Alex slid in next to the tall male with blonde spike-haired. He wore body piercings in his nose, brow, ears, and lip and probably other body parts, Alex suspected. The male sported tattoos on his arms depicting vampires and Gothic symbols. Rubbing her hand on his thigh in a long, languid stroke up and down his well-muscled leg, she felt him twitch from the action. The squeak that escaped from his mouth told her he didn’t expect the aggressive tactic. Good, I’ll teach him manners.
“Hey, I’m passing through and searching for some action, if you know what I mean. You guys seem like you know where to find it, mind taking me along?” she asked demurely and rubbed on Spike’s thigh. Spike was the name she associated with him.
“I can tell you are a classy lady, maybe the VIP residence across town would be more to your liking. But you can’t get in there, doll. It’s private invite only. We’re going down the street after here, we’ll take you there. It’s more casual and has pretty good action in the back rooms. You should find what you’re searching for. They have anything you would want.”
“Cool. I’ll just follow you. Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll be over there finishing my dinner. And please don’t bother them anymore, I don’t like trouble before I go out to play, you know what I mean?” Grabbing Spike’s crotch, the only answer she expected from him was a plaintive squeak.
Alex finished her salad and watched her new friends behave themselves the remainder of their time at Denny’s. Gwen didn’t show for her shift, and Alex didn’t care anymore. She came for a connection and got one, with possible access to the inner workings of The Black Rose through the company of locals. Hopefully, trusting them would be better than trusting a vamp.
Alex and the Spike Goths arrived at The Black Rose about nine-thirty by her watch, paid the cover, and walked en masse into the main part of the club. They were a large group of ten and Alex didn’t blend with them. Every eye in the club watched the freak entourage make a sweep of the room. The band played a popular hard rock song and several couples on the dance floor gyrated to the fast moving beat.
“Hey, doll, you decided what you want yet?” Spike asked.
“No, not yet. I thought I’d check the place out first, and then make a choice. Any vamp I should stay away from?” Alex asked.
Spike drew close to Alex, not wanting anyone to hear. “I’d personally stay away from Gregori, the owner of this club. I’ve heard he’s to a certain extent rough with the women. So unless you’re into the rough stuff, go for the younger vamps. There are a few here tonight. And, of course, there are the females. Those are the real kinky ones. They can get real down and nasty. Ha, it’s entirely up to you, doll.”
“Thanks, I’ll take what you say under consideration. I appreciate the inside information.” His advice wasn’t anything new. Randy pretty much told her the same thing about Gregori. The females were an interesting bit of intel, though. Having sex with any vamp didn’t top her list of things to do at any time.
Walking to the bar, she put her clutch on the counter, and took a seat. The bartender, from the night before, came over. Smiling, he took her order, remembering her preference for a beer and whiskey.
“Sure. Derek, you remembered?” she replied and smiled.
“Of course. If you’re looking for Stefan, he’s not here. He probably won’t show up until later. There were some problems at the other club tonight.” He poured the amber liquid into a shot glass, placing it in front of her and the bottle of beer on a napkin.
“Other club? There’s more than one in town?” she asked innocently, knowing perfectly well another existed according to Randy Wilkes and Spike.
“Yeah, the VIP club. High paying members only get in there, not like this one.” He gave her a wink and grin. “It’s a different kind of club, vamp with a twist.”
“You mean, a little on the kinky side. So I can’t just walk up to the door and ask to join as a guest for the night?”
He laughed. “No. You could try, except they would turn you away. Unless you went as a guest of a member.”
“Hmm, a guest. I think I need to find a member to latch onto. What do you think? You know any members willing to take me as their guest?”
He leaned closer with his elbows on the wood top. “You can ask Stefan,” he said, motioning with a nod of his head, “He just walked in the door.”
