He handed them to her and she actually bounced from excitement. Then she looked apologetic. “I have a thing for shoes. You didn’t need to buy me any, see…” She walked back to her closet and opened it pointing to the hoards of shoes at the bottom. Everything from flip flops to boots.
She slipped them on. “They fit perfectly. So beautiful.”
They were real leather, made with real crystals. “See.” Griffin smiled at her. “Even your feet are sexy. Come”—he held out his hand—“let’s go.”
She looked at his outstretched fingers.
“Hold my hand, Sarah. This needs to look real. We’re together remember?” He closed the distance and took her much smaller hand in his.
It shook a little. He wasn’t sure whether it was his touch or if she was still nervous. He suspected the latter.
“Hey. I’ve got you, buddy. We need to hug and maybe kiss once or twice as well.” Her eyes widened. “Nothing over the top. We need to look like we’re together without being too hot and heavy. Can you handle that?”
She finally nodded.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded again. This time her hand was shaking much less and she gave him a small smile. “Just a small peck or two. No tongues?”
He smiled down at her. “No tongues. That wouldn’t be right.”
“No it would not,” she mumbled as they walked down the hall.
****
Lance leaned back on the wooden bench. His eyes tracked them as they approached. Both he and Sarah said their hellos and Lance nodded while grumbling something that sounded like a greeting.
“What is she doing here? I thought we were going to work out.” Lance finally growled after a prolonged silence.
Griffin immediately felt his hackles go up as Sarah tensed beside him. He slid a hand around her slender shoulders and pulled her against him. “Sarah is with me.” His voice was a low growl but it wasn’t to be helped. “Deal with it or I’m out of here.”
“Okay,” Lance said. “How are you?” His eyes flicked to Sarah for a second as he spoke. Whatever irritation the male had felt seemed to instantly evaporate.
“I’m fine, thanks and you?” So damned formal. She shook ever so slightly but thankfully her voice came out sounding clear and confident. Sarah barely made eye contact with the other male. Something he would need to talk to her about. She had the most amazing eyes.
“Peachy,” Lance growled. “If I had known this was a date I would’ve brought someone as well.” He looked Griffin head on.
Griffin shrugged. “It’s not a date.” They were in one of the many alcoves within the castle gardens. Although a public area, it was quiet and would afford relative privacy. A fountain trickled lazily nearby and a climbing plant grew around the oval opening. Beautiful bunches of purple flowers adorned the twining branches.
The scent of nectar filled the air. It was beautiful. Tranquil. Others strode within the gardens. Ever since his horrific death, Griffin knew that his friend liked to spend time out here. Lance had once confided in him that being outside in this environment, afforded him a modicum of much sought after peace. Lance had said that he would take what he could get. Any reprieve was welcome.
“I hear that you were a big pussy today in training.” Lance shook his head. “You should drink before practice. I would never have killed you so easily in our last session if you hadn’t been so damned weak from a lack of blood.” Although Lance tried to look indifferent, he could see concern shining in his friend’s eyes.
Before Griffin could answer, Lance turned to Sarah. “You need to feed him, female.” he growled, his nostrils flared.
Griffin knew that Lance would be able to scent that he hadn’t fed from Sarah, that they hadn’t rutted.
“It is important that you take care of him or he will be fucked up and could even be accidentally killed during the sparring sessions.” His eyes blazed.
Griffin felt Sarah stiffen, heard her sharp intake of air.
“Firstly…” Griffin tried to keep his voice even and failed. “Her name is Sarah. Secondly, who I drink from and when I drink is no concern of yours. Sarah and I are dating…we’re taking it slow.”
“How fucking sweet.” Lance leaned forward so that his arms rested on his thighs. “You need to take care of him, Sarah.” He pronounced her name with extra care, his gaze moving to her. “I know you didn’t enjoy watching him die. Do you want it to happen again?”
