Bloodsucker.
Realization hit him.
Chapter 3
The cabin was toasty but she still felt half naked, especially with the big wolf in such close proximity. Despite the heat, she was tempted to ask him for a sweater. What stopped her though was the fact that they were different species, the male would not be interested in her in that way.
Turning back towards him, she noticed a predatory gleam in his eyes. The way he kept running them over her was unnerving. Did he really mistrust her so badly that he had to stalk her every move?
He cursed softly and shook his head. “You don’t eat solid food do you?”
So that was what that look was all about. That had taken him a while to figure out. It was one of the reasons why she was so desperate to get back to her own kind. Stephany abhorred the taking of blood and avoided it as much as possible. She had an agreement with Brant’s brother, Xavier, drinking from him only when it was absolutely necessary and then taking only from his wrist. The neck was just too intimate for her liking.
Ward pinched the bridge of his nose.
“We do eat solid food and partake of regular…liquids, but…” She pursed her lips. It had been days since she’d last taken. The need to drink was starting to ride her hard. Though there was just no way she was taking from a wolf…a stranger.
“You need blood.” His eyes bore into her. His muscles at his neck roped.
It hurt her to admit weakness. “It can wait,” she lied cursing herself. She was used to waiting until the last possible moment to drink. Mostly, because she disliked it so intensely. As a result, she was really good at keeping a handle on the urge. But she was only a vampire after all and needs were needs. If she didn’t drink within the next few hours, she would start to go into hunt mode. Claws, fangs, red eyes…it wasn’t pretty. Vampires in hunt mode were downright dangerous…not of sound mind. The thought of losing control like that scared the blood out of her, yet the thought of drinking from a wolf left her cold.
She was so screwed.
“Please. Just let me go. I beg you, Ward. Point me in the direction of civilization and I’ll be fine.”
“You’re a long way from home, vampire. Deep in the wilderness. Far away from the civilization that you are comfortable with. You wouldn’t make it halfway.”
“I bet you I would make it.”
“I don’t have to bet, because I know for a fact that you wouldn’t. It’s cold in these parts and there are creatures even a vampire would have a hard time contending with.”
“Then take me back. I can’t be here. Please.” Her chest heaved. The thought of having to stay was too much for her to bear. It was as if the realization that she was stuck in this cabin with this wolf suddenly dawned on her. Up until right now, she’d held some hope that she could get herself out of this. It was becoming abundantly clear though that she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon and the need to drink was riding her hard. The thing she hated more than drinking was losing it and going into all out hunt mode, but she’d be damned if she’d take from a wolf. There had to be another way. If there was, she would find it.
He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
A curse hovered on the tip of her tongue, but she forced it down. “You don’t understand.”
His eyes softened. “Understand what? I plan on keeping you safe, on giving you everything you need to make your stay here as comfortable as possible.”
“Order the food,” she said.
Ward narrowed his eyes for a few beats. The wolf was too observant for her liking. Just when she was sure that he would interrogate her further, he nodded once. “Follow me.”
She felt her brow knit. “I thought I had to stay indoors.”
“We will.”
As she approached, he turned and made for the front door. Stephany moved in next to him as they arrived at the exit. Ward turned his green eyes on her for a brief second, his hand closed on her wrist. His flesh was hot to the touch, his fingers felt calloused as they brushed her skin. The musky scent of wolf enveloped her. For the first time, she realized what the scent truly encompassed. More than just musky wild animal, it was also distinctly male with earthy undertones. He must’ve showered recently, prior to her arriving, because he smelled clean with just a hint of soap. Not altogether unpleasant. In fact, the longer she stayed in the wolves company the less prominent the smell of wolf became. It was happening quicker than she thought possible. Scowling, she preferred it when the scent offended her.
Ward cracked the door just enough to put his head through. With the sheet of hard wood directly in front of her, it was impossible to see anything. Not that she really wanted to look outside anyway. What if she accidentally spotted one of those ‘secrets’ that Ward had warned her about? What could be so bad that it would warrant her having to stay indefinitely? Stephany shuddered at the thought. For what felt like the hundredth time since arriving, she wished the alpha would just let her go.
Her fangs lengthened at the sound of his heartbeat. Strong and sure. The smell of wolf may have grown to be less prominent, but that musky animal scent still didn’t enthuse her. His blood would surely taste just as uncivilized, like sandwich spread instead of duck liver pate. She grit her teeth, trying to get her fangs to retract. It wouldn’t be long and she wouldn’t give a damn what his blood tasted like, she’d drink anyway.
“Have one of the males bring food and drink,” Ward said.
“Gage heard about the vampire, he wants to meet with you ASAP.” A low murmur from a male just outside, but her advanced hearing meant that she caught every word.
“I kind of have my hands full at the moment.”
“He was insistent,” the male said.
“Tough. Make my wishes clear. I’ll handle this myself. There is nothing to be concerned about.” His grip on her tightened.
“Food? Do vampires eat?” There was a low chuckle followed by, “I hear she’s not bad looking…for a vampire…is that why you’ve holed yourself up in there with her?”
