chapter ten

Killer Intuition

We made it back to my apartment safely and entered the building without any trouble around midnight.  I noticed a car in my visitor parking spot that I didn’t recognize.  When we got to my door I started to put my key in the lock.

“Shit.” I laughed at myself and Seki frowned.

“What?” I smiled up at him.

“Can’t open the door with my car key.” He smiled and shook his head.  I finally got the door open but I stopped dead in my tracks.  A figure stepped forward.  Seki and Ceara put their guns up.

“JARETH!”  I grinned at the stranger in my house.

“OREO!” He laughed his frightfully handsome laugh as I ran to him.  He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around him.  Everyone but Seki moved past us and settled on the couch and sofa.  Seki stayed near Jareth and I but I kept my attention on my friend.

I looked down at his beautiful green eyes.  Jareth was my other self.  He had identical black hair, minus the red streaks, but it only came to his shoulders.  He had green eyes that were almost as glowing as mine.  His body was well built, very strong, and very sexy.  Every one at the department always said he was my better half but I always claimed that I was the better half.  The only thing different was that he’s a vampire.  Jareth was three hundred and twenty two years old.  As I was the resident fey expert he was our resident vampire specialist.  He helped me on the most dangerous cases I took because he was the only one Bryce and I trusted to keep me safe.

“You’re home early.”

“You know I couldn’t stay away from my Oreo for too long.  Besides someone had to look after Neko.” I gasped.

“Shit!  Neko, I totally forgot.  Oh man now I feel so bad!” I hugged him again.  “Thank you, you’re a life saver.”

“Anytime princess.” Hearing Jareth call me princess didn’t make me wonder if he knew.  Of course he was one of the people I had lied to here in New York.  He was the only one, though, that knew a closer version of the truth. 

A knock at the door made my head spin to that direction.  Anita and Jean-Claude as well as two others were standing there.  I jumped down from Jareth’s arms as quickly as I could and turned back to them. 

“Anita.” I cleared my throat as I felt the heat rushing to my cheeks.  Jean-Claude gave me the smile again.  “How did you know I was home?”

Anita eyed everyone in the room then looked back at me. 

“We followed you from the airport.” My eyes widened then I turned to Galen. 

“Vaughn, Jared and Beacan need to go to the hotel--”

“Princess we had a deal.” I put up a hand to stop Beacan before he could go on.

“Beacan only my guards need to stay here.  Do not protest.  Go to the damn hotel.” He paused then nodded.  I looked back at Galen.  “Galen use my car and take them it’s just a block away.” I handed my keys to him.

“Ori I don’t think—“ I put up my hand again. 

“Galen please, just go.  And the next person to argue with me is sleeping out on the balcony.” Galen gave a slight nod then took my keys and escorted the three men out as Ceara and Seki situated themselves on the couch.

“Bryce called me while you were gone.  There have been a few murders since you left.  He wants me to help you find out what’s going on.” I blinked at her but she kept a straight face.

“I was asked to stay with you Oreo.” Jareth’s voice brought my attention to him. 

“Why?” He looked over at Anita then back to me.

“Bryce told me to stay with you because we have reason to believe these murders may not be…typical.” I looked at Anita but she continued her blankness.

“What do you mean?  What is it you’re not telling me?” Jareth looked away from me.

“The murderer leaves things behind.  Things that are the same every time.” He paused.  All the hesitating was making me nervous.  “The murderer leaves pictures…pictures of you.” When what he said sank in I felt light.  “They’re like surveillance pictures.  He’s been watching you for a while.”  I took a sharp breath and held it.  I couldn’t look away from Jareth but he looked away from me. 

Some one was killing and leaving my picture at the scene.  I let out my breath before I passed out and found the will to talk again.

“Any other clues?” He shook his head.  “Who is being killed?” He looked at Anita again so she decided to continue.

“Young women, not all fey, with black hair and a thin body.  The first two had green eyes.” The person was killing people who look like me.

“Ok so where do we start?” Seki stepped forward looking highly perturbed.

“There’s no way I’m letting you work on this case Ori.  This mad man is killing people who look like you and he’s leaving pictures of you at the scenes.  He wants to kill you.  You are not working it.”

“It’s my job Seki.  I can’t just turn my back on it because it’s dangerous.” I turned to Anita for help.  I knew that she had worked cases where the killer was out to get her.  She could help me.  “Anita you’ve worked cases like this before.” She shook her head in disagreement.

“No, the killers in those cases went straight for me.  This guy is killing women who look like you…that’s a more personal way to get your attention.”  Jean-Claude took a step forward but immediately stopped at the door.  He looked at me then to the doorway.  He was asking me for permission to enter my house.

“Please all of you come in.  Jean-Claude come in and tell me what you are thinking.” He gave a slight bow then stepped through the doorway.  Anita and her entourage entered after him.  Jean-Claude stopped a few feet away from me.

“The council wishes you to know that they will help you in any way.” Jean-Claude’s statement made me freeze.

