Kiss Me When the Sun Goes Down Page 15

  Jennike didn’t lose her poise, and I have to say, I admired that. “You know how to get right to the point. I like that about you, Anja,” she smiled, continuing our meandering pace. “Alright, I’ll be honest too. My nose might’ve been the teensiest bit out of joint when I heard about your meteoric rise to fame. But you’ve come a long way since then. Sorry if I was a bitch, but you know how it is.”

  I didn’t, but that was beside the point. “So that’s what this is now? You want to bury the hatchet?” I wasn’t naive enough to think that Jennike did anything without her own gain in mind, but I couldn’t figure out what being nice to me did for her.

  “Why shouldn’t we be allies? After all, we’re in a similar boat politically. Both looking for a greater sense of respect and legitimacy in the eyes of the other Houses.”

  “I agree with what you’re saying in principle, but tell me again why I should listen to a thing you say when you’ve got Simon Corley in your back pocket? We both know he hates me more than Shield hates Hydra.”

  “That’s true,” she allowed after a pause over my unusual comparison, and I gave her points for being honest about it. “But as you say, it’s my pocket he’s in, not the other way around. Simon has his uses, but don’t for a moment think he dictates policy to me. I am the Elder of the East, and no one else.”

  I wanted to ask her about all the vamps from England squatting in Canada, but I didn’t want to let on that I even know about it, and give up that advantage. “What are you looking for then, Jennike? An accord? We already have treaties signed between the East and the West.” Most of them were drawn up when Tommy was in power and favored the East more, but it wasn’t anything I thought worth pursuing.

  “Something I think will benefit us both greatly.”

  “I’m listening.” Thanks to our slow walk, it didn’t appear that anyone else followed the conversation, though I did spy Gunnar walking several feet behind us, keeping pace.

  “When I heard of how you dealt with Carys, in her own House, it made me sit up and take notice. I think it made a lot of the Elders do the same. It was even enough to get Bakareh out of his shell to come here and check you out himself. That’s no small feat, I’ve been trying to lure him out of his hidey hole for years,” she smiled.

  This was about Carys? “What do you mean dealt with? I left Vetis with Carys ruling just fine on her own.”

  “But only because you allow her to. It’s well known that you could’ve taken her seat of power had you wanted to.”

  “What do you…?” What the heck were people saying about me now? “Please tell me exactly what you think you know about Carys and me.”

  “Simply what everyone else knows. That you are both children of Jakob, and that Carys was once his favored daughter, until he chose you. He set each of you to rule your own Houses, but Carys was filled with jealousy when you stole her progeny.”

  “I didn’t steal…” I started to say, but she cut me off with a pat on the arm.

  “Oh, it’s no crime as far as I’m concerned, sweetie. Bishop is yummy,” she approved with a predatory grin.

  “Okay, but I left Vetis alone, without Bishop.” Or Rob, or anyone remotely resembling a romantic partner. If anything, Carys was the one who’d gotten grabby with my man.

  “Yes, but not before you bested her in battle.”

  Was that what people were saying? “What makes you think that?”

  “Do you deny it?”

  “Well…” Okay, so I had beaten her in a physical fight, but the only ones in the room had been me, Rob and Carys. And I couldn’t imagine either Rob or Carys blabbing about it. I did tell Bishop about it later, but it didn’t seem like the kind of thing he’d share around either. “We did have one tiny little show down, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. It wasn’t like I called her out and we fought in the arena or anything.”

  “But you bested her. Legally, her life was forfeit to you, and all of her holdings.”

  Holy Hannah, had I walked away from another House and not even known it? I’m not going to lie, I indulged in a brief fantasy of kicking Carys out on her behind. But what would I do then? Rule both Houses from home? Appoint Felix as regent or something? It didn’t matter much because I hadn’t claimed it, and I didn’t think Carys would underestimate me again if we ever went up against each other in a fight.

  “I still don’t get how you or anyone else knows about this.”

