“Thank you, Nelly. This is my friend, Emily. She will be staying with us for a while, please make sure she gets anything she needs. We had to leave her home in a rush so she might need quite a few things to make her stay comfortable.”
She turned to me and took my hands in hers, which were pleasantly warm. She reminded me of a grandmother I never had. I don’t know if it was from all the adrenalin of the day or I was just crazy but I started tearing up.
“Oh, dear, please, sweet heart, come here.” She pulled me into a hug and it was so comforting, I didn’t want to let go. She smelled like apple pie and chocolate. I felt the urge to run my hands up and down her back as if I was the one comforting her. Ezra cleared his throat and I felt embarrassed about my awkward behavior.
“Wow, I am sorry, I guess I’ve just had a crazy day and needed a hug. Hope that wasn’t too weird, I’m not a crazy person,” I said to her as I let out a strange laugh that probably made it sound like I was crazy. What the hell was wrong with me?
“It’s perfectly ok, my dear, it happens all the time. I’ll just go make you a snack.” She turned on her heels and walked out.
I felt completely out of it, and turned to Ezra. He was laughing.
“What the hell just happened? Oh my lord, Ezra, I am so sorry, I don’t know what just came over me,” I apologized.
“Emma, Nelly is a supernatural, just like us. She is a brownie.”
“Like an elf?” I was thinking of a Keebler elf again.
“No, not like an elf. I swear, where do you come up with this stuff? Anyways, Brownies are similar to humans except they have heightened abilities, Nelly, for instance, has an exceptional ability to comfort the soul. Your reaction to her was completely normal.”
“Good thing you cleared that up, I swear I was about to turn into a granny loving lesbian.” I sat down on the couch. I was almost afraid to sit, it just doesn’t feel right to sit on a perfectly white couch, almost uncomfortable. Ezra sat beside me and pulled me into an embrace. I felt ashamed when he did and I compared him to Nelly. Geez, I was trying to rob the nursing home. Ezra laughed and pulled my face to his. He planted his lips on mine and let them linger for a moment. He pulled away
“I’m sure Nelly can’t kiss as well as I can.”
I laughed and calmed down. We had lunch together in the dining room. All three of us sat around a table that could seat twelve people. Nelly and I had amazing homemade chicken noodle soup, with crackers and, of course, cookies for desert. Ezra just watched intently. After lunch, I made a grocery list for Nelly and she left. I never saw a second car outside and I wondered if she lived in the house with Ezra and how she planned on getting to the store. As soon as Nelly was out of the door, Ezra turned to me and offered me his arm.
“Would you like a tour?” he asked.
“That would be splendid my dear sir,” I replied in my best British accent, which isn’t that great. I linked my arm in his and we started walking. I learned that the house was once part of an underground bunker used to house lost underworld creatures. Ezra explained that at one time different species of supernatural creatures could do as they pleased with no rules or boundaries. A vampire could make another vampire and leave them to fend for themselves. Finally to protect humans, the FBI stepped in and started a supernatural agency. The agency would hunt down new creatures and bring them in. They would then train them how to conform and live secretly in society. He explained that once they set rules for creating new life, they no longer needed the bunker, so he bought it. Apparently it was quite the remodel.
“And this is my room,” Ezra stated as we finished the tour. The room was the size of my entire apartment. A giant canopy bed sat in the middle with a crystal chandler hanging over the top. Again, everything was white.
“What is up with white? Is that vampire pun?” I asked.
“Actually no, that’s my favorite color,” Ezra replied as he jumped on the bed, giving me a big toothy grin that was just as white as the comforter he laid on. I went over and sat beside him. If I hadn’t been so tired from the activities of the day I might have been nervous. He sat up and looked me in the eyes. He had the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen. With all the excitement, I hadn’t had much of a chance to admire his perfectly sculpted body and model ready face. His hair fell into his face and I pushed it back gently. His skin was cold and ever so soft. He leaned in closer and I could feel his breath on my skin. He gently placed his lips on my neck and I thought I would explode. His touch sent shivers throughout my body, even my toes curled. His phone burst out into song, ruining our perfect moment. Good thing too, because I wasn’t so tired anymore.
