"Not the last time I looked. I've got all the lights on."
"Okay, I see it. We're almost there."
She heard the distant sound of car doors and then the crash of metal as the hangar door slammed open. A pounding of footsteps on the concrete floor, the heavy shift of the airplane as they hit the stairs. She turned toward Duncan as he came through the door ... and Mirabelle attacked.
Chapter Nineteen
Cyn heard the rush of movement behind her and then she was falling as Duncan grabbed her shoulders and spun her into Lonnie's surprised arms. “Duncan,” she cried, struggling against Lonnie's hold. “Don't hurt—” She broke free, stumbling around in time to see Mirabelle freeze in mid-step, her eyes caught as she stared up at Duncan. He held out a hand to her, low and nonthreatening.
"It's all right, little one,” he said softly. “You're safe here."
* * * *
Mirabelle stared warily at the strange vampire coming toward her. He had a kind face; his big, brown eyes were gentle with concern for her and his voice lilted with a Southern drawl that sounded so much like her daddy's used to. A warm feeling surrounded her, covering her, sealing her away from ... the voices.
She started, suddenly realizing that the voices were gone, not even a whisper remained. She closed her eyes in relief, feeling the tears begin to roll down her cheeks.
The vampire had crouched in front of her and was saying something. She looked up. “Who are you?” she whispered.
"My name is Duncan, and I'll take care of you."
"He wants me back."
"I know."
"I won't go back. I can't."
He nodded. “I know. You don't need to worry about that. Are you hungry?"
"Yes,” she admitted in a small voice.
"Of course you are. You've had a rough time, Mirabelle, but no more. Can you drink from a pack?"
"Yes. It's all I've ever done.” She was ashamed to admit it.
"I see. Well, that's fine then.” He twisted around without getting up and said something to the two people behind him. Mirabelle looked up, really seeing them for the first time. Another vampire with long hair and ... “Cynthia,” she said softly, wonderingly.
"Hey,” the investigator responded with a smile. “You had me scared there. You okay?"
"I'm sorry."
"Don't you worry, hon. We'll take care of you."
Mirabelle ducked her head, both relieved and embarrassed. Duncan was still talking, saying something in a low voice to the other vampire, and then to Cynthia. Mirabelle was still too disoriented to hear the words, but the other vampire, the one with the long hair, was holding some sort of box. She caught the scent of blood and the hunger twisted fiercely inside her, as if it knew sustenance was close at hand. She watched avidly as the vampire put the box down and left the airplane cabin. Cynthia regarded Duncan with a stubborn expression. Finally, she reached across the seat and hauled up a big shopping bag which she shoved at Duncan with a muttered oath before exiting through the open hatch.
* * * *
Cyn stormed down the stairs, frustrated that Duncan wouldn't let her stay. “What the hell was that?” she asked Lonnie.
"That,” he said, “was probably her Sire trying to force her to go back to him. Duncan closed him off for now."
She stared at him in amazement. “Duncan can do that?"
Lonnie gave her an amused glance. “You don't get to be Lord Raphael's lieutenant by being a sweetheart."
"Oh. I guess I never thought about it that way."
"No reason you should, babe.” She gave him a halfhearted scowl at the hated endearment.