Kissing with Fangs (22 page)

Claudia's jaw dropped and she couldn't breathe for a few moments. “That's where I'd seen you. On the stairwell outside my apartment.”

“Yes. You interrupted a very important conversation, so instead of disappearing, I just changed into contemporary clothing and made up a convenient lie about my identity. I tried to warn him away from you.”

“Why?”

“When a paranormal becomes involved with a human, it puts all of them at risk.”

“But…I wouldn't tell anyone. I wouldn't know how. Nobody would believe me.”

“That's not technically true. Most folks are grounded enough to think you're nuts, but some are getting a little too close to the truth. All they need is verification. And if you give that to them, it'll make me very angry.” She stared at Claudia intensely. “You don't want to make Mother Nature angry.”

Claudia imagined earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions, and wondered if the goddess was angry when those things occurred.

“Oh, yes,” Mother Nature said. “I can do that and more.”

Claudia sucked in a quick breath. “You can read my mind?”

“Just the vivid images. I'm not so much for words. I prefer to read the pictures.”

Claudia visualized her favorite magazine with beautiful photography of nature and foreign cultures.

The goddess smiled. “Yeah, I have a good side, too, although you'd never know it to listen to the ingrates that live on this planet. All they ever do is complain. Most of the time, they don't even look at or appreciate the beauty I've put right in front of their faces.”

Claudia nodded slowly. “I think I know what you mean. People in the city can get so caught up in the hectic pace that they miss a lot of subtle beauty.”

Mother Nature narrowed her eyes. “You're not just patronizing me, are you?”

“No. I wouldn't do that. I believe what you just said. I've experienced it myself.”

“From now on, make a conscious effort to appreciate the pleasant gifts I give you…not that you ingrates deserve any of them.”

Claudia worried her lip. “Um. If I'm dreaming, will I remember your advice when I wake up?”

The goddess rolled her eyes. “Oh, for crap's sake. You're not dreaming. I'm right here.” She reached out and grabbed Claudia's arm. Giving it a shake, she said, “Could I do that if you were dreaming?”

“I—I guess not. Dreams can feel pretty real, though.”

“Fine. I'll leave you a reminder of my visit. But before I go, I need you to promise you won't divulge anything you know. You met my muse, Brandee. You won't tell anyone what she did for you. You've met vampires…”

“A few,” Claudia said.

“Look, I don't care if you meet three or a hundred. Shut up about them, okay?”

Claudia's eyes rounded. “There are a hundred of them?”

Mother Nature pinched the bridge of her nose and muttered something about stupid humans.

“But didn't you create humans?”

She snorted. “Yeah. As food. But then you got better and better at survival and decided you were the top of the food chain. What can I say? When you guys evolve, you evolve!”

“Eek. You created us as food?”

“Well, duh. A tiger's gotta eat. Now man has wiped out almost all of my beautiful tigers.”

Claudia didn't know what to say, except that the woman scared her.

“You'd do well to keep that healthy fear alive, but call it respect. I hate intimidating people if I don't have to.”

“S-so, is that all? You just want me to keep my knowledge of paranormals to myself, appreciate the beauty of nature, and maintain a healthy respect for you?”

“Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner. Do you think you can do all that?”

Claudia nodded.

Mother Nature extended her fist with her little finger extended. “Pinkie swear.”

Incredulous, Claudia looped her own pinkie finger around the goddess's. “Pinkie swear,” she said. “Can I at least tell Anthony about our meeting?”

Mother Nature smiled. “I'll make that one exception. Everybody needs one confidant. More than one and the blabbermouth will be sent to a lonely, lonely place, like Death Valley. Understand?”

“Ummm…I guess so.”

“Your boyfriend knows what I can do. I told him to dump your ass. Apparently he'd rather freeze atop the Matterhorn than live without you.”

Claudia melted inside.

“
Now
do you understand?”

“Yes. I understand.”

“Good. Now lie down and I'll help you get to sleep.”

Claudia didn't remember anything after that until she awoke with the sunrise. “Boy, that was some dream,” she muttered.

She jumped out of bed feeling rested and refreshed. When she turned around, a vine lay on her pillow.

***

It was almost time for a shift change among the researchers. George had been kept away from any communication with the outside world, but was treated better than the captives. He continued to answer questions honestly, to the best of his ability. It was clear to Anthony that the people they needed to talk to were coming in on the day shift.

