Scales and Flames

by Catherine Banks

  I don’t see any doors as he continues to walk. Then, I hear him pushing more buttons and opening another door.

  Oh please, God. Don’t let this be where he finishes me off.

  Walking further into the room, he places me on a couch and hands me some tissues from a box on one of the surrounding tables.

  “Can I get a towel or something? You know, for the holes in my neck?”

  I’m still weak from the blood loss, but my strength seems to be coming back. I get my first good look at him. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, a short goatee, with a square jawline, and a nice mouth. And he is built. The laugh lines around his eyes suggest he laughs a lot, but I haven’t even seen so much as a smirk from him.

  He’s someone I would find attractive, if the circumstances were different.

  “No.” He’s curt.

  I glance around the huge office. Which is definitely a man’s, from the dark woods and neutral tones. Trying to take in the surroundings and look for clues or a possible way to escape, I notice a huge window that looks down into the club.

  “Don’t even think about it mate, It’s one way,” he pulls out his phone and starts texting someone.

  I don’t know whether to be grateful he prevented me from making a fool of myself or hate him more for knowing what I was thinking.

  He looks up from his phone. “Boss will be here soon. Sit tight.”

  “I won’t mention anything that happened tonight. Who’d believe me anyway?” I sit up straighter.

  I don’t want him thinking I’m scared of him. I will not plead.

  The trickle of blood has started to slow but hasn’t stopped completely. That’s strange, but really this new world that I’m a part of is apparently full of peculiar things.

  “The boss will decide what to do with you,” he glances at my neck with a curious expression, before looking down at his phone.

  I get the impression that he’d be aware of even the slightest movement. There’s a million questions running through my head. I don’t voice any of them, he won’t answer them if I did. I continue looking around the office, eyeing possible weapons.

  His phone rings, starling me out of me perusal.

  “Yeah, there’s a mess in the alley beside the club. It’s behind the dumpster see what you can find out.” Then he ends the call.

  I wonder if he is referring to my attacker or something else entirely.

  “So…what was that thing that attacked me? I mean, I know it was a vampire, but are they usually like that?”

  I ramble when I’m nervous.

  I don’t expect an answer, but he surprises me. “No, we are not all like that. That was a rogue vampire. My clan is charged with keeping the vamps in line here. You’re lucky I came across you when I did. They’re not known for their compassion.” A heavy pause lingers in the air. “Why are you not freaking out? You are human, right? At least, you smell human.” He leans in close to me, and I still, closing my eyes. “You’re not fully human.”

  What is he talking about? “I’m pretty sure I’m human. If not, I didn’t get the memo…” I trail off as the door to the office opens and in strides my fantasy, come to life. My mouth dries and I can’t swallow. Butterflies take up residence in my stomach. Our eyes meet, hazel to brown, and I’m enthralled unable to look away.

  Eight

  Kyran

  Something hasn’t felt right. I’ve been off since this afternoon. Callum and I will be going to Draco tonight. Saturday nights are the only night I allow myself a break.

  I’ve been feeling on edge most of today. My dragon wants out, he’s anxious and irritable. I cannot let his lose in this state. I even had Maura cancel all the appointments I had scheduled. I never cancel appointments unless something more important comes up. I wonder if the pressure from the clan to take a mate is causing my turmoil.

  My father’s health seems to be declining more these days, and I feel that it won’t be much longer before I must take my place as the leader, as the King.

  I will not have anyone other than my soul mate. I know she’s out there, but with no way to locate her and the surmounting years, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll find her in time.

  I call Tim, my driver, to bring the car around. As I leave the office, I inform Maura not to contact me unless it’s an emergency. When I get to my penthouse, I move from room to room not finding anything to distract me from my internal musing. I call Callum to have him come over early. I need to get out of my head.

  We arrive at the club ahead of schedule to handle business before opening. Within two hours, the club is full of partygoers looking for a good time. Giving us plenty of variety for the night. As soon as we step into the crowd, hordes of women start vying for our attention. The prickling awareness inside my body reaches a crescendo and remains.

  What the fuck is going on?

  Lindsey, a pretty brunette, has latched herself on my arm. Ignoring the sensations, I get her a drink. We dance a little before I take her to one of the rooms at the back of the club. Maybe this is what we need. To blow off a little steam.

  She follows willingly, stepping inside. Closing and locking the door, I turn to find her sitting provocatively on the leather couch. I stalk toward her and she giggles coyly at me.

  “I was hoping to get your attention tonight.”

  “Well, you have it, sweetheart,” I sit beside her on the couch.

  She leans into me, trying to get closer. I turn her face towards mine, looking into her eyes.

  “You’ll only feel pleasure before you leave this room.”

  She giggles.

  I have to grit my teeth at the sound. This is what I need. I lean into her, ravaging her mouth.

  She lies back, pulling me with her, greedy little sounds coming from her throat.

  Why am I not getting turned on? Moving down her throat, I place little nips and kisses.

  Her hand reaches down my stomach.

  I grab her wrist in a punishing grip, frustration mounting. She’s just not doing it for me tonight. After sitting upright, I stand adjusting my clothes. “It’s not going to happen tonight, sweetheart. Run along now.”

