Kindling Flames: Burning Nights (The Ancient Fire Series Book 6) (13 page)

“Makani.” Kusanagi called out breaking into the men’s conversation.

The heavier set man of the two turned to look at him.

Kusanagi held his hand out towards Darien. “I’d like you to meet our Master Darien.”

Makani gave Darien an evaluating look before holding his hand out to him. “
Aloha
, Master Darien.”

“
Aloha
, Master Makani.” Darien answered as he clasped the man’s hand and took his measure. Makani was stout, but solidly build. His hair was dark and his skin was golden despite the fact that he was a vampire. Black tribal tattoos wrapped around his shoulder and down his arm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Makani said as he released Darien’s hand. “I do hope you’re enjoying your stay on our islands.”

“I haven’t had much of a chance since I’ve only just arrived, but what I have seen has been lovely,” Darien said with an easy smile.

Makani smiled back. “Then you’re in for a treat tonight. Polunu, Mano, and I have a fire dance planned for you.” He held his hand out to the other man standing with him. “I know you’ve already met Mano, but this is my second, Polunu.”

Darien gave the man a quick glance. He was smaller than Makani but bore a similar tribal tattoo on his arm and shoulder. Both men wore colorful material wrapped around their waist, leather cords with claws around their necks, and grass bands around their legs. “It’s a pleasure,” Darien said, holding out his hand.

Polunu recoiled from Darien’s outstretched hand before turning to Makani. “I have to go see to things.” He glared at both Darien and Kusanagi. “Much goes into a show and we were given little time to prepare.” The smaller man turned away from Darien and stormed off.

Darien dropped his hand down to his side, shocked at the open hostility. He’d expected some animosity simply due to the fact that he was an outsider who hadn’t properly notified the Council he was coming, but nothing like this.

“Forgive him.” Makani started to apologize, but Darien missed the rest of his words as his mind rang with Vicky’s screams.

Cringing in pain, he turned away from the man just in time to hear Shuri scream for her master.

“Victoria!” Darien cried, racing back to the low decking with Kusanagi, Kuo, and Makani hot on his tail. Leaping up onto the wood, he skidded to a halt just before crashing into Vicky’s tray.

“She’s not breathing!” Shuri said as she held Vicky to her.

Shoving the scorpion chair out of the way, Darien dropped to the cushions and pulled Vicky from Shuri’s arms. Her face was flushed and tremors ran through her body. Opening himself up, Darien pressed his mouth over hers to blow air and magic into her. A bitter flavor burned his mouth and anger rolled through him. Her life flickered under his touch as he forced her cells to accept the oxygen they so desperately needed.

He held her for a few more minutes, moving air in and out of her lungs until he was certain she would remain breathing on her own. Slowly he pulled back and pinned Shuri with a look that was heated with anger. “What did she eat?”

Stunned, Shuri pointed at the tray. “The drink.”

Darien glanced at the tray to see the coconut cup. Turning his attention back to Vicky, he shifted her out of his arms and rested her on the pillows. Carefully, he brushed a stray curl from her face as he checked her again. Her skin was pale as moonlight with just a slight hint of pink on her cheeks. It was a good color for her. He brushed his hand over her stomach checking the life of her children. Twin sparks beat against his power, reassuring him that they were unharmed. There was still much he had to do to heal her, but for the moment, she was stable.

Shifting away from her, he reached for the cup. He considered the fruit and the paper umbrella before pulling them out and inspecting the contents of the cup. The whitish concoction smelled of coconut, pineapple, and rum. There was a hint of something else there, but the sharp tang of the alcohol made it unidentifiable. Grabbing the straw, Darien took a tentative sip of the drink. He rolled the liquid around confirming what he had suspected. His eyes lifted from the drink and glared at Kusanagi who’d stopped several feet back. Pinning him place, Darien stood up and held the drink out. “Explain this!” he demanded.

Kusanagi stared at him and shook his head.

