Slade (Venom Series) Book Two

by Kristen Middleton

  She frowned. “No, it isn’t.”

  “I’m sorry,” I repeated, wishing now that she’d just go away.

  She waved her hand. “Oh… it’s okay. Tell you what, if you answer my question, I’ll answer yours,” she said, smiling again. “Deal?”

  “Your question?”

  “How did you meet Slade?” she repeated.

  My mind began to race with possible answers.

  “They met on the Internet,” said Melody, her eyes wide. “Some dating site, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes,” I replied, going along with it. “I had no idea he was a musician, though. I’d have never agreed to go out with him.”

  “But that’s good you didn’t know,” said Melody. “Because now look at you. You’re getting married and will live happily ever after, right?”

  I smiled. “Let’s hope.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding,” said Talia, sneering. “A dating site? Slade? Why would he have to resort to that?”

  “For anonymity,” I replied, surprised at myself. I was pretty damn good at making up stories. “So many women are after his money that he needed to find another way to meet girls.”

  “I’m sorry, but I have a hard time believing that a man like Slade would use a dating site,” she answered.

  “Believe what you want,” I said, walking away from her with my plate now full.

  “Oh, my God, they have five different types of cheesecake,” I heard Melody say. “I’m never leaving this castle.”

  I smiled and headed toward Slade and Liam.

  “What did she say to you?” asked Slade, as I sat down next to him.

  “Talia? She wanted to know where we met.”

  “Did you tell her it was none of her business?” he said, his face dark.

  “I didn’t get the chance. Melody piped in and said we met on an online dating service.”

  Liam laughed. “That’s priceless. That girl is spunky.”

  I grinned. “Yeah, it was pretty funny.”

  I turned back around to look at Melody and noticed that she was still talking to Talia. Then at whatever Talia said, Melody looked over to us, scowling.

  Slade noticed it to and stood up. “Damn Talia. What is she up to now?”

  Liam got up. “I’ll go see what they’re talking about. I need to get more food. Sit down and keep your fiancée company.”

  Sighing, Slade sat back down.

  “So, what’s the deal between you and Talia?” I asked. “You two seem to really, really dislike each other.”

  “That’s an understatement,” he said, rubbing a hand over his face.

  “Is it hard to talk about?” I asked softly.

  He looked at me. “Let’s just forget about Talia,” he replied just as softly. “And concentrate on where you’d like to go tomorrow.”

  My eyes lit up. “Go?”

  He laughed. “Did you forget already? I thought we could do some shopping and maybe a little sight-seeing.”

  “With Melody?”

  “Sure.” He smiled. “Unless she’s busy.”

  “I doubt she’ll be busy,” I replied, picking up my fork.

  “I wouldn’t be too sure,” he answered, just as Melody sat down on the other side of me.

  “Hey, are you okay?” I asked as she began to eat.

  “Yeah,” she replied, her voice sounding funny.

  “What did she say to you?” asked Slade over my shoulder.

  Melody’s eyes were hard. “She said a lot, actually.”

  “Just ignore her,” said Slade. “She’s poison and spews lies more than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m surprised Aiden is allowing her into his home. ”

  Melody didn’t answer. She picked up her fork and began to eat as well.

  “What kind of lies?” I asked, watching him glare across the room at Talia, who was now conversing with our pilot, Steve.

  “The kind that ruin lives. That’s why I probably shouldn’t let her near either of you. She might try starting something, just to get back at me.”

  “For what?” I asked.

  “For her sister,” he said, a pained expression on his face. “She… she killed herself and Talia blames it on me.”

  “What? Why?” I asked, surprised that he’d confessed something like this in front of both me and Melody.

  “Vanessa and I were… a couple. I made the horrible mistake of not telling her that I was a vampire,” he said in a solemn voice. “I meant to. I always meant to… but I wanted to tell her in my own way. Well, when she found out, she just couldn’t live with the truth. She killed herself.”

