Cool fingers slip between mine. Her angelic voice floats down to me, “I’m here, Colton. You’re going to be all right. Can you hear me?”
I manage to squeeze once, letting her know that I heard her. I replay the events from the ship blow by graphic blow and wonder if that last voice, the one of the strange woman, could have been that of the vampire who saved our doomed asses.
I focus and finally blink my eyes open. The room is dim, the only light coming from a bathroom or closet off in the far corner. Strangely, I can see her perfectly in the near darkness. She’s sitting against my right hip, holding my hand.
In a feather light whisper, she smiles and greets me, “Hi. Welcome back.”
I struggle to get my throat to work. I feel like I’ve gone three full days of endless rounds with a gold belt heavyweight champ. After two attempts, I croak, “Hey.”
I have to know. “Am I ….”
She hesitates before answering in a halting voice, “Yes. There was no choice. Well, other than death.”
The shock hits me like a sucker punch and I turn my head away, not wanting her to witness my look of blatant shock.
“Are you angry? Colton, please look at me.”
I rasp, “Just give me a minute, will ya? This is a lot to fuckin’ process, all right?”
A new life. As a vampire. Holy fucking shit. How am I going to manage this?
Her touch is soothing as she runs her fingers lightly across my shoulder. “You’re right. It is overwhelming. You heal and take your time. You’re safe here. I won’t be far. If you call for me, I’ll hear you. I really should devote some time to planning with the others. Severin is very concerned about settling the score with the rest of Tristan’s conspirators, and then there’s the matter of the remaining wolves that they plan to use as weapons in the fight against us.”
She begins to leave and immediately I feel like a total dick.
“Wait.” I twist my head to look at her. “C’mere. Don’t go.”
She takes two steps then stops. “Are you sure? I understand if you’re angry.”
“Nah, not at you, never with you, my wildcat. Come back, sit with me.”
Strangely I feel my muscles and bones knitting back together, the traces of pain a nightmarish memory. I try pushing up on my hands and manage to scoot back to a sitting position. I’m beneath the covers with what feels like just my underwear on.
I glance down at my chest as she sits next to me again. “We had to cut your clothing off you. It was drenched.”
Odd silence hangs thick in the air between us until finally I sigh heavily and tell her, “I’m sorry.”
She flinches as if I’d just slapped her across the face. “Sorry? For what, Colton? You didn’t invite that attack or being turned.”
“No, I sure as hell didn’t, but it really fuckin’ bothers me that I wasn’t able to defend us, either.”
Her head moves back and forth. “There were too many of them. Victory wasn’t even a remote possibility. Few vampires could have taken on those odds.”
“I still can’t believe the power of that dickhead vampire. Crazy shit. Wait, there was a woman who came at the end, right? Or was I hallucinating?”
“Yes, you’re right. My maker Katerina saved us. We all thought she was dead.”
“So what happened?”
“Severin just traced her back from our place in Spain. She’s out in the kitchen with everyone now. We’re all pretty much in a state of shock as to why she chose to stage a nearly two-hundred-year-long vanishing act. She is a seer, something along the lines of a psychic. Turns out her visions included Severin and Calla taking down her nemesis Valdon on their own. It’s also no secret that she was growing exhausted by her crazy maker’s relentless attempts to possess and control her. She wanted to be certain that she didn’t interfere with fate in any way so she faked her own death. She loathed him with a passion that’s difficult to explain. Thankfully, Ambrose turned you before it was too late, and believe me, we were right down to the wire with your mortality.
“That’s some seriously heavy shit, wildcat. My head is swimming just trying to keep up. Wait, please tell me that I’m gonna get the opportunity to hunt down that shifty fucker Tristan, right? That asshole’s number is called.”
She leans in and drops a kiss on my forehead. “Sorry, cowboy, but Katerina arranged a lovely front row seat at sunrise for him on the rooftop of one of Savannah’s tallest buildings. According to Katerina, she watched in glee from the shadows of a stairwell and wants to return to the exact spot after sunset tonight to retrieve a sample of his ashes. She has a uniquely dark sense of humor and doesn’t take lightly to people disrespecting her family.”
