“Interesting.”
“Why?”
“Because Blondy usually sticks with donors. Less hassle that way. No hypnotizing them to forget the vampire traits that come to life. Not to mention, getting involved with any one woman for a period of time is a sticky matter, let alone one that is not a donor.”
Tamera looked at him, her gaze searching. “Am I a sticky matter?”
Grayson leaned in, nipped her ear before running his tongue over the delicate shell. He whispered, “You, il mio dolce rossa, are of the stickiest kind. Once you managed to catch my attention, I couldn’t let you go, no matter how hard I tried.”
“Took you long enough to figure that out.” Her smile told him she was pretty pleased with his admission. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”
“Not on your life, I’d rather spend my life disagreeing with you than spend eternity without you.” Grayson chuckled. “Way more sappy than I’m comfortable with, but there you have it. Vlad will be here shortly. Hopefully, he will agree I made a hasty decision and that you belong with me.”
Her eyes moistened. “Hopefully, everyone else will agree as well. I’d hate to move back in here if anyone would rather I not.”
“Suzi will be thrilled not to be the only female in residence. Kaleb and Ryder could hardly care who I decide to mate with, as long as Anton and I work out our differences.”
Grayson turned and headed for his room where he deposited Tamera’s bags. She had followed him into the room. “Make yourself at home, il mio dolce rossa. My space is now also yours.”
Grayson certainly had some trepidation about moving her in. He had always loved his freedom. So moving Tamera into his bedroom, having her share his space, was not a decision easily made. The thought of living without her, though, no longer seemed an option. Like it or not, this woman had taken up residence in his heart. He had always thought one woman would never be enough, as there were far too many women in the world for him to enjoy. Spread the love had been his motto … until now. Now that Tamera had come into his life, he reserved the loving for her alone. And damn if he wasn’t going to enjoy every moment of it.
Placing the bags on the foot of the bed, he turned to see Tamera nervously waiting by the door. “What’s on your mind, il mio dolce rossa?”
She worried her lip. “Promise me, Gypsy, no matter how mad you get at me, you won’t ever send me away again.”
He approached her, and enveloped her within his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and he placed a kiss to her temple. Her heart beat heavily against his chest. He could feel as if it were his own. Her pulse was elevated, mixed with the scent of her fear. Surely, she couldn’t be nervous about living beneath his roof. She had wanted this from the very beginning.
“Il mio dolce rossa, I have made my decision. Once made, it cannot be changed.”
“If that were the case, then I’m forever mated to Blondy, per your decision.”
Grayson smoothed a hand down her spine. “Let us hope Vlad realizes my decision was made in haste and that you aren’t suitable for my MC brother. I just hope Anton will one day forgive me.”
As if their conversation had conjured up the ancient ruler, Grayson caught the scent of the primordial before he entered the clubhouse. Vlad hadn’t bothered knocking. He heard the door open and the footsteps of the primordial as he entered the living space.
“Vlad’s here.” Grayson reached for her hand and entwined their fingers. “How about we get this over with.”
Tamera’s chuckle belied her nerves. “You are such a romantic, Gypsy.”
“I’ll reserve the romance for later, as soon as Vlad is on his way.” He winked at her. “Right now it’s Vlad’s ass we need to be kissing.”
Grayson led Tamera from the bedroom, hands still joined. He wanted Vlad to see they were a united front from his first visual of them. The large vampire stood just inside the door as they entered the main room of clubhouse. He stood easily six-foot-six with eyes the color of coals. Not someone Grayson would want to take on, though he was definitely prepared do battle should he need to. Vlad denying him his request was not an option.
“You summoned me, son?” the ancient vampire asked. His dark gaze landed on Tamera, though only briefly.
Grayson could tell he was less than pleased with Tamera by his easy dismissal of her. It was Grayson’s job to change the primordial’s mind about his mate. “I did.”