Turning in the seat, heat rose on her face when she saw the dangerous vamp walking toward her. Again, he was dressed impeccably, donning black denim jeans, fitting his masculinity like a glove, accentuating all the right places, and another black silk shirt, hanging loosely over his hips. Out of the corner of her eye, the shape of another person hovered just out of view. Turning her head, she faced a tall, slender woman of about twenty-two. The young woman stared directly at Stefan and he glanced in her direction. Alex shook her head and turned back around in her seat. Men! Vamp or human, they always go for the good-looking skinny girl with big boobs and long blonde hair. They have one track minds. Alex took a sip of the draft beer.
“And what track do you think I’m running on tonight, Alexandra?” The deep, husky voice came from behind, startling her.
Oh damn! No he didn’t read my mind, did he? “You’re not being nice Stefan. Sneaking up behind someone and reading their thoughts. Unfair vampire powers.”
“Who says I have to play fair? Besides, you shouldn’t come to vampire clubs and play if you don’t like our rules, sweetheart.” He grinned and raised an eyebrow.
Considering what he said, she answered, “You’re right. I have to learn to shut you out of my mind.”
“You can try, except you’re easy to read. I don’t think you can keep me out. I’ve been inside,” he said, still grinning.
“Well, we’ll see.” Picking up the shot glass, she knocked it back in one swift motion, and then grabbed Stefan’s hand. “Dance with me.”
Stefan didn’t have time to react before Alex escorted him halfway onto the dance floor. “I thought you said I only like skinny blondes.”
“I did. And don’t forget the boobs. I guess tonight I’ll let you make the exception.”
“I didn’t want to go there. Actually, I’m none of the above.” He pulled her close into his arms. They glided onto the dance floor.
“Really. What turns you on Stefan?”
He gazed down at her face and into her peridot eyes. “A woman’s eyes. I can see into her soul and recognize her true beauty.”
“And what do you find in my eyes.”
He gazed intently before whispering, “I see trouble and pain and…”
“And I see an arrogant jerk, and if you read my mind you’d know what I essentially think about you!” She pinched her eyelids and gritted her teeth. The audacity of this man was unbelievable. He tried to provoke her. Bloodsucker! Pulling back from his embrace, she turned her back and walked away.
“Wait, Alexandra. I…” He reached for and grasped her wrist to keep her from leaving.
“Let me go. I don’t want to do this right now.” She fought back the tears threatening to fall. The urge to cry made no sense to her. This was a job and no vamp would get into her head and make her crazy. With a quick jerk, her wrist came free from his grip.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I did wrong. I thought we were only flirting, and I hurt you somehow. I meant to tease, and instead I caused you sadness and anger. I guess my vamp humor is rusty.”
“Now, that’s funny. No, it’s me. I…I wasn’t prepared as I should’ve been. I violated Rule Number Four again.” She grabbed her clutch from the bar counter, turned from his smoldering gaze and walked toward the exit with fists clenched. She had an innate sense his eyes followed her every move, making her self-conscious of her gait and appearance from the backside, overdressed, overweight, overemotional, and overwhelmed by the moment.
Dammit! I’ll never be a good hunter on my own. I can’t even do this simple job. Pull yourself together. Breathe. Anger focused inward rather than at Stefan. Finding the rogue va
mp was more important than stupid pride. Why did I act that way?
Remembering her father’s sage advice, she needed to focus, and keep it real. In a situation like this he’d say, Hey, baby girl, don’t fool yourself by saying you’re doing it for honorable reasons. It’s for the money and nothing else. Shoot straight with yourself, Alex and you’ll stay out of trouble, Rule Number Five of Vamp Hunting.
Okay, Dad, I’ll remember, rule number five. Her dad always recited rules of vamp hunting, drilling them to the family every chance he could. Alex and her brothers, Jordan and Paul, sat around the kitchen table with their father reciting the rules every night after doing their regular school homework.
Peace and serenity came back.
Chapter 4
Stefan came to a sharp halt in his stride. Alexandra Carlton was a hunter, a vampire hunter. Her thoughts were wildly telecasting. If he heard them, others may have as well. He scanned the club to see if any other vamps alerted. No. Alex had exited the club and no one else heard her confession.
