Vaulcron (Enigma Series Book 3) (2 page)

Chapter Three

Vaulcron had never been so glad to see the ground as he was when they landed. He hurried off the plane, fighting nausea with every step. Yeah, air travel was not his forte.

Mallory followed him out, waving to a man in a dark suit. “Hi, Clarence. Would you mind grabbing our bags?”

The one Mallory referred to as Clarence stopped short, his mouth hanging open in obvious shock.

“The bags,” Mallory reiterated in a clipped voice. She took hold of Vaulcron’s hand and led him to a sleek black car.

“Don’t mind Clarence,” she murmured, opening the back door and slipping inside. “He’ll keep quiet about this. He owes me.”

Vaulcron folded his large frame inside the open car door and climbed in behind her.

Clarence loaded the bags into the trunk and shut Vaulcron’s door before situating himself behind the wheel. He kept his eyes facing forward. “Where to, Miss Cahill?”

“My place,” she responded, pulling a cell phone from her purse.

Vaulcron listened as she spoke about a food delivery into the phone. His stomach growled on cue.

“I hope you’re hungry?” Mallory dropped the cell phone into her bag and turned to face him.

Vaulcron grinned. “I could eat a shark.”

A chuckle escaped her pretty pink mouth. “How about salmon wrapped in rice?”

“Abbie has made that before,” Vaulcron admitted. “I found it tasty. But then, most of the human foods I have had were more than delicious.”

They rode in silence the rest of the short trip to the reporter’s home with Vaulcron watching out the window, taking in the incredible view of Destin. “It amazes me how the humans build their structures into the sky. It cannot be a safe place to reside.”

Mallory raised a dainty brow. “As opposed to living in the gulf?”

“We do not live in the gulf, Mallory. We live under it.”

“Pardon?” she murmured, staring at him through wide eyes.

“Aukrabah lies beneath the gulf’s floor, not above it.”

Mallory’s mouth opened and closed. “As much as I am dying to know more, we have arrived. We’ll talk more over dinner.”

The car came to a sudden stop outside a quaint little house surrounded by white hills and palm trees. “This is your home?” Vaulcron asked, impressed with the reporter’s dwelling.

“Yes. It belonged to my parents.”

Vaulcron watched as Clarence got out and opened Mallory’s door. She mumbled something to the driver before handing him a few bills that the humans referred to as money.

Clarence skirted the vehicle and opened Vaulcron’s door as well.

Vaulcron stepped from the car, rising to his full height. “Thank you,” he murmured, hating the fear that entered the driver’s eyes. “I am sorry that I have no money to give, but I wish for you to accept this as a token of my appreciation.”

Digging into his shorts pocket, Vaulcron fished out a small ruby stone that he’d found on the gulf’s floor during his swim to Cuba.

The driver’s face paled. His hands shook slightly as he accepted the stone from Vaulcron. “You’re giving this to me?”

Vaulcron nodded, confused by man’s reaction. “It is all that I have.”

Clarence accepted the gift with a smile that transformed his face from foe to friend. “I will treasure it. If you need anything else while you’re here, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Mallory stepped up beside Vaulcron and touched him on the arm. “Let’s get inside before we’re seen.”

“Thanks again,” Clarence gushed, jogging around the car to the driver’s side.

Vaulcron followed Mallory to the door of her home and waited while she inserted a key into the lock and pushed the door wide.

She stepped over the threshold and urged him inside. “I’m going to change my clothes. Have a seat, or look around if you’d like. I won’t be but a minute.”

Vaulcron’s gaze zeroed in on the sway of her hips as she trailed off down a hallway. He could feel the blood pooling in his shaft with every step she took.

Adjusting himself into a more comfortable position behind his sharkskin shorts, Vaulcron made his way into the front room and took a seat on the couch.

Mallory’s scent surrounded him in a seductive haze. He breathed deep, taking her into himself, basking in the essence of her sweet flavor.

“Would you like to watch some television?”

The sound of her voice startled him. He’d been so caught up in her incredible scent he hadn’t heard her return.

“If that is what…” His voice trailed off as he took in her attire.

She wore a white tank top that clung to her body, leaving little to the imagination. And man, did Vaulcron have an imagination. The tan shorts she’d donned rode low on her hips with a hint of her stomach showing.

Mallory tugged at the hem of her shirt. “Is something wrong?”