“Don’t give me that!” Darien bellowed. Slowly he stalked towards the Hawaiian vampires. “I came to Hawaii with no intention of bothering the Council. I just wanted a few quiet days alone with my wife for our honeymoon. But I came here on your request because it was the proper thing to do.” He stopped and glared at Kusanagi. “I’ve suffered through your thinly veiled insults and outright disrespect so I could get back to enjoying my vacation, and this is how you repay me. By
poisoning
my wife!” He threw the coconut down at Kusanagi’s feet hard enough for it to split in two.

Kusanagi staggered back, but the colada splashed all over his pants. He stared down at the spilled drink. “Poisoned?” He looked back up at Darien. “Are you sure?”

Rage flowed through Darien. “In the millennium I’ve walked this earth, I’ve lost count of the number of times people have tried to kill me. Stakes, swords, sun, fire, guns,
and
poisons. Hemlock, belladonna, arsenic, tomatoes, but there is no mistaking the acrid burn of
potassium
cyanide
!” Turning on his heels, he stormed back over and scooped Vicky from the cushions. He gave Kusanagi a sidelong look filled with anger. “Find out who did this. And I want them alive.” He started towards the edge of the deck, eyes pointed straight forwards. “And if you can’t, I’ll find someone who can.”

Silence fell over the gathered crowd as Darien’s strides took him across the sand to the pathway leading out.

Running footsteps sounded on the path behind Darien and he glanced back just long enough to recognize Mano racing towards him. The man’s neat suit was gone. He was now dressed in the same cloth wrap and grass leis as Makani and Polunu had been.

Mano slipped past him and arrived at the door to the building a few steps ahead of Darien “My lord,” he said as he pulled it open and held it for the vampire.

The man’s consideration didn’t make the situation any better, but it helped to take the sharp edge from Darien’s rage. “Thank you,” he said as he stepped through.

“Give me a moment, and I’ll get the keys.” Mano said, following them into the house.

Darien nodded as Mano passed him, ran along the side of the pool, and turned down the hall. Darien crossed to the other side of the room. He clutched Vicky to him, tracking the poison as it coursed through her veins. His power raced behind it, repairing the damage, but it would take him a while before he could clear it completely from her system.

Tilting his head down, he nuzzled the side of her hair “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’ll fix this and we’ll go home.” Their vacation was essentially ruined anyway. Even with his power’s help, Vicky would need a few days’ rest to recover fully. Potassium cyanide was truly nasty stuff. Even as a vampire, he felt its effects. He rubbed his tongue along the roof of his mouth tasting the burn it had left. As it was, he was going to need the rest of that bottle of mead to bolster both his personal healing abilities and his powers. Either that or fresh blood, and he really didn’t feel like hunting or asking for it. He’d had enough of the Hawaiian Council’s hospitality for one night. He just wanted to get Vicky back to the hotel safely. Thankfully, Mano didn’t take long to retrieve the keys to the car.

“Forgive me,” Mano said as he pulled the car door open and held it for Darien.

“Thank you,” Darien said. He spared a glance at the man before loading Vicky into the car. Mano was still dressed in the loincloth, but he’d pulled the grass leis off and slipped into some dark loafers. A tribal tattoo sprawled across his chest and shoulder. It was similar in design as Makani and Polunu but less elaborate.

Taking the door from Mano’s hand, Darien shut it. “Please take us back to the hotel,” he said as he walked around the car to get in on the other side.

“Yes, my lord,” Mana said, hopping in the front and starting the car.

Darien sighed and slipped in the back with Vicky. He turned so his back was against the door and pulled her into his lap. Resting her back against him, he cradled her as they started the long drive back to the hotel.

After a few quiet minutes, Mano broke the silence. “Will she be okay?”

Darien met the man’s eyes in the rearview mirror. There was genuine concern there. “Yes,” he answered, dropping his gaze back to the woman in his lap. “She’s fay touched,” he explained, knowing it was probably the reason she hadn’t succumbed to the poison before he’d gotten to her. That touch of magic was, without a doubt, what was keeping their children safe. Like it or not, he owed Lady Aine a debt of gratitude. Putting that out of his mind for now, he went on. “She’ll need to rest for a few days, but she’ll suffer no lasting effects from this.”

