A Vampire's Thirst_Flint

by A. K. Michaels

  Flint chuckled, knowing exactly how that conversation would’ve gone and how strong-willed Kimber was. He’d also seen how determined she was once she’d made her mind up. Victor had been fighting a losing battle from the get go. No two ways about it. “Sure, want to sit and I’ll let you know what’s been happening . . . including the fact that Jana’s here.”

  Victor’s eyes betrayed only a hint of surprise, his lips lifting at the sides slightly. “That’s not entirely surprising. She’s got a soft spot for you.”

  “There’s never been anything between us, Victor. You know that,” Flint countered defensively.

  “I do, but I suspect that she’s always wished there could’ve been,” Victor answered. “Anyway, that’s a moot point now that you’ve found your Bloodmate and it’s a testament to her loyalty that she’s arrived to help.”

  “Indeed,” Flint sighed, “I just hope she doesn’t get injured because that would cause problems for everyone involved.”

  They moved to the large sofas, Dougie already back at his position in the hallway, guarding Kenzie. Moira was nowhere to be seen, so she must have remained in the bedroom with Kenzie, and Talon hovering around nervously, like he did in the presence of Quinn Alexander. Flint was having none of that nonsense. “Victor, this is Talon, he helped me rescue Kenzie. Talon, this is Victor and Kimber.”

  Kimber gave the Wolf a huge friendly smile, pointing to the sofa opposite her. “Hi, Talon, nice to meet you, come and join us and tell us what this big lump’s been up to. I bet he’s been a nuisance . . . right? Did he get you into trouble?”

  Victor snorted. “That’s him all right. Acts first, thinks later.”

  “Hey,” Flint burst out. “I’m right here, guys.”

  Talon’s head flew around them all, his body relaxing as he saw how they were with each other and finally he chuckled. “Aye, he has caused a fair bit of bother, that’s for sure. But to be honest, he had to rescue Miss Kenzie, and that arse, Kragen Smithson, needs to be taken out once and for all, so I guess this is serendipity at work.”

  “Sounds like this Smithson guy does indeed need to be dealt with,” Victor seethed, his obvious anger showing in his body language and his tone. “I did some digging on the way here and that man has quite the reputation, for all the wrong reasons. He traffics people. Not just women for sex, but kids too. He sells them to work in factories and other places and they’re nothing more than slaves. I want him dead.”

  “No, you don’t,” Flint thundered loudly . . . far too loudly. Kimber jumped, turning to him with a look of astonishment at his outburst. Ignoring her he carried on, “He’s mine, Vic, mine. Him and his side-kick, Stelian. That’s the fucker who hurt Kenzie. They are both mine.”

  Victor didn’t flinch. Relaxing back against the sofa, his arm reached around Kimber’s shoulder and pulled her against his side, tucking her safely to his body before he responded, “Calm down and stop shouting. Please remember there’s a pregnant lady present.”

  Taking a deep breath in and cracking his neck he looked up at the ceiling for a long moment before back at Victor and Kimber. “Sorry, but I have to take those two out myself. I didn’t mean to raise my voice or upset you.”

  “I’m hungry.” Kimber rubbed her belly. “Is there any food here?”

  She talked as if nothing just happened and he’s grateful. So grateful that he grinned over at her and winked. “Sure is. The Pack that Victor so kindly send to guard Kenzie are wolves and I’m sure there’s a ton of food available. Talon, can you help Kimber out?”

  Victor took that moment to help her to her feet and motioned to Flint. “Care to show me the lake? It looks lovely.”

  Flint knew it did. It was gorgeous. But he had a feeling that his friend had no interest in the beauty of the surroundings he found himself in. He wanted to talk and he wanted to do it out of earshot of his Bloodmate and pregnant wife. Interesting.

  “Yeah, follow me.” He led him outside and they walked away from the cottage in silence.

  Sure enough, as soon as they were far enough away, Victor stopped and turned to him, hands clasped behind his back, a worried expression marring his usually calm face. “So, how do we stop her? We obviously can’t allow her to come with us . . . she’s fucking pregnant, Flint!”