“I will kill whoever that is,” Ezra said with a serious look on his face. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. He reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone. As it came out of his jeans I realized what song was playing. “Ding dong the witch is dead,” sang the munchkins loudly though the speaker as he answered the call.
“What the hell do you want?” he scolded into the phone,
“I sure hope that’s not Nelly on the phone,” I snarled at him, not realizing I had said it out loud. I needed to get away from this brownie, she’s totally messing with my mojo.
“She’s fine, Damon knocked on her door and we had to leave.” Ezra still didn’t look very happy about the interruption. He sat for a few seconds in silence before he sighed. “Actually no, you just missed her,”
I snatched the phone from him. “Hey, Gavin! How’s my witch from another bitch doing?” I greeted.
“Emma, are you ok?” Gavin asked, ignoring my greeting.
“I’m fine. Why?” I asked as if nothing was happening. Being in the moment with a hot vampire will do that to you.
“I got to headquarters and Robert told me you called him and you guys left the apartment. I need to meet up with you, I’m your protector,” he said, as if I needed protection. The only protection I need is from Ezra.
“Well, I have Ezra here and I don’t think anyone is going to find us. But I’ll ask him, hold on.” I put the phone against my hand and turned to Ezra, who was now pacing the floor.
“Gavin said he needs to be here with us. I don’t exactly know how to give directions to this place. Do you have an address or something?” I was unsure if I was asking the right question. Clearly Ezra was not happy about Gavin being involved anymore but I didn’t think he had a choice in the matter. I was catching on, Robert called the shots and the boys took orders.
I was still wondering how you would give directions to the house. Take a left at the second swamp, go down till you see the dead opossum on the side of the road and take a right, park in front of the creepy shack, spin around three times, click your heels together and say there’s no place like Ezra’s place.
Ezra snatched the phone from my hand.
“Ow.” It didn’t really hurt my hand but I was pissed that he was being such a douche about it.
“You know damn well I cannot tell you our location.” He fell silent. “Why ask then?” His eyes darted from me to the floor and he finally sighed and hung up the phone. We didn’t make a sound for a minute till I was fed up with the silence.
“Soooo, I take it Gavin will be here for dinner,” I stated sarcastically. I knew it bruised his ego but he was an ass for snatching the phone from me.
He glared at me and then smiled. “Sorry you are caught up in the drama.” His perfect smile made me remember what we were doing before we were interrupted, yet I was too annoyed to even consider starting that again.
“Ezra, it’s not drama when he is trying to keep me safe. I don’t understand what the deal is between you two.”
He returned to the bed and sat down beside me. I could tell he was trying to figure out how to answer. “Let’s just say vampires don’t trust someone who can cast a spell. It’s not natural.”
I was offended. “And a vampire who drinks blood is natural?”
“Ok, bad choice of words. What I meant to say is vampires don’t
trust witches, wizards or warlocks. We tend to stay as far away as possible.”
“Ok well you guys keep trying to convince me that I’m a witch, so are you… flirting with me to annoy Gavin?” I asked, suddenly wondering if Nelly was back. I could use a brownie hug.
“What? No, Emily, I have real feelings for you. I know you feel the same way for me.” He looked hurt.
“Ya know what, Ezra? You don’t know what I feel. You only know what I think. I’ll go ahead and tell you exactly what I think so you don’t have to pull it out of my head. I think that I should stay away from you and Gavin. At least until this Damon situation blows over. I think I have enough on my plate right now. ” I slid off the bed. Tears were threatening to fall and I was willing them back with everything I had.
“Em, I didn’t mean—“
“Yeah, yeah whatever.” I walked out. I had no idea where I was going but I just needed to calm down. Walking hall after hall I began to think I was lost. Honestly I didn’t care. I just want to get as far away from Ezra as possible.
