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  Bullshit. You’re hurting him, and he doesn’t even know yet. Franklin’s sleep was restless, his mind divided and his body wanting.

  12

  First Blood

  Franklin

  People were still enjoying the park, kicking around soccer balls, jogging, getting some fresh air before bed. It was early yet, the last rays of sun streaking in horizontal lines, highlighting the autumn leaf show. Franklin walked along the perimeter, circling the ballfields in an endless loop, leaves crunching under his feet. Gianni would meet him at dusk. Until then, he fought not to let his nerves get the better of him.

  He shouldn’t have been nervous. Kissing Gianni had been easy. Simple as breathing. Franklin both wanted to do it again and was reluctant to dig the hole deeper. Climbing out from this mess after Gianni left would be a nightmare. If he was lucky, the Scourge would never know of his betrayal, but the rebound would be brutal.

  After much consideration, Franklin decided he would apologize and tell Gianni his real name. Tonight. Before he could change his mind. If the vampire was mad, Franklin would just have to earn his forgiveness while they still had time.

  As darkness set in, the other park-goers trickled out. Franklin scanned the fields repeatedly until he caught Gianni approaching from the far entrance. He could go to him; he wanted to, but instead he waited, savoring the view.

  Gianni had a spring in his step, walking with an eager bounce that was almost a trot. Is that for me? It was hard to believe. He wore tight black pants and a flowing top of peach fabric draping nearly to his knees. His dark hair was swept back, revealing his lovely oval face, animated with excitement and a wide smile for Franklin.

  Franklin found himself smiling in return. Nerves replaced with pleasant anticipation, he opened his arms, and Gianni stepped into them. They fit together seamlessly, Gianni’s face against his neck, the vampire placing little kisses along his throat. That should have worried him, but it didn’t. Besides, it felt nice.

  Gianni leaned back to make room for a kiss, and Franklin was happy to indulge him. Their lips met, warm and sweet. Franklin held Gianni close, hands tight against his lower back. He forgot to breathe.

  Gianni giggled into his mouth and turned his head. “Air, Richard. We need air.”

  Hearing the stupid false name, Franklin deflated. He almost preferred Buffy. He would fix this; he just needed to find the right words. Franklin released Gianni from his grip and stood back to admire him. The vampire’s lips were reddened and wet from kissing. Did his own mouth look like that? It wouldn’t be nearly as flattering on him as it was on Gianni’s perfect pout.

  “Have I stunned you into silence?” Gianni grinned.

  “You often do.”

  “You could tell me I look pretty.”

  “You always look pretty.”

  Gianni’s smile widened. “Maybe you don’t need my help after all, charmer.” He linked their elbows, and together they walked toward town.

  “I checked on Spike today.” Franklin began with something easy before his big admission.

  Gianni’s face lit up. “How is she?”

  “She was glad to see me. No one has called the shelter looking for her, so she’s been put up for adoption.”

  “I hope someone nice wants her.”

  “Me too,” Franklin agreed. Her ears had been droopy until she’d spotted him and perked up, wagging her tail. Leaving her there had been hard.

  “I love these late night strolls with you.” Gianni gave his elbow a squeeze. “You know, I never used to spend this much time outside.”

  “Why not?” Franklin watched as the pleasant expression on Gianni’s face turned melancholy.

  “Back in Philly, I was a different person. Greedy. Overly ambitious. I thought…” Gianni trailed off, staring off into the distance.

  Franklin waited, a bit concerned by the shift in Gianni’s mood.

  When Gianni began again, he sounded more confident. “I thought status was more important than anything. It’s all I cared about. I spent most of my energy struggling to improve mine, which meant courting and placating other vampires in society. Indoors. Often underground. I’d forgotten how nice fresh air is.”

  Franklin spent hours outside every single night. He couldn’t imagine being cooped up indoors. Did Gianni want him to ask about his time in Philly? Would he rather not discuss it? Why was knowing what to say around him so difficult? It should have been easier now, but it wasn’t.

