Love's First Bite: Bad Boys and Alpha Vampires Boxed Set (6 book bundle)

by Eden, Cynthia

  “I have no idea,” Rana mumbled, but she was really glad he was gone.

  *

  The entire rest of the day Rana was on edge. Every time the door chimed, she jerked her gaze toward it, her stomach tensing. She kept expecting that creepy guy to stroll into her store, while praying he wouldn’t. The more Rana thought about her uneasy reaction to the spiky-haired stranger, the more she couldn’t help but contrast it to her responsiveness to the man who’d walked in her store last night. He was a stranger too. What was it about Lucian—that’s what she called him in her mind at least—that made her feel cherished…protected even? Maybe she should give him a chance. She hoped she hadn’t blown it with him. What if he never came back to her store?

  Rana blushed when she recalled her passionate nature with Lucian in her dreams. She’d never been so uninhibited with her past boyfriends. Then again, no one affected her the way the man in her dreams had. Ha, man-of-her dreams. The thought both disturbed and thrilled her at the same time. God, she hoped the real live sexy “Lucian” lived up to the compelling man in her dreams. Wouldn’t that suck if he didn’t?

  She’d even chosen her outfit this morning with him on her mind. Her hunter green, fine gauge sweater clung to her upper body, displaying her curves, which weren’t near enough, she thought with a wry smile. She’d coupled the sweater with a patterned wool skirt that stopped a few inches above her soft leather knee high boots.

  As if her obsessive thoughts had conjured him up, the man from yesterday walked into her store and held the door open for a customer to leave. This afternoon he wore a navy v-neck sweater and faded jeans. And those jeans fit his toned physique like a glove, she noted as her body quickened in response. When he smiled at her, her heart jerked. Their attraction was so palpable, her entire body flushed as if he were standing right beside her.

  A customer walked up and asked her a question about a historical novel and it was all she could do to drag her attention away from the man. Before she walked off to help the lady find a book, Rana met his gaze once more and smiled back.

  While she rang up the customer’s novel, Rana scanned the store for the stranger. He’d settled into a chair in the reading corner and was immersed in one of the leather hardbound collector’s edition books. Which one caught his attention?

  She didn’t have time to contemplate him further because several women walked in with their children in tow. Rana greeted them with a huge smile, since she’d just received a whole slew of used children’s books and was excited to see the kids’ reactions to them. The children immediately ran over to the reading corner, picked books out of the wicker basket on the floor, then sprawled out on the carpeted area to flip through them.

  “Would you like to see the new books we just got in?” Rana asked the mothers.

  “Yes,” they replied in unison and Rana showed them the bookshelf where the series books resided. Series books were awesome. They made a bookseller’s job so much easier.

  While the women browsed through the collections, Rana noted her male visitor was still buried in his book. She picked up a basket full of books and walked over to another bookcase. Once she’d collected several books from the “to-be-shelved” basket on the floor, she slid them into place on the shelf. Rana backed away and bit her bottom lip as she tried to decide how she wanted to display the oversized books.

  Larger than a standard book, the map books warranted a shelf on their own, but she didn’t want to put them up so high readers couldn’t see them. Debating, she flipped her hair over her shoulder, then involuntarily shivered when something brushed against her bared neck…as if someone softly traced a finger across her skin.

  Frowning, she glanced behind her, then her gaze locked with the man’s silver one across the room. He was leaning back in the chair, his book across his lap as he stared at her intently. Seemingly unruffled by the children chattering around him, he skimmed her body in a slow, sensual sweep before locking gazes with her once more. Unmistakable desire flickered in those striking pale pools, as if their attraction was the most normal thing in the world. Her heart jumped and a thrill shot through her at the realization this dynamic man wanted her. There was no way he’d fail to live up to “dream” potential. If his smoldering looks were turning her to a pile of mush, she hoped she survived the real deal.

