Arcanum: Vervain

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Arcanum: Vervain by Mychael Black Chapter One “Got a case for us.” A manila folder, stuffed to the brim, slapped onto the corner of the battered wooden desk. Detective Jonah Pierce, Head of Arcanum, the government’s newest paranormal division, didn’t bother to look up. “What is it?” The wood creaked when his partner sat on the edge of the desk. “Apparently there’s a new rash of killings. Homicide wants us on it.” “You mean they want me on it,” Jonah muttered, still jotting down notes from their recently-closed case. “You’re just along for the ride.” “C’mon, man. It’s been, what? Nine years?” “Ten.” “Jonah, let it go. It wasn’t your fault. Riley knew the danger when he joined Arcanum. He was a good cop, but danger is par for the course in this line of work.” “Doesn’t matter.” Jonah set his pen down and looked up at Mike Tanner, the only other man he trusted now that Riley was gone. “Riley was my brother. I let him down.” Arcanum: Vervain - 2

From the set of his mouth, Jonah knew Mike kept his thoughts to himself on that one. “Do you really think he’d want you beating yourself up over his death? Especially a decade later? Hell no. He’d want you to go out and kick every vampiric ass in sight.” “Yeah.” Jonah picked up the folder and thumbed through the massive stack of papers in it. The same old thing: attacks, murders, eyewitness reports of bloodsucking sons-ofbitches. It never ended. He dropped the folder onto his desk and sat back. “You hungry?” Mike rolled his eyes. “Sure. Never accuse you of changing the subject.” “Shut up. I’ll buy,” Jonah said as he stood and grabbed his badge. Mike zipped his fingers across his lips, smirked, and walked out. Jonah fell in behind him. Outside the office, life seemed to go on as usual. People-mortals--went about their business, either knowing and not caring that humanoid parasites walked among them, or simply happy to remain willfully ignorant against the news reports. Jonah shook his head before following Mike into a small corner deli near the office. "Hey, guys!" Janice, the cute waitress behind the counter, waved at them, beaming a blinding smile in Mike's direction. "Just grab a seat and I'll be there shortly." Arcanum: Vervain - 3

They found a booth with a good view of the street and Janice walked up a moment later. If Jonah didn't know better, he'd have sworn Mike blushed when the pretty waitress smiled. Janice whipped out her order book and pen, flashing a somewhat coy glance in Mike’s direction. "Usual?" "Nah." Jonah grabbed one of the plastic-covered menus and looked it over. "I think I'll go with the grilled chicken sandwich today, hold the mayo. Oh, and sweet tea." "Sure thing." The young woman's voice softened just a bit when she turned slightly toward Mike. "And you?" "Uh... BLT and black coffee." "You got it. I'll be right back with your drinks." She walked away, hips swaying a little. Jonah couldn't help but look, really. He might not go for chicks, but Janice seemed more down-to-earth than most people, and thank God, she actually had a bit of shape to her. "You know she broke up with her last boyfriend, right?" Jonah winked at Mike. "And?" "And... why the hell don't you ask her out?" Mike rolled his eyes. "C'mon. She's sexy as sin. I'm just a plain ol' cop." Arcanum: Vervain - 4

"And this is a problem why?" Jonah leaned forward a bit, lowering his voice. "Man, where have you been lately? A lot of women actually think cops are sexy." "I'm also not exactly skinny," Mike argued, sitting back enough to give what tiny amount of extra belly he had a pat. "Look at Janice, man. She's not thin. She's got curves--real curves. None of that pencil-thin, magazine-model bullshit." "Eh. Maybe." Mike shrugged. Jonah sighed and sat back again. "Chickenshit." *** The day had gone on without incident. Jonah poured over the file on their new case, but nothing jumped out at him as different from other vamp cases. Vampires. Fuck. He hated the things. They’d killed Jonah and Riley’s parents, they’d killed Riley. Now they were killing again. “Motherfuckers have no redeeming qualities,” Mike mused. “No shit. You find anything of interest at the club?” “Nah.” Mike tapped a photo in the folder. “Maybe we oughta hit more clubs, like this one. I doubt this vamp--or vamps--is sticking to one place.” “True.” Jonah closed the folder and sat back. “What time is it?” “Going on eight, man. Time to go home.” Arcanum: Vervain - 5

“Yeah.” Jonah stood and tucked his cell phone into his pocket. “Home. Bed sounds damn good right about now.” Mike clapped him on the shoulder. “See you tomorrow.” Standing outside at his car, Jonah watched Mike get into his truck. They’d been friends for a good long while, but lately, Mike seemed more aloof, distracted. Jonah couldn’t help but wonder if Mike was getting burned out on work. Arcanum, like other branches of law enforcement, taxed not only the body, but also the mind. They’d seen plenty of shit since Arcanum started up, enough to make anyone weary after a while. Jonah figured he should feel worn down, too, if it weren’t for Riley. *** "Riley!" Jonah struggled against the ropes binding him to a steel beam. The skeletal framework of an incomplete office complex towered above him, casting twisted shadows onto the muddy ground. He tugged and hissed when the rope abraded his skin. In the distance, he heard shouts and then his name, nearly silenced by a clap of thunder so loud, it rattled Jonah to his bones. "Let him go!" Lightning lit up the night sky, and for a brief moment, Jonah thought he saw Riley fighting for his life. Then all went dark. And silent. Arcanum: Vervain - 6

Jonah's heart pounded and he froze, straining to hear anything more. When nothing came, he slumped against the beam, guilt tearing him apart from the inside out. He'd failed. He'd sworn to protect his little brother from the same monsters who'd killed their parents, and he'd failed. Jonah jerked awake, panting and shaking. It took several seconds for him to remember that he was home, not in a construction yard swamped by endless rain. He stared at the ceiling and finally dragged his hands down his face. A dream. It was only a dream. Riley would never return, no matter how much Jonah wished otherwise. Grumbling, Jonah got up and wandered, half-blind from sleep, into the kitchen. He flicked on the light and blinked at the brightness. He couldn’t kid himself anymore. The dreams were growing worse, waking him up more often, becoming lucid where they’d been only vague memories before. A scrap of paper on the small table by his phone taunted him. Janice, the deli waitress, had given him the therapist’s name, said she’d be able to help him get past the pain and maybe even prescribe something to help him sleep. Jonah snorted and tugged open a cabinet. “Sleep. Yeah, right.” He grabbed the bottle of Jack Daniels just as a loud crack of thunder boomed outside. Popping the top, he padded into the living room and dropped into the armchair. Rain pelted the window, the downpour starting fast. Visibility became nearly impossible. Thunder rattled the glass in its frame and Arcanum: Vervain - 7

vibrated through the wooden floorboards. Jack tasted damn good. He always did. Jonah tipped the bottle back and took another swallow. The whiskey burned its way down his throat. Lightning struck close and lit up the dark room briefly. Somewhere, a neighbor’s place maybe, Jonah listened to Simon Le Bon and the rest of the Duran Duran boys as they crooned “Come Undone”. The lyrics made the ache worse, but Jonah didn’t care anymore. Jack helped to numb everything until only the memories remained. When their parents had died, Riley had become Jonah’s world. Jonah lived and breathed for him, swore that Riley would never want for anything. Jonah promised to protect him, to the death if need be. He’d failed miserably. Something wet dripped onto Jonah’s bare chest and it took a moment for him to recognize it as a tear. The only living soul who’d ever seen him like this was Mike Tanner, but even Mike didn’t understand how deep the wound went. Something always kept Jonah from telling him, though Jonah really had no idea what. A gut feeling, maybe. Or possibly...it was just guilt. No man should ever want his own brother in such a way. Mike didn't know. Riley never even knew. “No one did,” Jonah muttered to himself.

