After Dark (Between the Veils Series, Book One) Read online

  Avery groaned as he caught sight of her standing beside his car. She was dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, which clung to her curves with devastating clarity. If she was trying to turn him on, she’d succeeded.

  He slowed down as he neared the car, clicking the button to open the doors. “Does this mean you’re not going to insist on driving yourself?”

  She shrugged, tossing her bag in the trunk when he released the latch and opened the back. “It’s not fixed yet, and…” She sighed, leaning against the side as he repositioned her bag. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love riding in this thing.”

  “I bet you’d love driving her even more.” He tossed her the keys, smiling at the way her eyes widened in surprise. “Go on. She corners like she’s on rails.”

  Temperance ran her fingers over the keys, looking from him to the driver’s seat and back again. She seemed conflicted until a girlish giggle bubbled free, and she grabbed the door, pulling it open before jumping inside. A whispered breath floated across the interior as she shifted her ass in the seat, palming the wheel as if it were alive. “Damn. Now I know why you parade around in this car. It’s like sex without the mess.”

  He laughed, shaking his head as she continued to fondle the gear shift. “Are you purposely trying to derail our attempts at investigating this demon? Because if you keep talking like that, we aren’t going to make it out of the damn parking lot.”

  She looked over at him, holding his gaze before she slowly lowered it to his crotch. His cock jumped at the intense scrutiny of her stare, and he wished she’d caress his shaft the way she touched the damn stick.

  Her mouth kicked up into a smile as she slipped in the key and turned over the engine, sighing at the pleasant hum of the motor. “I wouldn’t want to be the cause of you missing the demon, now would I?”

  She shifted her attention to the road, but not before Avery saw the flash of panic in her eyes. She wanted him, of that he had no doubt, but the thought of sharing his bed terrified her. He released a heavy breath. He needed to slow things down, show her he was in this for more than just a quick fuck in a hotel bed. And while that thought terrified him, he felt the certainty of it down to his toes. Temperance Dunnigan had cast a spell over him as surely as the demon had marked her as its intended target. All he had to do was destroy one without compromising the other.

  He groaned inwardly as they headed out, nothing but the sound of the road beneath the tires filling the empty space. He glanced over at her, watching as she took pleasure in the simple act of driving. He didn’t miss the way she took the corners a bit faster than necessary or how she accelerated hard before easing off as she reached the speed limit. Seems his little vixen liked fast cars as much as he did.

  He nodded when she caught him staring at her. “Looks like I’m not the only one with a penchant for sports cars.”

  Her smile lit up the small space. “I never said I didn’t like them, just that I…”

  “See them as an obscene display of wealth.”

  She flashed him an exasperated glance. “Those were your words, not mine.”

  “True, but you didn’t disagree with me.”

  Her mouth turned down into the beginnings of a frown. “I suppose we just come from two different worlds.”

  “Not different worlds, darling. Different tax brackets. But since I inherited mine, I can’t really claim any success, now can I?”

  She looked his way again, a confused furrow creasing her brow. “And I haven’t really been fair. Judging you because you have money makes me just as much of an arrogant ass.”

  He didn’t hold back the devious grin that curved his lips. “Your ass is many things, but arrogant isn’t one of them.” He nodded at the road. “Take the expressway, darling. We’re not going back to Saint Louis today.”

  She flicked a concerned nod at him. “Where then?”

  “I’d like to return to Metairie and the mausoleums there. I have a feeling our friend might be more adventurous if we try to attract his attention in a somewhat secluded space. The other cemeteries will be full of tourists at this time of day, if they’re still open. Best we try our luck where we know he’s struck—and succeeded—before.”

  Temperance nodded though he could see her reservations in the way her jaw flexed and released as she unconsciously tensed her muscles.

  He reached for her hand, his heart racing when she didn’t try to pull hers away. “Scared?”

  Her eyes found his for a second before her lips pulled tight. “Would you think less of me if I said I was?”

