Black Bird (Nevermore Duet #1)

CHAPTER 15

THE BENEFIT

Brent stood in front of his mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves and straightening the black bow tie at his neck. He couldn’t shake off how nervous he felt. Couldn’t determine whether it was because of what could possibly happen at this event … or because of the woman he was about to go pick up. As if she sensed exactly that, his phone started ringing. He slid the call open and put in on speaker, sitting it back down on the bathroom sink.

“I was just thinking about you,” he said, immediately regretting it and wincing at how stupid it sounded.

“Oh, yeah? Were you thinking about all the ways I’ve probably come up with to nail your balls to the fancy podium while everybody watches?” Sarah said with zero sarcasm.

“That’s nice, Sarah. Is this how we’re gonna be all night?”

“It is if you’re not gonna refrain from saying stupid shit like that.”

“Fair enough. Should I just be the quiet escort all evening?”

“Well, I don’t think you’ve ever been capable of that, Brent. Let me be clear. I will never … ever … date you again. There’s not even the slightest chance. If you think that me seeking you out for this is anything short of settling the debt between us, then feel free to leave the benefit as soon as you’re able to get me in the door. Are we on the same page?”

Brent paused his fiddling with his hair and tuxedo and stared down at the picture of them in happier days as the call duration ticked by. “Yeah,” he breathed. “Yeah, we’re on the same page.”

“Good. So what time are you picking me up?”

“I’m leaving in about twenty minutes. I should be there right at six.”

“Mm’kay.”

She hung up without saying another word and his breath slowly left his lungs. He hated this feeling. How had this gone so wrong? How did he let it? Brent tried to muster up all his remaining dignity on the drive over to Sarah’s apartment. As he pulled up, the street was filled with cars parked in any available spot. The art gallery beneath her place was having some show, and the entrance was crowded. He decided to circle the block and texted her that he was there.

Sarah: I’m coming out. Park a little ways down the street and I’ll walk down.

When he rounded the corner and passed her apartment, he didn’t see her in the throng of people outside the building. He did as she asked and found a spot on her side of the street. It wasn’t a far walk, but depending on what she was wearing it might prove a bit uncomfortable. Brent got out of the car and waited by the passenger side door until he heard heels clacking on the sidewalk and turned his face toward it.

God help him. She was devastating.

Her hair was down and curled at the ends. Her black dress was fitted to her bust and hugged her slim waist, the thick shoulder straps draped loosely down the side of each of her shoulders. The skirt flowed elegantly to the ground with a split that was cut clean up her pale, tattooed thigh. The closer she got, he realized the gown was made of crushed black velvet. She’d be giving the tabloids something to talk about tonight. Sarah St. James was dressed to kill . Two officers in uniform flanked her as she strode toward him.

“I’ll go ahead and assume by your vacant expression that this is appropriate?” she asked, slowing in front of him.

Brent swallowed. “I’d say so, yes ma’am.”

“Get your fill. That’s the only time I better catch you eye-fucking me tonight.”

One of the cops huffed a laugh behind her.

“You look beautiful … really. And I mean that in the most respectful way.” Brent smirked, opening the car door. Sarah dismissed his compliment and turned to her watch dogs.

“I appreciate all you’ve done, but I need you guys to give me some space tonight. I promise …” She held her palms up. “I won’t do anything ridiculous. Scout’s honor.”

“That’s not really how this works, Miss St. James. The only one who can give us clearance is Northwood or Kane. If they say we can leave you on your own, then we will. Otherwise … you’re kind of stuck with us. I’m sorry.” The cop with the thin mustache shrugged. Brent shifted on his feet, remembering his conversation with Kane. He assumed Sarah wasn’t aware when she didn’t retort and decided he would keep those details to himself, lest he fuck up yet again.

“Well call one of them, then,” Sarah insisted, placing a hand on her hip. The officer nodded, and turned away while he rang one of them, leaving the other officer standing with her. “You don’t say much, do you?” Brent watched the young cop stiffen.

“No ma’am,” he replied.

“I know another cop like that. He’s not the happiest person. Just some food for thought.” She turned and leaned against Brent’s car.

“I’m just the shy type.” The officer smirked.

“Mmm.” Sarah nodded. Officer Mustache returned and jerked his head toward her.

“Northwood said you’re good to go, and she asked that you don’t make her regret it. Her words, not mine.”

“Awesome,” she chirped, pushing off the car. “Let’s go.”

Brent closed the door after she tucked into the seat and rounded the hood, sliding back behind the wheel and hooking his seatbelt. They rode in silence for a while. He dared a glance at her .

“Brent, I wasn’t kidding. I’ll pluck your eyes out,” she warned, staring ahead.

“Sorry.” He chuckled, watching the road. “I’ve just never seen you in fake lashes before. I thought you’d lay in traffic before you ever did something like that.”

