A quick inspection of her surroundings told Jolene she stood in the center of one of the ultra small, one-room apartments that were typical of Manhattan. The furnishings consisted of a bed, a student-sized corner desk, and a leather rolling chair. No table. No television. And nothing but pull-down plastic shades covered the windows.

She felt Drago move behind her, his woodsy male scent insinuating into her nostrils, making her aware of the intimacy of consuming such a small space together. The door shut behind her and she turned to face the man who still had no name. Their eyes caught and held mid-air, locking in a heat-filled stare that stole her breath away. She didn’t understand the reaction. Human females found themselves susceptible to vampire seductions and mind controls. But Jolene had never found that she reacted in such a way. Her half-vampire side had given her a shield. Or it had in the past. Why did this man—this vampire—have her feeling flushed with awareness when no other had before?

“You shouldn’t have come here,” he said, finally, breaking the spell that had held them entranced.

His voice held a sensual quality and she barely suppressed a shiver. Good Lord, what was wrong with her? “I had no choice. I have to find my friend.”

One dark brow inched upward. “And what of you? Who will find you?”

Her throat went dry at his words, a bit of fear churning in her gut. He was testing her. She was sure of it. For what? That was the question. Resolve? True desire to find her friend? Or was he taunting her? Perhaps trying to make her question her decision to come inside his apartment?

“I’m not stupid,” Jolene managed in a strong voice. “People know I’m here.”

He took a step toward her. “I don’t think so.” She forced herself to keep her feet solidly planted. Not to back away. “I think you’re desperate to find your friend. Someone gave you my name, and you rushed over here without considering the consequences.”

“You’re right about my friend,” she said as he stopped directly in front of her, forcing her to tilt her chin upward to meet his gaze. The man was huge. He towered over her a good foot. With her height at five foot five, she had to tilt her chin upward to make eye contact. “I am desperate to find her. She was dating Alex. He…made her act out of character. She started going to…places she normally wouldn’t.”

His response was immediate. “Sex clubs.”

She nodded. “Right. And now she’s gone.”

He stared at her. One second. Two. Three. Then, he moved away, putting distance between himself and Jolene. She cast him a slanted look, watching him stop in the kitchen area of the rectangular-shaped room. His actions seemed to indicate less aggression. Less intention to cause harm. Relief slid across her body, though her heart still beat like a drum against her chest.

“How about a drink?” he asked, as he pulled two glasses and a bottle of bourbon out of the cabinet.

She turned to face him. “No. . . thank you.” She swallowed. “So…you know Alex?”

He poured amber-colored liquid into a glass and took a sip. “I know him.”

Hope filled her thoughts. She widened her eyes and took a tentative step forward. “Then you can tell me how to find him?”

He leaned against the counter crossing one booted leg over the other. “Nope.”

Disappointment ripped through her gut. “Why?” she demanded, desperation taking hold. “Please. I have to find my friend.”

“You have no idea what you are dealing with here. Let the police handle this.”

Frustration roiled inside, and her fists balled by her sides. He had to know the police were no help. “You think I haven’t tried that route? The police do nothing. We all know vampires like Alex pay them off. I need to find my friend. Get me an invitation into Purple Magic and I’ll pay you.” But she had no more money, and she knew it. She’d find it though. Somehow. For Carrie. For her “sister.” “I know you can get me inside.” She swallowed, debating her next words. “I know what you are. I’ve heard my father speak your name. And I know your duty to help me.”

Seconds that felt like hours ticked by and she didn’t dare breathe. “Who is your father?”

“Riker.”

Before she could breathe, let alone think, Drago had set his glass down and closed the distance between them. His movements agile and wicked fast—that of a tiger after his prey. He pinned her against the wall, his muscular legs framing hers, pressing against her thighs. That woodsy male scent of his surrounding her, drugging her. And to her disbelief, rather than fear, she felt fire. Her limbs felt heavy with desire. Her nipples tight with uncontrollable arousal.

“Do you know what would happen to you in Alex’s world if you said your father’s name?”

She swallowed. “I wouldn’t do that.”

“You spoke it to me.”

“Because I know you’re one of them. Of . . . the Slayers.”

“Was sweetheart. Why didn’t you go to Riker?”

“I tried. Carrie could be dead before he surfaces again.”

He glared at her, his eyes half-veiled, something remotely like anger glinting in the depths of his stare. “You think you have what it takes to enter Alex’s world?” he demanded.

Jolene forced herself to meet his hard gaze, not allowing him to see any fear in her. “I know I do,” she said, meaning it. “I’m only half human. I’m not prey for Alex or any other vampire male.” He was trying to scare her, and if he succeeded, she knew she’d leave here with no more information than she’d had before coming.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to find my friend. If you refuse your duty and won’t help me, then get me inside Purple Magic and I’ll do the rest myself.”

If Jolene didn’t get inside that club, she’d never find her friend. She could feel it with every ounce of her being. And she’d do what it took to save Carrie. No matter what the price.

Even bargain with the devil. And Drago might just be that. She didn’t know if he was friend or foe, but then, it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but finding Carrie.