Chasing the Shadows by Keri Arthur, now you can read online.
Chapter One
Michael? Where are you?
The sharp voice swam through his consciousness, scattering any remnants of sleep. He opened his eyes and watched the moonlit landscape sweep by the cab's windows. Only a few more miles and he'd be with Nikki.
Michael? This time, Seline's piercing mind voice held a hint of concern. Can you hear me?
He sighed. How could he not hear her when she was all but screeching? Yes, I can hear you . He just wasn't concentrating. All he wanted to do right now was get home to Nikki. They'd been apart for nearly three weeks, and it felt like forever.
After living alone for over three hundred and sixty years, it was amazing how quickly he'd become accustomed to having her in his thoughts and in his life. He needed her, not just physically, but emotionally.
You sound tired, Michael.
He was. Tired of chasing vamps gone bad. Tired of killing. Or maybe he was just tired of doing it alone, though he had no intention of giving in to Nikki's demands to let her share this part of his life. One killer in the family was more than enough. It's been a long three weeks, Seline. It was a tougher case than I'd originally thought. I'm sorry. He smiled wryly. That was a first—her apologizing. She had to be after something. What's the problem?
You know me too well. Her amusement swam down the mental line between them, yet it was mixed with an anger that burned so sharply he could almost smell it.
Curiosity stirred, but he thrust it away. He'd never refused Seline anything she'd asked him to do, but after one hundred years, he was getting a little weary of helping everyone else at the cost of his own existence. Especially now, when he had someone to exist for. Seline, I'm tired, I'm almost home, and I'm in no mood for games. Get to the point.
She sighed. I think we need your help on another case.
I've just finished this one. I need a break. Needed time to regain some sense of normality—something that had been sorely missing in his life until Nikki had come along. I know, and I'm sorry. But vamps are your area of expertise, and this case has a bad feel to it. Was there ever one that didn't? For a moment, he studied the softly glowing aspens lining the road, then glanced at the cab driver. "It's the next left." Ten more minutes, and he'd be with her. The longing that had sat like a weight in his gut these past three weeks lifted, and something close to excitement bubbled through his veins.
What are we dealing with? he asked eventually.
That's it—we're not exactly sure.
Then how do you know it's me you need? Impatience edged his words, and her smile shimmered through his mind.