Saving Dakota (Vampires of Blood and Bones #19)

CHAPTER THREE

D akota hurried down the alley and stepped behind a restaurant dumpster, confident that the pungent odor would mask his scent. They were looking for him, and their presence was immediately obvious. They were nightwalkers, and one of them was particularly powerful.

Dakota did not feel he was prepared to deal with all the supernatural elements of Mt. Pleasant just yet. Able’s work had shielded him to a great extent, but the nightwalkers were the most powerful among the others. He wouldn’t be able to avoid them for long.

The two who entered the library were formidable beings and not the caliber of nightwalker he’d encountered in the past. These men were solid and focused and appeared to be very comfortable among the humans. Their glamour probably kept their secret for them but still how could their power and essence be missed it saturated the air.

The dark one was particularly impressive, and Dakota found it difficult to put him out of his thoughts. His hair black as the night and with eyes to match he had the presence of a leader a power beyond what Dakota was prepared to meet. His gaze had captured Dakota and held him for several seconds and during that time he felt the heat and force of the man.

He didn’t know his name, but he was certain that they would meet again. There was a calling between them, which Dakota did not understand, but it had meant something. The feeling of knowing that man was filling him, but he had never met him before. As hard as he tried to dismiss the feelings and put them aside, the more the vision of his perfection overwhelmed him. Dakota hadn't been in a relationship for a very long time, and he was looking at this nightwalker with a hunger that he should not be feeling.

Dakota hurried down the block to his rented car and headed back to his motel room. He needed to make some calls based on the information he had gathered. Eric had been seen by the cashier at the café.

He had been alone and had appeared rushed and jumpy. He'd ordered two coffees and a ham sandwich and abruptly left. Dakota planned to check the local motels and campgrounds to see if he could pick up a scent or further direction. He'd started earlier and hit some of the establishments with no luck. But Mt. Pleasant had quite a few low-dollar motels and a fair number of hangouts that a person could crash at for little or nothing.

Dakota drove into the Starlight and parked across the lot. He didn’t like parking in front of his unit because it disturbed his line of sight. In a town like Mt. Pleasant, you wanted to keep your vision clear. He settled in with a coffee he’d picked up at a gas station and made his calls.

He identified himself to everyone he spoke to, apart from the Sheriff and his deputy, so it was just a matter of time before the others knew exactly who he was and why he was there. Whether they left him alone or involved themselves in his business remained to be seen.

As he sat there considering his next move, his mind once again trailed back to the dark one, and the prevalent scent of fresh-cut cedar filled his senses upon seeing him. The pleasant scent had a meaning, but he couldn't remember what it was or where he'd heard about it. Like the man himself, the scent took over his heart and mind, filling him with satisfaction and longing. He had no idea where this would lead, but he knew for a fact that he would be seeing the tall, dark one again very soon.

"Paula, did Eric happen to say anything to you about his relationship with Ivy? Did he tell you they were serious or simply hanging out together?" The lady at the café had alluded to Eric commenting on his fiancé being unwell and that he was bringing them something to eat. She was certain he'd referred to them as his fiancé.

"They're just friends, as far as I know, Dakota. Eric would have told me if it had gotten more serious. Ivy is not his fiancé, and I'm not sure why he would tell someone she was."

"Maybe it means nothing. He might have just used it for expediency. Eric wasn't one who liked long explanations." Dakota theorized.

“You have a solid lead on him in Mt. Pleasant?” She asked.

"He was here four days ago, and people saw him and spoke to him." He told her.

"Find him, Dakota." She was trying to stay strong, but her pain was evident.

"I will, Paula, I promise." He wouldn't usually make such a statement, but he felt certain that Eric was still in the area, and it was just a matter of time before he found him. He was just about to contact his captain with an update when he felt a wave of energy, the likes of which he had never encountered before. It swamped him, constricting his breathing and filling him with fearful alarm.

"He probably went back to the motel," Raul said as they made their way down the main street.

“Most likely, since all his protections are there.” Terrance agreed. “We need to convince him to talk to us, but he seems to have a twisted view of the supernatural.”

"Maybe that's his experience where he's from. Not all communities are a positive experience. There are some real bastards out there, and you and I have met quite a number of them.” Raul defended the man, and it brought a smile to Terrance's face.

"I'm going to send the information on Detective Lieutenant Winters and Eric Blackbird to Easton and see what he can find out for us." Terrance quickly sent the text, followed by the file.

“Detective Lieutenant is a notable title why would they send him on a case like this. It’s a missing person which should be handled by their officers keeping in touch with the local authorities." Raul was trying to sort out the information. "They either care deeply for this boy, or they know something we don't."

"It's probably both." Terrance was going to elaborate when he received a text from Easton. "Master DuCane wants us to bring Detective Lieutenant Winters to the Palace. He wants to speak with him." Terrance read the message out loud. They looked at one another, knowing full well that Detective Lieutenant Winters would not willingly accompany them anywhere, let alone the Palace.

“Hell, he hasn’t even agreed to speak with us yet.” Raul shook his head.

