Viktor

by Teresa Gabelman

  Following Sasha into the large room, her eyes automatically fell on Viktor. Across the room, he stood leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. They stared at each other for a second before his eyes lowered, then narrowed as they ran down her body. Her heart pounded, sweat beaded between her breasts as her stomach tightened painfully. His eyes raised back to hers and if she read them correctly, they were filled with desire. Her legs wobbled as she quickly glanced away from him. What the man could do with just a look was terrifying. No doubt about it. Yet the excitement racing through her from being desired by a man like him was overwhelming.

  “Wow.” Dexter was staring at Lacey. “I’m going to have to warn the guys to keep an eye on you tonight.”

  Lacey rolled her eyes at him. “I seriously doubt you need to do that.” Lacey noticed there was plenty of other men in the room. Honestly, the only one she had seen when first entering was Viktor. Now she realized the room was packed full of staring vampires, all focused on her. They were all gorgeous and huge.

  “I want those boots.” A woman stepped forward, Jill if Lacey wasn’t mistaken. She was beautiful with her hair tipped in a vibrant blue.

  “We can use another girl on the floor.” Sasha grinned with the invitation. “I told ya that last night.”

  “Hell no,” a large, familiar-looking man growled.

  “I’m Jill if I didn’t introduce myself last night.” She grinned, then nodded toward a very tall and handsome vampire. “Ignore him.”

  “Jill, shut the fuck up before you really need that job.” A man, older than the rest, stepped forward. “Is she the one?”

  Lacey stepped back, glancing at Viktor who remained in his laid-back pose, giving her a weird sense of security, then back at the man who just spoke. “The one what?”

  “Lacey, we need to see something from two nights ago.” Dexter led her over to the computer. “King isn’t familiar with the program enough to do it, and we were hoping you could.”

  “No problem.” Lacey was eager to do anything to get out of the room. Viktor continued his narrowed-eye stare, making her nervous. She remained standing as she began working. She bent slightly over and heard a loud growl, then a presence close behind her. She glanced around to see Viktor standing directly behind her.

  “You forgot the bend-at-the-knee rule,” Sasha whispered next to her.

  Her cheeks got so hot she knew they were beet red. She’d just showed her ass to a room full of sexy vampires. Slowly, her eyes met Sasha, who gave her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “It’s okay,” she whispered again. “We’ve all had it happen. Maybe not in a room full of men looking your way, but it’s happened.”

  “Kill me now,” Lacey whispered back, not considering every vampire in the room could hear their conversation. It was the snort from one of the vampires that reminded her of their super hearing. She refocused quickly on the computer, mortified.

  “Nah, it’s all good.” Sasha grinned at her. “We need you too bad on the floor.”

  Lacey squeezed her eyes shut in horrific embarrassment then pulled her little miniskirt up—not her big-girl panties since she was wearing a thong—and did the job they were waiting for her to do.

  Chapter 13

  Viktor stood waiting for Lacey, anxious to see her again. Sloan and Dexter talked as everyone else stood around waiting. His eyes scanned the monitors. It was a Friday night, and the place was already crowded. He knew he had no rights to Lacey at all, but her working here bothered him.

  “Have you been having issues here lately?” Sloan was asking Dexter. Viktor listened closely to that conversation, needing to know exactly what Lacey would be facing when he wasn’t here to protect her.

  “Some, but nothing my guys can’t handle,” Dexter replied, then frowned. “My men at the front door are pretty good judges of character and profile who comes in and out. May not be the politically correct way to go about it, but seems to work for us.”

  “It’s been a while since I’ve been here.” Sloan glanced at the monitors. “I haven’t been getting many reports about the place, so you seem to have everything managed.”

  “I try to run a respectful business, but there are going to be times someone is going to want to ruin the fun.” Dexter glanced at his watch. “And I know if my guys can’t handle it, we can call you in.”

  “Absolutely,” Sloan agreed just as someone gave a quick knock on the door.

