“You’re being funny right?” He saw her smile. “Do you feel okay, are you weak?”
“I’m tired, but it’s late.”
“You need rest. You have to promise me you won’t participate in the operation tomorrow night.”
Suddenly jerking upright, a wave of dizziness swept over her. “Whoa, not a good idea,” she said, easing back and holding her forehead.
“See, I took too much blood. You are in no condition. You are my life and I will not risk your health or welfare. I forbid you to go.”
“Forbid me? You’re not serious. You can’t stop me, Stefan. I will be there. You can’t make decisions for me.”
“Don’t test me on this. I’m trying to keep you alive.”
“Are you sure about that, after what you just tried to do? Please. Don’t you intend to change me over like you some day?”
He was silent for a few moments and then ran his fingers along her arm with a long, languid stroke. “Would you consider it?”
The thought actually never occurred to her. Getting used to the idea of making love to a vampire was bad enough. Now he wanted to know if she would become one? “The question is on the table. I’d have to think about it. I’d be giving up a lot. Like kids, sunlight, chocolate. I don’t know. That’s a tough one.”
He grinned. “Well, the final decision will always be yours. I don’t ever want to be put in the position of making it for you. That’s why I don’t want you going tomorrow night. It’s too dangerous.”
“Fine. I’m too tired to fight you right now. I need to sleep.”
“Sleep prinţesa mea.”
He called for a cab and returned to SGM before dawn.
Chapter 23
“I’ll meet you at the rendezvous point at 1830. I’ll bring extra stakes and holy water. You do the same. You never know what we’re running up against when we get inside to fight Jordy,” Alex said.
“You’re planning on going in to that place today aren’t you?” Jordan asked.
“Yeah, there’s something I have to take care of. I’ll be in and out. Don’t worry. I’ll see you on time. Just don’t forget anything.”
What was it with the men in her life, always worrying? She was a big girl and could take care of herself. Look where I am now, getting ready to take on a powerful vampire. With the help of the FBI of course, but still they couldn’t do it without me.
After making arrangements with Jordan, she packed the duffle bag with the essentials, several vials of holy water, twenty sharp wooden stakes, a couple silver-bladed knives, and silver chains. With the FBI and the vampire contingent from Virginia heading the operation, her hunter paraphernalia seemed insignificant, but Rule Number Eight was screaming loudly in her head. So was Number Three, and Number Four wasn’t far behind either.
Something was missing and nagged in the back of her mind. More proof of Dragos’ evil plan. She wanted Ecaterina. Capturing and bringing them before the High Tribunal wasn’t enough. She spent the night before searching the lab for written evidence, but found nothing. Dragos struck her as arrogant and ostentatious based on her research and the way he ran SGM and Euphoria. The man was showy, flashy, smart, but not brilliant. He had to write his plan down to keep everything organized because he was too busy showing off. The power and money could be seen in the décor and architecture of the buildings of both businesses. If there was evidence, he’d have it in his personal possession, probably in his personal space, in the executive offices.
Alex changed into dark jeans and black jersey T-shirt. After strapping a stake holster on each leg, grabbing her duffle bag, keys and wallet, she headed out the door. If she got into Dragos’ office before sunset, there’d be a chance of not being detected and finding the information needed to put Dragos and Ecaterina away for a long time. No technicalities with the justice system, no money buying their way out of jail, and no fast talking lawyer to get them off.
Alex slipped into the office unnoticed, her senses on high alert. Finding no guards raised the hairs on the back of her neck. Almost too easy. Pulling out the penlight, every sense stood at maximum alert while searching. Distant humming of an air-conditioning vent sliced the silence, but barely noticed the noise as she took short tip-toed steps entering the semi-dark room. There was a distinct scent of something herbaceous and woody, mixed with leather, and alluring.
Definitely, all male.
