‘Yes,’ I said, staring at him and, after a moment, I realised that my mouth was open.
He smiled, folded his paper and within a minute, he brought two plates.
‘Come on, eat up, Julia. You were sick last night, so you need to regain your strength,’ he said, looking at me. ‘Let’s think about this as our second date. I enjoyed our spicy dinner a few weeks ago.’
The truth was that I was starving, so I began eating my prepared eggs. Nathaniel La Caz surprised me, yet again.
‘I thought that you don’t date,’ I observed.
He took a bite of his toast and lifted his hazel eyes to look at me. ‘No, you are right, I don’t, but I can make an exception for you.’
He needed to stop looking at me like that; otherwise, I would never be comfortable in his company.
‘You didn’t have to rescue me yesterday, Nathaniel. I would have been fine, Jennifer was—’
‘Your work colleague vanished with a fairy an hour before you were sick, so I was there at the right time.’
‘All right then, thank you. I appreciate it. So you brought me here to your apartment and then you undressed me?’ I asked, looking at my plate.
Of course he undressed me! I was only in my knickers this morning. Oh no.
‘If it’s going to make you feel better, it was dark and I wasn’t looking,’ he said, but I recognised the amusement in his tone. I had to change the subject right away. He was trying to intimidate me. I was doing well up to this point.
‘So, normal food, do you enjoy it as much as blood?’
His eyes darkened and I swallowed the last piece of toast.
‘Yes, food and blood are equally tasty,’ he replied, placing the knife and fork on the plate and putting his hands together. I was still astonished that he wasn’t pale; his skin was olive, slightly tan. ‘However, after smelling you, I don’t want to taste anything else.’
‘Stop smelling me, then. Vampires and elves are not supposed to mix; it’s too dangerous.’
‘I want to take you on a proper date, Julia; I don’t care about this cliché about elves and vampires. You can’t deny our mutual attraction,’ he said, leaning close to me. For a split second, my heart stopped beating. It was official: I did like him; against everything I’d ever learned, I wanted him to kiss me. I had asked him to last night.
‘I’m an old-fashioned woman and you said you don’t date. I’m not going to be anyone’s fuck buddy and you won’t touch my blood even if I agree to go out with you,’ I said, unable to pull away from those eyes that were seeing through me, exposing my obvious crush on him.
‘One date doesn’t mean anything, Julia. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,’ he said, smiling. ‘I have to agree with you about the blood, but we can always discuss this later. When it comes to sex. Hmm, you have no idea how much I want to make love to you.’
I flushed and the magic swirled inside me, pulling me towards him. I got up and took his and my plates. I wasn’t sure what to think about his proposition, so I started washing the plates
One date won’t do any harm; I don’t have to tell anyone. Just one date. We won’t be having sex, for sure.
‘Fine. I’ll go out on a date with you,’ I agreed, turning around to look at him. He smiled widely and the magic inside me sprinkled over my skin. ‘Do you know that one of your workers has been found dead near my place?’
‘Yes. I watched the news. The police spoke to a few of my staff, but they didn’t find anything.’
‘There have been two more kidnappings, my Dad told me,’ I said, feeling that it was time for me to confront him about the blood. ‘Besides, I would like to know—how do you actually produce that blood, you know, for Magic Shot?’
He arched his eyebrows and stopped eating. ‘I can’t tell you, but I already know where you’re heading with this. The Magic Shot consists of a percentage of human blood, which has been freely donated, and pure magic. I hire certain wizards. I didn’t kidnap your cousin if that’s what you’re asking.’
I blushed but held his gaze. ‘Okay, maybe I was insensitive, but you coming up with that revolutionary product at the same time all the fairies and elves are missing, don’t you think it’s suspicious?’
‘It is. I can see your point, but if I were behind this then I wouldn’t help you, would I?’ he asked, sounding irritated. ‘I’ll take you out, and I’ll even show you how we prepare the shot if you don’t believe me. Besides, your father already paid me another visit and, believe it or not, he asked the same questions.’
Chapter twenty-one
Here we go. My first official date with Nathaniel La Caz.
