Aiden's Betrayal

by CT Nicholson

  Sleepy eyes watched her as his finger drew a path from her lips past her neck, between her breasts, then lower to her belly. He drew enticing circles along her stomach, grazing the top of her panties.

  Elle couldn't believe she could be aroused after the night they’d suffered. A picture of the wound filled her mind. He'd had a lot of blood covering his back. She lifted the covers and explored his stomach. Smooth. Forcing him to flip over, she found nothing there.

  “How? I saw the blood.” She looked at him, waiting.

  “It wasn't mine.” His voice wavered.

  He lied. She could see deception in his silver gaze. Her happiness shattered. What else was he lying about?

  Elle jumped out of bed and backed away from him. How could she be so stupid?

  His brows scrunched with confusion. “Elle, what’s wrong?”

  Damn it. Her name leaving his lips caused her body to react and she felt a pull to go back to him. He wasn't human yet her body wanted him. She couldn't be wrong about him. She’d seen the wound and she’d seen him holding the vampire with one hand.

  “You...” She took a deep breath. “You killed my parents. My sister.”

  “I didn't kill them, Elle. You're mistaken. I would never do anything to harm you or your loved ones.” He stood slowly and held his arms up in surrender.

  “You didn't, but your kind did.” Her heart hammered in her chest and her lungs labored. He planned to kill her.

  Memories of that horrid night took over.

  Grounded for being ten minutes past curfew. She had been seventeen, nearly an adult. But to her parents, she was the child they still sat down and lectured every time she screwed up. The end of the lecture always ended with them telling her one day she’d thank them. Yeah, right!

  After sneaking out, she'd been forced to sneak in the back door on her tiptoes. She remembered praying her parents didn't wake up as she crept. Then she saw him.

  Eyes a wild blood red, he looked crazed. His arms, nearly bone, held her mom’s lifeless body.

  Elle backed away, crying out when she tripped over her dad's limp form.

  The creature grinned at her with his blood-covered mouth, fangs protruding from his lips.

  Swiping away the tears blurring her vision, Elle scooted backward needing to get away.

  Anna.

  If anything happened to her sister—bony hands gripped her throat and held her inches above the ground. He licked her exposed neck.

  Her heart pounded in her ears. She knew she had no way to escape and her life would end.

  Chapter Ten

  Fucking fantastic. The one woman Aiden showed any interest in since his Luciana, and she turned out to be terrified of vampires. He would have much rather she had no clue they existed. But no, why would his life have to be easy? Where would the fun be in easy?

  If vampires frightened Elle, Aiden has certainly brought her to the wrong damn place. A lot of vampires lived at Sanctuary including one mate and Prince Julian.

  Aiden inched toward Elle slowly, hating the tears he saw streaming down her cheeks. The fear in her eyes made his chest ache. “I’m sorry about your family.”

  The murders his kind had committed caused them all shame. Even after losing his mate, he never understood the need to turn rogue. In fact, Aiden made a vow with Nicolas that if Aiden grew close to turning, Nicolas would execute him. The same went with Nicolas. Only time would tell if Nicolas would live up to his promise.

  Shaking her head, Elle stepped back until she hit the TV stand. “I should be dead. No one believed me when I said it was a-a... vampire.”

  The fear lacing her tone caused Aiden’s chest to ache. He wanted nothing more than to hold her and wipe the tears away.

  “Look at me, Elle. Remember what you felt last night? What we felt? That’s what’s real at this moment. I’m not who you think I am.” He held his hands up hoping to show his innocence.

  Her hand came up also but she was holding his lamp, which shattered against his head as his fangs exploded from his gums in response and she screamed. He had no time to stop her before she ran out the door.

  Bare feet slapped the floor down the hall followed by more screaming. Elle found another Guardian, probably Drake or Ethan since the others would still be out looking for Nicolas.

  Aiden stomped out the door full of rage. His race deserved her fear given the tragedy of her family. He felt anger for putting her into such a crappy situation in the first place. His luck with women should've kept him at bay.