It at least got a small smile out of her. “I did say that, didn’t I?”

“Plenty of times.” He smiled. Another silence. “It wasn’t all a charade, Sarah. I just wanted one chance to tell you that. I don’t deserve anything from you, but at least know that … I had a blast with you. You’re an amazing woman.”

She remained quiet and turned her face to the window. A couple of minutes later, had he not been intently listening … he might have missed it. “Thank you,” came out in a breath of a whisper. Something in his chest felt a little lighter.

“For what it’s worth … I’d be all too happy to help you take him down.”

“No,” she answered quickly. “I don’t want you involved. And Brent, it isn’t because I don’t trust you. You betrayed me … yes. But—I’m doing this on my own. For personal reasons.”

“I can respect that.”

“Thank you.”

They pulled up to the Grand Ballroom at one of the nicest hotels in Boston where the benefit would be taking place. He rounded the circle and the valet stepped up to his window. “Time to catch some wind on those lashes, St. James.” Brent smirked, getting out and handing his keys to the attendant. Cameras started flashing everywhere, especially when he opened her door and helped her out of the car. Questions from ravenous reporters started rolling in from behind the roped off walkway and they both ignored them as Sarah hooked her arm into his and they started down the carpet and into the hotel.

Athan was already dreadfully uncomfortable in this getup. The tie was too much. The tux that Wren had snagged for him was a good fit, and if he gave even half a shit about such things, he might actually enjoy how he looked. The stiff collar itched and felt like a noose around his neck. He loosened the tie a little and unfastened the first two buttons. He looked over his handiwork in the mirror, deciding he liked it better that way, and it didn’t look as ridiculous as he thought. His phone dinged.

Brent Stratford: We’re here.

Part of him wanted to tear that little brat apart for being anywhere near her, but this was their plan. At least the lawyer had held up his end and gotten them into the benefit. He heard a knock at the front door and practiced a more formal strut through the apartment as he went to go open it.

Stupid … that was fucking stupid.

Athan popped a cigarette into his mouth as he unlocked the door. Rhaena and Wren gaped at him. “Oh my … frickin’—” Wren smiled, her mouth wide open.

“No, no … nope.” Rhaena snapped, making a circular motion with her finger at his collar. “That ain’t gonna work.”

“What?” Athan shrugged, lowering his brows. “I don’t look good?” Honest question, but Rhaena wasn’t having it.

“Well … I’d fuck ya.” Wren cackled as Rhaena pushed him backward toward the living room.

“Thanks, Wren.” He winked. Rhaena started tightening the knot on his tie and making to button his shirt back up. Athan swatted her hand. “If men aren’t supposed to tell a woman how to wear a dress like that, then why the hell is it okay for you to be imprisoning me in this fucking collar?” Wren continued to laugh while she leaned against the wall in the hallway.

“Athan you can’t do both, babe. It’s either the open shirt and lose the tie … or just wear it the way it’s supposed to go. Trust me … I’m helping.” Rhaena snorted, her hands on her hips. He had to admit … she looked really nice. He’d never seen her glammed up before. Her hair was up in some sort of rolled … bun thing. She had some earrings that dangled down the sides of her neck, and a sleek green dress that form fit her toned body, leaving very little to the imagination with the strapless top.

“Are you wearing makeup?” He smirked, earning himself a solid fist to his arm. “Fine.” He took the tie off, leaving his shirt open and tossing his hands to the side. “Better?”

“Yes,” Wren approved, grinning.

“Wren, don’t encourage him.” Rhaena rolled her eyes.

“I’m not buttoning this shirt. Take it or leave it.”

“Okay, fine. I forfeit. But we need to go,” she said, straightening his lapels. “I already got a call from the two rookies that were watching Sarah and gave them approval to let her go by herself with Stratford.”

“They’re already there.” Athan crooned.

“She doesn’t know you’re coming, does she?” Wren asked.

“No.” Athan shook his head, securing his badge to the inside of his jacket and tucking his gun into his waistline.

“You know I’m gonna be biting the shit out of my nails waiting for one of you to give me all the details, right?” Wren crossed her arms in front of her and sighed.

“Order a dirty movie.” Rhaena laughed, checking the contents of her matching clutch. They all filed through the door and Athan started locking up.

“You guys look good,” Wren started, standing in the doorway of Rhaena’s apartment. “Take care of our girl, okay? Good luck. I wouldn’t be mad if I heard one of you tripped Brent in front of an oncoming vehicle … just sayin’. ”

“Behave your damn self, Vintorri, and I’ll make sure it’s a garbage truck.” Athan wagged a finger at her.

“That’s my boy.”

Rhaena looked between the two of them. “I dunno if I’m liking this newfound camaraderie.”