“From being fay touched?” Mano asked in awe.

Darien chuckled. “I’m somewhat of a skilled healer, too.”

Mano nodded and turned his attention back to the road. After a few more miles, he broke the comfortable silence that had settled into the car. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

Another heavy breath slipped from Darien. “Thank you. An apology always helps, although I don’t hold you responsible for what happened. That is, unless you did it.” He gave Mano a critical glare.

“No,” Mano said nervously.

Darien let the answer hang for a moment before relaxing. “Good,” he said, breaking the tension. “I didn’t want to have to kill you. You’re a good man.”

Sounds of the road echoed through the car as Mano let that sink in. “I’m still your man for the rest of your stay in Hawaii.” He met Darien’s eyes in the mirror again. “If you need anything, let me know and I’ll get it for you,” he said in a serious tone.

“Thank you,” Darien said with a warm smile. “All I need is to get her back to the hotel so she can rest. I’ll sort everything out later.”

Mano nodded and turned his attention back to the road.

Darien caressed Vicky’s arm as he relaxed back and thought about all the things he needed to do. He had a sinking feeling that Kusanagi would not bring him Vicky’s attacker alive. More than likely, he was going to have to call Clara to find out how to contact the Grant Council for an enforcer. That was going to ruin everyone’s week.

The familiar feel of power brushing against the inside of her skin met Vicky as she woke. Letting out a contented sound, she burrowed into the solid mass next to her. The arms around her tightened, holding her close. “Morning,” she muttered, snuggling deeper into Darien. He was so warm and comforting but she didn’t want to wake up yet.

“Good afternoon,” he answered.

Vicky’s eyes popped open as she leaned back to look at him. “Afternoon?”

“It’s almost one,” he said with a gentle smile. “How do you feel?”

She considered him, confused by his words. It was very unusual for her to sleep past nine, let alone until noon. She was never in bed this late, even when she was sick. Carefully, she searched herself. “Okay,” she said. “A little tired and a bit sore.” There was a bone-deep ache that she couldn’t explain. Like she had pushed herself too hard in a workout. “What happened?” she asked, moving back so she could see him better.

Darien’s gaze shifted across her face, evaluating her. “What do you remember?”

Drawing a deep breath, she rolled to her back and stared up at the strange ceiling. She worked her mind, but couldn’t bring up anything outstanding. Definitely nothing to cause the dull ache. “What am I supposed to remember?”

“Do you remember going to the luau?” he asked and moved so he could see her better. Lifting his head, he rested his elbow on the pillow and placed his fist against his cheek to prop himself up.

Vicky watched him as she thought. Her mind churned, but all she could come up with was a vague impression of sand and people. It was there, but she couldn’t get anything to focus. “Maybe?”

He made a concerned noise. “Do you remember the chair?”

“Chair?” she asked, trying to recall a chair. Again, there was a blurry impression of something disgusting made of dark wood but she couldn’t quite visualize it. Apprehension bloomed in her heart and she stared at her love. “What happened?”

Darien studied her face for another moment before he answered. “You were poisoned.”

Gasping, she pressed her hand into the blanket over her stomach.

“They’re fine,” he reassured her as he reached to take her hand.

She felt him open her connection and fill her with his power. Taking her hand, he pressed it over her womb. Two little sparks of life fluttered against her senses. She gasped at him, amazed.

His gentle smile widened in delight. “I know.” Joy filled his voice as he spoke. He leaned in and kissed her gently. “But we can’t stay like this for long,” he said, shifting back to where he’d been resting. “’I’ll burn myself out. I’m already drained as it is.” He eased his power back until the flutters of life were just a ghost to her senses.

It left her bereft for the touch, but she laced her fingers together with his, happy he’d shared the sensation with her. “Is that what you always feel?” she asked, slightly jealous of his gift.

“Only when I’m looking for them,” he said as he lifted her hand up to kiss it. “And yes, I’ve spent a lot of time checking on them today.”

