"We have rules regarding killing our kind. If we made your activities legal under the Vampiric Const.i.tution then we could eliminate the Jacquerie whenever we please."

"Why me?" I've never been a leader except a couple of centuries ago in Santorini. That only lasted five minutes.

Alec regarded me with a patient smile, as if he knew what was best for me and I only had to relent to it. "I trust you."

"We just met, Alec." How could I trust what he felt about me?

"It's been a year, Daedalus. You're my brother, and underneath that sh.e.l.l you constructed around yourself, lays a good heart and a well-developed sense of justice."

I'm not right for the job. I'm not a leader and I'm n.o.body's 'yes man'." I fight-kill, not for sport. If it's a necessity, it gets done. Humans kill without breaking a sweat. "The Council won't see my good points if there are any. It's no secret how I feel about bureaucrats."

"Yes and no. Being an Enforcer involves being fair and thinking quickly on your feet. You do that often. I've seen you in action." He paused, loosened his tie.

I didn't know I held my breath waiting for him to finish. "I still don't see how..."

Tania placed her hand on mine, interrupting me. "I would love to work with my brother in-law- and get to know him better."

"That's sweet, Tania but..."

"You fight with the grace and skill of a predator and you can handle yourself around the Council. You are protective of the weak, vampire and otherwise." Alec said.

Alec was being modest. Even while shackled to the walls of the lava tombs in Santorini I felt how frightened Ma.n.u.s was about encountering Alec, the Vampire Viking Prince. It was the first time I'd seen him tremble. The second time was at the sight of me in bat form.

I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms. All of their compliments made me squirm. I suppose never hearing compliments all my life it's a foreign thing. I've only heard the opposite. "I was part of a clan grandfather never sanctioned."

"You were sold into the Vrykolakas Clan by Radu at four years of age. You couldn't defend yourself back then. I'd be an idiot not to recognize that."

Even centuries later the memories came back to me of my enslavement and humiliation at the hands of Radu and Ma.n.u.s. I paid Ma.n.u.s back in kind for torturing me, of course. The memories still dug deep and twisted my gut. I straightened up and reached for the cabinets. "What's in it for me? I have more money than I can spend. My life is relatively easy. Why should I complicate it to become your Enforcer?" I asked them while taking down two large coffee cups from the cabinet. The owners of a diner downtown invented a flavored coffee just for me after I saved them from a nasty death by a vampire. I'd never thought of adding cow's blood to coffee. Ingenious! "Brew eighty-eight?"

"Sure," the couple said simultaneously.

"You're the Prince of Vampires by birth. You'll have authority to act on any emergency decision. Naturally, if anything happened to us you would take over our duties as the royal elect."

That sounded ominous, but I supposed being King and Queen meant a relatively short life span. Still, I wasn't chomping at the bit to accept the job offer. I lifted the coffee-filled carafe and poured. "And who would I take orders from? You two?"

"Would that be so awful?"

I snorted at her ridiculous question, and then took a sip of the eighty-eight. "Have the Jacquerie attacked you since last year?"

"Once or twice," Tania interjected.

"You shouldn't be fighting," I said. Her thin brows knitted together. What was it that made a woman beautiful when she got angry?

"And why not? Don't raise your eyebrow at me, Daedalus. A woman can fight just as well, if not better, than males," she argued, the earlier tenseness gone. That relieved me.

"Before Tania and I met she could defend herself," Alec interjected.

I had no doubt of that. Tania is brave, muscular, and s.e.xy. For a reason unknown to me I was drawn to the utility drawer Hermes had ransacked almost thirty minutes ago. "Your wife is trying to get pregnant," I said to Alec while pouring red liquid into the coffee mugs. I pa.s.sed both cups to Tania and Alec, and then opened the utility drawer.

Tania lifted the mug, gave me a mock toast. "Thanks a lot!"

"You're welcome," I said, and then went back to looking through the utility drawer. All the while, my anxiety level increased as it became clear her picture wasn't in the drawer where I'd left it weeks ago. With slow dread, I closed the drawer then placed both hands on my hips. How could I have been so sloppy? In a fit of rage, I raised my fist high and slammed it down on the marble island, cracking the surface and clattering my coffee cup. It tipped over on its side. Coffee poured on the saucer. The coffee machine jumped, shook, then settled down.

"Daedalus?"

Without looking at them I said, "They took my daughter's picture."

Chapter Two

Reddish brown liquid poured out of the cup and seeped into the crack I'd made with my fist. Fear held my heart in a death grip. I headed for the floating staircase then ran up to the fifth floor.

