A Mate for Griffin

by Charlene Hartnady

  Griffin bit back a growl. “You will need to let me help you. We need to get his attention. Make him notice you.”

  “I already had sex with him. What more can I possibly do to—”

  “Leave that to me. I know vampire males…” He raised his brows. “I happen to be one. I know Lance. One of the guys mentioned that he tried to get you to leave with him after the sparring session.”

  Another flush rose from her neck spilling over onto her cheeks. She nodded. “He would’ve taken anyone. It didn’t mean anything.”

  He looked at her, trying hard to convey to her that she was wrong. “He specifically asked for you though.”

  Another small nod, she pulled her lip between her teeth.

  “It means that you made an impression. He would not have asked for you if he didn’t think you were compatible.”

  “Compatible?” Her voice was soft. Her brows raised.

  Griffin smiled. “He enjoyed fucking you, Sarah.”

  She made a squeaking noise that was just plain adorable. Her gaze flashed away from him as her face lit back up. “Oh…um…sheesh…really?”

  “Really. I don’t know why you find that so hard to believe. You’re right for him. You’re fucking perfect. If he doesn’t see that then it’s his loss but if you don’t try then you’ll never know. What do you say?”

  Those big baby blues drifted back to him. “I don’t know. My heart is a fragile thing. I think that part of the reason I’m here is because of how my last relationship ended.”

  He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear this. It might just change his mind about this whole thing but he nodded anyway.

  “Eric was my high school sweetheart. We started dating when I was fifteen. We chose the same college so that we could stay together. We got engaged on the same day as our graduation and began planning our big day and then all of a sudden…totally out of the blue…” She sucked in a breath, looking like she was about to fall apart. “He broke up with me. Eric said that he needed a breather. He wanted a yearlong break…said that he wanted to play the field a bit. If after a year we still wanted to be together then so be it.”

  Shit! Griffin could see how her eyes were clouded…how hurt she looked. “What happened? Did you wait the year?” He felt like kicking himself for asking because it obviously hadn’t worked out.

  She gave him a sad smile and shook her head. “Eric married a girl named Heidi eight months later. I was devastated when he broke up with me and more devastated when I found out about the wedding.” She swallowed hard. “Lance was my first… after…after…Eric.”

  Oh fuck!

  Shit!

  This was why he had told Lance not to pull his shit with the humans. Griffin scrubbed a hand over his face and groaned. “I’m so sorry…”

  “The thing is, I had heard that vampires love fiercely. Once they find their life partner it’s done. There is no going back. That’s what I want. If Eric hadn’t broken up with me, I would be married to him. I would have grown old with him. I want that. I’m not sure Lance—”

  “Lance is the way he is because of loving fiercely.”

  “There’s someone else?” Her eyes were wide.

  “No. She…broke up with him just like Eric broke up with you. She has moved on, has a family with someone else. He thinks he loves her but…” Damn. This story wasn’t for him to tell. “He doesn’t…not really. I know it, he just has to figure it out for himself. He’s getting there, slowly but surely. Trust me, Sarah…” He looked into her eyes. “Lance is an all or fucking nothing male. I can’t make promises. This might not work out, but are you willing to try? I’ll help you. I really want this for the both of you.”

  Griffin turned to face her head on. “When he really notices you for the first time, starts to really see you, he won’t be able to look away. I know he won’t.” Griffin couldn’t help himself, he slid his hand under her chin and lifted so that he could look her deep in the eyes. “I know this will work.”

  Her eyes lifted in thought, when she brought them back down they were bright.

  Griffin released her. “This round of The Program is two weeks long. Plenty of time to set this up. If it hasn’t worked by then, we can throw the towel in. No harm done.”

  “What if I decide it isn’t going to work before then?”

  Griffin clenched his teeth. “I want you to give it the full two weeks. Lance can be a stubborn idiot. He sometimes says things he doesn’t mean and it takes him time to realize what an asshat he is. I don’t want you to leave if that happens. He might say something stupid but I need you to give him time. Be willing to possibly put yourself out there…take a few risks.”