Continuing to prowl through the dark space guided by the tiny light, she stopped abruptly, her ears perked. Nothing. Stepping lightly toward the large desk set in front of the floor to ceiling shade-covered windows, she pulled out the chair, and sat. Shuffling haphazardly through papers stacked on the corner, scrutinizing them for any reference to the drug known as Blue, she found nothing. Jerking a desk drawer open, she scooped up the contents, and dumped them on the desk, muttering something that wasn’t a curse but should have been. Stefan wanted her to curb her cursing. Yeah right, when you stop wanting blood! “Phfft! Like that’ll be a cold day in Hell,” she whispered under her breath.
Upon waking this morning, Stefan’s words echoed in her ears. He had the nerve to forbid her from coming to SGM tonight. No one had the right to forbid her to do anything—no one. If information about the Blue, Dragos, or his plan was in the office, she was determined to find it. When it came to doing her job, she did it well. No man would ever have complete influence over her. Just because I play little miss submissive in his bed doesn’t mean I’ll play submissive when it comes to my work. He has a thing or two to learn about me. Forbid me? Yeah right.
Perusing the papers, she then flung them to the floor. Damn it! Nothing.
Standing with hands on hips, she surveyed the room for other possible hiding places. Spotting the credenza on the opposite wall, she walked over and opened drawers and began trashing it too. Her back was to the door, and didn’t notice the silent, shadow figure entering the office.
Creeping in unnoticed, he came to stand directly behind her. When he inhaled with a deep sigh, she gasped and stood bolt straight. Oh shit!
He wrapped his arm around her, trapping both of her arms, and clamped a hand over her mouth.
Smiling when she squeaked, he tilted her head to the side, giving him a perfect view of her round, full, enticing breasts. She felt his cock swelling against her backside.
Alex felt warm, soft, and all womanly. She was his woman and his prinţesa.
“I’m going to remove my hand. Don’t scream. That’s an order. Do you understand?” The velvety voice that went with her man commanded.
Oh shit! She hesitated realizing he was in her mind and disliked her foul language. Nodding she thought, Oops!
He smile and released her mouth, wrapping his hand around her slender neck. She felt the weight of his eyes on the rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed.
“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you, right here, right now?” His eyes smoldered dark, rimmed in red.
Pausing, she thought surely he didn’t mean to kill her. Tingles ran down her spine and warmth rose between her legs. “Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you, right here, right now?” she asked playfully.
“You’re in Dragos’ office rummaging through his desk. That’s why.” He brushed his fingers over the frantic pulse in her neck.
“You could look the other way. Or, maybe it’s because you love me.”
“Hmm, maybe so, but that still doesn’t answer my question. Why are you in here? This is dangerous. It is almost sun set. Dragos will rise soon, if he hasn’t already, like me.”
“Then you better leave before you’re caught too. I wanted to see if I could find evidence of his plan for pushing the new drug on the street. Just in case things get crazy tonight, I’m always looking at back-up plans.”
“Ah, what rule is that?”
“Oh stop it. You know.”
“Mmm, I think its Number Eight. Right?”
“Very good. You’ve been paying attention. I’m impressed.”
“Do you want to tell
me what exactly you’re looking for? I could help.”
An auburn eyebrow suddenly arched upward. “Really? I don’t think so. You only want me out of here.”
“Mmm, damn your Hunter Rules,” he murmured against her neck. “You’re a stubborn woman, aren’t you? You caught me. Maybe I should have my way with you so you’d be distracted.” He breathed her essence in deep.
“Make up your mind. Either help me, or let me go. You’re becoming a real pain in the ass right now.”
His hand tightened on her delicate throat. She winced. Is he serious about this vamp enforcer crap?
Stefan’s expression remained cold and showed her nothing. “I’m working too. I think I will suck you dry and not think twice about it. After all, technically I still work for Dragos and I’ve caught you in a compromising position.” A wry smile crept across his face and his tone softened. “I could do with you what I want right now. Would you like to be punished?” He teased.