With vampire speed his body became a blur to anyone watching him. He caught up with her halfway down the street.
“Alexandra, stop.” A stern voice resonated in the space between them. As her pace came to an abrupt halt slamming into his strong body, the wind whooshed from her lungs.
“Why are you following me? Leave me alone Stefan. I need a few minutes.”
“I followed you because I couldn’t let you leave upset or alone. I would like to talk.” His impassioned voice expressed wanting.
“Whatever. Initially I wanted your help, now I can see it’s not going to work. In fact, you are a hindrance. I would appreciate it if you’d leave me alone and go back to the young pretty women inside.” Turning on her heels, she trotted off in search of the Mustang. Where the hell did I park?
“Alexandra I’m not interested in any other women. You parked over there, I believe.” Pausing for a moment, he asked, “Who are you hunting?”
Stopping sharply in stride, she peered back over her shoulder. Dammit! He read my mind again! With hands on her hips and eyes locked on him, she turned to face him. Standing her ground, she was determined no man would get the best of her. Stefan drew near, moving with vampire speed to within inches.
“Are you going to answer me? Who are you hunting?” Stefan asked again with a huskier tone than the first time, demanding an answer.
His voice was low pitched and soothing, demanding her to respond to his request. Everything within her, all the extensive training as a hunter, said fight him and not respond.
Staring intently into his smoldering brown eyes and tilting her head back in defiance, she asked, “Will you help me?” If he insinuated himself into her business, he damn well better help out.
“I don’t like hunters. If you’re one, and I suspect you are based on your wild thoughts, why would I help you?”
“Because the rogue I’m hunting is a danger to both humans and vampires. I would think you would want to stop him.”
“Are you sure the rogue is a vampire?”
“Every indication suggests he is. I seriously doubt he’s working alone.”
“What has this rogue done, killed a human or two?” His tone was matter of fact.
He asked as if a human died by the rogue, big deal. Death is one of the hazards of running into a vampire at the wrong place and the wrong time. Pompous, arrogant prick.
“Have you heard about the virus infecting and killing vampires and possibly humans along the East Coast?”
Stefan acknowledged her by nodding. “We thought they were rumors.”
“They aren’t, Stefan. People have died, not only vamps. There are human cases the virus crossed over to. The Feds haven’t made it public knowledge yet. It’s only on the underground network, which is how I’m involved. They want to get this taken care of without further incident.”
Stefan paced without saying a word in response to her comment. Alex saw his jaw tense. Clearly troubled by what she said, he walked toward her with obvious determination. “Let’s go for a walk.” With a firm grip of his hand around her upper arm, he guided her toward the beach.
“Stefan, where are you taking me? If it’s the beach, I’m in heels. I can’t walk in the sand like this.” Protesting vehemently, the scraping of her stilettos against the concrete sounded like fingernails scratching on a chalkboard. Breaking the hold around her arm was futile.
“Stop fighting me. We need privacy to talk, away from the club.”
“Who the hell do you think you are? I can walk on my own. Try asking nicely, you oversized brute.”
He softened his grip, but held her tight enough to continue guiding her toward the beach. As they approached the boardwalk, he suggested removing their shoes. They made their way down the stairs onto the sand and walked along the water. The tide was low and the waves were calm and lapped at their ankles. The night was clear and the moon nearly full, shone brightly, illuminating their path along the beachfront. The air was filled with the redolence of sand, salt, and seaweed. The warm evening breeze occasionally wafted the tropical blend scent that distinctively belonged to Stefan. Damn he smells good enough to eat!
“Have you decided to help me?” she asked, breaking the silence between them.
“Joining forces with you contradicts everything in me. You’ll tell me more before I decide. If Gregori finds out I’m helping a hunter, he’ll be furious with me and he could view it as a betrayal. I have to handle this carefully.”
“I understand. Vamp honor.”
“Yes, something like that.”