  I put my hand over his. “Oh, my God, Slade. That’s horrible. And Talia blames you?”

  “Yes. I suppose that I am partially to blame. I kept it from her. I should have told her in the beginning.”

  “Apparently you should have told her more than that,” remarked Melody, frowning.

  “What do you mean?” asked Slade, his face darkening. “What did Talia say to you?”

  Her eyes widened. “Nothing.”

  “Then why did you say that?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “I was just agreeing that you should have told her that you were a vampire. That’s all.”

  Liam walked back over and sat down, a second helping of food piled high on his plate.

  “You sure have a healthy appetite,” I said, smiling at him.

  Liam smiled back. “Lycan have a healthy appetite for food and sex. I’m always ready for seconds and thirds.” He looked at Melody’s plate. “You have a pretty good appetite, too. You aren’t half lycan, are you?” he joked.

  She grinned. “I don’t know. I like second and third helpings myself. And not just food.”

  “Whoa,” said Liam, chuckling. “A girl after my own heart.”

  She winked. “You’d better believe it. In fact, you might have a hard time keeping up with my appetites.”

  Liam stared at her hard, and I could tell by the look passing between them, that it wouldn’t be long before they were exploring those appetites together. I only hoped that Melody knew what she was getting herself into. Liam, although he was funny and sweet, wasn’t like the boys she’d been messing around with back home. He wasn’t like anyone back home.

  Slade, also noticing the sexual charge going on at the table, tried to diffuse it by talking about shopping again. Fortunately, it worked.

  “Can you take them shopping?” asked Liam. “I have a date tomorrow.”

  Melody’s face fell.

  “A date? Who with?” asked Slade.

  “With Bradan’s mother.”

  Slade frowned. “What?”

  “It’s not what you think,” he answered, laughing. “At least, I don’t think it is. She called me out of the blue and asked if I’d have lunch with her tomorrow.”

  “Does Bradan know?” asked Slade.

  Liam shook his head. “I don’t think so. Don’t tell him, by the way.”

  “Are you kidding me? If we told him he’d have a conniption.”

  “I don’t get it. What’s the big deal?” asked Melody. “I think it’s sweet that you’re taking his mom to lunch. She’s probably really lonely and needs someone to talk to.”

  “I just don’t know why she’d pick Liam,” said Slade, shaking his head and smiling. “No offense.”

  “None taken, dickhead,” he replied.

  We all laughed.

  “Anyway, maybe I’ll meet up with you guys when I’m done eating. Like I said earlier, I could use some more clothes,” he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

  “Sounds good,” said Slade, as Aiden walked into the hall.

  “He’s back,” said Melody, as he walked toward us. “You know, Liam, your brother is really hot.”

  Liam frowned. “You think so, huh?”

  I could tell by the little smile on Melody’s face that she was playing with Liam.

  She went on. “He can’t be much older than twenty-seven or twenty-eight, right?”

&nbs
p; “He’s old enough to be your grandfather,” said Liam.

  Her eyes widened. “What?”

  “Lycan age differently,” he said.

  “Hmm… is he seeing anyone?” she asked.

  “I’m sure he is,” said Liam, sounding irritated. “He prefers older women, by the way. So, I wouldn’t get any ideas.”

  “Oh, bullshit,” said Slade, laughing. “Your brother prefers the same kind of women that you do. Pretty and ready.”

  “Is that right?” said Melody, running a hand through her blond hair. “I just think it’s so hot that he’s rich and so damn good looking.”

  “I’m rich,” said Liam.

  She turned to him. “Yes, but you’re dating Bradan’s mom.”

  Slade and I laughed.

  Aiden stopped at our table. “Have you seen Talia?”

  “She was here a minute ago,” said Slade, looking around.

  “I think I saw her leave with Steve,” said Melody.

  “Okay. I’ll go look for them. How’s the food?” he asked.

  “It’s so good,” I replied. “Thanks again for everything.”

