“Oh.”
“Exactly. She’s also my friend.”
I’m not exactly sure what I expected from the Tucson wolf pack Alpha, but it wasn’t that. “Do you know him well enough to introduce me?”
“Dude, I don’t know you well enough to introduce you. I might be talked into going with, depending when and where you do it, but as far as vouching? Nah, that’ll have to be up to Lucius. I’m not putting myself or my rep on the line for you.”
“Your…rep?”
“Yeah. Garrett Green’s not only my landlord and my friend’s mate—he also sends work my way.”
“What kind of work?”
“I’m sort of a neutral-party errand girl. Courier service. I take on work for vampires that needs doing during daylight hours and handle tasks for the shifters that most humans can’t be trusted with. I move between the nest and the various packs to pass messages, things like that. Nothing illegal,” she quickly adds. “That’s not my jam, and they all know it. But they also know I’m my own person.”
I’m glad I’m sitting down because my cock’s painfully hard right now. I love how snarky she is, love her fearlessness in this moment.
One of my deepest desires is to earn her trust, so I can play with her, perhaps even feed from her, if she allows it.
At the very least, I want to fuck her. I’d settle for that.
What I’d love to do is strip her naked, bind her in jute ropes, eat her pussy until she screams herself hoarse from orgasms, and then slowly lick my way over every inch of ligature marks left on her by my ropes while I untie her.
Or spank her. That’d be fun, too.
I am also willing to do whatever it takes to woo her. “May I ask you another question?”
She cocks her head at me again, her wig swishing a little, and settles back in the chair once more. “You can ask me anything. I won’t promise to answer, though.”
“Why the wig?”
Her smile now looks a little too tight, despite her attempt to exude cockiness. “Why not?”
“You match your name tag to your wig color, don’t you?”
She shrugs, that adorable little smirk on her face.
I try a different tactic. “Lucius wouldn’t even tell me last night if you were a man or a woman. He told me almost nothing about you.”
“That’s because I’m not one of his household humans, and I asked him to keep my secrets. The ones he knows. There are plenty of things he doesn’t know about me.”
“Why are you so afraid?”
She holds her hands up, indicating the building. “Did you notice I work for and with fricking vampires? A person would have to be an idiot not to show a healthy dose of fear.”
She’s got a valid point. “Would you like to know more about me?”
“It’s your dime, dude. You can talk about whatever you’d like.”
But I hear the way her pulse shifts a little at that, speeds up a tad. She’s nervous, especially nervous about what I might ask her.
I want to wrap her in my arms and protect her, slay her dragons, buy her anyth—
Holy fuck, I’m already halfway in love with her, and I don’t even know her full real name.
She watches me with an intensity I usually only see in vampires and shifters.
But the truth is now there. Right there.
I am completely enchanted by this woman.
Obsessed with her.
Whatever I have to do to earn her trust, I’ll gladly do it.
“If I ask Lucius to arrange a meeting for me with Garrett Green, you would attend with us?”
“I might attend,” she carefully says after considering. “The with part trips me up a little because, keep in mind, I won’t put my neck on the line for you yet. I need to know you first before I’ll risk my rep over you. Also depends when and where it is.” I catch that repeated stipulation and wonder about it.
“Fair enough. May I ask Lucius to include you in the plans, then?”
She sucks on her teeth. “Why is this so important to you?”
Because you are important to me.
No, I don’t say that. Are you mad? Don’t want to scare her off.
I opt for the truth.
Sort of. “I am very drawn to you. Attracted to you.”
I get a little snort in reply. “You want to buy the bottling source, is what you want. I really wish he hadn’t given you an undiluted taste of me.”
“Why not?”
She holds out her hand, indicating me.
Her meaning is clear.
“Blue, consent is not negotiable, for me. I insist upon it. Would you do me the honor of a dinner date, at least? Please?”
Doubt darkens her violet eyes to the purple of an evening sky. “Where I’m not on the menu?”