  She shook her head.

  “I know you can do it, Sarah. The female that threw herself in front of me is brave and strong. Two weeks…no walking away before that. What do you say? We’ll work as a team. Lance won’t stand a chance.”

  One of the corners of her lips pulled up. Even though she shook her head, he knew that he had won her over. “Two weeks. Please don’t make me regret this.” She gave him a half smile.

  “I can’t promise anything but if it works out then it’ll be something, won’t it?”

  She nodded. “I think he can be a jerk”—her smile spread across her whole face—“but I also think he’s worth it.”

  “Good.” Griffin held out his hand and Sarah clasped it. It was small and soft. “It’s a deal then.” He grinned right back.

  “A deal,” she whispered. If Lance didn’t bite then he was an idiot.

  Chapter 7

  6 days later…

  “Twins.” Sarah felt the blood drain from her face. “Oh my word.” She clasped her hands over her mouth.

  Alex nodded. “It’s not definite but more than likely.”

  “Wow, Alex, just wow!” She had to smile at her friend. “That’s a lot to take in. How does Lazarus feel about it?”

  “He’s so happy. Ridiculously so. I just wish he would stop trying to carry me everywhere, it’s driving me nuts.”

  Sarah had to laugh. “I’m so glad that things are sorted between you guys. I was really worried about you.” She reached over and rubbed Alex’s arm.

  Alex smiled. “We’re going to date for a while so”—she shrugged—“we’ll just have to see how it goes.”

  Sarah pulled a face. “You talk such nonsense. You guys are crazy about each other and have been right from the start. I don’t know why you’re even bothering with the whole dating thing.”

  Alex shrugged. “I hurt him and broke his trust so I have to earn it back.” She rubbed her belly. “I know things are going to be fine. We love each other. There’s no need to rush. Now, onto more important things.”

  Oh no!

  “Don’t shake your head at me.” Alex narrowed her eyes.

  Sarah hadn’t even realized that she was shaking her head. “There is nothing more important than your being pregnant with twins.”

  Alex’s eyes brightened, as did her smile. “I always said I wanted a big family, trust fate to deal me the twins card. One of the other human women, Cassidy, is also pregnant so at least we can be there for one another.” She narrowed her eyes at Sarah. “Don’t try and change the subject, how are things going with Griffin? Are you falling madly in love with him?” Then she sniffed the air.

  Weird!

  “You haven’t had sex with him.” She sniffed the air some more. “You don’t scent of him at all for that matter.”

  “I’ve been really worried about you and then there was Jenna and Gideon. It took him a few days to finally wake up. Griffin and I have talked once or twice but that’s it. I’m meeting him after this.”

  They decided it was best if they kept their plan under wraps. It would all be more authentic if no one knew that Griffin was setting her and Lance up.

  “You don’t sound all that enthused about the idea. There’s no excitement. Are you at least attracted to him?”

  “Of course I am.” Like most of the vampires, Gr
iffin was very good looking. Tall, built, stubble lined his strong jaw. He had full, soft looking lips and dark fathomless eyes. His eyes were probably his best attribute. Framed by thick long lashes. “He’s gorgeous.” It wasn’t a lie, he was gorgeous but he wasn’t her type.

  “But? I definitely sense a but there.”

  “I had sex with Lance a week ago. It doesn’t seem right. We’re going to spend some time together and see where this goes.” By that she meant that hopefully they could get Lance to notice her and the rest would be history. Lance was a big brooding mess but he was her brooding mess. Hopefully he would see that. There was a part of her that realized that she was chasing after a fantasy rather than reality and that her feelings for Lance didn’t have any real basis but she was willing to take a shot at it nonetheless. Griffin was right, what did she have to lose? The last thing she wanted was to have regrets.

  “You only have a week left of the final round. Time’s a wasting.” She looked thoughtful for a few seconds. “I must say, I really like Griffin, he’s really sweet. Lazarus rates him highly as well. You need to give him a chance.”

