Page 1 of Blood and Embers (The Rose Vampire Coven #7)

“T he Bagwell Pack is stirring trouble," Drakon reported to Victor, the second in command of the Rose Coven. "I have people watching, and it looks like they're aiming to expand their territory."

"In which direction?" Victor asked, knowing that to the north and east is all Rose territory.

“I believe they’re simply looking for weaknesses at this time.”

“Is Bagwell still offering membership to jackals and cougar shifters?”

"Yes, he's taking anyone who comes his way.

The Pack is growing, but the loyalty is questionable at best. When you open your door to garbage, you let garbage into your home.

" Drakon quoted Master Conall Rose, who was a stickler for background checks and rarely allowed anyone inside who wasn't vouched for personally by an existing member.

Even then, the probationary period could be long and grueling.

“He plans to use them to gain territory and then weed them out after the fact. It’s a common method for miscreants like Bagwell.” Victor added with disgust. “Keep track of his movements and handle him as you see fit.”

Pike Santoro, an enforcer with the Rose Coven, was pulled from the security detail at the Coven to cover a vacancy at the Blood Rose. The club was busy on weekends, and it was necessary to maintain peace and avoid any awkward visits from the police.

He hadn't worked at the club in a few months and actually liked the job. It allowed him to socialize with someone other than his coworkers, and he enjoyed mixing drinks. It was easy, laid back, and the number of phone numbers he collected lasted for weeks.

The club attracted a handsome clientele, and he enjoyed handsome men. He jumped in the shower and quickly prepared for a night of carnal delights. He met Hugh, a fellow enforcer, when leaving his apartment and stopped to talk. Hugh was a close friend, and they frequently collaborated.

“Are you covering at the Blood Rose?” He asked.

“Yep, and looking forward to an enjoyable night.” He snickered.

"It's the weekend, so it should be packed." Hugh nodded along with Pike's plans. "You should do well, especially if you're bartending. Those guys behind the bar always clean up as far as action. For some reason, sexy twinks just love a bartender and don’t hesitate to bend over.”

“I’ll be bartending all evening and fucking till dawn. I’m looking forward to luscious asses and moist and talented mouths." Pike laughed. "It's hard, but someone has to do it."

“I’ll stop by later and see how you’re doing.” Hugh was not hiding his jealousy.

“I might share if you’re lucky. I’ll tell them you’re an auxiliary bartender.”

“You’re all heart.”

The club was in full swing when Pike arrived at eight and headed for the bar.

He was wearing his tight leather pants and snug black t-shirt that left nothing to the imagination.

Anton, who was working the far end, welcomed his arrival.

"I'm going for a break." He said, and Pike nodded, beginning to sling drinks with speed and accuracy.

It was a fun and relaxing experience, with good music and great company, and everyone was having a good time.

“Hey sexy, got time for me?” The voice was familiar, and it brought a smile to Pike’s face. He looked across the bar at Hugh’s little brother Daemon.

“Hugh would skin me alive if I ever laid a hand on you.”

“He doesn’t have to know.” Daemon fluttered his eyelashes, and damn, he was a handsome little man, but he was strictly off limits.

“I value my life.” Pike shot back. “Why don’t you go bother someone your own age?”

"Okay, okay, but you don’t know what you’re missing.

” He sang the last couple of words as he walked away and continued to flutter those blasted eyelashes.

Pike loved large, expressive eyes, but little twinks were not really his preference.

He liked his men solid and prepared for action.

He smiled at the thought and then got back to work.

It was going on one in the morning when he decided to take a break.

The clientele, although impressive, did not excite him this night for some reason he could not fathom.

It was unusual for him to go an entire night at the Blood Rose and not find at least one guy to his liking.

Tonight, his instincts were just putting him off.

“I’m going to take my break out back he notified Anton, who waved him off with a smile.

" Pike noticed a tall man, not bad looking, wearing denim and leather, following him.

He'd made conversation with him earlier, and the attraction was there, but Pike decided he wasn't in the mood, and as they entered the back hall, he stopped and faced him.

"You're a good-looking man, but I'm tired and just need some time to myself." He told him, and the guy was disappointed but not offended.

"Maybe next time." He said, and as he was about to turn away and head back to the main room, there was an explosion that rang out and rocked the entire club.

Suddenly, the club was in utter turmoil with people screaming, running, and fire filling the main room.

Pike ran to the back doors and pushed them open, directing people to the alley behind the building.

"Hurry, get out." He shouted and grabbed those who were unable to move on their own, then escorted them out to the alley.

He then rushed back inside and continued to funnel people out the back.

