Fingers, like steel claws, dug into her bicep and her stomach roiled in protest, making her nauseous. The stale taste of booze coated her mouth, and her nostrils were swamped by the stench of her attacker’s whiskey-soaked breath. He dragged her down the city sidewalk, and though she tried to fight, it was useless. Heavy and cumbersome from too much drinking, her limbs wouldn’t cooperate, and try as she might, she could not extricate herself from his grasp.
His name was Franklin and she vaguely recalled being excited to go on this date, but that was all Maya could remember. The summer air was thick and soupy and stuck to her bare arms like heavy layers of cobwebs. His face, carved with cruelty, looked particularly evil in the flickering shadows of the city streetlights. How could she not have seen the brutality he was capable of? What kind of woman had she been, to go out with someone like this?
Maya stumbled when her stiletto caught in a crack on the gum-stained sidewalk. Her ankle twisted painfully, making her cry out, and though she fell forward, her date yanked her to her feet and kept walking. They turned a corner and Maya pushed her long, blond hair out of her eyes, looking for someone, anyone who could help her. She was met with no response, and just like every time before, the streets around them were desolate. It was a wretched irony to remain unheard in a city that was brimming with people.
He grabbed her shoulders, pulled her close, and tried to kiss her, but Maya shook her head furiously in protest.
No, please take me home, Maya whimpered through trembling lips. Her hands found their way to his face, fingers rasping over his beard stubble. She attempted to keep his cruel mouth from hers, but he evaded her easily.
I bought you dinner and fed you drinks all fucking night. We both know where that leads. He spun her around and tried to kiss her again, but Maya continued to refuse.
No, she whimpered. I want to go home.
I don’t think so. On a growl of anger, Franklin started dragging her into the alley next to the club. I own your ass. Linking his arm around her waist, he laughed cruelly and pulled her into the dank, smelly corridor.
A wretched feeling of helplessness filled Maya. Her shoes were knocked off in the struggle, and the bottoms of her bare feet scraped over the rough pavement. She fought harder, because maybe, just maybe, this time would be different, but deep down Maya knew there was no escape.
A few seconds more and the worst of it would begin.
Franklin threw her against the stone wall of the building, knocking the wind out of her and making her see stars. He pressed her there, the bumpy surface biting painfully into her bare shoulders, while he fumbled and reached beneath the skirt of her strapless dress.
One hand curled around her neck, pressing the gold chain of her necklace into her skin, and Maya squeezed her eyes shut. She screamed and braced herself for the invasive, brutal onslaught she was about to experience. What usually came next didn’t happen. There was no teeth-clattering blow to the head or humiliating invasion. Instead, a low guttural growl filled the night, and at the same instant, the weight of Franklin’s unwelcome body was lifted from hers on a cool breeze.
Time stopped.
Eyes still closed, her body shivering uncontrollably, Maya listened to the exquisite silence. Franklin was gone…but she wasn’t alone.
Maya? The deep, familiar baritone rumbled around her gently. Are you alright?
Shane? His name escaped her lips on a shaky whisper edged with disbelief and confusion. Uncertain what was happening, and still afraid that Franklin might come back and continue what he’d started, she kept her eyes screwed shut. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, and she pressed herself against the wall, hoping and wishing she could simply disappear or wake up. What’s happening?
I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner, but you’ll have to forgive an old vampire for being a bit rusty in the dreamscape. Maya flinched as Shane’s large hand cradled her face with surprising tenderness. Her fingers trembled and she placed her hand over his, assuring herself that he was really there and she wasn’t imagining this entire experience. Sighing with relief, Maya curled her hand over his and pressed it further against her tearstained cheek. You are safe, youngling.
Finding her courage, Maya opened her eyes and found herself staring into the dark, intense gaze of Shane Quesada. Her brows knit with confusion because those were definitely the same eyes that had glared at her from the shadows the last time she relived this nightmare.