The fifth floor was an addition. I needed the s.p.a.ce for my dojo. I slid the Shoji screen door to it open. I wasn't surprised when I heard Tania and Alec's footsteps behind me. They traveled like Siamese twins. It was that strange and frightening vampiric marriage, the Hymeneal that all mated vampires had, and I'm loathe to indulge in.

It was unavoidable. I have secrets I haven't trusted anyone enough to share with including Alec and Tania. They'll be hurt. I'll deal with it.

"My daughter." Alec's mouth opened. Before he could utter a sound, I cut him off. "I'll explain later."

Alec was a hurricane ready to flood me with his anger. The power of it literally danced over my skin. Instead, he calmly stated, "Maybe you took it out of your drawer?"

I sighed inwardly. "I never forget." With that, I turned around and pulled off my black, v-neck sweater...exposing my scars. It was clear I wasn't going to get the privacy I needed to change my clothes. There was a sharp intake of breath from both of them. The two of them seeing me naked was the least of my worries.

Behind me, I heard footsteps retreat into the hallway. Good. Tania got the message. I wished Alec would heed it also, but he wasn't the sort. Distantly, I registered a dull ache on my left temple.

I pressed a b.u.t.ton on a silk wall panel. A rectangular panel came forward. I pulled it down and opened it. Three pieces of black clothing were folded neatly on the shelf.

"This is a trap," Alec said.

"He'll try to kidnap Juliana. I taught her to defend herself, but Hermes is older and deadlier." I unb.u.t.toned and unzipped my jeans, pulled them off. My socks came next. All the while, the fear tried to paralyze me. I was completely naked. I hated underwear.

"Maybe she isn't in town?" Alec said.

"I would have sensed her departure. She's still here and probably getting herself into trouble."

"I'll give you your privacy."

"Thanks." I was thankful neither Alec nor Tania asked about the scars covering my back. They were my business only. I pulled on the black top. It hugged my muscular chest. The pants, tabi socks and the tabi boots with the sectioned off big toe I pulled on next. I'm efficient, having done this a thousand times over. Gloves and the gauntlets I pulled on last. The mask I'll pull on later. I had to retrieve my sword next.

I shook my head disbelieving the opportunity I gave up. If anything happens to my daughter because of my twinge of non-violence... I shook my head in disbelief at my stupidity. This was the night of all f.u.c.kups. I ran down the stairs and found Alec in his uniform. Not a Ninja uniform but something ancient, chivalrous and all Alec.

Then I scrunched my face tight as I held the Katana in my hand. A dull throbbing pain ricocheted out into the void then back into my head, as if I was playing mental boxing. I felt as if someone stabbed my head with a knife repeatedly. Whomever I sparred with, was having a harder time than I was.

The s.p.a.ce in front of me shimmered. I stepped back, tense, ready to fight. Terra was good. She must have many tricks up her black sleeves. I had renewed respect for the crazy she-b.i.t.c.h, but it wasn't Terra I saw. A woman with skin the color of dark honey was laying on the floor, in her underwear, curled up in a fetal position. She held her head for dear life. Tears ran down the bridge of her nose.

I got on my knees and stared at her. The Fates were s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g with me tonight.

"Daedalus?" Alec stepped forward, walked through the image, dispelling it, and with it my burgeoning fear. I couldn't lose contact.

I held up my hand halting further questions from my brother. "Wait, Alec!" In my head her voice echoed, Stop! Stop! Stop! Dammit! I trusted my instincts and something told me it wasn't Terra playing mind tricks. I'm worried about my daughter. My thoughts are traveling to places I don't want them to go, so anything is possible.

Every instinct told me it was the woman I'd stared at. I walked straight ahead, the sword held at a safe angle, opened the balcony door, and braced my back against the high cement ledge. I forced the sound of the City and the freezing cold to the background and concentrated on the voice. Who are you?

More important, who- are- you?

Her telepathic voice caused deep shudders in my core making my c.o.c.k tighten, filling my mind- distracting me with encompa.s.sing heat. The pain in my head lowered like an elevator down through my nose, eyes then cheekbones and out my ears. Remembering the scalpel sharp weapon in my hand, I carefully raised it over my head then lowered the blade behind my back into its scabbard. You're in pain.

And you're causing it, pal. I can't believe I'm talking with another d.a.m.n psychic.