  Viktor’s full attention went to the door just as Sasha walked in followed by... Lacey. “Fuck!”

  “You say something, brother?” Bishop chuckled beside him.

  He couldn’t have responded if his life depended on it. His eyes left hers and fell on the black piece of cloth covering her tits, barely. His fist tightened even though his arms were crossed. Her stomach was flat, but her hips were full and curved, just right for someone... fuck someone... him to hold onto while taking her sweet body from behind. The miniskirt was way too short, and if she turned around, he hoped to hell he wouldn’t see any ass cheek. Not that he wouldn’t love to see that, but no one else would be witness to it. Finally, his eyes fell to her legs, at least what showed of them. And those boots. Yeah, the boots would definitely stay on as he fucked her. Nothing else, but those sexy boots would be on her body.

  Their eyes met again, but she quickly looked away. People were talking, she was talking, but the roaring in his ears and cock prevented him from understanding a single word anyone said. He was damn glad he wore his long coat that covered his raging hard-on. She turned and went to the computer. Reaching over, she bent slightly just as his eyes went to her ass. The bottom of her bare ass played peek-a-boo, and he about went off the rails. With a growl, he pushed his way toward her, then stood directly behind her. He knew if he didn’t contain and control himself, he would be turning at each motherfucker in the room saying mine.

  She glanced over her shoulder, and their eyes met. Sasha whispered something to her, but he didn’t pay attention. He was doing his best not to push her down on the table to take her from behind in front of everyone. Yeah, that was his alpha primal instinct. Thankfully for her, he had damn good control.

  Viktor focused on what she was doing on the computer instead of what he wanted to be doing to her on the computer. His cock beat against his pants as if it knew the prize it sought was just inches away.

  “Do you have an idea what time of day I’m looking for?” Lacey asked Sasha. Viktor didn’t miss the shakiness in her voice.

  “Try around nine, and it would be that camera there.” Sasha pointed at the monitors that showed the end of the bar.

  Everyone stared at the monitor—other than Viktor. He continued to watch Lacey work on the computer. He was impressed. She maneuvered her way through the program with quickness and ease.

  “Okay, I’m going to go frame by frame starting at eight thirty, and then slow down closer to nine.” She turned to Dexter. “If you don’t mind me suggesting, I think you should consider buying one large monitor for cases like this. It would be much easier to spot something.”

  “Consider it done.” Dexter gave her a nod, then looked back at the monitor.

  After a few minutes, Sasha leaned closer to the monitor. “Stop.” She then moved around Viktor to get closer. “Go forward a few more.”

  Lacey did, and Viktor watched as a man came into view. “Is that him?”

  “Yep, that’s him, and Michelle.” Sasha pointed. “Anyone know him?”

  “No.” Bonnie walked up and stood next to Sasha. “But I know her, and her name isn’t Michelle.”

  “Really?” Sasha frowned, then glanced over at Bonnie. “What is it then?”

  Everyone stared at the monitor as Lacey worked to bring it into focus, and larger. As she did that, she continued to click it frame by frame. As if watching an old picture show, the woman’s eyes went to the camera and then frame by frame, she grinned with a wink.

  “Jezebeth,” Bonnie whispered, taking a step back. “Demon of falsehoods. Something isn’t right
.”

  “What do you mean?” Sloan asked, his tone not happy at all as he stared at the monitor.

  “She shouldn’t be here.” Bishop answered for her.

  Viktor glanced at Bishop. He knew exactly who and what Jezebeth was. This was bad, real bad and yet he wasn’t surprised. “But it makes sense.”

  “What do you mean? None of this shit makes sense,” Jared growled, glaring at Viktor. “I’m really missing the days when we were all still in hiding, living on the outside of humanity.”

  “It would have happened anyway. It has been written for a long time that a greater power will overtake the world and rule. Now it’s a race to see who that power is going to be,” Bonnie said, her eyes still focused on the woman. “And what he means by making sense is that not only is Jezebeth the demon of falsehoods, but she also prays on the weak and enraged humans, adding chaos to an already out-of-control situation.”

