Immortal Wounds: Book #1 in the Immortal Wounds Vampire Series-Paranormal Romance/Vampire Romance/Romantic Fantasy

by Grane, Nicole

  He leaned in closer, filling my head with the scent of him. “It could leave you alive after it’s mauled you.”

  I swallowed loudly, my body seeming to freeze with fear. “But, I was left alive.” My words came out like a whisper.

  He shifted his weight. His eyes still showing signs of concern. “Yes. You were.”

  I couldn’t tell if Marcus thought this was good news or bad; and that uneasy feeling I had when I thought something was following me back to the motel room came back to me.

  “A wolf . . . really? I suppose that explains the weird dreams I’ve been having. Should I have gotten a rabies shot?” I prattled on nervously; trying to ignore the uneasy look he still gave me.

  “May I see it?” He pointed to my shoulder.

  “Um . . . I guess so,” I answered hesitantly. “There really isn’t much to see.”

  I could feel his posture stiffen as I turned my back to him. I tossed my hair aside and pulled at the neck of my shirt, exposing my shoulder. I glanced behind me, meeting his stare. “How does it look?”

  “Beautiful!” he whispered his eyes still gazing into mine.

  My heart began to race again. I dropped my stare. “I meant the bite marks.” I could feel myself blush as my eyes met his once more.

  He looked a million miles away. His hand paused in mid air as if considering whether or not he should touch them.

  “It’s ok,” I volunteered guessing his thoughts. “I mean. It doesn’t hurt. It’s just a little pink still. But it seemed to heal pretty fast, really.”

  His eyes flickered to mine and then back to my shoulder. He inched closer. I could feel his cool breath on my skin as he neared. I shivered involuntary as his fingers gently brushed my skin.

  “OW!”

  He literally flew back from the couch and was now standing across the room from me.

  My mouth hung open for a moment. “How did you move like that?” I gasped.

  “I didn’t mean to hurt you!” His face was anxious; his hands were clenched into fists at his side.

  “You didn’t . . . really. There must be some static in the air,” I half smiled as I pulled my shirt back over my shoulder and turned toward him. I could still feel the goose bumps he’d caused on my skin.

  “Marcus, how—” was all I managed to squeak out when a horn honking in front of the house diverted my attention. A new feeling of dread overtook me. “Oh . . . no . . .” I groaned as I hid my face in my hands. I was instantaneously depressed.

  “What is it?”

  I peeked through my fingers to see Marcus looking from the door back to me, awaiting my explanation.

  “Some annoying guy that won’t leave me alone,” I admitted hopelessly. “He’s trying to wear me down so I’ll go out with him.” I leaned back on the couch and rolled my eyes to the ceiling as Brian honked again.

  “Go out?” Marcus asked.

  I looked over, giving him a questioning look. “Yeah. You know, go out. As in, spend time with him.”

  Marcus’s face lit with understanding. “He wishes to court you.”

  I had to think about that. I knew Marcus was from Europe. He sounded British, and he admitted to working near London. Courting someone was a bit old fashioned, but so were the English. I guessed in a way that’s what Brian was doing. “Yes.” I finally answered him.

  The horn beeped again.

  “Would you like me to speak with him?” Marcus offered casually. His voice sounded almost devious, and took me by surprise.

  I half-laughed as I considered the look on Brian’s face if Marcus answered the door. It was tempting . . . “No, I’m used to it,” I conceded as I got up and walked to the door with my head hung down in defeat. Could Brian’s timing be any worse?

  A thought occurred to me. I stopped abruptly and spun around. “Marcus—?”

  He smiled knowingly. His dark eyes were softer now as he looked into mine. “Yes Phoebe, I’ll be here when you return. I’m not going anywhere.”

  I stared at him in amazement. “How did you know—? Never mind,” I added quickly. It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be disappearing, and that was all I needed to here. I spun around to open the door.

  “Phoebee! What’s up, girl? You’re looking good today!” Brian was right in my face attempting to ooze out charm.

  I never disliked hearing my name so much as when Brian said it. I hated it when he accentuated the ‘e’ at the end.