“Exactly. I’ll pay one of Lucius’s men—hell, I’ll pay all of them to come along.”
“Greeeaat. More vampires. Perfect. That’s not intimidating at alll.”
I’m already making mental notes to find out from Lucius who I can talk to, a reliable realtor, to buy a house here. I want one in his neighborhood—a large, beautiful, palatial home. Blue deserves nothing less than that. I’ll do anything to prove to her she can trust me.
“Have you ever actually dated anyone since you turned?” she asks. “Ever had a girlfriend who wasn’t immortal, or non-human, or a snack?”
Inwardly, I cringe. I don’t want to discuss Robert tonight. “It’s been more years than I care to remember.”
She leans forward in her chair. “You can’t waltz your immortal ass into someone’s life, turn it upside-down, and make a boatload of promises just because my vintage put some long-overdue starch in your shorts. I have a life, and it’s a life I want to live.”
I hate that she’s effortlessly nailed me to a wall. Metaphorically speaking. “And what do you want to do with your life if not working in a vampire nightclub that’s a secret BDSM blood club?”
I also hate that her voice turns sad and quiet. “Maybe if you stick around for a while, I’ll come to trust you enough to tell you.”
With all certainty, I know if I suddenly promise her the moon, she’ll run. Not that I couldn’t track or find her—in a vampire or human way—but I will forever ruin her trust.
I think that might kill me and drive me toward the dawn.
“I would really like that, Blue.” Lightly rubbing my palms along the tops of my thighs, I can’t think of a legitimate reason to keep her here right now, beyond my desire to do so. “Thank you for being a good sport and talking with me tonight. I appreciate it.”
Another cock of her head. Every time she does that, I hear the way her wig whispers against her cheeks as it sways, the artificial hair sounding like a breeze to my sensitive hearing. “You’re done talking to me?”
“Honestly? I could sit here all night talking with you, but I realize this isn’t comfortable for you, and I apologize for that. I do not wish to make you feel uncomfortable. I’ve enjoyed this greatly, and I appreciate your time.”
She studies me. “I don’t mind hanging out for a while longer. You’re not too bad to talk to, Not-Ianto.”
First barrier—passed. “Thank you.”
She shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I feel something different. I hear her pulse thrumming, see the way her pupils dilate a little—she’s intrigued by me and afraid to admit it. She’s been hurt in some way in the past. She doesn’t trust easily, or at all.
I wish I could fix every problem in her life for her, even if I never get to lay a finger or fang on her.
The thought of others getting to sample her, even from a glass, renders me nearly incoherent with rage. No one should be permitted to touch her, taste her.
I suspect the only reason she allows Lucius to take from her is the money, and that also enrages me, even as I admit he’s being ethical about it.
It personally enrages me.
Mentally, I’m scrambling for something to talk about that isn’t about blood,
sex, or kink. The unholy trifecta. I want to get to know her—holy fuck, yeah, I’m obsessed, all right.
Lucius will laugh his ass off. The last thing on my mind now is meeting a sunrise.
“Tell me about that TV show,” I say. “Torchwood, was it?”
Her violet eyes light up. “Oh, my god! It’s fantastic…” But first, she has to give me an overview of Doctor Who, so I understand the context.
I’ll admit I’ve heard of that show, but I’ve never seen it, either. Both shows feature long-lived, time-traveling adventurers who frequently have companions, as I understand it.
I can relate. I might find myself watching this show.
Her voice, though. I could easily listen to her all night. I’ve found something she’s passionate about. Something she loves.
Something I can research and, hopefully, learn more about, so I can have a thing in common with her.
It’s a desperate need within me, to have that.
To gently hold on to her, wind her around me, so she never wants to leave me.
If that means I’ve got to start watching fucking TV, then I guess I’m watching TV.
About an hour later, we reach a natural, comfortable lull in the conversation, and I receive another of those adorable head cocks from her.