  Victor was strung tight like a drum, his body thrumming with restrained power. Flint could feel it in the air around them, his friend holding onto his control with a steely dominance that few Vampires would be able to do. Thank goodness his friend could. If not, they’d be met with destruction all around them within seconds.

  “Calm down, Vic. We’ll think of something.” He attempted to soothe him, keeping his voice low and relaxed.

  “Calm down? Calm down?” Victor seethed, his jaw tightened in anger. “She’s carrying my child inside her. A baby that I never thought possible, Flint. Don’t you understand what that means to me? Don’t you think I’m going insane just with the thought of her being here in the vicinity of what looks set to be a fucking battle? The mere inkling of something happening to her is driving me insane with worry. Insane. I’m losing it, Flint. Losing it and I can’t allow her to go anywhere near that fight. I. Just. Can’t.”

  Victor’s head dropped forward, his hands rising to run through his hair as he gulped air inside his lungs and Flint felt his friend’s pain. Actually felt the anguish rolling through him. Stepping forward he wrapped his arms around him, held him firmly and told him the only thing he could. “I’ll fix it, Vic. I promise I’ll make sure she’s safe. I swear to you that Kimber won’t be harmed.”

  Victor’s hands latched onto him, his face rising and with tortured eyes he nodded. “Promise me, Flint. Promise me my love and my child will be safe. If I know they’re safe then I’ll wreak bloody vengeance on those fuckers that dare to come here. I swear I’ll tear them apart for what they’ve done.”

  Flint knew he would. Victor was one of the strongest Vampire’s he knew, hell, he was probably one of the strongest in existence. Yet here he was with one thought on his mind: keeping Kimber and his child safe. Not so long ago that would’ve felt alien to Flint . . . not now. He knew exactly how his brother felt because those same emotions, those same feelings were rampaging through him too. In the space of twenty-four hours, he’d gone from being lonely and, if he were honest, a little jealous of his friend, to feeling exactly the same . . . totally bewitched by his Bloodmate and ready to destroy anyone and anything that posed a threat to her safety.

  And that was the answer: Kenzie.

  “I’ve got it.” He stepped away, grinning. “Kenzie. I’ll tell Kimber that I think only she can keep her safe. That only a Dragon has the power to keep my Bloodmate safe . . . what do you think?”

  Victor walked away for a few yards, pacing back and forth, his face lost in thought and his finger tapping his chin. “It might work . . . if we brought Dougie in on it. He’d be game though. I’m sure of it. He’d never met a Dragon before, in fact, I’m certain he’d be over the moon about it. I think you’re onto something. Can you go back and ask him to come out here? I’ll have a word with him and see if he’ll help us.”

  “On it.” Flint clapped Victor’s shoulder, turned and jogged back toward the cottage, certain they now had a plan that would settle his friend’s worry for Kimber.

  Chapter 22

  Talon was showing him the package that had been dropped off for him while Dougie was insisting that Kimber had to remain with him as his back-up. Flint gave the man kudos for his spiel, he was damn good and it wasn’t long before Kimber was agreeing to protect Kenzie from the threat that Dougie was so convincingly putting across.

  Victor was playing his part too, arguing that it wasn’t a good idea for her to stay if there was going to be trouble, but Kimber waved him away and told him to be quiet. Moira had been filled in, otherwise she would’ve been concerned for her granddaughter’s safety, but she’d stayed locked away in the bedroom by Kenzie’s side so far.

  “So, they’re all silv
er tipped?” Flint questioned, as he lifted the first of the six daggers from the leather case, hefting it in his hand to get a feel for the weight and finding it satisfactory. They’d be good for both throwing and for close combat—just what he needed.

  “Aye,” Talon confirmed. “Mister Quinn sent this too, it’s hand-made, or so I’ve been told, and has openings that’ll fit the blades.”

  He handed over a well-worn leather belt, the openings for the blades barely visible but they were there, on either side of the buckle and wound at intervals all around to the back. Too many for the six he had but it would do all the same. “Thanks, that’ll do nicely.”

