by Mary Abshire
My heart gained beats while I stared at the exit. I doubted Drake stood outside since the energy from the visitor was chilling me to the bone. Whoever the vamp was, they were not of the same caliber as Drake. And that worried me. Was it Sophia's intent to draw Jeremy away from me? I started to wonder.
The person knocked harder this time. I set the spoon down, then headed to the door. I wasn't ready to fight yet, but I would if I had to.
I twisted the knob and pulled on it. Two people wearing black cloaks faced me. For a brief second, I thought I was in one of the Star Wars movies. Both of them reached up and removed the cover from their heads. I recognized one of the men.
"May we come in please?" Dimitry asked.
Refusing them would likely bring trouble and I didn't need any more in my present situation, especially with both my protectors gone at the moment. I backed out of the way and granted them entrance.
Chapter Thirteen
Dimitry and his partner brought a strong, bone-chilling energy with them as they entered the room. Such power led me to believe they were not close to being as righteous as Drake. The unknown man with Dimitry had dark, wavy hair, two-week overgrowth, and a wide forehead. He gave me a nod.
"I do apologize if I interrupted anything." Dimitry swung his cloak away from his shoulders, then draped it over one of the recliners. He looked at the cart. "Is the food any good?"
I closed the door, then returned to the tray. "Decent enough." I placed the lid back over the soup.
The man with Dimitry kept his cloak on. He stood near the door, watching me. His dark eyes matched his dark puffy brows and facial hair.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" I asked Dimitry.
He tugged at the cuffs of his expensive blazer. The dark blue suit and shiny shoes gave him a mob boss look. "Yes, my apology." He turned to the man. "Renaud, this is Jessie. Jessie, please meet Renaud."
The vampire approached me with his arm extended. "Bonjour," he said in a deep, husky voice.
As I shook his hand, cold chills rolled up my arm and gave rise to massive goose bumps. Energy so strong warned me the vamp had a history of killing. I also recalled Drake had told me about him. He was one I needed to persuade.
"Hello." I gave a phony smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet you." His thick French accent suggested he was a native. His gaze traveled the length of my body and the hairs on the back of my neck sprouted. The knot in my stomach tightened.
Heeding the signs, I let go of his hand. Unable to control myself, I shivered. I rubbed my arms and decided I had a perfect opportunity to step away and gather my thoughts. And more clothes. "If you will excuse me for a minute, I need to grab a sweater."
"By all means," Dimitry said.
Heart thumping fast, I headed for the bedroom. What did they want? How did they plan to visit while Jeremy was away? Clearly, they'd been watching and waiting for his departure so they would catch me alone. But why visit me now instead of making introductions at the meeting? Nothing made sense.
I closed the door behind me, then pulled on a drawer to search for a sweater. My mind raced with questions while fear encouraged my heart to beat faster. Two evil vamps stood a few feet from me with only a door separating us. The thought made me feel ill. Not finding what I wanted, I moved to the next drawer down. I lifted and shoved the clothes as I tried to recall where I'd put the one sweater I'd brought. When I ventured to the last drawer at the bottom, I heard a creak from the door. I straightened quickly.
"Jessie, may I come in and speak with you please?" the Russian vampire asked. Before I could respond, he stepped into the room. He glanced at the beds. "Do the accommodations meet with your approval?"
I narrowed my gaze, wondering why he'd ask such a question and why it was important. "Yes, but I would've preferred a separate room instead of having to share with Jeremy."
He stopped in front of me. "The buildings are old and mostly have one room. Since there are so many of us here, this is the best we could arrange."
I gave him a lazy blink. "It's fine."
"Have you been informed of the details about the gathering tonight?"
More questions raced through my head. He had to know Sophia informed us. Didn't he? Was this some game or test? Surely he didn't come here with his French friend to tell me about their wild party. I decided to act dumb.
"Why don't you fill me in on the details." I rubbed my arms again.
"Members of the VETOV have a tradition where we gather around, talk, and catch up with each other." He took a step forward.