  She huffs, her ample breasts press into my side. “What’s wrong? I thought you wanted me?”

  My teeth grind together. “Not anymore. It’s time for you to leave.”

  Straightening her clothes, her eyes blaze before she storms out of the room.

  Like I give a fuck that she’s angry.

  People will think what they want after she leaves.

  My phone alerts me to a new text message. It’s from Arran, a vampire under my employ, alerting me to a situation, in my office.

  Making my way back through the club, I spot Callum with a blonde. He’s partial to blondes with curves. When I get close enough, I place a hand on his shoulder and relay the message.

  He brushes off the woman with a promise to return, and walks with me toward the side door. The closer I get to my office, the stronger the awareness becomes.

  Opening the door my gaze locks onto Arran. He stands and nods in deference to me, then glances toward the couch.

  I freeze, sitting in my office is the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on, and she’s terrified. Eyes that are like warm pools of whiskey, framed by light blonde hair, a pert little nose, full kissable lips, and the most angelic freckles across her nose and cheeks. I can’t believe it’s her. My mate.

  She’s the one I’ve been waiting for all these years. I’m captivated.

  Then, I smell the blood. Her blood. My gaze travels from her eyes down to her neck, where I see the remnants of punctures on her throat.

  Who the fuck has drank from my mate?

  I will kill them.

  I’m seething with rage; it’s boiling inside and there’s no containing it. In a split second, I have Arran by the throat up against a wall, squeezing.

  He doesn’t so much as flinch. His confusion is masked after a brief widening of his gaze.

  No one
has ever seen me lose my cool. I’m the prince, composed at all times. Except for the rare occurrences when it’s just me and Callum.

  I can’t stop the growl from the back of my throat. “What the hell happened to her?”

  He taps slightly on my wrist, and I loosen my hold just enough for him to speak.

  “She was attacked by a rogue in the alleyway, Sire. I handled it, but didn’t make it in time to prevent the attack,” he chokes out, acting as if my hand isn’t still crushing his trachea.

  I feel her fear even though she is trying to hide it. The thought of her fearing me almost brings me to my knees. I’ll have to deal with the aftermath once I have some answers.

  “Then why isn’t she healed?” My grip tightens and Arran tries to reply, but fails.

  “The compulsion didn’t work on her. She refused my assistance,” he whispers.

  I let him go.

  He lands on his feet, stretching his neck out as it heals.

  Warmth fills my chest knowing she refused another’s aid. I compose myself before sitting on the couch beside her, needing to be close.

  “Hello, I’m Kyran Acker. I apologize for the ordeal you’ve been through tonight. Can I take a look at your neck?” My gaze rakes over every feature, committing it to memory. Without thinking about it, my hand reaches out to touch her.

  She pulls away, moving further away from me. “I’d rather you didn’t. Is there any chance that I can leave now? I’d really like to sleep this night away, and pretend that nothing happened.”

  Frowning I inspect the distance she placed between us.

  Callum has remained on the sidelines observing. He and Arran leave the room, closing the door behind them. Good, my mate and I need time to get to know each other, even if the circumstances aren’t the best.

  “What is your name, amica mea?”

  Her eyes widen at the endearment.

  Does she know what it means?

  Oh, how I wish to be able to read her thoughts and have that intimate connection. But she remains closed off to me, and skittish for the moment. I don’t want to frighten her off.

  “N Ny Nyla Sage,” She stutters. Ah, my amica mea, has a name, at last.

  “Nyla.”

  Nine

  Nyla

  The way my name rolls off of his tongue sends need coursing through my body. His magnetism in person is almost too much to handle. But I can’t help but be drawn to him, to want to lean on him for support and allow him to fix my troubles. Why did I think meeting him in person was a good idea?

  “Yes. Mr. Acker, I’ll tell you like I told the bodyguard. I won’t tell a soul about tonight. I’d just really like to leave, now.”

  The stutter is gone, thank goodness; that was embarrassing. Even though my body rebels at the idea of leaving him, I need to.

  He has a contemplative look on his face.

  “I’ll let you leave on a few conditions. One, you allow me to heal you. Two, you tell me where your accommodations are, so I can have them taken care of for the duration of your stay. Three, you have dinner with me tomorrow evening. I already have your word that you won’t tell anyone what transpired tonight,” The most gorgeous smile framing perfectly straight, white teeth, and dimples appear on his cheeks.

  Oh my God. Dimples are a weakness of mine. What the hell am I going to do this close to him?

  “So, you mean I have to drink your blood? Because that’s what the other guy tried to get me to do earlier,” I state, with a skeptical look. I’m not drinking his blood either.

  His deep chuckle awakens my need for him. I have to keep a moan from slipping out.

  “No. I simply have to lick them to heal the wound. So, what do you say?”

  “You promise to let me leave as soon as you are finished?”

  “Yes, you have my word. As long as you comply with all of my conditions.”

  “Fine. I’m staying at The Harris Suites. I will attend dinner with you tomorrow evening at six o’clock, and I will meet you there.” I’m not budging on the last part.