“You know, I suppose if you wanted to have a dinner date, we could eat up in the conference room in the office tomorrow night. I wouldn’t mind that. We could be alone up there. I wouldn’t even make you bring one of Lucius’ men with you.”
If my heart still beat, it’d be pounding right now. “I wouldn’t mind Lucius’ men accompanying you to dinner. I’ll take you anywhere you wish to go.”
“No. Your choice of food, but we eat here.” A cloud flits across her features. “I don’t go out at night. If I’m not here at work, I’m home. That’s a me rule.”
“I swear I would make sure you’re protected.”
Her gaze drops for a moment. I suspect this is connected to what Lucius hinted at. “I don’t go out,” she repeats, her voice sounding a little duller, flatter. “At night, I’m almost always either at work or home. I’m not traveling after dark. That’s all you need to know.”
I hate that she feels unsafe. “Is someone bothering you? Please, I would be happy to pay for extra security and—”
She stays me with a hand and a wry smile. “You don’t even know me. You don’t know my situation. I’m giving you a concession. Take the offer or not, but it’s not negotiable.”
Fuck. I mentally smack myself and immediately retreat. “I will be happy to order food from whatever restaurant you’d like and have it delivered here tomorrow night.”
“Send one of his guys out for it,” she suggests. “We don’t need anyone else here who didn’t intend to be.” She waggles her fingers at the walls. “Fricking vampires allll over the place.”
I chuckle. “As you wish. Do you have a preference what food I order?”
“Surprise me.”
I suspect this will be a test, and I’m desperate not to fuck it up. “What time?”
“Weeelll,” she drawls, “I’m usually here before six, but I’m guessing you won’t be here before dark. So, let’s make it nine. That’ll give you time to wake up and brush your fangs and get our food. Or would you prefer ten?”
I do quick mental calculations. “Ten might be safer.”
“Ten it is.” Her gaze lays heavy on me. My cock hasn’t gone soft yet, and I know I must return to my hotel and jerk off before dawn.
Not negotiable.
Her nostrils flare a little, just slightly, and I’m almost expecting her to comment on my state, but she doesn’t. “What’s your end game?” she quietly asks.
Slowly shaking my head, I speak the truth. “I don’t know. You make me feel more alive than I have in…” I try not to think about Robert. A rush of shame and grief washes through me, and I shove it aside. “Even if all we do is talk and have dinner, I will be a better person for it and grateful for your presence in my life.”
Her gaze darkens again. “I don’t want to lead you on. I don’t want you to assume you’ll wear me down. Lucius knows the deal with me. One day, I might suddenly move on, and that’s it.”
Something painfully pulls in my chest at the thought of her leaving. “Then I’m truly honored you’ve agreed to let me have dinner with you tomorrow night.”
I receive a brisk nod. When she stands, I stand with her. “I should go make sure they haven’t burned the fricking place down upstairs. I’ve been down here longer than I like.”
“With me?”
“No. I mean, down here.” She waggles her fingers at the walls again. “In the basement. I don’t mind when we’re closed, but I prefer not pulling shifts down here. Earn my trust, and maybe I’ll tell you why.” She meets my gaze again, and the briefest trace of a luscious scent, like honey and vanilla, wafts to me. It’s different than before, and distinctive. “Tomorrow, then.”
“Tomorrow. Thank you, Blue, for tonight.”
She pats her chest where the bills are tucked inside her sports bra. “Thank you for putting tires on my car.”
That makes me want to buy her a brand-new car, one that’s worthy of her, one that—
She turns and, in a speed that, for a moment, seems nearly vampiric, unlocks the door and leaves.
Leaving me standing there with my eyes dropping closed and deeply inhaling her lingering scent. Back to a rainy spring day.
There…and not.
“Enchanting, isn’t she?” Lucius stands in the doorway. I can tell from his scent and the sound of his voice.