  “Put me down!” Elle screamed.

  Yep, she found Drake. Ethan wouldn’t have touched her, which would've been a smart move, since Aiden planned on killing Drake now. When he rounded the corner, Aiden saw Elle kicking and squirming in Drake’s arms.

  Aiden grabbed Elle’s kicking body and sat her down behind him before he took the first swing as fist smacked against jaw. Drake recoiled from the punch in shock before swinging one of his own.

  “What the fuck is your problem? I just stopped her from running out the front door and you decide to go all 'Fight Club' on me.” Drake's nostrils flared as he stood toe to toe with Aiden, ready to throw another punch.

  Aiden didn’t like the thought of any man touching her. Glancing back he saw Elle crouched in the corner, her face pale and eyes wide with shock.

  “Hey! What are you two doing to this poor girl?” Jodi shoved them both to the side to squat in front of Elle. “Look, don’t take it personal. They can all be brutes at one point or another. Usually all of the time, but who’s counting.” She shot a smile at Aiden and Drake.

  Aiden couldn’t stop his smile. Jodi had a way of making a person smile, even in the worst moments. Ethan, her mate, had a way of pissing everyone off he was so damn happy all the time. A mate would do that to a vampire. In fact, a mate could also destroy a vampire.

  With a finger pointed at him, Elle never dropped her gaze as she spoke to Jodi. “They’re vampires. W-w-we need to get out of here.”

  Jodi only smiled at her. “They aren’t so bad—”

  When Elle grabbed Jodi’s shoulders, Drake rushed forward but Aiden shoved him into the wall before he could touch her again. “Stop! She’s mortal. She can’t hurt Jodi.”

  He understood Drake’s need to protect their women, but he didn’t want Elle hurt in the process.

  “They’re bad. My parents and sister were killed by a vampire. I’m not going to be next. They’ve got you brainwashed.” Tears streamed down Elle’s face and her lip quivered.

  One step forward and her gaze shot back to his. Damn it, he wanted to comfort her, but how could he when he caused her such fear. He clinched his fist to keep from stomping over to her and hauling her back to his room to show her just how good he could be.

  Jodi wrapped her arms around Elle. “Guys, you need to leave now.”

  They both widened their stances and crossed their arms and she turned her angry stare on them.

  She spoke to Aiden first. “Look, I’m not going to hurt her. You know that.” Then she turned to Drake. “And she’s not going to hurt me, so get the hell out.”

  With that she turned back to Elle. Drake shrugged his shoulders and both of them left reluctantly.

  “How about a work out?” Drake turned toward the training room.

  He moved over to the wall holding different weapons and grabbed two training daggers mimicking his own. Drake grabbed his own training sword, a dulled out replica of the classic Viking sword he fought with.

  Aiden swung first and the workout began.

  ****

  Astonished at how the girl just told the vampires to leave and they listened, Elle opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t. The girl squatting before her had long blonde hair, red lips, and pale skin. Her lashes were thick and long, covering her silver eyes.

  The girl had to be a vampire, too. Elle sat on the floor waiting for the demonic vampire chick to drink her dry. What else could she do but beg?

  “Please let me go. I won’t
tell anyone about any of you or this place.” Elle blinked back tears.

  The vampire's head tilted as concern filled her eyes.

  “I can’t let you go out with a rogue hunting you. We won’t hurt you.” She grabbed Elle’s hand. “Aiden told us what happened at your home. I’m sorry you were dragged into this situation.”

  Elle froze. She had to be lying. Her parent’s lifeless bodies, never seeing her sister again. It all flashed through her mind. Something had to be done quickly or she’d never escape. But the girl seemed so kind.

  “Okay.” She stood up and wobbled on her feet, falling into the vampire. “Excuse me, I haven’t eaten in a while.”

  “Of course you’re hungry. Let’s go back to Aiden’s room and I’ll get you something.” Blonde hair nearly hit Elle in the face as the vampire whipped around and dragged her along. “By the way, I’m Jodi. You’re Elle, right?”