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Chapter Two “Man, you look like shit.” Jonah grunted what he figured was a suitable greeting and dropped into his chair. “Long night.” “So I noticed. We’ve got a meeting with an eyewitness at ten. You gonna be sober enough?” “Fuck you. I am sober.” “Sure…” Once Mike wandered back over to his desk, Jonah rested his head in his hands. Goddamn, he felt like shit. He hadn’t had a nightmare like that in a long time. Then again, he hadn’t been on a club-obsessed vampire case in a while, so there hadn’t been anything to bring back Riley’s death either. “Earth to Jonah.” “Huh?” He looked up and for the briefest moment, thought he saw a ghost. A young man, barely in his twenties, stood behind Mike, looking quite out of place--a goth in a building full of suits and uniforms. Kohl-lined eyes stared right at Jonah, almost through him. Then the image shifted and Jonah realized the man was actually a young woman. “Yeah. Sorry.” He motioned for Mike to bring her inside. “Sorry.” Arcanum: Vervain - 9

The woman sat down, though she seemed ready to bolt at the slightest noise. Small hands clasped and unclasped nervously and when she finally met Jonah’s gaze once more, he saw nothing in them but sheer terror. Tears threatened to spill and he handed her a tissue, a gesture that garnered him a slight smile. “Take your time,” he said. “Mike, could you go grab her something to drink? What would you like? Coke, coffee, water?” “Soda,” she whispered in between sniffles. Jonah nodded and Mike left the room. Satisfied they were alone, the young woman relaxed a bit. “What’s your name?” “Leslie.” “Okay, Leslie. You can tell me anything.” “No one else ever believed me.” Jonah felt a small smile tug at one corner of his mouth. “I will. I promise.” Leslie drew in a shaky breath and looked at some point over Jonah’s shoulder. He didn’t blame her for not wanting to maintain eye contact. Despite the proven existence of vampires and other paranormal creatures, despite the government forming Arcanum, there were still people out there who refused to believe what was right in front of their eyes.

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“I thought he was one of us, ya know? Just another kid lookin’ for a place to hang out and have fun.” Her face twisted into a grimace. “But there was somethin’ weird about him. I mean, beyond the whole goth thing. We wear makeup to make ourselves pale, but Le, he doesn’t have to. I didn’t think much of it, but then some guy from the club disappeared. Somebody said they saw him leave with Le, but when Le came back, the guy wasn’t with him.” “Did they find the guy?” A tear dripped down Leslie’s cheek and she swallowed. “A bouncer found him behind a dumpster. He looked like something--or someone--had drained him dry.” Jonah sighed. “Did anyone approach Le?” “No. He left before anyone could.” “Do you know where he is now?” “I know where he stays, yeah. He’s a squatter in one of the abandoned warehouses down on Dock Street. Number… six, I think. Please. I don’t know if it was him or not. I don’t want him to know I said anything…” “Don’t worry.” Jonah stood and patted Leslie’s shoulder just as Mike returned with her soda. “We’ll check on Le, and we won’t mention anyone.” “Thank you.” Leslie got up, drink can still unopened, and smiled. “Thanks for believing me.” “No problem. You go on home, get some rest.” Arcanum: Vervain - 11

Mike walked her out, then returned a few minutes later. “Well?” “Looks like we got a possible lead. Dock Street, warehouse number six.” Jonah slipped on his holster and then his jacket. The silver locket around his neck felt heavy, as if the herb within knew what they were going to face. Blue vervain, legends said, repelled vampires. Jonah hadn’t removed the necklace since he got it nine years ago. “Let’s go.” *** “Jesus.” Jonah glanced up at the rusted façade of the metal warehouse looming above them. “Keep your guard up,” he said, shutting the car door. “There’s no telling what the fuck is in there.” They headed for the single door on this side of the building and found the remnants of a broken padlock on the ground. Jonah picked it up and inspected the break. The edges were jagged, as if the steel had been stretched until it snapped. He handed the lock to Mike, who muttered something under his breath. Turning his attention to the door, Jonah opened it slowly. Darkness went on forever, so thick, Jonah swore he felt it. He drew his gun and stepped inside, Mike right behind him. They went slow, and when the last of the light from a street lamp faded, Jonah pulled out a small flashlight from his jacket. Rats scattered out of the meager beam, but farther Arcanum: Vervain - 12

down the narrow corridor, something larger shuffled in the darkness. “Might I ask who you are?” Jonah and Mike froze. When Jonah raised the light, the man at the other end hissed. Jonah lowered it just enough to keep an eye on the guy’s feet. “I’d ask you the same question. This is private property.” “Yes. I’m fully aware of that.” “Do you have permission to be here, Mr.--” “Le. And I should think I do, considering I own it.” Well, shit. Jonah sighed. “Might we have a few words with you, Mr. Le? We’re investigating the disappearance of a young man and hope, since you were last seen with him, that you might have some information.” “Ah, yes.” Le shifted his feet, but didn’t approach them. “Very well. But I must apologize for the state of my home. It’s not easy trying to renovate such a vast space on your own.” “That’s quite all right.” Jonah holstered his gun for the time being and heard Mike do the same. “Please tell me there’s more light.” Le chuckled and a moment later, a dingy orange light flickered on overhead. “Follow me,” he said, turning quickly. Arcanum: Vervain - 13

Jonah and Mike remained alert as they went into Le’s home. What he’d first thought of as a derelict building, judging from the outside, soon turned into a sprawling, luxurious loft. Le stopped and faced them. “Looks… can be deceiving.” All time froze the moment Jonah met Le’s gaze. Jonah fought to remain standing, though he felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. “Welcome to my home, Detective Pierce.” “How does he know-“ “I know a good deal about the goings-on in this city,” Le interrupted Mike. “Detective Tanner, is it? If you would be so kind, I would like to share any information I have--but only with Detective Pierce.” “Jonah, I don’t-" “It’s okay. Go. Wait in the car.” Mike harrumphed and left, grumbling his misgivings. The second the door to the building closed, Jonah fell against a wall, jaw dropping in sheer disbelief. “You. You… died. I heard you…” Le… Riley… came closer and crouched in front of him. “I did.” “No.” Jonah shook his head. “God, no. Riley…” Arcanum: Vervain - 14