“You told me to make friends,” he said, turning away and walking toward the elevator. She huffed, struggling to keep his pace and he smirked while he side-eyed her. He couldn’t help himself. He nudged her and she nearly tripped on her dress. Wren howled from behind them and slammed the door shut.

“You’re such a dick! ” Rhaena squealed, punching him hard in the shoulder. The doors opened and they stepped inside, both of them snickering as they closed.

Conrad had an ankle crossed over his knee, sipping the watered-down scotch in his glass, in a sitting room across from the Grand Ballroom where Boston’s richest citizens were emptying their pockets to the cause. Gretchen stepped inside, closing the door behind her, and making her way over to the small couch across from him.

“Alright, sir. Doing really well, so far. Annie is here with her mother, and she’s been told when to join you at the podium. I think maybe about ten more minutes, and then we should make our way out.” She sat and smoothed her skirt across her lap as she opened her leather binder.

“Sounds good. How’s the turnout?” he asked, a little bored.

“Better than we expected. I think we have over fifty more than we originally planned.” She flipped through a few pages. “You want a copy of the speech?”

“I’d prefer it,” he replied.

“Okay, I’ll go slip one onto the podium and announce you in five. Good?”

“Fine, Gretchen.”

She took that as her cue to leave, saying nothing else and slipping out the door. He swirled his drink. A few minutes later, he could hear her doing exactly that over the amp in the ballroom. He silenced his phone and stood, buttoning his jacket and adjusting his tie. His bodyguards led him to the back entrance of the room, curtained off on the sides where he’d step up on the small stage. Gretchen looked over at him with an inquisitive look and he nodded that he was ready. She presented him, the crowd roaring in applause as he made his way up, waving and pausing for photos. A slideshow of children from the hospital began playing silently behind him on a large white screen. He took his place at the podium.

“Good evening, friends … families … survivors. It is with great honor that I host this year’s annual benefit for one of our nation’s most renowned youth hospitals. On behalf of this hospital, and all its precious pati ents, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for your selfless donations and your support as we continue to fight one of the world’s most ruthless enemies—disease.” He looked out over the crowd.

“One of the leading causes of death around the globe … is one that even I, as an elected official, have struggled with. Cancer.” Slight gasps and whispers started circling the ballroom. “Now, don’t start worrying, it isn’t me. However, many of you may not know that my dear wife—one of the loveliest souls in this world … has been battling a cancer known as AML … or Acute Myeloid Leukemia for a couple of years now. AML is one of the most aggressive and fatal types of blood cancer known to us, thus far. As my wife has been a passionate advocate for those with illness, she’s seen even before she was diagnosed … what it can do to a person. What a tremendous weight it can be, not only to the sick … but to their families.” He paused for a moment, feigning emotion like the snake that he was, and looking down at his speech.

“Watching a loved one battle such a thing is one of life’s most difficult trials. But watching your child … as this disease enlists them to be the tiniest soldiers in such a brutal war … well, I can’t imagine being one of those parents. My hat goes off to every one of those children, who so bravely face that foe on the front lines … their families with them.” He nodded sadly, raising his face back up to the audience that was growing emotional with every rehearsed word. His eyes caught the sight of his son who moved past an older couple standing closest to the stage—Sarah St. James on his arm. Brent cut a glare at him that was fueled with so much hate he thought he’d burn alive … but it was nothing compared to the genuinely evil smile and knowing hazel eyes that his would-be daughter-in-law gave him next. Conrad met those eyes … nothing sweet or warm in them.

She knows.

He cleared his throat, looking back over the crowd and glancing down at his speech. “Our hope of finding a solution to disease has often been diminished, even with our skyrocketing progression in medical science. Countless surgeries, and rounds of chemotherapy …” His eyes shot down to Sarah, who released Brent’s arm and made a step forward, her eyes never leaving his. Brent watched her, making no moves to stop her as she inched toward the side of the stage. “Uh, ex—excuse me … countless surgeries, and rounds of chemotherapy have often proven themselves unsuccessful, our grip on hope wearing thinner. We’ve found ourselves on our knees praying for—” He glanced over to find her still watching him … snarling at him like a predator as she crept closer to the steps of the stage. He could feel beads of sweat beginning to build on his brow.

“Praying for a miracle.” She paused and they locked eyes. Murmuring from around the ballroom started to grow as more and more began to notice the exchange. He was so close. He wouldn’t let her destroy years of toiling to find this diamond in the rough. It would come down to survival of the fittest. And who was she to these people? He faced his audience again. “As a man of the people, it is my honor and privilege to reveal that I—” Scuffling sounded from his right, and everyone looked over with him as two of his security personnel began to try to restrain her. She gave in, one arm held tightly by each man, and sneered at him, baring her teeth. He could have sworn a growl rolled out of her as those eyes pierced him.

“Say another word, senator … and I’ll out you right here,” she snarled.

Clever little bitch.

