She followed on his heels. “If you know this is a problem, then you can prevent it from happening again.”
“No.” He crossed the street without looking and cars squealed to a stop.
She didn’t let that stop her though. She waved an apology to the drivers as she ran across, following. “Are you crazy?”
He stopped, his glare a sharp-edged dagger. “Sometimes.” Then he continued his march.
She ground her teeth, which proved to be difficult with fangs. “I don’t believe that. I think you use that as a play to—to…” She came to a sudden halt, staring at Viktor’s retreating broad back. “So Eoin will punish you.”
Viktor’s steps slowed. He turned and strode until he loomed over her. “I did not have the privilege of having a teacher when I was made a vampire. No one explained certain rules as I do for you. Do not take these teachings lightly. Do not ignore them unless you want to bear the burdens that I do.”
“What burdens are those?” She could guess. A person didn’t tattoo hundreds of names on their body because they were feeling friendly.
“I am a killer.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
He blew out a frustrated breath. “If you fight the hunger, try not to feed, it grows out of control until you are a ravenous beast and ruled by bloodlust. You awake from it surrounded by whatever crimes you have committed. Live with the consequences.” The last part he whispered so low she barely heard him.
She wanted to touch him, to comfort him. Offer him the solace that he obviously needed. Instead, her mouth opened. “Is that why you have so many names on your body?”
Viktor pushed his shirt sleeve up over his wrist. The button on his cuff flew at slingshot speed, pinging off the brick wall. “Including yours.”
There on the inside of his wrist, all by itself sat her name.
“You gave me a second chance.” This time, she did follow her instincts and covered her name with her hand. “You didn’t kill me. The stairs did.” She didn’t belong among those names. Viktor was her hero.
He covered her hand with his. “I made your heart stop.”
“Dude, you could do that with a wink.”
His small crooked smile appeared shy. “Come, Trixie. You make me blush.”
“I don’t see it.”
“Closer.” Eyelids heavy, he drew kissing close. “Do you see it now?”
What was she looking for again? She focused on his full, soft lips remembering how skillful he was with them. Her hand still pressed to his solid chest, sizzled with their connection and she curled her fingers.
“You make it so easy.” He ran the backs of his fingers over her cheek. “So easy to forget what we were supposed to be doing.” His eyebrows furrowed. “No distraction, Tricky Trixie.”
“You didn’t go there.”
He chuckled. “We will both feed then continue our search.”
She glanced at the time on her phone. It was late but she felt energized. She’d been working the night shift with animal control for a while so it wasn’t a big switch to live without the sun.
Her diet, though…
That sucked.
Viktor led her to a livelier area of the city. Bars lined the cobblestone street with tasteful neon signs lighting her and Viktor’s way. A few places even had terraces for customers looking for some fresh air. Like most club districts, they played dance music. The distant beat thumped in her chest.
“Is this what being a vampire means? Hunting in clubs?” This would grow old fast.
He shrugged. “Would you like to hunt in the twenty-four hour grocery store? Not many places are open all night.”
She pictured her choices at this hour. Moms finishing their late shifts and stopping for milk or college students grabbing beer. “Nah, this is good.”
Viktor took them into the busiest place on the block.
“Do vampires own this one?” She pressed against his back as they navigated through a crowded hall.
“No,” he whispered. “I’d like to avoid contact with the local nest if possible.”
She gripped the back of his shirt, fear a tangible pulse in her veins. “I thought this was your territory.”
“It is, but my lieutenant and I have a bad history. I do not want to complicate our visit with posturing. I would rather take you home as soon as possible.”
He turned her blood to liquid honey. Take her home. His home?
Viktor paused by the entrance, scanning the crowd. “We are in luck. I see a New Port pet.”
The club was sunken into the ground so they had a great view. Heads bopped in rhythm on the crowded dance floor. She found her own chin dipping in time to the thumping music and her shoulders swaying to the groove.
“See that empty corner to our left?” Viktor pointed. “Wait for me there.”
