Why Nate should be annoyed Charisse would never know, she’d been the one forced to deal with the smitten speedster who compared her hair to shimmering flames and stammered that her zinc covered nose was perfection in his eyes. Seriously, her nose? Charisse fought hard not to squirm, giving Nate her most bland look. “Navigation was down, he needed directions.” She’d hustled the dazed Romeo off the rock quick smart, barely letting Bettina get a taste. Perhaps that was why bitch rock wasn’t making any demands today over their bond; she was in one of her snits and sulking.
“And the day before that, the two guys on jet skis?”
Charisse glared at him. “What, are you spying on me?”
“Not at all, I’ve been working on the roof, kind of hard not to look out this way occasionally, make sure you’re not being bothered by any more drunken fishermen.”
“No more drunks.” Thankfully, since the inebriated had so few defences against her siren call and were all too easy for Bettina to digest their sloppy emotions. “Just a lot of people being friendly or needing help.”
“Right…” Nate studied her intently. “You know I will work out what your secret is Cyd. I’m getting closer every day.”
Reluctantly he got to his feet, if he stayed much longer he’d fall asleep, and he couldn’t afford to be out after dark until he’d gauged how big a threat vamp Queen, Destiny, was going to be. If it was just her solo, fine. They’d fight. She’d die. But if she had managed to lure in more minions, then he needed to play it smart and pick them off first.
And the one thing he couldn’t afford was to be seen in the company of any female after dark. Maat, he shouldn’t even be out here now. He refused to let anyone else get caught up in the middle of what was going on between him and Vampira and get hurt like Vivian had.
“I don’t have any secrets.” Charisse assured him with wide green eyes as she likewise got to her feet, thankful that Bettina was being docile today, she didn’t want Nate with his sharp reflexes, and miss nothing warrior gaze, to clue into the fact that she was the pet of a large rock. An irony, if there ever was one.
“Well Cyd.” Nate moved up next to her. Liking the way her wide mouth opened in surprise at his sudden nearness. Maat be damned, he liked this woman, possibly even more since he knew of the perpetual battle she waged with her inner demon. She was smart, funny, intriguing and downright gorgeous. “I’m probably going to regret this.”
Wait! What? Charisse had barely a moment to register how ridiculous and kind of insulting his statement was before she was swept up in his arms, his lips swooping down onto hers.
Cyd tasted like the heat of a summer’s day combined with lush ripe fruits and decadent spices, heady and forbidden. Nate grappled with those gorgeous curves of hers through layers of material, running his hands over her back, down her narrow waist, to cup that tight rear end of hers. Oh so tempted to rip that damn ugly sundress off of her.
Charisse whimpered, the kiss had been a surprise but her response to it was what truly shocked her. Goddess, the man was all things made of heat and iron under her touch. Being in his arms, it felt so right, her fingers sinking into those glossy over long locks of his, her other hand gripping the bare flesh at his waist, almost as if she intended to prevent him from moving away from her. And those lips of his… so soft, teasing, tempting her, Goddess damn him, challenging her. She wanted so much more from him than a kiss she wanted…
Suddenly, a ball of white-hot anger, fear and hatred exploded out from her… from the bond she shared with Bettina. As it exploded outwards from her, it ripped Nate from her arms, flinging him out to sea. Shit, Charisse ran to the edge of the rock in time to see Nate bob to the surface. Absently she rubbed her middle, that bolt of whatever energy that Bettina had managed to create had hurt. Goddess only knew how injured Nate was, and how he was going to react to being mysteriously flung fifty feet out to sea.
“Nate! Are you okay?”
Treading water Nate sent her a wave before touching his cheek and coming away with a smear of zinc cream. Laughing, he tossed his head back to get the hair out of his eyes. “I’m fine. I don’t suppose you want to explain what just happened?”
“Umm, would you believe more static electricity?”