Conrad looked to his left where Annie and her mother waited to be introduced, confusion as evident on their faces as it was on the many that watched from the ballroom floor. His heart sped up, stomach churning as he was faced with a decision he wasn’t prepared to make. He glanced back at Sarah who patiently and calmly waited. Then he looked to Brent, who stood idly by … a hateful smirk on his lips. Brent cocked his head, raising his brows and crossing his arms. A silent indication that he would do absolutely nothing to help him. Conrad gritted his teeth, swallowing hard. The crowd whispered, most of them remaining silent as intrigue had them completely drawn in. He saw no other choice.

“Let her go,” he said, nodding toward her. The men loosened their grip and her shoulders slackened. She didn’t take her eyes off of him. “I extend my sincerest apologies … this benefit will have to be postponed.” His jaw clenched and the mass of wealthy attendees roared in dismay. He looked back at Sarah, moving toward her, and trying not to look at the disappointed guests or that ten-year-old behind him that began audibly cursing him as he sped down the steps. “Follow me,” he spat as he passed, Sarah all too eager to oblige. His security began to trail behind. Conrad stopped short, turning toward them and holding up a palm. “No … just her. Make sure it remains that way.” They nodded and let them go.

Conrad pushed through the back doors of the ballroom, Sarah hot on his heels as they traveled down empty hallways toward dimly lit areas that weren’t being occupied near the back of the hotel. He jiggled a few door handles, finally finding one open and they disappeared into the room. A motion-sensored light lit up a small portion of a room with towers of stacked chairs, seemingly for events such as the one that was being held tonight. Folded tables were also lining what walls were visible per the light. A small part of him wondered if this was the place he’d die tonight.

“Well played, St. James,” he started, turning and facing her. “I guess you think you’ve figured me out.”

She huffed a laugh. “I guess you thought you were more discreet.”

“What do you want, Sarah? To ruin me? Pay me back? For what exactly?” He paused, stepping closer. “For pushing you and my son together? Giving you fame and fortune? Was it not enough to satisfy the little lonely orphan from Seattle?”

“You really are a politician, Stratford. You’ve lied so much that you’re starting to actually believe yourself. How long have you been trying to convince yourself that this was some noble act? Using me.” He had to give it to her … she had balls. She moved forward a step. “Maybe I should as k you the same question, Senator. What do you really want? You wanna use me to cure your wife? Or do you wanna use me to glorify yourself? ” She started circling him. “It’s obvious that you must have some kind of idea that my blood will work. What will you do with it? A transfusion? Or are you one of the pieces of shit that took me out of my own bed to experiment on me like some kind of lab rat?”

“What are you talking about?” he seethed.

“You’re a government official. An elected government official, mind you. How do you think the people will feel if they find out what you’ve done to me? Did you plan on this being a ‘ kill one to save many’ type of deal? Or at least make them believe it?”

“It doesn’t matter what they believe. If this cure actually works, the price or what I’ve done to get it will fly right over their heads. You don’t know what it’s like, little girl. Watching someone you love suffer. Consider the parents of children like Annie … that little girl I was getting ready to introduce tonight. Let’s say you had a child that was dying a little every day, in tremendous pain. If someone told you that one needle and twenty minutes of infusing a solution that would eradicate the problem would actually work … would you give a shit how the doctor got it?” He watched her as she paused her stride. “Exactly my point. They won’t turn on me.”

“Oh, they will. When they find out that the source of your cure is an unwilling host … they’ll turn on you. When that cure runs out because I refuse to let you have any more of me? Then you’ll be trampled under the millions of people that are trying to get their hands on what you’ve introduced, but no longer have. And for the record … I do know what it’s like. I watched my mother die a horrific death because of an incurable disease that no one had even heard of before. The clock ran out for her. And then they used her.” She inched closer. “And then they used me … made me a walking vaccine that’s been kept secret and unknowingly reproducing the elixir of fucking life .” She leaned in until their faces were mere inches away. “I won’t be this country’s personal piggy bank. I won’t be the one that looks over my shoulder for the rest of my life, or subject myself to being poked and prodded until there’s as much left of me as there is of my mother!”

“There’s nothing you can do. This is so much bigger than you realize.”

“Oh, there’s plenty I can do, Conrad. And I will … if you don’t fix this.” She smirked. “I will fucking bury you and your fancy name until I’m positive no one will ever remember you existed.” She drew back. “I’ll make you an offer … as a little test of my own.”

“And that is?”

“I’ll give you enough blood to use on your wife. And I’ll be present so that I can be sure you’re not replicating it—under the condition that you publicly admit that you’re a lying sack of shit and resign from the senate.”

Conrad clenched his fists at his sides. “You fucking little bitch.”

“Bitch, I may be … but either way, you need me. ”

“And if I refuse?” he asked through his clenched teeth.