  “Yes, thank you,” said Melody. “I just wish there was some way to make it up to you.”

  He grinned. “Seeing that pretty smile of yours is good enough.”

  She fluttered her eyelashes. “You’re too sweet.”

  Liam rolled his eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Slade, smiling at Liam.

  “Nothing.”

  “Slade,” said Aiden, lowering his voice. “Are you two really getting married?”

  “No,” whispered Slade. “We just told Talia that. So she’d stay away from me.”

  “So, she’d stay away from you? I don’t understand,” said Aiden.

  “They have a past together,” said Liam. “I’ll explain later. Or, one of us will.”

  “Interesting. Well, then I guess this means that I’d better play along with your little façade?” said Aiden.

  “If you could,” replied Slade. “Just for now.”

  “That’s fine. I guess that I didn’t know about your history with Talia. Is it anything that I should be concerned with?” said Aiden.

  “I hope not,” replied Slade.

  “Maybe you and I should have a little talk. Can you two meet me in my office in about twenty minutes?” he answered, looking at Slade and Liam.

  “Sure,” said Liam.

  “Yeah, I’ll be there,” replied Slade.

  Aiden nodded. “Okay. I’m going to find Talia. I’ll meet you in there when I’m done. Ladies, I might not get the chance to see you again this evening. If there’s anything that you need, my staff will be happy to get it for you.”

  “Thanks, Aiden,” I said.

  “Yes, thanks,” said Melody.

  “Oh, how are your rooms?” he asked. “Are they comfortable enough?”

  “They are fabulous,” said Melody. “Staying in this beautiful castle is like a dream come true.”

  His smile was somber. “I just wish your stay here was under different circumstances.”

  We both nodded.

  “Well, have a good night. Both of you,” he said.

  “You, too,” said Melody.

  “Yes, thank you, Aiden,” I said.

  “You’re welcome,” he replied, walking away, his mind already on something else.

  “I think that this is my last plate,” said Liam, dropping his napkin on it.

  “Mine too,” I replied, standing up. “Where should we put them?”

  “Just leave it. The servants will clean it up,” replied Liam.

  “So, what should we do now?” asked Melody, looking at me.

  “I’m kind of tired,” I said, yawning.

  “What time is it?” she asked.

  “It’s almost midnight,” said Liam. “Past your bedtime. Would either of you like to be tucked in?”

  I laughed. “No. I’m good.”

  “Can we get your brother to do it?” teased Melody.

  “That’s it,” said Liam, standing up. He walked around and pulled Melody’s chair out.

  “What are you doing?” she laughed.

  He picked her up and put her over his shoulder. “I’m bringing you up to your room and giving you a spanking.”

  “Oh, my God!” She laughed again. “Promise?”

  Liam winked at us. “I’ll meet you in Aiden’s office.”

  “Put her down,” said Slade. “Come on, it’s not funny.”

  “Oh, I’m putting her down. Over my knee,” he said, walking away.

  “Is she going to be okay?” I asked, watching him carry her away.

  “Yes. He’s just messing around. I think.”

  Liam suddenly took off running with her and Melody squealed in delight.

  “Yeah, I think they’ll be fine,” I replied, almost wishing that it was Slade carrying me up to my bedroom.

  AFTER LIAM RAN off with Melody, I walked Chelsey to her chambers.

  “I should probably look inside, to make sure there isn’t anyone hiding,” I teased. “And check for ghosts.”

  Her eyes widened. “Ghosts?”

  “Oh, sure,” I answered, trying to keep a straight face. “Many people have died in Castle Rylan. Rumor has it that a young man was murdered in this very room.”

  “What?” she squeaked. “In my room?”

  “Yep,” I said, opening the door. “Oh, look. Someone built a fire.”

  She walked around me. “They did! That’s great. It was much too chilly in here before.”

  “That’s because of the ghosts,” I said. “When they’re around, the room gets colder.”

  She looked at me. “You are so full of it.”