Nate let out a bark of laughter. “Sure Cyd, if that’s the way you want to play it.” Nate glanced towards the horizon; he couldn’t afford to get too caught up in the mystery that was Charisse and forget the approaching sunset. “Well, since I’ve been voted off the island, I might as well head home. Bye Cyd, thanks for the drink.”
“Hey!” Charisse watched him churn through the water fast, headed in the direction of Kaleidoscope Cove. “Hey!” She really wanted to know what he’d meant by that statement he’d made just before he kissed her… that he was going to regret it. What the hell had he meant by that?
“And you!” She glared down at the rock. “Where the hell do you get off pulling a stunt like that? Do you know how much that hurt?” No wonder Bettina had been silent for the last day or so, the crazy possessive bitch-rock had been amassing her strength to whammy Nate. “I don’t care if you don’t like him… you are never… ever, to do anything like that again. He could have been seriously injured. I’m warning you now, one more incident like that and I will hire a floating crane and a wrecking ball and smash you to smithereens.”
Goddess, she hugged her arms to her sides so she would stop shaking. What had just happened? That kiss? Bettina striking out like that? That kiss? Nate’s statement that he was going to regret kissing her? That kiss? Bettina’s smug satisfaction that she’d sent Nate packing all but threatening to smother her. Goddess she needed a drink.
Chapter Seven
It was just after midnight. Nate was halfway through ripping up the rotting floorboards in the room he was currently referring to as the library. Dropping the crowbar he scooped up a waiting bottle of water, chugging down half its contents. Phew, with a clean rag he wiped the sweat and dust off his face and throat.
For the umpteenth time he wondered if he should go check to see if the lights were on at Charisse’s cottage on the beach yet. No, getting worked up was a waste of his energy; she’d probably just gone out for the evening with those cousins of hers… or some guy. The bottle of water still in his hand cracked open, splashing its remaining contents onto the floor.
It better not be some guy, he could just imagine some drunken slob drooling all over her or some wannabe Romeo, trying to flatter his way into her pants. The woman attracted men to her like honey attracted flies; drunken fishermen, bling covered guys with more money than sense and loud jokesters on even louder jet skis.
Damn his self-imposed imprisonment. Speaking of which, his head snapped around to the open window.
“Hey there Lover, miss me?”
“Well if it isn’t the vamp Queen with the stripper name… what was it again? Deedee? Desiree? No… that’s right… Destiny.” If he’d still been holding the crowbar he would have been tempted to try and spear her with it. Issuing a small sigh, he turned fully to face her. “Doesn’t the catsuit thing ever get old?”
Destiny gave a small pout, the tips of her razor sharp incisors digging into her bottom lip, the index finger of her right hand playing absently with the zipper of her black leather suit. The zipper stopped only a few inches above her navel, all the better to display the sides of her small breasts and supermodel thin curves. Despite the incisors and the paleness of her skin she was an eerily beautiful woman, if one was willing to ignore the flat out crackerjack-box crazy in those silver, cat-like eyes of hers.
“I presume you’re still a little peeved about your girlfriend?”
“You hurt a very good friend of mine.”
Destiny shrugged, a small smile playing at the edges of her lips. “It’s hardly my fault the little bimbo doesn’t know how to fly.” Destiny’s gaze travelled ever so slowly up Nate’s frame. “I’m so looking forward to licking blood off all that gorgeous muscle. I haven’t forgotten what you tast
e like. The memory has been keeping me up days… a combination of sunshine and dark rum, intoxicating. We’re going to have so much fun together, you and I, why don’t you come outside so we can play?” She patted her brutally short, slick backed white blonde hair, before trailing the hand down over her pale throat, arching her neck enticingly.
“I’m not really in the mood for a play date tonight Destiny. Floors to finish… axes to sharpen.” He kept his gaze deliberately on her pale white throat.
“You… always with the teasing Lover. Just when are you going to deliver on all those promises you make?”
“How about you and me, tomorrow night, under the stars? You bring the beer and I’ll provide the blood-shed.”
Destiny quivered slightly before smiling. “You’re such a tease Lover. Anticipation is one thing, but I feel like I’ve waited long enough to taste you again.”
