The Eos Key Read online

  “Screw Jack,” Sasha said. She took a stack of clean glasses from the wash station and sauntered over with a frown. “What doesn’t hurt him… in my opinion.” She smiled. “Michael wants to see his boyfriend before he leaves to another country for a month. What’s an extra half hour?”

  “Go, be with your man.” Alia nodded, and Michael leaped into her arms.

  “Thank you!” Michael kissed her cheek and ran to the locker to grab his things. “I’ll see you later! Lia, can you do the garbage?” He blew a kiss and made his way toward the service exit.

  “Give that cutie a hug from us.” Doreen waved, and Michael disappeared out the door. “He says Pedro is the one.”

  “He says that about everyone he dates for over six months, Deedee,” Sasha said with a laugh, and brought the bin of cleaned glasses out to the bar.

  The door opened again, and Sasha picked up a bin of cutlery. How she stayed upright in stilettos all day, and then carried dishes back and forth for another hour after, was incredible.

  She sat on the chair beside Alia, who organized receipts and cash at the desk. “What are you doing for your twenty-first birthday?”

  “Twenty-one,” Doreen said, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. “What an age to be. I remember twenty-one…” She trailed off, lost in some distant memory.

  “Please tell me you have party plans in two weeks,” Sasha asked.

  Alia’s head fell. “I don’t know. I don’t think I’m in the mood to celebrate.”

  Sasha narrowed her eyes. “Because of Jared?”

  “It’s just—” It had been ten days since Alia found another woman in the arms of her now ex-boyfriend. Jared had crushed her spirit more than she’d wanted to admit. “I want to, but—”

  “Jared was an actual, fuzzy, shitty asshole, Lia. Come on,” Sasha huffed. “He didn’t deserve you for the time he had you, girl. Trust me.”

  Part of her knew it was true. It had been Alia’s first serious relationship, and she’d allowed herself to open up. In return, he’d used her. “I don’t know.” She tried to shake the image of Jared’s face from her mind.

  “Alia…” Doreen cooed, and it made her miss her mother.

  Her heart ached to see her parents every day. The time around her birthday was the hardest. It always brought up memories of the news of their death, and the night she tried to join them.

  The doctors her uncle paid for diagnosed her with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. When it became hard to separate the gruesome monster, she’d imagined attacked her mother, from reality, Alia believed their diagnosis. She paused, sorting through the receipts as her mother’s face faded from her mind.

  “I guess I could come here…”

  “Lame!” Sasha groaned. “Come on, Lia. You work here! You cannot come back here.” Her eyes lit up. “Let’s go dancing! Maybe you’ll meet someone who isn’t a complete asshole.”

  “At a bar?” Doreen asked skeptically.

  “Okay, fine. Maybe you’ll find someone who’ll buy you a few drinks?”

  Alia thought for a moment. The idea wasn’t all bad. She could use a night surrounded by her friends. Anything to take her mind off him.

  “Compromise…” Sasha sang. “Why not come to Club Wynter?”

  “But, Jack—” Not that she wasn’t allowed, but she didn’t think he would want his soon-to-be bartender partying where she would be working.

  “I could totally get you in,” Sasha said with a bob of her head. “Come on Lia. You would have so much fun.”

  “You could bring your roommate. What’s her name?” Doreen tapped a finger to her chin.

  “Miranda?”

  “You said she’s always wanted to go.”

  Alia was at a loss. She filed the receipts and put the money in the safe. She really didn’t want to disappoint her friends. “Fine.” She stood and grabbed hold of the two garbage bags Michael had left near the exit. “It’ll have to be this Thursday, though.” She hit the bar on the exit and entered the alley.

  At the dumpsters, she opened the gate and threw the bags inside. Dance music blared through the walls of the nightclub in the hotel’s adjacent tower. Alia closed the heavy metal gate of the trash compactor and shook her head at the thought of being surrounded by loud, drunk people while not being paid. When the alternative was to sit and think about all the ways Jared hurt her, it did seem like the better option. Plus, she kind of already said she would. She took a deep breath and regretted it as the odour of old food garbage and stale alcohol filled her lungs.