“The council?  Why is the council involved?” Jareth was the one who answered my question.

“The way the women were killed…it was a vampire that did it.  They were drained of blood.  Teeth marks on the neck, thigh, or wrist, it’s different every time.  All the pictures were taken at night.” I frowned.

“Why would a vampire want to kill me?” Jean-Claude looked me straight in the eyes and replied.

“I do not believe it is his wish is to kill you.” Even Anita frowned at his comment.  “I believe this is his idea of getting your attention.” I shook my head confused.

“I don’t understand.”

“Some vampires show off their strength and cruelty to people they deem worthy of making them their human servant.” I blinked.

“What?”

“I believe he wishes to make you his human servant.  I would not doubt that he has given you the first mark.” I thought for a second.  The first mark?  To give someone the four marks is to bind them to you forever. 

“Wait,” Anita looked at Jean-Claude frowning.  “You’re saying that this vampire is trying to show off his power to…entice Ori into being his human servant?” Jean-Claude gave a slight nod. 

“But I’m not human.” Anita looked at Jean-Claude then back to me.

“You don’t have to be.  Richard isn’t human.” One of the men in Anita’s entourage shifted nervously.  My guess was that he was Richard.  I looked back to Jean-Claude.

“You think he’s already given me the first mark?” He gave another slight nod.

“I could look for it if you wish.” I looked at him for a second then gave the slightest of nods.

“Do it.” He offered me his hand and I took it.  His fingers intertwined with mine as our power mingled.  He looked at me blankly.

“Drop your walls or I will not be able to see.” I took a deep breath then dropped my walls.  His power flowed into me in one soft wave that made my knees buckle.  He put an arm around my waist catching me and letting go of my hand at the same time. We were both breathing heavily as he held me, keeping me from falling.

He started to let me go but I grabbed on.  “Not yet.” It was all I said.  I felt safe in his arms for some reason.  It was probably the same feeling Anita felt when she was wrapped in his arms.  “Don’t leave us Jean-Claude.  Asher and I need you.  There’s nothing you can do about your mother.” The words came out before I could think and Jean-Claude pushed me away so quickly I stumbled and fell on my ass.  I stared up at him and returned his horrified face.

Another vampire stepped forward baring his teeth.  “What do you think you are doing?” This vampire was beautiful minus the scars the trailed down one side of his face.  He had beautiful golden hair and one beautiful blue eye.  I wondered if the scars went all the way down his body.

“Asher.” My voice came out breathy.  I looked down tears welling in my eyes. 

“My, my Orianna how you love to get into trouble.” My own voice came from somewhere else in the room.  I spun my head toward it only to see me standing in the blood soaked gown I wore when I killed Baird.  I stood up and looked at the replica of me.  She had her fangs and red eyes and her wicked smile.

“I thought…” I paused confused as she laughed.

“You thought that I could only live through your body?” She smiled.  “Oh little Ori, how innocent of you.  I’m a god, Orianna, I can take any form I want.”

“A god?” I asked stunned.  She smiled again. 

“You may call me Maat.” She looked at Jean-Claude then to Asher.  “Ah my two favorite vampires.  I believe you remember those words Orianna just spoke to you.  As I remember it Julianna spoke those words to our Jean-Claude a few days before she died.” Asher growled then was suddenly right next to the other me.  She laughed as he grabbed for her throat.  He bared his teeth at her.

“Who are you?” He spoke through his teeth but she only smiled at him.  I could feel Jean-Claude’s power flare up.  He was as angry as Asher but he kept it hidden.

“I am the God of truth and justice.” I frowned.

“Truth…justice?” I thought for a second.  “You told Seki the real reason I ran away…the truth.” She looked past the man at her throat to me and she smiled wickedly.

“And I gave Baird his justice.” I stared at her unable to blink. 

“But in all the mythology Maat was a good god.  Truth and justice are noble things to fight for.” She mocked surprise.

“Am I not allowed to get a little intimidating from time to time?” I glared at her.

“Why did you use my body to kill him?  Why when you could have just used that one?” Her face went eerily blank.

“Because I wanted his blood on your hands.” My breath caught in my throat and she smiled one last smile then disappeared.  Asher came toward me causing Seki to rise and stand over me.

“Stay back vampire.” Seki’s voice came out a low growl.  Even I was afraid.  Jean-Claude took kneeled next to me, which took Seki’s attention away from Asher for a minute, but he went back immediately when Ceara took stood on the other side of me.  Jean-Claude put up his hands showing that he’s harmless.  He offered me a hand, smiling at me.

“Do not be afraid Ms. NicEssus.  I mean you no harm.” I looked at his hand for a second then took it. 

“Orianna.  Please, call me Orianna.” He helped me to my feet then looked at Asher.  Asher’s face had lightened up but there was a hint of something else in his eyes. 

“You sounded just like her.” It was Asher who spoke this time.  I realized that the emotion in his eyes was sorrow.

“Who?”

