Death Times Two(34)

“Right here, you smug bastard.” Lisa tosses him the coin. Her grip tightens on my hand, betraying the confident tone. I admire this strong woman, doing what she’s afraid of despite the risks.
Pretty soon the transaction is complete and we’re alone in the bunker room.
Lisa lets out a loud sigh and runs her hand through her short, spiky blond hair. “That was an experience I hope to never repeat.” She glances to me, undoubtedly seeing the pained look on my face and hastens to add, “Not the part with you and me! That was… incredible. But having a ghost try and penetrate my hoohah?” She shakes her head. “I hope she’s the only one who thinks of that trick in the future.” She shivers. “Brr … talk about scary.
“Every time I think I’ve got a handle on this new gig I get thrown a curve ball of immense proportions.” The young widow approaches me, self-doubt in her eyes. “Thank you. Thank you for being here for me and for ‘taking one for the team.’”
Anger sparks inside me. “Is that what you think?” I grab her hand and place it over my still hard cock. “I want you, Lisa—despite the age difference, despite you being human and me being a vampire, despite there being no chance of a future for us—I want you. Do you understand?”
Her hand closes over my cock and gives it a light squeeze. “Crystal clear, Asa.” She reaches up and voluntarily kisses me, with no threat of a ghost possession to prod her. After a while she pulls back, newfound strength shining in her eyes. “But we have a job to finish first.”






 
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Chapter Thirteen
Lisa


Sweet nibblets, my body is humming from Asa. Not only his touch, but his reaction to me. I hadn’t felt that much heat for over a decade during my hormone induced randy years when I first met my husband. Asa gave me a thigh quivering taste of what it would be like to indulge in my fantasy with him. From my reaction, I’m not sure I’ll survive. But what a way to die.
I smooth my hand down the front of my shirt, trying to collect my thoughts. “How many ghosts are left?”
“There should only be three.” He walks to the wall again and tilts the sconce, causing the door to slide open again. “We’ll need more gold. I’ll grab a few extra in case we run into problems.”
“Good idea.” I follow him into the tiny treasure room. “Who’s left?”
“Deneishia and Melvyn, both werewolves, and Emiko.”
The fact that there are still three spirits to reap unnerves me. “I know I said I didn’t want to know, but why are there so many dead people here?”
His hand hovers against the treasure chest. After a few seconds he looks at me. “We had problems with Ivan and…” He hesitates and I’m not sure I want to hear the rest of his explanation. “Vivian hosted a hunt.”
I shake my head. “What kind of hunt?”
His gaze drifts back to the chest. “A vampire hunt.” He hefts the lid open. “Emiko.”
Did I hear him correctly? Not sure I fully understand, I ask, “You guys hunted Emiko, as in—hunted to kill?”
He nods. “She was a ruthless killer, but if she could survive the hunt she’d earn her freedom from fifteen years in silver chains.” The coins jingle as he scoops up a handful. “Maybe it wasn’t the best idea in the world but she and the elders agreed to it.”
I’m speechless. Most vampire novels I’ve read painted them as violent creatures, but hearing an actual account goes way beyond my comprehension. The differences between Asa’s life and mine once again are glaringly clear. Several retorts linger on the tip of my tongue, most judgmental. But what do I know of his world besides the small slice I’ve seen over the two days? My life is hockey, my kids, and sunshine. His life is timeless— bound to a master vampire, consuming blood to survive, and darkness.
Breaking the tension, I say, “Well, that explains it.”
He glances at me. Something like wariness and relief flickers across his face. “We’d better get going.”
Fine with me. Despite the enjoyment I experienced here, the tunnels feel like they’re closing in on me. I rub my arms to chase away the heavy feeling that’s settled on my soul. “Where to next?”
Asa follows me out of the room and closes the door. “Let’s try the cabins. That’s where Melvyn died. Maybe Deneishia is hanging out there, too.”
“One can hope.”