“Good. He deserves to relive that shit on replay for a hundred years straight. Never wanted to get anyone opposite me in the ring as badly as I did that snake.”
“I’m relieved that’s he’s nothing but a memory now. I regret that I ever listened to his lies about Severin trying to control me. He was so conniving, even giving examples of how much stronger and independent I could be without Severin’s influence. It was all total bullshit. Look, it’s understandable that you would find this new life is bizarre and hard to comprehend, but seeing as we don’t age and are incredibly difficult to kill, you have an infinite number of years to unravel it all.”
“Infinite, huh? So long as we’re together, then that works for me.”
“Good, because I would never have been able to give you up, Colton. You’re absolutely the most tenacious, inscrutable and exceptionally gorgeous man I’ve ever met and you captured my heart that night you came to my rescue in Sub-Zero.”
“Shit, woman, I would’ve chased you down to the ends of the earth if it meant I’d get the chance to spend more time with you. Climb on up here. Need you closer to me. C’mere.”
The sexy little blue dress she’s changed into hikes up higher, putting her long silky legs on display as she straddles me.
“That’s it. Very nice. Now give me those lips. I’ve missed them, almost painfully to be honest.”
Her hair surrounds us as she hovers close, taking my face in both of her palms to whisper playfully, “We can’t have you in pain, cowboy. That’s not allowed.”
“Not at all.”
I’m silenced as her lips meet mine, and just like my enhanced vision, the sensation of our skin touching is noticeably heightened and a new level of strength begins to surge through my once ravaged body. She wastes no time speeding up the tempo. Her tongue pushes in, seeking, exploring ….
“Oh!”
She squeals in delight as I flip her beneath me, dropping my head down at an angle to take charge, branding her lips with a proprietary kiss. When we’re both nearly drunk on each other’s taste and scent, I pull back.
“Captured your heart, huh? I like that. A lot, in fact.”
Her eyes are gleaming as she nods slowly. The tender expression in them tells me all I need to know.
“Wildcat, I knew that I was falling hard for you the night you drove off on your cycle and I was left standin’ alone on my front porch like some lost puppy dog, my chest burning, wonderin’ if I’d ever be lucky enough to see you again.”
“Oh, Colton.”
“Hush.”
I slide my hand up under her hair, my fingers pressing against her soft neck, bringing her close until her right ear is brushing my lips. Quietly I tell her what I’ve wanted her to know for so long now. “I love you, Cosette. Always.”
Her fingertips trace my cheeks, and she covers my mouth with endless kisses, each one punctuated with five simple words said in the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard in my entire life, “I love you too, Colton.”
Chapter Fifteen
Two Months Later
Savannah
“Yo, Colton. You got the nail gun over there with you?”
Glancing down around my feet I tag it from the concrete floor with a, “Yup, right here.”
I walk it over the twenty or so feet and h
and it to Case, the massive vampire who definitely would have given me the shakes if I’d ever fought him as a human. He’s hunched down, doing some final tweaks on the base of one of the corner posts of the new boxing ring. He reaches back, his thick tribal tats snaking out from beneath the neckline of his shirt. He takes the tool from me, grunting his thanks.
After the transition into my new life I began thinking long and hard about what I wanted for my future. I decided to partner with Case and my human buddy Alex to purchase the rundown warehouse that I used to fight in illegally. It took about three weeks of grueling work and a wad of cash to get the thing up to code as a top notch training center where fighters could train, spar and hold legal fights. Case and I are silent partners, for obvious reasons, with Alex running the day-to-day activities—a task he is perfectly suited for. We’ve chosen not to reveal what we are to him, and as far as he knows, I’m either busy working on my house during the daylight hours or spendin’ time with my girl.
“Fierce ring,” Case says. “You gonna miss fightin’ in matches here?”
