Reaching out with unsteady hands, the woman said, “Macy, come here, come here.”
Yet, the canine had other ideas.
Growling, baring her teeth, she approached them.
Great, he thought irritably, forcing back his expletive.
Now, he had to tango with a vampire and Fluffy.
But, at once, the intruder stole his attention again.
“She belongs to me!” the stranger raged. “And only me!”
“And that’s where you’re dead wrong. She will never belong to you!”
“Damn you!” the vampire raged again. “Let me have what’s mine!”
Releasing a vengeful cry the vampire rushed forward before plowing into him. Upon their collision, the whole room shook under the violence.
“Fuck you!” he cried out in equal rage, and bore the stranger’s weight. “I’m going to send you straight to hell!”
The adrenaline rushed through him, and then, using all his strength, he hurled him off. With satisfaction, he watched as the vampire went flying across the room.
The French Renaissance painting swayed dangerously as the stranger crashed into the wall. Even the slimly, designed beige candlesticks teetered from their bases in the silver-laced holders as he struggled to stay balanced. Straightening, pushing away from the wall, the vamp eyed him with a mixture of surprise, anger, and apprehension.
Fighting to control his blind rage, he approached the stranger.
With brute force, they clashed in the room again, shattering the muted silence.
Still, he was attuned to her every need, and in the distance, he heard her soft cries.
“This can’t be happening,” she said in a tearful whisper. “No, no, no…”
Spurred with a desperate energy, he subdued the vamp, and with a rapid quickness, he locked his elbow against his throat. Driven by a deep need that he didn’t understand, his gaze switched to her, and once again, his attention faltered.
Tears falling freely, she clutched the fallen bed covers.
I won’t let him hurt you, he vowed silently.
Startled, wonder seizing her features, she sucked in a fast breath.
Again, he was sucker punched.
Had she actually heard his silent promise?
At once, the stranger gained the advantage and landed a violent punch. The explosive pain ricocheted through his jawbone. Stumbling back, he grasped the bruised flesh.
Oh, hell, vamp boy would pay for that one.
Unleashing his full power, he charged at the vamp, and their epic struggle continued. With a violent force, they crashed into the night table, almost splintering it under their weight. Like useless casualties, its tiny decorative items fell to the carpeted floor. Then, as quickly as they fell, they went aerial before falling to the floor again, and not even the soft carpeting cushioned their brutal land. Within mere seconds, they were back on their feet, continuing their deadly struggle.
In the distance, he heard the dog’s frantic barking. Growling, rearing back on its haunches, the dog approached them.
Yet, the canine was hardly a threat.
Violently, they wrestled their way from the bedroom, carrying their struggle to the living area. Stumbling past the large sofa and other furnishings, they staggered towards the balcony. And their struggle was brutally epic, sending them crashing through the door, shattering the glass into tiny jagged pieces.
A breathtaking second later, bracing an arm against the stranger’s neck, he dangled him over the balustrade’s edge. “Who are you? What do you want? Answer me!”
Though he gasped for breath, the vamp’s laugh was mocking. “Maybe the question should be, who are you? You’re not a part of any legion that I know of, and I sense something more. Tainted---yes, that’s what you are! I sense that your bloodline rages with the life of many immortals. What are you?”
“I’m asking the fucking questions,” he quipped in a scathing tone and exerted added pressure. Then, a cold smile curved his lips. “…not you.”
As he dangled the vamp over the balustrade, he couldn’t dispel his annoyance. Hell, he’d had enough for one day. After a hard day at work, he’d hoped for a quiet, peaceful evening, complete with a little R&R and warm liquor. Naturally, the twisted vamp had ruined all that, and now, he had to dispose of him.
Like that would be easy.
But, her shattered cries reached him again, immediately jolting him back to the presence. “Macy, no---come here, come here…”
Again, he tensed.
Why did she evoke so many indefinable emotions?
Seizing the untimely diversion again, the stranger attacked.
The earth left his feet as he went flying across the space. “Fuck!” he cursed, after plowing into the concrete wall. But, as he faced the vamp again, he gave a cold warning. “You’re going to regret that.”
Unsheathing his fangs, the vamp approached. “Prepare to meet your maker.”
“Oh, hell no,” he smiled icily. “Didn’t you get the memo, vamp boy? It’s not my turn, yet. But, it’s yours, and I’m sending you straight to hell, just where you belong.”
Crying out, the stranger rushed at him.
Steeling himself like granite, he fended off the vampire’s blows. Then, he shoved him away forcefully and sent him hurtling towards the ledge. Face freezing in horror, eyes widening, the vamp struggled to stay afoot, but failed. With a shattered cry, he went sailing over the balcony.
After rushing to the railing, his wild gaze fell to the pavement.
The vamp had vanished.
He hit the railing with a hard fist. “Damn it!”
He took in the immediate surroundings.
The vamp’s scent was gone---which meant he was no longer within the perimeter. Undoubtedly, by now, he’d reached the outskirts of the city.
But, they hadn’t seen the last of him yet.