“Where are you going?” She was in a strange city in an unknown club. How would she find him if they lost each other? He didn’t even carry a cell phone.
“To see if the pet will feed us.”
“Oh.” What did one say to that? She navigated her way through the crowd. Someone touched her hair, another her ass. It was too crowded to see who. The music no longer had her attention and she searched the crowd for a familiar dark head. Finally, she crossed the human sea to the secluded spot Viktor had pointed out to her. She tongued her fangs, not sure how to use them. With the blood bags, she’d been so hungry she’d bitten on instinct. She wasn’t as hunger-crazed now as she had been. That was good. With the bags, she didn’t have to worry about hurting them. This was her first time biting anyone and she didn’t want to hurt them.
Trixie wouldn’t have called this corner empty but it was less crowded. She stood with the wall to her back, hands in her pocket, and waited. What people wouldn’t see was the sweat trickling down her spine or the tremor in her hands. Now that she knew dinner was coming, she grew hungrier fast.
The pound of the music slowly slipped away, replaced by the beat of their hearts. She could smell them.
Humans.
Their blood sang to her.
Food.
Warm and fresh and salty and—
Viktor appeared. A man in his mid-twenties next to him. He cupped her face. “I feel your hunger.” He closed his eyes and shuddered. “We will both feed.” He opened his eyes and the predator looked back at her. “Carlos works for the New Port nest as a donor.”
“I thought you said he was a pet.”
Viktor’s gaze narrowed.
“Pet,” Carlos interjected, “is a derogatory term. We prefer donor.” He smiled. “I don’t care what you want to call me.” He winked.
Viktor continued to speak. His mouth moved but she couldn’t hear him. The beat of hearts called her. The urge to follow them strong. “Trixie?” He cupped her chin, pulling her attention back to him.
“I smell them,” she whispered. Them. It was no longer us. Closing her eyes, she swallowed reflexively. A predator. A hunter who would prey upon humans for the rest of her unnatural life. Her mouth watered. They shouldn’t smell like fried chicken though. That wasn’t fair. It had been twenty-four hours since she’d fed though. Her control was growing better. She had managed to sit in a coffee shop surrounded by people and not think about draining of them dry.
Silver lining, she would take it.
“The hunger makes your senses more acute.” Viktor drew her aside, forcing her to open her eyes or trip over his feet. He gestured for Carlos to follow and led them to the farthest corner of the club where even the dance lights didn’t reach that well.
She held out her hand to Carlos. “I’m Trixie.”
He shook her hand. “A pleasure to feed you.” His eyes were caramel soft as they caressed her curves. Carlos glanced at Viktor, whose smile appeared feral. “We could do this at my hotel room.” His gaze stoked over Viktor in the same manner as it had her. “I wouldn’t mind.”
Viktor’s expression darkened. “Be careful with such invitations. You mi
ght not walk away one day.”
Carlos dropped her hand. Her hearing suddenly focused on his heartbeat alone and left her dizzy. She wanted him to run. Not to escape, but so she could chase. His fear would smell delicious.
She caught a glimpse of Viktor’s face and realized how dangerously close Carlos was to dying. “Maybe we should get take out like at my apartment?” She stepped between the men, forcing Viktor to break eye contact.
He shook his head. “No, you need to learn this.”
This being how to bite people.
Carlos’ pulse slowed as he pressed against her back, his hands on her hips.
She froze. “Take it easy, Carlos.” What kind of deal did vamps have with their donors? Because she didn’t like the way Carlos kept eyeing her. Yanked from his hold, she found herself engulfed in Viktor’s arms.
“I do not share.”
“No problem, boss.” Carlos met her gaze. “I hear it’s your first time though. Don’t worry if you hurt me. I’ve fed fledglings before.” He undid the top button of his shirt.
“No.” Viktor frowned. “We will use the wrists.”
Carlos shrugged. He rolled up his sleeve and offered Viktor the inside of his wrist.
