“Luke …” I grumbled to myself. How was I supposed to trust him to help me when he’d blabbed my marital status to my parents?
My mom wiped her eyes with a tissue. “Luke is such a nice man. I always thought …”
“Mother! Please! I love Zane.” Feeling awkward, I looked at Zane. “Mom, Dad — sorry. This is my husband, Zane Marshall. He is a veterinarian. We met at work.” I reached for Zane’s hand.
My mom was deescalating. I could tell she liked the idea that I’d married a man with a college degree. Her approval would come easier than Bob’s. No guy — college educated or not — was good enough for his little girl.
“So, Zane.” Bob made his move. “My daughter wasn’t worthy of a real family wedding? Why all the rush? Involved in any illegal activity we should know about?”
“Honey, please tell me you’re not …”
I groaned feeling like a teenager caught in the act. “Mom, I’m not pregnant. Dad, I didn’t want a big fancy wedding. Mom did.”
“That’s not …”
“Yes, it is. You’ve been talking about my big wedding since I was in diapers. Just because you never had one.” I clapped my hand over my mouth, wishing I could erase those last words.
“Why don’t we all calm down, go have a nice lunch, and talk about this. We’re sorry about the suddenness, but the romance of Vegas accelerated things. We figured we’d have a big wedding later,” Zane explained, an assuring smile pasted on his handsome face.
“I’m sorry, mom. I didn’t mean that.”
“Yes, you did. I just can’t accept this. Something is not right.” She crossed her arms, refusing to look at me or Zane.
“What about all the murders, Chloe? I’m not sure it’s even safe to live down here anymore.” My dad changed tactics. He couldn’t handle my mom’s messy emotions. It was time for him to retreat to his comfort zone — law enforcement and crime.
“Dad, I know you’re already well aware the victims were men. That pretty much rules me out, don’t you think?” I couldn’t even begin to imagine his response to everything supernatural happening in my life. Seeing him now, like this, gave me another reason to be thankful for Zane’s wisdom. At one point, I’d been ready to tell Bob about werewolves.
Ignoring my little appraisal, Bob crossed his arms. “We’re leaving. You’ve upset your mother. When you have time to talk, sensibly, we’ll be at our usual hotel for a few days before heading home. And you …” Bob glared up a Zane. “Better take care of my daughter or you’ll be answering to the entire Troutdale police force.”
Zane tensed, but answered calmly, “Yes, sir. She’ll be safe with me. You can count on that.”
“That remains to be seen,” he added before taking my mom’s arm. “Believe me, Mr. Marshall. I will be counting on that. And I will be using everything at my disposal to find out who you are.”
I didn’t like the sound of that. My stepdad was no dummy when it came to technology and he had more than a few favors he could call in. Sending Alcuin to change his perception about this unhappy reunion might be necessary. Messing with his memories wasn’t what I wanted, but Bob learning more about Zane was unacceptable. Protecting them from each other was yet another task to add to my lengthy to-do-list, especially with Bob lurking around Plum Beach. I’d try to slip by the hotel later and encourage them to go home; the perfect time for them to meet Alcuin and for him to work his mind magic.
It took three very strong cups of coffee, following their departure, before I felt semi-sane. I hadn’t expected my parents to find out about my nuptials from a secondary source, and I kept replaying our horrible conversation over and over in my head. Zane, knowing I needed space, had hurried out to “visit” with our guests. I could no longer refer to them as prisoners. Guests seemed more civil.
How could I have hurt my mom like that? What was wrong with me?
So much for a restful day of exquisite love making with my husband. I stood instead washing the few dishes we’d left in the sink, thinking about tomorrow.
Monday was the big day. We’d teleport to Seattle for the board meeting, and later, I’d try my hand at deceiving Zane. I was already feeling guilty about sneaking off. But now, more than ever, I needed some time away from this supernatural soap opera to think. I’d locate the Smart kid and maybe I’d visit my folks if they’d returned to Portland after Alcuin’s mind message. They deserved that much.