Okay, so now I realised that I made the biggest flop.
He folded his arms together. ‘You’ve got to be more careful. That’s why I asked Roberto to keep an eye on you. Surely if your father works for the police, he wouldn’t allow you to walk home alone in the early hours of the morning.”
‘My dad used a protection charm; he is much more advanced with magic than me. He’s a full-blooded elf,’ I explained, hoping that would satisfy him. ‘But you’re right, he’s forbidden me to walk home alone since the kidnapping started.’
‘Good, but to be sure, Roberto will be at your disposal all the time, and don’t even dare to argue with me,’ he said in a serious tone.
‘Fine, fine, and I’m sorry about those accusations, but I might just buy a car, and then I won’t have to rely on men who can’t take no for an answer.’
‘You are unbelievably stubborn, Julia.’
‘Yes, my dad tells me that,’ I muttered. ‘Anyway, did you find out more about the kidnappings?’
He sighed. ‘I made a few enquires, asked a few people to snoop around, but I got nothing. It’s like someone is making a hell of an effort to keep this quiet.’
‘I don’t get it. Claudia was taken in the middle of the street. Someone must have seen something.’
‘I promise that I’ll use all my resources to help you. My people or your Dad are bound to find something,’ he assured me, but I couldn’t stop worrying, thinking—what if it was too late? I went to the bathroom and rinsed my face under the cold water. It was frustrating that I couldn’t do anything.
‘Are you at work tomorrow?’ he asked after I came back.
‘No, I’m on holiday until January. On Thursday, I’m going to Kent with my parents. We always spend Christmas Day at my grandparents’ home,’ I said, folding my arms together.
‘Good to know. I might take a few days off. Let me take you home so you can be nice and fresh for tonight. I'm taking you out for our first proper date.’
‘Let me just get my stuff,’ I added and went back to the bedroom. My energy was more active this morning than it had ever been. My dress smelled of vomit. I put my killer heels on and gathered the clothes that I wore to the party. I couldn’t believe that Nathaniel La Caz wanted to take me out on a date and that I agreed.
He was waiting for me by the door.
‘I won’t be cruel and ask you to take off my shirt and trousers.’ He beamed, opening the door for me to exit his home.
‘Ha ha ha, very funny. Be careful, I might just change my mind about our date,’ I said. He didn’t respond and I made sure we didn’t touch each other. I didn’t know why, but my elf energy was pulling me towards him.
I was still amazed he lived in central London, in one of the most expensive apartments I had ever seen. Today he was driving an Audi, and it looked brand spanking new, although I had no idea what kind of model it was.
‘So what are you going to do after you drop me home?’ I asked.
‘I don’t have any plans. I’ll go to the gym and will be thinking about you, Julia,’ he said. ‘I’ll pick you up at seven.’
‘Seven is good.’
‘Relax; I’m not going to drain you. You are safe with me,’ he assured me.
‘A powerful dark wizard said the same thing and in the end he turned out to be a control freak, possessive, and mentally unstable,’
I told him, not able to hide my feelings about Jasper any longer.
Nathaniel wrinkled his forehead. ‘I will never force you to do anything, Julia, but it’s all about trust. I assume that this dark powerful wizard was a man whom you chose to be with?’
‘Yes, my ex-boyfriend who still stalks me sometimes.’
He didn’t say any more and I wondered whether I put him off me already. A few minutes later, he dropped me home. We said good-bye to each other. I wasn’t really expecting him to kiss me, but I was disappointed he didn’t try.
Maybe he is a gentleman, after all.
Jennifer texted me to ask whether or not I got home all right last night. She also mentioned that she could barely walk this morning as she hooked up with a gorgeous fairy. At least she had a good time last night.
I took a shower and thought about Nathaniel again. Technically, we worked together and he was a vampire. Everything was against my dating him, but I wanted him, and I couldn’t do anything to change this.
When the clock indicated it was seven, I was ready. I decided to wear a fitted black dress that came to my knees and I didn’t overdo the makeup. I was nervous but at the same time excited. Here we go. My first official date with Nathaniel La Caz.
