Downstairs at Feeling Blue, the house band was setting up. On the other side of the bar, two petite blondes, both human, were clinging to Antonio. The majority of the crowd was human, but there were a few shapeshifters in the mix as well. So far, Antonio was the only vampire I could see. I watched his smile broaden as we approached, watched the slow reach of his arm send his admirers back toward the press of bodies by the band.
"You didn't have to dismiss your evening sweets, Antonio." As usual, my nervousness took refuge in sarcasm, but when I looked again, I knew it was true.
Behind my eyes, I watched Antonio awaken this evening, young blondes curled on either side of him, warm and tingly. He fed leisurely, their bodies wrapped lightly around his own. Antonio turned his head, reached absently to rub his hands over living flesh, sift his fingers through the pale hair spilling across his pillows. I shook my head, made an effort to clear away the image.
I started over, hoping something slightly more professional would come out of my mouth this time. "I've got business elsewhere, so we'll have to continue this another time."
I reached for my coat on the hook where Luka had hung it earlier, but Antonio was already holding it out for me. I considered snatching it out of his hands, but figured that would only make me look ridiculous. Instead, I let him help me into it.
"It occurs to me," I said, "that Feine probably isn't working alone." Antonio's face was a stony mask. I pressed on, "He was alone when he attacked Anya Sorensen, but as injured as he was, there must have been another with him to wound the wereleopard."
For the first time, it also occurred to me that Luka might be here for reasons of his own, that maybe he wasn't simply Antonio's beck and call boy. The deceased was his Shaman, and though I didn't know exactly what that meant, I assumed they'd been close.
"I am sorry for your loss," I said to Luka, becoming the Bereavement Specialist once again. "And I hope your associate is healing well. If there's anything I can do, please let me know."
Luka nodded at me, his green eyes cloudy for a moment. "Thank you."
Wasn't I doing enough, already? I wondered, giving my head a mental slap. But my manners, and my training, had taken over. My mother would be proud.
"You are right, of course, Olivia." Antonio's voice brought me back into the moment. "Feine would not have entered my territory alone. He's likely to have half a dozen of his own people with him." His power bristled. "They are all here without invitation."
I knew that should mean something to me, but it didn't, and I was pressed for time.
"Tell me what else you have determined about my adversary, Olivia."
The command in his voice was unmistakable, but I didn't have time to argue. I decided to cut to the chase.
"He's old," I said. "Older than you, but not as powerful." I paused a moment while Antonio soaked up the compliment, giving me time to switch gears. "That tells me just one thing, Antonio. If he believes he can defeat you, he not only brought help with him, he already has help here. One of your people has turned on you, maybe more."
"Yes." In Antonio's mouth the single syllable sounded sharper than it was. Power stormed around him, explosive. I backed away. "I will find the one who has betrayed me. There are fates worse than death for a vampire, Olivia, of that you can be sure."
White hot pain flashed through my mind, and with it, dark gray fear. Terror gripped my insides. A cool sweat raced over my skin. I'd never experienced anything like this before, and I was quite sure I never wanted to again. But there were fates worse than death for all of us, and I was pretty sure of that, too.
Luka laid his hand on Antonio's shoulder, and his power wrapped around Antonio in a cool blue-green sheet. He spoke quietly, his words moving like sand in an hourglass, though I couldn't quite hear what he said.
Antonio pulled his power back within himself, shook his head and smiled. He was all confidence again, making an effort to meet my eyes.
I don't know why, but I allowed it. My right hand strayed to the Sig at my side, but his eyes were just eyes now, large and lovely dark brown eyes. Understanding washed over me. If we were careful, Antonio and I could find a balance.
"Please allow Luka to see you to your car. I know you have another engagement this evening." Antonio was careful to keep his power away from mine as he sent tendrils toward the bar, lightly touching the patrons with a happy vibe, making sure no one was disturbed by our encounter.
Luka was a half step behind me as we walked toward the door. Again he had his hand on my arm, steering me through the crowd. And again, even through my jacket, I could feel the heat of his hand. Even after we'd left the bar, Luka didn't speak, didn't break the buzzing quiet of the city at night. His arm rested against the small of my back, his fingers dancing a delicate pattern at my waist. I was lost in the moment, mesmerized by his easy manner, the graceful way he moved, and the cool touch of his power along my skin. Even if I could have found my voice, I don't think I would have used it.
I stopped at my car, not stepping away from him until I had to unlock the door. He moved quickly, wrapping his arms around me from behind, holding my body against his. The lean muscles of his chest and stomach pressed into my back, his thighs solid against mine. His fingers brushed the swell of my breast, hot through the soft cotton of my shirt, electric. My nipples stiffened in response, my body sure of itself, sure of him.
Luka nuzzled his face behind my ear, inhaling. In the span of his breath, I knew I could drown in that moment, our bodies pressed together, veiled by the shifting city night, and never notice I'd forgotten to come up for air.
"I can smell the leopard in you, Angel," he whispered in my ear, the scars across my chest throbbing in response. My heart raced against my ribs, fear mingling with desire in a way that made me pull my body from his. "Come back to me tonight. Meet me here after your appointment."
"No," I said, opening the door. I couldn't. I wouldn't. "No," I said again, softly, shaking my head. I wasn't going to get involved with the Leopard King. Not in this lifetime. Not ever. "No."
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