“I was given a choice: die, or remain here.” Riley smiled and the sight of two very sharp fangs made Jonah’s heart skip several beats. “I couldn’t leave you.” Over the next several minutes, Jonah kept distance between them, despite how much he wanted to do otherwise. Riley moved about the loft, silent yet alert. Whenever Jonah so much as breathed, Riley glanced his way. Ten years. A fucking decade, and Riley looked exactly the same. “I won’t hurt you.” Swallowing down a protest, Jonah nodded once. Riley had officially joined the ranks of the vampires. Jonah tried to reconcile the fact with the knowledge that Riley was still alive. Well, sort of. Riley stopped a few feet from where Jonah sat on the floor, against a solid wall. “Please, talk to me?” Kohl-rimmed gray eyes stared through Jonah, straight into his soul. Lips no man should possess moved, but Jonah barely heard the words they spoke. Riley hadn’t changed. Every muscle, every inch of his pale flesh, it all looked the same--just as it did in every one of Jonah’s dreams. Fingers snapped in front of his face and Jonah jerked. “Hey.” At some point, Riley had come closer. Jonah felt his brother’s presence like a second skin, and his fingers itched to touch Riley in ways he'd only dreamed of when his brother had been alive. Arcanum: Vervain - 15

“Why?” Jonah whispered. “Why what?” “Why did you kill that kid?” “I didn’t.” Jonah lifted an eyebrow. “Then who did?” “I don’t know, but I promise you, Jonah.” Riley shifted and lifted his hands, cupping Jonah’s face in his palms, forcing eye contact. “I did not do it.” Jonah wanted to ask more questions. He needed to find out everything Riley knew. Those lips, however, remained so close he swore they breathed the same air. “Riley.” Startled, Jonah could do nothing but go stock-still when Riley’s tongue thrust into his mouth. A split second later, the dam broke and Jonah groaned. He speared his fingers through his brother’s hair and tilted Riley’s head just enough to delve into the moist depths he’d only dreamed about before. Riley's tongue swept through him, chasing away fear and replacing it with things no man should ever wish from his own brother. Only the desperate need for air forced Jonah to break the kiss and he stared into painfully familiar eyes. "I'm not a killer," Riley said. "You know me, Jonah." "But you're a vampire." Jonah swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat at the mere thought of the word. Arcanum: Vervain - 16

"A vampire can feed without killing. I do. Others do, too. We're not all murderers." Jonah wanted so much to believe it, to know that Riley didn't do the things he'd seen other bloodsuckers do. Riley's fingertips traced Jonah's jaw line, momentarily reminding Jonah that he needed to shave. "Always liked you better with a five-o'clock shadow." Jonah blinked. "Huh?" Riley chuckled and stood, offering a hand to help Jonah up. Then, without letting go, he led the way into what Jonah quickly realized was a bedroom. Jonah froze. "Riley. I don't think-" "Don't worry." Riley stepped closer, once more invading Jonah's personal space. "I just want to show you that I can feed without killing. Do you trust me?" A lifetime of images flashed through Jonah's mind. They'd been close, as much as brothers could be. Jonah, despite being older, had always confided in Riley, whether it was sneaking out of the house or ditching class for a smoke. Then there were the times when they rescued each other from dates from hell. Jonah remembered those the most-how much he'd wished it were Riley and not some chick in his arms. Bottom line, he'd trusted his brother with everything. "Yes."

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"Good." Riley smiled and lured him toward the bed. Hands on Jonah's shoulders, he pushed Jonah down to sit on the edge of the bed. Riley sat beside him, twisting until they faced one another. "I would never hurt you. I promise, Jonah." Unable to speak, Jonah nodded. He tensed a bit when Riley cupped the back of his head, but soft lips brushed lightly along the sensitive skin at the side of Jonah's neck. Then a prick of sharp pain pierced his neck. Jonah hissed and fisted a hand in Riley's long hair. The steady sucking seeped into his body, the sensations traveling downward until he felt himself growing hard. "Oh, God..." he breathed. "Riley..." Riley groaned, bit harder, and one hand dropped to Jonah's lap. Talented, slender fingers kneaded Jonah's cock through his pants. Jonah's breath caught and he bucked against his brother's hand. Eyes squeezed shut, Jonah let himself go, moaning Riley's name as he came in his pants.

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Chapter Three Jonah stood at door, leaving it ajar enough to see Mike outside. “Who killed the kid? You said you knew.” He glanced back at Riley, who stayed a few feet farther down the hall, well out of sight. “One of those who find it thrilling to kill,” Riley said. “I don’t know his name, but I can tell you a few places I think he might be. Try the old armory downtown. If he’s not there, search the rowhouses in the historic district.” He took a slight step closer. “Jonah. I don’t want to lose you again.” Swallowing hard, Jonah tore his gaze away from his brother’s. He’d spent the past decade mourning Riley, letting his unnatural love soothe the ache in the dead of night. Riley’s kiss still lingered on his lips, and Jonah swore he could feel the weight of Riley’s fingers dancing across his denim-covered cock. “I can’t stay, Riley. You know that.” “I won’t leave.” Jonah steeled himself against the onslaught of heartache. “I don’t know when I’ll be back.” “Understood.” Without another word, Jonah walked out. The door shut behind him with a solid thud, the sound echoing somewhere in the depths of his soul. “So?” Mike asked as Jonah got into the car. “What’s the deal?” Arcanum: Vervain - 19

