Take It Like a Vamp (13 page)

Like hell. If he got his hand on that bitch tonight, he would rip her throat out. No questions asked. She’d used one of her demons to hurt Casey. They were lucky the damage hadn’t been more severe. But Alvinia would pay with her life.

Out of his peripheral vision, Nick saw his men move into position. Cody and his team flanked him on the right.

They’re in position.
Linc sent him the mental message about the team stationed behind Alvinia and her demons. The woman had always had illusions of grandeur.

Of course, the fact Alvinia was insane didn’t help matters. He hoped she at least had it together enough to understand that she had to follow some rules if she wanted to keep her witchy powers.

The night of the charity ball, she’d threatened the Council, telling them she amassed an army of witches and demons to create a living hell on earth. She tried to convince them of how much they missed the old days, when their kind did not have to hide from the humans. If they gave her a seat on the Council, she would not wage war, but she would make certain the humans knew who was in charge.

Nick warned her, rather forcefully, what happened to those who made threats against the Council and humanity.

She had stormed from the Council room, and he’d seen the look of hatred she’d thrown his way. He’d followed her out, knowing she would attack Casey given half a chance. She hated anyone that Nick might care about. His parents had paid the price for her evil.

As much as he tried to convince her that Casey wasn’t a part of his life, she didn’t buy it.

He’d tried to play by the rules where she was concerned, but this shit would end one way or the other. He would not tolerate her existence any longer.

His fellow Council members were aligned with Nick, but he wasn’t naïve. They were a mercurial bunch at best, and power struggles were a part of daily life. And there were those who
did
hunger for the old days when they could run freely. They sometimes forgot that without humans, many of them would be without a food source. It became a full-time job for Nick to remind them.

Wasn’t it enough that he had to marry to keep his seat on the Council? And now he had to deal with the power-hungry Alvinia.

The wind whipped through the trees in the park across from the garage.

Whispers surrounded them, coming from every angle.

Demons.

His men were well trained; they honed in on the direct source. The park. Nick needed to draw them into the garage. The concrete would block their earth magic, making it far easier to dispose of them.

“Show yourself,” Nick ordered. Nothing happened. Then the whispers began again. Alvinia still hadn’t revealed herself. That she’d sent one of her minions into Casey’s office, intending her harm, was enough motive for him to suggest her death to the Council. It was all or nothing. The bitch would have to make her move.

“Matthew, reveal them,” Linc whispered.

The mage, who was much more powerful in the ways of magic than the witch Alvinia, drew his staff in front of him. Something was off. The night air wasn’t as heavy, and the voices diminished. He held up a hand. “Not yet.”

“They’re retreating,” Cody said. “I can sense it.”

Nick felt it too, and it made him uneasy. Crazy as she was, Alvinia wasn’t stupid. This had been nothing but a show of power. She wouldn’t attack here where there would be so many witnesses. No, he should have known she was much more devious than that.

“They’re gone,” Linc said. “But why?”

“Matthew, take Cody, Jack, and Mason with you to ward the perimeter. Everyone, except those on duty, go back to your quarters. You will take shifts around the clock. Remember, you see anything out of the ordinary, you report it to Mason and Cody.”

The men nodded in agreement.

“I need to check on Casey,” he said to Linc.

“Security, twenty-four-seven,” Linc said. “It’s the only way we’ll be able to protect her. But you have to tell her the truth.”

“She’s had a bad scare tonight and she’s probably in shock from the demon’s bite. When she’s had some rest, I’ll explain,” Nick promised. His friend’s concern for Casey rubbed him the wrong way, but he did his best to stay calm.

“If she’s killed because something happens, and she doesn’t know how to protect herself, I’ll take you up on your offer from the other night,” Linc said through gritted teeth. “She deserves the truth. Have some faith, man. She’s an amazing woman.”

No one was more aware of that than Nick, but he feared what would happen once the truth was revealed.

Casey, I care for you more than I have for anyone in my long life, but you should probably know I’m a monster. The death-dealing kind that needs to drink blood to survive.

Oh, and I have to marry you or someone is going to kill you.

There had to be a better way to do this. That kiss had penetrated his black soul. She’d given him everything in that moment. Her trust, her life and her loyalty.

Now he had to tell her that she’d kissed a monster.

But that was the truth. The unabashed truth.

There was no other way to drop the bomb.

Chapter Thirteen

Casey paced in front of the windows of Nick’s apartment. The penthouse was so high she couldn’t even see the ground in the dark. That didn’t keep her from trying. She’d found a soft chenille throw on Nick’s couch and tossed it around her shoulders. Teeth chattering, it was as if the cold came from within her, and no amount of blankets kept her warm. It was better than the searing pain on her back, but her entire body ached.

A numbing half hour had passed. No sounds of guns or fighting, but Nick still hadn’t come back. And what would happen if the police showed up? His gang might be arrested.

Imagining Nick as part of some gang was ridiculous, but what the hell else could he be involved in? The man owned half of Dallas, and was the fifth richest man in the world. So why was he downstairs with a “team” of men fighting some unknown threat? The same threat that had been at the office with her—had targeted her. She was certain of it.