  Gianni filled the silence for them. “You wouldn’t know about that sort of pandering, would you? There’s nothing fake about you, Richard.”

  A sinking feeling took hold of his gut. Guilt was a heavy thing.

  He was about to come clean and tell Gianni everything when they heard a scream followed by the sounds of a struggle in the distance. With a brief glance at each other, Gianni released his arm, and they ran toward the noise. Gianni flew ahead of him, and Franklin raced to keep up.

  Another scream followed by a grunt came from a side street. Franklin rounded the corner to see Hutch facing off with a female vampire: long blonde hair, maybe five-foot-eight, not prepared for a fight, no weapon. She looked terrified. Hutch was full of glee. He had the advantage. She was already bleeding heavily from a stab wound in her left shoulder.

  “Hayleigh!” Gianni cried, dashing directly into the middle of the fight, blocking her from Hutch.

  Fuck.

  That was the last thing he needed. As Hutch lunged for Gianni, Franklin ran into the fray.

  Gianni dodged the silver knife, ducking low and swinging around to kick Hutch’s legs out from under him.

  The female vampire backed up but didn’t flee. Why? Because they knew each other? Franklin took a closer look. Yes. This was the vampire from the dance club.

  Hutch stumbled. Off balance, he struck out with the knife again. Franklin grabbed him around the middle and struggled to pull him back. It wasn’t the most elegant end to a fight, but technique had no place in a street brawl.

  Gianni stood braced for the offensive but waited, watching Franklin.

  Franklin spun Hutch, putting his own back to the middle of the fight, and casting Hutch out of it. He shoved the other hunter forward, away from the action.

  Pain flared sharp as razors in Franklin’s neck. The female was on him. He let out a roar, hands flailing to grab at her hair or take out an eye.

  “Hayleigh, no!” Gianni yelled.

  Her talons dug into his biceps, her teeth lodged in his neck.

  Franklin tried to elbow her, but she was torn off him before he could swing his arm. He spun to see her caged and furious, trapped in Gianni’s arms.

  “What the hell?” she gasped out. “I had him. You get the other one!” She writhed in Gianni’s grip, but he didn’t let her go. He was saying something to her, but Franklin couldn’t listen. It was time to get rid of Hutch. The hunter should have known better than to attack Gianni. What the fuck was he thinking?

  “Get out of here,” he ordered.

  Hutch glared at him, duty warring with bloodlust in his eyes. Hutch knew about Franklin’s assignment, but apparently he didn’t care. “Let’s kill her and take him. There’s two of us—we can handle it.”

  Gianni shuttled Hayleigh further away, the two of them talking in fast whispers.

  “That isn’t the plan, and you know it. Go, while they’re distracted.”

  Hutch still didn’t move. “Afraid I’ll hurt your little boyfriend?”

  “Touch him, and I’ll kill you.” It came out of Franklin’s mouth without hesitation.

  Hutch tilted his head. “You’re threatening me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Over a vampire.” It wasn’t a question. Hutch shook his head, then motioned to Franklin’s neck. “You’re bleeding.”

  Franklin knew he was injured. He was beginning to feel lightheaded, but he needed Hutch to leave before he could give his wounds any attention.

  “Hutch, clear out of here, or it’ll be three against
one.” Franklin siding with the vampires was sure to get the hunter to leave.

  Hutch glared at him, eyes narrowed, still breathing heavily. “You’re going to regret this.” He stalked away.

  Stumbling, Franklin spun to see the woman leaving in the other direction. He brought his hand to his neck and covered the stinging wound. His shirt was soaked with blood. She’d torn a large bite from his flesh. Spots danced in his vision. He started to collapse, but Gianni caught him. He lowered them carefully to the ground.

  “Richard…” The vampire sighed the stupid fake name and removed Franklin’s hand from the wound for his inspection. “This is bad.”

  Franklin knew as much. He could die here. His vision began to blur. He let Gianni prop him up, leaning against him.

  “You have to let me help you,” Gianni said, forcing eye contact. “We have to be quick. Hayleigh will have called for backup. They’ll be here soon.”