“We need to look downtown--specifically the historic and industrial areas.” “You know more.” Jonah started the car and stared at the warehouse in front of them. “Confidentiality,” he said after a few seconds. “Yeah, I got that. Informant, secrets, whatever.” Mike shifted in his seat and Jonah felt his partner glaring at him. “I’m your best friend. What the fuck is going on?” “Our informant is indeed Le.” Jonah looked over at Mike. “Pierce.” Mike’s brows furrowed. When Jonah didn’t continue, a light seemed to switch on in Mike’s brain and his jaw dropped. “Oh, God. Man… you’ve got to be shitting me.” “A part of me wishes I was,” Jonah said before backing up and heading for the road. “Goddamn. What are you gonna do?” “What do you mean?” “Well, he’s your brother! You’ve been moping about his… death for ten years. Are you welcoming him back into your life? Grilling him about what happened and where he’s been all this time?” Jonah sighed. “I don’t know. I need to sleep on it, man.” They fell into a somewhat tense silence on the way back to the precinct. Jonah waited until Mike got his own car Arcanum: Vervain - 20

unlocked, then he pulled out once more into the evening traffic. Home was nothing more than a one-bedroom apartment in a six-story building downtown. Hardwood floors, exposed pipework in the bathroom, and a freestanding radiator heater that looked so old, Jonah swore the building had been built around it. He tossed his keys onto the little table just inside and shut the door, flipping the lock. Thunder rumbled in the distance, signaling yet another night of rain. Jonah slipped off his holster and placed it on the dining room table. Then he flipped on the kitchen light. “Holy fuck!” He jumped backward, bumped into the heavy oak table, and one of the silver candlesticks in the centerpiece toppled over with a loud clash. Blood seeped across the kitchen tiles, oozing from the refrigerator. Jonah’s heart slammed into his ribcage and he fumbled behind him for his gun. With the weapon in hand, he felt a good bit safer. He grabbed his phone and dialed the precinct with one hand, dodging the pool of blood on the floor and holding the gun toward the fridge with the other hand. It took a few seconds for the realization to hit that no dial tone came on the phone. Jonah growled and threw the useless phone into the dining room. Then he flicked off the safety on the gun. “Not happening,” he muttered as he inched toward the fridge. “So not fucking happening. Wake up, Jonah.” He reached for the handle and jerked open the door. Something in black plastic tumbled out, rolled across the Arcanum: Vervain - 21

blood, and bumped Jonah’s shoe. He swallowed hard and lightly toed the package. A sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach told him he’d found yet another plaything of Riley’s acquaintance. “He’s not an acquaintance.” Jonah spun around and barely caught himself before shooting his brother. Not that it would’ve done a damn thing, he thought as he lowered the gun. “How the hell did you get in here?” Riley stared at the floor and it seemed to take considerable effort for him to drag his attention back up to Jonah. “You left the bedroom window unlocked.” Oh. Jonah wanted to slap himself. The whole notion of vamps being invited inside was only Hollywood. An unlocked window could mean death in Jonah's line of work. “As I was saying,” Riley said, side-stepping to avoid a trail of blood, “the vampire you seek is not an acquaintance. I don’t even know his name--only places where he might be hiding.” He nodded toward the mess on the floor. “That’s gonna be a bitch to clean up.” Once the initial shock wore off, Jonah managed to set the safety once more and place the gun on the counter. He raked his fingers through his hair, afraid to move much. “What the hell am I going to do, Riley?” “Well, for starters…” Riley gripped Jonah’s forearm and led him out of the kitchen. “You sure as hell can’t stay here.” Arcanum: Vervain - 22

“I’m a cop! I can’t leave a crime scene!” “Yeah, you damn well fucking can!” Riley scowled at him. “Cop or no, you’re my brother. I’m not leaving you alone so some fucking blood-sucking psycho can toy with you until you go insane.” Jonah threw his hands up, exasperated. “Goddamn it, Riley. I have a job to do. I have obligations, duties! And I'm not an idiot. I can handle this guy.” “Come home with me,” Riley sighed. “Just tonight? This will all still be here tomorrow.” Jonah wondered just how wise it would be. He still hadn’t gotten rid of the stupor from their short but thorough kiss-among other things--that had happened earlier. He’d wanted Riley forever, but how mutual did the need go? “Riley, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.” “Why not?” Riley closed the distance between them, backing Jonah up until he bumped the front door. “You certainly didn’t mind what happened earlier. Did I read you wrong?” “God, no,” Jonah groaned. “Riley. It’s not right… you’re my brother…” No matter how much he wanted it, it had to be bad… “Who needs to know?” Jonah wanted to protest, to find a reason why they couldn’t go through with anything else. But no matter what he did, Arcanum: Vervain - 23

he couldn’t escape the aching need that consumed him whenever he stared into Riley’s eyes. “I need you, Jonah,” Riley whispered. Nimble fingertips danced up along Jonah’s chest, then over his collarbone. Jonah fought the urge to close his eyes, but soon the sensations won out and he moaned Riley’s name as his brother’s mouth covered his own.

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Chapter Four “I can’t believe I left it like that,” Jonah muttered. The city below seemed quiet, almost innocent. Jonah knew better. For years he’d fought to protect the people from the predators amongst them. Now he found himself between a rock and a hard place, torn between duty and his heart. “There’s nothing to be done. Someone knows you’re searching, and I’d wager he or she won’t stop until you’re out of the way.” “Who is he?” Jonah turned to face Riley. “Who the fuck is he, Riley? You’re not giving me the full truth here.” Riley sighed and dropped onto his couch. “All I can tell you is that we were created by the same vampire. The one you’re looking for is the one who destroyed our sire. He tried to destroy me. I fled the city for a while. I came back, though, because word reached me that he had a vendetta against Arcanum.” “What else can you tell me?” “Only that he’s stronger than I am. When a vampire destroys another vampire, if they ingest the victim’s blood, they gain the victim’s strengths.” Jonah joined Riley on the couch. “What happened to you? I thought they killed you.” Riley’s smile held a touch of sadness. “They intended to, but the one who sired me gave me a choice: join them, or let you go forever.” Arcanum: Vervain - 25

“Let me go? What do you mean?” Riley scooted over and before Jonah had a chance to say a word, his brother straddled his thighs. “Don’t pretend you don’t know,” Riley whispered close to Jonah’s lips. “He knew because it's so strong between us. Don’t tell me you can ignore this.” “Riley…” Jonah groaned, gripped the back of his brother’s neck, and tugged Riley down for a deep kiss. Fuck the rest of the world. For tonight, at least, Jonah wanted nothing more than to fulfill his darkest fantasies with the man in his arms. Rocking against him, Riley moaned into Jonah’s mouth, hands skating through Jonah’s short hair. Jonah brushed his brother’s hair to the side and licked and kissed a path along Riley’s neck. Riley’s bittersweet flavor burst over Jonah’s tongue, fueling a hunger Jonah had no hope of controlling any longer. He shifted and put Riley on the couch, their bodies grinding together. “Jonah. Please.” “Off,” Jonah growled, tugging at Riley’s pants. “Need to touch you.” Riley wiggled and got his jeans down and off, landing on the shoes he’d removed earlier. Jonah unbuttoned his brother’s shirt and knelt between Riley’s legs, drinking in the soft sigh Riley let out. Smooth skin, with a touch of warmth, met Jonah’s hands and he leaned down to flick one dusky nipple with his tongue. Riley hissed and gripped the back of Jonah’s head, pressing him closer. Arcanum: Vervain - 26

