenly pretends to be the loving mommy. So, I sent it. Have you talked to the Master about me yet? ‘Cause you owe me. MAKE ME A VAMPIRE!

  Her smile drooped, her bottom lip pouting. She spoke to herself in a fatigued voice. “He doesn’t give up, does he?”

  She freed the card. A red plastic heart dropped out. In the middle was a fuzzy sticker of a cherub bearing a heart. She sensed a solid object under the sticker. She pressed the heart, but nothing happened. Must be out of batteries.

  She opened the card, a dollar store’s logo on the back. A cheesy verse inside preached ‘a mother’s love was never-ending’, and her mother signed it. She inspected the heart further, her focus narrowing.

  Addison picked off the sticker and read what was written under it in black ink.

  Gotcha!

  Your Bloody Valentine.

  Inside the heart was a flat electronic gadget reminding her of those little plastic security stickers they stick on high-price items in the store, except half the width. Monroe probably sent a tracking device.

  He drew her mom into this. She bared her fangs and hissed at the chubby cherub. This was unacceptable. If he trailed her, he’d discover her here. Worse, though, if the others knew Josh sent a tracking device to her, they’d punish him.

  She flew to her desk and riffled through the drawers for an envelope. When she found a stack, she selected a manila envelope. She brought it to the bed along with a thick permanent marker and a roll of transparent tape.

  She taped the heart, so the device stayed in place and scribbled out Monroe’s words. Her hands shook as she addressed an envelope to Josh and stuck in the heart.

  When she finished, she dashed out of the room and jogged to the first floor. She found the nearest servant and asked him to mail the letter. She wanted this out of the house. Now.

  Addison waited two hours before searching out Darien. She walked to the basement entrance but hesitated before continuing. It was dark and creepy, and Christian banned her from going without him or Darien.

  She sent Darien a text.

  You finished? I need to talk to you.

  She leaned against the wall near the door as she waited for his reply. Her vision burned into the thick metal door, her breath heavy. If she discussed the valentines with Christian, he’d be furious. Darien was easier to talk to.

  She heard footsteps and voices. The doorknob turned, and she hopped back a few steps. She waited for the door to open. Her gaze landed on two Scavengers who surfaced. Covered in spoiled blood from head to toe, the rancid smell radiating from them soured her tummy.

  Scavengers fed on the scraps of Elites and had an iron gut. Old blood made her vomit, but it never troubled them. She steadied her voice. “Have either of you seen Darien?”

  One spoke as he pointed behind her. “Yeah, he went upstairs to wash up half an hour ago.”

  “Thanks.” She raced to Darien’s chamber. She hammered on the door, but no one acknowledged. “Darien?” she called through the dense wood.

  No answer.

  Frowning, she wiggled the handle, and the door opened. She searched the sitting room near the entrance. It was messy, assorted weapons strewn around the suite. It showed he was amid sorting weapons they used on the hunt.

  His cell was on the coffee table and she snatched it. Christian was moodier than normal this morning. She wanted to know why.

  She proceeded with care and peeked into his bedchambers but didn’t see him. After unlocking his phone, she cycled through his messages from Christian. Amidst graphic pictures of victims, they communicated in a dead language, so she couldn’t decipher it.

  A door opened in his bedchambers. She qu
it to the main screen and dropped his phone.

  “Darien? Are you there?” She dashed into his bedroom and spotted him standing near the bathroom door naked. She averted her gaze.

  This wasn’t the first time she’d seen him naked. He and the other Elites often paraded around nude, and it made her uncomfortable. Worse yet, they often had sex in the sitting room ahead of people, too. Addison hated that.

  “Sorry, my queen. Just got out of the shower. Like to air out the goods.” He patted his skin, but she didn’t peek to see where.

  “I see that.” She concentrated on the gleaming wood floor. His room lacked carpet unlike most of the bedrooms here. “I need to talk to you, so please stick on some clothes.” She stepped out to the next room.

  A few seconds later, Darien came out shirtless but wore a pair of clean cargo pants. “What’s up?” He parked next to her on the loveseat. Spicy scented cologne radiated off him, and his shoulder-length hair was wet and smoothed back.

  She didn’t answer. Instead, she clutched her hands and focused on her wedding ring.

  “What happened?”

  “First, make me a promise.” She captured his gaze and pouted her lips as she sought to schmooze him over. Flirting went a long way with him.

  “Like?” He snorted and wiped at the end of his nose. He was antsy like he was hungry or just fed. She wasn’t sure which. Unable to relax, he bounced his leg.

  “No one touches my brother.” She formed an “X” in the air with her arms.

  “Is this about the letter he sent?” Rolling his eyes, he released an exaggerated exhale. He sprawled on the couch, sticking his hands behind his head.

  “Yes.” She snatched a pillow near her and set it on her lap.

  “If he quits, I won’t tell the Master. I told you.” He licked his lips as he fixated on the light fixture on the ceiling. His nostrils widened and there was a flutter in his dimples.

  “Monroe’s speaking to my mom. He forced her to send me a card with a tracker in it.”