Hearts In Darkness

investigators into situations blind—far from it. But she often had information on the emotional impact of certain situations that she didn't impart unless pushed.

It had happened to him. She'd sent him to Lyndhurst to catch the man who'd murdered his brother. He'd not only succeeded in killing Jasper, but had lost his heart in the process.

He closed his eyes, fighting the desire to reach out through the link forged between him and Nikki. Six months without contact seemed like an eternity, and he wasn't entirely sure how he was going to survive the years ahead without her. Yet some days it seemed all he had to do was close his eyes and he could feel the caress of her fingers against his skin. Could feel the warmth of her smile in his mind.

Neither of which he would ever actually feel again.

He had no intention of contacting her after all this time. It wasn't fair to give her hope when his work made even the possibility of a life together an impossible dream.

He caressed the silver cross he wore around his neck and stared moodily at the star-drenched sky.

What makes you think this is a case for the Circle to get involved in?

Instinct, Michael. There's more to this case than meets the eye. I checked back through the papers. It seems people have a habit of disappearing from this particular resort—fifteen in the last year, in fact.

How could fifteen people disappear without someone—particularly the press—getting wind of the fact and raising a commotion? Have any of the missing turned up again?

All but three. I did some checking, though, and it appears they have become somewhat reclusive, only seen at night, never in daylight.

They're vampires.Hence Seline's desire for him to investigate. Sometimes the only way to track down a killer was to send another after them.

Yet they do not exhibit the classic feeding-frenzy symptoms of a newly turned vampire. From all accounts, they're still working, still living with their families, still eating normally.

Then what are they?There was no way around the feeding frenzy stage—no magic that could cure the insatiable hunger of the newly turned. It was something you had to work through and survive. Not many did, and certainly not in a matter of weeks.

I'm not sure, and at this stage, it's not them I'm worried about. It's the resort. Whenever I try to do a reading on the place, all I get is darkness. Something evil resides there, Michael, and its influence grows by the day. We have to stop it.

But why me?If it wasn't a vampire they were dealing with, just about any of the Circle's other investigators were currently better equipped to investigate.

Seline was silent for a second. Michael crossed his arms and leaned a shoulder against the window frame. She was trying to decide just how much to tell him. If he played hard to get, she'd eventually open up and explain why she wanted him on this mission rather than the others.

There are two reasons it must be you.

Her mind-voice was hesitant. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. In the century he'd known the old witch, indecision was something he'd rarely heard in her.

And they are?he prompted, when she showed no immediate signs of continuing.

The darkness is linked with your past, Michael. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but it is something you must deal with.

I have over three hundred and sixty years behind me, Seline. Don't suppose you'd like to be a little more specific?

I'm sorry, but no, I can't. My visions are limited in many respects, unfortunately. I just know that it's vital you go to this resort, or more people will disappear.

He sighed softly. It looked like he had very little choice in the matter. And the second reason?

The silence stretched between them once more. He frowned. This time worry, and perhaps even a little fear, mingled with the hesitation coming down the mental line.

It was the fear that concerned him, more than anything else.

Eventually, she sighed . You're not going to like this.

Just cut the dramatics and tell me what the problem is, Seline.

His irritation tingled down the line, and he felt her frown. You must take Nikki with you.

'No!'

His reply was abrupt. Instinctive. Angry. There had been more than enough darkness in Nikki's life already —and he'd caused her more than enough pain in the brief time they'd been together. He wouldn't drag her into a similar situation.

Michael, she's already involved. She walks the path to the resort as we speak. If she is not accompanied by you, she will die.

Fear slammed through his heart. We share a life force, Seline. She cannot die as long as I live.

But the image of her dead, her head torn from her neck, went through his mind. Bile rose, swift and sharp. He pushed the vision away and swallowed heavily.

But she is not immortal, as you are not immortal.Seline's mind voice held an edge of sharpness. Your actions have marked her for others of your kind to see. They will know what she is. Know how to get rid of her.

Only the very old vampires have any knowledge of thralls, Seline. And the term can only be used loosely when it comes to Nikki.

Perhaps. You have yet to test the limits of what you have done, so who can say what control you have over her?

Michael rubbed his eyes. It wasn't control he wanted. It was her heart. But she wasn't willing to risk that again—and certainly not with someone like him.

I have no wish to test the limits. No wish to even see her again.

Do not lie to me, my friend. I can see the truth in your heart.

Then you can also see the resolve.

She sighed. Yes. But the only true option you have right now is whether she lives or dies.

Then there was no choice. Where is she now?

Seline's smile shimmered down the link . Where she always has been—Lyndhurst. The company helicopter is on the way to pick you up as we speak. The files will be on it, and I've made arrangements for a room at Jackson Hole.

So she'd been certain of his response all along. He clenched his fists and somehow managed to keep his mind voice even. Tell me one thing, Seline. Can you see the ending to all this?

All I can see is danger, and much pain. The road you walk will not be easy—for either of you.

He smiled grimly. Danger and pain had been his close companions over the century he'd been a part of the Circle, and were a major part of the reason he could not allow Nikki into his life.

I'll keep in contact, Seline.

Do that. And watch out for the past, Michael. Remember, the memory of love can be potent, but it is nowhere near as satisfying as the reality.

He frowned. What in the hell was that supposed to mean? The mental line went down before he could ask. He punched the window frame in frustration.

It looked like Jake had been right after all. Fate would not let him walk away from Nikki without a damned good fight.

Chapter Three

Matthew's scream ripped across the silence, as sharp as the gunshot that followed—a gunshot that had come from outside the warehouse.

Fear squeezed Nikki's heart, and for a moment she found it difficult to breathe. Jake was in trouble.

Every instinct she had said she should go help him. Yet if she did, she'd face his wrath. The client is all