He’d bet his immortal soul on it, he mulled, pausing at the badly damaged door.
Now, a much bigger problem loomed---explaining the immortal fight to his damsel-in-distress. The broken glass crunched under his booted feet as he entered the living area. Uncertainty filled him as he made way for the bedroom, and upon entering, he was surprised to find it vacant.
A deep silence echoed in the room.
Narrowing his eyes, he listened intently and started when faint noise sounded.
Straight from the hallway closet…
His brows arched in disapproval.
The worst hiding place yet…
Slowly, he approached the doubled paneled closet.
But, how could he blame her for hiding?
And how would he explain things?
There wasn’t a reasonable explanation, he mulled darkly. But, he’d been left with little choice.
As he turned the doorknob, his anticipation mounted.
Before he could open it fully, the barking dog charged out.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” he muttered irritably, bearing the dog’s weight. In a tangled heap, they toppled to the plush carpeting. Grasping its collar, he stayed the animal easily before issuing a silent promise.
I’m not going to hurt you or her.
Staring at him with wide chocolate eyes, the golden retriever stilled, and it was apparent that it’d heard his wordless message. Finally, the dog relaxed and showed its approval by lapping his face.
“Thanks, but no thanks,” he muttered, staying the dog with a steady hand. “I’ve already had a bath today.”
He came to his feet.
The dog trotted alongside him as he made way across the room. After reaching the smaller adjacent closet, he wrenched it open, only to find it empty like the previous one. He stared into the dark space. “Where in the hell are you?” he said, and then closed the closet door.
Turning, he made way to the living area.
They passed through the open doorway, and he barely had time to duck as the candlestick whooshed over his head. Grasping her hand, he pulled her trembling form f
rom behind the door. “Take it easy. I’m not going to hurt you,” he said. “I’m just here to help, and even your friend here knows that.”
Keeping his expression guarded, he studied her.
Why wasn’t she cowering away from him in fear?
Wouldn’t a stake driven straight to his heart be the tall order?
He frowned.
Was it possible that she was privy to immortals and the underworld?
Still, it was as if she didn’t know, he mulled, staring into her face.
Then, he was hit with the glaring truth.
She was blind.
Her tone was sharp. “Macy!”
Quickly, the dog trotted to her side.
Hesitation played in her voice. “Where is he?”
“He’s long gone---you’re safe.”
But, for how long?
Distracted, he muttered, “We need to alert the authorities.”
Nodding, she sank down on the sofa.
Brows knitting in a frown, he turned his attention to the operator.
Yet, as before, he was attuned to her.
“They should be here any minute now,” Xander added, hanging up the phone.
She extended a surprisingly steady hand. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” he muttered, grasping her small hand. “I was happy to play hero tonight.”
Stunned, Nicole gasped as electric currents fired through her, and a sensual awareness claimed her. Releasing his hand, she looked away as heat flooded her face.
The man literally took her breath away!
Nervously, she brushed hair from her face. “I’m sure that you’re just as rattled by the situation as I am and not accustomed to dealing with someone so unbalanced.”
For a moment, the sexy stranger drew quiet.
“You’d be surprised. Unfortunately, in my line of work, I have to deal with creeps like him too often.”
A flurry of sensations chased across her skin.
The man was lethal.
Dangerous.
Dangerous because of what he awakened inside of her.
Fire.
Stiffening, she cleared her throat noisily.
Of course, her thoughts weren’t clear!
How was it possible that she was so drawn to him---especially considering the circumstances? On top of that, he was a total stranger!
Starting guiltily, she turned towards him. “Where are my manners? Please sit down.”
Careful to put space between them, he sat down.
She forced herself to relax. “With all the mix-up, we haven’t properly met. I’m Nicole Williamson.”
“Xander Sullivan---your new neighbor.”
A deep flush stained her cheeks. “Oh---well, nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Disconcerted by their strange connection, they both turned away uncomfortably.
He risked another glance.
Simply put, she was pure perfection.
Flawless, light brown features…
Beautiful dark brown eyes framed by thick eyelashes…
Full, plump, and kissable lips…
A few strands had escaped the ponytail and hang loosely about her face. She was dressed in sleep attire, and the light pink gown swathed her curvaceous figure.
You bastard, he cursed, catching himself.
Being ogled by him was the last thing she needed.
Clearing his throat again, he looked away.
Sirens blared in the distance.
“I don’t mean to be blatant,” he muttered, casting a fast look in her direction. “But, can I get something extra for you to put on?”
“Y-yes please.” The color drained from her face, and her hands flitted to her nape nervously. “I’m sorry. So, much was going on that ---”
“No. Please, don’t apologize---there’s no reason for it. You’ve done nothing wrong,” he replied in her defense, finally spying the crumpled pink robe in the adjacent chair. After taking it from the chair, he passed it to her. “Here. Put this on.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, slipping it on.
A few minutes later, there was a rap at the door.
“Police!” the officers shouted. “Open up!”