  When he picked up his book once more and broke their gaze, an idea suddenly popped into her head: Top shelf. The kids will get to them otherwise. A sign at eye level pointing to the map books should do the trick. Spurred into action by her out-of-nowhere brainstorm, Rana moved behind the counter to make the sign.

  While she taped the sign on the wall, the familiar sound of the man’s deep voice drew her attention. She looked up to see him reading one of the storybooks to the children. They all sat around him, faces raised in rapt attention. As he told the age-old story of Little Red Riding Hood, she found herself jumping when he described the wolf pouncing after the little girl. There was something about his voice; the steady self-assured intonation in which he spoke…enthralled. Rana smiled. He was the handsome knight, leading them on a merry adventure.

  When he finished the story, she heard clapping behind her. The mothers had stopped their browsing to listen to him too. At the sound of applause, he looked up and grinned sheepishly. Rana laughed when the children demanded more. They’ve drawn the bridge up and locked you in the castle for keeps, Sir Knight.

  The final hour few by and when the last customer left, Rana moved behind the counter, subconsciously putting a barrier between herself and the man as he put the book he’d been reading back. As he approached, her stomach began to flutter with nerves. She’d been comfortable with his attention when there were people around. Had even smiled and encouraged it, but now that they were alone, her heart rammed so hard in her chest, it was a wonder he didn’t hear it.

  Her smile trembled a little as she asked, “Did you enjoy your book?” She’d finally discovered he’d been reading Turn of the Century Inventions.

  Nodding, his gaze strayed to her wrist. “How’s your arm?”

  “It’s healing very well, actually.” That was an understatement. When she looked at the wound this morning, she was surprised it was almost completely healed.

  Meeting his penetrating gaze, she wondered what he would think if he learned he’d played a starring role in her NC-17 rated dream last night. The secret brought a playful smile to her lips.

  He leaned forward, a curious expression on his face. “Care to share?”

  His close scrutiny set her cheeks on fire. Why did this man make her flush so easily? It’s not like she was totally innocent, but there was something about him…something deeply carnal that made her feel like he could show her things she’d never imagined.

  Go on, Rana. Give the man a fantasy to hold onto.

  Hush, Jack.

  “Um, no.” Thrusting aside all thoughts of last night, she lifted a stack of books from the counter, then called behind her as she headed toward a set of bookshelves, “If you’re not buying the book on inventions, are you back to buy that vampire book?”

  “No.” When she felt his chest against her back as he breathed the word in her ear, Rana dropped the books with a cry. How had he moved so quickly behind her? She was instantly reminded of her run-in with the man from this morning and a shiver shot through her. Only this time, fear didn’t accompany it.

  As she squatted to retrieve the books, he followed suit, picking up a book. “You scared me,” she accused, meeting his steady gaze.

  A look of guilt flashed in his eyes. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said, handing her a hardcover mystery book.

  Unlike the guy from this morning, he seemed genuine. She couldn’t help but smile at his contrite expression. “It’s okay.” Standing, she lifted the books.

  He stood as well and shoved his hands in his front pockets, a devilish grin riding his face. “Will you accept my dinner invitation tonight?”

  Was he planning on
asking me every day until I said, Yes? The idea did wonders for her ego. Focusing on the books as she put them on the shelf, she weighed the conversation she’d had with herself about him earlier—that if he came back to her shop, she’d give him a chance. The problem was, she knew nothing about the man except he was incredibly attractive. This probably wasn’t a good idea.

  He moved closer until his chest touched her arm. “Say you’ll go to dinner with me. Let me get to know you.”

  “I don’t even know your name.” She sighed and faced him, taking a step back.

  He looked pleased that she asked. “My name is Lucian Trevane.”

  Lucian! His name really was Lucian? Blood rushed to her head and the floor wobbled beneath her. He reached out and grabbed her arms to steady her. “Are you okay?”

  Rana closed her eyes to get her bearings. Okay, this just freaked her out. How had she guessed his name? Jack, did you pass along your psychic abilities when you died? A warning would’ve been nice.

