He raises an eyebrow as he gives me a grin filled with fang, but not in a menacing way. More in a cocky, aren’t-I-so-hot way. “I apologize, but I just thought you were very handsome. I’m not in town long, and generally, it’s not too hard to find someone to keep me company. I meant nothing more by it than to tell you I was interested. How about it?”
I stare at this delusional man who, if telling the truth, seems to have lost his mind some years ago. “Excuse me?”
“I will show you a wondrous time and leave you quite satisfied, I assure you, human.”
I walk away, not possessing the brainpower to comprehend this man.
“Wait… where are you going? Is that a yes? Should I wave down a taxi?”
Instead of waving down a ride to crazy town with a vampire who thinks he’s God’s gift to mankind, I wave at the vampires. “No, I’m a bit preoccupied.”
“Oh, honey, let the police handle that.”
“I am the police,” I say as I hear sirens that thankfully mean someone’s here to help me. Not help save me from the unconscious ones but to save me from the annoyingly conscious one who doesn’t get the hint that I have no interest in him.
“Ooh, I suppose that means you have handcuffs, then. How fun!”
I’d rather face evil vampires again than deal with this man. “No.”
“I bet you don’t get told you’re beautiful enough, do you?”
“I have a boyfriend.”
He looks surprised but not deterred. “Oh? He doesn’t need to know. Or if he’s as cute as you, he can join.”
“I’ll let him know that,” I lie.
And that’s the moment I’m snatched right out of the road into a bone-crushing hug.
“Finnigan,” Orin says as he tries to finish what the other vampires started. “I’m sorry. I should’ve been here sooner. As soon as the bus was late, I knew something was wrong, and you said you were only a few stops away, so I ran the whole way here.”
“Who is this?” Pink Jacket Asshole says.
“This is my father. Dad, this creepy fucker won’t leave me alone.”
Orin turns on the man while holding me protectively against him. “Who are you?”
“The human’s savior, but you may call me Claude.” Then he holds his hand out like he wants Orin to kiss it instead of shake it. Orin does neither.
“He did help some. And then he ruined everything by telling me he wants to have sex with me.”
Orin’s eyes narrow. “Excuse me?”
Claude hesitates then gives a much more modest smile as he pulls his hand back. “A joke. Honestly. Ha ha!”
That’s when the on-call vampires from VRC descend on the scene and I wave them over. I tell them everything that happened while Orin and Claude stand nearby. They question Claude, and by the time that’s done, another car pulls up that I recognize. As soon as it’s shut off, Karsyn rushes over. He’s not on the clock, so I’m surprised to see him here. But if he knows… lord, I bet it won’t be long before Marcus knows.
Karsyn rushes up and grabs my wrists in his hands. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” I say with a smile.
“You could have been hurt. Why are you so reckless, moj zanuda? Do you want to be eaten?” Then he turns the gentle hold into a not-so-gentle shaking, like rattling my brain around will do the trick.
“If I do, you’re the first one I’ll let know since you were the first to ask,” I assure him.
He scowls before turning his narrowed eyes on Claude. “Who are you?”
“Finnigan’s savior.”
Karsyn’s scowl deepens. “I have my doubts about that.”
“You’re awfully feisty, aren’t you? But it just makes you cuter,” Claude says as he reaches for Karsyn.
Karsyn slips out of his reach. “Are you asking for a fight? I will fight you,” he growls.
Ah, poor Karsyn. It’s no wonder he’s still alone. Not that this annoying being would be a good thing to interact with. And I too would rather fight him than fuck him even if he’s extremely handsome.
But Claude still looks puzzled. “Umm… no. No, I wasn’t asking for a fight. I was…” Claude looks horribly confused. He’s probably never had to try this hard to get a bedmate before.
“I feel like… I am unwanted for some reason, so I suppose I’ll… be on my way… unless?” He looks to me again and when I say nothing, he looks at Karsyn.
“Thank you for helping me, Claude,” I say. “Have a good night and hopefully, you’ll find better luck elsewhere.”
“I sure hope so as well,” he says. “You’re welcome, chipmunk.”
Never mind. I hate him.
When Marcus busts through the door at Orin’s house, Karsyn, Orin, Brooks, and I are all sitting around the table. Brooks had joined us on the scene and stuck with us until the end. We’d walked in only about five minutes before and Orin’s been staring at me, eager to say something, but not spilling it yet. Is he waiting for Marcus?
DeGray is right behind him as Marcus rushes through and grabs me, pulling me right out of the chair and squeezing me to his chest.
“You’re never allowed out of my sight ever again. You’re not even allowed to piss alone now,” Marcus says, which is quite concerning since my whole “thing” is that I don’t want to be smothered.
“I’m fine,” I assure him, but I still sink into his hug. Fine or not, I’m always up for a good hug from Marcus.
“They targeted him because he’s part of the VRC,” Orin says.
Marcus looks from me to Orin. “What? It didn’t have anything to do with the vampire after him?”
Orin stands up and folds his arms over his chest. “It doesn’t sound like it, but of course we can’t be positive yet. When Finn gave his report, he stated that they shouted something about the VRC when they attacked him. This is because he’s caught up in this fucking vampire unit.”