Viktor bent over, his gaze catching hers. “Come closer and feel the pulse.”
Feel? She could freaking see it. She set her fingertips over the spot.
“You want to feed from the arteries. They flow easier and it is oxygenated blood, which is what our bodies need. Press your fangs along that spot.”
Hunger burned in her veins. It was a full body ache. She glanced at Carlos—all sun-kissed skin and caramel eyes. How had he gotten mixed-up with vampires? Would his name grace Viktor’s skin one day? What if she killed him with her lack of knowledge?
“Maybe you should show me first so I don’t harm Carlos.” She’d spent a good part of her life rescuing animals. She didn’t even kill spiders in her house. Being bitten seemed painful.
“Trixie.” His glare snapped her out of her racing thoughts. “You can do this.”
Sure, she could. She just didn’t want to. “What’s wrong if I choose to live off blood bags?”
“Bags are not always available,” answered Carlos. “The Red Cross keeps a tight lock on theirs. New Port and Riverbend have catering services but they aren’t reliable. Only so many bags per day, and if someone buys them all, then you’re shit out of luck.”
She blinked. “You know a lot about this.”
“I donate. It’s a livelihood.” He offered her his wrist. “People are always available. Come on, baby. You know you want it.” He sang in a teasing voice.
If Viktor frowned any deeper, it would turn into a full-blown snarl.
She laughed. How could she not? Setting her fangs on the spot, she could sense Carlos’ pulse soar.
“Now,” commanded Viktor.
She sank them in, quick and deep. Warm liquid flooded her mouth. Salty and thick, it coated her parched throat and eased the burn in her veins. She was surprised how little she required this time. But how did she stop without making Carlos bleed out? She made a questioning noise.
Viktor stepped in and took her place at Carlos’ wrist. The man leaned against the wall, eyes closed, a look of ecstasy on his face.
Okay…
She licked the blood off her lips. He didn’t taste like chicken. He tasted better.
Viktor waved for her attention. He’d finished drinking and was now pressing his tongue to the wound. Not for long, maybe five seconds before he straightened. “Our saliva has properties to heal.”
“Nice.” The bite mark closed and was already beginning to fade.
Carlos pressed his hand to his wrist. He seemed a touch paler.
“Will you be all right?” She touched his forehead but he seemed warm and steady.
His eyebrows rose. “I’m fine.” He regarded Viktor. “She’s sweet. Too sweet. You better take care of her or they’ll eat her alive.”
Chapter Nineteen
A muscle in Viktor’s cheek ticked as he watched Carlos fade into the crowd. He had some brass balls to flirt with Trixie.
His unsolicited advice still rang in Viktor’s ears. A human worried about a vampire’s welfare. His gaze traveled to Trixie. The blue flashing lights turned her hair violet. Eyelids heavy, she leaned against the wall as if savoring Carlos’ flavor.
A pang of jealousy pierced his icy heart. He had sensed her growing hunger from across the club. The bond between them was stronger. He had not experienced this with his sire. Most likely because his sire had died shortly after Viktor was made. Trixie’s hunger had not driven his too hard this time. Not like at her apartment. With her distress, his instincts to protect had flared instead.
He needed to explore this more. Her blood needs should have sent his over the edge, yet even as he’d fed, he had only taken what was needed. He had been concerned with her the whole time.
Carlos wasn’t wrong though. Viktor had witnessed the desire in his New Port lieutenant’s eyes when he’d seen Trixie. She wore her innocence openly and carried so little baggage in comparison to them. She inspired things in men and not all of them good. Defending her from their people’s bad tendencies would be difficult.
He should have left her with Eoin. The dragon was developing a kind heart with the aid of Angie, especially for stray vampires. Viktor had been selfish though. It had been so long since he had felt…anything.
Caging her between his arms, he leaned in for a taste of her lips. Sweet and shy response. He erased Carlos from her mouth. Only he would remain.