I stepped back. "Sounds like Thanksgiving day." Sophia's version made the gathering sound more like an orgy. Given the gentleness of her energy compared to Dimitry's, I believed her version over his.
He grinned. "How American of you. Yes, it is similar to your American holiday."
He took another step toward me and I stepped back again.
"Only this is much more fun." He stuffed his hands inside his pants pockets. "The servants we have put on a bit of a show for us."
A show? Sophia hadn’t mentioned a show.
"Oh?"
"I assure you, they participate of their own free will."
"Uh-huh. And what happens after the show?"
For each step he took, I backpedaled.
"Well, they do provide us with substance and pleasure if we ask."
His arrogance made me sick. I wanted to run away from him—far, far away. Where was Jeremy? I despised being alone with this vamp and wanted him to leave. Disgusted and frustrated, I said, "Tell me the truth. You drink from these servants and have sex with them. I'm not stupid."
He said something in Russian that I didn't understand.
"Look, if you came here to tell me about this gathering, consider your job done. And if there is nothing else you need to share, would you mind going?" I asked politely.
His throaty laugh sent a chill down my spine. "I see why Drake likes you."
My heel hit the wall, forcing me to a stop. He blocked any chance of escape. Pulse racing, I studied his eyes, looking for a break, maybe a weakness.
He inched closer, too close, and a cramp pained my stomach.
"What do you want?" I asked boldly.
His face hovered near mine. At closer inspection, I noticed his facial hair hid several aged wrinkles. He lowered his gaze to my chest. "I want to offer you a proposition."
Was he serious? I could hardly believe he wanted to offer me a job to catch a soul and send it to Hell as Drake had done. No—Dimitry wanted something else.
"What is your offer?"
"Renaud and I will pay you two million dollars for your blood and…" He licked his lips.
I bit my tongue, restraining myself from shoving him back. Heat rose within me as fast as my temper. Every ounce of me wanted to fight.
"You're a smart woman. You can figure out the rest."
I took a deep breath to try to calm myself. At my sides, I clenched my fists tight. "Two million dollars to have sex with both of you and let you suck on my blood. Is that it?"
His lips parted, showing his discolored teeth. Man-oh-man his breath stunk. "That's the offer."
"No thanks," I said flatly.
His black eyes bore into me. "You want more, yes?"
"No."
He braced his hand on the wall near my head. The swift move startled me and I almost jumped. He traveled his gaze to my chest again. "Your heart is strong and beating fast."
"You're making me very nervous." I swallowed hard.
His lips stretched into another wicked grin. "You are honest. I appreciate that."
My eyes veered to the shadow along the wall. I couldn't see around Dimitry, but I guessed it was Renaud in the room since I hadn't heard Jeremy return yet.
"I refuse your offer," I said, and prayed they wouldn't rape me given I was alone.
He placed his hand on my neck and I nearly gasped. My heart wanted to leap from my chest. He brought his face closer to mine.
>
"Four million from each of us, and we can play with you however we choose."
Eight million dollars to allow them to fuck me and drain me dry. Did he really think he could buy me? The bastard was beyond disgusting. Where the fuck was Jeremy?
"Dimitry," Renaud said. "Someone—"
Dimitry jerked his head. "Wait outside." He growled over his shoulder. Two sharp canines peeked from between his lips.
Once Renaud left the room, Dimitry's attention returned to me. His hand tightened around my throat and he flashed his dirty fangs. "Do we have a deal?"
I stared into his evil eyes. He could break my neck in seconds. Although fear fueled my hammering heart, I refused to be bought and used. "No. I'm with Drake."
Anger flared in his eyes as the front door clicked open. Dimitry released a deep, throaty growl and slid his hand away from me. He stormed away, his hair fanning over his shoulder.
For a minute, I stood motionless with my back against the wall, trying to catch my breath. Anger replaced fear. How could someone like him be a member of the VETOV?
Hearing the door slam shut, I assumed he had left.
