Hear Me When the Sun Goes Down (24 page)

“Thank you for being so kind,” I said with a genuine smile, going on to explain the circumstances with the escalating violence and the attack on the Order.  I described our efforts to both track Byrne and establish a new police force, but my concern that both would take too long to implement.  Jakob listened attentively, offering no comment until I mentioned offering Sanctuary to Frost, Mason and Corazon. 

“Already you have disregarded your promise to me?  This is unforgiveable!” he bellowed, and I imagined Rob tensing out in the hallway. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know how else to fix it at the time.  Besides, you said not to invite any more strangers into the house
. I already know these guys.”

“I never said strangers,” he scowled. 

“But they’re my friends.  I had to do something.  You didn’t object when you found out I was offering Sanctuary to other vampires.”

“That was before.”

“Before what?”  I couldn’t imagine what the difference might be.

“It doesn’t matter.”  He shook his head in irritation.  “This is easily remedied. 
The people simply need a strong ruler to tell them what to do.”

I let out an inelegant snort.  “Easy for you to say, I can’t order them to all get along.”

“I can.”

“I don’t see how.  First of all, how would you even put the word out?  It’s not like we can put you on the news for a press conference.”  Though maybe he was onto something?  I resolved to talk to Cordelia about considering our own public access channel.

“Leave that to me.  I can make my wishes known very efficiently if need be.”

“Okay then, second – even if you make a proclamation like that, you can’t expect everyone to do it because you said so.”

“Why not?”  His tone made it clear he had confidence in his ability to do so.

“These people are lawbreakers.  By definition they don’t do what they’re supposed to.”

“Leave that to me.  I will make this declaration for you and save your people from ruination on one condition.”

Why did that make my stomach flop over like a pancake?  “What would that be?” I asked with some hesitation. 

“All I ask is one favor of you.  Not the council, not the Order, not the people of the West, of you.”

Yep
, flip flops galore.  “What do you want?”

Jakob leaned forward, his blue gaze holding mine and I felt a stab of panic that he might be using his compulsion on me, but I was too chicken to try and look away in case it might be true.  “Give us another chance.”

Was he asking me to trade my body for peace?  “You want me to…”

He held up his hand, cutting off my flow of words.  “I merely ask to renew our courtship.  Instead of acting as my consort in public only, you will agree to accept my attentions and perhaps in time you may find a place for me in your heart again.”

“You want to date me, is that it?”

“If that is acceptable to you,” he nodded.  “In exchange, I will put an end to the aggression and make sure the Order is welcomed back with open arms.
”  

I still didn’t see how he could pull it off, but how could I say no?  Besides, I wasn’t promising to sleep with him, only date him again – which we were already doing as far as the public was concerned anyway.

“Thank you, Jakob, I accept your generous offer,” I said formally, and he gathered me into his arms for a bone crushing hug. 

“You will not regret this, you will see,” he whispered fervently into my hair.  “I will make you love me.”

‘Cause
that
didn’t sound as scary as Reavers. 
Ugh
, Rob was going to kill me.

* * *

I didn’t speak from the time I stepped out into the hall until we reached the street, not wanting to see the look on Rob’s face after I’d been in the apartment with Jakob for over two hours.  When we got to the cars, I stopped Gunnar from reaching for the driver’s side door. 

“Ride in the other car, Gunnar, I need to speak to Rob alone,” I declared.

He hesitated, duty warring with protocol.  “I am not so sure this is a good idea, boss.  I am to stay with you always.”  Gunnar looked to Rob, but I don’t know what kind of a sign he gave him, because I still wasn’t looking at Rob. 

“We’re not going to try to ditch you guys.  You can follow us the whole way back, I promise.”  I went around to the front seat without waiting for an answer, letting them figure it out while I waited in the car.  Rob climbed in beside me, starting up the dark sedan without a word as Gunnar joined the other team in the identical car behind us. 

“That wasn’t very smart,” he said finally.  “Alls you’re doing is drawing attention to us spending alone time together.  Plus, you’re going to give Gunnar a complex, keeping secrets from him.”

“I needed to talk to you.”

“Why, what happened up there?”  

Now I did look at him, drawn by the worry I heard in his voice.  “It’s not what you think.”  Not yet, anyway.  “Jakob agreed to help.  He said he can make the violence go away.” 

“As easy as that?”

“Yep, pretty much.”

“So what you want to talk to me about then?”

I sucked in a long breath, getting the words out as quickly as possible.  “In exchange for his help I promised to date him again, give things another chance.”  There was breath left over and it left in a rush as I waited for his response.  Rob looked straight ahead, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. 

“Come on, say something,” I prompted when we’d gone several blocks without a peep.

“Is this something you want?” he said finally.

