Any characters you recognize belong to Sherrilyn Kenyon or Laurell K. Hamilton. I’m just doing this for fun. This is rated PG-13 to be safe.

 

Thanks a lot to Maggie and Luna for their help. I appreciate it greatly.

 

Something Smells (Nate’s Story: Chapter 28)

 

I half expected Luna to come boppin' through the door as well. When she didn’t I turned to Asher. “Okay, where are Roan and Irish? And why are you giving me that look?”

 

The vampire arched a brow. “And what look would that be, Mon Ami?”

 

“Like you're about to burst out laughing at my expense.”

 

Nathaniel chimed in. “It is kinda funny.” He rose up on one arm and grinned. “The big, bad Dark Hunter gets taken out by little ol' Maggie.”

 

“You're not funny.” I scowled.

 

“Sure I am.” The shifter jumped up off the bed and stood behind Asher.

 

The vamp turned serious. “We need to talk. Your Daimons are making things complicated for Jean Claude and Richard.”

 

I sighed. “They aren't my Daimons and why should I care?” He started to answer but I held up my hand. “I need to go. I need a shower. Then we'll talk about why everyone seems to think I own all this stuff.”

 

Asher nodded. “As you wish.”

 

They didn't move so I told them. “Go watch T.V. or something.”

 

After a minute or two the pair went downstairs. I got up and walked across the hall to the bathroom. My senses were buzzing and my mind was on overdrive. What the hell had happened? The wound hadn't been that bad. I was going to have a long talk with Irish.

 

“And what will you talk to him about?” Mist asked me.

 

I froze. I felt her materialize behind me. She was standing in the tub right behind me. I sighed. She was going to get me killed. Turning around, I moved slightly to toward the wall. The spray from the showerhead hit the Goddess smack in the face. She became all flustered. I started laughing. It’s not every day this happened.

 

She stepped out of the shower, uttering something in ancient Greek. She screamed in frustration. This brought Asher and Nathaniel in a run up the stairs. Opening the door they found a soaked member of the Pantheon in a fit that could rival Artemis.

 

I was laughing so hard tears were running down my face. Nathaniel threw a towel around Mist and took her somewhere to dry off, cool off or both.  I didn't care. It served her right. Before leaving the bathroom Asher gave me one of those looks like a chiding father and shook his head, which made me laugh even more. It was great. It felt good.

 

I finally walked downstairs about fifteen minutes later to find the trio watching MTV. No taste. I walked past them and went into the kitchen. Nathaniel joined me. I opened the fridge and took out two Molsons.

 

I handed one to the shifter asking, “You have the night off?”

 

“I go on at midnight. I ordered pizza.”

 

“Everything okay?”

 

He shrugged. “I guess. I miss listening to you on the radio.”

“Jake does a good job.”

 

He shook his head. “He doesn't say much and he isn't funny, like you are.”

 

“Thanks. I think.  So um, how many babies did your fish have?”

 

“Ten.” He grinned. “I caught Anita actually watching them swimming around yesterday. She was counting them to make sure the male hadn't eaten any.”

 

“So she does have a heart.”

 

“When it counts.” He told me as the doorbell rang. “Pizza.” He took off to get the food.

 

I went back out to the living room. The channel had been switched to the Sci-Fi channel. Hercules was on.

 

Mist was sitting shaking her head. “Hercules was not that warm and amusing.”

 

“But he was strong.” Asher countered.

 

“Oh yes, very strong.” She told him. I sat down in the recliner as she turned to me. “If you were not the son of… I would send you to Hades.”

 

“You mean I'm not there already?” I asked. She glowered at me as I told her. “You shouldn't have sneaked up on me.”

 

“I announced my presence.” She huffed.

 

The vampire shook his head. “You both behave like children.”

 

Nathaniel came in with two large pizzas. The goddess asked, “What is that?”

 

My leopard friend looked at her. “You've never had pizza?”

 

I smiled. “It's not a dish they serve on Olympus. It is Roman after all.”

 

Mist looked at Asher. “Have you eaten this, pizza?”

 

“I do not eat food.” He explained.

 

She nodded. “Forgive me. I have so much to learn.”

 

I didn't like the sound of that. Nathaniel opened the lids to the boxes to reveal one pepperoni with extra cheese and one combo. Good choices. I couldn't wait to see Mist dive in. I knew what Asher liked to drink anyway. I might oblige him after a few more beers. Mist looked at the pizza like it was from an alien world. I guess to her it was.

 

“Where are the eating utensils?” She asked.

 

“On your hands.” I explained. She just gave me a confused look.

 

“You eat it like this.” Nathaniel said. He picked up a large piece of the combo and took a bite. The sauce dripped down his chin.

 

Mist was not amused. “That is disgusting.”

 

I laughed. “Oh come on Mist. You gotta try it.” I picked up one of the gooiest pieces of the pepperoni pizza I could find and knelt in front of her. “I'll even feed it to you in the manner you're accustomed to.”