Sarah sucked in a ragged breath. “No,” her voice shook. “That would be terrible.” Much clearer this time. “Your healer said he might not come back if it happens so soon after the last time. Is what he says true?” He felt her body turn in his embrace and knew that she was looking at him.
Lance grinned, flashing his fangs. “Glad we’re on the same page. Feed him and fuck him or leave him alone.”
The small human made a strangled noise, belying shock and what sounded like hurt.
It wasn’t fair for Lance to put such a responsibility on her. Not when it didn’t apply. At least not in this situation. He would need to have a talk with her. For now it would be about damage control. “Don’t,” Griffin growled. “What I do and don’t do is my business. It’s our business.” He half choked on the word our since there was no our. Lance didn’t know that though.
“You are my friend.” Lance turned his gaze to Griffin. “I am therefore making it my business. It’s been what…close on two weeks since I scented a female on you? It’s not healthy. You might be the youngest elite and one of these days you’re going to be damn near unbeatable but you still have a way to go. Until then, you need to do everything by the book which means—"
Griffin held up a hand. “I know what that means.”
“You clearly don’t.” Lance shook his head. “You’re walking a fine line here. Maybe ask to take some time off or something. That might work. Stay out of harm’s fucking way.”
Griffin nodded his head. “Okay, mom. I’ll do that. I’m glad you care so much.”
“Fuck that! I would be in so much shit if we ended up burying you. I would get blamed for killing you and making you susceptible in the first place.”
“Vampires bury their dead?” Sarah whispered under her breath. “Sorry, I never really thought about it. I guess that makes sense.”
Griffin nodded, looking down at the female next to him. “Yeah. We wait a full week before the burial and then always with motion sensors inside the casket which stay activated for two weeks after.”
Her mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. “And? Has anyone ever still been alive…I mean, come back?”
Griffin shook his head. “It’s never happened but you can’t be too sure. Thankfully we don’t get many deaths.”
“That’s interesting.” She looked small and upset rather than interested. This was probably her attempt at changing the topic of conversation.
“We don’t want any more deaths.” Lance looked at Griffin pointedly. So much for trying. “I think you two should leave and go and ensure it doesn’t happen, otherwise I could organize a female for you.”
Sarah tensed.
“You didn’t just say that.” Griffin scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m fine. Leave it alone.”
“He’s not fine.” Lance looked at Sarah.
“Fine, Lance. We get it. Can we drop it now please?” Griffin narrowed his eyes at the male. Enough was e-fucking-nough. The fact was that he wasn’t about to rut some female. It would make Sarah look like an idiot. He couldn’t do that to her. He did need blood, and soon. He felt bad asking Eleanor for more, but what else was he going to do? If he went to one of the vampire females they would talk amongst themselves, which in turn would reflect badly on Sarah. He had talked her into this and he would damn well do right by her until Lance grew a brain.
“Sort your shit out. I don’t want your death hanging over me.” Always pretending not to care. Griffin knew otherwise. He could see it in Lance’s eyes.
“You care and would miss me
.” Griffin smiled.
“Bull-fucking-shit. I don’t want to be blamed…that’s it!” Lance stared into the garden. Like the trees and flowers were so interesting all of a sudden.
“You care, asshole. You fucking care.” It would be awesome if someone admitted it.
“You wish.” Lance smiled.
A group of females walked past. They giggled and pointed. One of the females broke away from the group.
“Lance,” she purred. “Long time no see.”
“Sapphire…yeah…too long.” Lance looked her up and down, his meaning clear. Damn, it was not supposed to go down like this. Sarah was about to witness Lance hooking up with another female if he didn’t do something.
“We’re having a private conversation,” Griffin blurted.
“Private?” Lance snorted. “Yeah right. Don’t listen to the boy.” Lance’s gaze finally locked with the female’s.
“It’s definitely a private fucking conversation.” Griffin growled, unable to help himself. There was no way in hell he was going to allow Sarah to endure this. She was already unsure about their goal. It wouldn’t take much for his plans to fall apart.