  Jennike gave a one armed shrug. “Word travels fast in our circles. You’d be surprised to hear what’s gossiped about. Half of the men are wound around her finger, of course, but there are plenty out there that recognize Carys for what she is. I never knew her personally, she was a tad before my time, but she seems like the worst sort of female.”

  “No argument there, but what makes you say that?”

  “Carys is a relic, a throwback to the past when women were nothing more than property. I don’t need a man’s adulation to define my self worth. And I certainly didn’t need a man to place me in power. What I have in life I took for myself. Simpering and making doe eyes at the other Elders only demeans our position in my eyes.”

  “That sums her up pretty well,” I had to agree, looking at Jennike with a new perspective. We’d never be besties, she was too hard and calculating for my tastes, but I started to appreciate the shrewd mind behind her cold beauty. “Not that it matters, but neither did I. Jakob didn’t give me anything, I was elected into office.”

  “Really? How interesting. But surely your position as his daughter had something to do with it.”

  So not all of the gossip had made it to her. “Actually, it was all based on a lie. I was claiming that Carys was my Sire at the time because I couldn’t come forward as Jakob’s daughter.”

  “Oh, that’s right,” she nodded in understanding, lips curving in delight. “Very sneaky, my dear. I approve, one hundred percent. Whatever it takes to get the end result, right?”

  “No, not really.” That was the difference between us. I hadn’t schemed my way into power, nor would I ever want to be an end justifies the means kind of ruler. “I’m still not entirely sure what you want from me, Jennike. Yes, I fought Carys and won. No, I don’t intend to claim Vetis as mine any time soon. So what is it that you think I can do for you?”

  Her returning smile was brilliant. “It’s what we can do for each other.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Anja!” Hanna chose that exact moment to slide up in her heels, her face lit with joy as she caught onto my arm for balance. “This place is freaking amazing! You really own it?”

  “You’re the amazing one, you look fantastic,” I smiled over her enthusiasm. And she did. The periwinkle, sleeveless dress had a plunging neckline and a dark violet waistband. Mason caught up seconds later in a gray vest over darker gray pants with a blue shirt, not matching, but complementing her dress perfectly.

  “Sorry, she’s a wily one,” Mason said with an apologetic shrug, as Hanna picked up a flute of champagne from a passing tray and downed half of it in a single gulp.

  Jennike didn’t appear all that keen on the interruption, but she held her tongue, that familiar look of disdain arching her brows.

  “How have you not moved in here yet? This place is like a palace,” Hanna gushed, her head tipping up to study the gilt ceiling.

  “I like my place, it’s homier,” I replied, patting her arm to get her attention. “Hanna, this is Jennike Vendal, the Elder of the East.”

  “Oh, the bitchy one, right?”

  Wode tìan. Just when I’d almost come to an understanding with the other Elder. “Maybe a little less champagne for you tonight?” I suggested, taking the glass out of her hand and setting it aside.

  “I’m not drunk, I tell it like it is. I’m not the politician and I’m not one of her subjects, or yours, for that matter.”

  I opened my mouth to remind her that manners were universal, but Jennike surprised me with a smile. “It’s okay, I like a girl who’s not afraid to s
peak her mind. And you are?”

  “She’s my sister,” I answered, making it clear that Hanna and her big mouth were under my direct protection. “And politician or not, you should address any Elder as Your Grace,” I added, specifically for Hanna.

  “Except for you.”

  “Except for me.”

  “Your sister?” Jennike actually looked surprised for once in her life, and I tried to figure out if that was a good thing, or a bad thing. “My, I have underestimated you, haven’t I?” she replied, understanding in that instant how new to all of this I was. Maybe that was a tactical error on my part, but I was through lying about where I came from.

  “It’s been a crazy year,” I said with a shrug.

  “I salute you then. You’re far craftier than I gave you credit for. I’ll leave you to your family for now then. It was lovely to have met you, Hanna,” Jennike smiled with a healthy dose of civility. “Mason,” she added, her smile turning predatory.