Sly knew a couple of shifters that could help them keep an eye on the entrance without creating suspicion. They both shifted into birds. One was a raven and the other, a falcon. They both lived in his building, so he called Morgaine. She said she'd wake them and send them over.

Nick had alerted his werecop contacts to patrol the area and not to interfere unless they were needed. One good howl would call them into action.

The paras in the glass cage had settled down, realizing their friends were devoting all their resources to freeing them.

While it was a “hurry up and wait” situation, Kurt escorted Ruxandra to the far end of the building to talk. Anthony's hearing was so sharp that he'd be able to overhear—but they didn't necessarily know that. All he had to do was tune out the background conversations between Nick, Sly, and George, and he was privy to all Kurt and Ruxandra were discussing.

He knew he should give them their privacy, but his curiosity won out. He grabbed a book off one of the shelves and found a stool in a quiet corner. The other guys would leave him alone, figuring he was reading—not eavesdropping.

“Ruxie, I want to ask you to do something for me.”

Ruxie?

“Sure, honey. Anything.”

And
honey? She'd better not be leading Kurt on.

“I hope you won't see this as mistrust, but my heart is on the line here. I know how strong your feelings for Anthony have been in the past—”

“Yes. I told you, it's in the past. Not now.”

“Regardless… Would you allow me to try the truth spell on that? It's important. I won't ask you anything else if you don't want me to.”

There was a long pause and Anthony expected Ruxandra to erupt any second. This is just the sort of thing she'd throw a hissy fit over.

“I—I guess so. I can understand how you might be worried about that.”

Anthony's brows shot up. He quickly schooled his expression so the other guys wouldn't ask what he'd read that was so shocking.

“So, you'll let me?”

“Yes. Ask me anything. When do you want to do this?”

“There's no time like the present.”

“Don't you need your candles and everything?”

“I have a few extra supplies in my bag,” he said.

Anthony had wondered why Kurt only used half the items he'd sent him to his apartment for. Now he knew. Apparently Kurt had been hoping to do this all along.
Smart
man.

There was an elongated silence in which Anthony imagined Kurt setting up his altar and preparing the brown paper with Ruxandra's name on it. Then he heard the smack of a kiss.

Anthony smiled. Surprisingly, he wanted his ex-girlfriend to be happy, and not just so she'd stop being such a pain in
his
ass.

“Okay. Are you ready?”

“Go ahead,” she said.

Kurt uttered the same words he'd said before, but in a much quieter tone of voice. After a brief silence he asked, “What are your full name, birthplace, and birth date?”

Ah, good. All things he can check.

“My name is Ruxandra Marie Fournier, and I was born in Provence on November fourth in seventeen forty-nine.”

“That makes you 265 years old. Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

Anthony was intrigued. Ruxandra was as vain as any woman about her age. To admit it so easily and dispassionately
must
mean she was under the influence of magic.

“What was your father's profession?”

“He was a farmer.”

“Was he kind to you?”

“Not always.”

“All right. Let's move on. How do you know Anthony Cross?”

“He's my maker. He saved me. I had been beaten, starved, choked, and left in a ditch to die.”

“Who did that to you?”

“The Marquis de Sade.”

There was a pause. He imagined Kurt taking in the information Anthony already knew. It wasn't a pretty picture. A beautiful nineteen-year-old girl, too young and
supposedly
innocent to suffer such cruelty and be left for dead.

But unless Kurt asked the right question, she'd never admit to going there voluntarily.

“How did you meet the marquis?”

“I was hired by one of his servants—as a prostitute.”

Wow. That truth spell really works. No sugarcoating at all.

“Do you hate me for it?” she asked.

Kurt chuckled.
He
actually
chuckled!

“No. I never had a servant to do it for me, but I hired the occasional lady when I was lonely. Nobody's perfect.”

“Anthony hated it when he found out.”

“But he didn't hate
you
.”

“He was angry, and I don't think he understood. Unmarried daughters who scare off potential suitors eventually end up on their own.”

“But you were only nineteen.”

“Yes. An old maid, in my father's opinion.”

“Where was your mother?”

“Dead. She died when I was eleven.”

“Just when you needed her most, I imagine.”

“Maybe. I wouldn't know.”

“Did you have any brothers or sisters?”

“Yes. Three of each.”

“Wow. Seven kids. Where did you fall in the birth order?”