  I pulled the door shut behind me, sparing Marcus from having to endure such a painful conversation. Brian wasn’t known for being intellectually stimulating.

  “Hey Brian,” I offered a small smile. “This isn’t really a good time. I’m headed out right now.”

  He looked surprised that I wasn’t excited he decided to grace me with his presence today. He looked back at the street and stared at the black motorcycle parked in front.

  Shoot, I thought to myself. I’d forgotten about Marcus’s motorcycle.

  “Whose bike?” he asked suspiciously.

  “Uhh . . .” was all I could say. I bit my lip trying to come up with an answer. Brian would never leave me alone if he thought another guy was hanging around, encroaching on his so-called territory. He was under the delusion that he and I were an item—although I’d never gone on a date with him, or said that I ever would.

  “So Phoebs,” he went on ignoring the fact that I hadn’t answered his question. “I was thinking . . .”

  I cringed.

  “Hey! What’s up with your eyes?” he asked as he inched closer, his eyes narrowing in on mine. “You get some funky contacts or something?”

  “What? No!” I stepped back a little, trying to evade his stare.

  “Weird. They’re like . . . yellow-looking. Anyway,” he continued, unconcerned; “You and I should go out tonight. You know, dinner, movie.” He moved closer. Brian’s concept of personal space was almost non-existent. “I’ll even pay!” he added, like this would seal the deal. “We could come back here after . . .” his voice trailed off as his lips curled up into a creepy smile that I’m sure was supposed to be seductive.

  He held onto my shoulders, massaging them with as much tenderness as someone kneading bread. He towered over me in such a way that always made me uncomfortable. Brian was easily three times bigger than I was and could effortlessly overpower me if he wanted to. This realization was always in the back of my mind as I tried to gently turn him away.

  “ . . . I could stay the whole night if you want,” he continued on, not missing a beat. “I’ll keep you safe if that wolf comes around here and tries to attack you,” he scoffed.

  “Wolf?”

  “Yeah.” he looked surprised. “Right down the road, some guy lost his chickens and a goat, I think. It was in the paper this morning.”

  “I didn’t see that in the paper.” Although I put it down after I read about Bert’s passing. “How do they know it was a wolf?” I demanded, feeling my heart rate increase once again.

  “Easy babe, I’ll take care of you,” he closed in on me.

  “Brian.” I reached out and put my hands on his shoulders, halting him. “Focus. How do they know it was a wolf?”

  He frowned. “They found some paw prints, pretty good sized ones, too big to be a coyote,” he added offhandedly.

  I nodded my head in understanding. My mind was racing. What was a wolf doing in Trinidad? Could this be a coincidence?

  Brian must have somehow picked up on my private panic attack. He sounded almost human for a moment. “Hey, don’t worry Phoebe. You’ll be alright.”

  I had to regain control quick. “Uh, thanks anyway Brian. I don’t have any animals so I don’t think it’ll come hunting around here.” I tried to sound blasé about the whole thing.

  “Alright. I could spend the night anyway,” he persisted as his face was drawing nearer every second. I could see his eyes begin to close as his lips moved within inches of mine.

  “Brian, I . . .”

  The door flung open! Being th
at the entire weight of my body was pressed against it, trying to escape Brian’s clutches, I fell right through the opening—Marcus caught me before I hit the floor. I breathed heavily as I looked into the eyes of my rescuer with deep relief.

  Marcus gave me a little wink as he lifted me back to my feet; placing himself between Brian and me.

  With his arm still around my waist, he turned to Brian. “I’m Marcus Ashworth.” His voice was calm yet undoubtedly firm.

  Brian looked utterly shocked.

  I tried to imagine myself anywhere but here. “This is Brian Hawk.” I introduced.

  Brian stared at Marcus for a moment then diverted his attention to the motorcycle, and to my surprise, put the pieces together. “Hi,” he said gruffly, and continued as if Marcus wasn’t there. “So, what do you think?”

  “About what?” My head was spinning.

  “Dinner, movie?” he paused for a moment. Brian’s eyes were fixed on Marcus's arm that was still around my waist.