  Franklin was having trouble understanding what he meant. He lost himself in the hazel gaze. Had Gianni been hurt in the shuffle? The vampire looked worried, not injured. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine, but you’re not. Be still.” Gianni lowered his mouth to Franklin’s throat and closed it over the wound. His tongue lapped at the sore flesh, and Franklin flinched. It hurt, but he was too weak to free himself. Before long, it stopped. Gianni made shushing noises and whispered into his ear, “You’ve lost too much blood. You need to drink from me.”

  “No.” Franklin cringed at the thought, turning his face away.

  Gianni took his chin in hand and moved him back. Franklin was so weak, he could offer no resistance. Their eyes locked, green on hazel.

  “We don’t have time to argue.” Gianni’s voice sounded more serious than usual. Franklin didn’t like it. Where were the jokes? “This isn’t a request. I need you to drink. I’d rather you did it on your own, but I’ll make you if I have to.”

  Franklin felt a tingling sensation at the base of his skull. As quickly as it came, it faded away. Gianni would use his power to compel him. The thought made him furious.

  A tiny voice in the back of his mind whispered, This is your chance to get the sample. Through the haze of blood loss, Franklin fought to cling to rational thought and reached into his pocket for the glass vial.

  As Franklin watched in horror, Gianni bit deeply into his own wrist. This was really happening. The wrist came away from the vampire’s red lips, dripping blood. Gianni held it to Franklin’s mouth.

  “Please don’t make me force you,” he begged, emotion heavy in his eyes.

  Franklin was dying. He could hardly keep his lids open or grip the vial hidden in his hand. Gianni held him up with his free arm, cradled against the vampire’s chest. A part of him was appalled at the thought of drinking blood, but the part which wasn’t ready to die overruled it. He wanted to live, and he wanted this vampire for his own.

  Franklin opened his mouth, and Gianni pressed his wrist against it. He closed his lips over the wound and drank.

  Instant euphoria hit him like a drug shot straight into his veins.

  Gianni was murmuring to him, soft things like, “Good…there, there, drink, yes…” but he only half heard them.

  Waves of energy filled every corner of his body, splashing through his system, and every caress brought with it more power. He shut his eyes against the onslaught. Taste overwhelmed his other senses: tart cherries and copper flooding his tongue, gushing down his throat and filling his belly.

  Someone moaned. Maybe it was him. He couldn’t tell.

  It was over as quickly as it had begun. While Gianni tore his wrist free and licked it closed, Franklin ducked his head, spat a mouthful of blood into the vial, and capped it off, tucking it back into his pocket. He wanted more blood. He was desperate for it. He reached for Gianni’s arm to bring it back to his mouth.

  “No,” Gianni ordered, yanking his arm away. “We have to leave. Snap out of it.”

  Franklin wailed. He wanted more of that power. More blood. More ambrosia.

  Gianni slapped him. Hard. “Richard. Control yourself.”

  Ugh, Richard. That brought him to his senses. He still had to deal with that lie. Now that he felt such power, maybe it would be easier.

  Gianni pushed Franklin off him and stood, extending his uninjured arm to help Franklin up.

  Clambering back to his feet, Franklin felt strong. The pain at his neck and biceps was gone, and he thought he could run a marathon. Or pick up a car.

  Or fuck a vampire.

  Franklin discovered Gianni anew. That graceful, supple body. Lean muscles curving over his delicate frame. But not so delicate. Gianni had almost taken out Hutch. Would have, maybe, if the fight had continued. Franklin wanted to see what the vampire looked like under him, squirming with need. He reached for Gianni and took him by the back of his neck, dragging him in tight.

  Gianni came but dodged the kiss. His lips were on Franklin’s ear. “I’m flattered. Really. Now snap the fuck out of it—we have to get out of here.” Gianni had hold of the sensitive skin at his waist and pinched it viciously. Franklin yelped and let go of Gianni’s neck. The vampire backed away.

  “You good? Can we go now?”

  Right. They should leave. Vampires were coming. What the hell had he been thinking? “Yeah, sorry. Let’s go.”