  Elle only nodded at first before realizing Jodi didn’t look at her as they traveled down the long corridor. “Yes.”

  A shiver went down her spine when she entered the room once again. Looking down, she realized she was practically naked. “I need my clothes and a phone. I own a business. I only had two couples scheduled this time of year, but they’ll need to make other arrangements.”

  Jodi bit her lip. Hesitating at first, she finally nodded. “I’ll get one for you. We don’t want any humans to get hurt. Your clothes were ruined, though. I’ve got something that should fit you.”

  Elle laughed at that. “You’re funny. We may be the same height, but I’m at least three sizes bigger than you.”

  She had no chance of getting Jodi's pants past her thighs.

  “You have curves that I dream about. Don’t worry. You just need something comfortable until this all blows over. I’ll be right back so don’t go anywhere.” Jodi left the room in a hurry.

  Elle almost felt bad for deceiving the vampire. Almost. Glancing around, Elle spotted the closet. He had to have something she could wear. Grabbing the first t-shirt she saw, she pulled the thin cloth over her head and the shirt fell past her knees. His shoes wouldn't work so she pulled on his large socks instead. She looked like a dumb ass, but the makeshift outfit would have to do.

  Opening the door, she peeked out to make sure no one was standing guard. She ran down the hall trying to ignore the historical structure surrounding her. Trying to open the doors, she started to waiver as all of them ended up being locked. When one finally clicked, she moved in quietly, searching for any life inside.

  At first she didn’t see anything until the sound of steel clanging together stopped her. Then she saw them. Aiden and the one who stopped her from escaping were fighting each other in leisurely movements, which made her breath quicken. They looked magnificent as their muscles bunched and strained with every swing and dodge.

  Her eyes strayed to Aiden with his hair clinging to his face, sweat sliding down his body, his face gleaming with excitement. Wow!? She needed to get out before they changed her into one of them.

  Turning around, she tiptoed toward the door and tripped. With no time to stop the fall, her head cracked against the cement floor as steel clattered. Then Aiden was standing over her, tall and handsome with worry lines etched across his forehead. He’s a vampire. She needed to repeat those words before she fell for him all over again.

  “What are you doing?”

  She could barely hear Aiden with the ringing in her ears, but she didn’t miss the anger in his voice. Why was he angry? When she started to speak, he shook his head and he became blurry as her eyes filled with tears.

  “Aiden, I’m sorry. I thought she came around so I went to get some clothes and—.”

  “Not now, Jodi. Just go get me some ice.” Aiden didn’t wait for a reply as he picked Elle up and carried her out.

  Everything seemed to be spinning around her as he moved rapidly through the halls. Head throbbing, eyes burning, she could only think about his shirtless, muscular chest pressed against her. She turned her cheek closer against him.

  “Mmm.” She didn’t realize she made the noise aloud until his low, gratifying growl vibrated against her cheek. She had to have a concussion. Why else would she be playing with fire knowing how hot it burned?

  “Please stop rubbing against me like that or you’ll be in trouble though I’m positive you’ll enjoy the consequences.” Silver eyes darkened and his lips lifted into a sinful grin. “I’m already pissed you’ve harmed yourself.”

  “Why do you care if I’m hurt?”

  He looked at her like she was nuts. “I do care.”

  “But you’re a vampire. I can’t be with a vampire after my parents...” A sob escaped her throat before she could force it back. “I’m so confused.”

  Inside the immaculate room, Aiden laid her on the king size bed. His callused hands brushed tears from her cheeks before speaking again. “I’ll explain everything if you’ll let me, but first I need Ethan to check to make sure you’re alright. He’s not a doctor but he’s the best first aid we have.”

  As if waiting to be called, another vampire she didn’t recognize burst through the door. A little shorter than Aiden, the new vampire still had shoulders as large as Aiden's.

  “How is she?” The vampire she assumed to be Ethan stepped beside the bed with a bag of ice. “Man, that’s a nasty gash.”

  Self-consciously she grabbed at her head. Did the injury look that bad? Wincing, she pulled her hand back to see blood covering her skin.