  “Well Brian, I have to work in the morning, and . . .”

  “Phoebe has already agreed to allow me to take her to dinner this evening,” Marcus announced coolly.

  “You’ve got a date, with him?” Brian asked in disbelief.

  I looked up at Marcus who appeared to be enjoying himself a little too much. “Yes?” I answered.

  Brian looked beyond irritated now. “I guess I’ll check on you later this week then.” He turned and headed back to his car. He gave me one last irritated glance before he turned the music up to blaring and tore off in a rage.

  “That went well,” Marcus laughed under his breath.

  “You didn’t have to make him so jealous.” I cut him a disapproving look. “You don’t know what you’ve started; he’s never going to leave me alone now.” I turned toward the door.

  Marcus caught my arm gently. “I’m sorry. I was trying to help.” He paused for a minute, and I could see he was struggling with something. He released me. His eyes looked black as coal, and the muscles in his jaw began to clench. “I wasn’t going to allow him to think he could spend the night with you!” he snapped as he glared in the direction Brian had sped off in. He looked furious. He turned his attention back to me as I slowly retreated. “Watch out!”

  I tripped backward over the threshold and fell; landing once again with his arms under me, saving me from hitting the floor.

  My heart pounded as I looked into his eyes. I was torn by the fear I felt a moment ago, the utter shock of how he managed to catch me so quickly, and the absolute safety I felt in his embrace. My pulse raced as his eyes looked deeper into mine. I could feel his cool breath on my lips. The sweet smell of his body encircled me as his arms held me close to him.

  “Please, don’t fear me.” His voice was soft, velvety. His eyes were golden brown and tender as they gazed into mine. They’d changed somehow . . .

  “Marcus, I . . .” I didn’t know what to say. I’d never had anyone react to or treat me this way before. “Thank you.” They didn’t feel like the right words. But they were all I knew.

  “I’m sorry I frightened you,” his voice came across like a whisper. “I don’t trust your friend. And I can’t bear the thought of him being so intimate with you.” I could hear the sharpness in his words.

  “He’s not my friend,” I breathed heavily. My eyes had settled on his lips that were nearly touching mine.

  He held me a second more before he whisked me up, setting me back on my feet.

  I half-laughed to myself.

  “What’s so funny?” his face was full of wonder.

  “No, it’s nothing,” I said, waving him off. I turned toward the door.

  “Please.” His hand came out and caught mine, halting me.

  “Really, it’s nothing.”

  He gave me a hopeful look.

  “Well, it’s just that . . .” my laugh became a nervous one. “ . . . I was just thinking to myself . . . that Brian’s not the first guy who tried to sleep over. He’s just a bit pushier that’s all. I mean, you’d have to be glued to my hip if you expect to ward off all the tacky guys I come in contact with.” I cringed a little as I thought back.

  Marcus's face fell.

  “Please ignore that. I don’t know why I said that out loud.” I was horrified with my big mouth. Of course he wouldn’t think that was funny. “I don’t think sometimes before I speak; it just sort of . . . falls out,” I added quickly. “Just . . . forget I said anything.”

  “Other men try to . . .?” He broke off mid sentence. He had a look of shock across his face, as if he couldn’t believe what I was telling him.

  “I can imagine how far-fetched it must seem, but yes. Other men have tried to stay over as well,” I informed him, feeling insulted now.

  Marcus looked at me disapprovingly. “I believe other men find you attractive; it’s just unthinkable that they would be so forward about it. It’s not very gentlemanly.”

  My mouth gaped a little. I was truly amazed. Who was this guy? More importantly, why hadn’t I met him sooner?

  “Let’s try not to worry about the past.” I wanted to change the subject—quick! There was, however, one question I wanted to ask desperately. But I would wait for later. Now was not the time for another heavy conversation. “Would you like to go with me to the beach?” I asked. “I was heading there when you came. I need some shells for my new jewelry design.”

  I could see that he saw through my diversion. But, being the gentleman he obviously was, he dropped the subject. “I’ll drive.”

  Before I could blink, he was on his bike smiling, waving me over.