The need to feel, taste, and smell every inch drove Jonah crazy. He worked his way down Riley’s body, licking and kissing. He reached Riley’s cock and nuzzled it, inhaling deeply. Unable to hold off any longer, Jonah sucked Riley down with a groan. Riley’s fingers fisted in his hair, pressing Jonah further. Jonah drew back up, rolled his tongue around the tip, and savored his brother’s skin. “God. Jonah, so close.” Riley gasped and thrust in Jonah’s mouth without warning. Hands squeezing Riley’s asscheeks, Jonah inhaled and swallowed him. The head of Riley’s cock hit the back of Jonah’s throat and Riley shouted. Hot come flooded Jonah’s mouth and he drank it all, desperate for every single drop. *** “You did what?” Jonah winced and held the phone away from his ear. When Mike stopped yelling, Jonah signed. “Things turned personal.” Mike snorted. “I’ll fucking say. You realize if anyone at the precinct-“ “They won’t,” Jonah interrupted. “If we’re gonna catch this… guy, we have to do it quietly. That means no one can know what happened at my place, and they sure as fuck can’t know about Riley.” “Just how the hell do you expect to do that?” Arcanum: Vervain - 27

Riley handed Jonah a beer, then dropped onto the couch beside him. Jonah realized after a moment that Riley didn’t even own a television. He did, however, still have plenty of paint supplies. Jonah got up, only half-listening to Mike, and wandered over to where Riley’s paintings leaned against the wall. Jonah smiled, glad to see his brother hadn't given up art. Riley had always been the artist of the family. Sketchbooks, charcoals, pencils, pens, paints, canvases--they all reminded Jonah of Riley and the old works he'd done. Jonah's favorite was a derelict farmhouse, surrounded by an overgrown field of wheat. Since Riley's death, Jonah found himself purposely avoiding anywhere that might have abandoned buildings, just for the memories one could unleash. “Trust me,” Jonah said as he gazed at pieces of art he hadn’t seen before. “Look, I’ll get back to you tomorrow, man. I’m tired, it’s late.” “Sure. Night.” Mike hung up and Jonah turned off the phone with a sigh. He set the handset down on a table, then went back to looking at Riley’s art. “These are new.” Riley came up behind him, and arms snaked around Jonah’s waist. Without thinking, Jonah rested back against his brother. “Yeah. I didn’t think going back for my old stuff would be wise, so I just got new supplies and started over.” “They’re amazing. Really.” Jonah turned in Riley’s arms, his own snaking around the man’s waist. He studied those eyes and swore he saw a Arcanum: Vervain - 28

shadow pass through them. Riley had changed--no doubt about it. “I have to go back,” he said after a moment of silence. “It’s my duty. Not to mention I left the scene of a crime. They’ll have my badge and my hide if anyone finds out.” “I know.” Riley sighed, forehead resting against Jonah’s. “I don’t like the idea, but I know how much you love your work. Just promise me you’ll be careful?” “Yeah, I will.” When Riley tried to step away, Jonah held him tighter. “But not yet.” Jonah slipped a finger beneath Riley’s chin and tilted his brother’s face upward. The kiss, though soft and slow, took Jonah’s breath away. Never, in a thousand years, did Jonah think he’d taste those lips, feel Riley’s body pressing to his own. Jonah deepened the kiss and swallowed Riley’s groan. He worked them backward, hoping the couch was close by. When the backs of his legs touched the sofa, Jonah fell onto it, pulling Riley down with him. “Ride me,” Jonah grunted, sitting Riley up on top. He held onto Riley’s hips and ground their bodies together. “Fuck. Riley…” “Please…” Jonah watched as Riley’s eyes turned red, the hunger taking over. He cupped the back of Riley’s head and tugged him down. “Now,” he growled, desperately working Riley’s jeans open to get at his cock. The second his fingers wrapped tight around the hard flesh, Riley struck. Jonah shouted, jerking, hips bucking upward. He pumped Riley’s Arcanum: Vervain - 29

cock hard and fast, panting through the haze of pleasure and pain. Molten liquid spilled over his fist and Jonah felt his own come soak his jeans. Riley went somewhat limp, moving just enough to lick the wound closed. Then he nestled Jonah’s neck. “Love you.”

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Chapter Five “Pierce, you got a minute?” Jonah glanced up. “Sure.” A detective from Homicide walked in, and from the way she closed the door, a seed of dread began growing in Jonah’s stomach. She placed a thin folder on his desk. “Her friends found her last night, in a secluded area of the park.” He opened the folder and froze. Leslie, the young goth woman who’d dropped by as a witness before, now stared at him from a gray school yearbook photo. Jonah rifled through other pictures, the chill spreading along his spine. “Any leads?” he asked, attention stuck on one particular image of her body sprawled across the grass. Her clothing had been shredded and her neck and face bruised. At first glance, it appeared she’d been a victim of rape. On closer inspection, however, he noticed two jagged tears in her jugular vein. “Not yet. What about that vamp you were investigating?” “No,” Jonah snapped. He cleared his throat and continued, hoping he sounded less vehement this time. “No, I met with Le. He doesn’t kill. He gave us some clues as to where to look for the one he believes is responsible, though. Where’s Mike? He hasn’t come in yet.” “I don’t know. He didn’t call this morning, and no one’s seen him. Have you tried his house?”

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“No. I’ll drop by there. I need to talk to Le again, see if he knows anything.” She left the office and Jonah gazed at the photos. Riley didn’t do this. No way he could have; they'd spent the evening together. But his vampiric brother still remained a strong suspect, and Jonah had a sinking feeling that things would only get worse. When the phone rang, Jonah absentmindedly answered. “Detective Pierce, Arcanum Division.” “Jonah.” “Riley?” Jonah whispered. “What’s wrong? Where are you?” “Help. He knows.” The line went dead. Jonah slammed it down on the cradle, grabbed his cell, and ran out the door. *** His lights flashing, hands sweaty and shaky, Jonah tapped his earpiece for his cell. Mike’s phone rang several times, but no one answered. Grumbling, Jonah debated on whether to veer off toward Mike’s place first. Just before he had a chance to make the decision, though, his phone rang. He answered, hoping like hell it was Mike. “Why, Detective Pierce, I’m flattered.” The voice sounded garbled but still clear enough to understand. “Who the fuck are you? Where’s Riley?” Arcanum: Vervain - 32

“He’s here, with me, of course. Just come to his place. You know where it is.” Jonah swerved into the turn lane and cars got out of the way, his lights warning them it was police business. He raced to Riley’s warehouse and had his door open before the engine even stopped completely. Drawing his gun, he knew he had to take things slow. The warehouse door hung open, the top hinge broken as if someone had ripped it off. Heart racing, Jonah started inside, alert and ready for anything. Not even the rats dared to break the unearthly silence as he crept along the dark hall. When he reached the main door for Riley’s loft, he found it unlocked. He pushed it open and peered into the open room. It looked like someone had ransacked the place. All the furniture sat overturned, shattered glass littered the floor. Riley’s paintings lay scattered everywhere, canvases shredded beyond recognition. “Well, well.” Footsteps echoed from the other side of the room. Jonah tensed. “It seems there’s more to you than meets the eye.” “Who are you? Where is my brother?” “Riley is perfectly fine. Quite content where I left him. Would you like to see?” A screen flickered on a far wall and Jonah blinked. An image of Riley came into view. Fresh cuts crossed his youthful face and he slumped against the wall to which he was chained. Arcanum: Vervain - 33

