Influential Magic by Deanna Chase Page A

know.
    Besides, I had Phoebe’s new magically enhanced bug—a sterling silver brooch in the shape of a beetle—in my pocket. Somehow it transmitted everything it heard to another beetle, and Phoebe assured me whatever happened, she’d know about it. It was the same one she’d planted on David when she’d taken him in for questioning. Since he was knocked out, they hadn’t forced him through the security radar. They’d let Phoebe search him. That was how she’d known about his deal.
    Please let her be close by . Tension pulsed through my core in time with the bass. I longed for a couple of shots of my magically enhanced spiced rum. The mundane stuff wasn’t nearly strong enough to combat the massive waves of anxiety making my wings tremble.
    Two songs later, the sax player of Unstrung Blues launched into a slow, sad melody. David stood, holding a hand out. “That’s our cue.”
    Great, a death march.
    I rose, walking past his outstretched hand. I’d made the mistake of letting him touch me once. It wouldn’t happen again.
    He dropped his hand, confusion flickering over his features. We stood uncomfortably for a moment, then he nodded toward a poorly lit hallway. “That way.”
    I took the lead, peering through the dark, smoky lounge, still fruitlessly searching for Phoebe. As I turned to enter the narrow hallway, a cold, dull ache riveted through the small of my back. I flinched and took several steps, putting plenty of space between me and David.
    Son of a…How many times before had he reached out to guide me? Before, when he hadn’t been a vampire. When the gesture seemed natural. I forced myself to meet his eyes and immediately regretted it. Something very close to pain flickered through them before they turned cold with that uncaring expression vampires were known for. I swallowed. Why did that upset me so much?
    “Sorry. It won’t happen again.” He clasped his hands behind his back.
    “It’s not…” What could I say? It’s not you, it’s me? It was him and the fact that he’d turned vampire. I couldn’t bear his touch, no matter how gentle. Memories of what used to be filled my mind, making my heart break again.
    “Let’s go,” he said, his tone matching his expressionless features.
    “David.” I held out a hand, intending to catch his arm, but snatched it back at the last moment.
    He stared at my hand, then met my eyes in an unflinching gaze.
    “I’m sorry. It’s not you. I mean not you, personally. It’s…” Gods, can I ever finish a sentence?
    “Forget it. Follow me.” He opened a door I hadn’t noticed, revealing a steep set of stairs, and started to climb.
     

Chapter 6
     

     
    Guilt made me drag my feet up the wooden steps. My rejection of even a small touch must have made me seem petty. Prejudiced, even. I took a deep breath and focused. He couldn’t have thought I’d just accept his new identity. I mean, faeries and vamps don’t mix. Ever.
    I stared at David’s long legs and realized something was off. Well, more off than the fact I was headed into a vamp lair. His energy was back in full force, clinging to me like static, but I still couldn’t feel any other vamps. Who exactly was I meeting? A corporate lackey? Now I was irritated. All the drama of a written invitation and an ominous phone call and I didn’t even rate a face-to-face with the boss.
    David rapped twice on the lacquered oak door. After a few moments it swung open. No one stood on the other side. It had to be magic. How else would the door open on its own? Vampires didn’t possess the type of power to produce spells, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have a witch on staff. I wished there was some way to warn Phoebe.
    David stepped aside. “Ladies first.”
    Every nerve in my body screamed to stay put, my feet as heavy as cement blocks. The last thing I wanted to do was turn my back on a vampire, even David. But I couldn’t bear to see his cold, dead stare when he realized I didn’t trust