Vlad crossed the floor and sat on the padded leather chair, indicating Grayson and Tamera should take the adjacent sofa. Grayson led Tamera to the sitting area and, after she sat, he took his seat beside her. He rested one of his arms along the back, resting his hand possessively on her shoulder.
“I have better things to attend to besides the drama the two of you have caused.” Vlad steeled his jaw, obviously disgruntled about something or someone. “It appears Rosalee has gone missing from Italy, lying to her stepfather about where she has gone. I happen to believe she’s somewhere here in the States. My guess would be anywhere the Sons might be found. So what do you require of me, Grayson?”
“I want your blessing to take Tamera back as my mate.”
Vlad turned his attention to Tamera, his glare proving Grayson’s assessment he was less than thrilled with her. “No.”
Tamera gasped. Grayson tightened his hold on her shoulder. “You want to give me a reason as to why?”
One of his black brows arched. “You question me?”
“I do.”
“You made the decision to give her to Anton. What’s changed that you think you can petition me on a whim?”
“It’s not a whim, sir. I should’ve never acted in haste. It was my male ego and pride that sent her to Blondy. I realize that now. I have since spoken to Blondy and he has given us his blessing.”
“Then why is he not here to help plead your case?”
“Because no one knows where he is at the moment.”
“Curious.” Vlad nodded slowly. “So, I am to take your word that Anton wishes to break the bond with Tamera and return her to you?”
“My word is the only thing I have.”
“Tell me what’s changed in a little over a week’s time? Desire is not a good enough reason. We all know passion is fleeting.”
“Because my heart has changed.”
“How so?”
Grayson looked at Tamera. Heat spread through his veins. He doubted passion was the motivating reason for wanting her by his side for all eternity. Vlad was right. Passion and hunger could be a fickle bitch. It would never sustain a relationship.
“I’ve fallen in love with Tamera,” he said, earning him her smile, warming his heart. He looked back at Vlad. “Passion I could get from any woman.”
“The fact that she belongs to Anton does not bother you?”
“Jesus! It kills me, Vlad. I regret the very day I wished her gone.”
“And you?” Vlad turned his attention on Tamera. “I should take your head for pitting two brothers against one another. You should have known better than to drink from an immortal. What reason can you possibly give to keep me from doling out due punishment, young lady? For your acts alone, I should take your head.”
“I never meant to come between them. I have loved Gypsy from the very beginning.”
“And Anton? Where does he stand in all of this? Did you consummate the relationship with him?”
“No.”
He turned his attention thankfully back to Grayson. He didn’t want Tamera under the old ruler’s scrutiny. “Will you give me the right to mate with her? She was mine from the night she drank from me. It was my blood, so it should still be my decision.”
“You were given the choice, Grayson, and you made it.” Vlad narrowed his gaze. “Give me one good reason I should allow her to live. Think wisely, son, before you speak. Love is not enough for me to grant your wish either. Once my decision is made, you’re not allowed to question me or my actions. To do so, I will consider it a sign of disrespect.
You will be left with pleading for both your lives.”
Grayson took a deep breath. “I have given you my reasons, whether you feel it’s worthy to grant my petition is up to you. Hear my words, Vlad. Should you decide to take a life for showing you disrespect, then take mine. Give Tamera back to Blondy. I would rather she live with my MC brother, than to lose her head because of my stubborn male pride and poor decisions.”
“You no longer blame her for taking your blood?”
“I do.” He heard Tamera’s intake of breath, but he kept his gaze on Vlad. “What she did was against the rules of the donor society. No one can take the blame of that except for her. I choose to no longer hold her mistake against her. I have come to terms with it, and along the way fallen in love with her despite her actions. I choose to forgive her because she has come to mean everything to me. I would gladly lay down my life so that she might live. If that’s your choice, then take my head and return her to Blondy.”
“Do you plead for your life, Tamera?”
Tamera sat up straight and faced Vlad, obviously not about to cower. “I will not allow Gypsy to die for what I did. I take full responsibility for this mess. Take my head if you must.”
