Dark Destiny(72)

Mary Ann sat calmly behind the desk, her usual serene smile of greeting in place as Destiny entered. “I was hoping you would come by this evening,” Mary Ann said. Her dark eyes were soft and welcoming as she rose. “Come in, Destiny.” She waved toward a large, comfortable chair. “Have a seat and talk with me.”

Destiny’s heart was pounding as she glanced carefully around the office, looking for hidden traps. At the same time she scanned Mary Ann’s mind, hoping to find evidence that all was well. Instead she found blank spots in the woman’s memory. Destiny’s alarm grew. Mary Ann looked the same—sweet, gentle, compassionate.

The undead have found Mary Ann, Nicolae. One has been here, in her office. Why did you not sense it through your blood bond? There was accusation mingled with fear in her voice. More than that, she realized, wincing; there was a plea for help.

“I came by because I’m becoming one of those witless women who think they can’t tie their shoes without a great big he-man to help them,” Destiny announced with disgust, realizing that she was counting on Nicolae’s help, when before she would never have thought to rely on anyone but herself.

The green fire flashing in Destiny’s eyes fascinated Mary Ann. A slow smile spread across her face. “And here I thought I was in for a boring evening. Do sit down. I have never once thought you would find yourself unable to tie your shoes without a hunk to help. Who is he? Nicolae? Has he managed to interest you, after all?”

“Don’t sound happy about it.” Destiny glided closer and perched on the edge of the desk, looking into Mary Ann’s dark, expressive eyes. There were no shadows there, and no pinpricks or lacerations marred the smooth skin on her neck.

I feel his presence, although he has tried to hide it. He examined her and he has given her a command. Destiny sensed that Nicolae was close by.

“You don’t want me to be happy when you’ve relieved me of a tedious evening catching up on paperwork? You don’t do paperwork, do you?”

Destiny permitted a small grin to escape. “Well, no. Luckily, hunting vampires doesn’t require that yet.”

“Not even a permit? In this day and age one would think you’d need a permit and a hunting license.”

Destiny’s laughter bubbled over, humor keeping fear at bay. Nicolae was on his way, and he had much more experience than she did. He would know what to do to protect Mary Ann. “Actually, if word got out, it’s more likely that vampires would be put on the endangered species list and we’d be forbidden to hunt them,” Destiny pointed out.

The door opened without even the pretense of a knock and Nicolae sauntered in, looking so handsome it annoyed her all over again. “Speaking of devils.”

Nicolae leaned over and kissed the nape of Destiny’s neck. “She is absolutely crazy about me,” he assured Mary Ann.

Destiny rolled her eyes heavenward. “She is definitely

not

crazy about him,” she denied. “She doesn’t even like him.”

Nicolae pressed his body suggestively against Destiny. It was the briefest of contacts, but it sent a shiver feathering along her spine.

“Mary Ann, I couldn’t stay away,” he said, turning to the other woman. As she rose to greet him, he took her hand, bent gallantly over her fingers.

“See?” Destiny’s eyebrows arced. “Is he full of crap or what?”

Mary Ann laughed softly. “I don’t know, Destiny, I rather like his manners.” She withdrew her hand and looked up at Nicolae. “What brings you here to see me besides wanting to make Destiny crazier than usual?” She went very still, put a hand defensively to her throat. “Is something wrong?”

“Don’t encourage him, Mary Ann. He’s already puffed up beyond belief.” Destiny made a face, determined to keep the worry from her friend’s face.

“I was wondering if you’ve had any visitors lately, Mary Ann,” Nicolae said easily. “Destiny and I are looking into this business with John Paul and Martin.”

“Oh, that’s good, Nicolae. I’ve been worried about them.” Mary Ann looked confused, rubbed her temples as if they were suddenly throbbing. “Somebody was here earlier, right before you came in, Destiny. A very nice gentleman. He asked me a lot of questions and seemed very interested in our sanctuary.”

Destiny exchanged a long look of alarm with Nicolae.

She carries no visual memory of this man. She remembers the conversation, but not his appearance. He did not seem to ask questions about you or me.

Nicolae gave a barely perceptible shake of his head, warning her to remain silent as he turned the full power of his voice and gaze on Mary Ann. “Had you ever met this man before?”