Deceived (Burned Book 2) Read online

  It was a consequence only one vampire had been willing to risk.

  "Is this everyone in the House?" Kyra asked, eyes darting around the room.

  "No. Our territory extends from south of Jacksonville to right above Miami. Some members didn't have time to make travel arrangements."

  There were at least thirty vampires, three times as many humans, and a dozen shifters milling about. The latter were not as common as humans in the House, but alliances between species were commonplace. Shifter blood was rich with power, making them a better source but that same fact made them more difficult to control. Their passions were always close to the surface. A side-effect of their more primal nature—or so I'd been told.

  My powers didn't discriminate: human, vampire, shifter, fey. It didn't matter. Their lies were revealed on a canvas before me.

  Conversations ebbed and flowed around me. I watched the occasional lie dance across skin, some were light and shimmery, others dark and overlapping. The symbols bled into one another, hiding the skin beneath in a gossamer film.

  Each rune dragged my mood down further. I hated that my curse was always present, always on. It was difficult to get close to people, to develop friendships, when every lie was painted on their skin. Being lied to got old fast.

  Daniel rarely lied, and even when he did, it was typically an embellishment. He liked to brag, to tell tall-tales. It was harmless compared to most.

  I watched Kyra, waiting for the inevitable slip. My heart hard and unyielding until her secrets were spread before me. Her unmarred skin mocked my vigilance.

  ***

  As ceremonies went, especially those in the House, the Joining Ceremony was simple, mostly symbolic. The emphasis was on introducing the new member, bragging, and being seen. Alliances were made or strengthened. There was always time set aside at the end for a little fun and debauchery.

  Alejandro stood at the front of the ballroom, in his element as the center of attention. The microphone was for the benefit of the humans present, since the majority of preternaturals would have no difficulty hearing throughout the room.

  Alejandro's favorite event planner, a snotty air fey who went by Vasilka, had gone all out for this event. It was made easier by her limitless budget. Gold inlay wallpaper sparkled in the light cast from the various chandeliers. Bouquets of orchids in rich oranges and yellows were scattered bursts of color in the otherwise neutral room. Their light scent, a mixture of vanilla and coconut, while pleasant, made my eyes water. I struggled to keep from sneezing.

  Alejandro's mesmerizing voice flowed throughout the packed ballroom, as he droned on about the ceremony and history. Finally, Kyra glided to the front as she was introduced, owning the room. All eyes turned toward her, the electric energy in the room was almost palpable.

  "My dear Daniel," he gestured toward where we stood at the side, "brought her to my attention a few short weeks ago. He is to be commended for encouraging such a bright beautiful woman to join our ranks." The audience laughed, a few men closest to us patted him on the back like he'd won something. I struggled to hold back my eye-roll.

  Daniel laughed and poked me in the side. I jabbed him with my elbow, smiling at his quiet oomph as the blow winded him.

  "Kyra Richards," the room returned to silence, "do you swear fidelity to me and the House from this day forward?"

  "I swear to honor you and the House." Her sultry voice was loud and clear as everyone held their silence. Although I searched for a lie, none appeared. I pressed my lips together as an odd feeling nagged at me, crept along my spine like a shiver of foreboding. Something was wrong, but I couldn't point to anything specific.

  "Your life is the forfeit for disloyalty and dishonor." He shifted her, nestling her back into him as he pulled her neck taut. He struck swiftly. She stiffened as his fangs sank into her skin. It was over in seconds, more of a symbolic blood sacrifice than the typical true feeding. Biting his own wrist, they completed the ritual with the sharing of his blood, solidifying the bond. The air crackled with the completion of the ceremony.

  "Welcome to the House, Kyra Richards." He turned to the onlookers, many staring back with glazed, unseeing eyes. The vampires felt something during the ceremony, they always had that rapt unfocused gaze at the end. "Welcome our newest member." The sharp command tore them from their daze. "Honor her as you honor me."

  As the applause filled the room, Alejandro embraced her, gesturing for me and Daniel to do the same. The almost electric air around her did nothing to thaw the sense of foreboding stealing into my marrow.

