A Vampire for Christmas(117)
Will you come find me when you’ve—”
She broke off midsentence, not wanting to think about what was going to happen to the two young vampires who were already back on their feet and attacking.
Go, Della. Now.”
She grabbed Daniel and hauled him down the alley. But before she reached the other end, she stopped long enough to think one last thought.
Come back to me, Eagan. Don’t make me spend Christmas without you.”
Then she ran to where Tennessee stood waiting.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
DELLA THOUGHT ABOUT CLOSING the diner early, but it was Christmas Eve and her friends were counting on her. So she’d showered, changed into another Christmas shirt and forced her lips to curve up in a smile she didn’t really feel.
No word from Eagan. Not last night and not all day. She kept telling herself that he’d gotten caught up in his case. Odd that she found him being an undercover cop harder to believe than that he was a vampire. By the time she and Daniel had reached Tenn at the end of the alley, half a dozen men all flashing badges and fangs had arrived.
One had stopped long enough to introduce himself as Eagan’s boss, Lieutenant Hughes. After making sure that she was all right, he’d warned her that Eagan might be tied up for a while and not to worry, that he’d come around. Then he’d winked at her and headed off down the alley. She wasn’t sure exactly what he’d meant.
Someone had driven Daniel home. Later, the teenager had called, all excited. His mother was moving them to a better apartment where she’d be managing the building in return for a salary and free rent. Della suspected Eagan was behind the family’s windfall, bless him. On the other hand, after taking a brief statement from her, she hadn’t heard another word from the police over what had happened in the alley.
That had been twenty-four hours ago.
Tenn was in the kitchen whistling an off-key rendition of one of her favorite Christmas carols. When he spotted her, he nodded and kept stirring the pot of vegetable soup she’d asked him to make for Christmas Day.
Have we been busy?”
Not bad. Enough to keep us from getting bored. Not enough to spoil my good mood.”
He studied her. “How about you? Have you recovered from yesterday?”
Mostly.” She ran her hands up and down her arms at the memory. “I never got around to thanking you for coming to rescue us. You have no idea how dangerous those guys were.”
Yeah, actually I do.” He set the spoon back down on the counter. “You seem to be handling the fact that your boyfriend is a vampire pretty well. Would it surprise you to learn that your fry cook gets all furry every full moon?”
She swallowed hard as she stared into his eyes, now more gold than caramel-brown. “Uh, all things considered, not all that much. I’m not sure Eagan would appreciate being called my boyfriend, though.”
Then he’s an idiot. Now get out of my kitchen. You’re in my way.”
She ignored the order long enough to give him a quick hug on her way by. “Your secret is safe with me.”
He squeezed her back. “I know. And you might try calling him. I’m betting he’ll come.”
When she pulled out her cell phone, Tenn took it from her. “Not that way. Talk to him the way you did in the alley.”
You could hear us?”
No, but that’s how vampires communicate with their, uh, well, damn. Just try it and see what happens.” She wasn’t so sure it was a good idea. One night of hot sex didn’t a commitment make, no matter how perfect it had been. Out in the dining room, she looked around for something to do. Harry was at his usual table talking with Lupe.
The old man waved her over. “There you are, young lady! We were getting worried about you. Come sit with us.”
Lupe scooted over to make room for her. “I can only stay a minute, then I should get busy.”
I hope you had no lasting effects from last night, Della. Thank goodness that young man of yours and his fellow detectives arrived when they did. I was just telling Lupe how he and Tenn were able to track you. I may have pointed them toward the alley, but I’m convinced they would have found you even without my help.”
Then Harry smiled at her. “Vampires and werewolves have such heightened senses, you know. Back in my prime, I would’ve given them a run for their money, but we fae are at a distinct disadvantage with so much metal around. Most of my abilities have faded away completely.”