Dark Ice (6 page)

A man blocked her way, with dread, she looked up.

“Sebastian, get out of my way,” Lea said, hoping her voice sounded more confident that she felt.

“Why, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Sebastian took a step forward, forcing Lea to step back into the shadows.

“Talk to me about what? We have nothing to talk about.”

“Of course we do.” He leaned in toward her. He closed his eyes for a moment and sniffed at her hair. “Well, well,” he said as he opened his eyes and pinned her with an intense stare. “We have a lot more to talk about than I originally thought.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lea went to sidestep him as every instinct in her body told her to run. To get away from him. He’d sniffed her in a very animal-like fashion and it scared her, sending ripples of repulsion down her spine.

Sebastian stepped in front of her again, his large frame blocking her way. Lea backed up until her shoulders hit the brick wall of the bar she’d just come out of. Sebastian smiled as he followed her, a hunger evident in his face.

“I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while about Moon. I know it was you who suggested she leave me.” His voice was slow and smooth, but it did nothing to calm her nerves.

“Moon wasn’t happy with you. She was a smart girl. She would have figured it out on her own. She only came to me for a bit of advice.” Lea gradually slid along the wall, her hands on the rough brickwork feeling for the side door to the bar. But she needed to keep Sebastian talking, distracted so he wouldn’t realize what she was doing. “Besides, that was months ago. Why are you worried about it now?”

“Because Moon’s family was my ticket out of here,” his voice had a feral edge to it, almost like a growl. “But since she left, I’ve had to claw my way back to the top and I have you to thank for it.”

Sebastian leaned in closer, his bright green eyes flashed red for an instant and Lea felt her reality mingle into the nightmares of the night at the club. She looked away and when she looked back, his eyes were normal again but still full of hate. He breathed in her scent and smiled maliciously.

“I would have come to see you sooner, but I’ve had a bit of trouble getting close to you. And now I know why the Venators show such an interest in you.”

Lea’s frowned at the unfamiliar word and hesitated for a split second before her hand found the cool smooth doorknob. She grasped it and readied herself to move.

“You have the scent of the polar bear all over you.”

Lea stopped. “What do you mean?”

“The bear.” Sebastian bent his head close to hers and took a long breath. “I can smell his scent mixed with yours. Like you two are lovers. I didn’t even know the bear was in town.”

“He’s not.”

“Good.” Sebastian leered and ran a hand across her cheek.

Lea pulled her head back at the contact, shock and surprise mingling with revulsion. She raised her free hand and pushed at his chest.

“Get your hands off me.”

His hand shot up and grabbed her wrist. Lea screamed and winced at the pain before fear and anger took over. She bent her head and sank her teeth into the flesh of his hand. He yelped like a dog, released her, and then he growled.

Lea twisted the door handle and pushed with all her might. She felt the void at her back and stepped into the club as Sebastian lunged at her. He half made it through the door and Lea put her weight behind it and tried to close it.

A loud growl made both of them pause. It was ferocious and angry. A large white silhouette flashed before her eyes for the second time today. Grateful for both the reprieve and the fact that she knew Dane was with her, Lea took her chance and heaved at the door. It clicked shut with Sebastian on the other side.

Lea turned and ran through the crowded bar, trying to hide in the throng of people. A pay phone sat on the wall near the bar. With a shaking hand, she picked up the receiver and pressed 911.

The phone rang and Lea spat out the taste of Sebastian’s blood. She stood with her back to the wall, so she could see if he came for her. Her eyes darted over the crowed room, but she couldn’t see him.

“This is 911, what is your emergency?”

“I’ve just been attacked,” she managed to get out.

“Do you need an ambulance?” the operator asked.

“No, I’m fine. But I’m not leaving here. He might still be outside waiting.” Lea scanned the bar again, watching for him at the doors.

“What’s your name, ma’am?”

“Lea Haines,” she answered.

“We have traced the number of the phone you’re on, Ms. Haines. Can you please confirm the name of the establishment you’re in?”

“Yes, it’s
The Edge Bar
,” Lea replied.

“Please stay in the bar and in sight of the bartender and we will have a police officer over there within ten minutes. Are you certain you’re not injured?”

“No. Just shaken.”

“Please stay where you are. The unit will be there shortly.

“Okay, I will.”

“Would you like me to stay on the line with you until they arrive?”

“No.” Lea hesitated, glancing toward the door and then at the bartender’s concerned face. “There are plenty of people around. Thank you.”

Lea hung up the phone and headed toward the bar. She placed her hands on the bar to try and steady the shaking through her body. Her heart still pounded adrenaline through her body and she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Sebastian hadn’t entered the bar as far as she was aware. At least she was safe in here. As safe as she could be given the day’s strange events. Sebastian confronting her was unexpected and scary. But not as disturbing as having seen and heard Dane twice today. Both times she’d been in trouble and the feeling of icy cold had engulfed her as a warning. Then she’d felt Dane close by, she didn’t know how or why, but she knew it was real.

Lea sat down and put her head in her hands. She wasn’t going to move until the police arrived. The police were a tangible entity that she really needed right now. Especially when her dreams were becoming a reality. And her reality was becoming a nightmare.

Chapter Five

Rin had watched as Lea headed into the side street between the office buildings and moved silently toward her. It was his duty to protect her. He’d followed her since she’d left her home this morning. He clicked his tongue in agitation. It was foolish of her to walk alone across town so early in the day. She was obviously ignorant of her predicament.

