He slumped closer to her, leaning more of his weight against her. “No, that’s why I needed you.” His voice sounded weaker. “You can’t go to the police. It was one of my parishioners. He isn’t like this. I don’t know what got into him. He didn’t need the money—there was nothing much to take—but there was no reasoning with him.” He closed his eyes and sagged completely against her. “I’m counting on you.”
“You’re really hurt, Father,” Destiny pointed out. “You need medical attention.”
“What is your name?”
“Destiny,” she said angrily, feeling murderous toward the priest’s attacker. Nicolae. I need you to come to the church. She hated calling him. She knew he would be grinning like an ape when he received her call. Destiny glared at the priest. “You have no idea what you’re forcing me to do.”
“Yes, I’m afraid I do, child. I know you do not wish to be in contact with others, but I have a feeling only you can solve this for me. I don’t want the police involved. Promise me you’ll handle this yourself.”
“I don’t believe this.” Destiny threw her hands up in exasperation, then quickly caught the priest to her to keep him from striking his head on the marble step. “First the sisters and now you.”
You sound impatient for me. Male satisfaction purred in his voice.
Destiny pressed her lips together to keep from shrieking in frustration. The world had suddenly gone insane. Well, don’t puff up yet. Do you have any skills in healing humans?
There was a small silence. Destiny couldn’t help the small smile that flitted briefly across her face and found its way into her mind. And into his. You want me to heal a human for you?
Did you think I wanted your company?
His laughter came as always. Wrapping her up in warmth and tugging at her heart. That is my woman, always so warm and welcoming. Is your human a male? She caught that small hint of menace flaring in him.
Yes, as a matter of fact, he is, and important to me, so quit talking and get moving.
You amaze me. You know I will help you, yet you still keep yourself from me.
She rolled her eyes and took a firmer grip on the priest. I’m saving your life, buddy. I really want to do something violent to you. You’re in my territory. A sudden suspicion hit. You’re some distance away, aren’t you? You were hunting the vampire. Fury accompanied comprehension. That’s my vampire! He’s in my neighborhood. I don’t need some second-rate hunter in here mucking things up.
“Destiny?” The priest drew her attention with his thin voice. “Perhaps you could loosen your grip. You’re crushing my bones.”
At once she complied, a blush stealing up her neck. “I’m so sorry, Father. I told you I might hurt you if I touched you. I’m not good at this sort of thing, but I think you should be lying down.” If you laugh, Nicolae, I will murder you right here in this church.
His laughter came anyway, a low whisper of a caress; obviously, he was not in the least intimidated by her threat. It was a stolen moment of camaraderie and both recognized it as such.
“If you don’t mind, I’d rather not move,” Father Mulligan said. “My head is throbbing and I’m afraid I might be sick.”
Nicolae! I think he has a concussion! There was fear in her voice.
At once Nicolae was soothing, all laughter gone. Destiny could face a vampire without flinching, but this situation was beyond her experience. I am on my way and I will teach you what needs to be done. Keep him quiet. Nicolae couldn’t help the small dart of pleasure shooting through him that she had reached for him in her need. Counted on him. Accepted that he would be there for her.
“You need to stay quiet,” Destiny said, hoping she sounded knowledgeable and confident. She stroked the priest’s thinning hair and tried to ignore the way the scent of blood heightened her terrible hunger.
“Do you know Martin Wright? A nice young man. Marty. I’ve known him since he was a child. He was always a sensitive child and so loving and kind to others.”