  She backed away from his hold. “I’m fine.” Putting out her hand, she took a steadying breath and decided it was time to get to know him better. “My name’s Rana Sterling.”

  Instead of shaking her hand, he lifted it high and kissed the back of her fingers, his silver eyes searching hers. “It’s nice to meet you, Rana.”

  She felt like he could see right through her. Tiny shock waves began to roll down her raised arm and into her chest, making her breasts tingle and ache. She couldn’t believe her reaction to this man. It was both intimidating and thrilling.

  Before she could pull her hand away, he kissed her ring finger and inhaled deeply. “You smell like citrus and honeysuckle, a unique combination.”

  “You can smell it?” Well, he obviously smelled something, but he’d gotten it all wrong. She lifted the ring to her nose. “No, it’s lavend—” but she paused when she realized he was right. She smelled citrus and honeysuckle. Okay, lovely, she’d just spent four hundred dollars on a revolving scent ring—a mood ring would be easier to explain. This was just plain bizarre. At least he confirmed she wasn’t going completely nuts.

  Lowering her hand, she smiled. “You’re right, but it’s not me. It’s the ring.”

  “It’s not the ring. It’s you. Every intoxicating ounce.”

  His heat and magnetism reached out and penetrated her clothes, seeping into her skin. Before she could overthink it, she followed her instincts and blurted out, “Yes, I’ll go to dinner with you.”

  When he gave a triumphant smile, she put up her hand. “But I’ll meet you at the restaurant.”

  He nodded and they made arrangements to meet at China Jade downtown.

  *

  “Hi.” Rana slid into the chair across from Lucian and thanked the waiter for her menu.

  “I’m glad you came.”

  Rana blinked, her fingers tensing around the menu. “You didn’t think I would?”

  He gave a knowing smile. “You seemed hesitant.”

  “Whatever gave you that idea?” she said as she lifted the menu to hide her surprise. She didn’t know how she felt about him being able to decipher her so easily. It hardly seemed fair when she couldn’t gather just as much information about him from a mere glance.

  After she’d placed her order, Rana turned to Lucian, determined to learn more about him. “What were you looking for when you came into my store last night? Do you really collect books?”

  “Yes, I do collect books.” His gray eyes sparked with sincerity. “I was looking for something I’d lost a long time ago.”

  Remembering he’d said he found what he was looking for, she asked, “Really? Why haven’t you bought the book then?”

  Lucian placed his hand over hers. “It’s not a book. This time the treasure I sought was you.”

  She swallowed hard. That sounded way too specific. “Um, don’t you mean someone like me?”

  He slowly shook his head. “No, I mean you. I’ve searched for a long time, and I finally found you.”

  Obsessive? No, possessive. Yes, possessive described the look in his eyes. How could she have been so wrong about him? Damn, and she was really starting to like him too. It’s a shame this would have to be their last date. Even though she knew better, she couldn’t help but wonder why the way he looked at her make her feel so special…and wanted. She never made good decisions when she wasn’t her normal self. And losing Jack would certainly qualify as not being herself lately.

  Rana pulled her hand away and looked at her watch. “You know, I just remembered I have something I need to take care of…”

  “Rana.”

  “I promised my mom I’d—”

  “Rana.” If his calm tone didn’t stop her babbling, his warm hand covering hers once more certainly did.

  She met his steady gaze, her heart hammering, eyes wide with conflicting emotions.

  “Do you believe in Kismet?”

  How could his smile be both tender and sexy at the same time? His question had thrown her. She forced her nerves to settle and answered, “As in fate?”

  He nodded while slowly tracing circles inside her palm.

  Her gaze traveled his finger crossing over the lines on her hand. Where their skin touched, she tingled. “My grandfather did.”

  “Did you trust your grandfather’s opinion?”

  She gave a wry smile. “Most of the time.”

  “Then trust that I mean you no harm.” His silver gaze held hers. “I only want to get to know you.” Trust me. Trust me. The words seemed to whisper reassuringly in her head, like an echo of a cherished memory from long past.