“Where is he? What the fuck have you done to him?” “Reminded him that I am in control now.” A figure stepped into the scant light from a window and Jonah’s stomach turned and twisted into knots. “Mike?” Disbelief shocked Jonah to the bone. There'd always been something about Mike that kept Jonah from confiding everything about Riley, but this? Jonah never expected his 'friend' to be the one responsible for murder. Mike smirked. “For several years, I watched you. I waited for you to slip up and lead me to Riley. You’re more trusting than you think, Pierce.” “Why?” “When I killed our sire, I went after Riley. He fled, and somehow, I could never track him. So, I went for the next best thing: his brother. Convenient, eh? You did so well, leading me to him.” “What do you want?” “His blood, his soul.” Mike closed the distance between them with blinding speed. Before Jonah could react, a hand seized his neck, squeezing until the breath left Jonah’s body. Jonah clawed at the man he once thought would save him from anything life threw at him. “You, however, are a nuisance, my friend.” Mike threw him across the room and Jonah crashed into the side of Riley’s kitchen bar. He slumped down, head spinning, body aching. Arcanum: Vervain - 34

“I bet you’re wondering just how I managed to play this charade for so long.” “You could say that,” Jonah grunted. He glanced at his former partner from the corner of his eye. “Quite simple, really. Adopting a different tone of voice was easy.” Mike stooped to pick up a painting, and Jonah realized it was one of him. “One thing Riley failed to mention, however…” The portrait sailed into a far wall, the wooden frame snapping. “Our sire was a daywalker--you know, one of those vamps who can waltz around in daylight. Thus…” Mike grinned and spread his arms. “You are, too,” Jonah finished. “Precisely!” Sighing, Mike walked over, fisted a hand in Jonah’s hair, and tugged Jonah’s head up at a painful angle. “Honestly. Did you really think all that wallowing in grief shit went over my head? You let me into your precious world, and that gave me the opportunity to find him. Thank you.” Jonah jerked away, wincing. “Fuck you. I trusted you.” Mike stood once more and went to a closed door near them. “I know. Touching, really.” He opened it and flipped a switch just inside. Light flooded the inner room and Jonah growled at the sight of Riley tethered to cuffs on the wall. “Would you believe that he bought this place and hadn’t finished renovating? So when I discovered this handy little room with its equipment hooks… Well, you can see how useful they are. Riley, you have a guest. Do say hello.” Arcanum: Vervain - 35

Riley’s head lifted slowly. His eyes, sunken and lifeless, seemed to stare right through Jonah, as if they couldn’t focus on anything. The cuts all over his face hadn’t healed, and judging from the way his once-pristine clothing hung on his gaunt frame, Jonah had the feeling his brother had little blood left to lose. Mike returned to Jonah and dragged him up onto his feet. “Did you really think this thing would work?” He toyed with Jonah’s locket, the blue vervain obviously useless. “Just a word of advice: it’s regular vervain that wards off vampires--not blue vervain.” Jonah’s earpiece crackled, another detective’s voice barely coming through. Mike snarled and ripped off the device. He crushed it in his palm. “Arcanum can’t help you,” Mike growled. “By the time they get here, you’ll be dead.” He heaved Jonah upward and hurled him into a wall like a rag doll. Jonah gasped, desperate for breath. He’d forgotten just how damned strong vampires could be. Hands seized him and a sharp pain shot through his body. He swore he heard a scream, only to realize it was his own. He struggled against Mike’s hold, but the longer the bastard drank, the weaker Jonah became. Just as Jonah felt darkness creeping into his mind, a loud crash from down the hall shook the building on its foundations. Shouts and running echoed and Mike roared. Jonah hit the floor, blood pooling under his head. As he slipped in and out of consciousness, he thought he heard several voices and the sounds of fighting. Then the darkness won. Arcanum: Vervain - 36

Chapter Six Jonah blinked his eyes and it took a few seconds for things to come into focus. He stared up at a white ceiling. Where the hell? “Oh, good. You’re awake,” a cheery voice said. “Ri-“ “Shh.” A hand touched his forehead. “Open.” He did as told and realized a thermometer pressed under his tongue. “Your brother is fine. It’s not every day we get a vampire in, but it’s not unheard of. He’s recovering from a blood transfusion.” “Where?” Jonah mumbled just as the nurse removed the thermometer. She checked it, smiled, and patted his arm. Then she pointed to his right. “He refused, even in his delirious state, to be separated from you.” Jonah rolled his head to see Riley sleeping on the hospital bed beside his own. “His blood type…” “Is the same as yours,” the nurse said. “Seems it’s yet another thing you both share.” Her eyebrow lifted and Jonah felt himself pale. Riley talked in his sleep. “Don’t worry, honey. No one else but me heard him. Your secret is safe. Get some rest.” Jonah finally managed to relax and waited until she left, the door shutting softly behind her, before he looked at Riley again. This time, Riley gazed back at him. Arcanum: Vervain - 37

“Hey,” Riley whispered, throat sounding quite raw. “Hey.” Jonah wanted so much to get up and go over, to crawl into bed with his brother and never let go. “Mike. What happened?” “Dead. Arcanum.” Riley’s attention shifted toward the door. Two detectives--one from Homicide and a new one he couldn’t place--walked into the room. “Detective Pierce?” the unfamiliar one asked. Jonah nodded. “I’m Detective Wallace, your temporary replacement in Arcanum until you’re back on your feet.” When he smiled, Jonah’s breath caught. The points of two sharp teeth came into view. “Don’t worry. Like Riley, I don’t kill. The precinct thought it might be helpful to have a vampire on the Force.” Jonah couldn’t completely disagree with that. “What happened?” “When they found you gone, they used the tracking device in your car to locate you. Seems they got there just in time, too. Mike Tanner is dead.” “How?” “Decapitation,” the Homicide detective chimed in. He glanced at Riley. “Seems your brother had one last burst of energy when we unchained him after detaining Tanner.” Jonah chuckled softly, eyes closing. “Yeah. Sounds like Riley.”