The quivering nerves in her body shook her even harder.

Nick had said her life was in danger just because he’d taken her to that party. She remembered that now. He’d been talking to Linc.

The kiss.

She’d meant for it to be a quick peck on the lips in the car, but he’d deepened it. In those few seconds, Casey lost any concern for the outside world. Everything had been about Nick. It had been that way from the beginning.

The elevator doors opened, and she turned away from the window.

Nick stood there in his T-shirt and jeans, looking like he just walked off the cover of a men’s magazine. If there was a fight, he won. Not a hair was out of place.

Her feet ran toward him before her brain engaged. Tossing herself at him, her arms encircled his neck. “You’re safe,” she sighed. “Are you hurt?” As his arms wrapped around her, she kissed his cheek. Safe, they were safe. She didn’t care that her back was tender when he squeezed her, the throw falling at their feet.

“I’m fine. Nothing really happened. They left on their own accord.”

She had a million questions for him, but right now she just wanted to be near him.

A chill went through her body again.

“Hey.” He pulled back from her so he could see her face. “You’re so pale. Why are you shivering?”
Because you’re hotter than the Mojave Desert and you do really wonderful things to my body.

Nick gave her the strangest look before scooping her up in his arms and heading for his bedroom.

Oh yeah, they were finally going to do the nasty. How many nights had she dreamed about this? She sort of wished her head didn’t hurt, but that was not going to stop her.

“Dammit! Tell Mason to get Doc, she’s in shock,” he yelled and ran. He shouldered his way through the bedroom door. “Come on let’s get you warm. Have you eaten anything?”

“Nick, I don’t care about food.” Her teeth chattered as she tried to speak. “I thought we were going to do the—”

“What?” He placed her gently on the bed, positioning her on her side.

Well, hell. If he didn’t know what could she say?

She cleared her throat. “I mean. Uh. Who is after us? Why were they in my office? And when you kissed me back in the car, it was as if you were trying to tell me something.”

“Casey, I promise to explain everything once I know you are okay. You’ve been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours.” Holding her up, he yanked the comforter and sheets back. He unzipped her boots and slipped them off. He checked her back. “The swelling is going down.”

He cocooned her in the blankets and sheets, and pulled her into his lap.

There was something she needed to ask him, but her brain filled with cotton when his fingers trailed down her cheek. The passion in his eyes sent heat to her nether regions.

“Nick?”

“Come in!” Nick said.

She hadn’t even heard the knock. Linc followed behind a blond guy even taller than he was. They stopped next to the bed.

“This is Dr. Jake Holloway,” Linc said.

“Ma’am.” The doctor took off his cowboy hat and put it on the bedside table. He had the most beautiful green eyes, and there was a gentle kindness in his southern drawl.

“Let’s have a look at you,” he said as put a stethoscope around his neck. “Put her flat on the bed, face down,” he instructed Nick.

She let Nick maneuver her. He then scooted off the bed. Gentle hands pulled away her blouse.

She could feel pressure. “Do you experience any pain when I do this?” The doctor pushed on the wound.

“No,” she said her voice muffled by the pillow.

“Nick, that was fast thinking with the—uh, epi,” he said. She wondered what he’d been about to say. “Okay, you can turn over if it’s comfortable for you. Linc, get some pillows and put her feet higher than her head.”

After taking her pulse and peeking into her eyes with a penlight, he listened to her breathing.

“Hmm,” he said.

She hated when doctors did that.

“I’m fine,” she said. “Tonight was a little crazy and I got cold. That’s all.”

“Turn on your side, please,” he said as if he didn’t hear her, “and take some deep breaths.”

She complied.

“Is she—” Nick tried to speak, but the doctor held up a hand.

“Both of you, out. I need to speak with her alone,” the doctor said.

“I’m not leaving her alone,” Nick said. “Tell me what’s wrong, and tell me now.”

“She’s not alone, I’m here. Outside. Now.” The doctor growled. “There is such a thing as doctor-patient confidentiality. I want to talk to her, and you don’t need to be here.”

Casey’s head shot back and forth as if she watched a tennis match. “It’s okay, guys. Do what he says.” She was worried what the doctor had to say that he couldn’t explain in front of them.

“I’ll be right outside.” Nick kissed her forehead, and then left with Linc.

“I need to ask you a few questions,” he said as he pulled up the leather club chair from the corner of Nick’s bedroom.

“Okay,” she said hesitantly.

“Did you get a headache after the sting? Does your body ache?”

“My head felt like my brain had exploded, but when Nick gave me the shot everything numbed quickly.”

He tapped his thumb on the arm of the chair. “Do you feel extremely fatigued?”

“No. I mean, I’m normal tired from working for sixteen hours. And it’s been kind of crazy night.” What could he be getting at?

“That’s what I thought. You do have a mild case of shock, but you’re going to be fine. When did you eat last?”

She thought back. She and Bennett were headed to lunch, but Jackson, one of their clients had come in early.

“Nick made me eat eggs and toast this morning, but that’s it,” she admitted.

