9781936653027BorntobeWildArsuaga (5 page)

“Cool. I’ll just follow
you. Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll be over there finishing my dinner. And
please don’t bother them anymore, I don’t like trouble before I go out to play,
you know what I mean?” Grabbing Spike’s crotch, the only answer she expected
from him was a plaintive squeak.

Alex finished her salad
and watched her new friends behave themselves the remainder of their time at
Denny’s. Gwen didn’t show for her shift, and Alex didn’t care anymore. She came
for a connection and got one, with possible access to the inner workings of
The
Black Rose
through the company of locals. Hopefully, trusting them would be
better than trusting a vamp.

Alex and the Spike Goths
arrived at
The Black Rose
about nine-thirty by her watch, paid the
cover, and walked
en masse
into the main part of the club. They were a
large group of ten and Alex didn’t blend with them. Every eye in the club
watched the freak entourage make a sweep of the room. The band played a popular
hard rock song and several couples on the dance floor gyrated to the fast
moving beat.

“Hey, doll, you decided
what you want yet?” Spike asked.

“No, not
yet.
I thought I’d check the place out first, and then make a choice.
Any vamp I should stay away from?” Alex asked.

Spike drew close to Alex,
not wanting anyone to hear. “I’d personally stay away from Gregori, the owner
of this club. I’ve heard he’s to a certain extent rough with the women. So unless
you’re into the rough stuff, go for the younger vamps. There are a few here
tonight. And, of course, there are the females. Those are the real kinky ones.
They can get real down and nasty. Ha, it’s entirely up to you, doll.”

“Thanks, I’ll take what you say under
consideration. I appreciate the inside information.” His advice wasn’t anything
new. Randy pretty much told her the same thing about Gregori. The females were
an interesting bit of
intel
, though. Having sex with
any vamp didn’t top her list of things to do at any time.

Walking to the bar, she put her clutch on the
counter, and took a seat. The bartender, from the night before, came over.
Smiling, he took her order, remembering her preference for a beer and whiskey.

“Sure. Derek, you remembered?” she replied and
smiled.

“Of course.
If you’re
looking for Stefan, he’s not here. He probably won’t show up until later. There
were some problems at the other club tonight.” He poured the amber liquid into
a shot glass, placing it in front of her and the bottle of beer on a napkin.

“Other club?
There’s more
than one in town?” she asked innocently, knowing perfectly well another existed
according to Randy Wilkes and Spike.

“Yeah, the VIP club.
High
paying members only get in there, not like this one.” He gave her a wink and grin.
“It’s a different kind of club, vamp with a twist.”

“You mean, a little on the kinky side. So I can’t
just walk up to the door and ask to join as a guest for the night?”

He laughed. “No. You could try, except they would
turn you away.
Unless you went as a guest of a member.”

“Hmm, a guest.
I think I
need to find a member to latch onto. What do you think? You know any members
willing to take me as their guest?”

He leaned closer with his elbows on the wood top.
“You can ask Stefan,” he said, motioning with a nod of his head, “He just
walked in the door.”

Turning in the seat, heat rose on her face when
she saw the dangerous vamp walking toward her. Again, he was dressed
impeccably, donning black denim jeans, fitting his masculinity like a glove,
accentuating all the right places, and another black silk shirt, hanging
loosely over his hips. Out of the corner of her eye, the shape of another
person hovered just out of view. Turning her head, she faced a tall, slender
woman of about twenty-two. The young woman stared directly at Stefan and he
glanced in her direction. Alex shook her head and turned back around in her
seat.
Men! Vamp or human, they always go for the good-looking skinny girl
with big boobs and long blonde hair. They have one track minds.
Alex took a sip of the draft beer.

“And what track do you think I’m running on
tonight, Alexandra?” The deep, husky voice came from behind, startling her.

Oh damn!
No he didn’t read my
mind, did he?
“You’re not being nice Stefan. Sneaking up behind
someone and reading their thoughts.
Unfair vampire powers.”

“Who says I have to play fair? Besides, you
shouldn’t come to vampire clubs and play if you don’t like our rules,
sweetheart.” He grinned and raised an eyebrow.

Considering what he said, she answered, “You’re
right. I have to learn to shut you out of my mind.”

“You can try, except you’re easy to read. I don’t
think you can keep me out. I’ve been inside,” he said, still grinning.

“Well, we’ll see.” Picking up the shot glass, she
knocked it back in one swift motion, and then grabbed Stefan’s hand. “Dance
with me.”

Stefan didn’t have time to react before Alex
escorted him halfway onto the dance floor. “I thought you said I only like
skinny blondes.”

“I did. And don’t forget the boobs. I guess
tonight I’ll let you make the exception.”