  The official ceremony completed, the evening disintegrated into a bacchanal of debauchery. I had staff placed throughout to prevent any deaths from enthusiastic party-goers. Various alcoves barely hid couples indulging in the free-spirit vibe. Laughter and alcohol flowed freely, bodies moved in rhythm on the dance floor. Our events were popular and well attended.

  But my focus was on the new recruit.

  "So, now you are one of us." I lifted my eyebrows as I approached Kyra. "Welcome to the funhouse." Her husky laugh turned a few of the male heads nearby. Noticing the attention, Daniel pulled her a little closer in an attempt to stake a claim.

  "Thanks, I guess. Although I'm actually getting a little tired. Is it rude of me to skip out on the debauchery? I'd hate to offend anyone, but I have to work tomorrow."

  "No, you don't have to stick around. It gets pretty bad the later it is. They're like a bunch of animals." My lips twitch as I tried not to laugh. "What do you do?"

  "I'm a PI." Taking a sip of my champagne, I waited for her to elaborate. "Pretty glamorous. Cheating spouses, missing persons, tracking down an occasional thief … that sort of thing."

  "Sounds interesting."

  "It is. Usually. Just disheartening and soul-wrenching. Sometimes dealing with the dregs of society gets old."

  "I know what you mean." And I did. Maybe more than she knew. Now that she was family, she'd get to experience the dregs of society on a whole new level, one lower than she'd ever witnessed.

  Chapter Four

  I collapsed into the booth. Toeing off my heels, I groaned under my breath as I let my head fall back. Thank goodness that was finally over. The trial had been a burr in my side for weeks. The judge had some less than subtle antagonism going for the company and had made my job three times more difficult than it should have been … but we'd won.

  Glancing at my watch, I noticed Sarah was late. I wasn't surprised. Sarah Kesin was a selfish bitch. I wasn't being catty, everyone described her that way. She was intelligent and witty, but she embodied the saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I'd rather know what she was up to than be the focus of her scheming and plotting. She picked up a lot of the cases I didn't have time to deal with.

  It was petty of me, but I liked to think she got my leftovers.

  Sarah was supposed to meet me for lunch at this quaint restaurant across from the courthouse and I was already about twenty minutes late. I was about to text her when my phone chirped, indicating she had beat me to it. She was having similar problems but her trial wasn't breaking for lunch for another hour.

  My stomach growled loudly. I wasn't going to wait that long to eat. I scanned the menu and ordered a simple veggie sandwich and a salad with a hot raspberry leaf tea. A simple and light lunch. The swoosh of the front door caught my attention as the server walked away.

  A man stood in the doorway. Familiarity teased the edges of my memory, but I couldn't place where I'd seen him. His eyes scanned the restaurant, halting when they reached me. They widened with surprise and he strode my way. Each step was deliberate and confident, but without the arrogance I was used to seeing. His hair was black, drawing attention to startling eyes the same shade as the sky on a sunny Florida day.

  "Hi there." His voice was deep and open, striking a chord. I'd heard it before, but I couldn't place where.

  "Hello." There was little harm in being friendly.

  "Interested in some company?" Despi
te being tired and drained, I really didn't want to eat alone. Sensing my indecision he smiled brightly. "I don't bite."

  The absurdity of his comment when my bizarre life was filled with vampires and shifters, struck me as hilarious. I threw my head back and laughed, the loud guffaws nothing like my usual polite chuckle.

  Why not? He was bound to be better company than sitting in an empty booth.

  "Sure, have a seat."

  His blue eyes warmed and he slid in opposite to me. "I'm Zak." He leaned across the table and took my hand firmly in his. His hand was smooth and warm; the brush of his fingers along mine sent pinpricks dancing along my skin. "I saw you in court earlier. Pretty impressive."

  "Arabella." I dragged my hand along my arm, brushing off the weird feeling he elicited. "I wondered where I'd seen you before."

  "It's not like I was on trial or anything." His deep laugh tightened my stomach. "I only do the psych evals." He shrugged like it was no big deal.

  "My trial didn't involve a psych eval." I narrowed my eyes. The muscles in my back stiffened as my unease ricocheted up a notch.