“Go ahead.” She played along. “But I don’t think that is what you really want to do.” She ran her hand across the bulge in his jeans. “This tells me you have other things in mind for me.”
“You’ve never seen me before a kill. I get very aroused. All vampires do. I thought good bounty hunters knew that?”
He released his grip and caressed the skin on her throat.
You rascal! You’re toying with me.
“I really want you out of here,” he continued. “I can’t do my job if I know you’re not safe and protected when the operation begins. I’m asking you again, Alexandra. Please forget what are you looking for and leave before you’re caught.” He grabbed her wrists.
“You know better than to argue with me when I’ve made up my mind.”
“I know and that’s what scares me.” A laugh rumbled in his chest. “Don’t push me to the limit prinţesa. You won’t like what happens. I will keep you safe.”
She pushed against his hold. “Please release me, you’re hurting me. I’m not leaving. I know you want me safe, my work is important to me and I want to find this information. Work with me Stefan.”
“We need to get out of here now.”
“No. You can’t make me.”
He gripped her wrist. “Prinţesa, that’s where you are wrong, now come with me. It’s time to leave. I’m through playing games. If you don’t leave, Dragos may find you and he will want you dead or turned. I can’t protect you if he catches you here.”
“And what do we have here?” Dragos asked. He and Ecaterina stepped in from the foyer of the office.
“I told you I sensed unrest in the building, Dragos. It was her,” Ecaterina said.
“Stefan, would you like to explain what is going on?” Dragos asked.
“I found her going through your desk and I was taking care of it when you walked in,” Stefan said.
“We’re you really? The little human thought she could find something to use against me? For what my dear, to put me in prison, take me before the High Tribunal? Please, I own them.”
“She’s a hunter. It’s what they do, hunt and put our kind away for crimes against humanity,” Stefan said.
“She’s Stefan’s woman. They’re working together. I saw her at the club last night with that Fed,” Ecaterina said.
Alex grimaced. Oh shit! I’m in trouble now.
Dragos drew closer, turning his head to take in her essence. “Yes, now I see it. The red hair, the green eyes, the plump flesh.” He drew a long fingernail across her cheek down to her chin, lifting it slightly.
After experiencing a moment of fear at his touch, she remembered about her appearance and her eyes narrowed defiantly. “Hey, I’m not plump.”
Dragos’ menacing gaze ran over her slowly, inch by inch. He didn’t miss anything. His eyes lingered on her face, her breasts, and her legs. Even though she had on clothes, he made her feel exposed. Her defiance began to waiver. What would he do to her? Kill her quickly, turn her, or lock her away to die a slow death. Or worse, turn her over to Ecaterina.
“My dear, it was a compliment. My son, you always did like the feisty ones. They make you feel alive don’t they?”
He nodded.
“Tell me, my dear, why were you in my office? By the looks of the mess, you were looking for something. May I ask what?”
“None of your business.” As a bit of defiance returned, she glared up at Dragos.
“I’ll ask you only once again, little one. What are you looking for? Next time, I probe your mind and I won’t care if it hurts you.” He grabbed her wrists.
“I told you none of your business and I’d like to see you try.”
A low growl escaped his mouth. “Woman, you are testing my patience. You have no idea what I’m capable of and what my business is here.”
“Why don’t you just kill her and be done with it Dragos? Stefan can find another mortal submissive to train.”
Stefan shot Ecaterina a venomous look, and then turned to Dragos. “Alexandra is a hunter, and yes, my woman. When you walked in, I was about to take care of her recklessness and disrespect. She seeks information about Ecaterina.”
“In my office?”
“I know she was close to you and had something to do with the vamp virus. I wanted proof, something to use against her. I want her dead.” Alex chimed in.
Ecaterina came toward Alex. Stefan stepped in the way. All Alex saw was a blur of motion.
