by Sarah Bailey
“Are you here to lecture me on my interrogation techniques?”
Jack stood by the sink, cleaning his equipment. Gavin glanced at the bloody figure huddled in the corner.
“No.”
“Neave told you I didn’t get much out of him. There’s a much bigger picture here he’s not privy to.”
Jack had only been in London a couple of months, but the two of them had known each other for a very long time. They shared a maker who was no longer amongst the undead, staked fifty years ago in a turf war. Neither Gavin nor Jack mourned her passing.
Gavin asked Jack here to help him secure his power base after the chaos Raquel’s death had left in its wake. They’d only just restored some semblance of order.
“You realise that it is awfully strange you taking an interest in a human who has no ties to our world.” Jack followed Gavin’s eyes to Samson. “Oh, don’t worry, he’ll be dead to the world for a while.”
“Lukas made it my business.”
“Since when did you become buddies with that guy?” Jack scrutinised Gavin for a moment. “Unless… You owe him, don’t you?”
“And what of it?”
Jack shrugged, turning back to the sink and picking up a bloody knife.
“You know, you never did tell me what happened to Raquel.”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“You made it my business when you asked me to interrogate one of her lackeys.” Jack paused for a moment, inspecting the blade in his hand carefully. “Tell me, how goes the search for her missing mate?”
Gavin leant back against the counter, crossing his arms.
“Why would I know? It’s Hell’s business.”
“He’s a loose end that needs tying up.”
“Why do you think Lukas asked me to ensure the safety of the girl when he’d be perfectly capable of doing it himself?”
“They’re looking for Val?”
“Glad to see all those blows to the head you received haven’t affected your mental faculties.”
Jack smirked. Their maker had discovered Jack in an underground fighting ring. He was close to death after a particularly brutal beating.
“I don’t think that’s the only reason you’re helping the demon. I think it has everything to do with why Raquel is dead.”
“You can believe whatever you wish, Jack. She’s gone and no one is mourning her.”
“Except perhaps her little pet werefox. You know, it wouldn’t surprise me if he was involved.”
Gavin hadn’t considered the possibility. It still didn’t explain why someone was going after Daisy. She was only in their world due to her association with Ella and Lukas. He’d now rendered it entirely impossible for her to pull herself out by claiming her as his own. He wondered if Daisy realised what she’d gotten herself into. Perhaps he was a little guilty of keeping her in the dark.
“I’m sure he’s a tad sour over Raquel’s death.”
“Sour? He devoted his life to her. I think he’d be itching for revenge.
“Raquel should’ve known better than to go after anyone associated with Hell. She brought it upon herself.”
“She was always an arrogant bitch.”
Gavin smiled. He never liked Raquel, even when he had risen through the ranks to become her second. But, it had given him the power he desired and the means to do what he pleased with no ramifications.
Now, he had to deal with the interference of his superiors. They were watching him until he proved that he was capable of keeping the vampires of London in line. He didn’t have any regrets about ensuring Raquel’s death, regardless.
The door opened and Neave stepped in, holding a glass full of blood. She eyed the two of them with interest for a moment before strolling over to Samson. She hauled him up into sitting position, slapping him a few times. He stirred and looked up at her with a mutinous glare.
“Here, drink up.”
She snapped his head back and proceeded to pour the blood into his open mouth. It was necessary since Jack had ripped out his fangs. They would grow back, but Samson would have trouble feeding properly for a few months.
Satisfied he’d had enough, she released him.
“Fucking bitch,” Samson mumbled.
“Nice to know you’re still a dick.”
She kicked him in the gut for good measure before she sashayed over to Gavin.
“Anything else you need?”
Gavin shook his head before he straightened. He was next to Samson in a flash. He stared down at the bloody vampire whose wounds were knitting back together.
“If I find out you’ve so much as thought about going near the girl again, I’ll personally rip your throat out myself. Are we clear?”
Samson growled but nodded.
“Now, if you’d be so kind as to fuck off out of my territory. I believe our business is concluded. Don’t make me regret allowing you to live.”
“What is so fucking special about the little girl?”
He’d been about to disappear, but he stopped. His eyes grew darker. He hauled Samson to his feet by his throat and slammed him into the wall.
“She is not a little girl. She is mine. You would do well to remember that.”
There was a deafening silence as his words sunk in.
“Yours?” Samson asked, eyebrows raised. “I thought you said you were protecting her for a friend.”
“She is under my protection which makes her mine. Now, get the fuck out of my sight.”
He shoved Samson to the ground roughly. The vampire scrambled to his feet.
“I didn’t sign up for this shit.”
After Samson disappeared out the door, the remaining occupants stared at Gavin. Neave looked amused. Jack was thoughtful.
“So, that’s why she’s out of bounds,” Neave sniggered.
“I told you not to get any ideas.”
“Whatever you say, boss. I don’t blame you for tapping that.”
“Neave.”