“Oh, for the love of all that’s holy.” Vlad growled. “I can see you too deserve one another. Since I have more important matters at hand, like chasing down my brother’s wayward stepdaughter, I will grant your wish, Grayson. Keep her in line. If I am called back here to deal with the likes of the two of you, I may not be so hospitable.”
Grayson smiled. “I plan to keep her busy, sir. She won’t have time to get into trouble.”
“Good. I will leave it up to you to inform Anton of my decision. I return Tamera as your mate. For anyone to say otherwise is to challenge me.” Vlad stood, looking down on Grayson. “You give me cause to come back, I’ll take both of your heads. She is yours for eternity, Grayson. Do not treat her otherwise. You will stand as a unit with your mate. Any problems arise, you work it out. There will be no going back on your decision this time. It has been done and cannot be undone.”
“I will.” He gripped Tamera’s shoulder and brought her into the crook of his shoulder, kissing the top of her head. “There is nothing she could do to make me wish our bond be broken.”
“Then so be it.” Just before reaching the door, he turned back to Tamera. “You best not give me cause to come back either, little one. Next time, I may not be so charitable.”
The door slammed behind him before Tamera could utter a word. Grayson couldn’t help wonder if Vlad hadn’t at one time been deeply hurt by a woman. He seemed more ready to take a woman’s head than to spend any time with one. No matter, Tamera was now his for all eternity and he couldn’t be happier about it.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Very.”
“Because you finally got what you wanted?”
“No. Because you said you loved me. Truth?”
Grayson chuckled. “With all my heart, il mio dolce rossa. I plan to spend my life showing you just how much. How about we get a head start? We still have the clubhouse to ourselves.”
Tamera jumped from her seat. “I’ll meet you in that big bed of yours.”
Hell, she made it to the bedroom before he even rose from the couch. Grayson chuckled. He was going to enjoy showing Tamera just how much he loved her. No more secrets, no more lies. Nothing or no one could possibly ever come between them again.
Chapter 25
Walking through the house, Anton noted the quiet. He was used to living on his own, had for nearly a century. Take the last nine months and now he missed the extra noise Grayson had brought with him. Sure, he had been more than pissed at his brother, many times over in fact. Having him under his roof, however, broke up his day-to-day monotony.
Which brought to mind Tamera.
By now, he figured, the red haired beauty had been returned to Grayson as his mate. Grayson’s calling and petitioning him for his blessing was likely the aforethought of seeking Vlad Tepes’s approval. His heart lay heavy in his chest. Having had her underfoot for a brief spell would also be sorely missed. Even though he wouldn’t have minded getting her between the sheets, not once had he overstepped the invisible boundaries. Anton was not willing to break club rules by touching a brother’s mate, nor had he wanted to forever damage his friendship with Grayson. If Tamera was to be Grayson’s soul mate, then Anton wished them nothing but good will. Truth be told, he never thought he’d see the day a woman tripped up Grayson.
Tamera had a way of melting a man’s heart. Anton’s still ached at the loss. He had reached out to her in her moment of need, after Grayson had shucked his duty. At the time, Anton thought he could easily fall in love with her, and he might have if she hadn’t been so in love with his MC brother. Her heart never belonged to him. Anton had only fooled himself into thinking she might choose him over Grayson. Stepping down and giving them his blessing was the only way to preserve their friendship. Not to mention he needed time to heal his heart.
Another dark haired beauty crossed his mind. One with eyes the color of melted chocolate and silky brown hair reaching damn near to her waist. Her alabaster skin appeared even paler against his more tanned flesh. He loved the untouched looked she carried about her.
They had slept together once, after which he had hypnotized her into forgetting his vampire features. He hated having to erase any of her memories, because it had definitely been a night worth remembering. She may have looked like a little mousy thing, but she certainly knew how to please him between the sheets. Just the thought of fucking her again had him semi-erect. He certainly wouldn’t mind a repeat performance. Unfortunately, though, the timing couldn’t be worse. He’d need to avoid the cute little brunette to ensure her safety. The men he had gone to bed with would think nothing about using her against him.