“I’ll explain our situation and see what he wants us to do.” Terrance offered and sent an explanation to Easton outlining the man’s distrust and apparent awareness of the supernatural. He also added that Dakota Winters was his beloved because the Master was not someone you kept information from. After a few minutes, to his surprise, Terrance received a response from Master DuCane.

"The Master will meet us at the Starlight," Terrance stated.

“He’s coming here?” Raul looked as shocked as Terrance felt.

"Yes, if Dakota Winters won't come to him, then he's coming to Dakota Winters." They pulled into the lot parking across from Dakota's unit and waited. It wasn't long before the Master's car pulled into the lot and parked right in front of the unit in question. Master DuCane was not someone who hid in a back lot he always made himself known.

Ira was his driver and followed a few steps back as Master DuCane headed for the door. Both Raul and Terrance hurried to catch up and stayed back with Ira. The Master knocked on the door and then waiting only a few seconds he then opened the door swinging it inwards and stepping inside. Whatever Dakota was using it wasn’t powerful enough to keep Master DuCane outside.

Raul and Ira hung back, not able to walk across the threshold. Terrance stepped up to the Master positioning himself on his left and back a couple of feet. Dakota was across the room which was no more than about fourteen feet away. He watched them but did not move or speak. His expression was unreadable, but tension filled the air between them.

"Why are you in my territory?" Master DuCane asked, and his tone did not leave room for silence or denial. Dakota did not respond immediately as he sized them up and considered his options. Thankfully, he had the good judgment to give the Master what he asked for.

"I am Detective Lieutenant Dakota Winters from the Lac Vieux Desert Reservation in Watersmeet." He began by explaining Eric Blackbird’s disappearance and his family's concerns. He also spoke of the disregard he encountered with the police in Traverse City and the Sheriff's Department in Mt. Pleasant. Their shaman had indicated trouble, mystical trouble, surrounding the disappearance, and he was sent to find the young man.

“You spoke with the local police regarding the boy’s disappearance?” Master DuCane asked for clarity.

“Yes, I spoke with a deputy named Lawson and he couldn’t have cared less. I was dismissed and forgotten before I even closed the call.” That explained a lot regarding his disdain for the police and the paranormal population. It was surprising behavior for Deputy Lawson unfortunately.

Master DuCane stared at him for a few minutes neither of them speaking. Dakota held his gaze for a bit but ultimately dropped his gaze to stare at the floor. It was a sign of respect and Terrance wasn’t sure if Dakota knew what he was doing or not, but it was the right thing to do.

“You know what we are.” The Master stated but he was waiting for an answer. Dakota nodded.

"You and those standing with you are nightwalkers. Lawson is a wolf, and the Sheriff is a black dog, a guardian of the underworld." He spoke plain and did not falter to his credit.

"I am Master Louis DuCane, a vampire, and I lead Coven DuCane. This is Terrance, one of my soldiers." Terrance nodded to Dakota. Master DuCane then turned to the two standing by the door. "At the door are Raul and Ira, a soldier and a guard. Deputy Lawson is a wolf shifter, as are several of the officers, and Sheriff Keller is a hellhound. There are many different paranormal groups in this area, and I'm sure you are aware of them." The Master glanced around the room, taking in the evidence of protection.

"I was informed and prepared for this journey." That was all he said.

“I apologize for the behavior of my deputy, and it will be addressed. Your concerns and requests should have been given the care and respect they deserved.” Dakota seemed surprised by the apology.

“We will help in any way that we can my people and resources are at your disposal. I would ask that you take one of my people with you to make sure that you and your concerns are treated appropriately. You may choose who you wish to accompany you. Either Terrance, Raul or Ira but you must have an escort while in my territory.”

Dakota was stunned, frozen to the spot but tried desperately to no show fear or uncertainty. This one, Master DuCane, and the one called Terrance were completely unaffected by his charms and talismans. Those by the door were being held back just as the wolf and his companions had been denied entrance.

These two were powerful, especially the Master. Dakota understood the hierarchy in a coven and had come face to face with a Master vampire before, but none had exuded the aura that this one held. His very presence left Dakota drained and immobile, but he could not show weakness in front of this crowd.

Able had told him he would be dealing with the strongest and most feared among the others, but he'd foolishly assumed Lawson and the Sherif to be the worst. They didn't hold a candle to the man who stood before him now. He was apologetic and offered him help but also included a chaperone in the deal. He wanted to keep an eye on Dakota, which was understandable. There was no trust between them, but there was a measure of honor and respect.

Terrance did not speak, but his eyes conveyed volumes. There was so much there beneath the surface. He sensed it first at the library, and the feeling of familiarity did not fade. When he stepped into the room behind the Master, Dakota was bombarded by the same thick smell of cedar. It enveloped him in a wave and soaked into his heart and mind. Terrance was important, and his presence brought calm and peaceful elements to it. Dakota knew his feelings were confusing and not something he really should be dealing with right now, but he went with his heart and decided that he needed to understand this man more fully.