Lance chuckled. “If I didn’t know better, I would say that you were jealous. You don’t have to be. You have a female but if you don’t get what you need from her…” Griffin could see that Lance was joking. His friend was trying to get his message across but was going about it all wrong.
“Fuck you and fuck that!”
Chuckling, Lance stood up and walked to the group of females. “I’ll be back in a second.”
“I’m timing you, asshole.” Griffin said, making sure he projected his seriousness.
“What’s got into you?” Lance said over his shoulder as he neared the females. He didn’t wait for an answer, just kept on walking.
“This is a bad idea,” Sarah whispered. “Maybe we should go back. He’s not interested, he’s trying to push me onto you and didn’t even remember my name.”
“Didn’t you see how he checked you out as we were approaching?” Griffin kept his arm loosely slung over her shoulders.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he checks everyone out.”
“No, he doesn’t.” Lance might not be picky when it comes to bed partners, but Griffin knew he didn’t give every female he came across heated stares. It made him want to punch the male even though it was the reaction he had been after. It also pissed him off that Lance hadn’t seemed to remember her name. What the hell was wrong with him?
“Doesn’t check everyone out?…Yeah right,” she mumbled.
The vampire females broke out into peals of laughter. Lance was being his charming self. Trying to organize himself a female for this evening. Not that he had to try very fucking hard.
“Hey…” He cupped her jaw. “We spoke about this. It’s going to take time. I told you he might be an asshat and that we would need to persevere. Do you remember me saying that?”
She nodded.
“Good.”
Sarah tried to smile but he could see that her eyes were clouded. She looked hurt and rightly so. They had known that this wouldn’t be a walk in the park. “He’ll come around. How could he not?”
“You’re really sweet, Griffin.” She paused. “I’m starting to think that maybe I was wrong about him.”
“Don’t say that. Please don’t give up on him.” He removed his hand. “He’s a good male. He really is. I know that it’s hard to see that through all the bullshit sometimes.”
“A good guy…” She didn’t look convinced. “Maybe when it comes to being a friend to you. I can see that he cares for you by the way, even if he won’t admit it.” She smiled. It made her look even sadder. “What’s this whole thing about drinking and…you know?” Her cheeks infused with a hint of pink.
“Rutting?” He watched with fascination as pink became red and her eyes averted.
Griffin had to stifle a chuckle. So timid. It was endearing. It must have taken enormous guts to pursue Lance the way she did in the beginning.
“Yeah…what you said. Lance seemed pretty adamant that you should be doing both. Are you putting yourself at risk because of Lance and I? Not that there’s a Lance and I.”
“Nah. He over-exaggerates.” Not really, but he couldn’t tell her that. He really needed to get to Eleanor. Blood would make a big difference. No sex, he would have to deal.
She looked at him as if to say that he was full of shit. “He doesn’t seem like the drama queen type.”
“You would be surprised,” Griffin mumbled. “Look, as to the drinking”—he looked around to make sure that no one was watching—“I will go to Eleanor once we are done here. I will take what I need from her until Lance catches a fucking clue.”
“And the other thing? Lance seemed to think that it also makes a difference.” She looked truly worried about him. Sarah was so sweet.
He shrugged. “Vampire males need to rut at least once a day if they want to maintain optimum strength but it’s not a big deal. I can manage on less than optimum. I swear.” Maybe a bit of a break was in order. Training had been a nightmare.
“It is a big deal.” She stared at him like he had grown pink horns or something. “If you need to…you know…then you should do it. Please don’t let me stand in your way.” Her eyes darted around them. “It’s not like we’re really together.”
“I know that you wouldn’t stop me. It’s just that it would look bad if I rutted others while I’m supposed to be with you. Rumors spread quickly. It would reflect badly on you and I won’t have that.”
She chewed on her lower lip. “That’s really sweet. I appreciate it. Sorry to cramp your style.”