“Okay, okay. You’re not sleeping with her, I get it.”
She winked at Jack who smirked.
“It’s high time you two got back to work.”
“Yes, sir,” Jack said, chuckling.
The two of them left Gavin alone. He looked down at the bloody floor for a moment, irritated he’d lost control and revealed something he shouldn’t. He melted back into the shadows and spirited away from the bar.
Chapter Ten
Daisy hadn’t seen Gavin since the night Aaron had shown up, but he’d been texting her. He had business to attend to. She’d been pulling a couple of extra shifts at work. It had only been five days, but she was beginning to think he was avoiding her.
He’d assured her Samson would no longer be an issue, but she wasn’t so sure she was in the clear. They still didn’t know who had been pulling Samson’s strings.
She’d had no word from Aaron, which was a relief in itself. He’d clearly not been too impressed when he’d seen her with Gavin. Perhaps he finally realised she was no longer under his spell and moved on to another lonely girl desperate for attention. She didn’t care as long as he didn’t bother her.
Her phone buzzed as she let herself into her flat. She closed the door, pulling it out.
‘Come see me.’
She smiled, feeling a little relieved. So, he wasn’t avoiding her completely. She typed out a quick response.
‘Okay, but only just got in from work. Going to grab a shower first.’
She shoved her phone back into her pocket before kicking off her shoes and hanging her coat up. She crossed the room and opened her bedroom door. She flipped the light on and screeched when Gavin stepped out of the shadows.
“Holy shit! Don’t do that. Have you heard of using a door?”
He cocked his head to the side.
“Hey, Daisy, what are you screaming about?”
She turned to find Lucy outside her room, rubbing her eyes.
“Sorry, I just stubbed my toe.”
Lucy shuffled away back to her room, closing the door behind her. There was still a little awkwardness between them. She sagged against the doorframe. Her heart still raced from the shock of Gavin appearing in her room.
“I was going to suggest I join you.”
She looked up. He was standing next to her with a devious smile on his face.
“Join me?”
She stared at him in confusion.
“You said you were getting in the shower.”
“Oh.” Her brow furrowed. “Oh! You… Oh!”
“Oh indeed.”
“Well, if you want to.”
“It involves you naked. I want.”
His eyes were full of desire. It made her tremble. She took his hand, leading him back through her living room into the bathroom. It wasn’t huge, but it had a separate shower which she hoped could accommodate the two of them.
“Just so we’re clear, I don’t appreciate you appearing in my room like that.”
“No?”
She shrugged off her jumper before pulling off her t-shirt.
“You scared me half to death. Next time, warn me first.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
She eyed him warily as she unbuttoned her jeans. He was leaning against the sink, admiring the view.
“Are you just going to stand there?”
He gave her a smile before he began to unbutton his shirt. She rolled her eyes as she finished undressing. Reaching into the shower, she flipped it on so the water could get hot. Before she had a chance to turn around, he wrapped his arms around her waist. She could feel his cool, bare skin against hers. His mouth was on her neck, teeth lightly grazing her artery.
“Put your hands on the wall.”
He urged her forward. She stepped into the shower, bracing her hands against the wall. Water cascaded down the two of them.
“Did Lukas and Ella tell you who they are looking for?”
“No. Just that it was a job for Hell.”
She turned her head to look up at him, but he stopped her.
“Stay still.”
His hands moved down, cupping her breasts. His thumbs ran over her nipples, circling them. His arousal pressed into her back.
“Did you tell Ella you agreed to be mine?”
She winced. She hadn’t exactly mentioned that part, only that she’d accepted his proposition. Predictably, Ella had lost it. Now, they weren’t speaking to each other.
“Not exactly.”
One of his hands moved lower until his fingers were circling her core. She bit her lip to stop herself crying out.
“What did she say?”
“She went ape-shit and hung up on me when I told her she was overreacting. And I’m pretty sure you might hear from Lukas.”
He adjusted their positions before he pressed into her. She hissed, feeling him stretching her.
“I’m sure he has his hands full tracking down the wayward fox.”
The mention of a fox tugged at her memory.
“I am right in thinking you were the one Lukas contacted when Ella went missing. He talked about a fox then too.”
“You were there?”
“Yes. I was the one who made them come out clubbing that night.”
Her breathing was a little heavier as he thrust into her, fingers still circling her core.
“The person they’re looking for is a werefox.”
“Does this have anything to do with the vampire Ella killed?”
He stopped moving. She wanted to turn her head to see why, but he’d told her to stay still.
“How do you know about that?”
“Lukas told me. You know, that’s the night I found out about everything.”
“What else did he tell you?”
He still wasn’t moving. She was getting a little worried.
“Just that Ella got kidnapped and the vampire she killed was high up in your society.” She turned her head, not caring that he’d told her not to. “What’s wrong?”
He didn’t stop her. His eyes were dark. He looked a little haunted.