  “She’s not working alone,” Bishop added, his brows dipping. “Can’t be.”

  “Orjyll?” Sid spoke up, but even his tone didn’t sound confident that he may be the bad guy.

  “I hate to say it, but I think Orjyll is the least of your worries,” Bonnie said and shook her head. “Still the Grails’ biggest enemy. But no, something more is going on here.”

  “I’m sorry, but am I the only one freaking out here?” Lacey stopped working long enough to look around. “I mean demons, great powers taking over the world?”

  “Nope, pretty normal.” Bonnie shrugged, then gave Lacey a half grin. “Welcome to our world.”

  “Just another day,” Sid replied with a nod. “Always someone wanting to take over the universe. Unfortunately, it’s always an asshole. We just don’t like humans knowing about it because they tend to lose their shit, run around screaming in the streets.”

  Viktor watched Lacey’s reaction, realizing she was definitely as far from his world as one could get, but did that bother him? His eyes roamed down her body, then back up. At the moment, no, it didn’t. Was that selfish? Probably. But admittedly he was thinking with his dick. Once he was away from her, he would fully and rationally consider the consequences of that question.

  “I want everyone at the compound after your rounds,” Sloan ordered, his tone angry. “I’m going to make some phone calls.”

  Everyone watched as Sloan thanked Dexter, then slammed out of the room. As soon as all the Warriors filed out, Bonnie pulled Bishop and Viktor toward the back of the room.

  “None of the Seven have been on earth for thousands of years,” Bonnie whispered, her eyes wide as she stared up at both of them.

  Viktor knew exactly what she was talking about. The Seven were known as the evilest and most dangerous demons.

  “If one is here, where are the other six?” Bonnie continued, glancing around to make sure no one could hear them. “I have some contacts I can try to talk to. It won’t be pleasant because I hate dark magic, but we have to know.”

  “How did you know it was her?” Bishop frowned down at Bonnie.

  Viktor wondered the same thing. Most demons took different forms when on earth. “Yeah, how did you know?”

  “That’s a question I’m not going to answer,” Bonnie replied as a shadow passed across her eyes. “You just have to trust me. It’s her. Or don’t trust me and pay the price.”

  Viktor nodded, realizing they didn’t have a choice. Witches were the only beings who had insight into the demons. Even the “light” witches knew everything there was to know about them; they just didn’t work for them or worship as dark witches did.

  Turning as Bishop and Bonnie left, he saw that Lacey was also gone. “Dammit.” He headed out to the club, giving Dexter a nod as he left. He definitely wasn’t going to let Lacey work at the Red Dragon for the first time without him watching over her. He dared anyone to lay a finger on her. Checking his weapons, he walked into the club, his eyes instantly finding her. Following Sasha out into the crowd, she carried a tray, loaded down with drinks, up by her head. His eyes automatically went to make sure her ass was covered. It was. They lowered to those fuck-me boots, and his cock stirred again.

  It was going to be a really long and uncomfortable night.

  Chapter 14

  Lacey was only half paying attention to Sasha as she followed her around. It wasn’t that she didn’t care, but she knew this job and could do it. It only took one round on the floor to find out how the workers and bartenders worked together. Other than that, it was the same thing she had done for years.

  Her mind was on what she had heard while staring at the beautiful woman on the monitor. Vampires took her a while to get used to. Shifters, she didn’t know any but was aware they were out there. But demons were a whole different story. She believed in heaven and hell; but as with vampires, they were just stories. Just beliefs in one’s mind. In her mind.

  “Okay, you think you got this?” Sasha asked over the pounding music as they stood at the bar.

  “Yeah, I’m good. If I have any questions, I’ll hunt you down.” Lacey gave her a smile before heading toward her tables. Seeing a guy waving her down, she walked that way. “Hey, guys!”

  “You new?” the man asked, looking around. “This is usually Sasha’s table.”