“Then it’ll be exactly the answer I expected from you, and I’ll squeal on you anyway. If anyone is gonna benefit from what I’ve been through … it won’t fucking be you.”

“Sadly, it won’t be you either, Peaches,” a female voice said from behind her. Conrad strained his eyes, looking past Sarah into the darkness beyond. Sarah turned and the skirts of a flowing red dress slowly crept into the light. The light continued to spill over the rest of the approaching figure, revealing the barrel of a gun pointed straight at them. The young blonde stepped fully into the light. He didn’t recognize her.

“You …” Sarah breathed, standing as still as death.

Sarah stared at the end of the gun that didn’t shake at all as it pointed straight at her chest. Conrad started sniveling behind her. It was either talk her up, or both of them die right here. And she’d be damned if she died next to this slug.

“So, you knew each other. You and the guy that went after Wren,” Sarah said, forcing calm into her voice.

“We weren’t friends. Please don’t take it personally, you’re actually a hot kisser. I’m just doing what I’m told.” The blonde shrugged, steadying her aim and moving closer. “I have to admit, I’m surprised you remember me … we gave you enough to tranquilize a small elephant on Halloween. Your tolerance is fucking impressive.” She laughed.

“So I’ve been told. Who are you working for?” Sarah dared ask.

“I dunno if she’s a who , so much as a … what .” She smiled devilishly. “But she’s already given me more than I could have bargained for, and since your saucy little ginger friend made target practice out of poor Tank, I’m the one that gets to finish the job.”

“And what job is that? To kill me?”

“Actually, no … I’m supposed to bring you to her alive. I don’t think you’re much good to her if I bleed you out right here.”

Sarah snorted. “Well, I’d say you’re about the stupidest henchman I’ve ever seen, then.”

“Oh?” She cocked her head. “Bold words for someone pointing a gun at you.”

“You just said I wasn’t any use to her dead.” Sarah glanced behind her to find Conrad had vanished like the cowardly little prick she knew him to be. Escaped into the darkness like a roach. She returned her attention to her current threat.

“I sure did, but I never said that I gave a shit. So, this is how it’s gonna go.” She tossed a pair of cuffs at Sarah’s feet. “You’re gonna put those on and come quietly … or I’m gonna put a bullet between those pretty tits and go somewhere the bitch can’t find me. Either way, it’s gonna suck for you. Sorry, friend. ”

Sarah’s heart sank. All this, and she was gonna be either dead, or become somebody’s gold nugget anyhow. The only option that seemingly kept her alive was to reach for those cuffs until she could figure out how to escape. She slowly bent down, picking them up and cuffing one wrist. “You never told me your name,” she breathed.

“Raine.” She grinned. “And I did tell you … once or twice, but we were a bit busy. I’m glad you’re seeing some reason. I really didn’t wanna have to kill you. I quite enjoyed our little romp. It’s kind of ironic, really.”

“What is?” Sarah asked, fitting the cuff around her other wrist.

“Your choice of Halloween spirit. A slutty vampire.” She cackled. “I have to know … did you pick that on purpose?”

Sarah drew her brows. “What?” Raine stepped up to her, tightening the cuffs until they bit into her skin.

“Touch her again … make my fucking day. I’ve been itching to torture somebody,” a rumbling purr echoed from the dark. Raine startled, moving herself behind Sarah and hooking an arm around her neck. The gun stabbed against her temple. “Hmph …” the voice growled. “Wrong choice.” She knew that voice. It haunted her mind, even in sleep. Athan stepped out of the shadows and into the light. He looked like a god of the fucking underworld in that tux. Sarah’s heart pounded.

“Ah … the hot detective. I’ve heard about you. She wants you bad. I wonder what she’d do if I brought back both of you?” Raine snickered, digging the pistol deeper into Sarah’s head.

“What the hell is she talking about, Kane?” Sarah’s voice shuddered. She could swear his eyes were pure flame when they met hers.

“She doesn’t know?” Another haughty laugh. “Your boy-toy belongs to somebody else, chickpea. He’s walkin’ around Boston on borrowed time, if I had to guess. I don’t know all the details, and I could care less … but she’s gonna have him back. One way or another.”

“Who?” Sarah struggled, Raine’s arm tightening around her neck.

“Dahlia. She’s the main squeeze at Black Bird. That’s who we’re gonna go see.” Raine giggled. “Won’t this be a fun-filled evening.”

“It’s about to get a lot less fun for you,” Athan bit back, mercilessly rushing toward them.

“ Athan! — Don’t!” Sarah screamed, but it was too late. The element of surprise had Raine pointing that gun right at him, and she shot once … twice … right into his chest. “ No! ” He staggered, grunting, and grabbing her gun by the barrel. Before Sarah had a split second to react, he emptied it into Raine’s face. Her body dropped and Sarah leapt for him, her cuffed hands reaching for his chest. “Oh my God!” Tears started pouring from her eyes, those damned lashes struggling to bat them out.

