Storm's Heart (Elder Races #2)(98)

She was pleased to note that Aubrey looked behind her to Rune and made a special point to include him in the invitation. As far as Kellen was concerned, Rune had joined the metaphorical woodwork where all guards and servants existed. Rune sat, and the four of them talked about the day. Rune made an easy fireside companion. Niniane hid a smile behind one hand as she watched Naida grow brighter and almost flirtatious in the sentinel’s presence. It was easier to enjoy Naida away from the pressure and tensions of the rest of the group.

Naida said to her, “That clothing you’re wearing seems so wonderfully functional.”

Niniane laughed. “You mean my jeans? Yes, they are. They can stand a lot of wear and tear, and they’re quite comfortable.” She hesitated then said, “I didn’t bring much in the way of clothing with me, just some travel outfits and a few mementos. I’ve been noticing how elegant your clothes are, and I admire your sense of style. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you for advice on clothiers. I am interested in developing a more traditional wardrobe.”

Both Naida and Aubrey looked pleased. “I would be honored,” Naida told her. “Perhaps we can spend an afternoon together so I can get an idea of the colors you like.”

“I look forward to it.” Niniane smiled and stood. “Please, don’t get up. I’ve interrupted your evening enough.”

But no matter what she said, they stood anyway. “I’m glad you came,” Naida said, her voice warm. “Let’s talk again soon.”

Niniane nodded, gave them both a smile and turned away. As soon as her back was turned to the other Dark Fae, her smile dropped away, and she scowled. Rune fell into step beside her, moving with lazy grace, as she headed toward the Vampyre camp.

Rune said, “I notice our supper does not lie in this direction.”

“I have one more stop I want to make,” she growled.

“Perhaps you would enjoy your next visit with a sunnier attitude if it were accomplished after supper,” he suggested.

“Oh shut up,” she said.

“My case in point.” He raised his eyebrows and looked bland when she glowered at him. “I’m just sayin’.”

The evening still showed hints of the day’s golden sunlight, but shadows were deepening across the clearing and glowing lanterns had begun to appear in strategic places as she and Rune approached the Nightkind encampment. Rhoswen, Duncan, the other male Vampyre and their human companions (attendants? servants? food supply?) were gathered around a communal campfire. The group looked relaxed. The humans had made short work of their portion of the supper supplied by the Chicago kitchen staff. Perhaps their air of relaxation was an illusion, but Niniane envied them their ease in each other’s company.

She was amused to see that the humans were not prompt in rising to their feet at her appearance. They only did so after Rhoswen gave them a glare. She would miss modern Americans’ casual ease of manner.

She said to Rhoswen, “I was hoping to have a word with Carling.”

After a brief pause, the blond Vampyre said, “Certainly. The Councillor is down at the river. She invites you to join her.”

“Thank you.”

Niniane went in the direction Rhoswen indicated. She followed a short trail through bushes to arrive at the river’s edge, while Rune kept pace at her back. As the evening sky darkened, the brightest stars began to shine. The river rippled silver in the fading light, and the fiery foliage colors on both banks turned muted. At first she looked along the near bank for Carling. It was only when Niniane saw pale material draped on a nearby bush that she thought to look out over the river. She found Carling’s sleek dark head cutting through the water.

“Oh my God,” she said. She shuddered. The water had to be so frigid it was bone numbing. Anybody who fell into it would run the risk of hypothermia in minutes if they were, well, alive. “You don’t feel the cold?”

Rune looked amused as he parked himself by leaning against a nearby birch tree with his arms crossed. Carling’s husky chuckle sounded over the water. The Vampyre swam against the current. Her lazy-looking br**ststroke made it look effortless.

“I feel it,” said Carling. She ducked her head under the water and came up to the surface again. “It just doesn’t affect me like it does you.”

“Is it the same as sunlight?”

“That is a different matter,” said the Vampyre.

“How so?” Niniane had been dying to ask ever since she had seen Carling step into the sunshine at the hotel.

“I cloak myself with Power so that I can walk in sunlight. Otherwise I would have to cloak myself with clothing and sunscreen, like the other Vampyres do, or the sun would burn me to ash just as it would them. I can step through sunlight and can look upon it, but I can no longer feel it on my skin and survive.”

“That must be exhausting.”

“I would not want to travel for weeks in the daylight without respite, but this short trip is fine.”

Carling swam toward the shore and walked out of the water. Niniane lost her breath. The Vampyre’s sleek, wet, nude body glinted with the silver edge of the fading light. Her full br**sts, slim waist and strong shapely legs were perfectly formed and sinuously graceful, but there any pretence to perfection ended, for she was tiger-striped from shoulder to thigh, her body covered with dozens of long white lash scars. Someone had beaten her badly when she had been human, beaten her so badly she must have been near death.