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“We’re going to need statements,” Wallace said. “They’re releasing you both tomorrow. I’ll drop by your place tomorrow evening, if that’s okay.” “Sure.” The detectives left and Jonah sighed. He hated hospitals and couldn’t wait to be out. At home. With Riley. *** “Home.” Jonah wandered into the kitchen while Riley locked the door. He stopped, however, when he realized the floor had been cleaned. “Um…” “What?” Riley joined him at the doorway. “Wow. Who did this?” “I have no fucking idea, man.” Jonah wasn’t sure how he felt about someone creeping around in his home, no matter their intentions. He went back into the living room and looked around, making sure nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Convinced all was well, he turned. Crooking a finger, he beckoned Riley over to him before sitting on the couch. Riley smiled and straddled Jonah’s thighs. “How are you feeling?” “Achy but better.” “Good.” Just as Riley leaned in for a kiss, someone knocked on the door. Jonah grumbled and Riley got up to answer. “Oh. Hi there, Detective.” He stepped to the side to let Detective Wallace in. Arcanum: Vervain - 39

“Please, call me Lane.” Wallace--Lane--sat down in the armchair. “Need to clear up a couple things, off the record,” he said. “I know about you two.” Jonah met Riley’s concerned gaze, then steeled himself to look at Lane again. “And?” “It’s fine. I can’t say I understand it, but it’s not my business. I’m not gay, but you’re certainly not the first gay men I’ve known. Just… the first brothers, together, that I’ve known,” he chuckled. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that it’s not an issue, and no one else knows.” “How do you know?” Riley asked. “Intuition. To be completely honest, it would take an idiot to miss the love between the two of you. And that brings me to my second thing… It’s that devotion, that intensity-we need it in Arcanum.” His gaze shifted from Jonah to Riley and back. “With Mike Tanner gone, we need another detective.” “They want me back?” Riley asked, sinking, dazed, onto the sofa. “In Arcanum?” “Yes. Your youth--and your knowledge of the younger people in society--make you an invaluable asset. I’ll readily admit that I’m too old to know--or really understand--much of the modern alternative subcultures.” “How old are you?” Jonah asked. “Eight-hundred-twenty-three.” Arcanum: Vervain - 40

“Jesus,” Riley muttered. “And here I thought my sire was old.” Lane laughed. “Yeah… he was a baby, compared to me.” Riley’s head snapped up. “You knew him?” Lane lowered his gaze to his hands. “He was my son. My vampiric son, anyway.” “That means…” Jonah’s jaw dropped open. “Yes.” Lane smiled at Riley. “I am Riley’s vampiric grandfather.” Riley stood and walked over to a window. Staring out into the night, he shook his head. “I don’t know if I’m up for rejoining Arcanum. I’m not the same person I was ten years ago.” “No,” Lane said. “You’re older, more mature.” “Not to mention…” Jonah went over, arms snaking around Riley’s waist. “…you’re a vampire. You know what to look for, especially with your connections in the goth scene. It’s where a lot of the younger vamps end up, hoping they blend in.” “Like me,” Riley muttered. “It’s why I did it--hoping I’d blend in enough to not raise suspicion.” “So, will you do it?” Lane asked. Riley sighed and turned in Jonah’s arms. After a moment, he nodded. “Yeah. I will.” Arcanum: Vervain - 41

“Good.” Lane got up and headed for the door. Then he turned slightly and smiled. “Don’t think I’ll make a habit of cleaning your floors, though.”

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Chapter Seven “I can’t believe they want me back at Arcanum,” Riley said, closing the door when Lane left. “Hell, I can’t believe Lane is your sire’s sire.” Riley nodded. “Yeah, that, too. And that he actually washed all that blood up.” “I want to know how he got inside,” Jonah said. “Given how quickly we left here? I’d wager you left the door unlocked.” Riley shivered. “I’m glad it’s all over.” Jonah got up and wandered over, sliding his hands up Riley’s arms. “Hey. We’re together again. It’s all that matters.” “Hell, yes.” Riley leaned into him and Jonah met his brother in a kiss. He drank in Riley’s soft moan, hands traveling downward. He eased them beneath Riley’s sweatpants and cupped a firm but squeezable ass. Riley rubbed on him. “Fuck me,” Riley murmured on Jonah’s lips. “Please, Jonah.” Jonah groaned and thrust his tongue back into Riley’s mouth, tugging his brother closer. They’d rubbed off, jerked off, sucked off, but they’d yet to actually fuck. Jonah couldn’t wait any longer, and if the hard-on pushing against his own was any indication, Riley wasn’t going to wait either. Arcanum: Vervain - 43

Without relinquishing his hold, Jonah walked them backward, hoping like hell he managed to get to the bedroom without incident. Once they crossed the threshold, he reached up, found the light switch, and flicked it on. Then he forced himself to step back. Riley got the hint and stripped off his T-shirt. Toned abs tapered downward to a lean waist, and then the rest came into view as Riley’s sweatpants hit the floor. His hard cock bobbed before him and he gripped it, stroking slowly, lazily. Jonah fought the urge to drop to his knees. “Your turn.” Nodding, Jonah undressed, taking far less time than Riley. Naked and harder than he ever thought possible, he swept his gaze along his brother’s body. Hunger took over and he dragged Riley toward the bed. “Back?” Riley asked, crawling onto the bed. “Or…” With a wicked grin, he turned over and rose up. “Hands and knees?” “Oh, fuck… yeah.” Jonah knelt behind him and kneaded Riley’s asscheeks, parting them to see the tight, puckered hole. “God, Riley.” He leaned in and gave it a slow lick. Riley moaned, pushing back. Jonah wet the outside, lapping at the wrinkled skin. Riley tasted amazing, like no other man Jonah had ever been with before. Musky, familiar… “Jonah,” Riley moaned. “Now.” “Grab the lube in the table.” Arcanum: Vervain - 44

Riley tugged open the drawer and passed the tube back. Jonah slicked up two fingers, circled Riley’s hole, and eased inside. “Oh…fuck…” Riley went down on his forearms, head pillowed on them, thighs wide apart. “Yeah. More.” Jonah worked a third finger in, pumping all three slowly. He scissored them apart and shivered at Riley’s soft cry. Unable to hold off, Jonah withdrew his fingers and slicked up his cock. He rose up and rubbed the head over Riley’s entrance. He fully intended to take it easy, having no clue when or if Riley had ever done this. Riley, however, took over, shoving his ass back onto Jonah’s cock hard. Jonah hissed and dug his fingers into Riley’s hips, then began a rough but steady rhythm. “Jonah! Oh fuck, fuck. Don’t stop, baby…” Riley pushed a hand underneath and Jonah growled as his brother started jerking off. “So close. Jonah. Need it.” Without really thinking, Jonah worked both thumbs into Riley’s ass and spread it open. He grunted, Riley gasping and writhing, as he watched his cock slide in and out. Then Riley froze for a split second and shouted, throwing his head back as his hole clenched tight around Jonah. Jonah slammed into Riley and ground into his brother, panting as he came. “God…” Jonah eased out and flopped onto the bed. Riley stretched out beside him. “I’ve been waiting for that forever. I dreamed about it, you know? Felt like a fool…”