“No, of course not.  But it’s the right thing to do to stop the bloodshed.  Don’t you think?” 

“How far are you willing to take this?  To his bed?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.  “I’ll do what I have to for now.  Once things are more stable… then maybe I can break things off with him.”

His voice lowered to a growl.  “Is that what you were doing up there for so long?  Sealing the deal?”

“What?  No… he wanted me to stay and visit for a while.  What was I supposed to do?  Say – hey, thanks for agreeing to help me out, gotta go!  He promised not to pressure me into doing anything I don’t want to.”

“Seems to me he already is.”

“I meant more than that,” I said quietly.  “I’m already stuck acting like his consort in public anyway.  You know more than anyone he’s got the right to make me do this one way or another.  He’s claimed me whether I like it or not.” 

Rob nodded, flexing his fingers against the steering wheel as if they ached.  “Jakob always gets what he wants.  Always has, always will as long as he draws breath.”

We rode along in silence for the rest of the way, the gray drizzle outside matching my mood.  When we pulled up in front of the house, neither one of us made a move to leave the car.  I felt the hesitation of the security team watching us, waiting for me to appear, but I wasn’t eager to leave the warm cocoon.   

“You know it’s not like I want it this way,” I said softly.  “It doesn’t seem like I get much I want these days.”  My fingers inched toward his in the darkness, but his were stiff and unmoving. 

“I don’t like what he’s doing to you.”

“It’s like you said before.  You don’t refuse an
Ellri
when he orders you to do something.  He may seem like he’s asking, but there’s no saying no to him, not ever.  All I can do is bide my time and hope he gets obsessed with some other project and then moves on when I don’t reciprocate his feelings.”

“Don’t seem likely,” Rob said with a puff of air. 

“Forever is a long time.  I just have to out-stubborn him until he gives up.”

“Or until he loses patience and takes what he wants.”

I will make you love me.
  Jakob’s fervent words came back to me again. 

“Or we could always run away together.”  I kept my voice light, but there was nothing light about the expression on his face when he finally turned to look at me. 

“Anja…”

“Time to go inside,” I announced with false cheer, not wanting to hear his argument why that was the stupidest idea since designing a
Death Star that could be taken out by an X-wing starfighter.   I’d made my bed, now I had to lie in it and hope Jakob didn’t climb in beside me.

Jakob’s offer of help manifested in the form of a grand ball to be held in a week’s time.  He sent the invitation along with an elaborate gown of pink chiffon.  It must be how he saw me, soft and delicate, in need of protection.  What chafed was the fact that it was true.  I wouldn’t be in this mess if I hadn’t gone to him for help. 

Courting to him meant plying me with gifts again, and each night I woke to find some new trinket or baskets of flowers on my doorstep.  I would call him and thank him for the gift, claiming I had too much work to do to sneak away, but I was looking forward to his party.

It wasn’t a lie, I had plenty to keep me busy.  Intel trickled in about the attack on the Order HQ and we had every wolf on two legs out combing the city for Byrne.  I placed calls to Faust and Macallister, both still in Vetis, to see if any progress had been made on creating a new judicial system or even a new Order as we’d discussed, but I couldn’t reach either of them.  Maybe they weren’t taking my calls after my dramatic exit?  I hoped Mac at least would get back to me and give me the skinny on any decisions made that affected us on a global scale. 

Marcus helped me draft a letter to the Order
, expressing my condolences and full cooperation in any investigation they deemed necessary.  I sent it by messenger to Bishop’s place, not knowing where else to forward it to, or even if they’d replaced Volkov in Rome.  Bishop sent back a hand written note, thanking me for the missive and promising to get it in the hands of the right person.  The Order had not appointed anyone to take over for Volkov yet, and as far as he knew, and no decisions had been made as to how to respond to our local troubles.  He also thanked me for taking in Frost, Mason, and Corazon, promising to work with our team on the investigation. 

I wondered why he didn’t call me, but it was kind of nice to get an old fashioned letter.  I even wrote him back, thanking him for thanking me.  He sent a single white carnation tied with a red ribbon in response that made me smile more than Jakob’s diamond tennis bracelet.  But it was the bracelet I wore to the ball when Jakob’s limousine arrived. 

We were quite a procession.  Maggie attended with Marcus, stunning in a black strapless dress with a wide red sash.  I could see things were going well enough between them from her soaring confidence, and the tender way he placed the soft velvet cape around her shoulders.  Rob looked smashing as usual in his tailored suit and Gunnar wore a bright red tie, his power tie he called it.  I think he’d been watching too many old movies from the eighties.  In addition to my security team, Jakob had brought some of his guys as well, though I insisted on leaving two guys behind to guard the place with my houseguests up in the attic, in case of any trouble.  Felix and Bridget promised to meet up with us there. 