“Youngest. The boys helped my father with the farm. My three older sisters took care of the house. I felt fairly useless. My siblings considered me spoiled.”

Even Anthony hadn't known that. He'd never met her family, and she didn't like to talk about them. He figured she must have been the black sheep. If she scared off potential suitors with her acerbic tongue, she may have been asked to leave.

“Okay. Let's get back to Anthony. Are you still in love with him?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“He doesn't love me. He doesn't even like me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes. He's in love with Claudia.”

“I think so too. Are you able to let go of him and let him be happy with her?”

“Yes. I didn't used to think so, but now I do.”

“Can you envision a future with me?”

“Yes. I was using you at first. I thought I could make Anthony jealous. But I don't want to do that anymore.”

“So, your affection for me is real?”

“Yes.”

“And what about Claudia? Can you let go of her too?”

“Yes.”

“Will you try to harm her?”

“No.”

“Did you try to harm her in the past?”

“Yes. I wanted to, but I couldn't.”

“I know. I cast a powerful protection spell around her.”

“That's not what I meant.”

“Oh. What did you mean?”

“I knew someone who would kill her for a price. I had the money but stopped myself from going through with it. I knew it was wrong.”

There was another long pause. Anthony was hanging on every word. He hoped this wasn't too good to be true.

“Do you regret wanting to harm Claudia?”

“Yes.”

“I'm glad to hear that. Can you promise it will never happen again?”

“Yes.”

“I'm proud of you, Ruxandra. You've overcome a lot.”

“I love you, Kurt.”

There was another long pause. At last Kurt whispered, “I love you too.”

“It's seven a.m. Go time,” Nick said.

The birds outside squawked three times, signaling the approach of visitors.

Anthony and Sly had fortified themselves with a few swigs of Vampire Vintage from their flasks and then plastered themselves against the wall on either side of the front door. Nick kept his weapon trained on George but remained out of sight. George had strict instructions to behave normally—or else. And just to reinforce the “or else” part, Ruxandra was hiding beneath his desk. Kurt stood next to the control panel, ready to program in the code as soon as the others forced it out of the day-shift guys.

They didn't know if the two researchers would arrive together or separately. But with only three squawks from outside, it sounded as if just one had arrived. No matter. They'd hang on to the first until the other showed up.

The inner door swung open, and both Sly and Anthony waited a few beats for the door to swing shut behind the guy. He spotted Sly first. Just as the door was about to close, he yelled out a warning and tried to bolt back outside.

Anthony caught him by the scruff of his neck and pulled him back inside. Sly ran outside, presumably to grab the one who was right behind him.

Only a moment later, the room was full. Two scared researchers were held immobile by two angry vampires. Two shapeshifters stood guard at the door. Nick stepped out from behind his partition and Ruxandra rose, grasping George's arm.

“What's the code?” Kurt yelled out. Tory was right on the other side of the door, ready to lead the charge out of the cell. The naked men lined up behind him, but the woman and her son remained a respectful distance away.

The researchers glanced at Kurt and then stared at each other. The older researcher was the one Anthony had seen with Maynard at the tea room. To Anthony's disappointment, the other researcher was a scrawny Asian kid with glasses, not Maynard.

“It's no good,” George said with a sigh. “One of them is a wizard with a truth spell. If I'd had the code, they'd be gone by now. Since I'm the only one who can't be compelled, the vamps can get it out of you too.”

The young kid said, “Way to go, George. I guess that truth spell worked real well on you.”

“Yeah, it did the job,” he said nonchalantly.

“That's why we didn't trust you with the details,” the other researcher bit out.

Anthony shook the older guy, and when he caught the researcher's gaze, he ensnared him. “What is the code? Tell me, now.”

The researcher was trying not to answer. When he opened his mouth to speak, he slapped his own hand over his mouth and mumbled.

Sly shook the younger kid, who purposely diverted his eyes.

“Mmm…this one smells good, and I'm kind of hungry. Are you hungry, Anthony?”

“Famished. Do you mind sharing? He might be tasty, but you'll probably be hungry an hour from now.”

The guy shivered.

Sly and Nick chuckled. At last, Nick approached the researcher who was still mesmerized and pulled the man's hand away from his mouth. He clasped both of the researcher's hands behind his back and cuffed him with a zip tie. He did the same with the kid, despite his attempt to resist.

“Okay. Let's try this again. What's the code to the large glass cell?” Nick asked.

