“Jesus, you’re a savage. I’m surprised she’s still talking to you. How the hell did you get out of that one?”
“I told her Splinters will kill our father if we don’t get this money.”
“You told her about Splinters?”
“I had to do something. She cornered me with that whole, ‘I saw two half-naked girls going up to your office’ thing. I had to tell her something. And I sure as hell wasn’t going to tell her I owe Splinters a personal debt for gambling away his yacht after sleeping with his mistress. Erica would never forgive me.”
“I’m starting to feel bad for the poor girl. She’s kind of a sweetheart.”
“Don’t go soft on me. She looks pretty on my arm when we sign deals like these.” Max pulled out several papers from the folder in his lap. “Plus, she can cook, and she’s not bad in the sack either. That also doesn’t hurt.”
The car rolled to a stop just behind where they’d parked. Julius stared at his feet, on the precipice of deciding whether to let his vampire out or stuff him back down. His breathing was heavy and slow. Julius prepared to launch himself at Max. Erica was not a plaything.
“You expect me to apologize to that?” Julius’s fighting fangs began to expand and draw down. A hatred he’d never known curled up his back and tightened in his muscles as his vampire surfaced. Blackness pooled in his eyes.
Yes, he’s a piece of shit, Evan said into his mind. But you can’t go beast mode in the middle of the street.
Yes, he could. His transformation was already starting. It felt good, having his vampire break through the surface. In the eighty years since he’d reached maturity, he’d never let his vampire out. Not truly. The beast inside of him was always to be kept at bay. The darkest part of every vampire was too vicious—too carnal—to let out without restraint. After many years of practice keeping him contained, Julius had finally found a reason to let his vampire run rampant.
Then he felt it again. A mouth numbing tingle traveled up his spine to the base of his skull. It was Evan.
“You have to do this,” Evan said. “On your honor as prince of the realm. Our people need you.”
When Evan put it that way, his vampire softened. The spindles of his rage broke apart. His kingdom depended on this deal. They wouldn’t accept that he’d let the head between his legs decide what was best for his kingdom. His vampire cared more for his people than he did for ripping Max’s throat out. Begrudgingly, he retreated and Evan lifted his hold.
“Keep perspective,” Evan advised. “Think of the starvation that’s sure to come if we don’t get this money. Remember the last time rampant famine blew through the realm? Millions of young innocents died.”
“Understood,” Julius said through clenched teeth. He’d put his petty differences aside and think of the plight of his kingdom. They needed money to buy blood, and that’s what he’d deliver on.
“If he mentions her, do nothing,” Evan said, a pleading note in his voice. “I can help remind you.”
The tingle at the base of his skull fortified Evan’s claim. Julius nodded his consent, resigned, knowing he wouldn’t be able to keep himself from ruining everything if he had to speak first.
I’ll do all the talking.
When the two shifters exited the car, Evan stepped forward to greet them.
Julius’s eyes narrowed on the scumbag in front of him. It was a wonder they’d do business with someone with such questionable morals.
We’ll do whatever it takes for our kingdom. Even negotiate with the devil himself, Evan said.
That was precisely what they were about to do.
“Thank you for meeting us.” Cav shook Evan’s hand.
“Thank you for coming.”
“Let’s go inside. It’s a bit chilly out.”
Julius remained silent, barely looking at either brother while they were ushered inside. Just as Cav handed them the blueprints for the new space, Max turned to Julius.
“About last night,” Max began, his stare cold and calculating. “I was surprised to see you there.”
Julius looked up at him, his expression equally frigid.
Just try your best, Evan encouraged.
“I can let it go if you can,” Julius said. It was as close to an apology as he could get. An awkward silence stretched through the expanse of the first floor.
Cav nudged his brother hard. Max cleared his throat. “No hard feelings.”
“That’s settled, then.” Evan said, then turned the subject to other things. “Where was the pool going to go again?”
“Right this way.” Cav pulled Max in front of him.
It seemed both of their brothers were keen to keep as much distance between them as possible. For most of the second visit, they did. As Cav showed them the pool and layout of the state-of-the-art fitness center, Max was cordial. By the time they reached the rooftop, Max was more animated.
“This will be one of the dual penthouse suites. One on either side.”
“How do you ensure privacy?” Julius asked, wanting to throw Max off the high-rise. It would do him no good; a shifter could survive a fall from this height if he shifted in midair. The regenerative properties from their shift would heal most breaks. It would be painful as all hell though. That alone would make it worth it. Alas, Julius remained steady on his feet. If Max was willing to play nice, so was he.
“There will be a dividing wall in the center. It will be designed to muffle most sounds. We thought of a glass enclosure as a possibility as well depending if we can secure a frosted option with the right thickness.”
“What about security?” Evan asked. “Currently, the design looks pretty open.”
“Let me show you,” Cav said, pointing down at the proposal in his hands. “I think we left the security plans on the pool level.”
“We have a bit of time before we have to go to the airport. My sister is flying in this morning, so we can go down to look at them.”