  He smiles like he has won. Maybe he has, but I’m not sticking around to find out what exactly that means.

  As soon as the agreement leaves my lips he moves closer to me.

  “Deal, come here. This won’t hurt a bit, amica mea.”

  “Stop calling me that,” I stare into his hypnotizing eyes. That endearment causes feelings I shouldn’t be having around a total stranger, fantasies aside.

  “Would you like to know what it means?”

  “No.”

  I would, but that seems too personal to bring up at this moment. I lean over him. He picks me up though I weigh nothing, just like the vampire in the alley way. But he sets me in his lap.

  Moving my hair out of the way his fingers brush my skin. Goosebumps pebbles my skin and my nipples harden.

  He leans in and brushes his tongue across the puncture wounds, moaning as he does so.

  The pain disappears, and pleasure courses through my body. Then, I feel his hard dick pressing into my ass. My fantasies might become a reality, as much as I’d enjoy that I can’t let that happen right now. My visions brought me here, to him, for a reason. I need figure it out why. Before I can finish my thought, his mouth is on mine and I’m on my back. His arms framing my body, as he rubs where I need him most.

  He moans into my mouth… or is it me?

  I can’t even tell the difference. I bite his lip hard and taste a little blood. Sucking his lip further into my mouth. It tastes like the sweetest nectar. Why isn’t this grossing me out?

  He stops me, pulling back. His gaze taking in every feature of my face. He leans forward, lips graze my neck and my head falls back giving him better access.

  Something sharp lingers on the bend where neck meets shoulder. Is he trying to mark me?

  We’re not to that point. I can’t handle the transformation in whatever this is right now.

  I place my hands on his chest and try to push, but it’s like attempting to move a brick wall.

  He pulls back, showing me his slightly glowing eyes and long descended teeth. Turning me on even more.

  Stop it, Nyla! Pull yourself together.

  “No need, amica mea. I’ll help you come apart,”

  Did I say that out loud? I’m positive I didn’t.

  He doesn’t respond.

  I chalk it up to haywire hormones.

  “I need to be going, Mr. Acker,” I rise up into a sitting position.

  Helps me sit up with a panty-melting smile. “Nyla, really. Please call me Kyran, or Ky. Especially after what we just shared,”

  “Alright, Kyran. I’ll see you tomorrow.” At this moment, I’m thinking about bailing on him.

  Shit. He knows where I’m staying because of those stupid conditions.

  Great job, Nyla. Tell a perfect stranger where you are staying. Wonderful.

  I stand, looking over as he gets to his feet as well. Damn, he’s tall. Not as tall as the blonde one, but pretty close.

  I have a weakness for tall men. I need to get those types of thoughts out of my head.

  At the thought of another man, I hear what can only be growling. What the hell? Was that coming from Kyran? I reach for the door handle, and he places his hand on top of mine. Tingles erupt where our hands are touching, and I pull my hand away.

  “Can I give you a ride?” He must sense my hesitance because he holds his hands up. “I just want to make sure you arrive safely. You’ve been through enough tonight.”

  I guess it couldn’t hurt. He already knows where I’m staying. Just as long as I don’t let him come up to my room. I should be able to control myself from attacking his mouth - and other parts of him - in the car, right? He will be too busy driving.

  “Sure, that would be...okay.”

  His smile returns full force. Pulling out his phone he calls someone.

  “Bring the car around.”

  Ummm...what? He’s not going to be driving?

  Shit. I’ve changed my m
ind I can walk back.

  Before I voice my opinion out loud, he interrupts me. “Tim should have the car out front momentarily. Shall we go?”

  He opens the door, holding his hand out for me to leave first. He’s a damn gentleman on top of everything else. Fuck my life.

  I hear what sounds like a chuckle hidden behind a cough. “Is something amusing back there, Mr. Acker?”

  “Nothing funny at all. Are we back to formalities again, amica mea?” He sighs in frustration, sounding much closer than I expect him to be.

  Leading me through the two security doors and into the club, he steps closer placing a hand around my waist.

  My first instinct is to pull away from his touch, but the rational side is saying that he’s doing it so he doesn’t lose me in the crowd.

  I sense eyes on me, or maybe it’s the man beside me. Yeah, that’s more likely. I don’t want to look around, afraid that if I see all the women staring at him my jealousy will surface and now is definitely not the time.

  He pulls me closer to his side and I selfishly let him. His body feels amazing pressed against mine. The memories of me and him on the couch only moments ago flash through my head. The firm press of him between my legs, the sweet taste of his lips and blood on my mouth, the ache that he caused.

  The need in my core returns with a vengeance, which isn’t a good thing, knowing I will be sitting beside him in the back seat of a car within touching distance and nothing to distract us. I hear a groan from beside me.

  Why did I think listening to Lanie was a good idea? I shouldn’t have come here.

  We step outside into the cool evening, and at the curb is an expensive-looking black car. I’m pretty sure it’s a Bentley, but not one hundred percent sure. Standing with the rear passenger door open is a short, stocky older man, with salt and pepper hair.