The scent of the polar bear practically emanated from her. It acted like a beacon to all the other shape shifters in the vicinity. She’d unknowingly caused a lot of confusion. The polar bear was a superior alpha male amongst the shifters. His scent usually meant he was in town and was someone to watch out for. But Dane wasn’t in town and now others were starting to ask questions.

Rin slid into the small side street, backtracking his steps and coming up behind Lea. A loud screech pierced the air. His heart in his mouth, Rin looked up. A beautiful white hawk stood out against the blue sky. It felt like centuries since he heard that familiar cry. He swallowed and forced himself to refocus on his duty. He couldn’t fall apart every time he heard the cry of a bird. No matter how much it tore at his heart and soul. His past deeds would stay that way; in the past.

“Kuso,” he cursed, slipping back into his native tongue.

He quickened his step, making his way down the alleyway. He didn’t want to lose sight of Lea. She needed his protection whether she knew it or not but the squawk of the bird hit his ears again, agitating his nerves.

His hand automatically reached inside his full length coat and rested on his Samurai sword. Disbelief coursed through him. How could this be?

The hawk swooped through the space between the buildings and into the alley. Its wing grazed the rough brick building and it cried out again. This time the cry went right through Rin’s heart.

On instincts of old, Rin stretched out his arm, welcoming the bird. The hawk flew straight to him and perched on his limb. Rin winced as talons stabbed through the too thin material of his coat. Blood oozed down his skin but he locked his muscles and held the bird in place.

“Avery,” Rin whispered, mesmerized by the familiar bright hazel eyes that blazed at him.

The bird cawed softly at him. A wave of magic hit him full force and Rin turned his head for an instant. When he turned back the bird was gone. A stunningly beautiful woman stood before him. It had been an eternity since he’d seen her, yet she still had the ability to take his breath away.

She was equal in height to him, and in skill. Her long white blonde hair and dark green eyes were a display of magic in an ancient Japanese woman. Today, they were just as beautiful as ever. Her long silk dress accentuated her lethal curves and somehow the leather motorcycle boots only added to his fascination.

“Rin. It’s been a long time.”

The lilt of her voice sent shivers across his skin and he felt his heart scream for her. But his hand was still placed firmly on his sword. He’d learned his lessons a long time ago. He steeled himself against her.

“What are you doing here, Avery?” he bit out.

“It’s time for payback,
Sensei
.”

The bitterness in her voice stung. The reminder that he was her teacher cracked the hard shell he’d worked centuries trying to erect. Avery pulled an ornate dagger from the side of her boot and came at him.

Instinct took over as Rin unsheathed his sword, blocked her attack and easily backed her against the wall. The point of the Samurai’s blade sat at the base of her throat.

“I am disappointed, Avery. I expected better things from you. Don’t make me do this,” he almost pleaded as she went to move at him again. The blade indented her smooth skin; all he needed to do was apply pressure.

She nodded and instantly he lowered his blade.

“You never learn, Rin,” Avery said. She looked at him, turned and bolted back down the alleyway toward the back of the buildings.

“Kuso,” Rin said for the second time that day. He sheathed his sword and took off after Avery, as she knew he would.

He turned the corner slowly, half expecting her to ambush him. Methodically, he searched the back streets. Irritation gnawed at him. Her sudden appearance after hundreds of years could mean only one thing. She was playing with him, tormenting him. He heard a bird call out before he saw the hawk fly over him again. Damn her, coming into his life after so long and wrecking havoc with his emotions.

Another cry brought him out of his reverie and back to reality. But this one was a human scream. Lea! The appearance of Avery had driven her from his mind. Cursing his stupidity, Rin turned on his heel and ran toward the sound. By the time he reached the alleyway, Lea was nowhere in sight. Sebastian, the shape shifter stood near the side entrance of the bar, cursing and snarling. His hand a bloody mess.

Rin slowed his pace, placing his hand on his sword, readying himself for a fight. Sebastian looked at him, growled deep within his throat, turned and slinked off toward the street.

Rin’s first instinct was to go after him, but he needed to know where the woman was. And if she was okay. If she wasn’t, it would be his fault for abandoning his post. He entered the bar and scanned the crowd. The woman stood at the bar, shaking and looking terrified, though she was trying hard to hide it.

His respect for her went up a notch. She looked over at him as he opened the door and fear and recognition widened her eyes as he went over and stood next to her.

“My name is Rin, would you please come with me?” He tried to keep his voice calm yet authoritative.

“Are you the police?”

“No, ma’am”

“Then I’m not going anywhere with you.” She went to turn away and Rin placed a hand on her shoulder to still her.

“I’m an—” Rin struggled for the least frightening explanation. “Acquaintance of the polar bear, Dane.”

He felt her stiffen under his hand.

“You’ve been following me,” she said. It was more of a statement than a question.

“Yes.”

“Why?” she asked.

“I cannot discuss it here.” Rin removed his hand from her shoulder and offered it to her, palm side up, in what he hoped was a gesture of friendship. “Please, come with me. I will tell you all I am permitted to.”

She eyed him with a healthy dose of skepticism. “And you know Dane?”

“Yes.”

“Dane the—”

“Polar bear. Yes.”

“And you expect me just to leave with you?” She shook her head. “I can’t, I’m waiting for the police to arrive.”

“The police cannot protect you.” Rin grasped her elbow, gently but firmly. “You must come with me.”

“Is everything alright, ma’am?” The bartender leaned slightly over the bar that separated them. “I heard you mention the police?”

“Everything is fine,” Rin said firmly, his grip increasing against Lea’s arm.

“I wasn’t addressing you, sir,” replied the barman.