“I’m alright,” he said raggedly, throwing both arms around her. She scrambled beneath his hold, still convinced he’d die right here. “Sarah …” He grabbed both sides of her face and forced her to look at him. “I’m fine. I swear.” He opened his shirt, and the bullet holes were already almost completely closed. Her mouth dropped open.

“Did they go through?!” She gasped, turning him around .

“Yeah.” He grunted, obviously still in some pain. There were two exit holes in the back of his jacket. He turned himself to face her again and she lifted her hands to smooth over the shirt and look one more time, still in disbelief about what she was seeing. Her eyes caught something else, and she stopped dead, her fingertips grazing over a tattoo on his breast. He stilled … stopped breathing entirely. She turned her wrist over, a smaller tattoo identical to his inked on her arm. Sarah raised her eyes to his.

“Did you—”

“Ugghhh …” Raine groaned from behind them. There was no damned way. They looked over, finding her face slowly reconstructing itself.

“She’s fucking turned,” Athan spat, storming over to her bloodied body. Sarah couldn’t figure out if she was dreaming or not as she watched him plunge his fingers into her exposed chest as if she were made of sponge cake. The sound of him tearing her heart out was almost as sickening as the way it sounded when it hit the floor between them, the organ beating weakly until it didn’t at all. A small red satchel hung from Raine’s wrist, and he took the keys from inside it, reaching for Sarah’s cuffs. She let him remove them, both their hands covered in blood.

“Will she come back?” Sarah asked, breathlessly.

“No. Whether it beats, or not … vampires can’t live without one.”

“Hers was.” She pointed out, unsure if he’d noticed.

“What?”

“Her heart was still beating when you threw it on the floor, Athan.”

He paused, looking first to the heart, and then to the body. “Fuck …”

“Tell me.” Sarah grabbed his arm.

“That means she’s like me. Where would they have gotten your blood?”

“I don’t know.” It was true, she didn’t have an answer. “But I think Conrad must have it, too. He plans to use it to hype up a cure for cancer on that little girl at the benefit.”

The doors sprung open and Rhaena rushed in, her gun drawn. “ Shit … are you both okay?”

“We’re fine,” Athan answered, his voice low and defeated. Sarah caught him buttoning up what he could of his shirt. Clearly, he wasn’t ready to talk about the tattoo. It didn’t appear to be the right time, anyway. They had to get out of here.

“Who the hell is that?” Rhaena asked, pointing to Raine’s body.

“Red Riding Hood,” Sarah said, both the detectives looking at her, puzzled. “She said her name was Raine. She was dressed as Red Riding Hood at the Halloween gig. Her and the guy Wren shot were working together …” She glanced at Athan, purposely meeting his eyes. “For Dahlia. ”

Rhaena looked back down at her body. “Take her home, Athan. I’ll deal with this. Conrad ordered the entire building to be evacuated. I don’t think anybody will notice you. Too many people out there. Keep your hands out of sight … and button up that jacket.”

“How are you gonna explain this?” he asked.

“I said I’ll deal with it.” Rhaena pointed at the door. “Go.” She took out her phone, dialing a number and pressing it to her ear. Athan put a hand on the small of Sarah’s back and started leading her out the door. “Hey … I need you.” She heard Rhaena say as they left.

Sarah couldn’t remember the way back from where they’d come from the ballroom. She and Athan followed the red exit signs until they managed to find a door that led out into the parking lot. Rhaena had been right. There were people everywhere. Athan grabbed her hand, their palms sticky with drying blood. Neither of them said a word as he took her the long way around the back of the building to where the staff parking was. He dug a key out of his jacket pocket and a blacked-out Charger beeped and blinked.

“Whose car is this?” Sarah asked as they approached it.

“Mine as of a couple days ago.” He opened the door for her, and she lowered herself into the smooth leather seat. She watched him rush around the front of the car and get in on the other side. He started it up with the push of a button and a small screen slid out and raised on the dashboard. He tapped on it a few times and backed out of the space while it dialed someone’s number.

“Blakely.”

“Hey, man it’s Kane. Are you on duty tonight?”

“I am … you need me?”

“If you’re free, I do. Can you post up at Sarah St. James’s apartment tonight?

“Yep. Want me to bring another?”

“If you can.”

“You’ve got us til’ 11:00 A.M … will that work?”

“Yeah … I appreciate it, bud.”

“You got it. On the way.”

“10-4.”

Sarah didn’t spot Brent’s car on their way out, but she guessed the valet parking was on the other side of the building and they weren’t heading that way. She figured she should text him at least. Her hands were still covered in blood. He’d be alright, she hoped. It seemed strange to see Athan driving a car. The night he’d picked her up on Halloween, she couldn’t remember a single thing about the ride to his apartment. There was so much she wanted to ask. So much shock, and here lately … so much bullshit . Despite it all, she couldn’t help but look over at him. He looked so good in that tux. It should have been the last thing she’d be thinking about right now … but so help her … it only made her miss him more.