‘Beautiful as always,’ he said and stepped out of the car to open the door for me. I decided to stop overthinking everything. He looked good in a black shirt and grey jacket. His skin was paler right now. I wondered how long it had been since he drank from a human. I had to try to have a good time and stop worrying about what was going on. It was unhealthy.
‘Thank you, Mr. La Caz. May I ask where we are going?’
‘It’s a surprise.’
He switched on the radio and soon we were both lost in our thoughts. We were going to have plenty to talk about during dinner. At least, I hoped we were going to eat. I hadn’t eaten anything since a quick snack in the afternoon. Nathaniel parked the car in one of the underground car parks. He made a phone call and within five minutes, I spotted Roberto walking towards us.
‘Good evening, Mr. La Caz. What time should I be available?’ asked the troll.
‘I’ll call you, Roberto. I’m not sure how long we’re going to be out,’ Nathaniel said. Roberto nodded to both of us, and Nathaniel handed him the keys.
We were walking beside each other, and I had an incredible urge to take his hand, but I forced my energy away. I thought it was safer if we didn’t touch just yet.
I didn’t recognise this part of London, although the streets were busy and the smells of various aromas were flowing through the air. It was Sunday night, a few days before Christmas; I spotted a lot of well-dressed women and men having a pre-festive drink. Everything seemed to be alive; the people, clubs, bars, and restaurants were inviting. The temperatures were below zero, but I was too excited to think about cold weather.
‘This way,’ said Nathaniel, and he pushed me slightly towards a restaurant. Inside, a werewolf showed us to our table. Nathaniel told me he was hungry, so we didn’t waste a lot of time and as soon as food arrived, we ate quickly. We talked a little about his business and how he obtained such a fortune at such a young age. It turned out his father helped him invest in his first company after Nathaniel graduated from university.
After dinner, we left and he took me to the Onyx nightclub, one of the paranormal clubs that humans couldn’t enter. Everyone was checked at the entrance by two well-built giants. All evening, Nathaniel didn’t touch me and I was happy with this arrangement. However, when we approached the entrance, he put his palm on my back and I felt the energy start pulsing inside me and my fingertips buzzed with magic.
‘Mr. La Caz, welcome,’ said the bigger giant, letting us through, smiling. There was a long queue on the other side and a few vampires gave us an irritated stare.
‘William, good to see you,’ said La Caz as we entered. He took me upstairs through the dark neon light and the smooth music that was floating around the space. The club was busy. I had never been in this place before and I was amazed at the amount of magic that was illuminated throughout. I spotted a few witches who were talking fiercely; the air around them was soaked with spells. Every paranormal creature was here. A few vampires standing at the bar were nodding towards La Caz. A few fairies, elves, and witches turned as we were passing by.
We reached the stairs, where I noticed another giant who was standing behind the sign that stated that it was a VIP area. The giant didn’t even say anything when we approached; he just let us in.
‘Impressive,’ I muttered as we were walking up the stairs. On the first floor, there was another bar with comfortable sofas. I spotted a number of wizards who were chatting and having a quiet drink at the bar.
‘This way,’ Nathaniel said; we approached a man in his forties. He was sitting on the sofa, talking to a young witch about my age. I gasped as I looked at his face.
This is impossible. He can’t be.
‘Julia, may I introduce you to my father, Philip La Caz,’ Nathaniel said. I was right; the similarities were extraordinary. The vampire rose. I noticed sandy hair and the same long nose. His eyes were darker, nearly black. It was Nathaniel La Caz, just older and bigger. He smiled, showing off a faint scar on his forehead. ‘Father, this is Julia Taylor, my date.’
Chapter twenty-two
Kiss me, Mr. La Caz. I want you to kiss me.
‘It’s such a pleasure meeting you,’ said Philip, with a thick French accent. He took my hand and kissed it. I could not help but giggle.
‘Hello, Mr. La Caz.’
‘Violet, please leave us,’ ordered La Caz Senior, and the witch with pink hair vanished.