Ward growled, the sound causing goose bumps to rise.
Another chuckle. “Be very careful, Ward. Luna will not wait for you for much longer, she would have your balls if—”
“Enough.” A snarl that made her pull back, his grip keeping her at his side. Ward turned his head to her, his eyes softened as they locked with hers. “You have nothing to fear,” he whispered. “I’m sorry you have been forced to hear the bumbling of an idiot. Ignore him please.” The big wolf turned back to the opening.
“Oh shit. Sorry, Ward, is she right there?”
“Just do as I ask, Rushe,” Ward said, although the words were softly spoken, Stephany could hear the underlying menace. “I don’t want to have to tear you another asshole,” he growled.
“Sorry, Ward. No problem. Don’t worry about the food or Gage. I’ll sort it all out for you.”
Ward closed the door and released her arm.
“Is Luna your mate? I’m sorry, am I keeping you from her?” She shook her head. “Look, just let me go, you should go back to your female…”
“Luna is not my mate…at least, not yet.” His face was a mix of emotions. Brow creased, eyes staring at a spot somewhere past her shoulder, his jaw set. Ward finally looked her straight on. “You were taken by accident, I will personally ensure your safety. I may not be mated”—his eyes narrowed—“but do not be concerned.” He put his hands up. “We are forced together for a few days but I won’t try anything. I mean, you’re a vampire and I am a wolf.” He threw her a half smile. Somehow managing to look handsome…for a wolf. “Our kind doesn’t mix.” His face grew stern. “Hayden and Sawyer obviously need more work, they have clearly been blabbing to the rest of the pack about you… ‘not bad looking for a vampire’”—he made a frustrated noise—“I will beat their asses…” He added the last more to himself than to her.
He suddenly seemed to remember that she was there. “Make yourself at home.” He gestured around the small cabi
n. The space was dominated by a large, comfortable looking bed with a small sitting area to the one side. There was even a small kitchenette.
Stephany wanted to argue further, but knew it would not help. She glanced past the bed and made for a sofa. Ward followed her, taking the opposite chair. They sat for a time in uncomfortable silence. She mentally shrugged, it was as good a time as any to find out more about why he hated her species so much. Maybe even to try to learn a little more about those so called secrets they had. Not because she thought they were doing anything that would really threaten her species, but more because it interested her. It wasn’t like she had anything better to do. “So vampires have all the money and power and that’s why you hate us?”
The stormy expression that clouded his features made her wish that she’d kept her mouth shut.
“Let’s get something straight, you don’t have all the money and you only think you have all the power. Your kings are arrogant dickheads, but that doesn’t mean I hate you.”
“We do have all the power.”
“You’re a dying breed.” He growled sending shivers up her spine.
“We are all dying breeds.”
Ward didn’t respond, which worried her. Of all the species, vampires and the wolves were the worst afflicted.
Ward shrugged. “We have a shortage of females and your females are mostly infertile.” He purposefully dropped his eyes to her narrow hips.
“We are not infertile.” She flashed her fangs his way. It was a touchy subject. For an unknown reason, his words stung. She may not be infertile, but her physiological makeup meant that she could not birth young. Stephany couldn’t understand why his words bugged her so much. She didn’t want to reproduce, just like she didn’t want to mate. By blood, she didn’t want any type of relationship of that sort with a male.
“Don’t be so testy, vampire. Be more careful, you should know that showing a male your canines is considered an invitation to rut.”
“They are fangs not canines. In vampire it’s considered a ‘fuck you’.” She tried not to show her shock at having said such a bad word.
He must have noticed her discomfort because his lips twitched. “Yeah fuck, rut same thing.”
She couldn’t help the gasp that escaped.
Ward laughed. “Are all vampire females so…uptight? I had heard that your species was highly sexual. I guess the information was wrong.”
Yeah sure, Stephany thought to herself, vampires rutted like rabbits on Viagra infused blood. Most did anyway. She wasn’t one of them though. Trying to maintain eye contact with the big male, she pursed her lips.
“If it’s any consolation, wolves are just as highly sexed. It’s not a big deal, must be a species thing. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I am not highly sexed.” She blurted, and then immediately regretted the outburst. After accidentally losing control all those years ago, she prided herself on her impeccable willpower. No sex, not ever, she didn’t even get the urge any more. Not even while drinking blood. It had been many years since she’d gone into heat, so many years since she felt the intimate touch of another that she’d forgotten what it even felt like.
Ward folded his arms across his massive chest. From her seated position he looked even bigger, way more imposing. Stephany found that she wasn’t afraid of him though. His eyes raked down her body moving ever so slowly before coming back up again. He paused for the longest time on her breasts, her nipples had the audacity to tighten under his scrutiny. It was the stress of being so thoroughly gawked at that caused her body to react. It had absolutely nothing to do with being turned on in any way.
His eyes locked with hers. “Not highly sexed. If you say so.”
What the hell was that supposed to mean? Stephany bristled, she felt her eyes narrow and her hands became knots at her sides. “What do you know anyway? You know nothing about me, wolf.”
“I am a male. I know enough.”