“Nah. It’s not like that. I don’t mind at all. I can take care of myself.” He flexed his hand and bobbed his eyebrows.
Sarah burst out laughing and it was like freaking music to his ears. A louder burst of laughter erupted from the group drawing her attention and Sarah immediately looked at her hands clasped in her lap.
Sapphire was draped all over Lance. Her head was flung backwards, in an all out laugh. Griffin knew that the two of them sometimes shared a bed. It was evident just by watching them together.
“I think that we need to get his attention back on you.” Griffin turned all of his focus on her.
Her blue eyes flashed to his. “How do we do that?”
Griffin shrugged. “Lance suffers from FOMO. I recently learned that acronym. It means fear of missing out.” He grinned at her and she smiled back.
“What should we do?” She looked up at him from under her lashes. Sheesh, this female had no idea how stunning she was.
Griffin shrugged. “Let’s kiss. We need to practice doing it since we are going to be in public often over the next week anyways and we need to make Lance jealous.”
“Okay. Nothing over the top though.” She gave her head a small shake.
He shook his head. “Just a quick kiss or two. I’m sure he’ll come running once he sees that we’re having more fun than him. We need to make it look authentic though. Climb onto my lap.” He patted his thighs.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She glanced down at his denim clad thighs.
“It’s a fantastic idea. Just sit on my lap, buddy. It won’t mean anything. We will keep it simple.” He gave his thighs a rub.
“No tongues.” She raised her brows.
It was his turn to roll his eyes. “We already agreed to no tongues but I want you on my lap, otherwise it won’t be much of a kiss.”
She slid onto his lap, her little hands circled around his neck. She felt surprisingly good against him. Her scent was candied apples. The really sweet kind. He wondered if she tasted as good as she scented, but he quickly dismissed the thought.
He bracketed her waist with his hands, feeling her tense. “I won’t touch anywhere I’m not supposed to but we need to make this look real. Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“It will look more real if you do
. Also, moan loudly a few times to draw his attention. I might slide my hand up your back, so don’t be startled. Are you ready?” He looked down at her enticing lips. At least this wouldn’t be a hardship. Not at all. It made him feel guilty.
“I’m ready.” Her eyes were also glued to his lips. Her hands were tightly clasped at the back of his neck. Her whole body radiated tension.
“Just relax. Close your eyes and don’t forget to moan.” He whispered the last against her lips.
She did as he said, her eyes fluttering closed. Her embrace tightened but he reminded himself that it was nerves and not anticipation.
He felt like an asshole for noticing how damned enticing she was. This was technically Lance’s female, even if the male didn’t know it yet. It was just a kiss, dammit! He needed the idiot male to notice her, to start paying attention. That meant that he needed to show Lance what he was missing.
Griffin leaned in, his lips mere moments away from hers. He could taste her breath. More of the same, candied apples…so fucking sweet.
He eased his hold on her hips and gently brushed his lips against hers. Sarah jumped in his arms and sucked in a little breath. She reminded him of a timid creature ensnared in a trap. “Shhh, easy.” he whispered against the softest lips he had ever felt.
Her eyes cracked open just a smidgen.
Griffin moved his hand up her back and pushed his fingers into her long hair until he had her clasped by the back of her head. He pulled back just a smidgen. “Now, breathe.”
She sucked in a deep, shuddery breath.
“You are safe with me.” he whispered.
“Okay.” She gave a small nod beneath his touch.
“Good.” He lowered his lips back to hers, keeping his touch soft. Her eyes fluttered closed and she seemed to melt against him.
He moved back and slanted his lips across hers again. Sarah gave a soft whimper and leaned in closer.
He had to remind himself that she was only pretending. His body didn’t seem to give a fuck though. There was a familiar tightening and stirring as his dick sprang to life. It had been a while since he was last with a female so this reaction was perfectly normal. No use trying to fight it. It was purely biological and meant nothing.
A Mate for Griffin Page 8