  I stared at him in disbelief. Either my eyes were playing tricks on me, or Marcus moved faster than the speed of light—I decided it had to be my eyes.

  “One sec!” I dashed into the house, grabbed my things and met him at the street.

  He shook his head as he watched my hesitant expression. He gave my hand a quick yank and I was instantly on back, straddling the seat behind him. He laughed at the bewildered look on my face.

  “Where to?” he asked, still snickering.

  “Up the coast a little, I know a spot that’s pretty good.”

  “Hold on!” he yelled back to me.

  Chapter 3: My Hero

  I instinctively grabbed hold of his waist and held on tight. My, gosh he smelled good. I felt instantly comforted by the light fragrance of a spring rain—I inhaled deeply, taking him in; and I found myself resting my cheek against his back.

  His body tensed suddenly. I debated whether I should lift my head when I felt the gentle caress of his fingers across the top of my hands that were locked around him. He seemed just as content as I was. It was strange, the automatic connection I felt with him . . . he must feel it too.

  We zipped through traffic at crazy speeds. I was sure I was going to fly off at any moment if I didn’t hold on for dear life. I frowned as we pulled into the parking lot area at the beach. I wasn’t ready to let go.

  It was a beautiful day, fairly warm and only a few clouds in the sky. I’d been here dozens of times, but never before had I been able to hear the ocean from here. It was an easy mile hike down the trail.

  I shook my head in confusion, then realized I was still sitting on the back of the motorcycle with my arms tightly locked around Marcus.

  He cleared his throat softly. “We could stay here like this if you want but it seems a shame not to at least collect a few shells.” He laughed lightly.

  I released him from my death-grip. Blushing. I couldn’t explain the feeling I had. It was as if I’d known Marcus all along. His very essence was so familiar to me. Maybe it was because he’d saved me? He was my own personal hero! Or maybe it was something more? Another piece to the puzzle I was desperately trying to figure out.

  We started down the long path that led to the beach. I watched as he took everything in. His hair shined in the sun, vibrant and healthy-looking. It looked so soft . . . I wondered what it might feel like to touch it. He lower
ed his face suddenly, reached into his jacket pocket and took out a pair of sunglasses. His movements were quick. Had I not been paying such close attention, I wouldn’t have noticed him reach for the glasses in the first place—they would have simply appeared on his face. How did he move so fast? One thing was certain. There was much more to Marcus than he was allowing me to know. He glanced my way, smiling out the corner of his mouth. He’d caught me staring.

  I blushed again. “Marcus?” I asked smiling shyly. “Do you feel like we . . .?”

  “We what?”

  I took a deep breath. I knew this was crazy, but I had to ask: “Like we know each other?”

  I could see his expression perk up a little. He looked almost delighted. And then, as quickly as his smile came, it was gone. He now looked worried.

  “I’m not sure I know what you mean,” he said casually.

  I sucked in my cheeks. So, it was going to be like that was it? He was going to make me spell out everything—leave me exposed for embarrassment and possible rejection. I had to play this carefully.

  “I mean, that when you look at me,” I took a brave breath, “it’s like you’ve known me all my life.” I hesitated for a moment. “I feel like a memory of you is buried somewhere deep in my mind, I can’t see it clearly, but I know it’s there. Does that make sense?” I asked sounding confused myself.

  He walked along side me quietly. His lips were pursed together, as if deliberating with his answer. “I’m not sure how to answer you, Phoebe,” he finally spoke. “I think we should discuss this another time,” he said with a hint of finality in his voice.

  I stopped walking. “Another time? Either you know me, or you don’t!” I blurted out. “But how could you?” I whispered quietly under my breath.

  “That’s not such an easy question,” he continued, not bothering to notice that I wasn’t beside him. His tone was a little harder now. “Sometimes the mind has a difficult time processing certain . . . Situations,” he spoke cautiously.

  That was it! I didn’t care how attracted I felt to him. No one was going to tell me that my brain couldn’t handle “certain situations.”

  “I think I am capable of grasping whatever it is you won’t tell me,” I said, catching up to him again.