  “Jennike,” Mason nodded, and I remembered that he used to be from Boston, right in the middle of her territory. It made sense that they knew each other.

  “Thank you for the walk, it was very illuminating,” I offered politely, and she agreed.

  “Most definitely. We’ll talk soon, yes?”

  “Can’t wait.” I kept the smile fixed in place until she was at least halfway across the ballroom before I turned to Mason and smacked him on the shoulder. “What the heck, you let her get drunk and she’s only been here for ten minutes?”

  “She’s not drunk,” he protested, flinching from the hit. “She had a couple of shots on the way over to steady her nerves. She was nervous about meeting all the people.”

  “She was,” Hanna nodded, her eyes looming large.

  “A couple of drinks? Mason, she’s five foot one and a hundred pounds soaking wet. How much do you think it takes to get her drunk?”

  “I don’t know, we don’t end up drinking all that much together.”

  “Well, not alcohol anyway,” Hanna snorted, and I turned to snap at her.

  “Stop talking please.” That was a picture I didn’t need intruding into my thoughts. “Ugh, I knew this was a bad idea in the making. Hanna, you can’t be drunk around these people, it’s too dangerous.”

  “Would you relax? Mason won’t let anything happen to me. Will you, babydoll?” she asked, looking up at him adoringly.

  “Not a chance, kitten. But, ah… maybe you should go grab a cup of coffee.”

  “As long as I don’t end up with one of those by mistake.” She wrinkled her nose with distaste at a passing tray of blood in elegant sherry glasses. “Ooh, can I get a mocha?” Hanna’s face lit up with hope, and I nodded.

  “I’m sure they’ll be able to rustle something up in the kitchen. Tell them I sent you,” I nodded, encouraging anything that led to a more sober Hanna and her out of the main party area in general.

  “Sorry, sis.” At least Mason looked sincere, but now wasn’t the time for it.

  “Don’t apologize to me, just… go stay with her!” Hanna had already started weaving through the crowd. I’d wanted to ask him about Bishop’s whereabouts, but sticking close to Hanna was way more important in her current state.

  Felix dragged me back to a group of people I needed to mingle with, and I lost myself for a while, chatting about all the social nonsense that plagued those kinds of parties.

  And then I spotted him.

  Bishop completely stole my ability to continue the conversation around me. Moving with stealthy grace, he cut through the swath of partygoers milling and dancing around, and I left Felix’s side without a word, drawn to him. Every so often, my vision of him was obscured, but my feet carried me forward, finding him without fail as though we were magnets seeking a mate.

  Dressed in a formal tuxedo, Bishop looked every inch at home in the grand ballroom, except for the pinch of worry around his eyes. Was something wrong? Was that why he’d come so late?

  Before I could ask him about it, his apologies came tumbling out. “I’m so sorry I’m late. I got a call from Rome I couldn’t put off with the other district heads. And then because so many are here tonight, there was no one else to handle an incident, and…”

  “It’s fine,” I cut him off, glad to hear it was nothing more than routine duties keeping him from my side. “It’s still early yet. The important thing is you’re here.”

  Bishop didn’t let himself off as easily as I did, still visibly upset. “No, see I had on a navy suit to match you, but I had to change out of it.”

  Because of the blood. I could smell it on him. “That’s sweet, but you look fantastic.”

  “I just… I wanted to prove that I could be there for you, and…”

  This time I cut him off with a kiss. A simple press of the lips, but the effect was electric. His entire body relaxed as the worry slid away, replaced by a different kind of tension as his arms wrapped around me.

  “I am sorry,” he whispered against my lips, as we broke the kiss.

  “You’re here now.” Neither one of us had moved away, my body still pressed up against him.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “That’s good enough for me.”

  The last lines of stress faded from his face as he smiled down at me. “In that case, may I have the pleasure of this dance?” Just as quickly, doubt returned, as his eyes flicked to the side of the room. “Or Felix is looking like he wants to bust a nut over there. Do I have to share you a while longer?”

