Roman (The Clutch Series Book 1)

by Heidi McLaughlin

  Nic also wants other… things, which as his bonded mate, I suppose he has a right to request, but no. I’m not, nor will I ever be, intimate with him. This is where I don’t feel sorry for him and start to resent Roman. Again, avoidable, yet I had to ask Roman to install doubled plated steel doors, which I had blessed by the same priest my father used, at my apartment to keep Roman’s “son” away. I don’t trust Nicolai, at least not yet. He still has some growing up to do.

  Who knew a newbie vamp would be so adolescent? One too many times, I’ve yelled the words, “you’re grounded” because of some idiotic thing Nic has done. We’re talking really childish act, like walking in the garden display at the Bellagio, climbing to the top of the Luxor and jumping off the Stratosphere. I get that ordinary people don’t do these sort of things, and this is probably some vampire thrill seeking activity to test his immortality, but enough is enough. Nicolai doesn’t listen to Roman, only me, which means when he’s doing something he’s not supposed to, I get a call to come pick him up. Talk about getting the raw end of the deal, which again, I blame Roman for.

  He’s tried to make it up to me with offers of trips around the world (we couldn’t because Nic attempted to join the mile high club as soon as we stepped onto the plane). Roman bought me the most exquisite jewels, designer clothes before they hit the rack, and offered a brand new house. I almost took him up on the home. That was until he said he and Nic would live there as well.

  One big happy family.

  No.

  My father stands to my right and Roman to my left, both of them holding the red ribbon in place so I can make the cut. There are news crews here as well as reporters from various newspapers. My project… I mean Roman’s, has become a human-interest story, bringing a multitude of human service agencies to his door. At my suggestion, Roman opened an office, hired a vampire secretary (at my urging) and started another company helping the people of Nevada with finding temporary housing, jobs and helping with some expenses, such as clothing and transportation, so people can get back on their feet.

  When my father found out my deceit, he was livid and told me I was no longer a part of his family. I called his bluff and anonymously contacted the news about the project and how the Gaming Commissioner was refusing to grant the license. My dad knew I had done it and called a meeting where I laid it all out for him. He would give Roman and me, because yes, I wasn’t going to give up on the project, the license needed to open the casino, and he would accept Roman as my boyfriend. The latter he balked at, threw his hands up in the air, and said over his dead body, which Nicolai took as an open invitation to kill him.

  I can admit, I let Nicolai stalk my father for about thirty seconds before I told him to stop. In hindsight, I know it wasn’t nice, but my father really needed to be taken down a notch. When he finally calmed down, I handed him the file I had compiled over the years. Details of his shady transactions, from as far back to when I was a teenager, placed in date order for his perusal. My demand was simple; accept Roman and subsequently Nicolai, as part of my life. That was it, nothing more.

  The enormously large scissors are hard to squeeze, but I do it, slicing through the ribbon that has served as a makeshift barrier from the main door of the casino. The reporters descend on Roman and me, firing questions at us from all angles. “It’s easy math,” Roman tells the crowd. “We own the building outright, and after expenses are paid, the revenue will be used to continue funding the Roman Weston Home for Indigent Humans.” I smile at the name of our company. It was actually Roman’s idea to add my last name. I think he did it because he knows it gets on my father’s nerves, but considering the Sisters strip humans of their identities and give them new names, except Nicolai, which makes me shudder just to think about, Roman never had last name and doesn't remember his human one.

  Nicolai is standing against the wall, waiting to join us. As soon as I start toward the casino, he takes his regular position on my right side. I feel sorry for him, I do, and wish there were something I do could to break our bond so he could be free. I’ve gone as far as to seek out a high witch priestess, hoping she can break the spell, curse or whatever it is tying him and me together.

  “You look very beautiful today, Fiona.”

  “Thank you, Nicolai, that was a very nice compliment.”

  “I’d like to fuck you now.”

  I roll my eyes. “See, now you’ve gone and ruined the moment. Think before you speak.” Selene and Roman believe that when he demanded to have Nicolai come feed him, Nic was actually in the middle of having sex with another vampire, hence the constant desire to have sex. Selene also believes the last conscious memory Nicolai has, is of sex and the word “fuck” which comes out of his mouth far more than it should and at the most inopportune times, like when we’re standing in line at the grocery store, and he blurts it out. However, that’s all he does. While I have a healthy fear of him because he’s still learning the ways, he’s yet to try anything but force himself on me.

  Roman slaps Nicolai on his head and tells him to watch his mouth. Nic takes this to heart and strains his eyes down to his pushed out lips. “I swear the Sisters did something to his brain when they performed the ritual,” Roman says. He’s exhausted, and if he slept, he’d probably have sleepless nights, but as it is, he spends most of his time watching Nicolai, teaching him and trying to keep him out of trouble.

  “We’ll figure out how to break the bond,” I tell Roman, leaning into him for a kiss. “The priestess is working to uncover ancient rituals.”