Nate smiled, sweeping an arm out in open invitation for her to join him inside.
Destiny laughed, it sounded like chains being dragged over jagged metal. “Oh Lover, I didn’t come down in the last rain of blood. Perhaps you need a little incentive.” She glanced back over her shoulder as headlights swept down the driveway. “Ah, right on time.”
Maat, who could that be? Nate was concerned but smart enough not to make any rash moves until he understood exactly what Vampira had up her too tight leather sleeve. He could hear a distant car door slam and a male voice. “Pizza delivery. Hey what the…”
“Food’s here.” Destiny rubbed her hands together. “Of course I’d prefer prime beefsteak. You sure you won’t reconsider coming outside to play Lover?”
Nate rolled his eyes. “Fine. I’m coming. Just give me a few minutes to clean up.” He turned stalking upstairs to the Master bedroom where the only working bathroom was located and where he also happened to store all his weapons.
“Hurry.” Destiny’s voice drifted after him. “The boys are getting hungry.”
* * *
Nate stood in the dark by the window of the first floor master bedroom. He’d pulled on a t-shirt and grabbed two swords in readiness. Now he was just taking a moment to assess the situation. One slutty vampire Queen strutting about below, eyeing the remains of the old rotting decking he hadn’t found time yet to tackle. A few feet further out, three vampire minions huddled around a confused and frightened young man in a red and white checked shirt. This had all the hallmarks of an ambush, his instincts telling him there was probably at least one, if not more minions, lurking out of sight.
Damn Destiny’s psychotic soul.
Moving back a few feet, Nate eyed the dimensions of the window frame. He prayed to Maat this would work, an innocent’s life was at risk. He took a deep breath and then one more for luck. Okay, let the games begin.
He dived through the window at just the right speed, tucking and rolling mid-air so that he landed, blades already spinning, right next to the cluster of minions. Scalping one, and leaving another with his right arm attached at the shoulder by little more than skin and muscle. Unfortunately no decapitations and the pizza guy was still being held tightly in the grip of the only uninjured minion. Off to the side he heard Destiny giggle and clap her hands together in excitement, she was one sick bitch. He needed to move fast before she decided to join in.
Leaping through the air, he twirled and thrust his swords, looking for openings in the vamp assassins’ defences. Damn freaky assholes, with those impenetrable bands of metal strapped to their forearms acting as shields, swiping back at him with deadly dagger-sharp fingernails.
Nate hadn’t been a warrior of Maat for over a hundred years for nothing. Number one priority in any fight, find the weakest member and take them out.
Leaping and spinning, he moved intentionally, keeping the three vamps clustered tightly together, that way none of them could get behind him and they impeded each other’s movements. Plus they had to factor in the pizza guy, trying to keep a tight hold of him and use him as a shield at the same time. Whilst they were doing that, Nate made sure to pay particular attention to the vamp with the right arm hanging by a thread. With only one working arm he was having a hard time trying to both shield and fight at the same time. And his fellow minions weren’t helping, as they jostled and bumped in to one another.
It was obvious these guys had never worked as a fighting team before and that was definitely in Nate’s favour, as he feigned a leap in the air, instead, dropping to his knees and lopping off one-working-arm’s right leg just below the knee.
Off balance, the vamp fell back into his fellow minions. They all went down like bowling pins. Nate had no recourse but to drop one of his swords so that he could reach down and drag the pizza guy out of the mess of flailing limbs, flashing claws and snapping of shark like teeth. He should have remembered the male of the vamp species had rows of jagged teeth, unlike the female, who apparently only had the razor sharp incisors.
The reminder was doubly painful as one of the vamps managed to sink its teeth into the arm he was now holding the pizza guy by, its jaw locked down tight. Shit, he slammed the hilt of his sword hard into its face, once, twice. All the while the pizza guy was limp and moaning in his grip. Third strike he broke the vamp’s jaw.