  Gianni held out his hand. Franklin took it and let himself be led when Gianni took off running. Even at this breakneck speed, keeping up was easy. That was some kind of blood in his system. The vial of it should keep the Scourge off his back and buy them more time.

  Franklin didn’t know where they were going, but he was glad they were together.

  13

  Safe Haven

  Gianni

  They ran to the city lot where Gianni knew Richard kept his car. Staying in Bristol Springs tonight was not an option. They’d need to get out of town for a few days, at least until they got their stories straight. He had to let Hayleigh know he was okay before she told the council what really happened. Surely Richard would have to do the same. How the fuck were they going to explain?

  When they arrived at the car, Richard stood staring at him. Gianni thought his eyes looked clear, but the lingering effects of his blood would still be in his system. The slayer must have felt high.

  “Maybe I should drive.” Gianni extended his hand for the keys, but Richard didn’t hand them over.

  “Where are we going?”

  “I don’t know. Anywhere. Somewhere to think. Out of town. A hotel?”

  Richard nodded. “A hotel out of town. Got it. I’ll drive.” He opened the passenger side door for Gianni.

  “You sure you’re good to drive?”

  “I feel great. Promise.”

  That was good. If Richard drove, he could text Hayleigh. The sooner the better. Gianni got in.

  I’m safe. You okay? he sent, then sat back in his seat, glancing over to Richard.

  The slayer seemed fine now. Gianni’s blood had healed the wound on his neck and must have been thrumming through his veins. He was dealing with it well.

  Gianni’s phone chimed.

  Hayleigh I’m fine. Are you okay?

  Glad his friend was safe, Gianni replied, Yes, fine too.

  Hayleigh What the fuck, Gianni?

  Hayleigh You owe me an explanation.

  Hayleigh What am I supposed to say?

  Gianni turned the phone to silent. The hell if he knew. To get Hayleigh to safety and convince her to leave him alone with two slayers, he’d had to tell her he was safe with Richard. She didn’t believe him, so he’d let her sway him right there in the middle of the street. He couldn’t tell how much she’d gleaned from that little peek into his mind, but she knew enough.

  He typed his response quickly. Anything but the truth. Please. I’m in enough trouble lately. I can’t have the council find out I’m dating a slayer.

  He stared at his phone and waited.

  Hayleigh You’re lucky you saved my life. I’ll come
up with something.

  Thank you! Love you! I’ll be back in a few nights, I swear. We’ll sort it out. Gianni pushed send and relaxed a bit more in his seat.

  Hayleigh When you get back, you’d better tell me EVERYTHING.

  Promise.

  Gianni would tell her all of it. Getting it off his chest would feel good, and he knew Hayleigh cared. But what about Richard? He would need a cover story too, and he didn’t strike Gianni as the type who could pull off a lie. Gianni would have to think of an excuse for him.

  “Gianni?” Richard interrupted his train of thought.

  “Yeah?”

  “Are we…bonded now?” Richard’s voice carried a wobbly timbre, hesitant but still amped up on adrenaline. Of course he’d be worried about that, of all the things they had to be worried about.

  Gianni sighed. “Not really, no.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Only a little.” Gianni stared out the window. They’d left the city and merged onto the interstate. Trees lined this corridor of the county. There were towns along the way; they’d find a hotel soon enough. “We’d need to exchange a lot more blood to be bonded, and to strengthen the bond, we’d have to repeat the exchange often. Plus, I would have to drink from you, and I haven’t.”

  “So what do you mean by a little?”

  “My blood has addictive qualities. Not just for you, for both of us. You’ll want to drink from me again, and I’ll want to let you.” He hesitated before adding the next bit. “It’s also a natural aphrodisiac, but I already want to have sex with you, so nothing’s really changed. At least for me.” Gianni let the unasked question dangle between them, but Richard didn’t rush to answer, so he continued. “The temptation won’t be so great that we can’t make our own decisions. Not after only once. You’re not trapped, if that’s what you’re worried about.”