“Wrong?” Vaulcron shook off his lustful thoughts and met her gaze. “I was only admiring your…um…clothing.”

She took a seat next to him, a nervous energy surrounding her. “I wanted to be comfortable while we ate. I’ll change again once the camera crew arrives.”

“Camera crew?”

“Yes.” She pointed toward the television set. “You will be on television, just like all the other people you have seen on the screen.”

Vaulcron leaned forward and took hold of her hand. “Will the human military not learn of our location?”

A soft smile touched her lips. “Don’t worry, Vaulcron. I’ll have you back in Cuba before it airs. You will be perfectly safe.”

She thought he feared for himself? “It is not my safety that concerns me.”

A bell rang, signaling someone was at the door. Mallory got to her feet. “Don’t worry about me, Vaulcron. I can take care of myself.”

Vaulcron stood also, his hand on her arm. “Wait.”

“It’s only the food I ordered. Trust me; no one knows you’re here. Stay in here, out of sight.”

Vaulcron nodded and sank back down onto the couch to keep from being seen. He could hear Mallory’s soft voice exchanging pleasantries with the delivery person.

“The coast is clear,” she announced, setting the boxes of food on the table.

“It smells delicious.” Vaulcron rose and meandered into the kitchen, taking a seat in the chair that Mallory indicated.

She took down a couple of plates and two wineglasses before pouring them each a glass of Chablis. “Don’t be bashful. I ordered enough to feed a small country.”

Vaulcron laughed, opening a box to pull out a small pair of wooden sticks. He held them up with a questioning look.

“They’re chopsticks,” Mallory informed him, picking up her own pair and demonstrating their use.

Vaulcron watched in amazement as she used the wooden sticks to pick up a sushi roll and pop it into her mouth.

“I have seen crab and lobster do that exact same thing,” he told her with no small amount of humor.

Mallory slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes crinkling with laughter. She swallowed the bite she’d taken and quickly took a sip of wine. “I’ll never look at chopsticks the same again.”

Vaulcron picked up a round piece of sushi with his fingers and popped it into his mouth. His eyes nearly rolled back in his head as the scrumptious taste burst across his tongue. “The land walker’s food is incredible. I could eat nonstop and never grow tired of the taste.”

“I love food also,” Mallory admitted, a smile playing on her lips. “What other human things do you like besides the food, Prince of Aukrabah?”

Vaulcron thought about her question for a moment. “I like television.”

Mallory grinned. “Really? How about music?”

“I understand what music is, but I am not familiar with it.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing. Go ahead and finish your dinner. I want you to hear something.”

Vaulcron watched her spring from her chair and trail off toward the television room.

He turned his attention back to the food in front of him, but the sight of Mallory in those clingy tan shorts burned behind his eyes, making swallowing difficult.

Chapter Four

Mallory dropped to her knees in front of the giant entertainment center in her living room and opened the door to her CD’s.

She coasted a fingertip down the dozens of titles until she came to the one she sought.

“Ah…here you are,” she mumbled aloud, plucking the disc from its designated slot.

She pressed a button on the stereo, ejecting the CD tray, and popped the shiny disc inside.

Moments later, the soulful sound of the blues poured from the speakers in the form of Jonny Lang.

Mallory momentarily closed her eyes, soaking up the hypnotic melody of Jonny’s voice.

She wasn’t sure how long she sat there, lost in the song, before pushing to her feet and stumbling into the Prince of Aukrabah.

“Shit. You scared me,” Mallory breathed, grabbing onto his massive forearms to steady herself.

“I did not mean to frighten you.” He glanced at the stereo and then back to her. “I have never heard anything like this before.”

The awe in his voice didn’t go unnoticed by Mallory. “Would you care to dance?”

A small indention settled between his sexy eyes. “I do not know how to dance.”

Mallory slid her palms down his arms and gently took hold of his hands. “I’ll show you. Follow my lead.”

She adjusted her hold on him, basking in the feel of his arms coming around her as she stepped in close.

Her face nearly touched his shoulder, her body aligned with his larger one.

Mallory began to slowly sway to the music, leading him in a dance that felt as natural as breathing.

His incredibly provocative scent drifted up her nose, awakening feelings she hadn’t felt in a long time. If ever.

“You’re a fast learner,” she murmured, tilting her face up to look into his emerald-green eyes.