  Ethan checked her pupils and bandaged her up before walking over toward the door with Aiden. Elle jumped when he slammed Aiden against the wall, his friendly face turning to ice as he glared at his friend.

  “The next time you yell at my mate, you’re going to know what it feels like to have my boot up your fucking ass.” Ethan stepped away from Aiden to glance at Elle. “She’ll be fine. Keep an eye on her for any signs of a concussion. I’ll be back to check again later.”

  Before Ethan made his way out the door, Aiden grabbed his arm. “I’m sorry. Will you tell Jodi?”

  “You can tell her yourself. She’s going to be mad that I said anything. She begged me not to do anything crazy because she thinks it’s her fault. I didn’t kill you so I guess I did okay.” The smile was back on Ethan’s face before he stepped out the door.

  Relief filled her until regret took over. “It wasn’t her fault.”

  “What?” Aiden moved toward her.

  “I tricked Jodi into leaving me alone. Tell her it wasn’t her fault so she won’t blame herself.” Elle didn't want the poor girl to be upset because of stupidity on her part.

  “Don’t worry about it. I lost my temper seeing you sprawled on the floor with blood on your head. Yelling at her was wrong and I’ll make sure she knows. But right now I’m going to explain to you the difference between what I am and what a rogue is.” The bed creaked as he sat on the edge facing her.

  “I’m a vampire. Your family lost their lives tragically, but it wasn’t us who killed them. Some vampires thrive on killing humans and taking lives causes them to turn rogue. Most of the time it’s older and unmated vampires who lose control after living life alone for so long. They bore of their existence and take a human life then find they can’t stop. They thirst for blood.”

  “When a vampire first turns rogue, they can sometimes hide the symptoms. But after so many kills, their eyes change and their teeth start to rot along with their body. Like the ones we encountered at your house.” He turned away.

  She knew he was keeping something from her but she wouldn’t pry just yet. Forcing away her fear, she placed her hand over his heart and his warm skin tensed under her touch. “Your heart beats and you're warm.” He nodded. “How do I know you’re not a newly turned rogue?”

  A smile spread across his face as his hand held hers in place. “You’ll have to trust me. You know before I met you, nothing interested me except my work. Now I can’t seem to think of anything but you. More than anything, I can only th
ink about getting you naked on this bed and showing you just how good a vampire I can be.”

  When she swiped her tongue across her lips, Aiden growled and dove in. Elle jumped at his sudden movement before opening her arms for him. With his lips and teeth teasing hers, Elle fell back, dragging him with her. But Aiden didn’t stay. Thundering boots and men cursing outside the door had Aiden up and fleeing the room before Elle could process what was happening.

  Chapter Eleven

  “That fucking son of a bitch!” The new vampire's words came out more like a growl.

  Elle plastered herself against the wall and prayed to become invisible. Vampires filled the room one at a time and she started to hyperventilate. Aiden stood on the other side, too far away to help her. Aiden clearly didn’t realize she’d followed, which she could understand since the vampire on the table with a dagger hanging from his gut had everyone’s attention.

  “Calm down, Gregory.” Ethan spoke as he gripped the dagger and pulled.

  Elle kept her eyes on Gregory’s face. His mouth drew tight and his eyes stayed closed. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, causing his wavy black hair to stick to his face.

  Questions exploded around the room once they had the dagger out of the vampire's chest and the bleeding slowed.

  “Who did this?” Ethan asked.

  “Did you kill the son of a bitch?” The vampire with the Mohawk, and the one who’d stopped her from escaping, yelled over the others.

  “How did anyone get close enough to stab you?” Another vampire she hadn’t seen before spoke this time.

  Aiden grabbed the dagger from Ethan. “This is Nicolas’s dagger.” His cold gaze jerked up to look at Gregory. “Did he do this?”

  She liked his heated look better than the one he gave Gregory. If only they hadn’t been interrupted, they’d be intertwined in each other and his eyes wouldn't look so cold. Gregory’s yell brought her back to the overcrowded room.