Chapter Ten
I opened a door and as soon as my eyes adjusted to the darkness decided this would be my room. The only light came from a few dozen red and black candles placed randomly around the room and the fire in the dark marble fireplace. I flipped on the light, which was a giant chandelier. The black wood canopy bed had black mesh fabric draped across the top, reaching the floor. Across from the fireplace was a dark red couch. I opened the mesh and fell unto the dark red comforter. It felt as if I was melting into a gooey marshmallow. “I could get used to this,” I sighed.
“Well, unless you like sharing, you probably shouldn’t get too used to it,” a male voice said, knocking me out of my trance.
“Oh, I am so sorry. I thought I was alone. I didn’t realize anyone else lived here.” I sat up quickly and noticed the dark figure standing in the doorway. The man was tall, about six feet, and had a captivating, light chocolate complexion and very short jet black hair. His face was beautiful and seemed a tad bit scruffy. Other than his amazing good looks, he seemed pretty normal. He was wearing some jeans and a black tee shirt. He looked as though he was not a stranger to the gym. And I mean that in the sense that if he were to flex he could rip his shirt with his biceps. Standing propped up against the doorway, he looked like a fantasy wet dream come true. Just what I didn’t need, another hot guy running around to tempt me.
“I don’t live here, I’m visiting.” He crossed the room toward me. I wanted to crawl across the bed to escape but held my ground. He radiated confidence and sensuality. As he came closer, his big golden brown eyes burned into mine, and I swallowed loudly. He stopped about a foot in front of me and I slid off the bed. We were standing slightly too close for complete strangers, especially with my track record of people trying to kill me. But looking deeply into his eyes, I could just tell he would never touch a hair on my head unless it was in the heat of the moment. His lips were the prime example of what women pay money for, puffy and kissable. I had to get this crap out of my head. This was the third guy I was falling all over in a week. I was becoming tramp material. I was becoming Vicky.
He smiled at the awkward silence that surrounded us. Just as I suspected, a perfect white gleaming smile greeted me. “I’m Axle.”
“Of course you are,” I replied, not exactly meaning to say it out loud. I was still in a trance from his beauty. He laughed at my comment. What was up with the universe dropping all these gorgeous men in my lap at once? Couldn’t they at least be spread out a little, maybe one a week? That would give me enough time to destroy any hope of a relationship with each of them.
“I work with Ezra. I usually stay in this room when I visit.” He still refused to leave my personal space. I looked around at the room. It would be such a shame to give up this beauty. I noticed the gigantic tub built into the floor and it was over, I had to fight back.
“So do you have your things with you or are they already here in the room?” I asked, coming up with a plan as fast as my brain could think.
He gave me a confused look before answering slowly. “No, we just arrived so all my belongings are with me.”
“Ah, I see. Well, Axle, was it? Hmm, see I have already made claim on this room, all of my belongings are unpacked. I’ve moved in and it would be such a shame…” I couldn’t finish before he walked across the room to the dresser and opened it, calling my bluff.
He turned to stare back at me. “You were saying?” he asked as he pointed to the empty drawer. This was going to be harder than I thought.
“As I was saying, all of my belongings are already in this room so it would seem pointless for me to pack up and leave. I believe the gentlemanly thing to do would be to find a new room to stay in,” I informed him.
He briskly walked back over to me. I was proud of myself for standing my ground. He had a gleam in his eyes that said this was exciting him.
“Too bad I’m not a gentleman,” he finally replied.
I wasn’t sure where he was going with that but I couldn’t help but picture him in drag. I’m sure his comment didn’t exactly mean he wasn’t a man but my mind is messed up.
“So, Emily, let me ask you a question. Do you sleep nude because I didn’t see any pajamas in the dresser?” He walked over and sat on the couch, making himself comfortable. I was so taken aback at the thought of being nude in this room I turned three shades red. I cleared my throat and walked over to stand in between him and my cozy fireplace. I wasn’t giving up this room.