“Enough,” Dragos said. “Stefan I know we have had our problems in the past, but you were never dishonest. I believe what you say is true. Ecaterina is the jealous type and I believe she did attack your woman. And what I’ve seen of her, she’s a fighter.”
“This is ridiculous. You’re taking his side?” Ecaterina asked.
“Not entirely.”
Dragos walked over to his desk and picked up the handset. A few moments later, two guards arrived.
“Take these two downstairs to my personal dungeon. I’ll be along later. Cuff him. I don’t want him to try anything heroic,” Dragos instructed.
Stefan groaned as the silver-coated cuffs were placed on his wrists, searing his flesh. Alex turned her head, grimacing at the sight.
“You evil bastard!” Alex directed at Dragos.
* * * *
A knock on the unmarked van door parked across the street from the SGM main entrance drew an angry voice from the inside. The two men standing on the outside waited patiently for the door to open.
“What is it Palmer, you better make it good,” Chief Martin blared.
“This here guy says he knows you and needs to talk to you. He wouldn’t tell me about what.”
“Jordan? What’s up, where’s Alex?” Martin asked.
“That’s why I’m here. Have you seen or heard from her?”
“No, not since last night. Why? Is she missing?”
“Yeah, I spoke with her earlier today. There was something at SGM she had to take care of and we agreed to meet at 1830, it’s now 1930. Something’s wrong. It’s not like her to miss an appointment, and she’s not answering her phone.”
“Step inside, and let’s see if maybe we can pick her up.” Inside the rear bay sat a couple special agents in front of a bank of monitors and instruments with obvious listening devices.
“Wow, quite a set-up here, real spy shit,” Jordan said.
“Yeah, son, it is. We’ve got a surveillance team set up inside a building across the street as well. They have a couple of infrared cameras and laser mikes on the windows. We are watching and listening to all the activity going on at SGM. We know who has come and gone during each shift since early this morning.”
“You’ve done all this in a couple of hours? I’m impressed.”
“Anything unusual Fentress?” Martin asked one of the special agents seated.
“Actually, sir, there was movement from the Executive Level, what we identified as Munteanu’s office spaces. Those figures are now moving to the lower floors. By the silhouettes of what we know in the type o
f backgrounds they display, they were all vampires, except for one human,” Fentress said.
“I’ll be willing to bet that is Alex. I knew she’d do something crazy and go after that dude alone,” Jordan said.
“When did this happen?” Martin asked.
“Maybe ten minutes ago. I’ll back up the recording,” Fentress said.
“Did you pick up any audio?” Martin asked.
“No, the blinds were across the windows and the lasers couldn’t get a clear read,” Fentress said.
“Keep trying. Maybe we can figure out where they took her in the building before we go storming in,” Jordan said.
“It won’t make any difference, son. We’re going in any minute. As soon as the vamps and bounty hunters show up with their respective troops, the raid begins.”
The sound of screeching wheels and car doors slamming could be heard over the sounds of the electronics in the van.
“Well, right on cue, I think the troops have arrived,” Martin said.
Martin saw the expression of worry and concern for Alex on Jordan’s face. “Don’t worry son, we’ll find her. If she’s anything like your mom, she’ll be okay. Here, you may want to wear one of these, just in case.” He handed him a Kevlar vest.
“Jesus, what kind of shooting are you planning on doing?”
“Be prepared son, and if I remember correctly, that’s one of your Bounty Rules.”
“Yeah, but I wasn’t expecting this.” Jordan slipped on the vest, surprised at its weight. Martin helped him tighten the straps.
All around the final preparations were made, a corps of vampires dressed in all black, a few dozen rag-tag bounty hunters in jeans and T-shirts of various colors and writings, and the well-uniformed Kevlar-vested Special Forces military types. Martin adjusted his own bulletproof vest.
Martin nodded to Gregori, “You ready?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s do this,” Martin said. He called over the radio, “Captain, we’re ready, go.”
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