His arms tightened around her. “I have decided that I like your music, Miss Cahill.”

“Mallory,” she whispered, dropping her gaze to his mouth. “Call me Mallory.”

He studied her lips for long moments, his head slowly descending. “Mallory.”

The doorbell rang, pulling Mallory out of her sensual haze.

She reluctantly freed herself from his hold and turned off the music before rushing to answer the door.

Jackson and Griffin, Mallory’s two-man camera crew, stood on the porch, wide-eyed and undoubtedly anxious.

Jackson stepped forward, holding an armful of equipment. “You said for us to be here by six.”

Mallory pinched the bridge of her nose. “Yes. Come in. Time must have gotten away from me.”

Holding the door wide for her small camera crew, Mallory glanced nervously toward the living room where she’d left Vaulcron.

“Is something wrong, Mal?” Jackson set his equipment down on the kitchen table, indicating that Griffin should do the same.

“No. Yes.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “Okay. I briefed you on what this is about, but seeing him in person might be a little intimidating. I would appreciate it if you could keep your jaws off the floor when you meet the Bracadyte.”

Jackson lifted an eyebrow. “It’s here now?”

“He,” Mallory stressed. “And his name is Vaulcron.”

“I’m sorry, Mal. I didn’t mean to sound insensitive. He’s not dangerous, is he?”

Mallory shook her head. “He won’t harm you, if that’s what you’re asking. He’s actually very sweet.”

“Sweet?” Griffin chuckled. “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you refer to anyone as sweet before.”

Mallory took a patient breath. “I’m going to introduce you to him. Be on your best behavior.”

Vaulcron picked that moment to step into the room. His gaze zeroed in on Jackson, leaving Mallory stumped by the aggression shining in the Bracadyte’s eyes.

Rushing around the table, Mallory took hold of the prince’s large hand. “Vaulcron, this is my camera crew. They’re not here to hurt us.”

Vaulcron continued to watch Jackson, uncertainty swimming in his emerald stare. “They are friends of yours?”

“Yes,” Mallory insisted, giving his hand a slight tug.

Vaulcron glanced down at her before returning his gaze to her cameraman. “Very well.”

Mallory’s shoulders instantly relaxed. “This is Jackson, and the man to his left is Griffin. They will be setting up for the interview in the living room.”

Jackson sent a quick nod to Vaulcron before gathering up his equipment and striding off toward the living room. Griffin followed suit.

Mallory breathed a sigh of relief. “I need to go change my clothes for the interview. I’ll be out in five minutes.”

Vaulcron glanced at the table. “You are not going to finish your meal?”

“I’m not all that hungry. You may eat it if you’d like. It’s not good to let it sit too long. It dries out quickly.”

Mallory turned and strode off down the hall toward her bedroom. Nerves jumped around in her stomach with every breath she took.

She dropped her weight on the foot of the bed and stared at herself in the mirror.

Fear was something Mallory had learned to overcome years ago, but guilt? She’d battled that emotion quite frequently throughout her years as a reporter until it had eventually faded.

Mallory Cahill had used nearly every weapon she held in her arsenal to get what she wanted. Though she’d never resorted to using her body, she certainly wasn’t above flirtation. And she’d definitely flirted with the Prince of Aukrabah.

You enjoyed it, a small voice spoke inside her head.

She had enjoyed it, Mallory silently conceded. More than she cared to admit.

Something about the prince made her knees weak, her stomach flutter, and her heart pound.

Maybe it was the anticipation of what she would uncover or the excitement of furthering her career.

Who was she kidding? Mallory wondered, lying back on the bed to stare up at the ceiling. Vaulcron was responsible for the unexpected libido she’d been experiencing since arriving in Cuba. But nothing had prepared her for the feeling of being in his embrace.

Throwing an arm over her eyes, Mallory ground her teeth in agitation. She should have never danced with him, touched him, held him close.

If she lived to be a hundred, Mallory would never forget the alluring scent of Vaulcron’s skin or the sheer power exuding from his every move. The man radiated sex without even trying.

She shook off her inappropriate thoughts and sprang from the bed like a woman on a mission.

After selecting a creme-colored top and dark tan skirt, she touched up her makeup, twisted her hair into a loose knot, and dressed in record time.

Slipping on a pair of pumps, Mallory yanked the bedroom door open and nearly ran into her cameraman. “Damn it, Jackson. What’s with the creeping? You scared the heck out of me.”