“Are you alright?” she asked. He looked over at her.

“Yeah, I’m okay … you?”

“Physically, yes. ”

He gave her a onceover, those blue eyes more sad than angry. He shifted gears and looked back at the road. “You look beautiful.”

As much as she didn’t want to say it … or mean it … “I was thinking the same thing about you.”

A slight smirk curled the corner of his mouth.

All things considered, this night had gone poorly and the last thing he should be doing was shamelessly flirting with the woman who had made it very clear that she hated his guts and wanted him to stay away from her … and for good reason. But love wasn’t something that Athan was well-versed in and when it came to that beauty sitting next to him in that dress … with that face, and those eyes that could easily bring him to his knees if she so much as cut him a glance … yeah, he was defenseless. He had told her that she was beautiful without even thinking about the words before they rolled right out of his mouth. He never expected her to give the answer that she did.

“I’m sorry … I know that I promised you that I wouldn’t come near you. I never said I wouldn’t intervene if someone tried to hurt you, Sarah.”

She got quiet, rubbing dried blood on her fingers as they fidgeted in her lap. His blood, he realized … when he’d absentmindedly opened his shirt and revealed the tattoo he’d never told her about. Athan wondered if she’d ask now that they were alone.

“Thank you,” she whispered, hanging her head. “I—I still think it’s best.”

“I understand.”

Another long silence. “I’ve heard it hasn’t been very easy for you. At first, I was—glad.” Sarah looked forward at the traffic in front of them. “I wanted you to suffer.”

“I would say that’s fair.” He muttered, gripping the wheel a little tighter. “I—” He was going to ask something else, but immediately changed his mind. If they were going to have this conversation, he didn’t want to be in this car. He didn’t want it to be where he couldn’t look her in the eyes and tell her all the things she deserved to know.

“Finish,” she said, turning her face toward him. He chose not to look at her while he shifted gears.

“You said you wanted me to suffer. Past tense.” Not what he was planning to say, but a gentle shove in a different direction. He could feel her eyes still on him. His blood hummed, every part of him dying to touch her. Her stare lingered too long, and she shifted in her seat, turning herself back toward her window.

“I still want you to stay away from me, Athan.”

“And I will … if that’s really what you want … but …”

She turned her face toward him again and he gave her a sidelong glance. “But? ”

He tried earnestly not to smirk when he said it. Athan met her eyes. “Your scent is kind of betraying you.” He shrugged one shoulder, and Sarah’s eyes widened a little. He could barely see the flush in her cheeks when she turned her face away. They didn’t speak for the rest of the ride to her apartment, and she let him open her door and help her out of the car when they pulled up outside her place. The gallery was dark, and Blakely hadn’t made it there yet to keep eyes on her. Athan walked her to the side door to the building, keeping a respectful distance away and pocketing his hands. Sarah paused and turned to face him.

“I really don’t know how to feel anymore,” she said softly, taking her keys out of the small hidden pocket in her dress. “Wren seems wholly comfortable with all this. She told me Rhaena is different too … I haven’t spoken to her about— whatever she is.”

“It’s not my place—”

“I know.” Her head hung and she fiddled with her keys. “I understand why she didn’t tell me what you did.” She loosed a long breath and raised her face to him. “It wasn’t Wren that you butchered, Athan.” Those eyes gleamed with what looked like tears in the streetlights. His chest tightened at her words, and he couldn’t bear to look at her, although it was exactly what he deserved. His jaw feathered and he managed a slow, understanding nod.

“You’re right.”

“You murdered me,” her voice broke. “You swore to protect me after you took my life. You made me believe that what we felt for each other, however forbidden it was, was something real, and—then I find out that it wasn’t real for you at all.”

“Sarah—”

She held up a palm, tears streaming down her face. “Stop.” She sniffled, wiping at her cheeks. “You didn’t do any of this because you cared for me … you did it out of guilt.” He could barely hold himself together. It took every ounce of his restraint not to move toward her. “I don’t know what you are. I don’t know what happens when somebody lives through what you’ve done. I don’t really care. But I can tell you this.” Sarah moved her hair behind her shoulder and pointed to the mark he’s left on her neck. “It was real for me, Athan … and this wasn’t the reason why.” They stared at one another for a long moment. “I know you’ll hang out here until your cop friends show up. Do it in your car. I need you to stay away from me … please.”