“Julianna.” Jean-Claude was a master of concealing his emotions.  I could feel and see nothing in him.  He said her name with perfect ease though somehow I knew it hurt him.  Call it women’s intuition.

Jareth put his arms around my waist and pulled me against him.  “Are you alright Oreo?” Jean-Claude smiled at the nickname then returned to his perfect mask of blankness.

            “Hai, daijoubou-desu.  Arigatou.” Jareth and I had taken Japanese a year ago just for the hell of it.  We usually talked to each other in that language.  It was kind of like our secret language.  Seki looked wide-eyed at me.  I had forgotten that Seki knew Japanese, being that his name is Japanese and means ‘wonderful’.

            I blushed before I could think then looked away.  I was suddenly feeling watched.  Everyone was hearing my nickname and hearing me speak in a language that I’ve always had to speak in a girlish voice.  Don’t ask why, I just never could speak it in my normal voice.   It didn’t help that my nickname was a famous cookie.  Now that was extremely embarrassing.  At least I had a yummy creamy filling. Joy.

            “Ok nothing can be solved now so let’s just meet at my office tomorrow.  Jareth feel free to stay but I can’t offer you a bed.”  I moved away from him only ending up closer to Jean-Claude.  I looked at him for a moment then looked at Anita.  “All non-essential personnel can vacate the premises.”

            “Orianna I have a request to make.” Anita’s voice came out careful and almost cautious.  Jean-Claude and Asher moved toward the door as Seki and Jareth went to the couch and sofa.  Richard was already outside the door.  Anita and I were the only ones left.

            “Anything, Anita.  Just name it.” She gave a small nod.

            “I just want to leave someone.  I need someone to communicate with you when I’m not around.” I started to protest but she kept going.  “This isn’t just your case anymore and I want to make sure you live through it.” I thought for a second then gave a small nod.

            “I can’t guarantee a place to sleep for this person but they can stay.” It was her turn to give a small nod.

            “He won’t need anything other than the floor.”  She turned to the door.  “Jason.” A few seconds later a young man came padding into my apartment.  It was starting to feel a little cramped in here. 

            This man had to be about mid-twenties, early thirties.  He was handsome.  He had long blonde hair that ended at his shoulders and sky blue eyes.  The only thing that didn’t seem to suit him is the fact that he’s short.  He’s probably Anita’s height.  Anita didn’t need explain what was going on because Jason was a werewolf.  He had heard it all from the hallway.

            “Aw, you mean I don’t get to sleep with you tonight?” He looked straight at Anita with a smile that only made her glare. 

            “Do you always have to be a pain in the ass?” He gave an exaggerated nod with a big grin then looked me over.

            “Sexy.” His comment about me caught me off guard and made my eyes widen.  Anita grabbed a lock of his hair and yanked down in one quick movement.  She turned his face to look at her.

            “Behave or I’ll drop you head first from the Empire state building.” He grinned again.

            “Yes mommy.” The man I had branded Richard stepped forward then paused. 

            “Behave Jason or I’ll punish you myself.” His grin wiped off of Jason’s face. 

            “I was just complementing her.” I cleared my throat and smiled at the man.

            “Thank you.  I wasn’t fishing for it but it was nice nonetheless.” All three of them stared at me as if I had said something they couldn’t comprehend.  Anita let go of his hair and Richard went back to his shadows.  Jason straightened out then grinned at me.  If I didn’t know any better I’d say he was flirting with me.  Like I need another man in my bed.  “Alright I need sleep before I start tomorr…today’s problem.” I gave a small sigh then headed to the door with Anita.  Her men that weren’t staying had already started out the door.  Jean-Claude only gave a small bow and a sweet, “Goodnight, Ma Cherrie.” I frowned confused but his words and obviously so was Anita and Asher.  I watched them walk down the hall still perplexed by the many events that had just past.  I closed the door finding Jareth and Seki glaring at each other as Ceara and Jason looked at them with smiles.

            “What?” My voice brought everyone’s attention to me.  Seki looked away but Ceara and Jason continued smiling.

            “Jealousy can be a dangerous thing.” They were the only words out of Ceara’s mouth but I understood.  The two men had been having a standoff.  Sigh, men.

            “Jareth I believe I owe you an explanation.” He finally looked at me then smiled.

            “You can tell me whenever you want.  I’m not demanding an explanation.” He got up and walked to me.  He stopped a foot away and traced his fingers down my cheek.  “It doesn’t matter who you are Orianna.  I’ll stay by your side no matter what.” I looked up at his eyes thinking they would say something different but they didn’t.  He trusted me, like Bryce had.  I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

            “Tomorrow then.  I have to tell Bryce tomorrow.  Be there.” I spoke mainly to his chest but he would hear it.  His hand played in my hair, soothingly. 

Chapter Eleven is being written

Chapter Nine: Becoming

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Copyrights:  This is a fan fiction.  All original characters from Laurell K. Hamilton's Fae series are hers and hers alone (too many to count sorry) this includes the Anita Blake series.  All characters that weren't in her original series are MINE and I will kick any one's ass that steals them.