I see now why he waited for Marcus for the outburst. He wants Marcus to agree with him, to tell me that I should leave the VRC. “This was just an incident,” I say before Marcus can get it into his head to agree. “Any job in law enforcement comes with risks.”
Orin shakes his head and I can just see stubbornness set in. “There is someone targeting the VRC. Last week there was a man from your unit murdered, and now this? You can’t tell me that’s just a coincidence! Finn, I know you want to help people and I know you’re amazing at your job, but I love you… you’re my son. I nearly lost you once, I can’t deal with that pain again.”
God, it fucking hurts to listen to him while knowing it’s not what I want. Why can’t we both just want the same thing? Why do I have to go against what he wants? The issue is that I owe him so much, but I also promised myself that I would stop living in fear. I spent so many years of my life hiding and terrified, unable to live.
“Orin… please… I would have to give up the freedom I’ve gained.” I just wish he understood my side too.
He shakes his head. “But you don’t. You only have to give up your spot in the VRC. Think of how much safer it is in homicide or, fuck, any other department. You literally twirled around in a fucking circle and were like ‘What’s the riskiest place I can be?’ And that’s where you had to go.”
“Orin…”
He groans as he grabs his head. “I know you lived through it. I know I don’t understand, but Finn… when I walked into that hospital, they took me right to you before you even went to surgery because they thought you were going to die and it could be the last fucking moments I’d have with you. I had to look at you as you struggled for life. I would’ve changed you right that fucking second. I tried to, but they grabbed me and dragged me out. Finn… I can’t do that again.”
“But this isn’t… this isn’t HIM. These were just some idiots who have a stick up their asses because of the VRC.” I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I want to believe it so badly.
Marcus squeezes me again before kissing the top of my head. “Everyone’
s a little on edge at the moment. We’re all thankful that Finn is alright. We don’t have to be rash. Tomorrow is Sunday, so we have all day to think about it.”
Orin takes a deep breath and nods. “Okay.”
Karsyn shifts in his seat like he’s uncertain. “I’m… not sure it’s my place to say anything, but I just want to assure you that all of us in the VRC make it a priority to keep Finn safe. He’s become an invaluable member of our group.”
Orin nods before reaching over and squeezing my hand. “I know he’s good at what he does, which is why this decision isn’t easy for any of us. But I just want him safe.”
“We understand,” Brooks says.
Orin turns to me. “Would you guys stay here tonight? I want to keep you close to make sure nothing will happen. I have the security system and everything; honestly, it’s the safest option.”
I look up at Marcus who nods. “Yeah, that’s fine. We’ll need to get the dogs, though.”
“I can run and get them,” Brooks says.
Marcus shakes his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll grab them since I have other stuff I need.”
I hope I’m not being an idiot and making the wrong decision. But I need to stop him, and I feel like the only way I ever could is with the resources of the VRC.
Chapter Eleven
MARCUS
Once in Finn’s childhood room for a moment alone with him, I turn to him. “I’m sorry you were alone.”
“You can’t just do nothing with your life because of me. This can’t rule our lives, alright?” Finn asks.
He seems very adamant about this, and I know that he feels like he wasted years of his life because of that man, so I understand why he wants things to be this way. But I also understand Orin’s side of it. I love Finn too much to let him walk into danger when I could do something to protect him from the perils of this world. Would giving up a part of his freedom really be the worst thing when it could save his life?
Finn gives me a devastated look, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Marcus… not you too.”
I take a deep breath before gathering him in my arms and holding his body against me. I know Finn hates it when I see him as anything but strong, and I don’t think he’s weak, but I still want to protect him. I think he’s amazingly strong. The issue is that his body, because it’s human, is weak compared to a vampire’s. I’ve seen so many humans in my life die. Death comes too easily for them.
“I’m not. I just need to think. I’m going to go get the dogs and I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Can I go with you?”
I shake my head, knowing Orin wouldn’t allow it. He needs Finn at home with him where he can do everything in his power to keep him safe. “Just stay here for Orin. I’ll be back shortly, okay?”
Finn nods. “Okay.” He takes a deep breath, then looks up at me, blue eyes defiant and strong. How is he always so damn strong? “When you threaten them, please try not to get in trouble.”
I give him a grin. Of course Finn knows what I’m up to. He’s all brains, but it’s also because he can just read me unlike anyone else has ever been able to. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He snorts before patting my cheek. “Of course you don’t, Cujo. Just don’t get in trouble over this. It’s not worth it.”
I don’t know what Finn’s talking about because it’s most definitely worth it. I would tear this world apart for him. Does he not know that? Then I suppose I’ll just have to show him. Anyone who dares to mess with what is mine will realize that life will turn into an absolute hell for them.
When I walk into the holding area, I’m surprised to see a familiar face there.
“Brooks?” I ask, more out of confusion than anything.
He looks over at me. “Church.”
We stare at each other for a moment. I’m sure he’s questioning why I’m here and has to know I’m questioning why he’s here.
Then he says, “I am here on… official business.”
