Kindling Flames: Smoke Rising (The Ancient Fire Series Book 3) Read online

  Darien guessed they were twins.

  “I also have twelve in my keeping.”

  Clara nodded her head and looked around at the rest of the Council. “And where will you be staying?”

  “Currently, I am renting a house on the north side of the city.” Christian added, “It’s a nice area, and I plan to stay there if you will allow it.”

  Clara looked around at the rest of the group to see if anyone disagreed. Michael lived in the south. William, Victor, and Lillian had the west. Daniel and Rachael had the east. Darien lived in the center of town. The only one that may be inconvenienced by the new master’s choice would be Elliot. He had settled in the north, but he didn’t have any fledglings.

  “Is that all right with you, Elliot?” Clara asked.

  Elliot looked over the man, sizing him up. “As long as he follows the Council’s rules, I have no issues with it.”

  “Very well.” Clara turned her attention back to Christian. “If you can abide by the rules of the Council, then you are welcome in our city.” She proceeded to rattle off the short list of rules that governed all vampires in Brenton. They were mainly common sense things that kept the vampires out of sight.

  “No killing?” Christian cocked his head at this strange addition.

  “No,” Clara said. “There is no need to kill when taking blood. It just leads to problems with the police, and I don’t want to have to deal with it. Will that be an issue for your kiss?” Clara cocked an eyebrow at him.

  “No, it won’t.” Christian bowed his head to Clara. “Is there anything else that I need to know?”

  “As a master, you will be required to join the Vampire Council.” Clara waved to the group gathered. “We meet once a month to talk about any complaints or problems. Occasionally, we’ll call a special meeting like this one to deal with issues that can’t wait until the normal meetings. Your attendance is required at all meetings, even if you feel they have nothing to do with you.”

  “So, I will be meeting with you all once a month?” Christian looked over at Darien.

  “Everyone except Master Darien; he doesn’t sit on the Council,” Clara clarified.

  “I only come to the meetings when the matters affect me or those I represent.” Darien sat up in his chair, and Zak gurgled his displeasure at the movement.

  “Who do you represent?” Christian asked.

  Darien narrowed his eyes at the new master. “Everything else in the city.”

  Zak barked his agreement, and the new vampires in the room eyed the little dog.

  “Master Darien is a businessman and deals more with the human side of the city,” Clara explained. “He comes when things we do affect the world of the day.”

  Christian turned his attention back to Clara.

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are these terms acceptable to you?”

  Christian tipped his head, accepting Clara’s conditions. “Yes.”

  “Then let me welcome you to the Council. Please grab a chair and join us.” Clara pointed to the wall behind Christian and the chair waiting for him. “Sara and Aiden are welcome to head downstairs and meet the rest of my people. Just be aware that Miss Westernly is off limits.”

  A hint of amusement curled the corner of Darien’s mouth as Zak growled a warning to the vampires.

  The two young vampires bowed and left as Christian retrieved his chair.

  ***

  “Was that really Master Darien?” Sara asked her brother as they left the Council chambers.

  “The Council recognized him as such, so he must have been,” Aiden said back to her quietly.

  “But he didn’t feel like any of the other masters in the room.” Sara looked back at the door. “He didn’t have the power level that I had expected from the stories I’ve heard. I mean, I could feel more power from the dog.”

  “You’re right.” Aiden pulled his sister down the steps. “Did you hear his heartbeat?”

  Sara nodded. “It was much too fast for a vampire.” She shuddered. “Even a really powerful one.”

  “I heard Master Darien had a double that runs his company.” Aiden looked at his sister. “Do you think that was him?”

  “It had to be,” Sara said as they reached the foot of the staircase. “Let’s wait and see what happens.”

  Aiden agreed with his sister, and the two vampires headed off to the door leading to the living areas for Clara’s people.

  ***

  “Are there any other matters that need attending to tonight?” Clara opened the floor for discussion.