A sound of frustration escaped but she shut her mouth, unwilling to argue any further. Let the wolf believe what he wanted, she knew better.
“You’re making it sound like you don’t rut. I don’t believe that”—he paused, his green eyes bore into her—“I refuse to believe it.”
“It’s my business and I’m not acknowledging or denying either way but I’m curious, why would you have such a hard time believing that I don’t rut?” This wasn’t a conversation she should be having with this male, but she couldn’t help herself. For whatever reason it irked her that he seemed to think she was some vampire hussy. Although hussy was a bit harsh since most single vampire females rutted at will. It was considered normal amongst their kind.
He made a deep growling sound and let his arms fall to his sides. His hands were big, strong looking. She was sure he could crush a male’s skull with a single squeeze. “I find it hard to believe that a female like you doesn’t rut… and often…”
Stephany sprung to her feet, landing directly in front of him. He smirked, standing also. She was extremely tall, yet she had to look up to maintain eye contact with him. “I’m not like most of my species. An out of control, rut with anything female? Is that what I look like to you?”
Ward had the audacity to smile. It made her want to hurt him. “You’re an attractive female.” He shrugged, his eyes roving over her face. Maybe it was just her imagination but they seemed to heat as they locked back with hers. “Highly attractive.” His voice had dropped to a deep rumble. His nostrils flared. “I’m sure you have a whole string of males after you on any given day. As to your being out of control”—he shook his head—“the opposite is true. You need to loosen up a bit. And no, I don’t think you would rut with just anyone.” Ward took a small step back, his jaw clenched.
Again it unnerved her how easily he had read her. As hard as she tried to hold onto her anger, she couldn’t. He didn’t believe she was celibate because he thought she was…highly attractive. It had been a very long time since a male had looked at her in that way. She was, after all, a mated female and it was common knowledge that she was celibate. Males of her coven had given up trying to seduce her a long time ago. The attention, although by no means a come on, was something alien to her. It needed to stop, it made her feel uncomfortable.
Stephany inclined her head, sitting back down. She didn’t want to talk about sex with this wolf. With anyone for that matter. Hopefully he would drop the whole thing. She was sorry that she had brought it up in the first place.
His eyes stayed on her as she sat. Tucking her hands into her lap, she had to fight the urge to fold her legs underneath her. At long last, he moved away and she let out a pent up breath she didn’t know that she was holding.
Ward spread himself out on the bed. She wasn’t exactly sure why, but it made her feel even more uncomfortable. He folded his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling. Not for the first time since arriving here, she noticed how cramped the cabin was. Why the wolf insisted on walking around in just a low riding pair of faded jeans was beyond her. It might be warm inside but the least he could do was put on a shirt. Her eyes kept pulling to that line of dark hair that reached from his navel to the top button of his pants. Body hair was not something she was used to. It was not…unattractive.
A quick knock sounded and Ward sat up, his eyes back on her. “Don’t move.” A gruff command as he rose to his feet.
She narrowed her eyes at him but stayed put.
“Enter,” Ward growled.
A large male walked in, a big basket in one hand and a jug in the other. He kicked the door closed behind him. The wolf was big, but not anywhere near as large as the alpha. He had sandy blond hair and bright blue eyes that kept flashing her way.
“Put the food down and leave,” Ward growled.
“Does she eat rabbit?” The wolf looked her way. “I hope you eat rabbit. I left it raw in case you prefer bloody meat.”
Blood.
Her stomach growled and her fangs lengthened until they throbbed in
her gums.
The male smiled and winked at her. “Hayden was right when he said you were hot…it doesn’t really matter that you’re a vamp.” He took a step in her direction and her natural reaction was to hiss at him, fangs bared.
Confusion marred his features. “She flashed her canines, yet she doesn’t look like she wants me.”
“Get out, Rushe.”
“We don’t have many females…I’m not opposed to…” The young wolf’s eyebrows were raised as his eyes slid down the length of her body.
“Get the fuck out.” Ward snarled, his teeth bared in all their gleaming, ultra-sharp glory.
“Sorry, Ward. It’s not always easy for us. Please understand.” The male inclined his head in submission.
Some of the tension eased from the big alpha. “We are working on it. Patience. It won’t be long.”
Rushe mumbled something about blue balls and left the room, the door clicking behind him.
Ward shook his head, his hands unfurling at his sides. “I apologize. Some of the males have not had female…companionship in a very long time. Since there has been very little interaction between our species, we are also unfamiliar with your ways, especially the females of your kind.”
“I understand. You need to know that I’m not interested in”—she took in a deep breath—“I mean…I don’t want to…you know....with him or any of them.”
Ward smiled. “I know. I wasn’t sure how the males would react to you. I was fearful they may try and hurt you. Seems like I might have been wrong.”
“Does that mean I can go outside?”
His face clouded. “No. It doesn’t change anything. There are things you are not permitted to know.”
“Secrets…” She let her sarcasm show.
He nodded. “Besides, you’re not interested in the attention. Do you really want a bunch of horny males on your tail?”
Stolen by the Alpha Wolf: Shifter Romance (Accidental Theft Book 1) Page 3