Vengeance (Night Roamers) Book Three

by Middleton, Kristen

I shook my head and smiled. “You’re a goofball. Ready to go?”

  He ran a hand through his sandy brown hair. “More than ready. How do I look?”

  “You look good,” I said, admiring the gold and white shirt he’d splurged on to impress Taylor. “Taylor is going to be drooling when she sees you.”

  “Damn right,” he said. “Now let’s get going before all of the food is gone at this party.”

  After losing almost twenty pounds during the stint in Vegas, his appetite had come back with a vengeance. Now, twenty-five pounds heavier and tan, he looked healthier than he had in ages.

  The party was within walking distance at a private beach resort owned by Taylor’s uncle. When we arrived, the short vivacious little blonde threw her arms around Nathan and planted his face with kisses.

  “I’ve been waiting for you all night,” she said breathlessly.

  He pointed toward us. “Had to wait for these guys to wake up. You two really need to do something about that schedule of yours.”

  “Hazards of night security,” replied Duncan.

  Nathan had concocted this story that Duncan and I owned a security business and worked on-call when our employees quit or called in sick.

  Taylor smiled. “Well, I’m glad neither of you are working tonight. You guys hungry?” she asked, pointing towards a buffet they had set up under a huge canopy. “There are chicken wings, pork sandwiches, all kinds of salads and fruit. Go help yourselves.”

  As wonderful as it sounded, Duncan and I knew it would only make us sick if we even attempted.

  “Thanks,” I said. “Maybe later.”

  Nathan rubbed his hands together. “I’m starving, Taylor. Have you eaten?”

  “No, I was waiting for you,” she said, clutching on to his arm. She gazed at him dreamily. “Although, I’m not really hungry for food.”

  He smiled lecherously. “You are a little vixen, aren’t you?”

  “Nikki and I are going to take a walk around and check out the band,” said Duncan, biting back a smile. As usual, Nathan and Taylor could hardly keep their hands off of each other and we knew that soon, they’d be disappearing somewhere.

  “Sure,” said Nathan, pulling Taylor towards the food. “Catch you later. Stay out of trouble.”

  There were hundreds of people on the beach, either gathered around a large fire, playing volleyball in the sand, or dancing to reggae music that the band was playing.

  “It’s an amazing night,” I said, staring towards the ocean.

  “It’s a perfect night,” replied Duncan.

  “You know, we never got to finish that walk on the beach, back in Shore Lake. I think a walk next to the ocean would help fix that.”

  His lips pulled up into a smile. “Let’s go.”

  “Really? You don’t mind leaving the party for a while?”

  “I’m only really at this party for you.”

  I grinned. “That’s funny, because I’m really only here because of you guys.”

  “Then let’s ditch it for a while.”

  “Okay.”

  He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the edge of the beach.

  “Wait,” I said. “Let’s take our shoes off.”

  He bent down and removed his loafers while I took off my white sandals.

  “Ready?”

  I took is hand. “More than ready.”

  We started walking in the cool, wet sand, the breeze blowing wisps of hair loose from my ponytail.

  He smiled down at me. “I think you should take your hair down.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s beautiful.”

  “Well… how can I say no to that?” I replied, pulling out the binder.

  He stepped closer and slid his fingers through the strands.

  I closed my eyes and let out sigh of content. “That feels so good.”

  “You take my breath away. You know that?”

  I opened my eyes. “Stop,” I replied, feeling myself blush.

  “Thank goodness your cheeks can still turn pink,” he replied, his eye twinkling. “I live to watch you blush and to know I’m actually making it happen.”

  I tilted my head to the side and smiled. “You sure know how to sweet talk a girl.”

  “Actually, I’ve had a lot of practice.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Really?”

  “Mm hmm… all the times I’ve dreamed about us being alone. Together. I have to tell you, though, this is so much better.”

  “Is that so?” I said, playing along.

  “Oh yeah,” he replied, pulling me into his arms. “In my dreams I did this.” He leaned forward and kissed the top of my nose.