This time when we stepped past the reception desk at Jakob’s building, we were ushered behind it to a large open space, as grand as any hotel ballroom.  There were already plenty of people milling about, enjoying free drinks and a few hors d’oeuvres for the humans present.  A fifteen piece orchestra played from the corner, and I recognized a classical version of
Stairway to Heaven
.  Shiny.  

I hung on Jakob’s arm, Rob and the rest of my team fading to the sidelines while he squired me around the room, meeting and greeting people.  I had my best smile on until I caught sight of Terry Byrne standing by the entrance, flanked by a couple of muscle-bound men.  Too startled to do much more than gape at him at first, I waved as discreetly as I could to Rob, flagging him over. 

“Something amiss?” he asked in a low voice.

“Byrne is here,” I hissed, darting my eyes in the direction of the man. 

Jakob chuckled beside me.  “Yes, I invited him as my special guest.” 

“Why would you do that exactly?” And how had he found him so easily?

“I told you, all will be well.” He patted my arm and leaned down to kiss my cheek.  “If you’ll excuse me, I must needs speak with someone in private.”

“Of course,” I smiled back, immediately turning back to Rob once Jakob
sauntered away.  “Keep an eye on Byrne for me, would you?  Jakob obviously has something planned, but I don’t want him escaping until I’m sure it’s in our best interests.”

Rob nodded once.  “He don’t leave this place unless it’s by your say so.”

“Thanks,” I smiled, but he didn’t return it, stone-faced as he slipped off to do my bidding.  In fact, I hadn’t seen many smiles from Rob in the past week, despite the fact that I hadn’t spent much time in Jakob’s company. 

He nodded in passing to Laveda, dressed to kill in an elegant sheath of green crepe, red-gold locks piled high to display the tantalizing slope of her neck.  She hardly noticed Rob, doing her best to try and wangle a beer from a waiter who only carried champagne and aquavit on his tray.

“Hey, you made it,” I smiled, snagging a crystal flute of the bubbly.    

“Couldn’t pass up a fancy to do such
as this.  Thanks for the invite.” She inclined her head to me, giving up on the beer and accepting champagne as well. 

“I’m glad you’re here, there are a couple of people I want you to meet.  Those guys I told you about who own the vampire bars in town.”

“Right-o, good thing I wore my best bra,” she said, and I wasn’t quite sure how to take it until she winked. 

“I’m pretty sure you’ll get the job without having to show it, but it never hurts to be prepared,” I joked back.  “Oh, there they are now.”  I led her to the twins’ side.  “Jarrod and Leander, this is Laveda, she’s the one I was telling you about.”

She offered her hand.  “Laveda Kasch – like money – which you’ll be rolling in if you take me on, ‘cause I know how to draw in a crowd,” she greeted them with a confidence I could only envy.

“I’ll bet you do,” Jarrod smiled, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss, inhaling deeply over her knuckles.  “You’re hired.”

“Hang on a tic, we don’t know her qualifications.”  Leander jostled his brother aside.  “I’m kidding, luv, you’re hired,” he beamed, snatching up her hand for a kiss of his own.  “Crikey, ain’t you a breath of fresh air.”

“Why don’t you come and have a drink with me and I’ll tell you all about our establishments and we’ll see which is the best fit for someone of your talents?” Jarrod said, picking up her other hand.

“She’s already having a drink with me.”  Leander wasn’t about to let her go.   

“Hold up a sec
, boys.  She’s not a piece of meat.” I intervened before they pulled her apart, my voice low but sharp enough to cut through their haze of competition.

“Sorry, we meant no disrespect.
” Leander hung his head. 

“Good, because besides being under my protection, Laveda also happens to be Rob’s cousin.”

They both dropped hold of her like a hot potato.  “Oh, is that a fact,” Jarrod replied, eyes searching the crowd for Rob, only relaxing when he spotted him far across the room.  “Well, we look forward to a long and healthy association with you, miss.”

Leander smiled politely.  “Yes, feel free to call upon us at your earliest convenience.”

“Are they always like that?” Laveda asked as they faded into the crowd.   

“A bit, but you’re probably used to that by now.  You’re something like catnip to vampires, right?  Vampnip?”

“I do have that fortunate effect, yes,” she smiled. 

“Seems like it could ge
t dangerous around so many,” I commented, remembering Rob’s distress over her cavalier attitude. 

“That’s why I thought I’d set myself up with a benefactor around these parts.  I paid Bishop a visit, but you was right, he ain’t having any.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”  Talk about an awkward topic.

“It’s alright, I didn’t take it personal, like you said.  It’s a shame I won’t have access to him this time around though.  There’s definitely worse things than belonging to a bloke like Bishop,” she
said with a forlorn sigh.  “I’ll need to find another source before too long.”