  Darien sat up. “Yes.”

  Zak gurgled at him again.

  “I would like to offer a proposal.”

  Everyone turned to look at Darien.

  Clara waved her hand over the table. “The floor is yours.”

  Darien laced his fingers together and rested his hands on the table in front of him.

  Zak poked his head up between the vampire’s arms.

  “In light of the new peace between the wolves and the vampires, I would like to suggest that we open this year’s Halloween party to include everyone.”

  Surprise filled the faces of the nine people at the table.

  “Of course, I’ll make all the arrangements. The invitation will be open to everyone: vampire, wolf, fay, and human.”

  “Where did this idea come from?” Clara asked.

  Darien chuckled. “Rupert wants to hold a party on the same day as yours, and I thought it would be nice to bring them together.” He shrugged.

  Zak barked his approval of the idea, making Clara smile.

  “Have you spoken with Rupert about this?” she asked.

  “Not yet.” Darien shook his head. “I wanted to get your opinion first.”

  “I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Rachael answered from her side of the table. “It would give the two groups more time to reconcile their differences in a neutral environment.”

  “I agree.” Daniel nodded.

  A few of the other masters nodded their heads, too.

  “Very well,” Clara approved. “Go ahead and plan your party, Master Darien.”

  Darien nodded again. “I’ll have the invitations sent out as soon as the arrangements are made.” He leaned back in his chair, content.

  Zak circled in his lap and lay down to listen to the rest of the vampire’s meeting.

  “Speaking of Halloween,” Clara said, taking control of the meeting again, “I know that Samhain is coming up, but that is no reason to get out of control again this year. I have already gotten reports from the Brenton PD’s First Precinct about a rash of attacks in the downtown area. All the victims claim someone grabbed them from behind, bit their neck, and left them bleeding on the sidewalk.” Her eyes roamed over the masters in the room, looking for any signs of guilt. “One was even bad enough to be taken to the hospital. This clearly screams vampire.”

  Clara let out a long sigh and rubbed her forehead. “I know this is the only time of year we can go out as ourselves, but come on people, use some common sense. I don’t care who’s doing it, just stop. The cops aren’t as dumb as they used to be. Even if we are vampires, we still have DNA and fingerprints. They are starting to get serious about this business.” She took a deep breath to calm herself. “Just pass it on to the young.”

  Darien leaned his head forwards and closed his eyes as he listened to her go on about what the fledglings should not be doing during the season. Wiggling his fingers into Zak’s fur, he listened to the rise and fall of Clara’s tone as he relaxed under the steady purr of the fay in his lap.

  ***

  The sharp bite of Zak’s teeth on his hand jerked Darien back to consciousness. He looked around, dazed, at the concerned faces staring at him. Sitting up more, he rubbed his eyes.

  “Are you all right, Master Darien?” Clara asked from the other end of the table.

  Darien shook himself, trying to clear the sleep from his mind. “Yes. Sorry.” He stretched. “It’s just been a long day.
” Darien dislodged Zak from his lap and sat up straighter.

  Zak grumbled at him.

  Clara gave him a concerned look before turning her attention back to the rest of the Council. “Anything else?” she asked, but everyone was still staring at Darien trying to wake up at the far end of the table. “Then let’s call it for the night.” She glanced down the table at Darien. “Master Darien, can I speak with you for a moment?” The rest of the Council took this as a sign to leave and stood up.

  Darien got up from his seat and went over to Clara as the room cleared out.

  Christian watched him for a moment before turning and following the rest out.

  “What’s going on?” Concern filled Clara’s voice as she stood up to talk with her sire.

  Darien rubbed his face before running his hand roughly through his hair. “I’m just tired.” He shrugged. “I got up at six this morning.”

  “Darien, you were snoring,” Clara said, shocked. “I’ve never known you to actually fall asleep before. Rest, yes, but to truly sleep? I mean, I can hear your heartbeat even now. It’s faster than it used to be.” She reached out and touched his arm. “And you’re warm. What’s going on?”

