Fire Within - By Ally Shields Page 0,44
of jail,” he said. “Any trouble between you two?”
Andreas shook his head. “None.”
“Oh, come on, Ryan.” Ari rallied to the reporter’s defense. “What are you suggesting? That Eddie’s some kind of psychopath? He might’ve had a motive for Jules, but not Patricia. Certainly not Andreas. Give it up. He’s not guilty. He was never involved.”
“I don’t know that. He’s a proven liar, and still a suspect,” Ryan said, his forehead creased in annoyance. “At least, in Jules’s murder.” He re-directed himself to Andreas. “But presuming she’s right, then who? You’ve got to have some clue.”
Andreas raised his palms. “I do not. I am inclined to think it was a fanatic. The publicity around the murders has stirred up old biases. The only other possibility is another power move against Prince Daron, a strike at a member of his inner court.”
“By Sebastian?” Ari suggested. The vampire prince of Toronto, Canada and Prince Daron had been sworn enemies for centuries. She didn’t know what Daron had done to earn Sebastian’s hatred, but the brutal Canadian dictator had tried to destroy him many times, the most recent attack less than a year ago. He’d sent a murderous pack of werewolves and a rogue vampire to take over Daron’s throne. Several people had died, including Ari’s former mentor, before the matter was settled. It wasn’t so far-fetched that he might try again, and his first move might be against Andreas, Daron’s first lieutenant and chief of security. Sebastian didn’t have warm feelings toward Andreas. Or anyone in Riverdale. In fact, Ari’d had her own run-in with the Canadian prince.
Andreas bent his head in thought. “I cannot rule out the possibility, although it seems too soon. On the other hand, Sebastian is tenacious, and the two of them have been fighting a long time.”
“Why would Sebastian have chosen these victims?” Ari asked, playing Devil’s Advocate. “They weren't members of the vampire court. Unless they have some important function we don’t know about?”
Andreas shook his head. “Nothing.”
“So, where does that leave us?”
“With too big a coincidence,” Ryan said. “Three vampire shootings within a few days. They’ve got to be related.” He frowned, clearly not liking the implications. “If Sebastian’s involved, we’ll have to find his local stooges.” He got to his feet. “I’m going to check on the crew outside, and then start looking for the car. For now, I’m keeping all options open, but check out this Toronto angle. Call me, if you think of anything else. Ari, are you coming?”
Andreas looked at her, raised a brow. “Perhaps we should finish our discussion.”
Ari’s better sense told her to go. In fact, it screamed at her, but she chose not to listen. When had she stepped off the deep end? “You go ahead, and thanks for the ride. I’ll call you in the morning.” She was astonished how sane she sounded.
Ryan nodded. Without another word, he walked out and closed the office door behind him. The man could take a hint, although Andreas hadn’t been exactly subtle with that wink. Ari was uncomfortable with how fast things were changing. Especially when she wasn’t sure what the changes were. She’d suggested friendship; Andreas had assumed a whole lot more. Not that she hadn’t let him maneuver her into considering it, still… She wasn’t sure she knew the rules.
“You are very quiet. Having second thoughts?” Andreas asked.
Ari gave him a thin smile. “Maybe.”
“Why am I not surprised? What is on your mind?”
Ari lips quirked in a wry smile. “Just that, my mind. As in, if you really wanted to, could your magic control it? I need to know.”
Andreas frowned, some emotion flashed across his face. “Before I try to answer that, tell me why you ask? What prompted the question? Have I done something?”
She shook her head. “No, but I think you might have that kind of power, and you’re used to getting your way. And, well,” she looked away for a moment, “my magic doesn’t seem to want to resist. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if you forced the issue without asking or listening to me. You already invaded my dreams, until I used magic to stop you.”
“You invited me.” He frowned, searching her face. “I came to your dreams because your magic sought me out. I stayed away, after I realized you had placed a protection charm under your pillow. I knew there had been a misunderstanding. Although I still do not know how or why.” He ran his hands through his black