He swallowed the knot down that was gathering in his throat, hardly able to breathe around it as it grew bigger and bigger. “Goodnight, Sarah,” he choked, blinking furiously as he turned away from her and walked back to his car. By the time he had closed his car door and looked back, she had disappeared upstairs. A moment later, the lights turned on in her apartment, her shadow moving across the blinds. She was still crying. He didn’t need to hear her to know it. Her silhouette moved back and forth, both hands in her hair. It ripped him apart. Before he could try to stop them, tears leaked down his own cheeks, and he swiped them away .

A fool. He was such a damned fool for letting it come to this. He should have never done any of that with her. At least, not before he’d grown a pair of nuts and told her the truth. A single patrol car pulled up next to him and he and Blakely nodded at one another before Athan glanced back up to the window, finding Sarah’s shadow gone. He backed out hesitantly, and when he pulled onto the street, he decided to head to the precinct instead of back home … the loudest thrashing metal blaring through his speakers. It didn’t drown out the sound of his painful heartbeat as it throbbed in his ears. Athan pulled his cigarettes out, lighting one, and cracking a window. Fuck the rules. He needed something .

There were plenty of pointed stares as he hastily exited the elevator and trudged through the precinct to his desk. He had forgotten what he was wearing—and about the blood that was staining both his hands and white shirt. The jacket would only hide so much. He decided to make a B-line for the bathroom to wash up and then proceeded to his desk. The chair didn’t squeak as he sat down and swiveled it toward his monitor. He wiggled around in it, growing irritated and looking beneath the seat.

“Northwood got one over on you, detective.” Captain Foley snickered, causing Athan to jolt back up. “You can thank Jenkins for the oil.”

“Checkmate.” Athan smirked, brushing a hand through his hair.

“I thought I told you to take a few days, my man.” Foley pulled Rhaena’s chair out and sat down.

“I took a couple. Something came up.”

The captain glanced down at the blood still peeping out from beneath his jacket. “So I see. Are you hurt?”

“No, sir … you should see the other guy.” Athan tried to laugh off. Foley didn’t seem to find it amusing. He leaned over Rhaena’s desk.

“Does the other guy also have bullet holes in the back of his jacket?”

He had forgotten about it. Walked in here with too much on his mind and forgotten all about the exit wounds that were clearly visible to everyone. He couldn’t figure out a damn thing to say. Athan tightened his jaw as the captain stared him down.

“You know, Kane … you’ve always been a weird one. You’re one of my best detectives, and way too valuable for me to ever question about whatever kind of life you live outside of this building. I never claimed to be a genius, but I know when shit don’t smell right.”

Athan’s stomach started churning. “Sir—”

“You’re a damn good cop, Kane. Up until this case with that girl … I’ve never had any issues from you. Never asked why you could only work at night. Never told a single person that until here recently, I’d never seen you drink a drop of coffee, or eat a lunch as long as you’ve worked here. Now I can’t keep the coffee stocked when you’re around and I’ve caught you sneaking bites of Northwood’s food, so I know you clearly have a death wish.” He smirked. “But how do you expect me to keep these questions to myself if you walk in here with exit wounds showing in the back of a tailored suit that no one taught you to wear properly?”

Athan’s eyes dropped to his lap, and he knew he’d regret telling his captain the one thing that would obviously get him thrown off this case. But he couldn’t afford to tell him the truth about what he really was, either. “I love her, sir,” he breathed raggedly. Foley sighed from across the desk. “She’s changed everything.”

“Does she know that?” Foley asked.

“No.”

“Is it gonna stop you from clearing your head enough to solve this case? Any of this?”

“No, sir.”

Foley leaned back in the seat and Athan raised his head. “Then I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that, either. But you need to go home and clean yourself up. Stop making a spectacle of yourself if there’s some secrets you wanna keep to yourself, son.”

Athan nodded in appreciation. “Thank you, Cap.”

Foley stood, pushing the chair back beneath Rhaena’s desk and started to walk away, but paused and turned back to him one last time. “Check your desk drawer. Tread carefully. There are crazier things than the theory I have about you.”

“Do I want to know what that is, sir?” Athan asked.

Foley smiled. “Women.” With that, he turned and walked to the elevator. “Night, detective.”

Athan waited until he was gone and then turned his chair to the slightly cracked desk drawer. His heart sank when he pulled it open and saw a familiar pendant, broken, but a small piece of the stone still intact … a thin silver chain tangled around it. Next to it was a small sticky note. He wasn’t breathing.

“On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.”

Then the bird said “Nevermore.”

“Nevermore …” he whispered, staring at the picture he’d taped into his drawer. It was a silent plea. The words she couldn’t bring herself to ask through all her reservation and the pain he’d caused her. That she wanted him to stay away … that he’d hurt and broken her so badly … but she still loved him and didn’t want him to leave her. The only communication between them that would make little sense to anyone else. That poem. These immortal words. This tether they’d always have to each other that no one would ever understand. It wasn’t the mark. He knew that then. Sarah was his entire dark heart.

A heart that would never beat for anyone else as long as he lived.