Vampires Prefer Blondes (Psy-Vamp Book 3)

by Cassandra Lawson

  Roman obviously decided he should intervene on Justin’s behalf. “That would be my fault. I ordered Justin to keep quiet about Lydia’s whereabouts. Actually, he defied me by bringing you here today.”

  Caitlin pulled away from Lydia and stalked toward Roman. “What the hell are you doing to my friend? The last thing Lydia needs right now is some sick vampire trying to control her again. I’m taking her home with me today.”

  “I’d like to stay here,” Lydia said.

  Caitlin placed her hands on her hips and looked at Lydia over her shoulder. “As I recall, you wanted to stay with Dominic too and he nearly killed you. Quite obviously, your judgment is impaired when it comes to this family.”

  Roman saw the hurt and guilt flash across Lydia’s eyes and his temper snapped. Justin moved up beside Caitlin and gripped her arm. “Do not ever insult my wife again,” Roman said with a calm he didn’t feel. “What happened was completely out of her control and had nothing to do with her judgment.”

  Caitlin actually smiled at Roman and Justin’s hand relaxed on her arm. “I think you might be okay.”

  “He paints my nails,” Lydia added as she wiggled her bare feet.

  Aiden and Justin both burst into laughter.

  Roman’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Do you really have to share that detail with everyone?”

  “It’s very sweet,” Tempest said as she patted his arm.

  “I agree,” Caitlin said, “but I would mock Justin until he took his last breath if he did something like that.”

  “This will negatively impact my ability to instill fear in the family,” Roman grumbled.

  “But it gets me really turned on just thinking about it,” Lydia said as she leaned into his side and ran her tongue across her lower lip.

  Roman shocked most of the people in the room by pulling her even closer and smiling down at her. “Then to hell with what everyone else thinks.”

  “Okay, so I stand corrected,” Caitlin said with a smile. “I like him better than most of the guys you’ve dated in the past.”

  “Have you ever liked any of the guys I’ve dated?” Lydia asked.

  Caitlin pretended to give the matter a great deal of thought.

  “How much time do you really need to think about this?” Lydia asked.

  “We’re talking about a lot of guys so it may take me time to go through the list. Can I get back to you in a week or two?” Caitlin asked.

  “I see you’ve become quite the comedian,” Lydia said sarcastically and then she hugged Caitlin. “I’m so glad you’re here. Where’s Trish? I’ve missed you both.”

  “Trish is at home. This whole vampire thing is really hard on her, so I decided not to invite her just yet.”

  Lydia nodded. “I guess it was a shock to everyone.”

  “And she feels like an outsider because of it,” Caitlin explained.

  “Why?” Lydia asked.

  “Think about it, Lyd. She just found out that there are people who aren’t human walking around. Then she finds out that all of her close friends are special in some way that means they can make babies with these men. It’s not jealousy, but she’s been feeling like she doesn’t belong. There’s also the fact that we’ve been single together for a long time. You know Trish, she’ll come around. The woman is too positive to let anything get her down for long.”

  “Wait, so are you and Justin dating?” Lydia asked.

  “No!” Caitlin said at the same time as Justin and Aiden said, “Yes!”

  Caitlin glared at them both. “We are not dating. We take classes together and have mutual friends. Today, you drove me over here to see Lydia. That is not dating.”

  “Don’t forget that we stopped for lunch on the way,” Justin added.

  “It was lunch time,” Caitlin argued. “That doesn’t make it a date. I have lunch with Tempest all the time and we’re not dating.”

  Justin smiled. “And after you have lunch with Tempest do you let her take you back to her place and—”

  Whatever he was about to say was interrupted when a book flew off of the shelf and slammed into the back of his head.

  “Sorry,” Tempest said sweetly, “but my abilities have been a little unpredictable. Must be the pregnancy hormones.”

  Lydia’s eyes widened. “That was so cool! I wish I had some cool super power.”

  “Okay, Lyd,” Caitlin began, “I gotta know what’s up with your hair. Did you get extensions?”