  “There’s no guarantee,” he says

  I shake my head. “No, there isn’t. However, until we know for sure, there isn’t anything we can do about the situation.” I take Roman’s hand, and we walk further into the casino. Almost every table has someone sitting at it, and the slot machines are full. When Roman redesigned the layout, he put less equipment in, saying it would create more demand. So far, he looks to be right, but I have concerns.

  “If people are waiting for a spot at the blackjack table, what’s keeping them here as opposed to going down the street to the next casino?”

  Roman smiles. There’s a wicked glint in his eye. He doesn’t need to answer because I already know. All the dealers at the tables are vampires, and I have a feeling, each person’s being compelled to stay here.

  “Roman, this is illegal.”

  He pulls me into his arms. “It’s only illegal to compel a human into doing something they don’t want to. Each one here wants to spend money. We’re just enticing them to stay a little longer. Don’t worry, my love, they’re still in control and can say no.” He winks. “Trust me, darling. You know I would never break another rule of the Covenant.” This is true.

  “What do you say, should we go check out the view from the Presidential suite?”

  “I have a better idea.”

  “What’s that?” I ask, only to watch Roman drop to one knee. Already in his hand is an opened black box with a dazzling diamond sparkling under the casino lights.

  “Roman!” My hand covers my mouth, and I start to nod before he even asks me anything.

  “Fiona, will you give me a chance to be your husband for the rest of your life?”

  “Yes, yes I will.”

  Roman stands and carefully places my engagement ring on my finger. Out of nowhere, Selene, Corban, Damen, Lydia, Lana and even Nicolai surround us, congratulating us. Nicolai looks hurt, which I can understand. I pull him into my arms and whisper, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure everything out, and you’ll be free.”

  “And we can fuck?” he asks with a smile.

  I throw my hands up in the air and start laughing, along with everyone else. This is what my life has become, surrounded by vampires as my friends, with one who has a one-track mind. If someone had asked me seven or eight months ago, what I’d be doing now, my answer would’ve been easy, laying by the pool, spending Daddy’s money. Ask me now, and I’ll tell you, running a business that helps people in need, while tr
ying to break a bond so a man can be free to fall in love, and not upset three Sisters who are hell-bent on making sure I pay for my vampire’s mistake.

  Nicolai

  Coming in August

  Acknowledgments

  Heidi and Amy want to thank you for taking a chance on our vampire. We sincerely hope you enjoyed our little tale and will stick around for Nicolai’s book, which will come out in August.

  Huge shout-out to our team: Kellie Montgomery, Letitia Hasser and Ena & Amanda from Enticing Book Journey. As well as everyone on our street teams for making sure our teasers were shared, our story made sense, and for telling us how hot Roman is!

  Also, we want to thank Bram Stroker for giving us something to sink our teeth into!

  About Heidi McLaughlin

  Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

  Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.

  In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

  When writing isn’t occupying her time, you can find her sitting courtside at either of her daughters’ basketball games.

  Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.

  Don’t miss more books by Heidi McLaughlin! Sign up for her newsletter, or join the fun in her fan group!

  Connect with Heidi!

  www.heidimclaughlin.com

  About Amy Briggs

  Amy Briggs is a Texas based writer. Formerly a firefighter and EMT in New Jersey living next to a military base, Amy was initially drawn to creating stories around emergency services and the military, and draws on her experiences to show the depth and emotional side of the lifestyle. Her love of fairy tales carries through each of her novels and she hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with love.

  Have all things Amy Briggs delivered to your email? Join her mailing list!

  Don’t forget to follow Amy on Instagram!

  You can also reach Amy at the following:

  amybriggs.author@gmail.com

  Also by Heidi McLaughlin

  THE BEAUMONT SERIES

  Forever My Girl – Beaumont Series #1

  My Everything – Beaumont Series #1.5

  My Unexpected Forever – Beaumont Series #2

  Finding My Forever – Beaumont Series #3

  Finding My Way – Beaumont Series #4

  12 Days of Forever – Beaumont Series #4.5

  My Kind of Forever – Beaumont Series #5

  Forever Our Boys - Beaumont Series #5.5

  The Beaumont Boxed Set - #1

  THE BEAUMONT SERIES: NEXT GENERATION

  Holding Onto Forever

  My Unexpected Forever

  THE ARCHER BROTHERS

  Here with Me

  Choose Me

  Save Me

  LOST IN YOU SERIES

  Lost in You

  Lost in Us

  THE BOYS OF SUMMER

  Third Base

  Home Run

  Grand Slam

  THE REALITY DUET

  Blind Reality

  Twisted Reality

  SOCIETY X

  Dark Room

  Viewing Room

  Play Room

  STANDALONE NOVELS

  Stripped Bare

  Blow

  Sexcation

  Santa’s Secret

  Also by Amy Briggs

  The Brotherhood of District 23

  Fired Up (Book 1)