In the dark of night with help of the shine of the moon, Alex noticed the glow of his eyes, the intensity of his gaze upon her when he spoke. What the hell am I doing getting mixed up with this gorgeous bloodsucking vamp? You’re breaking every damn rule, Alex. Stay focused.
“Why do you talk the way you do?”
“What way? Oh god, you’re reading my mind again, aren’t you? Dammit! I keep letting my guard down.” She stomped her feet in the sand and balled her hands into fists, shrugging her shoulders, walking ahead of him. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I keep doing it. I’m letting you in my head and it’s breaking all the rules.”
Stefan grinned and shook his head. “I can’t help it, sweetheart. You are telecasting so vividly without regard to who’s listening. Why do you think I got you away from the club? I didn’t want anyone else to hear you were a hunter. You are putting yourself in danger, you know. If you want to mask and control your thoughts, calm down and focus.” His voice like the sea on this night, calm and peaceful, lapped gently and his calmness brought her back down to earth. Her mind quieted.
“Sorry for the outburst back there. I hate it when I lose control. I usually run for the refrigerator or pantry when I do things like public outbursts or feel humiliation from gorgeous anorexic blondes putting me down. You talked me out of totally acting like an idiot. Thanks.”
“So you swear out of frustration?”
Alex snickered. “No, it’s a bad habit I picked up from living with two older brothers and a father and mother who swear like every other word. My language is mild compared to theirs though. You should hear them. I substantially cleaned up my mouth when I went to college. The stares I got when I first arrived on campus were, well let’s just say—wow! My dorm roommates blushed and hated to be in the same room with me at first. I guess my Dad always thought it made us seem more in control when we talked tough and swore while on hunts. I don’t know if it actually mattered. I don’t swear a lot out loud anymore. It’s usually in my head and only you could hear it, not anyone else. So there’s another reason for you to stop eavesdropping in on my thoughts, isn’t it?”
“I will stop, if you will curb your swearing to a minimum. You are a beautiful woman, Alexandra, and it doesn’t become you.”
Blushing, she put a block up in her mind. He said I’m beautiful. Hmm, right. Vampire charm? I’m sure he tells all of his prey they’re attractive right before h
e sucks on them. “I will try and be less colorful with my language when I’m around you, I promise.”
“Good. Now let’s talk about this rogue vampire you’re hunting. Give me details.”
They continued walking, the wet sand squishing through their toes and the sounds of the surf the only background noise to their conversation. Alex matched Stefan’s stride. They moved down the shoreline at a leisurely pace. Maintaining control of the conversation was paramount to keeping Stefan out of her thoughts. He meant nothing to her except business, at least that’s what she told herself.
“I don’t know how much you’ve heard about this virus, but it attacks the central nervous system and causes paralysis with eventual death in about a week. Originally found only in the Vamp community, but a few human cases have been linked and probably from direct contact before the virus’s effects on the infected vamp were noticed. The humans drank the blood of an infected one. The Feds could put a moratorium on no humans participating in blood exchanges, except I don’t think the edict would go over too well. Do you?”
“No probably not. There’ll always be someone doing it illegally and causing more problems.”
“You know, you have an interesting theory.”
“Which is? I didn’t know I proposed one.”
“At first, I thought this virus could be some sick vamp’s idea of revenge. What if organized crime tried to get vampire blood exchanges made illegal? Putting it on the black market and the cost of vampire blood would sky-rocket, more than what it is now. Sex and drugs, always a big moneymaker, legal or illegal, right?”
Stefan’s eyebrows rose. “How does your mind think like this?”
“I don’t know. I leap frog all the time. Anyway. Think about it. The Feds think they have a problem with illegal drugs, guns, and terrorism now, add vampire blood to the mix and…Bam! Vamps are the new drug lords.” Alex could not contain her enthusiasm over the idea. Turning toward Stefan, she walked backward, gazing up at him, continuing to talk, “Do you think it is possible? Are there any big and powerful vamps wanting to turn your blood into a commodity and cash in on it. Is this a possibility?”
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