Vicky relaxed back into her pillow and stared up at the ceiling as Darien held her hand. She rubbed her free hand over her stomach thinking about their children.

“Are you hungry?” Darien asked breaking into her thoughts.

She rolled her head so she could see him again. Just the thought of food brought back the queasy feelings she’d been dealing with for the last few weeks. “Not really.”

“Do you think you could try?” Darien asked in a coaxing voice.

Letting out a sigh, she released his hand and rolled away from him. A light groan slipped out as she swung her legs out of the bed and sat up. She rocked her head forwards and rolled it trying to ease the stiffness in her neck. She felt unusually stiff all over. The bed behind her dipped as Darien moved around. As his hands slid down her upper arms, his power washed over her, but it didn’t do much to ease the feeling.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I’ve been trying to fix the damage, but I didn’t realize how nasty cyanide was.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest.

Vicky turned her head and watched him through the corner of her eye.

“It prevents the body from using oxygen properly, and although I can heal most wounds, working at a cellular level takes more finesse than I had realized. You’ve got to push the mitochondria to produce the right enzymes, or you could overload the cells.”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

He shrugged. “I looked it up online.” Letting her go, he settled back on the bed.

She turned farther so she could see him properly.

“I’ve dealt with cyanide in myself before, but never in another person.” He explained. “It’s such a fast acting poison that I’ve never been close enough to help. I didn’t realize how different it was from the slower-acting poisons, and I tried to get your system to metabolize it out. That didn’t work as well as I’d hoped. It took a bit of internet anatomy to figure out what went wrong, but I did finally get all the cyanide out of your system and got everything working right again. You’re probably going to be tired for the next few days, but I can’t find any lasting damage.”

“I’m stiff and sore,” Vicky explained.

Darien gave her a concerned look and reached for her hand again. “That could be from where I over-stressed your cells before I’d realized what was happening.”

Nodding her understanding, she took his hand and felt a trickle of his power push into her. The familiar impression of warm feathers rubbed against her skin, but the sensation was weaker than she had ever felt before. “Have you been at this all night?” she asked, squeezing his hand.

He gave her a weak nod.

“And you haven’t slept or fed, have you?”

Darien shook his head.

Vicky gave him an exasperated smile. “Darling, I realize that you’ve been taking care of me, but you need to take care of yourself as well. Will Lady Aine’s mead be enough to revive you, or do you need fresh blood?”

“The mead will be enough,” he reassured her.

“Good,” she said, glad that he didn’t need to go hunting. “Then drink some and get some rest.” She squeezed his hand and stood up from the bed. “I think I’m going to hit the shower and see if some hot water will help.”

“I’ll come with you,” Darien said as he moved to get off the bed.

Vicky placed her hands on his shoulders and kept him from rising. “No,” she said, pushing him back so he sat on the mattress. “Rest. I’m only going to take a shower.”

Darien snorted in amusement and smiled. “All right.” He took her hand again. “But let me know if you need me.” Squeezing her hand, he kissed it.

She leaned forwards and kissed him softly. “I will,” she promised. Straightening, she pulled her hand from his and headed towards the bathroom. The suite Darien booked had a smaller bathroom than she was used to. The toilet was separated in a room to the left, and the sink and the large glass shower were open to the bedroom.

Reaching into the shower stall, Vicky twisted the knob so the water could warm. Her mind churned over what Darien had told her. Someone had poisoned her with cyanide. But the question that bugged her was why. As an older vampire, wasn’t Darien supposed to be respected? She glanced back at Darien. Instead of lying back on the bed properly, he was bent over at the waist so he lay at an odd angle watching her.

A grin curled her lips. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting?” she teased as she gathered the things she would need to wash and tucked them into the corner of the shower.

“I am,” he replied, but didn’t stop watching her.

Laughing, she grabbed the hem of her shirt. She spared a thought for the garment as she pulled it over her head. It was one of Darien’s, but she wasn’t sure how she’d gotten into it. He must have changed her out of her sundress when he brought her back last night. Wadding the soft cloth up, she hurled it at him playfully. “Then go to sleep.”

