The Vampire’s Kiss(26)
Author: Cynthia Eden

«Jack Donovan.” His voice wasn’t quite steady, but he managed to meet William’s probing stare.

«And you were hired to follow Savannah.»

Jack nodded.

«Why?»

Jack looked beseechingly at Savannah. She said, “Jack knows that I’m after the man who murdered my brother. He was trying to find the killer, too.»

«So he trailed you.” William shook his head in disgust. “How long have you been following her?»

«Since she left Seattle.»

«Tell me who hired you.»

Savannah heard the compulsion in William’s voice.

Jack answered immediately. “I don’t know. He said his name was Jonathan Gilbert. He told me his brother had been killed by the same person that attacked Mark Daniels. He hired me to follow Savannah. He said she would lead me to the killer.»

Savannah sat on the edge of the bed. “He never met his client. They just talked on the phone and exchanged messages on the Internet.»

«How much did you tell him?” William asked, using that same soft, compelling tone.

«Everything,” Jack said, his voice flat. “I told him every move that she made. Who she talked to. Where she was staying. When she came to visit you.»

William swore and turned to look at Savannah. “He’s going to be coming for you.»

«Wait just a minute!” Jack held up his hand. “What are you saying? That my client—»

«Is the one who butchered those people,” William finished. “And, thanks to you, he now knows exactly where he can find Savannah.»

Savannah stared down at her right palm. The scratches were barely visible now. He’s going to be coming for you. Her fingers clenched into a fist.

«Let’s not jump to conclusions—” Jack began.

«You know I’m right,” William interrupted, his tone brisk. “Don’t deny it. That’s why you’re here. Deep down, you know who he is. You know what he’s capable of.” He paused a beat. “You know what he’s going to do.»

Jack’s shoulders slumped. He suddenly looked very, pale. “We need to call the cops.” His voice was hoarse. “If you’re right, if that guy’s the killer, we have to get the hell out here.»

«No,” Savannah said softly, firmly. “The police can’t help us.” And they couldn’t. She’d learned that lesson already. The only one who could help her was William.

«Of course, they can!” Jack’s voice was stronger. Fiercer. “They’ve got guns. If this guy comes after you, they can stop him. They can shoot him!»

«A gun won’t stop him,” Savannah said. If only it were that easy. “You can’t kill him with a gun.»

Jack stopped pacing. “Lady, you can kill anything with a gun. Trust me. I was on the force for ten years. A bullet in the heart will stop any killer in his tracks.»

William moved closer to Savannah. His legs brushed against the side of the bed. “But it won’t stop a vampire.»

«A vamp—” Jack’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you talking about, man? Are you crazy or some—” He broke off, his mouth falling open in disbelief.

William stared back at him, his eyes glowing blood red, his gleaming incisors a dark threat.

«Shit.” Jack’s body seemed to tremble. “Shit,” he repeated. “This can’t be happening. You can’t be a—»

«He is,” Savannah said. “William’s a vampire.»

«Your eyes! Your teeth!” Jake began to breathe heavily. “You’re a freaking vampire!»

William’s lips twitched. “You’re certainly observant, Detective.»

Savannah frowned at Jack, vaguely concerned. He sounded like he might be having an asthma attack. “Are you all right?»

«Fine.” He gasped. “Just.” Gasp. “Great.” He breathed deeply, inhaling and exhaling. He looked a bit like a fish that had been jerked out of his nice, comfortable home in the water. “I don’t believe this,” he whispered. “I don’t believe this!»

«Believe it.” William’s eyes glowed.

«But vampires aren’t real.»

«Trust me.” William smiled, showing his fangs. “I’m very real.»

Jack’s body swayed.

Uh-oh. Savannah bit her lip. It looked like the good detective might pass out at any moment. “Jack? Are you sure you’re all right?»

«Dandy. Just freakin’ dandy.” He closed his eyes and exhaled. He stood there a moment, not saying a word, just breathing. In. Out. In. Out.

Savannah frowned.

His eyes snapped open. He pointed at William. “You’re a vampire.»

«Guilty.” Mocking, cold.

Jack’s lips thinned. “And the guy out there killing people, he’s a vampire, too?»

Savannah thought he appeared to have his focus back now. Good. Maybe he could help them, after all. “That’s why all of the blood was drained from the victims. He was feeding.»

Jack asked, “I’ve been talking to a vampire? My client was a vampire?»

«Yes,” she said.

Jack squared his shoulders. His breathing was still erratic, but he appeared to be regaining control. “You’re right. The cops can’t help.»

Savannah looked up at William. “When do you think he’ll come?” She wanted to be ready. She had to be ready.

William didn’t immediately reply. He cocked his head to the side, almost as if he were listening to something. Or someone.

«William?»

He shook his head, his gaze focusing on her. “Soon. He’ll come as soon as he can.»

«We have to be ready.»

«Ready?” Jack shook his head. “We’ll be ready when we get the hell out of here.»

«No,” William disagreed softly. “Savannah’s safer here than she would be anywhere else.»

Jack looked doubtful. “No offense, but, I got to her. And if I could get to her, then I am damn sure he could get to her.»

William stiffened. He peered down at Savannah. “How, exactly, did the good detective get to you?»

It was Jack who answered. “It wasn’t hard. She was alone, walking in the woods. If I’d been the killer, she would be dead now.»

Savannah shot to her feet. She ran toward Jack, pushing her finger against his chest. “You’re lucky that you’re not dead!” It infuriated her that he thought she was so defenseless. She could protect herself.

He grabbed her hand. “Come on, Savannah. You’re not strong enough—»

His words ended on a yell as Savannah pulled his arm forward and effortlessly flipped him to the floor.