I couldn't help but smile at her smart-a.s.s comeback. For a fraction of a second, I'd forgotten about my fear for Juliana. I lifted my arms, stretched them out on the ledge. As usual, I kept calm and cool. How did I cause it?

Your anger. Its always strong emotions. What's going on with you?

She's nosey, too. I ask the questions. You answer. Why are you in my head?

I was born with psychic powers, and you share the same problem. Yippee!

To say I wasn't intrigued would be a lie. A telepath! Human, I guessed. I'm wholly fascinated by how the sound of her voice made me hot. Her telepathic voice sent pictures, impressions of her physical state to me and I was sure by accident. I felt something hard and cold on my right side. You shouldn't lie on the floor.

How did you-you can see me can't you?

She sounded shocked. Not a seasoned telepath I'm dealing with. How could she not know telepathy wasn't just mind-melding? You won't get rid of your headache that way.

Does this ever happen to you?

No.

So, I'm supposed to take your advice.

You...intruded. Chips-awful human snack-lay around her kitchen floor. A dark brown wooden bowl lay upside down on top of the chips. I had to restrain myself from reaching out to her. She had the lost broken-down look to her. She rolled onto her back holding her head in one hand. That was a start. Our conversation distracted both of us.

No, you intruded first. It's your...daughter... Juliana, isn't it?

I straightened my posture then. Did I give you permission to probe my thoughts? I sensed her inward shrug.

I'm seldom rude, but if it will get rid of my monster headache...

I crossed my arms, remembering I had a mission now and this little detour, though amusing, was hampering my efforts. Take a deep breath. Think of some place beautiful, warm, calm, and quiet. Picture yourself there. I could see the picture she formed in her mind. It was oddly familiar: a large blue sea, black, rocky beach, and white houses. Good G.o.d! Santorini.

I think it's working.

Good for you. Now stay the h.e.l.l out of my head, please.

You're going to hurt someone aren't you?

Before they hurt my daughter? d.a.m.n straight!

Violence begets violence.

Get some rest.

Terra coughed as she held her boyfriend's arm steady. "We'll find a cab," she said as she wiped her eyes. Red tear droplets ran down her forefinger.

Hermes peeked around the corner. He smeared blood on the brick wall he leaned against. He'd make a trail if she didn't stop his bleeding. It might work to their advantage, though, but then vampiric blood evaporates after a while. If the police go around to all the residents and ask them if they saw anything suspicious, heard someone screaming, who knows what they might say?

"Not like this. I'm bleeding all over the place. You'll have to hypnotize the cab driver then kill him."

"We don't need a trail of corpses tonight," Terra said.

"We're in the wrong city for alleys."

Like shadows, they moved in the darkness concealing their appearance from humans walking by. They were lucky. It was freezing out and New Yorkers were tough but even they knew when to stay out of the cold.

"That freak almost killed you," Hermes said."

"Watch your mouth. He's my father." She clutched the green crystal necklace. Once they found an alley, she opened a vein in her wrist.

As it pulsated, it pumped out blood. She applied pressure (she hated to be wasteful) to it then held her wrist to Hermes mouth. He suckled her. She had more blood than she could handle in her body. As usual, his sucking made her womb contract. She held her breath and thought of the woman in the photograph as a distraction. She barely felt her o.r.g.a.s.m. Terra opened her eyes in time to watch Hermes' muscles and tendons reconnect.

She reviewed the events of fifteen minutes ago in her mind. Daedalus and Hermes talked as though they knew each other.

"Will we go after this one next?" Hermes asked, interrupting her thoughts.

She arched her brow as she studied the young vampire's face. "We will. He'll come after us, you know," she said.

"I've never known you to be afraid of anything."

"I'm not, but he'll hate me now for sure."

"You know who your father is. You know who you are," he said caressing her raven hair. "He had no right to throw you away after you were born."

"Will he realize in time?" While Daedalus was strangling her, she thought he saw her for who she really was. Instead, she saw the cold, ruthless killer there. Would he kill his own family? Terra lifted it up the picture and gazed into the violet eyes of the young woman. The eyes were so much like hers. The hair was different though. While her hair in the picture is blonde. Terra's is black as coal. The girl in the picture looked to be in her early twenties. Vampires don't age as rapidly so who knows. Terra just wanted to get rid of her. She didn't need any more barriers to her father.

"He will realize who you are, Terra. He will and if not we go to Plan B." Hermes her knight in shining armor, her protector, bent down and sniffed the ground. "I'll pick out her scent. You pick up her energy from the photograph. I'm sure she's been here."