  Darien cocked his head and felt his own heart beating. Clara was right—it was human fast. He thought about it for a moment. “It has to be Victoria.”

  Clara looked at him doubtfully.

  “She started sleeping in my bed when everyone was over. I set my system to take its cues from her so as not to disturb her when she woke up.” Darien shrugged. “I guess I just got used to it.”

  “That explains your reaction to the phone call the other night.” She smiled. “When was the last time you rested alone?”

  Darien raised his eyebrows and thought hard about it. “Umm… right before the hunt,” he said, a little embarrassed.

  Clara laughed at him. “No wonder.” She walked with Darien back to where his coat was. “Maybe you should try getting some real rest.”

  Laughing, he picked up his jacket and folded it over his arm. “I kind of like how I am right now.” He smiled. “I haven’t felt this alive in a very long time.” A distant look washed over Darien’s face. “Not since her.”

  Clara could hear the sadness in his voice as Darien thought about his lost love. She touched his arm and brought him back to the present. “I am glad you found someone special.”

  Darien smiled at her words. “So am I.” He patted Clara’s hand touching his arm. A yawn interrupted the moment, and Darien shook himself. “God, I need some coffee.”

  “Why do you want coffee?” Clara chuckled as she led the way out of the room. “Caffeine isn’t going to do you any good.”

  “True.” Darien yawned again. “But, you would be surprised how invigorating just the smell of a good cup of coffee can be. You should try it sometime.”

  “No, thank you.” She made a disgusted face. “I don’t want to deal with the consequence of eating food.”

  Darien chuckled. “Yeah, I found it a little disturbing at first, but you get used to it.” He shrugged. “We all had to deal with it at some point in our lives.”

  “And I was never so happy to find out that I didn’t have to deal with another privy again.” The revulsion was easy to hear in Clara’s words. “Have you seen public restrooms?”

  “Yes I have, and they can be rather scary.” Darien chuckled as Clara shuddered at the thought.

  “I think I need a bath now.” She looked up at the man next to her. “Would you like to join me in the onsen? That is, if you can keep from falling asleep.”

  Darien laughed at her again. “Let me get my coffee and find Victoria first,” he said as they passed through the foyer to the hallway leading to the living quarters.

  Clara smiled her amusement as Darien made his way to the kitchen. She went to check on the rest of the people in her home.

  “Good evening, Natalie,” Darien called as he stepped into the kitchen.

  The cook in Clara’s home looked up from where she was stirring a pot of something on the stove. “Hello, Master Darien.” Natalie wiped her hands on her apron. She tucked a loose strand of curly, brown hair behind her ear. “What can I do for you tonight?”

  Darien looked around the spacious kitchen. His eyes swept over the plain wooden table where Clara’s house pets took most of their meals. He folded his jacket over the back of the closest chair. “Is there any coffee?” Darien asked, looking over the neat counters.

  Natalie gave him an odd look. “Of course.” Going to the cupboard, she pulled out a clear glass mug and poured some coffee into it from a carafe next to the stove. “I always keep coffee for Roger. He doesn’t function well without it. It’s hot,” she warned, handing the mug to Darien.

  He carefully wrapped his hands around the mug. “Thank you.” Darien drew in the rich aroma of the hot liquid.

  Natalie watched in amazement as he took a careful sip from the cup.

  “Much better,” he said as the coffee drove the fatigue from his system. Darien took the cup and leaned his backside against the counter. “Where’s Tiffany this evening?”

  His normal question about her daughter shook Natalie out of her shock. “She’s in her room.” Natalie turned back to her cooking. “Clara didn’t want her out with the new vampires around.”

  “I can understand that.” Darien took another sip of the coffee. “I had better go find Victoria.” He snagged a muffin from a plate on the counter. Natalie always had food sitting around in case someone wanted a snack. Darien pushed away from the counter and headed towards the door. “Thanks for the coffee.”