“I didn’t want to go there. Actually, I’m none of
the above.” He pulled her close into his arms. They glided onto the dance
floor.

“Really.
What turns you
on Stefan?”

He gazed down at her face and into her peridot
eyes.
“A woman’s eyes.
I can see into her soul and recognize
her true beauty.”

“And what do you find in my eyes.”

He gazed intently before whispering, “I see
trouble and pain and…”

“And I see an arrogant jerk, and if you read my
mind you’d know what I essentially think about you!” She pinched her eyelids
and gritted her teeth. The audacity of this man was unbelievable. He tried to
provoke her.
Bloodsucker!
Pulling
back from his embrace, she turned her back and walked away.

“Wait, Alexandra. I…” He reached for and grasped
her wrist to keep her from leaving.

“Let me go. I don’t want to do this right now.”
She fought back the tears threatening to fall. The urge to cry made no sense to
her. This was a job and no vamp would get into her head and make her crazy.
With a quick jerk, her wrist came free from his grip.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I did wrong. I
thought we were only flirting, and I hurt you somehow. I meant to tease, and
instead I caused you sadness and anger. I guess my vamp humor is rusty.”

“Now, that’s funny. No, it’s me. I…I wasn’t
prepared as I should’ve been. I violated Rule Number Four again.” She grabbed
her clutch from the bar counter, turned from his smoldering gaze and walked
toward the exit with fists clenched. She had an innate sense his eyes followed
her every move, making her self-conscious of her gait and appearance from the
backside, overdressed, overweight, overemotional, and overwhelmed by the
moment.

Dammit! I’ll never be a good hunter on my own.
I can’t even do this simple job. Pull yourself together. Breathe.
Anger focused inward rather than
at
Stefan. Finding the rogue vamp was more important than stupid pride.
Why did I act that way?

Remembering her father’s sage advice, she needed
to focus, and keep it real. In a situation like this he’d say,
Hey, baby girl, don’t fool yourself by
saying you’re doing it for honorable reasons. It’s for the money and nothing
else. Shoot straight with yourself, Alex and you’ll stay out of trouble, Rule
Number Five of Vamp Hunting.

Okay, Dad,
I’ll remember, rule number five.
Her dad always recited rules of vamp
hunting, drilling them to the family every chance he could. Alex and her
brothers, Jordan and Paul, sat around the kitchen table with their father
reciting the rules every night after doing their regular school homework.

Peace and serenity came back.

Chapter
4

Stefan came to a sharp halt in his stride.
Alexandra Carlton was a hunter, a vampire hunter. Her thoughts were wildly
telecasting. If he heard them, others may have as well. He scanned the club to
see if any other vamps alerted. No. Alex had exited the club and no one else
heard her confession.

With vampire speed his body became a blur to
anyone watching him. He caught up with her halfway down the street.

“Alexandra, stop.” A stern voice resonated in the
space between them. As her pace came to an abrupt halt slamming into his strong
body, the wind whooshed from her lungs.

“Why are you following me? Leave me alone Stefan.
I need a few minutes.”

“I followed you because I couldn’t let you leave upset
or alone. I would like to talk.” His impassioned voice expressed wanting.

“Whatever. Initially I wanted your help, now I can
see it’s not going to work. In fact, you are a hindrance. I would appreciate it
if you’d leave me alone and go back to the young pretty women inside.” Turning
on her heels, she trotted off in search of the Mustang.
Where the hell did I park?

“Alexandra I’m not interested in any other women.
You parked over there, I believe.” Pausing for a moment, he asked, “Who are you
hunting?”

Stopping sharply in stride, she peered back over
her shoulder.
Dammit! He read my mind again!
With
hands on her hips and eyes locked on him, she turned to
face him. Standing her ground, she was determined no man would get the best of
her. Stefan drew near, moving with vampire speed to within inches.

“Are you going to answer me? Who are you hunting?”
Stefan asked again with a huskier tone than the first time, demanding an
answer.

His voice was low pitched and soothing, demanding
her to respond to his request. Everything within her, all the extensive
training as a hunter, said
fight
him and not respond.

Staring intently into his smoldering brown eyes
and tilting her head back in defiance, she asked, “Will you help me?” If he
insinuated himself into her business, he damn well better help out.

“I don’t like hunters. If you’re one, and I
suspect you are based on your wild thoughts, why would I help you?”

“Because the rogue I’m hunting is a danger to both
humans and vampires. I would think you would want to stop him.”

“Are you sure the rogue is a vampire?”

“Every indication suggests he is. I seriously
doubt he’s working alone.”

“What has this rogue done, killed a human or two?”
His tone was matter of fact.

He asked as if a human died by the rogue, big deal.
Death is one of the hazards of running into a vampire at the wrong place and
the wrong time.
Pompous, arrogant prick.

