Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas by Bartlett, Gerry (white hot kiss TXT) 📕

She’s after answers. It can’t hurt to get a new opinion.” Maggie watched the stage. “Where is he getting those pigeons?”

We all trooped down to the stage area after the show. When a security guard tried to stop us from going to the dressing room, Jerry stared into the man’s eyes until he let us pass. We saw cages of the white pigeons The Great Alexander Anderston used in his show. When we got to the door with the big star on it, Jerry knocked.

“Come.”

“Mr. Anderston, we enjoyed your show.” I went first, hoping a female might make him a little more welcoming than the glower on Jerry’s face. We weren’t met by Anderston himself but by a shape-shifter who stood at least seven feet tall. He stayed between us and the magician.

“What do ye want?” The voice with the Scottish burr came from the dressing table where the man who’d done the tricks was removing makeup with a sponge. He suddenly jumped up. “By God, four of ye. Smell the lot, Harry. Vampires.”

“Aye, but I can take ̕em if need be.” The shifter flexed his muscles.

“We mean you no harm, sir.” I tried to get closer but was truly blocked by the bulky Harry. “I was wondering if you could help me. You seem to have some extraordinary skills.” I smelled vampire and shifter. Did I also get a hint of demon? Was that how Alexander Anderston had gotten his skills, a deal with the Devil? Or was I being paranoid?

“I worked damned hard to learn every trick.” The magician pushed Harry out of the way. “I usually avoid other vampires, though we have some pretty ones here.” He reached for my hand.

“These pretty ones are taken.” Jerry stepped up beside me. Fergus took Maggie’s arm in a death grip that made me smile.

“I’ve found the other vampires in Las Vegas most welcoming. The Council House—”

Anderston grimaced. “Don’t say it. That place is a horror, my dear. But do go on about why you are here. I am intrigued.” He put his hands behind his back. “Please, call me Alex.”

“I wondered…” I didn’t want to insult him. “I wondered if you had ever had occasion to deal with a demon. I am currently being hounded by one. He’s trying to make me pay for a favor I made the mistake of asking him for. Now I’m afraid he will hurt my friends, do horrible things to one in particular. I’m desperate to stop him. Trick him if I can.” I was saying too much but couldn’t seem to stop. Jerry’s arm was around me.

“You can see she’s upset, Anderston. I’m sorry if we came to the wrong place.” Jerry nodded. “I will figure out a way to handle it.”

Anderston laughed. “Handle a demon? Good luck with that.” He looked us over. “I see what you’re insinuating and I won’t bother to deny it. How do you think I learned so many tricks? Death defying some of them. Not that I am worried about death.” He chuckled and slapped his leg, the silver suit shining in the lights from his makeup mirror. “This Las Vegas act is just the beginning. Come see me perform in Paris, London. Houdini knew nothing compared to what I’m planning next.”

“You truly have a demon to thank for your skills?” I gasped when he nodded. “Did you give him your soul? Or…” I waited while Anderston and his shifter exchanged looks.

“My soul is still my own. I think we all, if we’re ancient vampires, with the way we had to survive long ago, have much to answer for. Do you agree?” Alex focused on Jerry.

“Aye. I have done things that I’m sure will eventually make me roast in Hell. But Glory is not like me. She made a mistake getting involved with this demon and regrets it.” Jerry held onto me, always trying to protect me. “What do you know? Can you help my lady?”

I wiggled out of Jerry’s arms and grabbed Alex’s hand. “Please. You have no idea how desperate I am. If I sell my soul, I…” I felt my knees go weak. “Well, I know I just can’t do it. Please, help me.”

“All right. For a lovely lady.” Alex smirked at Jeremiah and held my elbow, helping me take a seat in front of his dressing table mirror. It was for show. Neither of us reflected there. “Did this demon have a name?”

“Davenport.” I couldn’t stop shaking. Was Alex really going to help me?

“Hmm. I don’t know him. He may be new, trying to prove himself with this.” He glanced at Harry. “That could make this more difficult.”

“He did seem very determined.” I knew all eyes were on me. I’d been such a fool, asking a demon for anything. But then he had sought me out, hadn’t he? Stalked me. Why? Would I ever get an answer?

Alex took my hands. “Did he ask you what you valued most?” He stared into my eyes when I nodded and fought fresh tears. “What did you say?”

“Jeremiah.” I heard my lover swear in Gaelic. Could he really be surprised? If a demon asked him what he valued most, I felt sure it would be my name on his lips, not his sword or his good name or even his family. He was ever at odds with his parents.

“You’re right. While I don’t know this particular demon, I’m sure he’s like all of them, full of malice and determined to cause pain. He’ll be coming after your man.” He glanced back at the group. “Your sire?”

“Yes. We have been together for over four-hundred years.” I looked at Jeremiah, sure my heart was in my eyes.

“Gloriana.” Jerry shook his head. “You shouldn’t–”

“She said it, what’s done cannot be undone. It’s a strong bond. That in itself will be hard for a demon to break. So that’s good news.” Anderston tapped his chin, thinking. “Why did you owe him? What did he do for you?”

“He stopped a friend