  Lucian’s expression was so sincere, for some reason she couldn’t fathom she did trust him, explicitly. Which made her more than a little vulnerable. She wanted to be strong like the woman her mother was now. Regret washed over her. Pulling her hand from his, she said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you what you’re looking for.”

  He suddenly looked alert. “What’s wrong? You look sad.”

  Tears welled. He seemed genuinely interested in her wellbeing. “With the recent loss of my grandfather,” she paused and rubbed her throbbing temples as overwhelming disappointment in herself swept through her. “I should never have agreed to come tonight. I’m in no shape to get involved with anyone.” My reaction to you is way too intense. I know this isn’t normal!

  Capturing her hand once more, he laced his fingers with hers. “Give me a chance. That’s all I ask.”

  She sniffed back unshed tears and gave a tremulous smile. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

  Just as Lucian was about to speak, her cell phone rang. Her mom never called her this late, so Rana excused herself from the table, then walked around the corner to answer the phone.

  “Hi, Mom. Is everything okay?” she whispered.

  “Why are you speaking so low, dear? I hear people. Are you out? Oooh, on a date? That’s wonderful! I don’t want to disturb your evening. I’ll call you tomorr—“

  “No, tell me now. What’s going on? Something’s bothering you.”

  “Everything’s going to be fine. Don’t worry about—”

  “Going to be? Mom. Tell me!”

  A heavy sigh blew through the phone. “Your father showed up at my door tonight.” She heard her mother’s house shoes slapping on the wood floor as she paced. She was pretty sure Sophia was raking her fingers through her short bob haircut like she did when she was agitated.

  “What did he want?” Rana said, gripping the phone tight.

  “Oh, nothing much,” her mother said with sarcasm. “He just insisted that I owed him half of what Jack left me.”

  “What! Ohmigod. The greedy jerk. Did you call the police?”

  “What for? It’s not like he threatened me—”

  “Not yet,” Rana didn’t trust her father’s passive approach. Intimidation was his favorite mode of operation.

  “He’s not stupid. The man’s after money. I sent him away with a promise that he’d hear from me tomorrow
.”

  “Tell me you’re not giving him any!” Rana pressed the phone hard to her ear, resentment and worry festering.

  “Of course not! What Peter Sterling will get is a big surprise when Gerald shows up at his flea bag hotel on Main Street with papers proving he has no claim whatsoever.”

  “You’re sure sending your lawyer will take care of it?” Rana doubted her father would leave without a fight. He came all the way from Texas for a reason.

  “It’d better. It took me a long time to put that chapter of my life behind me. I want it to stay buried.”

  Her mother sounded pretty determined, which made Rana feel better about her emotional state. “Did you tell Henry to keep an eye out for him in case he tries to come back to your building?”

  Sophia laughed. “I did. That doorman is worth his weight in gold. Peter won’t be making it past him again. I just wanted to let you know he’s in town. Now that I know his real agenda, I don’t want him trying to intimidate you. Call me if he tries to make contact.”

  “I will. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Stop worrying. I’m good. Now go enjoy yourself!”

  By the time she arrived back at the table, the food had come. Delicious spicy aromas wafted toward her as she sat down. Opening her napkin, Rana apologized. “I’m so sorry for the interruption.”

  Lucian’s jaw was set, his expression alert. “Is everything okay?” When she didn’t answer right away, he leaned forward and held her gaze. “Why did that phone call upset you?”

  While Rana picked at her food, she told him everything. She didn’t know why. Maybe it was easier because Lucian didn’t know her. They weren’t dating, so she had nothing to lose; no reason to worry what he’d think about her family.

  She told him how her mother came out of her shell and took back her life after years of abuse from her husband. It happened the moment she realized he would soon do the same thing to their only child. Lucian nodded and ummm’d while she told him Jack’s role in ousting her father from their lives for good, and that after all these years, the news of Jack’s death had brought her father back, looking for his “share”. By the time she was done, Lucian had grown very still.