“It changes every day,” said the mesmerized researcher. “The computer randomly selects a new number and gives it to us each day.”

Nick poked the man with his gun. “Then go ask the computer what the damn code is.”

“I can't type with my hands tied.”

“Fine. Tell George how to do it. And by the way, what's your name?”

“Dr. Grant.”

“Interesting. Which brings us to another question. Where did you get the grant money to do this research?”

“A pharmaceutical company.”

The paranormals all glanced at each other, confused.

“Not the government?” Kurt asked.

“No. It was a private company.”

Nick crossed his arms. “What did they intend to do with us?”

“They wanted to know if paranormal fluids, organs, or brain tissue could be made into drugs to give people better lives.”

Anthony wanted to drop the guy on the floor. Sure. It sounded like a noble cause, but at what expense? Killing some to give others their abilities? Would these researchers feel the same way if the study involved human beings who just happened to be extra strong and healthy?

Nick growled.

“You'd better get that code soon, George,” Kurt called out. “Or I think someone might eat your coworker.”

“Should I do it, Dr. Grant?”

“No!” the Asian kid shouted. “If you let them open the cage, we'll have even more pissed-off shifters out here.”

Anthony caught Dr. Grant's gaze again. “You don't have a choice. I'm going to free your hands, and you're going to go to your computer. You will not only retrieve the code, but also print out every bit of information you have. That includes contracts, bank accounts, personnel files, and shift notes. I want to know every single thing that has gone on here—right from the day you decided to open this hellhole. After that, you'll delete it all.”

***

Claudia arrived at the tea room a few minutes late. She'd had to get home and take a shower before going to work, and the subway from Brookline to Arlington Street seemed to take forever. She'd call and thank Gaye's sister later, or maybe send flowers or a fruit basket. Or a thank-you card. Yeah, no one was ever allergic to cards—as long as her friend Bliss, the creator of Hall-Snark cards, didn't make them.

When she walked in, a few customers were already enjoying breakfast.

Angie looked up. “Hey, Claudia. How are you feeling?”

“Uh…feeling? Fine. Why?”

Angie met her by the cash register. “Anthony said you weren't feeling well yesterday. Isn't that why he worked during the day for you?”

“Oh, yeah. I'm fine now. Just a twenty-four-hour bug.”

Angie lowered her voice and whispered behind her hand. “Are you sure it wasn't honeymoon cystitis?”

Claudia rolled her eyes. “Positive. I need to do something in the office. I'll be out in a minute.”

Try as she might, Claudia couldn't get Anthony out of her head. Apparently she was hopelessly in love with a vampire, and there was nothing to be done about it.

She placed her purse in one of the desk's locked drawers and pocketed the keys. She thought about how Anthony trusted her so completely with his business. Not just the tea room, but the bar before that. She'd paid back his trust with loyalty, hadn't she? Yesterday was the first time in over five years that she'd left him in the lurch.

And
I'm supposedly recovering from irresponsible behavior
, she chided herself.

Well, the only thing she could do was get back to handling her responsibilities as quickly as possible. She'd do a fast inventory of the shelved items and see if Chris needed anything.

She no sooner stepped out of the office than the bells above the door jingled.

Maynard. Just who I don't want to see.
It was too late to duck behind the register. He'd spotted her and was pointing at her.

“You and I need to have a talk,” he said.

She let out a long sigh. “I don't suppose I can defer, can I?”

“No. You really can't. There's something important I have to tell you.”

She thought about refusing again, but the tea room had customers. A public argument was never a good idea.

“Angie, I'll be in the office. Knock if you need any help. Seriously. Anything at all.”

Angie glanced at Maynard, probably recognizing the troublemaker from the other night. “Same goes, boss. If you need me, I'm right here.”

Claudia smiled. How lucky was she to have Angie? The girl was not only a terrific employee, but one who genuinely cared about Claudia as a person.

She escorted Maynard into the office and shut the door. Instead of sitting in the chair beside him, which would put them on equal footing, she purposely sat behind the desk. This was
her
territory, and he'd better remember it.

“Claudia, I want to warn you about something…as an old friend. I realize you're taken, and this has nothing to do with trying to get you back.”

She nodded. “Go on.”

“This place…” He gestured with an open palm, indicating in the whole room. “Where you work…”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“It's paranormal central. You
do
know what paranormal means, don't you?”