  I didn’t even bother to look in Felix’s direction. “It’s my party, and I’ll dance if I want to.” Bishop’s answering smile told me I’d made the right decision, and the way I felt in his arms as he squired me around the dance floor, I couldn’t care less whatever political duties I’d blown off. There were some things that were more important, and I had time for one dance.

  “You’re… the dress is…” Bishop’s first attempt at conversation while we danced was awkward, and I loved him all the more for it. Knowing I made him nervous made me more confident, and I decided to rescue him from his struggle with the elusive adjective.

  “Do you like it?”

  “You’re an absolute vision.”

  “A good one, I hope. Not the kind that spells death and destruction.”

  “Huh?” He didn’t follow, so I lit upon the first example that came to mind.

  “You know, like Cordy gets on Angel or… You haven’t gotten around to watching Angel yet, have you?” I asked, when he stared at me blankly.

  “No. That’s with Angel from Buffy, right?”

  “Right. You get bonus points for that, at least,” I smiled, and he gave me a sheepish grin.

  “I’m still working my way through Buffy, but maybe we can get together and watch them sometime? Unless you’d be bored watching them again.”

  “Absolutely I would. Want to watch them again, not be bored with them,” I added hastily. Spending the evening curled up on the couch with him and classic Joss Whedon? Maybe some popcorn? I couldn’t think of a more enjoyable evening.

  “Great, it’s a date then.” He sounded relieved, as if there was a question whether or not I’d want to. Didn’t he know how much I enjoyed spending time with him?

  “How far are you into the show?”

  “I’m about halfway through season two, but I wouldn’t mind starting it over again, it’s been a while since I’ve had time to watch it.”

  “That sounds good to me, I love season two.” That’d give us plenty of nights to spend together. The idea of doing something so normal as watching a beloved show was vastly appealing, something I hadn’t had much time for lately either.

  “And Cordelia’s on that Angel show too?”

  “Yep, she and Angel are… Well, I don’t want to spoil it for you.”

  Bishop’s feet came to a halt, the dance forgotten as he stared at me. “Wait… Angel and Buffy don’t end up together?” He looked like I’d told him that there was no Santa.

  “I didn�
�t say that. But Angel does go off to L.A. on his own for a while.”

  “So they do end up together?”

  “Let’s say it’s open for interpretation.” His frown didn’t go away, and I searched for a way to explain it without giving too much away. “Look at it this way, their story isn’t over yet. The future could bring anything.”

  “Yes, it can.”

  We’d stopped dancing, but hadn’t budged from our spot on the dance floor.

  “Looking good tonight, boss.”

  At first I thought the comment was directed at me, but as I turned to see Corazon, dressed to the nines in a killer red dress, I saw it was Bishop she’d been talking to.

  Bishop stiffened, caught off guard by the mixing of our worlds, but he managed a nod in her direction. “Thanks.” His expression making it clear that he wasn’t open to more chit chat.

  I could understand it was hard for him to get chummy with his subordinates, especially when his reputation as a badass was legendary. Apart from Mason, I didn’t think I’d ever seen him relax around the other Order members. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t be friendly.

  “Hey, Corazon,” I smiled. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

  “Your Grace,” she said with a formal incline of the head, much more sober after seeing Bishop’s reaction.

  “I think you can call me Anja after what we’ve been through,” I reminded her, keeping my smile even to show I wasn’t such a stickler for formality as he was.

  “True.” A half smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, but she didn’t say more.

  “I love the dress.” Fire engine red and one of the most glamorous dresses in the room, the usually no-nonsense woman looked all female, and off duty for once. Then again, I didn’t put it past Bishop to require all Order members to attend the party in a more official capacity to keep the peace. “Are you armed?”

  “What do you think?” Her trademark smirk was back, leaving me to wonder where she’d have room to strap anything on in the form fitting gown.