S. Harper - Cursed

I expect an explosion of revulsion and rage. Instead his eyes are clouded with sadness. “This is why we hide ourselves, our powers, our gift,” he says. “Perhaps someday when humans learn humanity , things will be different.”

Kallistos removes his jacket, then begins to roll up his sleeves. “We can avoid the hospital for this human. Out of my way.”

I cross to stand beside Zack.

“He’s not going to be turned,” Zack tells him.

Kallistos isn’t used to being told anything. That much is obvious. He doesn’t react with anger, though. Instead his gaze turns to me.

“I can help him. Surely, a soul as old as you, a creature with your amount of . . . experience . . . knows this.”

I do know. That’s what makes this entire debacle even more tragic. I nod.

Kallistos turns to Zack. “Move aside, dog.”

“Make me.”

Kallistos grins and takes one step closer. I reach out, planting a hand firmly in the middle of his chest. “This is unnecessary. Explain to him.”

Several seconds pass. I hold my breath.

“I have no intention of turning him,” the vampire assures Zack.

Only he doesn’t buy it. He continues to stand his ground.

I reach for Zack’s arm. “Trust him. The blood of an old one has the power to heal. A few sips of Kallistos’ blood and Michael will be cured.”

“I’ve never heard—”

“Trust me.”

His lips press into a thin line. “You’re certain ?” His hand is now poised on the doorknob. He looks at me expectantly. I know what’s he’s asking. His intent telegraphs itself as clearly as if he’d spoken it aloud. He wants to know if I can read Kallistos, if it’s safe.

“Yes,” I say. “I’m sure. Absolutely sure.”

The door opens. Kallistos pushes past. I turn to follow, sense Zack at my back. I turn, shake my head. “No, you have to stay here.”

Confusion clouds his face.

“Please,” I add. “I don’t want you caught in the wake of my powers. I need to read him alone. You need to trust me. I can’t deal with both of you at the same time.”

He looks ready to argue, but he holds his tongue.

“I’m sorry.”

Zack takes my hand in his. I feel something cool and round press into it. His expression gives away nothing.

“Be careful.”

I give him a reassuring smile as I discreetly slide my hand into my pocket. “Always.”

Zack closes the door once I pass through and I lock it between us, leaning my head against it for an instant before a voice at my ear whispers in silky smoothness, “If you wanted to be alone with me, all you had to do is ask.”

Kallistos.

He’s behind me. Right behind me. So close, I feel the pulse of his breath against my neck.

The man has no respect for personal space. My spine stiffens. I turn to face him, push him away. The door is now at my back.

He steps close again, leans over me, one arm poised over my head. “That door won’t hold him. He can hear us, you know. Are you trying to purposefully drive your wolf wild?”

“What I’m trying to do is find out how honest you are. How noble your intentions.” I keep my voice steady, the tone professional.

Kallistos lowers his hand, draws a finger along the contours of my face, my lips, as if he’s going to touch them. But he doesn’t. “My intentions are quite dishonorable, I can assure you.”

He’s not talking about Dexter and we both know it.

“What I wouldn’t give to possess this mouth,” he whispers, finger still poised over my lips. “Along with the rest of you.”

I push the finger away. “You presume far too much, Mr. Kouros. You have nothing I want.”

“Oh no? I can give you what you crave, what you need. Anything you desire, save my heart. I made that mistake once. I can guarantee you, I will never make it again. We could have decades, centuries of pure, uncomplicated pleasure. No. Strings. Attached.”

“I’ve been alive long enough to know there are always strings.” I duck under his arm, moving away.

Kallistos smiles. “I make you nervous.”

“Actually, you’re making me impatient. We’re wasting time.” I gesture to Dexter, still and pale on the bed. “If you aren’t going to help him, we need to get him to a hospital.”

He spreads his arms wide. “Let’s get on with it, then. You’re here to ensure that I’m not going to harm the human. Use your power to test me. You’ll find you can trust me. You’ll taste the truth in my statement.”

We move to stand on opposite sides of the room, the bed containing an unconscious Michael Dexter between us. Suddenly my conviction wavers. I have never tested the powers of one so powerful. Am I about to test Kallistos, or is he about to test me? Is he counting on me to walk away rather than to risk our mutual exposure, or is he goading me into giving him what he wants, a glimpse of the real me? He knew a Siren once, my sister. He knows the danger, yet he invites me in. Why?

Kallistos’ gaze is haughty, as if he knows the battle I’m fighting, as if he expects me to back down. I draw myself up, remember that I bested him just minutes before, and let the walls fall away, the doors to my power fly open. It happens in a rush, fast and furious. The heat rises around us, the wind that comes with it rages. It would knock a lesser vampire off his feet. Kallistos stands tall, feet firmly planted on the floor. The hem of his leather coat whips out behind him.

“What do you plan to do to him?” I shout out over the din of the storm I’ve created.

“I’m going to give him blood. To stabilize him. To cure him. He will no longer need a hospital.”

“Why would you do this for a human you do not know?”

I imagine he finds me impertinent, perhaps even insulting. So be it. There are things at stake that are more important than smoothing the feathers of a self-appointed sovereign.

But if he’s insulted, he doesn’t show it. “Because I gave you my word. You said he wasn’t at fault and . . . you’re attached to him. Yes?”

I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes. “And when he is cured? What happens then?”

“My men will see him safely home. He’ll remember none of this. I have no more desire than you to risk exposure.” His tone is surprisingly calm and measured, with no hint of deceit.

Then he’s right in front of me, his hands on my shoulders, his eyes boring into mine. “Why hide who you are?” he whispers. “You could rule the world with your beauty, possess anything in it, anything but me.”

“That’s convenient,” I mutter with a roll of my eyes. “Since I don’t want you. Now, getting back to Dexter—”

My breath catches midsentence. Kallistos’ movements are a blur. One hand behind my neck, the other moves to cup the side of my face. For an instant our eyes lock. I feel my heart beat faster.

Then his mouth is on mine. Hard, hot, and demanding. His lips part, his tongue slides inside my mouth. Something ignites. I feel myself relent, feel my heart beat faster, feel my blood turn to fire. I want to return the kiss and for the briefest moment, before I come back to my senses, I do. Wantonly. Wickedly. With uncontrolled abandon.

“Stop.” I wrench control back, reeling in my power more swiftly than ever before. I swear the air is momentarily sucked out of the room. The surge is so strong I’m caught in it. I feel myself stagger back, light-headed, dizzy.

Kallistos doesn’t move.

I raise my hand, intent on slapping the smug look right off his face.

He thwarts me, grabbing hold of my wrist.

“Emma? Are you all right?” Zack’s voice through the door seems far away, distant.

I shake my head to clear it. Kallistos releases me. He makes no move to stop me as I turn to the door and fumble with the lock. But before I can open it, my legs momentarily give way. A strong arm encircles my waist and holds me steady.