Anton took to the stairs and entered the room Tamera had occupied just yesterday. He noted the closet and all the drawers were empty. Not even a stray article of clothing had been left behind. He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned forward, intertwining his fingers between his spread thighs as he stared into space.
If he had truly been in love with Tamera, no matter the consequences, he wouldn’t have so easily given her up. The empty house had created a void, not a heartbreak. Not to mention his thoughts quickly turning to the pretty young thing down the road. Anton hoped Grayson would treat Tamera as she deserved. Her only sin had been falling head over heels for Grayson. He didn’t suppose, even now, Grayson would make it easy on her.
Anton smiled.
Tamera was a feisty vamp. If anyone could put up with Grayson’s surly ass, it would be her. Maybe the fun-loving Grayson might even make a reappearance. One could only hope Tamera would put the smile back into his brother’s step.
His neighbor came back to mind. Anton stood and walked to the window overlooking her home a half mile down the single-lane road. She had stuck him in the “friends zone.” Anton chuckled. Seriously? He couldn’t remember the last time he had been turned down or had trouble finding a willing female to warm his bed. Just a few days ago, a trip to the Rave and a tiny little blonde donor had been only too happy to suck his cock. He hadn’t left her wanting, but he hadn’t fucked her either. Anton wasn’t in the market for a mate any more than Grayson had been. And yet, Kimber had him wishing he had more time to spend in her company. Talk about piss-poor timing.
Anton pushed up the old wooden frame and opened the window. The warm breeze ruffled the curtains, but did little to cool off the warm room or his ardor. He ran a hand over the front of his jeans and his hardening cock. Kimber at the forefront of his thoughts, maybe a little self-gratification might help cool some of the desire running rampant through him. Just as his fingers unfastened the button on his jeans, movement along his drive caught his attention. As if the very thought of Kimber had conjured her up, he spotted the woman walking up his driveway.
His brows pinched over the bridge of his nose. What on earth c
ould have changed to have her seeking him out? Anton didn’t figure she’d give him the time of day following Tamera’s outburst a few days back. He took the stairs to the main level and met her at the door just as she raised her dainty little hand to knock.
Kimber squealed at his sudden appearance.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, but I spotted you coming up the drive.” Anton braced his hands on either side of the door frame, making no move to invite her in. “Everything okay?”
As much as he’d love to explore every delectable inch of her, Anton couldn’t chance having her seen with the likes of him. The men he now associated with were not only dangerous, but deadly. He couldn’t chance putting Kimber on their radar.
“I’m fine.” She wrung her hands nervously in front of him. “I came to see if you were okay.”
“Never been better.” He didn’t bother hiding the erection still plaguing him, nor had he refastened the top of his jeans. Her rosy cheeks told Anton she hadn’t missed the bulge. “See something you like?”
Her gaze swept the length of him, resting on his bare chest a bit longer than necessary, bringing a smile to Anton’s face.
She chose to ignore his rudeness. “Can I come in?”
Anton couldn’t for the life of him figure out what the tall brunette might want. After all, she was the one who wanted to be just friends, which meant getting rid of her should have been easy. Too bad his life had gotten so complicated, because he wouldn’t have minded a little skin on skin time with her. She turned him on from the top of her silky brown hair, to the perfectly red-polished toenails peeking out from her open-toed sandals. She looked every inch the librarian, and that was a huge fucking turn on. Anton resisted the urge to reposition his cock.
Her gaze slipped back to the front of his jeans, making his blood run hot. Damn! His fantasies ran rampant, starting with ripping the silk blouse and exposing her fucking huge breasts. He stepped to the side of the door and allowed her entrance. Anton needed to get rid of her while he was still thinking with the head on his shoulders and not the one in his pants.
Gypsy: Sons of Sangue Page 27