 

She opened her mouth to say something and I shoved the end of the slice of pizza into her mouth. Nathaniel about fell over; he was laughing so hard. Asher turned even paler than he was and Mist… Well she did what came naturally to a Goddess when confronted by such barbarianism. She shoved her hand into my chest and sent me into the wall. 

 

I was still laughing when Asher helped me up off the floor. I shook it off and went for a couple more beers. I brought one for Mist too as a peace offering.  Hell I even brought her a napkin, plate and fork.  I could be civil.

 

Asher and I went for a walk around nine thirty. The night was warm with a slight breeze.  He told me that the police suspected rogue vampires and shifters to be the cause of the killings. Anita Blake suspected me.

 

I told him. “We're trying to get a handle on it. It's hard in a city this big with just the three of us.”

 

“Cannot Acheron send more help?” The vampire asked.

 

“I don't know. I imagine he had to pull a lot of strings to get the others here.  What about some of your people? Could they help?”

 

“Jean Claude would not be thrilled about that.”

 

“I suppose not.” I sighed, frustrated. “Acheron is trying to find out who is sending them. Has to be somebody pretty powerful.”

 

He shook his head. “You come from a strange world, Nathan.”

 

“Funny I thought this one was stranger.”  He chuckled at my response. I looked back the way we came then turned back to him. “Is Nathaniel safe back there with Mist?”

 

“I do not believe she wishes him harm, but if you are worried…”

 

I shook my head. “I won't treat him like a child. Too many people do that already.”

 

“You are referring to Anita.” I nodded and he added. “She protects him.”

 

“I know.”

 

We turned back for the house a few minutes later. I could feel that Asher wanted something from me. I knew what it was. He had saved my life before. If he wanted blood I'd give it to him so I told him. “You know Asher, all you have to do is ask. I've told you this before.”

 

The vampire shook his head. “You are not a servant or a pomme. I will not subject you to...”

 

“To what? A feeling as close to sex that you can have without all the effort?” He actually laughed. It was good when he wasn't so serious. I told him.  “I don't mind that you want a taste once in awhile.”

 

“It is not just a simple taste.  We are connected. You bear one of my marks.”

It made sense. “That's why you can feel when I'm agitated.”

 

“Oui.” 

 

I nodded.

 

We talked more as we walked back to the apartment. Once inside we found Mist and Nathaniel where we had left them except that Nathaniel's hair was unbound and his head was in her lap. Mist was running her fingers through his hair and Nathaniel was purring contently. Asher and I exchanged glances.

 

I shrugged then asked her. “Just how long are you staying Mist?”

 

“I thought I may stay the night.” She looked directly at Asher. “If I am allowed.”

 

The vampire nodded. “It would be my pleasure to accommodate you madame but first Nathan and I have something to… do before we leave… In private.”

 

“We will be waiting. Won't we Nathaniel?” He nodded at her question.

 

Asher took me by the arm and pointed me toward the stairs.  What the hell was Mist playing at? Hypnos was not going to like this one bit.  That would be all we needed, to have the god of sleep rain down on this city.

 

All of that was forgotten of course once Asher had bitten. It was that same rush of sensations as the first time: euphoria and sensuality… Lust. It was just as I had said, sex, without all the effort.

 

When I came to my senses, it was near midnight. The three were gone.  I called a cab and headed to the nearest Starbucks. Using my cell phone. I called Roan to find out how everything was going. All quiet on two fronts. He said they would pick me up before heading home.

 

I was on my second mocha when I got this tingling feeling. You know the one. I had my back to the wall. I could see out the windows.  It didn't look like anything was wrong. Then I saw them. There were two. They could have been mistaken for a set of twins if you didn't know better. Wanting to err on the side of right and not get put in jail for murdering some innocent guy, I decided to follow the two for a bit. I gave Roan a call and let him know what I was doing.

 

I left the coffee shop and followed at a discreet distance.  They turned down an alley about a block away.  I walked past stopping just beyond the entryway and listened. Nothing. Damn, if this was a trap I was in a lot of trouble. I only saw two and that was an even number.  Of course that didn't mean there weren't more.

 

The smart side of my brain said, ‘Don't do it.’ The curious side said, ‘Aw come on. You know you want to know.’  I hated when curiosity got the better of rationality.  I stepped into the alley.  It was so damned quiet. The alley made a sharp turn about fifty feet up. I edged along the wall until I could peek around the corner. 

 

There were five in view. They had someone cornered. Sounded like a woman. She was pleading for her life. I hated that but where was the other one. Daimons always gathered in even numbers. The woman screamed and I went on the offense.

 

I could feel my eyes bleed over as I growled. “You guys just don't give up. Lamnia!”

 

My blades appeared in my hands just as the Daimons parted to reveal their sixth. She was beautiful in that blond Barbie sort of way. She grinned at me. Fuck. I hate curiosity. It always bites me in the ass. One hunter. Six Daimons.  I blew the female Daimon a kiss and charged.