The line between his brows deepened and the sharp angles of his handsome, masculine face seemed even harsher than they did in the mortal plane. In spite of her situation, she wasn’t afraid of him. Even though he was a formidable warrior, the man had gentleness within him that she’d never seen until now.
His wavy, chestnut hair curled temptingly over the collar of the long, leather coat, and his square jaw was covered by that ever-present five-o’clock shadow. Those intense eyes stood out above all else, dark pools of brown, peering at her from beneath thick, furrowed brows. Maya shivered. It was like he saw past all of her mistakes, her bad choices, and her bullshit to the vulnerable part of herself that she never wanted anyone to see again. Her gut instinct was to run but she was too tired. Exhausted from fighting and running…just…tired.
Thank you, Maya whispered. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and a sob wracked her body. Shane gathered her into his arms and cradled her against the broad expanse of his chest. Weeping, Maya’s fingers curled around the lapels of his coat. Thank you for making it stop.
One strong arm linked around her waist, while his other hand cradled the back of her head, holding her while she cried. Shane said nothing, which was exactly what Maya needed. She didn’t need someone to tell her it was okay or that the pain would fade over time or some other load of crap. All she wanted was to be comforted, held, and cherished, to be allowed to weep and let it all out. He rocked her slowly in the shadow of the buildings, and Maya cried until she had nothing left.
Limp and exhausted, she sagged against Shane’s much larger form. When her sniffles subsided, she could swear the sound of the ocean was swirling around them. Calm and soothing, the gentle, lapping sound of waves washed over her. Swiping at her sore eyes, she lifted her head to look at Shane and was immediately distracted by their new surroundings.
They were no longer in the dark, dirty alley but standing on a white, sandy beach beneath a cloudless azure sky. Maya let out a sound of wonder, and her hand flew to her mouth in awe. They were in a stunningly exotic location, and the best part was the warmth of the bright yellow sun that blazed over them with balmy warmth. It didn’t burn. Letting out a laugh, she tilted her face to the beautiful tropical sky. Maya hadn’t thought she missed the sun—until now.
You did this? Maya looked around in awe. You made this place?
Yes, but my only regret was not being there sooner, Shane murmured, taking her hand in his and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Maya’s stomach fluttered when his lips brushed over her flesh with the gentlest of strokes, and he held her protectively in the shelter of his body. I can assure you that won’t happen again.
Wh-which part? Maya asked quietly. The nightmare…or you watching what happened?
Neither. Shane’s voice dropped to low, dangerous tones and his grip on her tightened. A look similar to shame washed over his face. You will never go through that again. It has been centuries since I walked in the dreamscape, and until last night, I never thought I would again. I didn’t even realize what was happening at first, and by the time I did…you were gone.
So you weren’t there the night it actually happened? You don’t think I deserved it? Maya asked in a barely audible voice. She closed her eyes, terrified at what the answer might be. That I asked for it?
What? Shane’s body tensed against hers. One strong finger brushed along the line of her jaw and settled under her chin. Maya, look at me. Maya bit her lip and steeled herself before opening her eyes and f
orcing herself to look at him. She was prepared to see anger, pity, disgust…but not kindness.
What that animal did to you was indefensible. I would never stand by and watch a woman victimized like that, human or vampire, and if I had been there that night—a growl rumbled in his chest—I would have eviscerated that piece of shit until there was nothing left but a dry husk.
Olivia beat you to it. Worried that he might vanish, Maya curled her fingers tighter around his coat and pulled him closer. She looked out at the blue, rippling ocean that stretched out endlessly before them. She doesn’t know that I know, but Trixie told me that Olivia killed him while I was in the transformation sleep.
I’m not surprised. Shane reached between them and took her hands in his before cradling them to his chest. Olivia is one of the most responsible makers I’ve encountered in my four centuries, and that’s saying something. I didn’t even get the pleasure of ripping his throat out in the dreamscape. The son of bitch vanished into thin air, but then again, it’s not really him, is it?
What do you mean? A feeling of dread crawled up Maya’s back as she turned her eyes to Shane’s.