  “You’re welcome,” Natalie called after him.

  Peeling the paper on the muffin back with his teeth, he took a bite out of it as he walked. He had always wanted to try Natalie’s baking but had refrained from doing anything so unusual until his last visit, when it had been revealed that he could eat real food. He wasn’t worried about people finding out he could handle food. It was more that he didn’t want to upset them with the weird activity. Real food would normally make vampires rather sick. Their bodies couldn’t process it. Over time, his system had relearned how to pass the solid material through, but it didn’t really digest it. Darien took another sip of his coffee, savoring the way the flavor mixed with the blueberry muffin. He liked it.

  “I’m sure he’ll show it to you if you ask him.”

  Darien smiled at the sound of Vicky’s voice coming from the common room. He pushed the door open to find almost everyone was in the large living space. The room was furnished with a variety of mismatched loveseats, chairs, and sofas that were all very comfortable. Most of the seats were occupied by the various guests and residents of the house.

  “I’ve been dying to check out that DB9 since Master Elliot got to drive it away from the warehouse.” Roger excitedly wiggled in his seat. “Do you think he will let me drive it?”

  Darien came over and sat on the loveseat next to Vicky. “Maybe, if you ask nicely.”

  Zak gurgled as he sniffed towards Darien’s half-eaten muffin.

  Ignoring the many eyes that turned to him, Darien set his coffee down on the table next to the seat.

  “I heard you fell asleep during the meeting,” Vicky said as Darien broke off a bite of the muffin and held it out for the fay.

  Zak munched it out of his hand happily.

  “Yes,” Darien admitted as he wiped his hand on his suit pants. “I guess I was more tired than I thought.” He picked his coffee back up and took another pull of the cooling liquid.

  “Better now?” Vicky asked, holding Zak back from Darien’s muffin.

  “Much.” Darien stuffed the last of the muffin in his mouth to keep it away from the fay. “Natalie makes mean muffins,” he mumbled around the bite.

  “You should try her cakes.” Roger grinned. “I don’t know what she puts in her red velvet cake, but it should be illegal.”

  Vicky giggled, listening to Darien and Roger go on about the changing quality of ba
ked goods through the years and the best place to get them now.

  ***

  “He isn’t a vampire,” Sara said to Christian as they sat in their corner watching Darien chat with a few of the house pets about the best things he had eaten over the years. He had pulled his tie loose and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. “There is no way he can be.”

  “It’s possible,” Christian said. “I can eat and drink if I want to.”

  Aiden looked at him, confused. “I didn’t know that.”

  “I don’t do it often.” Christian shrugged. “It makes me sick.”

  “So he is a vampire?” Sara considered, staring at Darien.

  “I don’t know.” Christian squinted at the man in question. “He actually fell asleep in the Council meeting.” Only the young, held by the powers of the sun, couldn’t control when they rested. And a resting vampire’s heart rate and breathing slowed to almost nonexistent. Christian had never known a vampire to just drop off in the middle of the night like that, let alone snore.

  “They did say he was old.” Aiden shrugged as he watched the group. “I’ve heard as much as nine hundred years.”

  “Someone was obviously pulling your leg when they gave you that information.” Sara rolled her eyes. “Look at him.” The three vampires paused and watched Darien laughing at something Elliot said. “He doesn’t act like any of the elders I’ve ever met.” Darien lacked the air of arrogance that most old vampires held. “Anyway, he hasn’t taken blood yet tonight.”

  “Maybe he drank from his pet before he came in,” Aiden suggested. The three vampires looked to the blonde woman sitting next to Darien, petting the longhaired dog.

  “She doesn’t look like she’s fed anyone tonight,” Sara pointed out. “She doesn’t have any fang marks.”

  “How would you know that?” Aiden shot his sister a disbelieving look. “He could have bitten her in some other place.”