When he opened the door, he found a gun pointed at his chest. “Take it easy,” he warned, his eyes narrowing. “I’m the one who called on behalf of Ms. Williamson.”
“It’s Sullivan,” Officer Wilkes said, stepping past the other two officers, and slipped the gun into its holster. “Sorry, about that man. We never know what or who we’re up against.”
“Let’s get on with it. The more time we waste, the longer that son-of-bitch has to get away.”
But, finding the vamp would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. But, hell, he couldn’t really say that out loud.
Turning on his heel abruptly, he led them into the apartment.
“Ms. Williamson. I’m Officer Wilkes. And this is Officer Stephens and Officer Peters,” the officer said kindly. “I’m going to take your statement while they check everything out.” Nodding, the officers went off in search of further evidence, leaving them alone in the living area.
Sighing, extracting the thin pad from his front pocket, Officer Wilkes plopped down in the armchair. “I just want you to relax and take your time, Ms. Williamson. Just try to remember everything that you can, alright? And I assure you that we’ll do everything we can to bring this guy in.”
Her brave smile wavered. “I’ll tell you everything that I know.”
“And so will I,” Xander said firmly, taking the space beside her, and she was unable to disguise her relief as she turned in his direction. Call it second sense, but he knew that she needed his support.
Surprisingly, he wanted to give it, he mulled, his brows pinched in a frown. Since when did he get so personally attached on cases like this? And why did this woman make him want to toss his “it’s all business” motto out the window?
The minutes ticked by throughout the interrogation. On several occasions, Officer Wilkes would nod his head knowingly as he scribbled their information down. With the steadfast promise that they’d be running an APB on the stalker, they departed except for Officer Peters who’d stand guard for the remainder of the night.
Her relief was palpable when the officers left, but still, there was more to be dealt with. And he’d taken over, making the super aware of the intruder and property damage. While he did that, she worked hard to display a false sense of bravado. She’d straightened up the living room, and finally scurried to the kitchen.
To say that the super was none-to-pleased by the damage was an understatement. But, still, the man had worked fast to erect a barrier, quickly boarding it up with promises to have it fully restored the following day.
Now, he faced the carefully tacked boarding. It would ensure some safety but not enough. After being a personal witness to the vamp’s lunacy, there was no doubt that he would return which meant that she was far from safe. And that meant that he would have to assume personal responsibility for her safety.
Looks like another long night, he mulled silently, turning on his heels before heading towards the kitchen. Tonight, he’d be playing bodyguard.
She stood with her back to him as he entered, but sensing him, she turned.
Now, her black tresses were tied in a sleek ponytail, and she still wore the pink robe, complete with matching fuzzy pink slippers. Her brown skin was flushed warm and no longer strained as it’d been earlier during the interrogation.
“Please, have a seat. I’ve made coffee,” she smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Black? Or do you prefer sugar and cream?”
“Ms. Williamson, you’ve had a---”
“Mr. Sullivan, I know exactly what I want to do at this moment. And right now, I just want to relax and extend gratitude for everything that you’ve done. So, please, do me a kind favor and have a seat,” she said determinedly, raising her chin. �
��Now, let’s try that again. Do you take it black?”
“Black it is,” he agreed, sliding onto the stool facing the counter. His gaze followed her as she prepped the coffee. With amazement, he watched as she poured the coffee grains into the machine, and then added water to its compartment. Soon, a Columbian aroma filled the small room. Finally, she lifted her cream laden coffee and his black brew before heading towards him.
“Fresh black coffee,” she said, passing it to him.
“Thanks.” Taking a sip, he eyed her over the coffee mug. “You have any family or friends that I can call? You can’t stay here.”
Gripping the coffee mug with tightly clenched fingers, she addressed him, making him full aware of her stubbornness. “I am capable of taking care of myself. I’m not leaving.”
Tensing, she faced him.
Surely, the man didn’t think he could order her around just because he’d played hero!
“There’s an officer posted outside the apartment until morning, and I’m sure that he’s more than capable of doing his job,” she snapped before softening her tone. “I’m sorry. I know that you mean well. But, I can handle things on my own, and I’ll be fine.”
Squirming on the stool, she turned away as an uncomfortable silence stretched again.
Had she angered him or put him off?
Already, she missed the sound of his strong timbre.
And she felt safe with him.
Her thoughts strayed further.
Earlier, when they’d innocently touched, they’d had an electrical moment or at least she had.
Was he as handsome as she envisioned?
His very presence exuded a sexiness that was unrivaled.
When he’d sat beside her earlier during the interrogation, her mind had been in an emotional tailspin as she’d forced herself to focus. But, it’d proven almost impossible. She’d been in overdrive with her mental ramblings, envisioning him as her dreamy sexy fantasy lover. And oddly, she’d felt an intense connection with him that was unexplainable.
A warm flush crept along her face.
Did it really matter?
Considering whom she was---her disability?
And how many men nowadays would prefer a twenty-five year old virgin?
Sobering, she turned away.
“You don’t need to be alone. Maybe a friend or relative---”
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 3