  “I stayed didn’t I?” Sarah didn’t know what to say. She didn’t like lying.

  “Yeah you did. I’m glad.” Alex took ahold of her hand. “You really need to forget about Lance and focus on new possibilities.”

  Sarah nodded. She picked up her orange juice and took a big swallow.

  “Lance is a lost cause. You do know that, don’t you?” Concern filled Alex’s eyes. It was like she knew exactly what they were doing, planning.

  Sarah nodded. “He has his demons, that’s for sure. Griffin mentioned something to me about the woman Lance loved leaving him for someone else. It hurt him pretty badly.”

  Alex nodded. “He used to be Zane’s right hand man…vampire.” Alex giggled, then quickly turned serious. “He fell out of favor when he turned psycho and started behaving irrationally. I don’t know the details but I can well imagine. He’s no good for you, Sarah. I don’t want to see you hurt. For whatever reason I get the feeling that you’re not over him.”

  “I’m a big girl. I’m going to be just fine.” She smiled at the other woman. “I’ve got things under control…I promise.” Sarah only hoped that she was right. “I need to go. Griffin is meeting me in…” She looked at her watch. “Oh shit! He’s meeting me in two minutes. I need to get going.” She gave Alex a quick hug and left.

  The vampire guard had to walk quickly to keep up with her as she jogged from the castle to the human accommodations. It was only her and one other woman staying at the hotel. By now, the few women that still remained had moved in with their vampire partners.

  Griffin was leaning against the wall next to the door to her apartment. He had a large duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He gave her a slow, lazy smile as she arrived. By now she was completely out of breath. “I’m sorry I’m late.” She panted out, swallowing thickly, her throat dry from the exertion.

  “No worries. I would’ve waited.” He stood tall, his eyes moving to the guard still at her side. “I’ve got it from here.”

  “Sure thing.” The big vampire gave a nod of the head and turned and strode away.

  “Let’s go inside.” Griffin gestured to the door to her room.

  “Right.” Her hand shook as she inserted her keycard.

  “Relax,” Griffin said. “I’m your friend remember?”

  “Are you?” She asked as she pushed the door in. They both went inside.

  Griffin shut the door behind him. “Yes, I am. We’re a team. We have the same goal. Now I realize that things have been a bit hectic around here.” He was referring to the other couples. Both Gideon and Lazarus were his friends. “But that’s all taken care of, so now we can focus on the job at hand.”

  “Lance.” Her voice shook as she said his name.

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t see why this is necessary.” She walked into her room, which suddenly felt quite small since Griffin took up all the space.

  “We need to get that big idiot to notice you. To pay some attention. That means dressing the part. You’re a beautiful female…it’s just hard to tell with all the layers you wear.”

  She felt herself frown. “I’m not sure what you mean. I like my clothes.” She looked down at her shorts and t-shirt. Granted, the shorts stopped just above her knee and the t-shirt was the baggy, comfortable kind. Her clothing could be considered conservative compared to what some of the others wore.

  So what though. This was her. She was a school teacher. She had a certain image to uphold. Her father had instilled values and respect in his daughters.

  “You need his attention and that means that you should show a little skin.” Griffin made himself comfortable on her bed. As in, he stretched out on the king-size mattress, his booted feet hung over the end. He put his hands behind his head and stared up at her.

  “I’m not some piece of ass.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t like the idea of parading around like a piece of meat. Besides, he already saw me naked. He knows what I look like under all my shapeless layers.” She used his words and glared at him.

  “I didn’t mean it like that.” His eyes crinkled around the edges.

  “Like hell you didn’t.” She shook her head. “No…just no, okay?”

  “I told you that you would need to put yourself out there a bit and you said you would.” He pulled himself up, propping her pillows behind his head.

  “What are you doing?” She made a little incredulous sounding noise, not able to stop herself. “There’s a perfectly good couch in the corner.”