  “My hair won’t stop growing,” she said and stomped her foot. “I braid it before bed and cut the braid off every morning. By lunch it’s down to my knees again. It is totally bizarre. I’d wear it braided during the day but I really suck at braiding hair. I’ve always had fine hair and never let it go past my shoulders.”

  “Aiden can braid it,” Tempest said. “He used to braid his mother’s hair.”

  “Did you have to tell them about me braiding my mam’s hair?” Aiden grumbled.

  “What special talents does Justin have?” Lydia asked. “Seems like the Draksel men could open a salon.”

  “Justin doesn’t do my hair or nails,” Caitlin said, “Must be why he’s still my stalker and not my boyfriend.”

  “Kidnapping is the way to go,” Aiden teased.

  “I’m beginning to think you might be right,” Justin said while giving Caitlin a heated glare.

  “I’ve been hiding out here too long,” Lydia said. “Let’s go out tonight. It’s Saturday, right?”

  “Sure is,” Caitlin said. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Find us a show,” Lydia said. “Something loud. A mosh pit would be perfect. Make sure Trish is there.”

  Caitlin looked over at Tempest. “I wish you could go out with us,” she said. “You and Lyd are going to get along great.”

  “Should I send Aiden to make sure Justin doesn’t do anything stupid?” Tempest asked.

  Lydia felt a little left out. Obviously, they’d forged a bond and Lydia wasn’t part of it. Life had gone on without her for the months she’d been with Dominic. Maybe her own feelings of being an outsider would help her with Trish. Roman must have sensed her mood because he pulled her closer.

  “I would appreciate Aiden’s presence,” Roman said. “Until we find Dominic I want to keep Lydia well‑guarded in public.”

  Aiden looked torn. “As long as it’s not too far from home I can go. I don’t like leaving Tempest alone for long.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Tempest assured him. “You know I’ll be over at the women’s shelter tonight anyway.”

  Aiden reluctantly nodded.

  Lydia smiled brightly. “Okay, first order of business, I need to get Roman some new clothes.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “Leather pants would be totally sexy,” she teased.

  That made him laugh and everyone in the room looked shocked. “No leather pants, but we can go shopping. I’m sure you’d like something new to wear as well.”

  Lydia tip toed and pulled his head down for a kiss. “You know me so well.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lydia was sure she was going to need someone to follow her around and wipe the drool off of her chin all evening. Roman didn’t really look casual. Nope, the man even looked elegant in a pair of low‑rise black jeans and a black t‑shirt. Black boots and a black leather jacket completed the outfit. She wondered idly if she should have been more specific with her wardrobe suggestions.

  Roman had asked what he should wear when they were out shopping and she’d said, “I dunno. Jeans and a t‑shirt. Black’s always good.”

  Well, it worked for him. She’d messed up his perfectly combed hair a bit and the man was looking more than a little hot. As she stood beside him, waiting for the others to arrive, she fisted her hands at her sides to avoid groping him. Since most of their group was likely to dress in black, Lydia had decided to be different and wear a sexy red dress. The thin straps barely covered her red bra straps and it belted just below her ribs
before flaring out over her hips. Before putting on the extra weight, she couldn’t have pulled it off because of her lack of hips. Now she loved the way it flowed over her feminine curves. She’d paired it with simple black ballet flats. The dress looked better with heels but she was worried about falling. Also, she liked the way Roman towered over her.

  Aiden had promised to braid her hair before they headed into the club, but she was beginning to wonder if they should just go in without him. It was getting cold.

  “Are you cold?” Roman asked.

  “A little,” she admitted. “Maybe we should ditch everyone else.”

  Roman wrapped his jacket around her shoulders. “I see them down the block.”

  Lydia turned to smile. Caitlin was walking with Trish and occasionally glaring back at Justin and Aiden who were trailing them.

  “I was beginning to wonder if you’d make it here or not,” Lydia said with a smile. She was really happy to see her friends.

  “How were we supposed to know you’d be on time? It’s never happened before.” Trish teased and rushed forward to hug her. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” When Trish was excited her voice took on a high‑pitched, almost little girl quality which matched her sweet personality. Her brown hair bounced back and forth in its ponytail.