  I grinned. “Am I? Do you know for certain that there aren’t any ghosts in this castle?”

  She wrapped her arms around her waist, as if chilled. “No.”

  “If I were you. I’d arm myself with something,” I replied, still standing in the doorway.

  “With what? Aren’t you going to come inside and check under my bed?”

  “Can I?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes what?”

  She sighed. “Come inside, Slade.”

  “Thank you,” I said, walking in.

  “Wait a minute – were you waiting out there because… you have to be invited into a place like this, before you can actually enter it?”

  “Something like that,” I replied, not getting into the details. She’d actually hit it on the nuts. Vampires couldn’t physically set foot into a woman’s bedroom that they weren’t specifically invited into.

  “What were you saying about arming myself against ghosts?” she asked, still looking worried.

  I grinned. “I’m sorry, I was just messing with you.”

  She scowled at me. “What? You freaked the hell out of me! Why would you do that?”

  I walked over to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I laughed. “You should have seen the look on your face!”

  “How old are we?” she scolded. “Slade, you’re supposed to be over a hundred years old and you still act like a kid sometimes! I swear!” She threw her hands up in the air. “Men never grow up. No matter what species they are.”

  Something about the way she was telling me off set me on fire. I knew what I was about to do was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself.

  IN THREE STRIDES, Slade’s arms were around me and his lips were claiming mine.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered, between kisses. “God, I can’t help myself.”

  I was overcome with desire myself. I opened my mouth and met his tongue with equal fervor, kissing him back with everything I had. When that wasn’t enough, he slipped his hands under my buttocks, pulling me up so my legs straddled his waist. The next thing I knew, I was sinking into the bed and he was on top of me, nibbling and sucking on my lower lip

  “Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his face full of need and desire. “Tell me to stop.”

&n
bsp; I looked him in the eye. “No.”

  Relieved, he pulled my hair out of the ponytail and ran his fingers through it.

  Missing his lips, I pulled them back to mine and showed him how much I wanted him. Every ounce of my being was wound up and on fire. I needed some kind of release and from the way my body reacted to his, I knew that Slade could give it to me.

  He growled in the back of his throat and kissed me deeper as one hand moved up my T-shirt, cupping my breast. He squeezed it and then pulled my bra down, exploring the curve of my breast and then the tip of my nipple. When that wasn’t enough, Slade pushed my shirt out of the way and replaced his fingers with his mouth, making me cry out in pleasure. A blaze of heat shot into my crotch and I wrapped my legs back around his waist and rocked against him.

  He sucked in his breath and began grinding his hips against my pelvis, his jeans barely covering his excitement.

  Suddenly the door swung open. “Hey, Chelsey – Oh, my God!”

  Slade jumped off me so quickly that it felt like he’d never been in my bed. I pulled my shirt down and got up. My face was on fire.

  “Don’t you know how to knock?” he asked, still breathing heavily.

  “Sorry,” Melody said, looking horrified. “How was I to know that you two would be in here crawling all over each other?”

  “It’s okay,” I told her, now thoroughly embarrassed. “We’re all good.”

  “Slade, Liam’s looking for you,” she said and then smirked. “You might want to take a cold shower before you meet up with him though.”

  Scowling, he walked past her and then looked back at me. His eyes softened and he produced a smile. “Uh, I’ll see you tomorrow, Chelsey. Sweet dreams.”

  I smiled back. “You too.”

  When he was gone, Melody started giving me the third degree.

  “What in the hell was that about?! Weren’t you the one warning me about staying away from vampires and lycan?”

  “Yeah, but Slade’s different,” I said, thinking it sounded crazy even to myself. I actually had no idea whether or not he was different. He just made me feel so much… and I certainly liked him. A lot. “Besides, you should talk. What happened between you and Liam?”

  “Nothing,” she said. “Absolutely nothing.” She smiled. “Not that I didn’t want something to happen. He did kiss me.”