“Knock, knock! Anyone home?” Michael called, cheerful as always.
Grateful for the distraction, I hurried to unlock the door. Playing the polite hostess came naturally even when I was wallowing in self pity. I could count on the youngest M to lighten things up. “Coffee?” I was already pouring.
“Sure. You okay?” He pulled out a chair and made himself as comfortable as he could at the tiny table.
“My parents stopped by.”
He listened while I poured out my sad story, patting my hand several times.
“How are our mutant friends?” he asked when I was done.
“Zane’s out with them now. I think Stryder might prove useful. There’s something about him. I don’t know why, but I like him.”
Michael looked suddenly uncomfortable. “Chloe, I wanted to tell Zane at the same time, but you need to know this. When I vanished at the park, I was chasing something or someone that looked like Agent Green, but not like him. I’m not sure how to explain it, but he was transformed, ready to feast on the zebra again.
It must have been him the first time Missy was attacked. It’s too coincidental. But I have no idea what he is or how he figures into all this.”
A slow chill spread down my spine. “I guess I’m not surprised. When Mr. FBI pulled us over last night, he mentioned something that seemed strange about the zebras and wolves.”
“Did Alcuin talk to you yet?” Michael asked, to my surprise, sounding anxious.
I shook my head.
“He ran into his own trouble out at McCray’s trailer park.”
“What kind of trouble?” Zane pushed through the front door.
Michael told Zane the same thing he’d told me about Agent Green and then went on to describe Alcuin’s failed attempt to claim the coin. According to Michael, Alcuin had never even made it into the trailer. Another unfamiliar vampire was on the premises and Alcuin had chosen not to engage the outsider.
“That doesn’t sound like the Alcuin I know,” Zane pondered out loud.
“He didn’t say so, but I think he was afraid of the new bloodsucker.” Michael looked guilty even suggesting such heresy. “He said that the out-of-town vamp was in the ultra-ancient vampire category. Alcuin is old, but not ancient according to vampire history.”
For several very obvious reasons, the whole conversation bugged me. I felt as guilty as the young werewolf looked over sharing Alcuin’s secret fears. I hadn’t told anyone about my most recent vampire rendezvous during the reception, nor had I bothered mentioning the possibility of sharing my blood with that same, ultra-ancient vamp in Vegas. Zane wouldn’t be happy to hear any of it.
Now wasn’t the time to reveal my Valamir encounters, not with another looming secret so near.
“You okay, Princess?” Zane reached across the table and slid his hand over mine.
Just his touch provoked a myriad of emotions: Love, lust, guilt, fear — a not so nice combination. I’d tell him the truth the minute I returned from my little fact-finding mission. I could blame my behavior on my parents and my desire to make things right with them.
“I’m okay.” I heard myself lie. “Mind if I take a nap?” If I stayed with him another second, I was going to blurt out all my secrets, damn the consequences.
He squeezed my hand. “Sleep tight, babe.”
“Sleep tight.” Michael smiled, weary.
Not tired at all, I tried to read. Something I’d loved doing pre-Zane. Now, with my life as exciting and scary as a bestseller, it was difficult to focus on an author’s fictional world.
Tossing th
e paperback onto the dresser, I paced our small bedroom.
The guys had stepped outside to greet Mack. I assumed Alcuin wouldn’t be too far behind. If they stuck to their typical pattern, they’d gather around the table and compare their findings, searching for common themes and suspects.
Zane had mentioned that Rita was working to decode the sigils on the coins. We still needed to find the fourth. Four murders, four coins. Where was my cloaked helper when I needed him?
Chloe, are you there? It’s me, Stryder.
What now? Other than Zane, no one had ever sought me out telepathically. How was Stryder able to make the connection with such ease?
I’m here. How did you …
I just focused my thoughts on you and kept repeating my question.
Maybe our unexpected link was the result of my hijacking him at the trailer park. I’d pretty much possessed his mind and all his senses. Yet another reminder that my powers were developing in ways I’d never expected. Making me wish, for the trillionth time, that someone who could explain my gift would appear and offer their wise council.