  “On the contrary, my dear. It’d only strengthen my opinion of your intelligence.”

  She chuckled, sparing him a glance this time. “Why?”

  “Because fear makes one cautious and caution is an intelligent extrapolation of the current situation.” He winked at her. “Besides, it wouldn’t be right for me to be the only one with their teeth chattering away.”

  “I hardly think you get scared easily.”

  His face sobered. “If it was just my ass on the line, it’d be one thing. But Blake was right. I’m not about to get reckless with yours.”

  “And you were right in assuming I can handle myself. Now that I have a basic idea what I’m up against, I won’t be such an easy target.” She gave him a hardened stare. “I’m not some damsel that needs saving, Avery, so don’t start treating me as such.”

  “The thought never crossed my mind.”

  She snorted, shaking her head as she glanced his way. “Honesty, baby.”

  He chuckled. “Fine. I’m understandably concerned about your welfare. Happy?”

  She shrugged. “It’s because of the sex, isn’t it?”

  When he just lifted his brow at her, she continued.

  “The prospect of sex changes things. Makes people act differently than they would if it wasn’t there, hanging over them like some kind of judgmental cloud.”

  Avery sighed, tightening his fingers on hers. “Believe it or not, whether I think I’ll be able to lure you into my bed isn’t a factor here. I’ve seen what this…demon can do and quite frankly, I’m not completely certain our plan is a sane one.” He met her confused expression. “Again, this won’t work if you don’t give me the benefit of the doubt at least some of the time. I’m really not out to sacrifice pretty women to save my own ass and further my career.” He smirked then, giving her a heated look. “Though I do like the fact you’re considering me as a possible bedmate, however remote it may be.”

  She laughed. “I’m pretty damn sure I gave my hand away this morning. And I promise I’ll think only honorable thoughts about you from now on.”

  “Not too damn honorable, darling, or I’ll never succeed in the luring part.”

  “Let me kick some demon butt, and I’ll concede to that, too.”

  He grinned, wondering how he’d never recognized this side of her before. “Rest assured, you’re free to kick as much demon ass as you see fit.” He pointed at the upcoming exit sign. “Take this exit. We’ll park at Lake Lawn and make our way over to the mausoleums.”

  Temperance followed his directions, parking the car in the upscale lot. Unlike Saint Louis, this area was more posh, catering to the wealthier residents of New Orleans. He accepted the keys she handed him as she made her way to the trunk, trailing her fingers along the smooth, red paint. Just watching her apparent pleasure sent a rush of heat through his chest, and he made a mental note to let her drive more often.

  He popped the trunk, handing her a bag as he removed a larger one, zipping it shut before locking the car. She fell in beside him as he headed toward the adjoining cemetery, her gaze periodically shifting to his bag.

  “I couldn’t help but notice you have some unusual gadgets in there.” She motioned to the bag. “Blake make all of those?”

  “He is a technical wizard.”

  “A wizard with one hell of a nice ass.”

  Avery stopped, grabbing her hand as she went to walk past. “I thought y
ou said you weren’t attracted to him?”

  “I’m not, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a great booty when I see one.” She palmed her hip with her one free hand. “Are you honestly going to tell me you wouldn’t look if a stunning woman walked by?”

  He held back the smile that threatened to surface. “I can’t imagine a woman more stunning than you.”

  The pupils in her eyes dilated, hiding all but a ring of the pure blue. “And I can’t imagine women actually fall for that line.”

  He tugged her close, loving the breathy gasp that left her lips as her chest collided with his. He dropped the bag, slipping his other hand around her waist as he held her near. “In this particular instance, it’s not a line.”

  Her features softened, and he nearly creamed his jeans when she rubbed her body against his, releasing her bag to wrap her hand around his neck.

  Her fingers caressed his nape as she pressed up on tiptoe, feathering her lips across his. “You are, without a doubt, the most charming man I’ve ever met. And for the record, Blake has nothing on you, or your ass.”