  “Lia?” Jared appeared.

  Alia spun around. Her heart jammed in her chest. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “I need to talk to you.”

  “I don’t want to talk to you,” she said, avoiding his gaze. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with him, or for Jared to see how deeply she’d let him hurt her.

  “Lia, please?” He took a step closer, and she inched away. “It was stupid. I was stupid,” he said.

  “You mean you are stupid.” She glanced toward the door. It was maybe… ten feet? She could probably run for it. But if she reached the door, and he attacked, her friends could get hurt.

  “Just a minute,” he pleaded.

  “What the hell is there to explain? Huh?” Alia stepped back again. “How are you going to explain to me why you were making out with that woman right outside the hotel? I work here. Did you not think I would find out?”

  “Baby, please…” He took hold of her arm; his face pinched in desperation.

  “I’m done listening to your bullshit.” Alia struggled to pull her arm away, but his grip tightened around her wrist. She wouldn’t make it now.

  “Lia, you don’t understand—” Jared pulled her toward him.

  “That you’re an asshole?” She tried to shake her arm free, but Jared still wouldn’t budge.

  “Not until you hear me out!” His nails sank into her skin, and she panicked. A hundred horrible scenarios blazed through her mind as the pain travelled up her arm.

  “Lia? You okay?” Kevin, a bouncer from the club, came out from around the corner.

  Relief hit Alia so hard she nearly collapsed.

  “Who the hell are you?” Jared turned on Kevin, who’s six-three figure towered above him.

  His features hardened when he saw Jared’s hand on Alia’s wrist. “Everything good here?”

  “Let me go,” she demanded.

  Jared’s grip stayed.

  “Let her go, man,” Kevin said, forcibly removing Jared’s fingers from her wrist. Pain flashed across Jared’s face, and he pulled away.

  “What the shit?” He swung at Kevin, hitting him hard in the jaw, and her heart kicked into overdrive. She feared the fight she was sure would follow and wanted no part of it. Jared never knew when the odds were stacked against him but was always one to start a fight.

  Kevin cracked his neck and loosened his jaw. He took a single step and punched Jared square in the nose, his fist connecting with a pop.

  “Kevin!” She stepped back.

  “You okay?” He took her wrist in his hand to inspect it, while Jared flailed across the alley.

  “Damn, man. I think you broke my nose!” Jared straightened with his hands on his face and blood dripping down his chin. His eyes watered, on the verge of tears.

  “If I ever catch you here again,” Kevin turned to Jared, “I’ll have you arrested for assault.”

  “Lia?” Jared looked to her for empathy.

  “Just leave.”

  Jarred narrowed his gaze. “Seriously, Alia. We will talk.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Kevin laughed. “It’ll be pretty hard to talk to her with a broken jaw, buddy. She said to leave.”

  Jared glared at Alia as she stood behind Kevin. He swore under his breath and spat blood onto the pavement. “I’ll see you around,” he said, and tilted his head to Alia before he backed away and left.

  “You sure you’re good?” Kevin stroked her arm.

  “Yo
u didn’t have to do that.”

  “He had no right.”

  “I know…” Alia nodded quickly and rubbed the soreness from her wrist. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks as she struggled for something to kill the awkward silence. “What are you doing here, anyway? Just happen to be in the right place at the right time?”

  Kevin snickered and pulled a cell phone from his pocket. “Fight with the girlfriend,” he said. “I couldn’t hear her over the music, so I had to find somewhere quiet to let her rip me a new one.” Alia smiled at the image. Kevin’s girlfriend was half his size.

  “Thanks again for—”

  “Don’t mention it. If you ever need me, I’m here.”

  “Thanks.” Alia’s chin dropped. The statement shouldn’t have made her feel ashamed, but now Kevin knew what kind of guy she had been with. It didn’t reflect well on her.

  “I’ll check you later, yeah?” He gave a quick nod.

  “Thanks, Kev.” Alia waved, and he left for the club.

  Alone again, she took another deep breath to steady her nerves, and regretted it. Again.

  “What took you so long? We thought maybe you’d skipped out too,” Sasha said, as she draped her jacket over her shoulders.