Your nightmare is a ghost, a memory from your human life that you’re reliving again and again. Like you said, the man who did this to you is dead. Shane lifted one shoulder. The dreamscape is your creation.
Are you saying that I want to go through this? Anger flared hard and Maya shoved him away from her. To her surprise, he allowed her to slip out of his embrace, and the look on his face was one of acceptance and patience. You think that I am controlling what happens?
No, at least not intentionally. Shane’s voice was even and calm. He held his arms out and gestured to the beautiful tropical surroundings. Do you see where we are? It’s a far cry from the streets of Manhattan, wouldn’t you say? I thought this environment would be a better place for you to distance yourself from what happened. I may have been pulled into your dream last time, but this time the connection was far stronger and I was able to manipulate the dreamscape.
You mean that there’s a way to stop the nightmares? Tears pricked the back of her eyes again. I can make it stop for good?
Yes. Shane nodded and closed the distance between them. Taking Maya’s hands in his, he pulled her to him. At least, that is what I suspect. I think that the nightmare will continue until you are the one to eliminate your attacker.
Th-that’s impossible, Maya sputtered. I—I can’t.
You can, Shane insisted in a gentle tone. His fingers curled around hers and his thumb brushed over the top of her hand. You have far more control than you think you do, Maya. You crave it. I know that your desire for it drives you when you hunt. You are motivated by the need to dominate, to have power and maintain control over your body and your life. That is what feeds you, youngling. Let me show you, Maya. Let me show you where your true power lies.
He tugged her closer still, the hard planes of his body matching hers in all the right places. Maya’s stomach fluttered again, a feeling that reminded her of what it was like to be human—to be alive. He leaned close and kissed her cheek, his lips nuzzling her ear.
Yes, Maya whispered.
She allowed her body to lean into Shane, and her eyes fluttered while he trailed kisses down her throat. Her hands wandered up his chest and curled over his shoulders as he murmured seductive promises between kisses. When Shane pulled back, his hand cradled the back of her head gently and the look in his eyes made her wet. The long-forgotten feeling of lust and desire burned low and deep in Maya’s belly. The evidence of his need for her pressed against her insistently, which only made her want him more.
She couldn’t recall the last time she desired a man sexually or when the very idea didn’t scare the shit out of her. Staring into the dark, seemingly endless depths of Shane’s eyes, she felt the soul-stirring rumble of desire bubble up and spill over. Maya’s fangs erupted on a gasp, and a slow smile cracked Shane’s handsome face.
This is your dream, Maya. A growl rumbled in Shane’s chest and reverberated through her. He splayed his other hand across her lower back and his lip lifted, revealing his razor-sharp fangs. Tell me what you want.
Maya’s body tensed and she wrestled with actually asking for what she wanted. Unable to make herself utter the words, she simply acted. After all, this was a dreamscape—not reality—and according to Shane, she had all the control. Maya decided it was time to test that theory.
Popping up on her toes, with sand squishing deliciously beneath her feet, Maya threw a silent prayer to the universe, then retracted her fangs and brushed her lips against Shane’s. The kiss was gentle at first, tentative, and she sighed when his firm lips parted and she swept her tongue inside the welcoming cavern of his mouth. He tasted fresh and cool, and reminded Maya of New York City at its best.
Wild and dark.
Maya’s tongue touched Shane’s, making him groan with pleasure, and the kiss quickly grew in intensity. The desperate need to feel something other than fear burned Maya from the inside out. She tore her hands from his and tangled her fingers in his thick, wavy hair, sighing when the silky strands slid through her hands in such a familiar way, it was like she’d done it a thousand times before. His hands wandered up her arms and over her shoulders, and skimmed down her back. He finally settled them on her hips, gripping her, doing his best to keep some kind of distance between them, but it was no use. Maya couldn’t get close enough and doubted she ever would.