Patronizing
as
usual.
“Yes. I'm aware of the term and its meaning.”

“But did you know paranormal beings exist? Vampires and shapeshifters of all varieties live in and around the city.”

Should she act surprised? Mother Nature didn't want her talking about this with anyone but Anthony. Somehow, she couldn't give Maynard the satisfaction of being the first to bring this shocking news to her attention. So, she folded her arms. “What of it?”

He paused, obviously examining her reaction. When she didn't give him one, he cleared his throat. “I don't think you understand. I work in a research lab studying such creatures. They're extremely dangerous.”

She sighed.

“Claudia! Are you listening to me?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Maynard leaned forward and pounded his fist on her desk. “You need to leave. Get out of here. Right”—
pound
—“fucking”—
pound
—“now!”

“And just leave my staff and customers with these supposedly dangerous creatures?”

“Ever heard of self-preservation?”

“Yes. I'm familiar with that term too, but sometimes the world isn't as black and white as you seem to believe it is.”

“Look.” He dug a piece of equipment out of his pocket. “This registers paranormal activity, and the other night when I was here with my friends, it went nuts.”

“I'm sorry your equipment was defective. Maybe it's the number of electronic devices in the area. Beacon Hill is a tiny area with a large population.”

“No. That's not it. My meter wasn't defective. It was registering some disturbing facts. For instance, your boyfriend is a paranormal. I've been trying to warn you away from him ever since that night.” He leaned back in his chair again. “But you haven't been around.”

“Maynard, I have a business to run. Thank you for stopping by and delivering your message. I'll take it under advisement.”

“Take it under advisement? Claud, this isn't a decision to ponder. I told you. You need to get out of here.”

The ugly nickname made her wince. “And I have the right to decide what I need. Right now, I need you to leave.” She rose, ready to walk out and resume her work, leaving him exactly where he was, if she had to.

He leaped to his feet. “For God's sake. What's the matter with you? Haven't you ever heard any of the vampire legends? How about werewolves? Guess what, dear. They're true. And tonight's the full moon.”

“Guess what, Maynard. I'm not your dear. And I've lived through many full moons right in this very spot. Now run along.” She waved her hand in a sweeping, dismissive gesture. She was being patronizing, yes, but she wanted him to know what it felt like.

His mouth hung open and he didn't look like he was planning to leave, so she did. She even closed the door behind her.

Anthony came breezing into the tea room, saw Claudia and rushed to her, sweeping her off her feet. His lips captured hers in the mother of all passionate kisses. She twined her fingers in his hair and breathed in the scent that was
her
Anthony. He tasted a little bit like wine, but at the moment, she didn't care. He tasted more like love.

Maynard stepped out of the office just as Anthony was setting her on her feet. He glanced up and his eyes narrowed.

“Excuse me, Claudia,” Anthony said. “I need a word with your friend.”

“He's not my friend anymore.”

Maynard tried to skirt around them, but Anthony placed himself between the researcher and the door. He stared at the weasel and said, “You're going to come into the office with me and listen to what I have to say.”

Claudia was surprised to see Maynard follow Anthony into the office like an obedient dog.

***

Anthony told Maynard to sit, and the mesmerized researcher did immediately.

“I have a few things to tell you. First of all, the research facility in which you worked has taken on a whole new direction. You no longer study paranormal abilities. In fact, you and your colleagues scoff at the idea of paranormals. You've disproved their existence altogether.

“Your grant is now funding a whole new area of research. You and everyone you work with are planning to build ultra-realistic sex dolls.

“You use robotics, as well as your expertise in computer technology and biophysics. All of you will learn a great deal about plastics and manufacturing in the coming months. You're working with a model named Ruxandra to make sure you get it right.

“The pharmaceutical company is no longer funding your group. I am. You will report your progress to me via email. Do you understand all of this?”

Maynard nodded.

“Any questions?”

Maynard shook his head woodenly.

“Good. You'd better get back to work. Your coworkers are drawing up plans and making lists of what they need as we speak. You enjoyed your short visit with your old girlfriend, but you've achieved closure. You don't need to bother her again.”

“Yes. I should get to work,” Maynard said.

“That's right.” Anthony rose and buttoned his suit jacket. “You enjoy your job and can't wait to get there.”

Maynard walked out of the office without a backward glance. Smiling, he practically skipped out the front door and down the stairs to the sidewalk.