  “It’s a small human couch. I’m far more comfortable here.” He suddenly looked sheepish. “Unless of course you mind my…”

  She sighed. “No, it’s fine. Stay where you are.”

  “You sure?”

  She nodded, having to smile. In many ways, Griffin was like a breath of fresh air. He was sweet and kind. A bit of a goofball, even if he was wrapped up in all of that muscle.

  He huffed out a breath and fell back, sighing in contentment. “Practice was grueling today. My muscles are still a bit sore.”

  “I thought your advanced healing took care of that.”

  “I need to drink, so my healing capabilities are a little slow. I would’ve been late for our meeting if I had taken care of that first though.” He looked pointedly at her and she felt her cheeks heat.

  “I’m sorry I was late. It was only by a few minutes, I—”

  Griffin laughed. “I’m only teasing you. Always so serious.”

  She smiled. “Stop your nonsense. Next time go and do whatever it is that you need to do…” She raised her brows. “Just leave a message for me at reception. I know that you…have needs that…”

  “I won’t rut with any other females if that’s what you mean. If we want this to look authentic, I should be taking blood from you, but there is someone that I trust to help out.” He smiled. “For now, let’s just get on with it. Lance will notice you and before long I’ll tell him the plan and you guys will live happily ever after. In order to get the ball rolling, I need you to show me your clothes. I want sexy and—”

  “I told you that I’m not going to parade around like a piece of meat.” Not for Lance or any guy for that matter. “I refuse to take off my underwear, to flaunt my…assets.”

  Griffin held up a hand. “I said sexy. Your underwear can stay on.” His eyes seemed to glint with mischief. “You need to be comfortable, if this is going to work. I’m hoping we can compromise here. That we can meet somewhere in the middle.”

  Compromise…she could live with that. Sarah nodded. “Fine.”

  “Good, I’m meeting Lance shortly. I’m going to take you with me.”

  Sarah nodded ,suddenly feeling nervous about this whole thing. The last time she saw Lance was at the sparring session and before that… She swallowed around the lump in her throat, thinking about the explosive sex. He’d touched her until she was beggi
ng and then had taken her…from behind. It was fast and hard. Her orgasm had been off the charts and then he had drank from her which pretty much blew her mind. Blew. Her. Mind.

  “Hello…hi! Sarah…um, Sarah.” Griffin sat forward, calling her name again.

  “Sorry.” She flapped her hand. “I guess I’m a little nervous about seeing him again. I might be having some second thoughts about this whole thing.”

  As soon as Lance had…finished, he withdrew from her and left the room returning moments later with a warm, wet cloth so that she could clean herself. Lance had retrieved her clothes from the floor and handed them to her. He had dressed in less than thirty seconds. It was clear that he wanted her to leave. Tears had pricked her eyes then just as they did now. “I think that you’re wrong about him wanting me. It was just about the sex to him. He didn’t even kiss me.”

  “I’m not wrong.” Griffin sat up. “You’re so perfect for him it’s scary.” He stood up and took a step towards her. “Not only are you beautiful but you’re genuine. You’re kind and compassionate.” He walked right up to her and cupped her jaw. “We’ll make him realize what the hell he’s missing. Make him work for you.”

  She nodded and his hand fell away.

  “Let’s have a look. I want evening wear and casual wear. I want to see your underwear and bathing suits as well.” His facial expression was perfectly serious. Any second he was going to burst out laughing and tell her that he was only joking. Only, he didn’t. He just kept looking at her expectantly. Oh heck! He was being serious.

  Sarah shook her head. “No way. You’re not looking through my…private stuff…no way.”

  “If you insist on wearing underwear, we need to make sure it’s sexy. It’s not only about the way you look but also about the way you feel. Silk and sheer lace will make you feel like a vixen. A goddess.”

  “Well, that’s just too bad because this is what I have.” She yanked open a drawer, pulling out her cotton sets. All practical. Comfortable. They did the job.