Do you think you can handle being alone with the wolf for five minutes?
I’ve been fine so far.
Be nice. Was all Evan said as he boarded the service elevator with Cav.
Once they were alone, Max turned toward him abruptly. “I take it she hasn’t told you yet.”
The wolf was baiting him. Julius steeled himself. From the smirk on Max’s face, he must have known Julius had no idea what he was talking about.
“Don’t worry,” Max continued. “She will.”
“What does she need to inform me of?”
“We’re working things out.”
Julius’s jaw clenched as he stared into Max’s dark, mocking eyes. It made him want to beat the blithering smile off of his face. He could rip the wolf’s throat out right now, and no one would know it. Cav was already descending the service elevator with Evan, discussing terms. Max was a lone wolf. Unprotected. A familiar numbness ran up the back of his neck and settled there like novocaine.
Evan.
I’m not going to kill him.
I can’t take that chance. Just tell him you’ll leave her alone.
No. If Erica came to him, he would never turn her away.
“If you two are working things out, then you won’t have a problem with me,” Julius said, proving to both of them his restraint.
“Then we are aligned, Mr. Craul?” Max asked, the undercurrent of challenge clear. He wanted Julius to back off of Erica. Like that would ever happen.
“If everything remains in order, you’ll have no issues on my end.” Julius said, his voice level despite the churning of the beast inside of him. His vampire itched to come to the surface.
“I know how to keep order in my own house,” Max said.
“Then, you have your answer.”
“Excellent, we’re agreed.”
When the wolf put his hand out, Julius took hold of it with a firm grasp of his own. Hard, unyielding. Inwardly, his vampire paced and hurried him to let go. He’d rather burn to death from a poison-laced dagger than tou
ch skin with the enemy.
He’s not our enemy.
He is now.
11
ERICA
“SO, LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT. You’re seeing the guy whose car we completely wrecked? Are you insane?” Marie’s voice screeched over the line as Erica cradled her cell phone with one hand and mixed a few paints with the other.
Thankfully, at Open Studio, her professor didn’t care if she was on the phone or not. Neither did her classmates—or rather, classmate. This late in the evening, just one other soul had braved the chilly weather to come to class. Across the room, he had his headphones on full blast. So, he was definitely not disturbed by her phone call.
“It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever done,” Erica replied.
“This is you we’re talking about. Of course it is.”
“That’s not fair. What about when I dated Tommy Richards in high school?”
“Tommy Richards was a pothead slacker. He’s a baby deer compared to this. Not that I’m complaining. I’ve been waiting for someone better to scoop you up for ages. Please tell me he’s hot at least.”
“You didn’t notice?” Shock bled into Erica’s words.
“I was running for my life! I wasn’t thinking about whether the guy was hot or not.”
“OMG, he’s gorgeous.” Erica all but swooned. Then she described every bit of the sexy man who made it impossible to think of anything else. “And his eyes! It’s so freaking cliché, but they’re dreamy.”
Marie whistled over the phone. “Does he have a brother?”
“He does, but he’s not your type. Well, he’s got plenty of brothers, I think. He’s one of seven.”
“Ask him! If he does, and any of them have half the genes you’ve described, we’re going to figure out how to spread the wealth immediately.”
“Down girl.” Erica laughed. “Besides, we haven’t spoken since the party—”
“What party?”
“My father’s birthday dinner.”
“You mean to tell me he’s met your parents? He’s one brave soul.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Wait, what do you mean you haven’t spoken since? Why not?”
Erica filled her friend in on the disaster that was her father’s birthday party. “And well… he hasn’t called since.”
“So? You have his number, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“We’re living in the 21st century! Interest is a two-way street. If you want him to know you’re still into him, call him.”
“What do I say? Hey, I know we haven’t spoken since you broke my parents’ dining room when you decked my ex, but…”
“Man, I wish I was there to see that.” Marie’s voice rose with glee.
“It was so embarrassing! Plus, Max and I still haven’t had a chance to talk…”
“What’s there to talk about? His loss.”
“You’re very quick to dismiss Max.”
Marie remained silent on the line. Erica knew her friend’s very vocal thoughts about her ex. It was surprising she was so reserved. It was short lived.
“We’ve been best friends since we were in the third grade. Believe me when I tell you, I know exactly when someone is not worth your time. You know what you need? A Max detox. Don’t see him, don’t talk to him… Don’t even think about him for a week. Let your brain settle. You’ll be able to think much more clearly.”
“What do I do in the meantime?” Erica asked, holding in a chuckle. Now that her relationship was over, her best friend seemed on a personal mission to keep it that way.
“The best way to get your mind off him is to put it to use on someone else. It seems Hotness Overload fits the bill. Aren’t you dating him anyway?
“We’re not dating.”
“If he is brave enough to meet your parents, you’re dating.”
“He’s only in town for a couple of weeks,” Erica said.
“No one says you have to have forever with the guy. Get in there, do the horizontal tango and get out. At the very least, he’ll be one hell of a distraction.”