Her slender hands stroked his sides. Her touch tentative and unsure.
The veil of his long hair shielded their kiss from view. He ran his fangs over her swollen bottom lip and she shuddered. He loved how she responded to his touch. There were no lies in her reaction. For the first time in centuries, he was tempted to let another close to him. To give her his trust.
She was just too perfect.
He jerked away at the sudden thought.
Eyes closed, she followed him, lips pursed for more, and then she blinked her eyes open. “Okay.” She smiled sheepishly and smoothed his shirt. Her cheeks flamed, matching her hair, and it took every ounce of his will power to not bite her. Slide his hand past her waistband and touch her—
“I’ve fed. Let’s go.” She pushed past him, heading toward the exit.
He hung his head and took a cleansing breath. Like an imbecile, he let her go. If he claimed her, he would only hurt her. Everything he loved, he destroyed. He wasn’t much better than those he tried to protect her from. The monster she needed to stay away from the most was him.
She melded into the crowd but her hair was like a beacon. He wouldn’t lose her. Not that easily.
He followed. Weak and infatuated. She was doomed.
It didn’t take long to catch up. Where the crowds parted for him, Trixie was prone to getting stopped by men. He weaved his fingers with hers and stared down the man offering to buy her a drink. “She is taken.”
The human swallowed visibly and left mid-sentence.
“You need to teach me how to do that.” She squeezed his hand as he led her outside the club.
The night air was a cool balm on his skin. He would teach her many things. “Our destination is this way.”
It was late but the nature of the tattoo business meant late hours. A perfect job for a vampire. He had heard of Reckless. Their poor reputation preceded them. They needled anyone who just wandered in, sober or not. Like a heartsick shifter girl.
Poor Betty. He would right the wrong done to her. He’d burn that book then take Trixie home.
His home?
Not the nest. Not with Paulo and his hungry stares. Viktor had wanted to protect her from himself. Now… he could not imagine letting her go.
Still holding hands, they strolled down the sidewalk. Some restaurants were open and a few patrons moved along the street.
“Was Carlos inviting us for a threes
ome?”
“Does that shock you?”
She was silent for a moment. “Yes. I mean, he was so open about it.” She glanced quickly at his face. “Have you ever?”
He was not the sharing type. “No.” If he took a lover, they belonged to him and only him.
She looked so relieved he wanted to hug her. “He didn’t even know us and we’re vampires.” She sounded so adorably shocked. “Does he have a death wish?”
“Carlos knows me. I have used him as a donor before tonight. That is why I recognized him at the club.” It was sheer luck he had been there.
She bit her bottom lip. “Did I break some vampire etiquette by refusing his advances?”
His smile faded. “No.” He shrugged. “It is easier to feed if your human feels rewarded. Some want sex, others money or drugs—”
“I am not crossing any of those lines.” Her nostrils flared. “Well, except money. I’d pay to be fed, but my bank account is usually hollow.” She screwed up her face. “How much are we talking?”
“Don’t worry about cost. As your sire, I’ll cover your expenses.”
“Forever?” She snorted. “I’d rather you teach me how to feed myself than hand over cash.” She made a frustrated noise. “I don’t want to hunt. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
He chuckled. “Carlos didn’t look like he was in any pain.” The donor had enjoyed feeding them both. “You worry too much about the natural course of our kind.”
“I do?” She tossed her hands in the air. “What if in a hundred years from now I’m too broke to buy blood? Then what? I’d have to seduce someone. That’s not me. I don’t want it to become me.”
“You are worried about a hundred years from now?” He grabbed her fisted hands and kissed them open.
“I don’t want you to take care of me. I want you to show me how to care for myself.” She cupped his face. “I don’t want to end up—”
“Like me.” He sighed.
“I was going to say prostitute for blood, but hey, whatever floats your boat.” She smiled. It was so infectious he grinned back.
“What if I want to take care of you?”
Not His Vampire: Vampire Romance (Not This Series Book 3) Page 14