“I choose Terrance.” He said after a few seconds of consideration. Terrance looked pleased by the choice and in turn that brought satisfaction to Dakota. It continued to be confusing all the way around.

"Very well." Master DuCane trained those black eyes on him once again, and Dakota was certain he could feel the cries through the ages, dark, angry, and ruthless, reaching for him. Then he broke off the connection and turned to the door. It was a small taste of who he was, and it shook Dakota to the core.

They left all except for Terrance, who remained standing before him, silent and waiting. The seconds stretched into minutes, and neither moved as they sized each other up. Whereas the Master's stare was bruising, Terrance's was warm and welcoming. His eyes appeared to see everything, and that was okay. Dakota was clear on the fact that he and Terrance were connected in some way. The peace he felt around the guy and the familiarity were both positive. He looked forward to getting to know him better because the attraction he felt was phenomenal.

“I’m sorry about your tribal member and I hope we will discover what happened to him and his friend and bring them back to you.” Terrance spoke earnestly and reached his hand out to Dakota. Dakota took the hand and held it in his.

“Thank you, Terrance.” He spoke the name, and it felt right on his tongue. “I appreciate any help that you can offer me.”

"Let's start at the Sheriff's office. I know you have had a rough start with our officers, but they are not all like Lawson. His treatment of you is an embarrassment and not what I would have expected from him." Dakota noticed that he had not yet released the man's hand, so slowly let it slide from his grip. He immediately missed the strength and security of his touch.

"I don't trust them," Dakota responded honestly.

"Sheriff Keller is a good man and a very capable sheriff. I'm sorry if you got off on the wrong foot with him, but he may have answers for you." Terrance spoke softly but there was command in his tone. His voice slid over Dakota's nerves, soothing and agreeable. There wasn't anything about Terrance that Dakota didn't find enjoyable. He looked away from those piercing dark eyes and pulled his focus back to the issue at hand.

"I did not share my information or concerns with the Sheriff after he clearly supported Deputy Lawson. I have no time for their opinions or games. I've found over the years that I move best and fastest when I move alone." He wasn't doubting Terrance he simply didn't want to deal with the assholes at the Sheriff's office.

"That's true in some instances, but the land and the people here are not familiar to you, so let us help you, and together, we will solve this, I promise." Terrance took a step closer and once again held Dakota's gaze.

"I made Eric's sister a similar promise," Dakota commented softly.

“Let me help you keep that promise.” Terrance said softly and with a tenderness that touched his very bones. Dakota looked up at him and saw something in that gaze that endeared and pleaded. He was reaching out and Dakota could not resist responding. He reached out and took his hand while eyes never wavered from Terrance’s intense stare.

“Who are you Terrance?” Dakota voiced his bewilderment. “Since the moment I saw you I felt that I knew you. Your heart calls to me beckoning me near and my heart responds. I need you close your touch gives me comfort and support. What is this between us and is it real or simply a glamour?”

Terrance moved slowly, took Dakota's hand, and held it in both of his hands, keeping his eyes trained solidly on Dakota's. His expression was open and happy, and he took another step, putting him just a few inches in front of Dakota. "I recognized you too, Dakota, the minute I stepped foot into the library and took a deep breath. My lungs were filled with the sweet essence of sweetgrass and honey. I saw you at the end of the desk, and my heart began to hammer in my chest."

Dakota listened and saw that Terrence's reactions mirrored his own, and Terrence wasn't afraid to tell him exactly how and what he felt. "This is not fake and not a glamour. This is our destiny, Dakota. You are my beloved, and I have waited centuries to meet you." Dakota knew the word, he'd heard it before and knew its importance. Terrance bent and gently took Dakota's lips in a soft embrace. The contact was electrifying, sending thrills through Dakota, sensitizing every inch of his body.

He reached up and cupped the side of Terrance’s face reveling in the touch of his warm skin and the amazing contact of his soft demanding lips. His mouth was searching and insistent and Dakota opened to his demands needing more and returning the kiss as ardently as he was receiving. The taste and the sensations of this kiss filled him with a sense of belonging and trust and a desire so deep he could feel it in every cell of his body.

The kiss came to a slow end with neither of them wanting to stop. Terrance pulled back on a strained deep breath and then pulled Dakota into his arms hugging him to his chest and burying his face in Dakota’s hair. He could feel him taking long intense breaths while his fingers dug into Dakota’s flesh. It was an embrace that was completely immobilizing, and it felt wonderful.

Dakota closed his eyes and did the same he took one deep breath after another drinking in the fresh scent of cedar and his natural manly scent. Dakota would have been satisfied to have stayed like that for hours. After a few minutes, Dakota looked up at Terrance searching his face for something.

“This is just the beginning.” Terrance whispered against the side of his face and then straightened still looking down at Dakota. “Let’s find Eric and settle whatever is going on with him and then focus on you and me.”

"You and me." Dakota's eyebrows raised, and Terrance smiled that heart-stopping smile.

“Oh yeah, there is definitely a you and me.”