  “What else?” I whispered.

  “And this.” He pressed his lips against mine.

  “What else?” I asked, wanting more.

  He slid his hands over my rear and pulled our hips together.

  Feeling his excitement pressing against me, I pulled his lips back to mine.

  Groaning, he slid his tongue inside of my mouth, deepening our kiss. As our tongues danced, I imagined myself wrapped around his body and squeezed his buns.

  He pulled his mouth from mine and grabbed my hand. “Let’s go,” he said in a hoarse whisper.

  We ran down the beach together, towards a formation of large rocks, which blocked us from going further. Grabbing me by the waist, he flew us over to a private alcove on the other side.

  “This is beautiful,” I said as our feet touched the white sand.

  Instead of answering, he captured my lips and slid his hands over my backside, kissing me with an intensity that left no doubt as to what was going to happen. Moaning with desire, I pushed him down to the sand and slid on top of him.

  “Make love to me,” I whispered, placing his hands on my butt as I straddled his hips.

  “Nikki,” he growled, squeezing my buttocks with his fingers as I rubbed my pelvis against his. I stared down into his eyes, reveling in the raw desire reflected there.

  I pulled his head up to meet mine, sliding my fingers into his hair as our lips came together, demanding, possessing, and devouring the others.

  Just when I thought it couldn’t feel any sweeter, one of his hands moved up to my breast and began rubbing the nipple through the fabric, sending a delicious tingle all the way down to my pelvis.

  “Duncan,” I moaned, the junction between my legs aching to feel him inside me. Unable to control myself any longer, I pulled my dress up above my shoulders, and tossed it aside.

  “Beautiful.” He stared up at my nakedness with approval, his slivery blue eyes half-hooded.

  I grabbed his hands, placed them on my breasts, and he began kneading them with the palms of his hands.

  “I feel like I’m dreaming,” he whispered.

  “If it is, prepare for a nocturnal emission,” I whispered, unable to hide my smile.

  He chuckled.

  I unzipped his shorts, pulled them down with his boxers, and tossed them next to my dress.

  “You’re moving a little fast,” he said, flipping me over onto my back.

  I looked up at him. “I can’t help it. Is it too much?”

  “No,” he said, moving his hand between my legs. “I just want to do some exploring of my own.”

  I closed my eyes as his fingers and eventually his tongue, ventured to my sweet spot, driving me crazy until I was screaming his name up towards the stars.

  “Please, now,” I begged, reaching for him. I wrapped my fingers around his manhood, needing to feel him inside, but he stopped me.

  “If you want me inside of you, don’t,” he whispered. “I’ll never last.”

  “We have all night,” I replied, smiling seductively.

  With a strangled groan, he got onto his back and then positioned me above him. “Don’t break me,” he said, with a sheepish grin.

  Staring down into his eyes, I slowly brought him into my heat. With a growl of desire, he grabbed my hips and we began to move together.
r />   “Nikki,” he moaned, as my hips moved faster.” I don’t think I can hold back much longer.”

  Already going over the edge, I threw my head back and cried out his name. My body shuddered in ecstasy and was soon followed by Duncan’s gasp of pleasure as he came inside of me. Seconds later, he pulled me down to his face and kissed my lips. “I’m so happy now, my face hurts from smiling,” he said, holding me tightly.

  “I’m happy, too,” I replied, feeling my heart swell as I stared into his eyes. “I love you so much, Duncan. I never want you to leave me. Ever.”

  He wiped a tear from under my lashes. “You’re stuck with me. For eternity.”

  “I can live with that.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “Where’s Nathan?” asked Taylor when we arrived back at the party twenty minutes later.

  “Isn’t he here with you?” I asked.

  “He said he had to go use the bathroom and never came back. That was like, fifteen minutes ago,” she said.

  I snorted. “That explains it. He spends more time in the bathroom than most women.”

  She bit her lip. “Yeah, but he should be back by now, don’t you think?”

  “I’ll go look for him,” said Duncan, releasing my hand. “I’ll see if he fell in.”