Breaking the kiss, Shane pressed his lips against her forehead and Maya closed her eyes. With her arms linked around his neck, she fiddled with the ends of his hair and rested her head against his chest, watching the waves lap gently at the shore. Maya smiled, noticing how easily her body fit with his. Every plane and curve seemed to go together with absolute ease; his body had been made just for her. She reveled in the safety of his embrace and the tranquility that surrounded them. It was as if they were the only two creatures in the universe.
It’s time to wake up, youngling. Shane’s voice rumbled in his chest and whispered through Maya’s body seductively. I can feel the sun beginning to set.
How can you tell? Maya leaned back and looked him in the eye. Is it because you’re so old?
Old? Shane laughed loudly and kissed the top of her head before brushing her hair off her shoulder. I suppose it is. With time, you’ll learn to recognize the rising and setting of the sun, but that is a lesson for another time.
Fine. Maya rolled her eyes and placed a kiss at the corner of his mouth. I do have a big night with my new job and everything. Shane’s expression grew dark. Relax, I’m just going to tend bar so your bodyguard job with the wolves should be super easy. It’s not like I have any plans to strip.
Now his eyes were downright stormy and she noticed that a bank of clouds swept in, swallowing the sun. She wondered if that was on purpose or a side effect of his emotions. She made a note to herself to ask the girls about this dreamscape stuff and see if anything like this happened to them before they stopped dreaming.
S-stripping? he sputtered. You will do no such thing. I forbid it.
Shane’s command slammed into her like a ton of bricks, sending anger and frustration up Maya’s back. She set her jaw, and in a flash she shoved at him, instantly extricating herself from his embrace. You forbid it? Fangs bared, eyes wild, she glared at Shane with outright fury.
I am your bloodmate, and it is my right. The words spilled out in a rush, and Shane looked almost as shocked that he’d said it as she did. You will not do it.
Your what? Maya took another step back while disbelief and confusion whipped through her like a tornado. Like Olivia and Doug? She shook her head and clutched the pendant. We are not bloodmates. No way.
How else do you explain the fact that I’ve been pulled into your dreams after not dreaming for more than three centuries? Shane folded his arms over his chest, and that calm, arrogant look settled over
his face once again. I will not have my bloodmate prancing around half naked in front of a pack of drooling wolves—or humans, for that matter. It’s unacceptable.
Oh, really? First of all, this whole dream thing could be a fluke. Hands on her hips, she closed the distance between them while Shane held his ground. Secondly, I don’t care who you are or who you think you are. You have no right to tell me what to do. She poked him in the chest with one finger, but he merely arched an eyebrow at her, which was even more infuriating. And if I want to take off all my clothes and go running through Times Square, then I’ll do it. You know why, Shane? Because it’s my life—not yours or anyone else’s.
You’re being silly. Shane smirked. We both know you’re not going to do any such thing.
You see, now that’s where you’re wrong. I may not remember much about my human life, she said in the sweetest tone she could muster, but I’ll tell you one thing: I do like to dance. So maybe I will give it a whirl on the dance floor at The Dollhouse, or maybe I’ll strip and dance through Times Square naked as a jaybird…but if I do…it will be my decision, Shane. Not yours.
Before Shane could say another word, Maya shot up into the sky. Whisking toward the horizon, she heard Shane’s deep voice, edged with sadness, rumbling around her.
Just because you can, Maya, doesn’t mean that you should.
Throwing on a pair of her favorite jeans, black knee-high boots, and a formfitting, red V-neck sweater, Maya got up and ready for the night in record time. Normally, she’d take her time and dither over what outfit to wear, but not tonight. She had no idea what Rat would want her to wear to tend bar, and the truth was, she didn’t even expect to work tonight. In all likelihood they would only talk about her schedule or something, but one thing was for sure—she would not be stripping. She had no intention of dancing at the club, but when Shane threw out an order, something inside her snapped.
Maya snagged a hairbrush off her dresser and ran it through her hair with furious strokes. Ever since she woke up, all she could think about was Shane and what had happened in the dreamscape. She’d never experienced such a roller coaster of emotions in such a short time.
Vampire Trouble Page 6