“Hmm… does this official business have anything to do with Finn?”
He folds his arms over his chest. “Maybe.”
Finn’s reminder to not get into trouble makes its rounds in my brain. “I would… like permission to ask the men and women who assaulted Finn a simple question.”
“Just a simple and quick question?”
“Very quick.”
“I was hoping to ask them a quick question too.” He’s quiet for a moment before catching my eyes. “I suppose we could ask them together. Like old times.”
I smile at the thought. “Yes, like old times.”
Brooks gets us permission to enter, so we head inside to wait. We’re quiet as we do so, probably because we both know we shouldn’t be here and feel slightly guilty about it.
“Do you know who the man was who helped Finn?” Brooks asks as I glance at my phone to see what time it is.
“I didn’t hear much about him. What was his name?”
“Claude… something. Real flashy guy. Tried getting in Finn’s AND Karsyn’s pants.”
My hand instinctively squeezes, crushing my phone. Pieces drop to the ground and blood drips from my fingers as I stare at him. “Did you say… Claude?”
Brooks looks up from my crushed phone. “Do you happen to know him? By your reaction, I’d have to guess you’re good pals!”
“I might happen to know someone by that name,” I say. “But surely there are others by that name. Please… Please describe what this… disgusting creature might have looked like.”
“Brown hair swooped back.”
I growl even though the logical part of my brain is trying to tell me that there might be more than one Claude with dark hair. “That fucker.”
“History?” Brooks asks.
“That’s being nice. And you say he tried… he tried…” I can’t even say the words. The very thought of what he might have said to my Finn makes me want to crush his very throat.
“To fuck him, yes.”
I growl again, realizing that I have to murder more people tonight than I once thought. I didn’t imagine this situation could get worse and here it is, as bad as it could possibly be.
“Is he a danger?” Brooks asks in concern.
“I’ll handle him,” I assure him. “I’ll do a fantastic job of handling him, I promise.”
“Good to know. If you need help, you know where to find me. Or just ask Karsyn. The moment he looked at Karsyn, Karsyn decided he’d murder him.”
I grin at the thought. I didn’t initially like Karsyn. Honestly, I thought he was an absolute dick. Which is saying a lot when he thinks I’m a dick. People generally don’t look at me fondly, because I don’t give much of a shit about them. They look at Karsyn with even less fondness because he’s snippy, reserved, and glares at just about everything that moves and even some things that don’t move. But somehow, Finn broke through that snippy attitude and showed me that Karsyn isn’t exactly the monster I’d assumed he was. Instead, he’s a little shy, reserved, and even occasionally nice—only when it comes to Finn. But the thought that Karsyn would be beside me as I tore apart Claude didn’t sound too shabby. He’s fast and deadly, even if he isn’t as old as me, so he could distract Claude as I came up from behind and—
“We’re ready for you,” a guard says. She waves us after her, so I dump the guts of my phone into my coat pocket and follow her, hand already healed.
She takes us into a room where one man is chained up waiting for us. This weak-looking asshole targeted what is mine? Doesn’t he realize that no one can touch my Finn?
Brooks sets a hand on my chest and I realize that I’m flashing my fangs like some feral animal. I take a deep breath and grab the back of my chair as I stare the man in the eyes. When the plastic cracks as I slide it out from under the table, I realize that maybe I’m a little more worked up about this than I originally thought.
“Mr. Wetzel, I’m Deputy Chief Brooks and I’d like to ask you some
questions.”
The man scoffs. “I ain’t talking to your kind.”
I motion between us so I don’t accidentally use that hand to crush his skull. “Our kind? We’re all vampires here,” I growl.
“Fuck. You.”
Brooks spends a good five minutes trying to reason with him as my impatience escalates, and it’s nearly out of control by the time those five minutes are up. I don’t have Finn here to hold me back or talk me down by being all reasonable and smart. I growl as I switch the camera off and look over at the female guard. She catches my eyes and seems to understand what I want because she turns away.
I grab the man, cupping the back of his neck and driving his head down into the table hard enough I hear his nose break. It’ll heal within a minute, but he still feels the initial pain of it breaking.
“You made the fucking mistake of attacking my partner and now you’re going to answer the fucking questions. You see, I’m not as nice as the chief here and I will fucking make you wish you were dead if you refuse to tell me,” I whisper in his ear.
I can almost feel his fear because he understands my superiority. I’m older than him, therefore he should respect me. He’s chosen not to, which means I will show him exactly how far I’ll go to get some respect.
“Do you understand?” I growl.
He avoids my eyes, so I punch him hard enough his head is thrown back and he grunts.
“You touched what is mine. No one touches what is mine,” I snarl as I punch him again.
It takes three minutes. Three minutes to get the man to stop holding back and spill something I can use.
He shakes his head back and forth, blood coating his lips and nose even though his bones have already healed. “Please! Please! Stop!”
I lower my face to him and breathe in the smell of his blood. While vampire blood could sustain us, the taste is rancid, but it still smells like blood. And right now, the smell surrounds him. “Answer my chief’s questions then, if you’d be so kind.”
How to Elude a Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Book 2) Page 10