  Lydia began to wonder if Caitlin was imagining things. This was the same old Trish.

  “Sorry, we’re late,” Caitlin said and turned to point at Justin. “The jackass insisted that Aiden drive since he’s the designated driver for the night. You’ve never ridden with Aiden so you don’t have any idea how bad that is. The man drives like an old woman.”

  Since Aiden didn’t argue, Lydia assumed he agreed with Caitlin’s assessment of his driving skills.

  “Why is Aiden driving? Trish always drives? Did you take up drinking, Trish?” Lydia asked and looked over at Trish who seemed decidedly uncomfortable. “You can’t drink, Trish. Drinking makes you gropey and mean.”

  “I can’t drive at night until I see the eye doctor,” Trish said and flashed a strained smile. There was just a trace of bitterness in her soft brown eyes. “I’m having some trouble with my vision lately. That’s the sort of thing that happens to us normal humans when we get old.”

  Trish’s obvious bitterness shocked Lydia. At least that was what Lydia assumed the tone was. In the five years they’d known each other, Lydia had never heard Trish sound bitter.

  “I’m sorry,” Trish said and her head dropped. She clenched her fists then stared up at the sky. “That came out sounding really awful. This has been a bad day, but I shouldn’t be taking it out on you.”

  Lydia hugged her. “Don’t worry, sweetie. You don’t always have to be the positive one in the group. After all that you’ve put up with from me, I think you have a pass to act any way you want toward me.”

  Trish grabbed her hand. “That wasn’t your fault. Caitlin told me some of what happened and there is absolutely nothing to feel bad about.”

  Lydia held up her other hand to silence Trish. “Even so, my point is that you don’t have to be the nice one all of the time. We love you. Usually, Caitlin takes up most of the bitch time, but we can let you have tonight’s slot if you want.”

  Trish smiled. “Really? Can I be mean to everyone?”

  “Hell, no,” Caitlin replied. “Then I’d have to listen to you apologize all day tomorrow. You are not good at being mean.”

  “True,” Trish agreed, “but I can make fun of Aiden for braiding your hair, right?”

  “Speaking of which,” Lydia said with a snap of her fingers. “Get to it. I’m freezing my tits off out here.” Then she gave Trish a conspiratorial smile. “Maybe they aren’t as impressive as yours but check these out! I had to buy new bras.”

  “I think they’re bigger than mine,” Caitlin piped in.

  “Is this what women talk about?” Roman asked the other men.

  Aiden was already halfway done braiding Lydia’s hair. “Pretty much,” he said as he went down to his knees to finish the bottom of the braid. “I think they check out other women’s boobs more than we do.”

  “I am so telling Tempest that you check out other women’s boobs,” Caitlin said.

  Aiden stood up. “All done with the braid and Tempest knows I check out other women’s boobs. She’s cool with it. I mean seriously, why would I ever want another woman? Have you seen Tempest? That woman is perfection.”

  “She’d also kill you,” Justin added.

  “That she would,” Aiden agreed with a nod.

  “I should spend more time with Tempest,” Lydia said as they walked to the front of the line. The crowd outside gave them funny looks but Roman’s glare kept them all quiet.

  “You’ll love her,” Caitlin said.

  “Caitlin is actually nice when Tempest is around,” Trish added.

  The club was already pretty crowded. Lydia checked out the upper areas and realized they were all full. They moved along the side close to one of the walls. While there were tables they were all taken at that point. Roman offered to clear one out, but Lydia was in the mood to get close to the stage.

  “Anyone want drinks?” Lydia almost shouted. Even though the show hadn’t started yet, loud music was playing over the sound system.

  “I’ll go,” Trish offered. “The bartender is a friend so I can probably get us a few free drinks.”

  With that she walked off in the direction of the bar. Lydia was surprised by how much trouble Trish was having maneuvering in the club’s bad lighting. Trish was walking extra slow, making sure to stay near the side of the room.

  “I’d better go with her,” Lydia said and was pleased when Roman leaned down to kiss her.