“Isn’t that the truth.” Even thinking of him now gave Erica the tingles.
“Give the guy a chance. If it doesn’t work out, there’s plenty of tall and sexy in this city.”
Her phone beeped twice in her ear. When she looked at the display, she could have sworn her best friend was in cahoots with the universe. Julius’s name sprawled across the screen.
“OMG, that’s him.” Erica tried to temper her excitement.
“Hotness Overload? Or… that other one.”
Erica laughed at her friend’s brashness. “Julius. What do I do?”
“Answer it! Remember, no Max for a week. Not one single thought.”
Her phone beeped again.
“I’m going before it disconnects.”
“Don’t forget to ask Julius about his hot brothers.”
“Sure thing.” Erica chuckled before switching over to the other line and putting her paint brush down. “Hello.”
“So, I’ve figured out how I’m going to make it up to you.”
Well, that was unexpected.
“Make what up to me?” Her temporary confusion slightly dimmed her budding excitement.
“For getting into a bar brawl at your parents’ house.”
Erica bit her lip and tried to play it cool. “What makes you think I’d be willing to forgive you?”
“I can be persuasive.” Julius played along, likely catching onto the excitement in her voice.
“And how would that be?” She couldn’t help the grin on her face.
“I can show you later tonight.”
“You know, I’m beginning to think you really are a vampire. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you walk around in the daylight.”
“Sure you have. We slept together, remember?”
Erica snorted. “You make it sound like it was more than it was.”
“It’s all in perspective. So, I’m thinking we meet up at eight o’clock. Unless you’re otherwise engaged.”
Funny choice of words, Erica thought to herself before replying. “I’m not engaged.”
“Would your fiancé agree?”
Ah, he wanted to know about Max. Of course, he did. Any sane man would. The conversation with her friend echoed in her head. Don’t give Max another thought for a week. Let her brain settle. Little did her friend know, it was already settled. The more Erica thought of Max, the less she felt romantic feelings for him. And worse, every time she pictured his face, Julius’s mischievous smirk seemed to push any thoughts of him out of the way.
“Lucky for you, I don’t have one. My situation with Max is complicated, but we’re not together. Not anymore.”
“I should say I’m sorry, but I’m not.”
Erica stifled a laugh. No, she guessed he wouldn’t be.
“Can we meet up in an hour? I can console your heartbreak.”
“I’m not sure there’s anything to console, but I’ll be there,” Erica said. As soon as she hung up the phone, she raced to put her paints away, eager to be with Julius again.
“Are you done for the night?” Her professor barely looked up from his phone, too distracted by the video on it to pay her much attention.
“Yes, I’ve had enough for one day.”
“Stay warm out there.”
“Will do.”
Keeping warm was an understatement. By the time she’d gotten off the bus and walked two blocks to the address Julius provided, icicles were threatening to form on her nose.
To her surprise, Julius was waiting outside, half an hour early. More surprising, she almost didn’t recognize him without his signature suit. Frick, she’d grown to love him in a suit. The way it fit tight to his body and exuded power gave her chills. To look at the man in basic black pants and a knit sweater made her wonder how she’d ever thought a suit made him look powerful. It exuded from his pores no matter what he wore.
“You’re no
t wearing a suit,” she blurted out and immediately wondered why in the heck she didn’t have something more profound to say.
He gave her a lopsided grin. “If I’d known you preferred me in one, I would have worn it. Anything for you, Erica.”
Julius’s voice dipped, and the way he watched her made a small blush crawl up her cheeks. She’d never been so grateful for cold weather. With the biting chill, her cheeks were already red.
To distract herself from the lure of the man in front of her, she cleared her throat and looked around the art district. Many of the shops were closed for the night. What was even more jarring were the two extremely large canvases resting against the door of his two-seater.
“How did you get those here?” she asked. Judging by the size of his car, there was no way those massive canvases fit inside. They stood higher than the car itself.
“We all have our secrets.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he turned the key in the lock of the studio adjacent to them. “You said you’ve always wanted to do a paint night. So, here we are.”
Erica smiled. “This is a date.”
“It was the only thing I could think of to ease the hurt of our other outing.”
“Does this mean you’re expecting a pleasurable evening in bed?” Erica intended it as a joke, but as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she felt a growing heat inside of her.
“There are no beds in here, but I’m sure we can make do.” He tossed her a playful wink.
Erica laughed and helped him haul the oversized canvases into what looked like an artist’s warehouse. A small gallery was in the front, but in the back was a loft she could fit her entire studio into, plus some.
“Wow, how’d you come by this?”
“A friend owes me a favor.” He shrugged and turned on the lights. Erica’s eyes bugged out of her head when she slid her coat off.
“This place is amazing,” she took in its soaring ceilings and brick pillars that seemed to go on forever. Even the concrete floors looked just the perfect shade of chic grey. The small gallery in the front did not do the space justice.
Love Bitten (Vampire Blood Royals Book 1) Page 10