I shake my head. “Nah, I’m holdin’ out hope that I’ll run across another prime asshole of Tristan’s caliber one day. Then I’ll let loose.”
His voice is gravelly. “Yeah, those types always seem to show up outta nowhere to fuck around where they don’t belong. Just be patient. You’ll get that fight you’re craving, no doubt. Too bad the remainder of Tristan’s men and their wolves pulled a disappearing act before we could nail ’em. I’m guessing they’ll lay low if they have any brain cells. If not, you’ll get first dibs when they resurface. I’m sure word has spread about the slaughter that Katerina rained down on Tristan’s little empire. By the way, been meaning to ask, how’d your first couple of feedings go? Didn’t kill any humans, did you?”
I grin. “Nope. Cosette made certain that I had a clear idea of what the fuck I was doing before I ever went there. But shit, it was tempting to not stop, you know what I’m sayin’?”
“Fuck yeah, I do. It gets easier with time, though. You’ll learn to pace yourself. Good thing you have your head on straight. It’ll come in handy when you’re forced to make rapid-fire decisions.”
He does a once over of his work, and seemingly satisfied, stands and move closer to me, glancing over his shoulder at Cosette and Kiana, who are arranging a seating area in the nearby entryway. Quietly he says, “Glad you stepped in when you did. Severin was a fuckin’ wreck with the wedge that had been driven between him and Cosette. Couldn’t mention her name without him gettin’ all worked up. Thought those two would never get past their differences—both as stubborn as they come. You showing up really helped out with what seemed like a deadlocked situation. Just wanted you to know.”
“Appreciate it, Case. I’d do anything for her.”
“Yeah, and he knows it, too. We all do. Makes it easier with her living down here in Savannah. Tension is gone and that’s a good thing.”
“Glad to hear it. By the way, is Katerina still around? Haven’t heard much since I met her soon after I was turned.”
He shakes his head, a rare smile passing over his lips. “That’s one curious fucking female. She had a long private discussion with Severin and then, bam, took right off again. Guessin’ she’s got her own thing goin’ on somewhere else, and just made it a priority to step in when Cosette needed her. None of my business, but I’m sure she’ll show up again. She’s a badass, though, pretty much the only vampire I’d fuckin’ run from in a fight and that’s no lie.”
“Yeah, still puzzled how she took down all those guards along with Tristan without getting’ so much as a scratch. Crazy shit.”
Impatient, Kiana calls out, “Hey, babe. You promised that we’d check out that waterfront rooftop bar over at the Bohemian hotel before we headed back to Charleston tonight. You about ready to go?”
Case holds up his hand to Kiana. “Two seconds.”
I take the nail gun from him and lift my chin. “Thanks for helping out this weekend, appreciate it. You both get going. Heard there’s a good band playing up there tonight.”
“You two are coming along later, right?”
I grin deviously. “Not a chance. Have a little surprise planned.”
“Damn. Enough said.”
His large palm lands on my shoulder before he turns to stride out of the warehouse, Kiana drawn close to his side.
Cosette crosses the newly laid concrete floor. When she reaches the ring she leans forward on the lowest rope, looking up at me through sexy lashes with spectacular eyes that always seem to slay me. “So, did you finally come up with a name?”
I beam at her. “Yeah.”
“And …?”
“Central Training Center.”
“Like it, cowboy—clean and direct. The others are into it?”
“Yup. It was across the board our top choice.”
“The opening next Saturday night should be exciting. Especially with the fight you have scheduled. I’m sure it will be packed to the rafters in here.”
“Looking forward to it. Alex got the occupancy license we’ve been waiting on from the county so everything’s right on track.”
“Perfect. So, what else can I help out with? I assume there’s more work to do; otherwise we’d be with Kiana and Case, right?”
“Nope. Assumed wrong, my sexy wildcat. Climb on up here.” I reach down for her hand to help her as she ducks under the royal blue rope.