“Run for the house.” Nate gave the pizza guy a hard shove towards the safety of the house and its threshold, which no vamp, uninvited, could cross. But the dude was too dazed, instead of running he just staggered a few feet before sinking to the ground, a shivering frightened mess. Maat damn it. Some people had absolutely zero survival instincts.
With his remaining sword, Nate backed up, holding off the minions as they regrouped and advanced, even the one legged vamp, who was dragging himself slowly forward with his one good arm, jaws snapping at Nate’s ankles. His mind whirled with options. Unfortunately there was only one strategy open to him that would get the innocent across the safety of the threshold before the vamps could descend and capture them both. Fuck, this was going to hurt.
Taking a deep calming breath he thrust and parried his sword with lightning fast speed, the attack forcing the vamps on the defensive. The moment they reared back he threw his sword up into the air, whirled around, scooped up the pizza guy by the scruff of the neck and the waistband of his jeans and sent him hurtling through the air to slam against the buckled conservatory double doors that wouldn’t latch properly. The doors flinging open wide under the impact, the delivery kid’s body disappearing inside the house accompanied by a series of loud thumps and one low, reassuring, muffled groan.
Nate hadn’t watched to see where the kid landed, trusting his instincts, he’d already turned back to snatch his sword out of the air, ready to continue the fight. No surprise that was the moment, two, previously hidden vamp minions, appeared out of the darkness. One coming at him from the right, waist high, the second, dropping down from the roof above to land on his back. The rest of the minions seeing an opportunity tackled him en masse. Somewhere in the mix Nate managed to smash his head hard against some long forgotten broken off slab of paving hiding under the dirt.
For a moment he saw stars, then everything went black.
Chapter Eight
Nate came back to consciousness to find himself chained spread-eagle to floor of the decrepit, open to the elements, decking.
He didn’t mind particularly that the vamps had driven metal stakes in to secure his chains; he’d intended to tear down and replace the decking with a covered veranda anyway. What did piss him off though, was the use of his own swords to help keep him pinned in place. They’d been driven directly through his upper body, just below each collar bone, lodged deep into the wood beneath him.
He was kind of glad he hadn’t been awake when they’d done that to him. Ouch, the wounds burned and throbbed but he’d had plenty more serious injuries in his extended lifetime. The main problem with the swords being so deeply lodged into the wood under him was that he had no leverage to free himself from the chains wrapped around each of his limbs, effectively, for the moment
, he was pinned and trapped.
Plus he had to factor in the additional weight currently sitting on his chest, one psycho mad vampire Queen, curled up like a cat, a happy smile on her face as she dipped a finger into one of his shoulder wounds, leisurely licking at his blood.
“Having fun yet Lover? I know I am.”
“You’re a messy eater Destiny… you have a little something on your chin.”
There were several hisses and gnashing of teeth off to the side.
“Now boys.” Destiny glanced over her shoulder at her minions. “He’s just teasing.” She looked back down at Nate, running a sharp fingernail down the side of his jaw. “They’re a little angry with you… throwing away their happy toy like that. Personally, I thought it highly entertaining. Things are never dull around you Lover.”
“I do matinees as well you know… you should come along… some sunny day.”
Destiny arched her back and let out that jagged laugh of hers. Her fingernail trailing down his throat to the neck of his t-shirt, there she pressed slightly harder and the material parted like water. Pushing apart the material Destiny eyed his chest with a sigh. “Handsome, funny and entirely too edible… my playmates don’t often last very long, I’m really hoping you’re going to be different.”
She leant over, moving her mouth down over his chest, her tongue leaving a wet trail behind even as her razor sharp incisors scored two bloody furrows down to his right nipple. Destiny ceased lavishing Nate with attention for a moment when the hissing off to the side got louder and slightly higher pitched.
The vamp Queen rolled her silver cat eyes, smiling at Nate. “New minions. They’re a little possessive still. It’s hard to find good help you know… although not terribly hard if you find a newbie cocky little vampire Queen who thinks she can start up her own assassin kiss.”
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