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Riley chuckled and scooted over enough to rest his head on Jonah’s chest. “Love you,” he whispered. “Not just as a brother, you know.” Jonah slipped a finger under Riley’s chin and tilted his brother’s head up. “I know. I love you, too. Always have, Riley.” *** “You ready for this?” Jonah stood at the front door, his hand on the knob, while Riley grabbed his wallet and keys. “Do I have a choice?” “Of course.” Riley sighed. “I know, but this is something I need to do. I can’t walk away, knowing there are others out there who don’t share my no-kill philosophy.” “Speaking of…” Jonah locked the door and walked over. “You haven’t fed in the past few days. Why?” “Despite media portrayals, we don’t have to feed every single day. I can go for four days without it, but after that, I start to weaken until I feed.” Jonah licked his lips and stepped closer. “Would it be bad if you did do it every day?” A slow smile spread across Riley’s face and his gaze dropped to Jonah’s neck. “No. You’d need to stock up on juice to keep replenishing nutrients, though.” Arcanum: Vervain - 46

“I can do that, no problem. Hungry?” Riley laughed. “God, yes. If I do feed on you, we’ll never get out of here, and we told Lane we’d be at the precinct at ten. It’s now…” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “…nine-fifty.” Jonah grumbled and rolled his eyes. “Fine. But you’re feeding as soon as we get home.” “I promise,” Riley whispered, leaning close enough for Jonah to feel the movement of his lips. “Work now. Fun later.” “It’s gonna be a long day,” Jonah muttered, walking out behind Riley and closing the door. “A long fucking day.”

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Epilogue “Riley.” Riley, who was dressed in skin-tight vinyl pants and a fishnet shirt, glanced at Jonah over one shoulder. “Yeah?” “Be careful. Please.” “Always.” With that, Riley disappeared into the throng of bodies, looking quite at home among the mass of black, leather, PVC, and God-knew what else. Jonah felt like a fish out of water, though. He’d never been the goth type, but that was why he had Riley. Where he didn’t get into or understand this particular subculture, Riley did. And the man looked damn fucking good doing it, too. Jonah grunted softly and managed to shift himself in his black jeans as discreetly as humanly possible. Sometimes it was damned difficult to be discreet around Riley, though. Things seemed perfectly fine, despite reports of more disappearances. Jonah started to think maybe they were on a wild goose chase when he caught sight of Riley heading toward the back. Jonah got up and walked out the front. Just as he rounded the building, he found Riley in the alley behind the club, and he wasn't alone. “Didn’t your sire teach you better?” Riley snarled in his captive’s ear. His hand fisted in the guy’s shirt, he kept the vampire pinned, face-first, against the brick wall. “You move, and I’ll have no problem tearing you apart.” Riley nodded toward the dumpster, overflowing with all manner of filth. “Behind the trash.” Arcanum: Vervain - 48

Jonah hurried over, the sound of sirens already in the distance. He shot Riley a curious look. “How-“ “Lane.” Riley winked. “Gotta love that blood connection.” Jonah tamped down the tiny twinge of jealousy and found the vampire’s victim lying on the ground. She’d lost a lot of blood, but surprisingly, Jonah noticed she was still breathing--barely. Two patrol cars and an ambulance arrived and the paramedics jumped out, running the gurney over to the dumpster. Jonah got out of the way and watched Riley release the vampire to the officers. “She’s lost a lot,” one of the paramedics said, “but I think she’ll live. You may have gotten to her just in time. We’ll let you know.” Jonah nodded, feeling like they'd accomplished something. “Thanks.” With the victim safely in the ambulance, and the vampire secured in the back of a patrol car, Jonah felt again the touch of jealousy. Hiding it from Riley, however, proved impossible. “All right.” Riley stood in front of him, arms crossed. “What is it?” “Just me being… me,” Jonah admitted. “Growly, pissy about you having some sort of ‘connection’ to another guy, even if he is your vampiric grandfather or whatever he is and not with me.” “You know, that can be changed.” Arcanum: Vervain - 49

“Huh?” Riley grinned. “You seem okay with me being a vampire. You’re fine with me feeding.” “Yeah. And…?” “So… why not just take the plunge and let me turn you?” Jonah blinked. That came out of left field, but a part of him couldn’t deny the curiosity. “Would that give us the same kind of connection?” “Stronger, I’d say. We’re brothers, we’re lovers. I think it would surpass anything else.” “Let’s talk more about it.” Jonah grimaced and stepped away from the dumpster, his mind racing through all the possibilities. “At home. In a hot shower. With lots of soap.” Riley laughed. “Deal.” *** Home. Shower. Jonah tipped his head back and closed his eyes. The steam and hot water washed away the grime from the alley and eased the ache in his body. He couldn’t stop thinking about what they’d talked about earlier. The notion of becoming the very thing he despised made his skin crawl, but then, Riley was one, and that didn’t bother him nearly as much as it had at the onset. Maybe, just maybe it wasn't so bad, as long as he could control his feeding. Arcanum: Vervain - 50

“Hey.” Arms snaked around Jonah’s waist and Riley pressed a soft kiss to Jonah’s shoulder. “You okay?” “Yeah. Just thinking.” “About?” “What we talked about. I’m trying to reconcile it all in my head.” Riley held him a little tighter. “I know. It wasn’t easy for me, either.” “How did you finally come to terms with it? After what happened to Mom and Dad…” A few seconds passed before Riley answered. “I couldn’t bear losing you. If that meant becoming the one thing I feared and loathed the most, then so be it. You’re far more important, Jonah.” Jonah inhaled deeply, drawing in Riley’s scent. If he didn’t let Riley turn him, then they’d both have to endure the eventual aging process. Jonah knew there was no way in hell he could hold Riley now, only to take his last breath as an old man and leave this world without his brother. “For you.” He turned in Riley’s arms. “I wouldn’t do it for anyone else, but I will for you. I won’t age, we won’t be parted again.” “Never again,” Riley murmured before kissing him.

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Jonah leaned back against the tiled shower wall, the chill barely seeping into his skin as Riley’s kisses ignited a fire deep within him. Come hell or high water, they’d get through this. Jonah refused to let his brother go again, and if it took him crossing the one line he swore he never would… then so be it.

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Arcanum: Vervain Copyright © 2010 by Mychael Black All rights reserved. No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address Torquere Press, Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680 Cover illustration copyright Alessia Brio Used with permission ISBN: 978-1-61040-013-8 Printed in the United States of America. Torquere Press, Inc.: High Ball electronic edition / July 2010 Torquere Press eBooks are published by Torquere Press, Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680

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