  I laughed and watched him as he walked towards the restrooms. I’d just had an amazing time with the man I planned on spending my life with. I felt like I was on cloud nine.

  “So, does Nathan talk about me?” asked Taylor.

  I smiled. She had just turned eighteen, was drop-dead gorgeous, with her platinum blonde hair and sea-green eyes, but obviously still very unaware of her own beauty. “He talks about you all the time,” I said. “In fact, sometimes I have to step away from him, to make sure he catches his breath once in a while.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Really.”

  “Yes, really.”

  She squealed. “Awesome!”

  I shook my head in amusement and turned to see Duncan walking back towards us. From the look on his face, he hadn’t found Nathan.

  “No luck, huh?” I asked.

  “No. Maybe he went back to the yacht? To look for us.”

  “Let’s go check. Taylor,” I said, turning to her. “Stay here in case he comes back. We’ll go check the boat.”

  “Okay.”

  “Come on,” said Duncan, grabbing my hand.

  We walked back to the marina, talking and giggling about earlier.

  “Let’s send Nathan back to the party and go for round two,” said Duncan, winking at me.

  “You don’t have to twist my arm,” I replied, already feeling tingly at the thought of being with him again. “Maybe we should try skinny-dipping this time, too.”

  He pinched my butt. “I’ll be dipping into something skinny.”

  I laughed.

  When we arrived at the boat, a couple of the lights were on.

  “See, he’s here,” said Duncan, climbing aboard.

  I followed him onto the boat.

  “Nathan!” hollered Duncan.

  “I’ll go check down below,” I said, opening up the sliding glass door. “Nathan?”

  There was a loud crash from his cabin and he began to scream. “Nikki! Run!”

  Instead of running, I rushed to his bedroom door and threw it open. When I looked inside, he was tied to the bed.

  “Oh, my God,” I said, tearing at the restraints. “What happened?”

  “Celeste and Ethan are both here,” he said quickly. “Looking for you.”

  Worried about Duncan, I sped out of the cabin and upstairs to the deck. When I got outside, Duncan was gone.

  “Duncan!” I screamed into the darkness. Several people from other boats turned to gawk at me.

  “You are a loud one, aren’t you?”

  I whipped my head around to find Celeste, lounging on one of the cushioned benches. “I should have known.”

  “Surprise,” she said, with a wicked grin.

  “Where’s Duncan?” I snapped.

  She took a sip from a large coconut with an umbrella sticking out of it. “Oh, he and Ethan went for a little stroll. To discuss old times, I gather.”

  “What do you want?”

  She stood up and put her drink down. “Actually, believe it or not, I come in peace.”

  “Sorry, but I’m not buying it,” I replied, taking a step back from her.

  “No, it’s the truth. Basically, I’m here because…” she rolled her eyes, “I can’t believe I’m saying this…. but… we need you.”

  “What? Who needs me?”

  “Oddly enough, Ethan and myself. Mostly me, however, Ethan is just getting paid to assist me.”

  “With what?”

  She smirked. “Freeing your mom. She didn’t die.”

  I stared at her in disbelief, although somewhere deep inside I felt a small twinge of hope. “I don’t believe you.”

  “It’s the truth. I didn’t kill her back in Vegas, although I have to admit, I wanted to at the time. Anyway, she’s pregnant with my father’s child.”

  The blood rushed to my head and I grabbed onto the side of the boat. “She’s alive and pregnant? What kind of lies are you concocting now, Celeste?”

  “Believe me, I’m not lying. Why would I sit here and waste my time just to fabricate some story about your mom when I’d rather be back at that little soiree on the beach scoping out my next meal?”

  “I don’t know.”

  She groaned. “Listen, your mom is pregnant. Probably a month or two, I don’t even know.”

  “How do you know she’s pregnant?”

  “I found a pregnancy test in their suite after escaping Victor last month. He and his dogs almost killed me again. Luckily, Ethan helped me get out of there before it was too late.”

  “Pregnant? Really, is that even possible?”