“That is none of your business and how did you know my name?” I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.
“Well, then I guess you are also planning on wearing what you have on during your stay here.” He ignored my question.
“Look, dude. I was here first so that makes this my room. I’m not leaving,” I said, reverting to first grade. All I needed was a foot stomp.
“That’s fine with me, I don’t mind sharing. But you should know I do sleep nude.” He got up and walked out.
I stood with my mouth wide open in shock. No way was I sharing this room with anyone, especially someone that hot. I might consider with Nelly… ah, I did not just think that. I wondered where that Brownie was at.
Axle had said we just arrived, maybe Gavin had come in with him. That would have been quick, but maybe that is what he was telling Ezra on the phone. That he was already on the way so there was no use in arguing. I decided to look around and find out.
After a few wrong turns and dead end hallways, I decided I no longer liked Ezra’s maze he called his home. A home should not be so big that you are unable to find the fridge in the middle of the night. At least you would burn every calorie you consume walking around. I turned the corner and ran into Gavin.
“Oh, Gavin!” I exclaimed as I gave him a big hug.
He returned the hug, holding me tight. “Hey, how are you settling in? Do you need anything?”
“Meh, I’m ok. I just met this jerk though who is trying to steal my room right out from under me.” As I said it Axle came up around Gavin with a big smile on his face.
“Aw, now, pumpkin, I thought we were sharing?” he asked as he laughed.
“Axle, Emily is a guest here, just let her have the room,” Gavin said, looking upset. I gave Axle my best ‘na-na-naa boo boo’ look. He returned a look that clearly said we would be sharing.
“Nah, it’s too easy. She’ll break. Plus the red room is mine.” He walked past me, bumping into my arm and almost knocking me over. What a douche bag.
“What do you think Robert will say of that sleeping arrangement?” Gavin asked, stopping Axle in his tracks. The name made my ears stand at attention.
“Robert is here?” I asked, suddenly feeling nervous but trying to seem nonchalant.
“He will be here later tonight,” Gavin stated, more to Axle than me. I felt my throat start closing up. Finally I would meet the SOB who made me. I really didn’t know what to say to him. I was so pissed that he was never ar
ound. My entire life I had to explain to nosey m’fers that I didn’t know my father. He left before my mother could even get the words ‘I’m pregnant’ out of her mouth. Now I would meet him face to face. It felt like I was going to meet the enemy.
“Em, you ok?” Axle asked, grabbing me around my waist to keep me up. Guess I was looking a little pale. I couldn’t answer him. Everything was closing around me. I don’t know why my body reacted so violently about the possibility of meeting my father.
“I’m taking her to her room,” Axle stated to Gavin as he scooped me up with ease. At least he was giving up the room. He gently placed me on the bed and he was awfully close to me. There seemed to be something on his mind and I was praying he wouldn’t kiss me. I had enough men drama. I didn’t need to add another dude to the mix. His expression was soft and he studied me, looking worried.
“So you gave up, huh?” I asked, finally able to speak again.
“Nah, I only said that in case you died. I couldn’t have you thinking I was a complete dirt bag as your last thought.” He smiled, looking less worried.
“Axle, what are you?” I asked, afraid of his answer.
“What do you mean?” he asked, looking away. Clearly he knew what I was asking but didn’t want to answer.
“Well, for one thing, you said you work with Ezra, and he’s a vampire.” I slowly sat up, not feeling so lightheaded anymore.
“What? Ezra’s a vampire?” He smiled.
“Maybe you shouldn’t concern yourself with our petty little defects. You need rest.” He studied the ground as if he was embarrassed. The man had not one ounce of fat on his beautiful body. He had amazing skin and eyes that could melt titanium with perfect dark skin, and yet here he was ashamed of himself. “Why would you say defect? Like it’s such a bad thing?” I really wanted to give him a hug but thought it would be best if we never touched. Ever.
Dare to Bleed (Emily Sullivan Series) Page 7