  Lydia quickly caught up with Trish and took her arm. She decided to pretend it had nothing to do with Trish’s poor vision. “I figured there was no way you could carry back drinks for all of us. Also, I wanted to talk to you alone for a few minutes. I’ve missed you.”

  Trish looked grateful and Lydia suspected Trish knew her real reason for tagging along and appreciated Lydia not mentioning it. “Sure, I really am sorry I was bitchy when I first saw you. I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Are you kidding?” Lydia asked. “Last time I saw you, I was a total bitch. I was a bitch to everyone for months. I’m the one who needs to apologize.”

  “We already covered this. It wasn’t your fault,” Trish said.

  “Yeah, everyone keeps telling me that, but I was there. Even though I don’t remember everything, I remember being a bitch and it wasn’t an accident. Besides, you were the one who was always warning me about hooking up with random guys. You said one of them would hurt me eventually.”

  Trish covered her mouth and giggled.

  “This is not funny,” Lydia said, but her own lips were twitching.

  “Yes, it is,” Trish said through her giggles. She worked hard to get them under control before speaking. “You always have to go to extremes with everything. I figured you’d end up with some psycho human. Instead you end up with some psycho vampire. Way to one up the other women of the world.”

  A group of goth kids overhead them and gave Lydia nods of approval. Great, she was winning over the goth kids with her stupidity.

  At the bar, Trish smiled at the bartender. His face brightened when he saw Trish and he rushed over to take their drink order. With long blond hair, high cheekbones, and dimples, he was one sexy bartender. The eyebrow piercing and cool sleeve tattoos only added to his charm by giving him a bad boy look.

  “I had no idea you were going to be here tonight, Trish.” The man had one of those sexy voices that sent shivers through the bodies of many men and women surrounding the bar. He probably got great tips.

  “Hey Mikey!” Trish said with a flirtatious smile. “I hope none of these bitches are coming on to my man.”

  The sexy wink he gave her made women all around the bar sigh. “What can I get ya?”

  “Cranberry juice, orange juice, and four super girlie drinks
. If you’ve got umbrellas I want ‘em. No ice in the juice.”

  “Ladies’ night out?” he asked with a wink at Lydia.

  “Something like that,” Trish said.

  “Make mine a virgin,” Lydia called out. “Roman’s too. He’ll insist on driving back.”

  “Since when?” Trish asked.

  “I suspect always,” Lydia said. “Okay, I’ve only known him a short time, but Roman seems like the type who doesn’t let anyone drive his car.”

  “Not that,” Trish said with a roll of her eyes. “Since when are you skipping the alcohol in your drink?”

  “Since I got involved with a douche bag who nearly killed me,” Lydia said. “If I’d been sober at that stupid party, things would have ended differently. I sure as hell wouldn’t have left Hannah alone to get attacked. Hell, if I’d been acting my age, I never would have dragged everyone to that stupid party in the first place. With all that’s happened, I finally realized that I need to grow up.”

  Mikey quickly filled their drink orders and refused Trish’s money.

  “Sorry, no umbrellas but I did put pink drink mixers in the regular drinks and yellow in the virgins. There’s some guy checking you ladies out,” Mikey said. “Looks kind of edgy, so be careful.”

  “Thanks,” Trish said with a wave.

  Lydia held the drink tray and leaned in to talk to Trish on the way back. “Who the hell is this Mikey guy?”

  “We had some classes together last semester,” Trish said. “We go out occasionally when one of us needs a fake date.”

  “Why not go out on a real date?” Lydia asked. “I know you don’t usually go for the pierced and tattooed types, but that guy is fiiiiine.”

  “I’d make an exception for Mikey,” Trish said. “Sadly, I don’t have the right equipment.”

  Lydia let out a snort of laughter. “So who’s protecting you from the boys tonight?” With Trish’s shapely figure, men came on to her a lot. Trish hated the attention of men in clubs. She usually brought someone with her to avoid dealing with the annoying come on lines. Actually, Trish would avoid clubs and parties completely if it weren’t for Caitlin. Most people didn’t know how awkward Trish felt in social settings. Only a few people knew how infrequently Trish dated.