  "I was involved in the trial scheduled immediately before yours. I stuck around to observe. Your trial sucked me in."

  Maybe it was interesting to someone who hadn't been eating and breathing that hot mess for months. I was glad it was over. I just had to wrap up all the paperwork.

  "Congratulations, by the way. That judge had it in for you."

  "Totally." I shrugged and relaxed back into my seat. "I'm glad it wasn't just me."

  He shook his head. "No, it was completely obvious. Catching that witness in an out-and-out lie … that was awesome."

  "Thank you." The lie blazing on the witness's skin had led the way, I just ran with it. I had fun allowing him to tangle himself up in his web of falsehoods. He was brought up on contempt charges. No one lies under oath in my trials and gets away with it.

  I watched Zak as he placed his order with the server. His strong jaw had a hint of a shadow, thick dark hair fell into his eyes when he tilted his chin down to glance at the menu. Instead of looking sloppy, it made him look younger, more approachable, someone you'd want to spill your secrets to or invite out for a beer. He didn't look like any doctor I'd ever met.

  The server disappeared and he shifted his focus back to me. Blue eyes stared intently into mine.

  My breath stuck in my throat. Unable to hold his piercing stare as my heart tried to escape my chest, I shifted my eyes to a server wrap silverware in the corner.

  Whoa.

  I shivered and forced my racing thoughts to focus, to find something coherent to talk about.

  "You're a psychiatrist?"

  I dug my fingers into my palm, my nails bit into my palms.

  "Yeah, it's interesting work." He wrinkled his nose and frowned. "Except all the paperwork."

  "No kidding." I snorted. My skin reddened. "I'm lucky, my assistant takes care of most of it."

  "Ah yes. You hire minions to do your dirty work." His lips curved into a slow smile.

  My laughter this time was forced. He didn't know how close he was to the truth. Although sometimes I was the minion doing Alejandro's dirty work.

  Our food arrived and we slid into comfortable getting-to-know-you conversation. He was sharp and, to my surprise, didn't lie once. It had been a long time since I'd had such a relaxing meal and lively conversation with someone other than Daniel. The constant stress—the usual feeling of performing—had fled. My tense muscles relaxed. I didn't have to worry about being reported on by the staff, didn't have to weigh my words.

  The server cleared our empty plates. Zak shifted in his seat as he took a hefty swallow of water. A drop slipped free and danced down his skin, leaving a faint wet trail. My eyes followed its every movement. I wanted to lick along that path. To follow it over his chin and down his neck to—

  I swallowed and clutched my shaking hands together.

  His teeth flashed, brilliant white in the florescent lights as his eyes darkened to indigo. Butterflies raced through my veins, tumbling over one another in a nauseating but thrilling dance.

  "Are you seeing anyone?"

  Cold water wouldn't have knocked me back to my senses faster. "Four years." I cleared my throat. "I've been with Alejandro for about four years."

  His shoulders sagged. "Is he a lawyer too?"

  Laughter burst forth with the image of Alejandro standing in front of a courtroom in one of his designer suits, performing for a jury. Although, when I really thought about it, he would make a fabulous attorney: ruthless, driven, a natural actor. I shivered.

  "No, he owns the companies I defend."

  Zak's eyes widened. "Wait."

  I could practically see the wheels turning.

  "Alejandro? As in—"

  "The one and only." Irritation burned the back of my throat.

  Everyone knew Alejandro. Voted Tampa Bay's Most Eligible Bachelor, gracing the pages of tabloids and legitimate news alike with his philanthropy and business savvy. Lauded for his taste in everything from women to cars, the media ate him up.

  If they only knew.

  My companion toyed with his straw, dragging it back and forth through his drink. "Oh."

  I should feel grateful. I didn't need any distractions, any more complications.

  I wasn't interested in him. Heat infused my cheeks.

  His eyes, sharp with intelligence, caught mine. "You don't sound happy though."

  I bristled. Of course I was happy.

  He must have seen the gathering storm. "I didn't mean—"

  "I'm happy." I frowned, my heart sputtering with indignation. How dare he assume—

  "I didn't mean to say that out loud."

  "That makes it all better," I snapped.