“Have you heard about the virus infecting and
killing vampires and possibly humans along the East Coast?”

Stefan acknowledged her by nodding. “We thought
they were rumors.”

“They aren’t, Stefan. People have died, not only
vamps. There are human cases the virus crossed over to. The Feds haven’t made
it public knowledge yet. It’s only on the underground network, which is how I’m
involved. They want to get this taken care of without further incident.”

Stefan paced without saying a word in response to
her comment. Alex saw his jaw tense. Clearly troubled by what she said, he
walked toward her with obvious determination. “Let’s go for a walk.” With a firm
grip of his hand around her upper arm, he guided her toward the beach.

“Stefan, where are you taking me? If it’s the
beach, I’m in heels. I can’t walk in the sand like this.” Protesting
vehemently, the scraping of her stilettos against the concrete sounded like
fingernails scratching on a chalkboard. Breaking the hold around her arm was
futile.

“Stop fighting me. We need privacy to talk, away
from the club.”

“Who the hell do you think you are? I can walk on
my own. Try asking nicely, you oversized brute.”

He softened his grip, but held her tight enough to
continue guiding her toward the beach. As they approached the boardwalk, he
suggested removing their shoes. They made their way down the stairs onto the
sand and walked along the water. The tide was low and the waves were calm and
lapped at their ankles. The night was clear and the moon nearly full, shone
brightly, illuminating their path along the beachfront. The air was filled with
the redolence of sand, salt, and seaweed. The warm evening breeze occasionally
wafted the tropical blend scent that distinctively belonged to Stefan.
Damn he smells good enough to eat!

“Have you decided to help me?” she asked, breaking
the silence between them.

“Joining forces with you contradicts everything in
me. You’ll tell me more before I decide. If Gregori finds out I’m helping a
hunter, he’ll be furious with me and he could view it as a betrayal. I have to
handle this carefully.”

“I understand. Vamp honor.”

“Yes, something
like
that.”

In the dark of night with help of the shine of the
moon, Alex noticed the glow of his eyes, the intensity of his gaze upon her
when he spoke.
What the hell am I doing getting mixed up with this gorgeous
bloodsucking vamp? You’re breaking every damn rule, Alex. Stay focused.

“Why do you talk the way you do?”

“What way? Oh god, you’re reading my mind again,
aren’t you? Dammit! I keep letting my guard down.” She stomped her feet in the
sand and balled her hands into fists, shrugging her shoulders, walking ahead of
him. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I keep doing it. I’m letting you in my head
and it’s breaking all the rules.”

Stefan grinned and shook his head. “I can’t help
it, sweetheart. You are telecasting so vividly without regard to who’s
listening. Why do you think I got you away from the club? I didn’t want anyone
else to hear you were a hunter. You are putting yourself in danger, you know.
If you want to mask and control your thoughts, calm down and focus.” His voice
like the sea on this night, calm and peaceful, lapped gently and his calmness
brought her back down to earth. Her mind quieted.

“Sorry for the outburst back there. I hate it when
I lose control. I usually run for the refrigerator or pantry when I do things
like public outbursts or feel humiliation from gorgeous anorexic blondes putting
me down. You talked me out of totally acting like an idiot. Thanks.”

“So you swear out of frustration?”

Alex snickered. “No, it’s a bad habit I picked up
from living with two older brothers and a father and mother who swear like
every other word. My language is mild compared to theirs though. You should
hear them. I substantially cleaned up my mouth when I went to college. The
stares I got when I first arrived on campus were, well let’s just say—wow! My
dorm roommates blushed and hated to be in the same room with me at first. I
guess my Dad always thought it made us seem more in control when we talked
tough and swore while on hunts. I don’t know if it actually mattered. I don’t
swear a lot out loud anymore. It’s usually in my head and only you could hear
it, not anyone else. So there’s another reason for you to stop eavesdropping in
on my thoughts, isn’t it?”

“I will stop, if you will curb your swearing to a
minimum. You are a beautiful woman, Alexandra, and it doesn’t become you.”

Blushing, she put a block up in her mind.
He
said I’m beautiful. Hmm, right.
Vampire charm?
I’m
sure he tells all of his prey they’re attractive right before he sucks on them.
“I will try and be less colorful with my language when I’m around you, I
promise.”

“Good. Now let’s talk about this rogue vampire
you’re hunting. Give me details.”

They continued walking, the wet sand squishing
through their toes and the sounds of the surf the only background noise to
their conversation. Alex matched Stefan’s stride. They moved down the shoreline
at a leisurely pace. Maintaining control of the conversation was paramount to
keeping Stefan out of her thoughts. He meant nothing to her except business, at
least that’s what she told herself.