“How much of my conversation with Lukas did you hear?”
“I only heard his side. Hey, what is this about?”
He seemed to shake himself.
“Nothing. The less you know, the better.”
“Wait, a minute.” She almost slapped her hand on her head. “Ella killed your predecessor, didn’t she?”
She remembered Samson saying something about Gavin being someone called Raquel’s replacement. She put two and two together.
“Daisy…”
“You didn’t have anything to do with it. Why does it matter that I know?”
He moved, his hands gripping her hips as he thrust into her again.
“It doesn’t.”
She was pretty sure it did matter but didn’t want to push him any further. She knew it would only lead to some sort of punishment for her. Instead, she let him take her to heady heights with his expert fingers and she didn’t protest when he bit her.
“You’re intoxicating,” he whispered in her ear as he continued to pound into her.
§
Half an hour later, she was sitting on her bed, towel drying her hair. Gavin was leaning back against her pillows, only clad in his boxers. She eyed his bare chest, flushing. She thought about running her fingers over the hard planes of his muscles.
“Something on your mind?” he asked.
“What? No…”
His eyes narrowed a little. She wanted to sink into a hole and never come out.
“I was… admiring you.”
She turned away, completely unable to meet his gaze. Why did he make her feel so nervous and out of control? Her phone buzzed several times. She frowned. Who could be texting her at this time of night? She leant over and picked up the phone from her bedside table, dropping the towel on the bed.
‘I’m watching you.’
‘I’m going to savour the moment when you’re at my mercy.’
‘I do hope you’ll scream when I taste your flesh.’
‘Enjoy Gavin whilst you can. Your days are numbered.’
She paled. She didn’t know whose number this was or how they’d got hers. Before he had a chance to ask her what was wrong, she held out her phone to him. He took it and looked down.
He was on his feet within moments, pulling his own phone out and dialling a number.
“Gianna, I need you to trace a number.”
He was by the window, scanning the street outside. She blocked out his voice. Someone wanted her dead and she had no idea why. She hadn’t done anything. She wasn’t part of their world. She lay down, pulling the covers around her. Cracks had appeared in her mental armour and she couldn’t cope with it all. A tear wound its way down her cheek.
Why would anyone want her dead? Was it because she was with Gavin? No, this had started before they’d met. Then how did they know he was with her? There were too many unanswered questions. She tried to push down the rising panic in her stomach.
Someone wanted her dead.
She found herself encircled in a pair of strong arms and her face pressed up against a cold chest. She turned her head, resting it on him. It was only after a moment she realised he didn’t have a heartbeat nor was he breathing. It brought home to her the fact that Gavin was not human any longer.
She knew it should terrify her, being here with a predator, but she found herself comforted instead. For some strange reason, he wanted her. He could have anyone, yet he was here, with her.
“Why would someone want me dead?” she whispered.
“I intend to find out.”
“How do they know that I’m with you? I only told Ella.”
His hand was in her hair, stroking her head softly.
“Samson.”
“You said he wasn’t a threat anymore. How does he even know about us?”
He was
silent for a long moment. She was beginning to get the distinct impression that he didn’t want to tell her.
“What did you do?”
“He was trying my patience.”
She felt a surge of irritation. How was revealing their weird relationship to Samson going to help the situation? If anything, it had made it so much worse.
“And that makes it okay for you to put me in even more danger?”
“I do not share. I will not let another man touch you. You are mine.”
She sat up, pulling away from him. Her eyes blazed with fury.
“What part of I’m not your property did you not understand? Do you have any idea how fucking psychotic you sound? All this bullshit about me being yours has just put my life at risk. Yet you don’t even seem to give a shit that it’s partly your fault. Someone wants me dead and I have no idea why!”
Her breathing was erratic. She wanted to smack him.
“I didn’t ask to be a part of your world. I didn’t want this. I’m such a fucking idiot. I knew this was a bad idea. For some stupid reason, I went along with it anyway. Well, you know what, no. You can take your stupid ownership crap and shove it.”
He’d sat there, taking her barrage of abuse without blinking. She panted, desperately wanting to quiet the raging storm inside her.
“Are you quite done?”
She stared at his blank expression, quite unable to comprehend how calm he appeared to be despite her outburst.
“No!”
“Then, by all means, continue.”
“I…” She faltered, feeling exhausted.
His lack of reaction had taken the wind out of her sails. Last time she’d snapped at him, it had almost escalated into a full-blown argument. Why was he so passive this time?
“I’m done.”
He cocked his head to the side, looking at her with those damn captivating green eyes of his.
“Do you wish to end your association with me?”
Anxiety coiled inside her. She’d been so angry, she hadn’t really thought about what she was saying. Would it really be that easy for him to walk away? She didn’t want that, not one bit. The thought of never seeing him again made her feel sick. What was wrong with her? Had he really become so important to her that walking away felt like it would completely tear her in two?
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head.