  "You just seem …" His expressive eyes clouded as he weighed his words carefully.

  My skin flamed as my temper rose. I wasn't known for my patience.

  "… Burdened."

  I shouldn't have been surprised at his perceptiveness; he was a shrink.

  At my heavy sigh, his caution-filled eyes met mine. He knew he'd crossed a line.

  "Look, it's not that I'm not happy. It's—" I stumbled over my words. What could I say? I'm dating a powerful vampire who controls the city. One I feel I'm losing due to my own supernatural limitations.

  He'd commit me to a nuthouse.

  "—complicated," I finished lamely.

  "It always is, isn't it?" His self-deprecating chuckle stabbed me in the chest.

  The silence stretched between us, heavy and uncomfortable.

  The sounds from the restaurant invaded our space, louder since we weren't enmeshed in each other. It had gotten busy while I wasn't paying attention. The place was packed.

  Uneasy, I jerked my gaze to the door then around the room, jumping from one face to another. There was no sign of Sarah, but I couldn't shake my unease.

  I wish I'd never given into the desire for company.

  Everything's fine. My heart raced at my lie. Pinpricks danced along my skin.

  But it was a lie.

  The world tilted on is axis. Or my world did, anyway. I was surprised I didn't fall over. I struggled to breathe, as a band tightened across my chest.

  I was happy. I was. Really. I had everything I'd always wanted.

  But as I stared into his eyes, unease settled over my heart.

  For the first time in my life, I wondered what it would be like if things were different. If I'd never accepted Alejandro's offer, never signed on with the House. If I wasn't trapped in this reality I'd created for myself.

  I was torn. I wanted to make him leave, yet my mind formed one excuse after another to make him stay. I wanted to keep this connection. Something about him pulled me in, drew my attention.

  He was normal, so blessedly normal. He didn't need to be dragged into my messed-up world of secrets and lies and things that weren't as they seemed. It was dangerous for him to even brush the fringes.

  At the
same time, it was nice to talk to someone who didn't have an agenda, who wasn't involved in the House.

  But best of all—he hadn't lied to me once.

  "I like honesty."

  My heart slammed against my ribcage. His darkened eyes tore apart any progress I'd made in my resolve to leave.

  "So I'll be upfront and tell you that I like you," he continued. His brows lowered, concern filled his gaze. "But you seem like you need a friend at the moment. And fortunately for you, I've been told I'm a terrific listener." He shrugged, his eyes sparkling like two blue jewels.

  "If you ever want to chat or grab a drink sometime …"

  I wanted to cut him off. To tell him right there that there was no chance, that Alejandro would never let me.

  Alejandro would never let me. I bristled at the thought. When did I become so weak? When did I allow him to control so much? He didn't need to have a say in everything I did. I could have a friend outside the House.

  "Give me a call." He held out his card. Offered it to me like the apple in the Garden of Eden.

  My hand trembled. Giving into the temptation, I took the offered card, careful not to come in contact with his skin. The paper was warm between my fingers.

  Sarah chose that moment to appear, zeroing in on Zak with laser focus. She stalked to our booth. Her gait jerky and fast; no nonsense, all Sarah.

  "Hey, Ari." Her eyes held a suspicious gleam. "Who is your friend?"

  "Sarah, this is Dr. Brenninger." I gestured to him. The tremble in my hand wasn't noticeable. At least I hoped it wasn't. "He's a psych evaluator for the court. Zak, this is my coworker, Sarah Kesin."

  "Ah, the late friend." He rose from his seat, his large hand enveloping hers. Sarah's predatory eyes roved over his body. My muscles ached with the desire to pull him away from her clutches. As much as I didn't want our lunch to end, he needed to take off, to get away from the vile woman that stood beside me. She put up a good front, but ice water flowed through her veins. She saw people as a commodity, their value only what they could do for her.

  "Well, Arabella, it was great meeting you." The twinkle in his eyes as they shifted to mine dampened my temper. "Don't forget about me—if you ever need an evaluator." He winked so only I could see. Turning to Sarah he passed her a business card. "That goes for you too." His smile was distant, flat. He was all business with her.