  “I guess so. It appears that our parents actually did bond three times, and sometime during one of their interludes,” she grimaced, “she must have become pregnant. So, you know what that means?”

  “She’s a pregnant vampire?” I replied dryly.

  She smirked. “Give the girl a cookie.”

  “I can’t believe she’s alive,” I said, looking away as my eyes filled with tears.

  “Oh, she’s alive, and so is her fetus. For now.”

  I wiped a tear from my cheek and turned back to her. “What do you mean?”

  “Victor. He has your mother and plans on keeping the infant once it’s born so he can give it to that crazy Dr. Shepard. He’ll use it like a lab rat.”

  I stared at her in horror. “No.”

  “Oh yes,” she replied. “Obviously, the man is insane. Anyway, like it or not, the baby is what’s left of my father, and,” her face darkened, “there is no way in hell that I’m going to let that madman figure out a way to populate the world with vampire-infused Lycans. He killed my dad and I plan on stopping that prick in any way possible.”

  “And now you want my help?”

  “Yes. I figured you’d want to save your mom.”

  “Well, of course,” I said, sitting down on one of the benches. Although I wanted to believe her, I knew it was dangerous. “How do I know you’re not lying?”

  She smiled. “I figured you’d ask that. Here,” she said, reaching into her purse. She pulled out a photo and handed it to me. “Proof.”

  I stared down at the picture of my mother and sighed in relief. She was sitting next to Victor in a restaurant, looking miserable, but healthy. Healthier than I’d seen her in a long time.

  “Now that was taken last week. He has several guards monitoring her at all times. All of his Lycan dogs,” she said, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “Anyway, obviously, we need to get her out of there.”

  “Can I keep this picture?”

  “Yes.”

  I let out a long, ragged sigh. “Obviously I’m going to try and help her. But,” I said, glaring at Celeste, “I still don’t trust you. Not only hav
e you tried to kill everyone in my family, but you seem to turn on a dime.”

  “I know you’re pissed. I can respect that.”

  I pointed my index finger at her. “I’m telling you right now, if you do anything, anything to my brother or Duncan, I will hunt you down and kill you.”

  “I’d expect no less,” she replied, forcing a smile. “So, you’re in?”

  “Of course. One more thing, we leave Nathan here.”

  “No, Nathan is not staying here,” he replied, stepping out of the darkness. Obviously he’d stepped out the other side of the boat and had been listening in the entire time. “She’s my mother, too. I’m coming with you.”

  “What can you do against a group of Lycan, Nathan?” I asked, standing up. “Seriously?”

  “I don’t know, but there’s no way you’re leaving me behind.”

  “What about Taylor?”

  He hesitated. “I’ll come back and see her when all of this is finished. She’s a nice girl, but we’re talking about family.”

  “That’s right, brother,” said Celeste, smiling.

  “You stay the fuck away from me,” he snapped. “I mean it. No hypnosis or whatever it is you were trying to do to me in Vegas.”

  “I’ll leave you alone,” she said, her eyes so wide I had a hard time believing she meant it. “Scout’s honor.”

  “Where does Victor have her?” I asked.

  “Back in Shore Lake, at the cabin you guys stayed at,” said Celeste.

  “Well, at least we don’t have to go back to Vegas,” I said, folding my arms under my chest. “How did you find us, by the way?”

  “One of you screwed up and used a credit card a couple of weeks ago. Ethan has connections, so we eventually tracked you here.”

  “A credit card purchase, huh? Where?” I asked, stunned.

  “Tommy Bahama’s,” she said, turning to Nathan. “Nice shirt, by the way.”

  “Nathan!” I hollered. “What in the hell were you thinking? We talked about this.”

  His face turned red. “I didn’t think they had the resources to track us out here! I had the address changed on my credit card and everything. I was just so tired of borrowing money from Duncan.”

  “You should be happy he screwed up,” said Ethan, stepping off of the deck and onto the boat wearing shorts and a tank. “Or you’d never know about your mom.”