“I don’t know how much you’ve heard about this
virus, but it attacks the central nervous system and causes paralysis with
eventual death in about a week. Originally found only in the Vamp community,
but a few human cases have been linked and probably from direct contact before
the virus’s effects on the infected vamp were noticed. The humans drank the
blood of an infected one. The Feds could put a moratorium on no humans
participating in blood exchanges, except I don’t think the edict would go over
too well. Do you?”

“No probably not. There’ll always be someone doing
it illegally and causing more problems.”

“You know, you have an interesting theory.”

“Which is? I didn’t know I proposed one.”

“At first, I thought this virus could be some sick
vamp’s idea of revenge. What if organized crime tried to get vampire blood
exchanges made illegal? Putting it on the black market and the cost of vampire
blood would sky-rocket, more than what it is now.
Sex and
drugs, always a big moneymaker, legal or illegal, right?”

Stefan’s eyebrows rose. “How does your mind think
like this?”

“I don’t know. I leap frog all the time.
Anyway.
Think about it. The Feds think they have a problem
with illegal drugs, guns, and terrorism now, add vampire blood to the mix and…Bam!
Vamps are the new drug lords.” Alex could not contain her enthusiasm over the
idea. Turning toward Stefan, she walked backward, gazing up at him, continuing
to talk, “Do you think it is possible? Are there any big and powerful vamps
wanting to turn your blood into a commodity and cash in on it. Is this a
possibility?”

Stefan stopped abruptly and stared down at her.
“Why do you think it would be a vampire doing this? The possibility exists with
either the Feds or a private corporation having the capability of controlling
this situation.”

“Hmm.
You’re right.
Sorry, I jumped to conclusions. What if the government is involved, or even a
crime syndicate or a private corporation, the implications this poses is still
scary. We have to find this rogue or decoy or whomever it is spreading this
virus and coerce them to talk and get to the bottom of this.”

“I need to know everything you do, Alexandra. If
this contagion is bad as you say, catching the rogue, whether vamp or human, is
critical. We can find out the motive behind spreading the virus later.”

She smiled, wide-eyed. “I take that as a yes?”

Stefan smiled and put his hands on her shoulders.
“Yes, I’ll help you.
The Vampire and the Hunter.
Who
knew?” He let out a low growl, shaking his head.

“No, that’s the Hunter and the Vampire. This is my
bounty and idea.” With arms crossed over her breasts, chin turned up, and with
an
fully-charged intensity in her eyes, her body language
screamed
¾
don’t
mess
with her, she won this argument, so back down.

“You know, Alexandra, I started this night hoping
I’d see you again, and here I am arguing over whether or not I’m on top or
bottom with you.” His voice was soft and melodic.

“If I initiate an idea, I
always
want to be
the one on top.” Her heart raced.
Did I
just say that?

“You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?” He closed the
distance between them.

The physical closeness awakened a burning desire
for Stefan that hit her without warning. Her face flushed. “I don’t think I’m
feisty. I know what I want and go for it. Like this bounty. I had a hunch based
on the facts. I hopped in my car in Florida, drove to Virginia, and here I am
talking to you in the moonlight on a beach.” She bit her bottom lip as she dropped
her voice with the last words.

“I have a feeling you get your way a lot. Let’s
head back to the club. I want to explore this idea of a possible conspiracy.
The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Vampires are inherently
immune to disease. We thought it a rumor when we heard about the virus.” Stefan
reached around her waist and rested his hand on her hip. Even though she
flinched, the gesture felt right and didn’t pull away.

“We?”

“Gregori and I.”

“Oh.”

They reached the boardwalk and stepped back onto
the pavement, brushed the sand from their feet, and put their shoes back on to
walk the distance back to the club.

As they drew near the entrance, Stefan stopped and
faced her. “When we get back inside, don’t talk and keep your mind tight as possible.
Let me check around for any new clients in town. I don’t want anyone to find
out you are a hunter. Do you understand?”

“Yes. I know the drill. Shut up, be quiet, and let
you do the talking. Typical male vamp macho, take control thing.”

“Be compliant to me, not bitchy, Alexandra. You
are here for sex and a fix as far as everyone else is concerned. So act the
part. Not the tough girl. I know you have it in you.” He ran his fingers along
her cheek and down under her chin, lifting it slightly. Lowering his lips to
hers, he brushed them ever so close without touching.

Lowering her lashes, she fluttered her eyelids.
His breath warmed her face. Teasing her, it seemed like seduction was a game to
him. Fighting to deny the burning ache, her body wanted this man, vampire or
not. Why would he actually want her when there were slimmer and prettier women
to choose from?
It’s only because he
wants my blood and nothing more, right? Blood is blood to a vampire.

Blood! Vampire! You’re on a job, Alex!