I was still too hung up on the idea of her belonging to Bishop to process the last bit for a few seconds.  And then I clued in to what she was talking about.  “Do you mean vampire blood?”

“I don’t need it as badly as Rob and Leila do, but those of you with Jakob’s bloodline are always extra tempting to our lot.”

“That’s what Bishop said about you.  That you and your family are extra tempting to us too.”  Maybe that was part of why I found Rob so appealing?  I didn’t like to think of it being anything more than who he was, but he had been feeding me his blood almost from the start.  Was I chemically predisposed to want him now?

“I reckon it wouldn’t have worked out anyway.  He’s still stuck on you if you ask me.”

“Who is?” I focused on our conversation again. 

“Bishop.”

“Bishop and I are just friends.”

Laveda raised a brow.  “Just like you’re friends with Rob?”

“No, not at all,” I scowled, taking a quick surreptitious look around to see who might be within hearing distance.  “Rob dated my best friend.  I’m here with Jakob.”  I couldn’t believe she’d said something like that in public.

“Oh, right, I suppose I did hear something to that effect,” she backtracked quickly, seeming to realize she’d overstepped her bounds and I let her off the hook.

“It’s fine.  Hey, if you want, I could introduce you to Jakob.  Maybe you can make an arrangement with him and get something straight from the source?”

“Thanks, but no thanks.  I’ve heard too many stories to want to get into bed with him, yeah?  I’ll find my way around my needs, I always do.  Here comes your
friend
now.”

I looked up to find Bishop approaching, dressed to the nines in a new black suit that looked custom made.  “Good evening, ladies,” he smiled at each of us.  “You’re both looking well tonight.”

“You had your chance,” Laveda grinned, tossing back the rest of her champagne.  “You’ll excuse me, won’t you?  I’m off to find a real drink.”

“It’s a shame she doesn’t have any self confidence, isn’t it?” Bishop shook his head with a false sigh before noticing my near empty glass.  “Can I get you a refill?”

“Thanks, but no,” I said, setting the glass on a passing tray.  “Too much champagne plus Anja equals non-mixy things.  I have to stay on my toes tonight, this is as much work as it is play for me.” 

“Well then, let’s get you back on your toes.”  Bishop held his hand out to me, tossing his head toward the designated dance floor.  I wasn’t used to seeing him like this, lighter, his charming smile erasing some of what we’d been through. 

“Alright,” I agreed, darting a quick look in Jakob’s direction, but he was busy talking to Holt and Durand. 

Bishop noticed the look, but he didn’t say anything until we were among the press of bodies dancing, holding me close.  “It’s true then?  You’re back together with Jakob?” he asked at my ear. 

“Seems that way,” I murmured back, not wanting to get into it with him in such a public forum. 

“What changed your mind?  I thought you were… I thought your heart was engaged elsewhere,” he said, and I shot him a pained look.

“I can’t talk about that, not here,” I whispered. 

“I’m sorry,” he replied, falling silent as we danced.  “I’m worried about you, that’s all.”

“It’ll be fine, I’ve got it under control.”  I searched for something, anything else to talk about.  “Your goatee is back,” I observed finally.  “I like it.  It makes you look more dangerous.”

“Then I’ll never shave it off again,” he joked.  At least I think he was joking.  “I like your new look too.”  His thumb reached up to brush against the corner of my bangs.  “It makes you look younger, fresher… more like your own person.”

“Thanks,” I smiled back.  I took it to mean it made me look less like Carys and that was good news in my books.  “I got your letter, thanks for your help.  Still no word on who’s taking over in Rome, huh?”

“Nope.  From what I understand it’s hard to find a willing candidate with Jakob back in the world.  Few are willing to stretch their necks out like that after what happened to Volkov.”

“When really it was me who put him in the ground, not Jakob,” I muttered.  “Hopefully we can get something in place soon to fill the vacuum of power.  Jakob says he’s going to take care of the problem, but I haven’t heard anything about his plan to actually do something about it in over a week.” 

“That’s it, isn’t it?  That’s why you’re here with him.”  His expression darkened.  “He promised to help you if you help him.”

Before I could answer him, the lights flashed on and off and the music stopped, Jakob raising his hands to draw the attention of the murmuring crowd.  “I will have silence,” he said simply, and everyone zipped their lips. 

“Excuse me, please,” I pulled myself out of Bishop’s arms to make my way to the front of the room, wanting to be up close and personal to whatever scheme he had up his sleeve. 

“Thank you all for attending my coming out party, as it were,” he began with a brilliant smile to a polite smattering of applause.  “I have called you all here for a greater purpose, and I charge you all to carry the word of what you bear witness to tonight.”