He rested a hand on his hip, stepping back to allow her to pass. “I wasn’t creeping. I was coming to find out what the holdup was.”

“Sorry. I have a lot on my mind.” She intentionally left out the part about a certain Bracadyte consuming her every thought.

“I’m sure,” Jackson agreed, following close behind her. “Especially with Amy’s birthday being less than a week away. Have you decided on where you’re having the party?”

Mallory nodded. “I figured we’d have it at her place. She would be more comfortable there.”

Vaulcron stood next to the kitchen table, his head tilted to the side. “You have a child?”

Mallory’s heart skipped a beat. He seemed to grow more beautiful with each passing minute.

She stopped in front of the tall Bracadyte. “Amy is my younger sister.”

“I would very much like to meet her,” Vaulcron murmured, a smile on his full lips.

Mallory waved her hand toward the living room. “Let’s move into there. And Amy lives at Piney Point Home for the Blind. The risk of you being seen by one of the staff members would be far too high.”

Vaulcron appeared surprised by Mallory’s statement. “Your sister is without sight?”

“Yes. I’ll tell you all about her after the interview.”

Mallory guided Vaulcron to the couch and took a seat, pulling him down next to her. “Here’s what is about to happen. I’m going to ask you a series of questions, to which you answer as honestly as you can. Those two guys” —she jerked her chin in Jackson and Griffin’s direction— “will be recording us to later play on the television. Do you understand?”

“I grasp the concept,” Vaulcron admitted. “I will follow your lead.”

“Excellent.” Mallory clipped on their microphones and nodded toward Jackson. “Roll camera.”

The interview lasted for half an hour, with Mallory questioning Vaulcron about everything that had happened since the explosion that injured Hauke and his crew more than a year ago. Ending with, “What are your expectations as far as the humans are concerned?”

Vaulcron faced the camera, an intense look in his eyes. “We only want what everyone wants. To live in peace. We wish no harm to the land walkers, nor would we ever intentionally inflict pain without adequate cause.”

“What would you consider adequate cause?” Mallory prompted, with a slight head tilt.

“Threats to our families, our way of life. Though the Bracadytes have some genetic differences, we are not so different from humans. We have families and homes. And we bleed as everyone else does.”

Mallory’s throat nearly closed with emotion. She had to stop and take a deep breath before continuing. “Are you saying that we have nothing to fear from the Bracadytes?”

Vaulcron nodded. “We are not the cause of the Incola virus. The bacteria we carry in our barbs is used to paralyze our food. It is not meant as a weapon against the land walkers.”

“So, what you’re saying is, the venom is not dangerous to humans?”

“It can be,” Vaulcron admitted. “I will not lie. Especially for the sick and elderly. But it did not cause the destruction that now sweeps the land.”

Mallory turned back to the camera, finishing up the interview with the information about the CDC and President Howell’s knowledge of the virus’s mutation that she’d acquired from Doctor Sutherland before his death.

With an inward sigh of relief, Mallory swiped her hand beneath her chin in a signal to stop rolling the cameras. “I believe that’s a wrap.”

Jackson scurried around, unplugging cords, grinning like a kid on Christmas day. “That was amazing, boss. When are you planning on running it?”

Mallory stood. “I’ll want to see it once you’re done editing it. I’m thinking we can have it ready for tomorrow evening’s news.”

Jackson’s mouth dropped open. “You don’t want to run it tonight?”

“No,” Mallory barked, removing her shoes before skirting the couch. “I’ll wait until Vaulcron has returned safely home. Call me as soon as you are done with editing.”

“But—”

“Just do it, Jackson,” Mallory ground out, effectively cutting him off. “And not a word to anyone.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Jackson gathered up his equipment and nodded for Griffin to precede him from the room.

Mallory waited until the door closed behind them before speaking. “You did a great job, Vaulcron. You have no idea how grateful I am that you agreed to do the interview.”

Vaulcron rose to his full height. “It is I who am grateful. I am indebted to you, Mallory. Perhaps now the military will cease fire on Aukrabah.”

More guilt tightened Mallory’s gut. She knew damn good and well that her interview wouldn’t remove the Bracadytes from the line of fire. But maybe it would humanize them enough to staunch some of the public panic and shift the blame where it needed to be. On the government.

“Let’s hope so, Vaulcron.”