It had to be a cave of some kind. But how in hell had he gotten here—wherever here was?
"Hell is an apt enough description of this place, my friend." The words came out of nowhere, reverberating around the walls. Jake tensed, studying the darkness.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
"Questions.” The stranger's voice dripped cold sarcasm. “Always questions from my captives." Jake swallowed. He knew who had him. Knew why.
"Nikki won't be fool enough to fall into your trap a second time."
"We shall see.” The darkness moved, forming shape. Became a man with the eyes of a demon. It was easy to understand Nikki's fear, Jake thought, studying the muscular form warily. He wasn't psychic, but he could feel the power that oozed from the man. And those eyes ... they were almost hypnotic.
Don't look, he thought with a frown.
"Interesting,” Jasper murmured. “You have a certain ... strength I did not expect." Jake made no comment and studied the darkness beyond Jasper. There had to be some clue as to his whereabouts—some way to warn Nikki not to come after him.
"You will find no escape."
His gaze darted back to Jasper. He noted the insanity entrenched in the blue depths of his eyes, saw the gloating. Knew he was a man who enjoyed toying with his victims. No, not a man. A vampire. Jake cleared his throat. “Where are we?"
"Underground. Deep underground.” As Jasper spoke, a tremor ran through the ground, a vibration that shook the air and rushed wind through the darkness.
Were they in a tunnel? Did some sort of vehicle passing through cause the vibration? Maybe a train?
"Not even close,” Jasper mused. “I could, of course, tell you, but I doubt it would do you any good."
"Nikki won't look for me,” Jake replied, trying to sound casual, though tension knotted his gut and constricted his throat. “She won't run the risk of falling into your trap a second time."
"You lie, little man. I know her mind. I know how much she values your friendship." Jake closed his eyes. “They will stop you,” he whispered. “No matter what it takes.