He frowned. “Food is fuel for your body. You need to eat small meals several times a day to function properly. You look healthy for a woman your age, but I’d like to give you a diet that might help you have more energy. Nick’s life runs at a rapid pace and if you want to stay strong and healthy, you’re going to have to take better care of yourself. Get lots of exercise and stick with fruits, vegetables and some meat. ”

Healthy for a woman her age.
Nice way of putting it.
“Can I still eat steak?”

He chuckled. “Not every day, but about once a week wouldn’t hurt. Sirloin is a good cut of meat that isn’t as high in fat as some of the other cuts. Dark green vegetables like spinach are a great way to get what you need in a healthier way. One last thing. Is there any chance you could be pregnant? Your symptoms could be related.”

“Oh, there’s no way,” she gasped.

“Okay. I had to ask.”

“Doc, are you saying I’m fat?”

His head shot back. “Hell, no. If I didn’t think Nick would kill me, I just might tell you that you’re the prettiest little thing I’ve seen in a long time. I just want you to stay that way.”

She smiled at the way he said
prettiest little thing
. “So, do you know what stung me?”

He turned away. “Hard to tell from the way the welt popped up. I can’t even see the original point of contact. But you’re on the mend. You’re made of tough stuff, Missy.”

He pulled out a syringe and filled it with a clear liquid from a vial.

“What’s that?”

He held up the syringe and flicked the side with his middle finger. “A mild sedative, to help with shock. You’ll feel no adverse effects. This will help.”

She shook her head. “I’m feeling woozy enough without that.”

“This won’t make you foggy, but it will calm you,” he said. He rubbed her upper arm with an antiseptic wipe then stuck her with the needle. After he gave her the shot, he packed up his bag.

“I’m going to check on you tomorrow, and you should rest over the weekend.”

“I have to go to work.” Did no one realize she had to make a living? She wasn’t the gazillionaire with houses on every coast. She actually had to show up and work to earn her little paycheck.

“No, you don’t,” Nick said as he entered the room.

She sighed. He’d probably been listening the whole time. “Thank you, Dr. Holloway,” she said as she sat up against the headboard. It was weird that she felt no pain. She was curious and wanted to check a mirror to see what the sting looked like.

“It was a pleasure. And please, call me Jake,” he said as he shook her hand. “And you,” he said to Nick, “make sure she follows the instructions I’ve given her, and let her rest. If she starts to shiver, or gets dizzy, call me immediately. I’ll have the meds sent up as soon as I get downstairs. And order her a steak and baked potato. She hasn’t eaten since breakfast.”

“Thanks, Jake.”

When the doc left the room, Nick sat in the chair next to the bed and folded her hands in his. “You scared the hell out of me, Casey.”

She shrugged. “It’s no big deal. A mild case of shock.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“I’ll call down for the food,” Linc said from the doorway. “Casey, how do you like your steak?”

“Medium rare,” she said. “And can you ask them for a side of spinach?” She scrunched her nose. “Not my favorite, but I’m going to have to get used to it.”

Nick opened his eyes and shot Linc a weird look. Then Linc nodded. What was it with the super secret head nodding between these two?

Linc left and Mason walked in. “Sir, everything has been taken care of. Call if you need me.”

“Thanks,” Nick said, and then turned his attention to Casey. You’re staying here so I can take care of you, and you can try to argue, but it’s not going to work.”

“What about my work?”

“Take a vacation. That’s the least of our worries. Listen, you have to take care of yourself. I heard what Jake said—and, um, he’s right about my life moving fast. That’s why I run, to help with the stress. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. If you want to eat Chunky Choc five times a day, you do it. I like the way you are. But I want you to be healthy and to take care of yourself. You didn’t eat all day, which is crazy.”

She held up a hand.

“Dude, what is with the lecture? You’ve known me for nine months. I’m not exactly into the food pyramid unless things have changed and they added Twizzlers and ice cream to it.”

Nick ran a hand through is hair, a sure sign that he was stressed.

“You are my dearest friend, and I’m grateful. I know how lucky I am to have a friend like you in my life, but I’m fine. I promise,” she said.

He yanked his hands from hers. “You don’t get it. I
care
about you.” He nearly spat the words at her.

“Uh. Okay. I
care
about you too,” she said. “That’s what makes us such great friends.”

His eyes traveled down her face. Then he brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “The kind of caring I have for you goes far beyond friendship,” he whispered huskily.

A stabbing sensation in her chest required that she breathe, but it wasn’t happening.

He took her fingers and kissed them. “Casey, from the first moment I met you—I did my best to resist your charm. I even tried to go away for a while, but I missed you. Dragging you into my world was the last thing I ever intended. When Teddie introduced us, she wanted me to look out for you when she was gone. You needed a friend, so that’s what I became. You’d been through so much with your parents, and—well, I’m not good for you, Casey. Tonight is a perfect example.”

“Wait. Hold the banana pudding. Are you saying that you’ve wanted me—
that
way all this time?” It was more of a statement than a question.

He nodded.

“Okay, now I know drugs are involved. You aren’t really here right now. I’m talking to a figment of my imagination and still I can’t convince you to jump into my bed.”