Nathaniel asked me to sit down. ‘What would you like to drink, Julia?’
‘I don’t know. If you can just choose a cocktail for me please, that would be great.’
‘For you, Dad?’
‘I’m all right, son. I’ll have a chat with your lovely friend here,’ replied Philip, waving his hand. Nathaniel disappeared and I was left alone with La Caz Senior. I should have guessed that La Caz was partly French, but it was a surprise. After all, it’s not every day you meet a vampire who happens to be the father of your date. ‘So, Julia, you have elf blood in you?’
‘Yes, my father is a full elf and my mum is a human. I'm not advanced with magic, Mr. La Caz,’ I replied, admiring his strong features. He was pale and I was aware he kept glancing at my neck.
‘Interesting. I rarely meet a magical creature who married a human. I have to say I'm also surprised seeing you with my son. I hope he is behaving.’
‘So far he has been a gentleman.’ Apart from his snarky comments about sex.
‘How did you two meet?’ he asked.
‘I work for Paranormal Personnel and only recently we started supplying people to Nathaniel’s factory.’
‘The employment agency? Great. I was always impressed with that business. Well, I'm not surprised he asked you out. Your scent is intoxicating. I hope you don’t mind me saying so,’ he said, smiling again. I laughed.
‘I have been told,’ I muttered. ‘So, Mr. La Caz, is it not strange seeing your son getting older as the years pass by?’
Philip didn’t respond right away. He pursed his lips and then said, ‘I offered to turn him so many times, but he always refuses. Maybe I will never understand, but I think he likes being a human.’
I narrowed my eyes, studying his face. Before I could ask any more, Nathaniel returned, holding a large pink cocktail.
Cosmopolitan. Well, I shouldn’t be surprised; every girl loves that!
‘I hope my father isn’t bothering you with insensitive questions,’ he said, sitting next to me.
‘So far, I found out that you don’t want to become a vampire.’
His lips curved in a smile and he took a sip of his whisky. ‘Immortality doesn’t appeal to me,’ he said, not taking his eyes off me. I felt desire dancing inside me.
‘See? I tried to talk him out of this, but he doesn’t want to list
en. His mother was the same—stubborn—and she never listened to anyone, especially to me,’ joked Philip, patting Nathaniel on the back.
‘Is your accent French?’ I asked, ignoring the magical pulsation on my skin; his body was brushing against mine, sending powerful vibrations to my mind.
‘Yes, I was born in Marseille,’ Phillip said. ‘I met his mother, Beatrice, in London. We got married when we were young and I never went back. But my surname is Spanish. I think my mother’s father was Spanish. He was in the army in France.’
I sipped some of my cosmopolitan, feeling that Nathaniel had a rich history. I was curious to ask how his father became a vampire, but I decided against it. Maybe this wasn’t the right time. Nathaniel was still looking at me, drinking his whisky. This was highly dangerous, being around two vampires who were craving my scent, but I wasn’t afraid.
‘Father travels to France often,’ Nathaniel said. ‘Sometimes we go together. I have a lot of business contacts up there. Vampires there are more patient, when it comes to blood.’
Philip’s eyes moved above my shoulder and he got up. ‘Unfortunately, I have to leave you, my dearests. I forgot that I was going to meet a skilled witch for dinner five minutes ago,’ said La Caz Senior suddenly. ‘Keep her close, son; she is such a distraction.’
He gave me a quick, unexpected cold kiss on the cheek and he was gone. I was taken aback by his sudden disappearance, but now I was alone with Nathaniel.
‘You must forgive my father; his manners can be confusing sometimes.’
‘He seems nice. I wasn’t expecting to meet him tonight,’ I said, aware that Nathaniel’s body was closer than before.
‘I’m glad he is gone,’ he whispered, drawing his face towards mine. ‘Because now I can finally kiss you.’
His lips were only a couple inches from mine and I shivered, waiting in anticipation for him to touch me. He inhaled and then closed his eyes.
Paranormal Personnel Saga Box Set - Books 1-3 Page 11