 

I held my own, got half of them before they got me down. The female was sitting on my chest as the remaining two males were holding my arms and legs.

 

She gloated. “I can just see your father's face when he has learned you were killed by a child of Apollo. It would be priceless.”

I heard one of her male companions say, “Just do it. We have a more souls to eat.”

 

Roan’s voice called out. “Now isn't that just like a soul sucking, foul smelling, son of a sewer rat… Always in a hurry.”

 

“I wouldn't belittle the were rats.  These guys are just scum.” Irish added then grinned. “And now the odds are even.”

 

My comrades dispensed with the two males easily enough. I was able to flip Daimon babe off of me just before she used my own blade against me. She disappeared instead of succumbing to the same fate as her buddies. I got to my feet.

 

“You alright?” Roan asked.

 

I nodded. “Yeah. Just feel stupid.”

 

“It happens to the best of us.” Irish commented. He turned and started walking.

 

“What did you do to me the other night?” He didn't reply. I caught up to him. Grabbing his arm I spun him around. “Answer me.”

 

“You were poisoned by silver nitrate. It was on the blade.” He explained.

 

“Didn't know I was allergic to silver. Remind me not to sneak up on any more annoyed doctors.” He laughed at my reply.

 

My werehunter friend looked back at the alley. “They set up a trap.”

 

I nodded. “Yeah. I wish the hell Acheron would find out who is sending these clowns and take care of it.”

 

Roan agreed. “Yeah. I'd like to get back to New Orleans.”

 

I sighed. “You and me both.  Which one of you called Asher?”

 

“He just showed up with the cat. Figured you'd be okay and of course Irish here just kind of disappeared on me.” The shifter added.

 

He shrugged. “I was busy in the garage.”

 

“Where's my car?” I asked.

 

“At the coffee shop. Let's go home. I don't think there will be any more trouble tonight, too close to dawn.” Roan told us.

 

Irish asked me. “Are your guests gone?” I nodded. He looked relieved. “Okay.”

 

“You know them?” Our comrade asked. He didn't answer.

 

I looked at Roan and shook my head. “Thanks for saving my butt tonight.”

 

“We have to stick together.” The were grinned.

 

I didn't sleep well. I kept thinking about what the female Daimon had said. My father had been dead for over forty years. I know. I went to his funeral. I had stayed in the shadows. My mom… Well she died a year later. Couldn't be alone I guess. My sister had four kids, named one of the boys after Paul and I. Paul Nathaniel, poor kid. She was still living. I have several nieces and nephews in Washington and Oregon. That's why I was assigned to New Orleans. Didn't mean I didn't check up on them now and again.

 

One morning while I slept, Roan and Irish went shopping. I guess with Irish being on loan from the Morrigan, the light didn't affect him like it did me. It was about ten a.m. when the doorbell rang. Cursing, I pulled on a pair of sweats and went downstairs.

 

I was only half awake when I unlocked the door and opened it a crack to see who was there.  It was the princess.  Hells bells. I knew better than to try and get rid of her, so I moved back from the door and she walked in, closing it behind her. She was in black jeans and a dark blue hooded sweatshirt. 

 

She opened her mouth to say something smart when she suddenly stopped and scented the air. Her eyes widened and she tore off through the house looking for what I didn't know. She stopped at the sleeper sofa and picking up one of the pillows, inhaled its scent.

 

Throwing the pillow down, she rushed me, plowing me into the door so hard my head snapped back hitting it. Her eyes were glassy and her face showed a weird combination of rage and sadness.

 

She screamed. “What the hell is goin' on!  Where is he?”

 

“What? Who? Nobody's here but me.” 

 

She let me go and turned back to the room muttering to herself. “His scent is everywhere. How can that be?  I'm just tired. That has to be it, a mix of smells.” 

 

I moved close and laid a hand on her shoulder. Bad mistake. She turned in a blur, kicked my legs out from under me. Her eyes had gone kitty.

 

She knelt down and grabbed my throat with a partially shifted hand. “Who did this? Who helped you set this up? You trying to piss me off? Was it Shang-Da? How'd you meet him huh?” Her fingers tightened.

 

“What the hell are you talking about!  You got rabies or somethin'? And who the hell is Shang-Da?”

 

Something snapped then. Her eyes were haunted. I braced for the next assault but instead she stood, took another look around and left, slamming the door.

 

I lay there for about ten minutes waiting for her to come back. I finally got up and locked the door before going back to bed. This had to be the weirdest damn place in the universe.

 

I heard Roan and Irish come in later. Looking at the clock I realized it was after three.  I rolled over and tried for a few more hours of sleep. When I finally made it downstairs at eight,

Roan and Irish had gone. A note was taped to the front door along with the photos of two shiny new motorcycles, Kawasaki cafe racers. One was red, the other blue. Now we each had a vehicle. Bet mine was going to be a lot warmer round November.