I stepped away from the wall and moved to the dresser where the drawer still hung out at the bottom. I slammed it shut, then looked at my shaking hands. The evil vamp had rattled my nerves terribly. Hopefully I showed him that he couldn't persuade me to get what he wanted. But in doing so, I wondered if he would vote against me.
When my heart returned to a somewhat steady rhythm, I returned to the living room and flopped onto a recliner. Sick and angry, I bent over my knees and held my head in my hands. Had I ruined my chance at surviving this meeting by turning Dimitry away? I thought about his offer. Eight million dollars was more money than I would ever see in my lifetime. Taking it would mean I wouldn't have a lifetime to enjoy it. Taking it would mean losing Drake. Taking it would mean I was a whore. I would rather be poor and homeless the rest of my days than accept Dimitry's offer.
Jeremy shoved the door open and slammed it behind him. Startled, I shot up from my seat. He rushed by without even a glimpse my way. Heat rolled off him in large tsunami waves. I followed him to the bedroom. With his back to me, he stood tense in the middle of the room.
"What's wrong?" I asked as I drew near.
"Nothing," he snapped. "And everything." The last two words were so soft I almost didn't hear them.
I placed my hand on his shoulder. He didn't move. For the first time since I'd known him, he refused to look at me.
"What happened?"
"Nothing. We went for a walk." He moved to the bed near the window, then sat. He never once looked at me.
"What did she say to you?"
He shot a cold glare at me. "She reminded me how much Drake loves you."
The news was nothing new to Jeremy. He already knew Drake still loved me. "Is that it?"
"She said you were lying to me and using me."
I stepped closer to him. "What?"
"You have no intentions of ever leaving Drake and my life means nothing."
"Are you fucking serious? She told you this?" My voice was high while my temper flamed like a spewing volcano. Maybe she was right about not wanting to leave Drake, but it was none of her business and the rest of her allegation was completely inaccurate. "Tell me you don't believe the shit she's shoveling."
"Not all of it."
"What does that mean?" Frustration was heavy in my tone.
"It means some of it is true."
I shook my head sharply, swinging my hair over my shoulders. "She wants us angry at each other. She wants us to fight."
The energy in the room was full of tension and rage. Why would Sophia lead him away to anger him? She didn't seem evil like Dimitry. Her energy was as gentle as Drake's. What was I missing? What would she want from him?
My eyes enlarged, realizing what she wanted. I moved in front of him to get his full attention. "Did she offer you money?"
His gaze met mine and I knew the answer. "She offered me four million to fuck her and let her feed from me."
"That fucking bitch!" I spat, and I didn't care if she heard me. "Did you turn her down?"
He chuckled. "I told her I would think about it."
"What?" I placed my hands on my hips. "You're kidding. Right?"
He rose fast. "You seem to enjoy fucking a corpse and being bitten. Maybe I should try it. At least I'd make a hell of a lot of money."
"Are you crazy?" I yelled. "Have you lost your mind?"
He shook his head and stormed away from me.
"Where are you going?" I shouted.
"Out."
"Jeremy!"
He kept walking.
I waited. The door slammed again.
"Fuck!" I stomped my foot. I never imagined vampires would offer us money for sex and blood. He couldn't consider her offer. Oh, sweet Jesus—yes, he could.
I sat on the bed and stared at the windows. Sophia wasn't evil. She wanted Jeremy to play with, to taste, and seduce. Since she knew I had Drake, there would be nothing—should be nothing—to stop her from getting Jeremy. He was a free man to claim.
But why would she feed him lies? To entice him? To make him angry enough to consider her offer? The bitch was smart, playing on his emotions, toying with his temper.
Single status or not, I had to stop them. Jeremy was a dear friend to me, even when we argued and fought, even when I hated his guts and wished him dead. But four million dollars for sex and blood was not worth it. The bitch needed to keep her paws off him.