  Flint put it around his waist, cinching it tight and fastening it before slotting the blades into the openings. They fit like a proverbial glove and he practiced removing them, over and over with both hands, left over right and every which way, to get used to them. He flicked the back, the hilt in the palm of his hands and the blade flush against his wrist, feeling a slight sting on his skin as the silver touched. His lips tugging up at the thought of the damage they’d do when he slid them into both Kragen and Stelian . . . both of whom were much younger than he was. They slid in and out of the belt easily, which would work well in the heat of battle where he’d have no time to think . . . only react . . . and a split second could mean the difference between life and death. And he’d prefer the latter to be that of his opponent.

  “You’re bloody good with those,” Talon said approvingly, his face full of admiration and more than a little amazement. “I’ve never seen anyone move so damn fast with blades. I couldn’t even keep up with those moves. That was amazing to watch and I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of you wielding those in a fight. I thought I was a decent blade man, but you’ve just made me feel like a novice.”

  Flint slid the two daggers in his hands back into place as Victor chuckled and patted Talon’s shoulder. “Don’t feel bad. He’s had many centuries of practice, and don’t forget that he’s an ancient and with that comes enhanced speed and abilities. I doubt there’s anyone on the planet that could best him when it comes to those particular weapons . . . even me.”

  “His skin didn’t burn either.” Talon’s eyes roamed over Flint’s wrists, double checking to see if he’d been wrong.

  “Silver stings but we don’t have the same reaction as other Vampires,” Flint confirmed. “That’s not to say we wouldn’t be weakened if we had one stuck inside us, but it wouldn’t kill us.”

  “Damn.” Talon shook his head. “I’m flabbergasted, aye, that’s the word . . . flabbergasted.”

  Victor laughed again as Kimber sidled up to him poking him in the ribs. “Darling, I’m sorry, but I need to stay here. Dougie says he’s expecting trouble and he needs me here to help watch over Kenzie . . . I hope you’re not going to argue because my mind’s made up. I’m staying to help protect her.”

  Flint watched keenly as Victor’s body stiffened, his eyes darkening and a frown crowding his face, his mouth tightened into a grimace before he shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  Damn, he was good. Flint fought to stop himself from smirking as he watched the tableau unfold.

  “I said . . . I’m staying. It’s not up for discussion.” Kimber crossed her arms defiantly, going so far as to tap her foot as she looked daggers up at Victor.

  “It could be dangerous, Kimber. I . . .” Victor started but Kimber shook her head, her hand shooting up and a finger landing on his lips to stop him.

  “I’ll be fine. I’m a Dragon and I’ll burn their asses if they come anywhere near here. Don’t worry about me, darling. Please, I’ve got to do this.”

  Talon whistled but didn’t say anything else as Victor exhaled, pulling her into his arms. “You better not get hurt or I’ll tan that sweet ass of yours. You hear me?”

  Kimber’s head tilted back, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  Victor leaned down, kissing her passionately and that’s when Talon and Flint’s phones started to ring. They both tugged them out, answering immediately. Kragen was attacking on two fronts: the battle had begun.

  “Victor, we gotta go. Now!”

  Kimber grabbed hold of Victor’s hair, tugging him in and nipping his lips. “Be careful and come back to me or I’ll kill you myself!”

  “Don’t worry, baby, I will and you look after yourself too . . . and Kenzie. Okay?” Victor lifted her up in his arms, holding her close for a brief kiss before placing her gently back onto the floor and turning to him. “Right . . . where do we go?”

  Flint barked into his phone, he was on with Ace. “Can you see him? Smithson? Is he at your location?”

  “Affirmative,” Ace snapped back. “He’s holding back though, sending in gun fodder first.”

  “That’s all I need to know. I’ll be there soon.” He hung up, turning to Talon who was already at the door. “Main entrance.”

  “Gotcha, I’ll get the car ready,” Talon replied grimly, rushing outside with Flint and Victor right behind him.

  Dougie’s voice echoing after them. “Be careful, boys, and tear that bugger apart. I’ll have a dram here waiting on you.”

  A split second later there was a loud feminine voice shouting, “Wait!”