  He growled as she teased him with a fleeting moment of contact before easing back, stepping away when he released her. “I have no misconceptions that you will be my downfall, darling. And I shall go to the executioner’s block willingly.”

  She laughed as she picked up her bag. “See? Charming.” She cupped his hand, smiling sweetly as she entwined her fingers with his. “Ready?”

  He nodded, speechless. There was something about the way she’d smiled at him that had dropped his stomach to the ground. It was a mixture of innocence and, dare he say, love, that made the sun seem somehow dull and two dimensional. Temperance didn’t seem to notice his sudden silence as she walked beside him, her fingers tight in his. He blinked to clear his vision as they headed for a secluded part of the large cemetery, his heart fluttering in his chest. He felt like a teenager again, awkward and uncertain, her hand heavy in his. Damn, but he was getting in way too deep. He hadn’t even taken her to his bed and already she occupied his every thought. A little voice shouted at him, warning him to get his head out of his pants and on the task at hand. If he wasn’t careful, he’d lose her before she’d ever really been his.

  Avery gave himself a mental shake, turning his attention to the hunt. He ran over his supplies in his head, once again assuring himself that he had everything he needed to keep Temperance safe…and hopefully rid her of the claim the creature had put on her. If his suspicions were right, this demon was as bound to her as she to it, making the situation more desperate than he’d first considered. If it didn’t manage to drain her energy, it’d either have to retract its mark on her and release her, or relinquish its fragile hold on this side of the veil, no doubt returning its remaining energy to the other side. And somehow, Avery knew it wouldn’t give up that easily, not after claiming so many victims.

  His head swam with possible scenarios as they stopped at one of the larger tombs, the wrought-iron gates standing slightly ajar. Temperance cocked her head, staring at the black space, pursing her lips as she’d done in the car that first night. He studied the empty space, wondering what held her attention, when a surge of energy rippled over him.

  Avery drew a sharp breath, glancing down at her. Her eyes had widened and the hairs on her arm had prickled, accentuating the sudden onset of goose bumps covering her skin.

  He tightened his hold, gaining her attention. “I assume you feel it, too?”

  She nodded, her expression a mix of awe and fear. “It’s in there. I’m not sure how I know but…” Her neck tensed as she swallowed hard. “Would now be a good time to admit I’m scared?”

  “Darling, I was scared just pulling up in the parking lot.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I won’t let it take you. I promise.”

  She bobbed her head, a mechanical looking smile plastered on her lips. “I have every faith in you, but little in it.” She locked her gaze on his. “Are you sure we have the right tools? That what we brought will be able to stop it?”

  He paused, wondering how to answer, all the while knowing he really only had one choice. “Not entirely, but…” He pulled her closer. “If all else fails, we’ll just make sure you’ve got an unobstructed route to the door. Despite everything, there’s no way that thing can survive out here in broad daylight, otherwise it would been able to obtain its energy supply long ago. I’ll just make sure I stay between it and you.” He arched his brow. “Okay?”

  She pursed her lips, looking from him to the gates and back again.

  Avery cursed and pulled her close, holding her tight to his body, an angry growl rumbling free when he felt her trembling against him. “Look. We don’t have to do this. Honestly, Temperance, it’s not worth scaring you like this.”

  She shook her head, finally pushing herself away. “I’m just a bit nervous. It doesn’t mean I’m not up for the task.”

  He scowled. “You should stick to the blatant honesty, darling. You’re a terrible liar.”

  She swatted his shoulder as she drew herself up. “Okay, let’s go.” She opened her bag, removing a number of objects. “I’ll start rolling on the digital recorder, though I have a feeling our friend in there won’t need the white noise to be heard. I’ve also got a digital thermometer, an electromagnetic detector set to buzz when anything remotely spiritual crosses our path and the trusted bag of salt.” She smiled at his look of dismay. “Hey, it’s one of the only repellants I saw listed time and again, so there must be some truth to it.”