Chapter Fourteen
Having read the last paragraph of a chapter in Aretha's book, I set it on my lap, then leaned against the back of the recliner. The last several hours had been quiet and free from visitors. Jeremy hadn't spoken to me since he'd returned from his outing. It bothered me, but I let him be. I suspected he was still mulling over his conversation with Sophia. I hoped he would refuse her, but he was a horny demon. Speaking of the man, he was in the bathroom, cleaning up for the gathering.
Inhaling a deep breath, I tried to clear my mind. In the short time we'd been at the fort, vamps had offered us big money for sex and blood. Drake had to know. All of them did, since they could hear us talk. Was this a game to them? I desperately wanted to speak with Drake, but I didn't dare leave Jeremy.
The door to the bathroom opened. Jeremy strolled out with a towel wrapped around his lower body. Every time I saw his gorgeous bare chest and the bubbly muscles, I couldn't veer my eyes away from him. He walked past me without so much as a glimpse my way and strode to the bedroom.
Since Jeremy and I had met, he had been the one always chasing me—wanting to gain my trust, build a relationship, and win my love. Now, for the first time, I hounded him, though for different reasons. I didn't want him to make a mistake he would regret. But how could I get him to realize it?
He stopped at the dresser, then removed the towel. I caught a glimpse of his body. The light was off and hid the fine details. Fearing he might turn around to face me, I looked away. If this was his way of testing me, I didn't approve. Sure, part of me wanted to see how blessed he was, but the heavy guilt that would've come from looking wasn't worth it.
I stood and left out the front door, barefoot. My shoes were in the bedroom. No chance in hell I'd walk into the room with him naked.
Wind fanned my hair from my shoulders as I walked along the dirt path to the cliff. The sun dipped below the horizon and the sky was a mixture of colors. Fresh air cleansed my lungs while the evening breeze cooled my heated skin. I reached the gravel portion of the path and walked over the rocks with careful steps.
A strong gust of wind attempted to force me back as I neared the edge of the cliff. Waves crashed on the rocks below as if the sea itself were angry. Above, the sky was peaceful. I focused my attention on the tranquility of heaven.
Time passed and the colors darkened. Behind me, rocks crunched under the weight of someone approaching. A heated current reached out to me.
; "Where are your shoes?" Jeremy stopped at my side.
I returned to watching the churning sea. "I left them in the bedroom. I'll get them before we leave."
"Sophia said she would bring Drake and escort us to the gathering."
"Have you decided what you are going to do?" I turned to the side. Jeremy had shaved and dressed in a dark blue polo shirt and jeans. His large muscles in his arms were visible, as well as the snake tattoo.
"Why do you care?" he asked.
"Why do I care?" I repeated in an elevated voice. "Because I do. Because you are here risking your life for me. You are a dear friend to me, and I don't want you to regret your decisions. Money isn't everything."
"It's just sex," he said flatly.
I stared into his eyes. "Don't do it." My voice was as calm as the sky.
"How did you know to ask me if she offered me money?" He stepped closer to me. "Did Drake put her up to it?"
"No, I don't think he would do something like that." At least, I hoped he wouldn't. Yes, he loathed Jeremy, but I doubted he would stoop so low as to send Sophia.
"Then how did you know to ask?"
I brushed strands of hair away from my eyes. "Because I had a couple visitors while you were gone."
"Who?" A hint of anger deepened his voice.
"Dimitry and Renaud."
Jeremy clenched his fists. The muscles in his arms tightened and bulged. "What happened?"
"Let's just say I was offered four million from each to have sex with them and share my blood." No need to tell him they wanted to have other fun with me. His temper would ignite like an atom bomb.
His eyes bugged. "Eight million dollars?"
I pressed my lips together and nodded. "Of course, I turned him down and he wasn't happy."
"Holy shit, Jessie!" Jeremy raked his fingers through his short hair.
"I think this is a game. They're testing us."
"Then you know your so-called lover is involved."
"Maybe not. Maybe he can't do anything to stop them." Drake couldn't be involved. I refused to believe it. Yet, the question would be the first one I would ask when he appeared.