Reinforcements from the Coven House across the alley rushed over and helped evacuate people, then began administering first aid.

There were quite a few humans in the club, and they were not built to withstand an explosion.

Pike ran into the main room, where the fire was consuming the front wall and spreading across the hardwood floors.

It was a scene of chaos and desperation, as people struggled to escape while others fought the flames.

He found Daemon unconscious on the dance floor and quickly carried him outside and then returned to assist others.

Anton was lying across the bar with part of the ceiling pinning him down. Pike got him free and was carrying him to safety when the Chicago Fire Department came crashing through the debris with skill and dedication, systematically instilling order in the face of utter pandemonium.

One of them rushed forward and took Anton from his arms while another took hold of Pike’s arm and started guiding him out of the building.

“Come with me, you need to get out of here.

" The man yelled and held onto Pike, refusing to take no for an answer.

Rather than making things difficult, Pike did as he was told.

The CFD had things under control, and he would be more help outside, assisting with the injured.

The fireman deposited him outside and, before turning away, graced Pike with a smile that lit up his whole face. “We’ll have this under control in no time. Don’t worry.” He said and squeezed Pike’s hand.

“Thank you.” Pike watched him rush back into the blaze and destruction. An urge to follow was strong, but this was their scene now, and he had to play by the rules. The fireman remained in his thoughts, though with his solid build, take-charge attitude, and that smile.

If it weren’t for the fucking place burning down around them, Pike would have liked to have learned more about the man. Maybe later, maybe never. He pushed the thoughts away and got busy helping where he could. Master Rose was front and center, dealing with the fallout.

By morning, the fire had been extinguished, and all the injured had been treated and taken to the hospital.

Thankfully, no one was killed, but that was largely due to luck and the swift action of the CFD.

He was standing near Master Rose and Drakon when the Fire Chief came over to talk with them.

What he heard was disturbing, and the facts of the fire made it clear that the Rose Coven was under attack.

The area was taped off, and the cops showed up, but this was something that would be handled within the paranormal world.

It was unlikely the cops would find those responsible for the destruction, and after a while, the case would be set aside, and that was alright.

The Coven would quietly take their revenge on the perpetrators.

The fire had been started by deliberate gasoline bombs thrown in through the front doors. It didn't take a genius to figure out who was responsible. The Master sent Drakon in search of the Bagwell Pack.

Master Rose listened to the Chief respectfully and cooperated with the cops, but behind the scenes, he was already taking care of business in his own special way. He sent Pike to the front entrance to search out leads.

He approached the front doors, or rather, where the front doors used to be, and looked for scents, primarily something that would tell him who was specifically responsible. The firefighter who had escorted him to safety, the one with that beautiful smile, came up to stand beside him.

“Lieutenant Scott Jones.” He said and stuck out his hand, and there was that smile again. It did something to him, a warmth and excitement rushed through him, and it was nice. Pike took hold of his hand and returned the smile. His handshake was firm and friendly, as it should be.

“Pike Santoro, bartender.” Pike introduced himself.

“Sorry about your club, but most of the damage was centered near the front doors; the rest of the building is still sound." He was giving them hope, and Pike appreciated his intention.

“Mr. Rose will have the place back on its feet soon enough, I’m sure.” The small talk was easy and surprisingly refreshing after such an evening.

Pike turned to look at him, directly pulling his attention away from the burned-out entrance. "Thank you for getting me out of there and for all your work putting this thing out." He told him, feeling the need to show gratitude.

This group of guys showed up, and very shortly after, the fire was out, and the injured were treated and transported. Most impressive of all was that they did it without expectation of thanks or praise.

“You’re welcome.” He answered, and it wasn't a shallow, ‘it’s just my job’ answer, so again, refreshing. Pike realized that the longer he spent with Lieutenant Scott Jones, the more he liked him.

"So, it appears that the Blood Rose has enemies," Scott commented.

"It would appear so," Pike responded, and then added. "Mr. Rose will handle it."

“I don’t doubt that to be true after seeing him and his men in action. I believe he is well able to handle most things." Scott was fishing, but very politely.

“He takes care of his own.”

"As it should be." Scott placed his hand on Pike's upper arm, a simple and friendly gesture, but like the handshake before, it was oddly stirring and felt important. "Here, take this.” He said and handed Pike a business card with his name and personal number on the back.

Pike pulled out his phone and dialed the number. "Now you have mine." He said casually, but there was definitely something in the air. Something was existing and growing between them, and Pike was more than happy to see what it might be.

They stood there silently staring at one another for a few seconds, and then someone called to Scott, and the moment was broken. "Call me." He said and then ran to the large engine and jumped on as it was pulling away.