  “Yeah, she’s training me, but I can get her if you’d rather have her wait on you?” Lacey tried to keep the disappointment from her voice. She did understand how regulars were—she had a few herself at the Gypsy Tavern.

  “No, that’s fine.” He gave her a nod. “Just get us a round of beers and add a pitcher.”

  “Will do.” Lacey smiled, giving a quick count of six. “I’m Lacey. Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be right back.”

  The night continued the same way. Everyone asking about Sasha, but Lacey made sure she took really good care of Sasha’s regulars. As she headed toward the bar for another order, someone bumped into her, knocking her sideways. She stumbled but caught herself.

  “Watch it, bitch!” a young woman, obviously way too drunk, slurred at her. “You think you’re something, don’t you? My man’s been looking at your ass all night.”

  Lacey gave her a sideways look, but took the high road and ignored her as she continued toward the bar. Sasha was there watching the whole thing.

  “You don’t have to take shit,” Sasha said as she arranged drinks on her tray. “A lot of horny men and jealous bitches.”

  Before Lacey could say anything, her head snapped back as pain exploded in her scalp.

  “I’m talking to you, slut!” the same woman’s voice screamed.

  Without thinking, Lacey whipped around, smacking the woman in the face with her tray. The grip in her hair loosened as the woman fell back, landing on her ass. Her friends cursed but eyed her and Sasha before security rushed over, escorting the woman and her friends out of the club.

  “Yeah, you’ll fit in quite well here.” Sasha gave her a high five as she took her tray filled with drinks and disappeared in the crowd.

  “You okay?” Sig the bartender asked as he got her drinks.

  “I’m fine.” Lacey chuckled then touched the back of her head. “Bald maybe, but fine.”

  “Nice hit.” He winked at her before he turned to fill more drinks.

  Lacey grabbed her tray and continued on with her night. It was definitely a different atmosphere than she was used to, but she liked it. Well, not the hair pulling crazy bitches, but she liked keeping busy.

  Soon it was the last call and her legs, especially her knees, welcomed the end of her night. Sasha was right. Many men dropped her tip hoping she would bend at the waist so they could see her ass. If they only knew how hard it was to bend at the knees with high heels and a tight miniskirt they would... hell, what was she thinking? They were men. They didn’t care as long as they saw some ass.

  After the club emptied, she started to clean up, but Sasha stopped. “Hey, our night is done.” Sasha took the rag Lacey was going to use to clean the tables from her. “Dexter has a cleanup c
rew. You can thank me for that.”

  “I thank you. My feet and knees thank you, as well as my back thanks you.” Lacey sighed, stretching out her back. “So I’m free to go?”

  “You are free to go.” Sasha chuckled. “Just grab your stuff and take the uniform with you. It’s yours to take care of.”

  Lacey rushed to the back, grabbed her phone and clothes out of her locker. Opening her Uber app, she requested a ride. She got a response right away saying it would arrive in three minutes. Holy crap. Figuring she was going straight home, and with only three minutes to spare, she decided not to change and hurried out.

  “Hey, Lacey,” Sig called out. “Dexter left your schedule here.”

  “Oh, thanks.” Lacey grabbed it, then glanced at her phone. “Gotta go. My Uber is here.”

  “Wait and someone can walk you out.” Sig tried to stop her.

  “I’m good.” Lacey waved him off with a smile. “Have a good night.”

  Once down the long hallway toward the front entrance, she stepped outside toward the car but stopped when three men stepped in her path.

  “Excuse me.” She tried to step around them, but the tallest one blocked her.

  “You caused me some problems tonight,” he said, his eyes roaming up and down her body. “My girl is mad at me.”

  Lacey realized who he was talking about. “Please move.”

  “I think you owe me.” He swayed, and she knew he was drunk.

  “Why don’t you take my Uber and go see your girl?” Lacey offered, trying to diffuse the situation. There were a few people around, but almost everyone had left.

  “She’s passed out in the car.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “But I’ll take you up on the Uber as long as you climb in there with me and suck my dick. It’s the least you can do.”