Chuckling, he caught the shirt before it could hit him in the head. Desire heated his eyes, but he didn’t move. “You know, if I had more energy, I’d come over there and make you pay for that.”

Vicky laughed as she slid her panties over her hips and let them drop to the floor. “And that’s why you should get some rest,” she said. Gathering a towel from the rack, she moved it closer so it would be ready when she got out. “I think that later, when we are both feeling better, I should enjoy taking you up on that threat.” She pulled the shower door open and stepped inside before he could respond.

His replying laughter was barely audible over the sound of the falling water.

Smiling, Vicky turned her attention to her shower. Stepping into the spray, she tilted her head forwards to let the hot water beat on her. She reveled in it, letting her mind drift as the heat loosened the stiffness in her muscles. It was heavenly. After a while, she found the soap and started to wash as she thought about the night before. She still couldn’t remember everything, but there was an impression of something important. A beautiful woman came to mind. She had long, dark hair and pale skin. There was something unnatural about the woman, but Vicky couldn’t put her finger on what. Shaking her head, she pushed the memory aside. She had learned after her encounter with the ifrit that forcing herself to remember something wasn’t always a good idea. There were still nights when she woke up from nightmares, screaming.

Shutting the shower off, she squeezed the water from her hair. As she turned towards the door, she smiled at the sight just beyond the glass. Darien stood in the space in front of the sinks holding her towel open for her. “Aren’t you supposed to be recovering?” she asked as she opened the door and stepped out to meet him.

Darien wrapped the soft cloth around her and started to rub the water from her skin. “I had some mead while you were in the shower.”

She snorted and leaned her head in against his chest. “Oh Darien,” she said exasperated. There was no way a little mead could replace the rest he so desperately needed, even if he had chugged a whole bottle. Something Vicky couldn’t see him doing. “You need to get some real rest.” Standing up, she looked up into his face. His skin was paler than usual and his normally bright green eyes were dark with exhaustion.

“I’m fine,” he insisted. His power ghosted over her again as he checked her over.

A hint of anger rose in her. It was clear that she was going to have to do something before he pushed himself too far. She could feel his concern through their link, and she understood where it came from, but if she let him go, he would spend the rest of the day using what little strength he had to check on her. “Enough!” she said, pushing him back away from her. She took the towel from his hands, wrapped it around her body, and tucked it in. “You need rest,” she snapped, stepping forwards and grabbing his arm.

He started to protest as she forced him back into the bedroom, but she cut him off.

“No,” she said unwilling to let him speak. “Lay down!” she ordered as she pushed him to sit on the bed.

“I’m fine,” Darien insisted again.

“Darien!” Vicky snapped as her anger got the better of her.

He wilted under her fury. His eyes held a hint of hurt that cooled her temper.

“I know you,” she said in a calmer voice. Turning, she settled on his lap sideways and wrapped her arms up around his neck. His hands came up to hold her loosely in place. She studied his face as she spoke. “You’re not fine. You’re worried.”

He breathed in, but let the air out without disagreeing with her.

She went on. “I know you’re upset. And I understand why you’re concerned. But when you get like this, you focus on what’s bothering you and lose sight of everything else. Including yourself.” She pulled her hand from around his neck and rested it in the center of his chest. “You’re not doing either of us any good like this.” Pushing on their connection, she slipped into his mind. She had never been able to read his thoughts unless he gave them to her, but she could feel his emotions swirling around. He was seeing her point, but she could tell he needed a little more convincing before he gave in. “I love how you fuss over me, sweetheart, but right now you need to rest more than you need to fuss. Besides, it’s past noon.” She slipped from his lap and stood up. “No self-respecting vampire should be awake at this time of day,” she teased. “Now get in bed and go to sleep.”

Darien chuckled at her. “Oh, all right,” he said in an obviously fake, defeated tone. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her. “But you will wake me if you need me.”