I decided to use this latest mental enhancement to my benefit. Perhaps I could persuade Styder to join our cause. I’d try keeping the conversation casual for starters, build a rapport.
Wow! This is kind of new for me. Are the guys treating you all right? all right? Focus on his well being, a perfect opening.
As good as can be expected. Better than we’d have treated them, or you.
I didn’t have time now to contemplate the implications of that statement. I wasn’t sure I wanted to.
That’s good. I want you to be comfortable. What’s your friend’s name?
I heard him grumble under his breath. Tom.
Tom? Geeze, how exotic? Tom , the matted mutant.
Like you, we don’t choose our names.
I laughed. I think you’ve got a sense of humor under all that fur and those sharp teeth.
Come look at me now. I’m all man.
Oh, boy! I wasn’t walking down that conversation path. Speaking of man, is Tom’s hair as tangled as his fur?
It’s in dreadlocks.
That makes sense. I guess.
Not my style, but it suits him. You know, you don’t need to waste your time on small talk. I know what you want.
You do? I guessed he did. I wasn’t the best at casual chit chat, and now I’d proven counseling wasn’t my next best career option.
It doesn’t take a PHD to figure out what you’re up to. You want to be the welcome committee so I’ll join your little team of supernatural misfits.
Misfits! That wasn’t very nice. What are you? Wait. I know. You’re the misfits’ prisoner.
I didn’t think he was going to answer, but I refused to apologize for my barb.
You win. I’m more of a misfit than most. I don’t follow the rules very well, especially when I don’t agree with them. You were also right earlier when you mentioned a crazy woman in charge. None of us lower level scouts have met her. But I can tell you she’s a hot redhead, with an appetite for destruction.
You’re not kidding about that. I’d seen the kind of destruction she hungered for. It involved severed body parts and lots of blood.
What were you doing in the trailer? I decided to be direct. The worst that could happen — he wouldn’t answer.
The same thing you were, looking for some antique coins. Don’t bother asking what they’re for. I don’t know. None of us did. There’s not a whole lot of trust on our side of the fence.
What about the ugly man wearing a robe. Did you see him? I needed to find out more about the creature.
I’ve never seen one, but they’re out there. We’ve been warned by our superiors to stay away from them. You should do the same.
Not sure how to respond to his warning, I plopped on the bed. I’d been pacing like a caged panther for the duration of our conversation. His assumption about the cloaked creature, or as he said, creatures, didn’t add up. The one I’d met had been helpful, even timid. I decided to keep that information to myself.
Chloe?
I’m here.
Your friends are on their way for another fun round of questioning.
Play nice, I reminded, before falling back on my pile of pillows, arms stretched over my head.
I always do, he said, his voice like silk and honey.
Men! Mutants. Werewolves. They all had one thing in common. They were big flirts.
Goodbye, Stryder. It was almost as if I was ending a casual phone call.
The good news: I’d accomplished some positive team building. Maybe I’d close my eyes for a few minutes. A quick powernap wouldn’t hurt.
After all, tomorrow would be a long, long day.
Chapter 2817
I felt his presence well before I opened my eyes and saw him silhouetted by the window.
Several perplexing thoughts wound through the sleep-clouded maze in my mind. First: I was alone in the bedroom with a mystery intruder. Second and third: Darkness had replaced daylight, and there was no evidence indicating Zane was close enough to rescue me. But in spite of such glaring danger, I wasn’t afraid, although I should’ve been trembling in terror.
My visitor stood unmoving like a statue, hinting at his supernatural status. I didn’t know any human that could remain so still for what felt like so long.
Before I could ponder further, the shadow moved closer, so fluidly it was difficult to register until he was standing over the bed, gazing down at me with pale blue eyes.
Rather than speak, he dropped into a crouch, his face now level with mine. I found myself drawn into the pools of blue, lost in their depths. Even Zane’s eyes didn’t have this effect on me. My little inner voice, the one I tried heed whenever it spoke up, told me to look away, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from his.