  “No, I…” Alia paused. “I just needed a minute. It’s been a long night.”

  “It has, but we’re pretty much done here,” Doreen said, scanning the room. “I hope you do something wonderful for your birthday, hun.”

  “Is Thursday a go then?” Sasha asked.

  “Aren’t you opening the day after?”

  “Nope! I’m so ready to get turnt!” She danced about in her coat.

  “All right, fine.” Alia rolled her eyes and head for the security panel.

  “Have a good time, sweetie. I won’t see you before then.” Doreen squeezed Alia’s arm as she walked past. “You deserve some fun.”

  “Thanks, Deedee.” Alia set the alarm, opened the door, and locked it behind her.

  Every night, she took the same thirty-minute walk through Rosebank Memorial. She followed the main road with its many five-star restaurants and couture shops, and turned off into the massive cemetery. Then it was over the bridge spanning Dermot River. Once through the cemetery, it was another ten minutes before she reached her apartment.

  The cemetery occupied two full city blocks. It was the most peaceful place at two a.m., and allowed her time to shake off the day’s tension. Alia collected her thoughts and relaxed as she listened to the music that brought her solace. She could have taken the bus, but the walk was part of her comforting routine. Routine kept her mind at ease. As much as she needed her friends, she also needed her alone time.

  Tonight, all she could think about was how stupid she felt for allowing Jared to take advantage of her. She couldn’t wait to be home and asleep.

  FAMILY

  Eric

  Eric strode barefoot into the kitchen of his brother’s estate, nestled an hour west of Ash City. In nothing but a pair of black jeans and his Ward tattoos, he raked a hand through his dark hair, and his lip curled; annoyed his brother, Lucien, never had a single strand of his perfectly quaffed hair out of place. For Lucien, anything less than a suit and tie was uncivilized.

  Lucien didn’t bother to look up from his breakfast before berating him. “You’ve had more people in that room in the months since you’ve returned than I’ve had in the last thirty years,” he scolded.

  Eric rolled his eyes and walked past to the counter to pour himself a dram of whiskey. He cocked his head to Tully, the family’s butler, as he did. Tully’s gaze lowered, and he remained respectfully silent.

  “Starting early this morning?” Lucien peered over his mug. The aromatic scent of roasted arabica saturated the room. “Was it that bad?”

  “Just another night.” Eric downed the whiskey. Once finished, he topped the glass again. He watched as Lucien picked at a true English breakfast. Eric’s nostrils flared, and he filled his lungs with the savoury scent. He snatched a link of sausage and stuffed it into his mouth, only to down it with the double shot. Eric shook his head at his brother. “Why do you eat food like it’s something you need to do? Every morning?”

  “Play the part…” Lucien sipped.

  “Master Wynter, I can have Margaret prepare you a plate if you wish,” Tully offered. His sunken eyes met the floor.

  Eric waved him off. “No need, Tully.” Eric, like all vampires, was unnaturally fast. While Lucien only used his abilities when absolutely necessary, Eric used them as he pleased.

  Eric stole another link from his brother’s plate before anyone could blink.

  “Damn it!” Lucien snapped. “Get your own.”

  Eric raised his hands in surrender. A wicked grin formed in the corner of his mouth. “I’m not that hungry, anyway. I grabbed a bite last night.”

  “People passing on the main road could hear you grab a bite last night; you were so loud...” Lucien trailed off as he picked at his meal. “Why you continue to bring them here is beyond me. You know you’re not supposed to feed from them. No innocents or unwilling participants. If anyone ever found out, Jun and the rest of the Accords would have you killed.”

  “Trust me, they were exceedingly willing.” Eric wagged an eyebrow. Lucien released a heavy sigh. “Don’t be jealous, brother,” Eric called, as he meandered back to the pantry to find something to cure his boredom.

  “We are acting as liaisons this evening.” Lucien inclined his head. “We’re to pay a visit to the witches of Amberlea. They have a message for the council.”

  As Wards of the Ash City territory, the Wynters monitored the supernatural movement in the area. The Accords set forth rules all creatures were to follow. In most cases, Wards passed judgement on behalf of the council. To chance breaking their rules was to risk penalty of death.