I open my eyes. “I need the best restaurant in Tucson,” I tell him. “Where I can order food from, have one of your men pick up for me, and bring here tomorrow night. Obviously, I’ll pay them for their time.”
He smiles. “Done. She’s offered to sup with you, then?”
“Tomorrow night, up in the office. In private. I offered to take her out—”
“She won’t.”
Unpacking his tone, to see if it’s an order on his part or a statement of fact, I finally nod. “Yes. What do you know?”
He steps inside and pushes the door shut with a finger. “She won’t,” he says, and it’s definitely a statement of fact. “What did she tell you?”
“Not very much, although I now know who Ianto is.” I start to pull out my wallet when he stops me.
“Tut. I’ll ask Selene to personally select something for tomorrow night, but we shall pay for it and make the arrangements. What time did you say?”
“We agreed upon ten. Up in your conference room.”
“You realize she has the day off tomorrow, don’t you?”
“No. She didn’t tell me that. She said she’s usually here before dark.”
He shrugs. “She won’t travel after dark. I mean, she has, but rarely, and only if unavoidable.”
“She said that but wouldn’t say why. Does that mean she’s coming in…just for me?”
“I honestly cannot answer that question. Not ‘will not’ but cannot, because I do not know the full answer.”
Something that’s been pecking at my mind, something he said earlier up in the office, hits me. “You mentioned the gwyllgi.”
He slowly nods. “I did.”
“What did you mean by that?”
For a moment, he seems lost in concentration. “Let’s get you through dinner tomorrow night. But suffice it to say it’s wonderful to actually see her genuinely smile for the first time since I’ve known her.”
That makes me puff up, and he notices. “Will you be spending more time in Tucson, then?” he asks.
I nod. “Can you arrange a meeting with Garrett Green?”
“To discuss the casino?”
“Yes. I’ll work on that. Might take a few days to arrange. I’m not sure if he’s in town right now or not.”
“Understood. She said she knows him and is friends with his mate?”
“Yes. It’s been a very hel
pful arrangement.” He grins. I take it there are now no sunrises in your immediate future?”
I’m not too proud to admit it. “Yes, you were right. Yes, I have found a reason to stick around. Yes, I am infatuated with her. Happy?”
He chuckles. “Well, I’m not unhappy.”
I follow him out to the main play space, and he orders me a large glass of a “special house blend.”
Before I even taste it, I know Blue’s blood is mixed in with it. Now that I know what she smells like in person, I realize her taste is something completely different than anything I’ve ever experienced. It brightens and sharpens the other flavors like an enhancer.
I’m tempted to head upstairs and sit at the bar and watch her for what’s left of the night, but Lucius has other ideas. “Can I perhaps interest you in one of our household humans for the night?”
Before meeting Blue in person—or tasting her—I might have been tempted.
Now?
The thought of touching someone other than her leaves me cold.
Colder. “That’s very kind of you, but—”
“Ah.” His brows lift. “You are obsessed with her now, aren’t you?”
Why deny it? “It would seem so.”
Paternally, his hand grips my shoulder. “Take your time with her,” he whispers. “Don’t rush. You are the only one, besides myself and Selene, I would ever trust her with.”
His words ring in my ears long after he’s left to make rounds of the other guests. It’s close to four a.m. when I finally emerge from the basement to leave, and I see that the nightclub is nearly deserted.
No Blue.
Theophilus, one of Lucius’ men, walks over as I stand there feeling more than a little forlorn. “Can I help you, sir?”
“Blue’s left already?”
From his slight scowl, I know she’s still here. “She’s not available, I’m sorry. Did you need us to call a car for you?”
I feel in my pocket for the key fob. “No, I have a rental.”
“Ah.”
He subtly shifts position, so he’s standing between me and a straight line toward the back hallway I know leads to the stairwell upstairs.
A locked stairwell.
I meet his gaze. “Promise me she’ll be safe getting to her car.”
Her Vampire Obsession Page 7