His icy hand brushed my hair away from my neck. He twisted his fingers through my curls and leaned closer. When his lips brushed mine, I sighed. He rose suddenly and pulled me up, clutching me close. I swallowed hard, anticipating his next move.
“You smell so delicious, Chloe. I have been unable to keep you from my thoughts. Never can I recall such an exquisite woman.” He leaned in to nuzzle my neck, pulling my hair back and sending jolts of anticipation through every nerve in my body.
When the prick came, my knees buckled. My head swam. I knew on some level he was taking my blood, and not for the first time. I should have been furious, but instead I was enraptured. My body was alive, on fire. An unexpected series of spasms tore through me and I rocked my pelvis against him, riding wave after wave of near excruciating pleasure. My body continued to shudder as he drank what felt like every last drop of my essence.
When I thought I might pass out, he pulled away, but leaned in again to lick my neck. “More,” I heard myself beg, still pressing myself against him.
A low chuckle vibrated deep in his chest. “Believe me, I want so much more.”
“How long have you been watching me?” I purred, still enthralled by whatever spell he’d cast over me.
“Always, Chloe. You are my destiny. Leave the wolf and come with me. He cannot protect you from the dangers ahead. Neither can he provide you such pleasures.” His finger traced my jaw line and trailed down my neck.
Despite his silky caress, my head was clearing. I took a step back, and then another, allowing myself the luxury of visually devouring my vampire suitor.
As in Vegas, he was clad in black. Leather pants, boots, a black T-shirt, a stylish leather jacket, and the same necklace and emblem resting over his chest. His spiky black hair left his angled face in full view.
Seeing my appraisal, his half smile stretched into a full grin. Just the sight of his fangs sent another shiver of excitement down my inner thighs. It took every ounce of self-control I had left, which wasn’t much, not to slip back into his arms.
“You want me as much as I do you,” he stated with simple sincerity. “Will you join me?”
Fighting th
at part of me that wanted to do exactly as he requested, I took another careful step away. “I’m mated to Zane now.” I didn’t say married because I suspected that particular term wouldn’t have quite the same impact as its supernatural translation.
“Have you accepted the dog’s mark?” His eyes flashed dangerously.
I’d forgotten all about that part of the ritual. I had to officially accept Zane as my mate. I wasn’t even sure how to do that. Did I have to lift my leg and mark him as mine?
“I can see you haven’t. That is good. You are too wise a woman to do such a despicable thing. You deserve a great deal more than he can give you. I can give you forever.”
Forever …? I wasn’t even sure I could deal with tomorrow. Instead of its desired effect, the forever idea only served to sever any remaining doubt. “I think you better go. The guys will be back soon.” I hoped I was right, because the look in his eyes was no longer one of passion. I hated to imagine the pain his fangs could inflict. I had a feeling that pleasure and pain were closely aligned in the mind of a vampire.
Valamir reached inside his coat and pulled out a shiny, round object. “I believe your friend was looking for this?” He extended what had to be the fourth coin.
Hoping I appeared calmer than I felt, I reached out my hand.
Instead of stepping toward me, he flashed. I didn’t know what else to call it. One second he was standing a few feet away and the next his face was an inch from mine. He lifted my chin with his finger, his eyes boring into mine. He twirled and twisted the coin between his fingers.
“I am willing to play along for awhile longer. You have something I want.” He dipped his mouth to mine and kissed me. Without meaning to, I found myself kissing him back. He smelled like leather, spices, and something utterly foreign but absolutely delicious.
I realized in that moment that everything about this vampire was designed to tempt and torture me — his smell, his taste, his kisses, his amazing looks, all of it. He was like a drug. And if I wasn’t careful, I’d become hopelessly addicted to him, mated to Zane or not.
He pulled away, leaving my chest heaving. A part of me wanted to tell him off, but the words wouldn’t come. He’d literally kissed me quiet. How could I claim to love Zane when I was so easily diverted by the vampire?
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