  While Lucien and their sister, Ana, saw the title of Ward as an honour and a privilege, Eric knew the truth behind it. Being a Ward meant the Accords kept their claws wrapped tightly around their throats. The Accords acted as if they owned the Wards, and Eric wanted no part of it. He never wanted to be a Ward and was always one to test the boundaries of their family’s authority and status.

  “What about Ana? Is the Princess not joining us this evening?”

  Just then, Ana appeared in the doorway. “This princess is meeting with the hotel board to compel the new hires.” In her Louboutin stilettos, Ana Wynter swept into the kitchen in a red designer suit. She held a Starbucks tumbler in one hand and the handle of a large black purse in the other. “I will be otherwise engaged,” she said, and sipped her coffee. She took the seat across from Lucien.

  “Sounds like so much fun,” Eric groaned, his head back in the fridge. “That hotel has become your entire life, Ana. You should get out once in a while.” He thrust the door shut and grabbed a handful of grapes from the bowl beside the whiskey.

  “What do you know of having a life? Going to end it all again today? Maybe you should come to the hotel and see what actual work looks like for a change.”

  Lucien cut Ana a deadly glare.

  “Or not…” she stuttered. “I mean, it is mostly computers and paperwork, anyway.” Ana shook her head and waved the idea off. His sister’s hesitation, coupled with Lucien’s reaction, made it clear to Eric he needed to go.

  “You’ve always been better at those things, Ana.” Eric grinned. “You know… people. And I’ve got plenty of things to take my mind off how horrible everything is. Thank you very much.” He tossed another grape into his mouth, twisted the top off the whisky, and took another long pull. With a childish smirk, Eric replaced the cap and held the bottle out to his sister. Ana rolled her eyes and returned her attention to her phone.

  A woman in one of Eric’s oversized t-shirts, and a man in only his underwear, wandered into the kitchen; both sharing the same look of exhausted confusion. Eric’s mouth turned up into a sly smile as his siblings stared with mouths agape.

  “Where are we?” the guy asked.


  “They’re still here?” Lucien nearly spat out his coffee. He growled and dabbed at his suit jacket. When the half-naked man caught sight of Ana, he winked suggestively from the doorway.

  “You can’t be serious,” Ana said. “Honestly, you want to get us all killed.”

  “Keep your Alans on. I’ve got this.” Eric walked over and placed a hand on either of the strangers’ shoulders. He stared deep into their eyes. “We just had a little fun last night. We had sex, nothing else.” Eric nodded, and they did the same. “Now, go upstairs and get cleaned up. Change into your clothes, get in your car, and go home.” He kept his voice monotone, and the couple stared. “Forget all about this place as soon as you get there.” Eric kissed the man’s cheek. “Last night was lots of fun, but it’s time to go home now, all right?” He kissed the woman.

  “All right,” they droned.

  The woman smiled and traced the tattoos on Eric’s chest with her finger. She reached up and left a lingering kiss on his lips. The man did the same, and Eric welcomed them both.

  Lucien and Ana exchanged annoyed glances, and the couple turned and left. Eric winked after them as they ascended the stairs and disappeared.

  “There.” Eric grinned. “Taken care of.”

  “How can you be so reckless?” Ana growled.

  “First you bring them here, then you feed on them? Here?” Lucien set his fork down to reproach him.

  Eric didn’t see what all the fuss was about. Lucien acted as if it were the end of the world. Eric popped the last two grapes into his mouth. “Relax, it’s fine. I already said they were willing. And, by the time they get home, they won’t remember they were ever here. They’ll think they got a bit sozzled and passed out. Not a problem.”

  “And what if they speak to someone before they get home? We don’t need people trying to set our house on fire with us still inside, now do we?” Lucien asked.

  “Hey, I only just redid this place a decade ago,” Ana added.

  Over the past few centuries, Eric had become more and more apathetic. Sex and inhibitors were his only distractions, and he required copious amounts of both. He didn’t care. Eric lived as if each day were his last; and most days, he wished it were.