Those inquisitive eyes narrow suspiciously. “What are you—”
I cut her off with a hard kiss, gripping her waist and pulling her into me until our bodies are flush against each other. As our tongues begin to spar, I focus and trace us back to our house.
I can’t wait to see her reaction to what I have planned tonight.
***
We bounce twice on the plush bed and I let out a laugh against his lips, saying sexily, “Couldn’t wait any longer? You know, I’m beginning to worry about your insatiable sexual urges, cowboy.”
“You’ve nailed that sweetheart, ’cuz I’m definitely insatiable for that body you have going on. Mmm.”
He rolls us fast so I’m trapped like a butterfly by his formidable strength.
His gaze is piercing as he whispers down to me, “Reach into my back pocket.” He drops his head to nip my chin lightly with his teeth.
“Ooh, you know how I adore surprises! Now what have you done?” I eye him suspiciously.
With narrowed eyes, he calls my bluff, “Just look and see woman.”
I love it when he’s direct like this. I flash him a bright smile as my hand glides across his lower back, then farther down to his faded jeans until it passes over a small lump in his right pocket.
I eye him carefully, trying to see if he’ll give me any indication of what he’s up to. He’s his usual cool, collected self, but his stare is heated. Clearly he’s very interested in my reaction.
Using my thumb and index finger I reach in and slowly pull out the metal object. From the feel of it I’ve determined that it’s a ring, but when I lift my arm to bring it around his shoulder I gasp in astonishment.
“Colton, oh, It … it’s magnificent.”
I struggle to speak as I stare at the exquisite, Georgian-era vintage cocktail ring. The rectangular shaped center stone is a vibrant sapphire. I’m mesmerized by the lush cobalt hue that seems to catch prisms of light with the slightest movement of my fingers. It’s nestled between two pear-shaped diamonds whose points drop down along the shimmering gold band.
He clears his throat, “You like it?”
I drag my eyes away from the exquisitely crafted work of art to meet his. “Thank you, I absolutely love it. It’s the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen.”
He looks pleased. “Good. Wanted something from your time, you know, to be symbolic and all. It was important to me that you have something to remind you of our bond whenever we’re apart. Found an estate jewelry dealer online in Atlanta, had them keep an eye out for me. When they locate
d what I had in mind I arranged to have it shipped. Here, let’s see how it looks on you.”
He takes the ring and slowly slips it onto my finger. Dropping a kiss down onto the center of the stone, he murmurs, “Perfect fit.”
“Yes. Like us.”
“Exactly. I love you, Cosette. You own my entire heart and always will. You’re not someone I could ever have dreamed up or even hoped for.”
“You’re my world, Colton. I’d be so lost without you.”
“Hey, you’ll never be without me, babydoll, not ever.”
Licking my lips I whisper, “Let me show you how much you mean to me.”
His body instantly stiffens at my innuendo, his eager sex pressing urgently into the crevice of my parted legs. His eyes flash to black and even though I’ve seen it happen often now, the effect is still intoxicating, and dampness floods my core.
In a blur of motion he flips us again, and this time I’m straddling him.
His voice, as dark and seductive as midnight, drifts through the air between us. “Show me then.”
Oh, I intend to ….
I draw the seduction out, taking my time as I reach beneath his shirt, caressing the smooth muscles that jump and flex beneath my touch. He leans up a bit and pulls his shirt off. I hardly notice as the black T goes sailing through the air landing silently next to our bed. I drink in his impressive visage. The detailed black tattoos are equal parts menacing and sexy, worn by a vampire that backs them up perfectly. I can tell that he likes it when I stare at him because his mouth is parted and his imposing fangs have dropped. Just the thought of him thrusting them into me causes another wave of heat to rip straight through me. Wasting no time, I draw my dress over my head and toss it carelessly over my shoulder.
“Hmm. You wore that bra again. Too bad.”
I pull back, confused by his statement. “Too bad?”
He springs forward and lowers his tiger-like fangs down to my chest, and before I can react, rips the material apart in a savage display of lust.
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