  Flint’s feet stopped mid-stride, just as he was about to leap into the Range Rover that Talon had already running. His head snapped around . . . he knew that voice. Was it possible? Could it be? Everything slowed down, as if time stood still, Victor stood next to him with his eyes locked on the cottage too as a flurry of movement carried on inside with raised voices and Dougie’s rough tone arguing forcefully.

  “No, Miss, you can’t go out there.”

  And then . . . there she was! Kenzie struggling past the huge Alpha, while wearing a robe on her slender form, her face pale as a sheet, and the greenest eyes he’d ever seen in his life as she managed to dart free from Dougie’s arms and out the door, her feet bare as she tore toward him. Her hair flying behind her as she ran and he didn’t hesitate, using his Vampire speed to close the distance between them in a heartbeat, scooping her up in his arms and cradling her to his chest.

  Her arms circled his neck, her lips crashed to his without a word, with a kiss that tore the air from his lungs and took his heart to the stars. She trembled within his arms as their tongues danced against each other’s, her moans falling down his throat as she clung to him fiercely with a strength that belied the fact she’d been lying unconscious mere moments ago. A breathless whisper escaped her lips as he pulled back, gazing into her glorious emerald orbs, a soft rosy blush spreading across the curve of her neck as she returned his look. One of her hands brushed over the back of his head, settling on his neck, caressing it gently and sending jolts of pleasure that settled deep inside him.

  His chest heaved as he fought to breathe, his heart swelling at finally having Kenzie in his arms and tasting her for the first time. He could feel her full, round breasts against him, and he longed to slip his hand inside to capture her nipple between his fingers, rolling it into a hard nub and hear her moan as he teased it mercilessly. But now wasn’t the time nor the place. He could feel the eyes of their spectators on them as he groaned.

  “Kenzie, you shouldn’t be out here, baby. It’s dangerous.” He rubbed his nose against hers, inhaling her intoxicating scent once more.

  “I couldn’t let you leave . . . not without you knowing I’m awake. Or finally feeling your lips against mine for real.” She looked up at him with another blush creeping up onto her cheeks. “And to tell you to be careful. Please, come back soon.”

  “I’ll be back as quickly as I can . . . and as soon as I get rid of the threat to you. Only then can you be safe.”

  “Flint! We need to go . . . now!” Talon roared impatiently.

  Kenzie peeked over his shoulder then back at him. “I guess you should go.”

  “I guess so,” he said as he carried her back to the cottage, placing her gently on her feet.
“Rest, Kenzie, and I’ll see you soon.”

  Cupping the back of her neck he leaned down, pressing his lips against hers for a quick kiss that left her breathless and him desperate to remain and take her to the bedroom where he could lavish her body with the all-encompassing love that was rushing through him at that very moment . . . but he couldn’t. He had a job to do and that meant he had to leave her. For now, anyway. Instead he forced his lips to leave her plump sweet ones, tugging himself away he disentangled her arms from around his neck, even though she still reached for him . . . Moira now behind Kenzie and pulling her back inside.

  “Please,” she entreated, her voice quivered and overflowed with pained emotion. “You have to come back, Flint! Be careful.”

  “I will.” He blew her a kiss, winked at her, turned his back and sprinted for the vehicle, jumped in the front and grunted, “Go, now, or I won’t be able to fucking leave her.”

  Chapter 23

  Flint’s agony at leaving Kenzie soon morphed into something else, something cold and determined as Talon drove them to the entrance to Quinn’s estate and sounds started to filter through. The unmistakable noises of a battle. The racket grew louder the closer they drew to the main entrance and it was clear that this was indeed what Talon had warned them about.

  Not just a skirmish with a few men but a full-on combat with many men involved on both sides. The only way to tell them apart was that Quinn’s men were well equipped and all dressed alike, whereas their opponents were not. They were dressed in ordinary clothing mostly, with only some dressed in the semblance of military attire, but not in the all-black clothing that Quinn’s were. It would be easy to tell who their enemy was, thank goodness. Victor had come dressed for the occasion, albeit not exactly the same, but near enough not to cause confusion. He had few weapons, then again, he didn’t require them, with his speed, power and unique abilities, Victor didn’t need anything else and would be an enormous asset to their side.