  Fully Involved (Book 2)

  Controlled Burn (Book 3)

  The Complete Brotherhood of District 23

  The Brotherhood of District 23 Coloring Book

  Standalone Novels

  Hot & Cold

  (co-written with Mikey Lee; a Brotherhood of District 23/Sin Series Crossover)

  Fairy Tales Reimagined Series

  Dream State (Book 1)

  Little Queens Duet

  Royal Protection

  Sneak Peek of My Unexpected Love

  By Heidi McLaughlin

  Elle

  My head rests against the glass of the backseat window. Raindrops slide down, one meeting the other, forming a longer stream of water. Each one’s only visible when we happen to pass under a streetlight. The edge of my fingernail follows the path until the small ball of water at the end meets the bottom of the window. I glance quickly at my phone, pressing the home button to bring it to life, only the solid black screen stares back at me.

  It’s dead, like how I feel on the inside.

  “What time is it?” My voice is garbled and my breath poisoned by the harsh aftertaste of vodka, tequila, and whatever else I managed to get my hands on, causing my stomach to twist. Being underage hasn’t stopped me from hitting every hotspot in Los Angeles, nor has it stopped the bouncers from letting me in. They all know who I am and not a single one of them cares because they know I’m there to spend money. Not to mention, I bring an entourage with me. For the club, it’s free promotion considering every one of my friends details our outings on social media.

  “Just after three.” The driver’s foreign accent makes it sound like he said tree or maybe it was free. My mind is mush, and I feel like I’m on the verge of passing out. I lift my head to glance at his GPS, only to have a wave of nausea roll through me. I press my forehead back to the cold window and close my eyes.

  “How much longer?”

  “We’re here.” The car comes to an abrupt stop, throwing my body forward. I look into the rearview mirror and meet the driver’s eyes, and I swear he smirks. Blindly, I ruffle through my bag and pull out a twenty. The rate on the dash reads nineteen and some change.

  “Here ya go.” I toss the bill at him and exit the car. He screeches away within seconds of me closing the door. “Asshole,” I mutter into the darkness.

  Each step I take toward the apartment I share with my brother Quinn is painful. Tonight’s outing is definitely one for the record books. Aside from the copious amounts of flowing alcohol, the all-night dancing has done a number on my muscles.

  I don’t know how long it takes with me fumbling around, trying to get my key in the lock before it opens. Quinn stands there, with his arm holding the door. The muscles in his arm strains, likely from the grip he has on the edge of the wood. The bright light from our living room lamp highlights his scowl almost perfectly, which is different for him because usually, Quinn’s expressionless, always stoic. It’s the troubled soul of a musician, only he’s not troubled. I swear if he were, I don’t think I’d be able to live with him.

  “Thanks.” I step in, brushing against him.

  “We need to talk, Elle.”

  “Did someone die?” This is my automatic response to a statement like this. Quinn looks at me, his eyes cold and steady. I shrug. I know it’s a bad joke, but whatever. I don’t know why he expects anything different from me.

  The door slams shut. The sound reverberates through the room, causing me to jump. “All right, can we at least turn the light off?” I shield my eyes when I look at him, exaggerating the fact that the light is too bright. His expression seems to worsen as he glares at me.

  “Sit down.” Quinn’s command is forceful, demanding. He points to one of the two chairs we own. He’s set them up across from one another in the middle of our living room, almost like an interrogation or better yet an intervention.

  “What’s going on?” I sit with a huff, slouching in the chair with my legs kicked out in front of me. My brother sits down and grips the armrests, keeping his back straight and his eyes set on mine. Quinn is hard to read, always has been. I’m not joking when I say he’s a tortured or troubled musician, even though he grew up in t
he lap of luxury. The stigma still applies to him. He’s an old soul, according to our grandma, and carries some imaginary burden that only Quinn knows how to combat. “Quinn?”

  “The partying has to stop, Elle.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I didn’t stutter. Since… for the past year, you’ve been out of control. Most nights, you don’t even make it home. At first, I didn’t think it was anything. Nothing out of the ordinary, since you’re in college and this is what kids our age do, but recently, your habits are all over social media and Mom and Dad are throwing around words like court-ordered rehab.”

  My mouth suddenly dries, my stomach rolls and my temper is on the verge of exploding. No one, not Quinn, my parents or even my sister can understand what I’ve been going through. What Quinn couldn’t bring himself to say is that since my twin sister almost died, since she was smashed up in a car, much like our father, and had to fight for her life, I haven’t been right. Nothing in my life seems right anymore, and partying is the only way I know how to cope. The drinking allows me to stay numb, it keeps my mind in a fog, so I don’t have to deal with the endless questions about how I’m doing, how Peyton is coming along or when am I going to settle down like her. The constant comparison, whether it's about our physical health or mental well-being is taking its toll. People seem to forget that we’re twins, but we’re not the same person. “You have no right.”