  “Yeah, that and common sense, like not going in there if you’ve got any doubts.”

  “Of course I have doubts, but…hell, Avery. It’s what we do.”

  “No, we’re ghost hunters not demon slayers. I’m pretty damn sure there’s a difference in there somewhere.”

  “Maybe, but this thing, whatever it is, put some kind of mark on me, so if it’s just the same, I’d rather face it here and now, and send it back to Hell, than wait to see if it can gather enough strength to hunt me down outside the cemeteries.”

  Avery’s blood curdled at her words. Damn, he’d never considered that this thing might be able to come after her, not when every other victim had been found inside the various cemetery walls. What if she was right? What if walking away only changed the venue, and not the outcome? He clenched his jaw. No fucking demon was claiming his woman. Period.

  “You’re right. We need to end this.” He slipped his bag off his shoulder and rummaged around until he found the one tool Blake had made especially for this excursion. “All I want is this.”

  She frowned. “What the hell is that? I’ve never seen anything remotely like it before.”

  “You’d best not praise it around Blake like that. The poor man might just come in his jeans.” He laughed when she gave him an exasperated sigh. “He made it just for today. It’s an ultraviolet emitter. One press of this button and that panel shoots out a steady beam of ultraviolet light.”

  “And I should be impressed because…”

  “Because it’s like pointing a sunbeam directly at its heart, only magnified a thousand times stronger than any sunlight it’d come into contact with naturally.” He smiled, victoriously. “If it won’t come out of the shadows, we’ll just take the sunshine to it.”

  “Let’s hope that sunshine thing works, or else all we’ll have is a demon with a really dark tan.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” He motioned to the gate. “I’ll go first. Stay behind me and if that thing gets too close, run. I’ll cover your back.”

  Temperance nodded, following him up the stairs and across the stone landing. The tomb was beautiful, with white marble accents and intricate ironwork. It was near the far end of the cemetery, with grass surrounding its plot and nearby trees casting long shadows of relief across its side. A large, stained glass window peeked at him from the far wall, while a collection of flowers lined one side of the entrance.

  Avery moved slowly, not wanting to be caught off g
uard if the demon suddenly appeared in front of them. He reached forward and swung open the gate, looking inside before stepping across the threshold. Light reflected off the pristine marble surfaces, but the sheer size of the mausoleum made it impossible for the rays to reach the back recesses of the tomb. Pockets of shadows filled the eerie hall, which seemed to branch off in either direction.

  Temperance tugged at his shirt, drawing his attention. “Temperature readings are dropping and my electromagnetic detector is already spiking. Without any natural energy signatures in here to account for it…”

  It meant they weren’t alone. But with the temperature dropping, it was more likely ghosts than the demon. “We’ll listen to the recordings later, just in case we’re capturing any otherworldly voices. Let me know if that thing goes haywire or if the temperature suddenly goes up.”

  She nodded, continuing to scan the area as he took one of the side hallways, carrying them further inside. No flowers dotted the aisle and the thick layer of dust along the grooves in the walls suggested no one had been down this way in a while. He was just about to turn around when a cold breeze ruffled his shirt.

  Temperance inhaled sharply behind him as the temperature dropped more, making his next breath visible. He looked around the dim space when the air vibrated, a disembodied voice echoing through the hall.

  Temperance moved in beside him. “Bloody, hell. Did you hear that?”

  She held up the EM detector close to her shoulder. Even from where he was standing, Avery could see the damn needle pegged at the far side, indicating a huge electromagnetic disturbance.

  She glanced over at him. “Did that voice just tell us to run?”

  He nodded, holding his arm out to keep her from moving in front of him. “While I usually don’t put much stock into ghostly calls from the dead, I’m generally considering taking its advice.” He inched over to her. “Stay close. We’ll head back then search one of the other corridors.”