Courted by the Vampire

by Sandra Sookoo

  A grimace distorted his serene features for a moment then vanished. “Were I to show my true self, you would stand no chance of escape.”

  Tremors of alarm danced over Hannah’s skin as she considered her next move. “If you aren’t in a hurry, do you mind telling me your story? I’m a very good listener.” Edwin is going to be so angry with me when he finds out I’m talking to a werewolf. She reasoned Xavier appealed to her curiosity, and if she could help him, she would. “Please.”

  The expression of astonishment that crossed his face succumbed to shadows as the sun finally sank below the tree line. “You couldn’t possibly care why I’m a werewolf.” His words were flung as if they were darts. When she didn’t answer, his shoulders slumped with defeat. “What does it matter now?”

  He paced and ripped the ball cap from his curls, hurling it into the bushes. “I know who you are, Hannah. I have been tracking you for the better part of three days. You saw me in the bushes right before you fell down the ridge. The bounty hunter and I fought that evening as you made camp.”

  The worry in the pit of her stomach flared to life once more. She contemplated running but thought better of it. Chances are he would be faster than she would. He could tear her to shreds before she could get five feet. Swallowing hard, she wiped sweaty palms on her jeans. “What do you want with me?”

  His eyes flashed in the faint light and he began to pace, resembling more of a wolf. “Originally, I planned to deliver you to Horace the Black. It seems the goat man desires you and will pay enormous sums of cash for your capture. But, I’m not hurting for money. Then I had a run in with the bounty hunter.” A ghost of a smile flitted over his features. “He warned me away from you in no uncertain terms. I was intrigued at his interest in a mere human. He’s never done that before.”

  “Why? What difference does my mortality make?” She warily stood on the balls of her feet, her body tensed for flight.

  “Edwin and I go back a long time. I’ve never seen him so happy or so completely agitated. My old friend completes a task with little or no emotion and always in the most efficient manner possible.” He drew a hand over his face but continued to pace. “I followed you, determined to find out what it was that fascinated him.” When he looked at her, a haunted smile flirted with his well-shaped lips. “Did you know he throws a wicked right hook?”

  Hannah returned his smile. “I can just imagine. He refuses to fight in front of me, though.” She couldn’t understand what Xavier was alluding to. Edwin would mark her absence soon and come looking. “The relationship between me and Edwin is complicated and should be saved for another time.” Seating herself on a moss-covered boulder, she frowned. “I’m more interested in you. I can see from your pacing you are not used to inactivity. The barely controlled rage in your voice suggests you are not happy with yourself.”

  “You have a gift for drawing secrets from beings who don’t really want to give them up.” He knelt on the muddy ground at her feet, hope shining in his eyes. “I will answer your questions.”

  “Tell me about your clothes. I have a thing for shoes, and yours tell me you are accustomed to a high-end lifestyle. They really don’t go with your unfortunate choice of outfit.”

  Xavier scoffed and sprang up to resume pacing. “I got the togs from my last…”

  “Victim?”

  He stroked his goatee. “Let’s say meal,” he finished. When Hannah remained silent, he continued. “I had just taken a lashing from your wonder boy. I was hungry and angry.” He shrugged. “I ran into some punk who tried to set fire to a stand of trees. I didn’t think about it. I just attacked him and ate him. End of story.”

  As eye opening as that information was, she didn’t think it was overly revolting. “Edwin has a rigid sense of justice. For him, crime falls into two categories—black or white. There is very little common ground of gray.” An image of how starchy he used to be floated into her consciousness. He’d come a long way. “Let’s ignore Edwin for the moment. You ate a person, Xavier. You. Ate. A. Person. Humans are not food. Period. You must give up that guilty pleasure of yours. It will go a long way into making you feel better about yourself.”

  “Then I will die.” The statement didn’t leave room for discussion.

  She huffed. “You’re telling me humans are the only food source for your kind, and you will definitely perish away if you stop snacking on them?” Hannah laughed in the face of his rage. “I find that hard to believe. If I could take on Edwin and his idiosyncrasies, then your little problem isn’t so bad.”

  Xavier stopped pacing long enough to look discomfited. “That is not exactly a true statement. I can eat other things, I just find humans more appealing.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Here’s the thing. Humans are off limits. Besides, you can be prosecuted for killing them, no matter that they were committing crimes against nature. I hardly think you’d like prison.” She studied him in the moonlight. “Why don’t you begin a diet of chickens or deer? Deer are very common in the forest and should be plentiful. The Department of Natural Resources always has controlled hunts for them in the fall.”

  “I’ve been run off all the farms in the area. I once stole a cow. It was tasty, I suppose, but deer is just so boring and blasé. No flavor. Ordinary.” His glance was wistful. “I have an extensive wine collection and am hard put to pair venison with a good merlot.”

  She sighed in exasperation. “If I could find something to help you make deer meat more appealing to your palette, would you promise to make a commitment to it?” At his nod, Hannah closed her eyes and concentrated on recipes.

  Two seconds later, a cookbook fell into her hands. “Here you go. Deer, Not Just For Sunday Dinner.” She handed the thick book to him, giggling as multi-colored bubbles filled the air.

  He cocked a blond eyebrow. “Relatively new to the art of magic?” A tiny smile crossed his lips as the bubbles whirled through the air then faded into nothingness.

  “Just a bit.” She winced and massaged her forehead at the sharp stab of pain that always followed bouts of conjuring. “I’m serious about the diet.”

  He nodded. “I will try.”

  “Now, tell me why you’re a werewolf. It’s not by choice, is it?”

  “No.” He snapped his fingers. Instantly, his street punk clothing became more fashionable attire. A linen suit the color of clotted cream graced his tall, slender frame to offset his hair. A brown felt fedora completed the outfit.

  His appearance reminded her of the pretend jazz club. “Damn.” Her jaw dropped open. If she wasn’t already hopelessly in love with Edwin, she wouldn’t mind pursuing the werewolf. He was incredibly sexy and available, and he knew it.

  Xavier grinned, his teeth flashing. “I simply couldn’t stand the clothing a moment longer.”

  “I have to agree.”

  He sighed. “My condition is not by choice. It’s a very long story, and I won’t get into it now. Suffice it to say, I can control my lycanthropy but am destined to live out my days with the ailment. Alone, unwanted, loathed, and feared by mankind.”

  “Some of that will be lessened with the diet.” She stood and laid a hand on his arm. “You shouldn’t care about what others think. You are what you are. If people don’t like you for that then you don’t need them.” Her cheeks warmed when she conceded to herself that she should probably take her own advice. Instead, she smiled, trying to decide if she liked his strange citrine eyes. “Surround yourself with friends who support you, who make you feel better about yourself. After a while, you’ll believe it too. Your confidence will build. You’ll find life isn’t so bad after all. It never is”

  “Thank you.” He engulfed her in a bear-like hug that lifted her feet off the ground. “Now I know why Edwin has fallen victim to your charms. I only hope I will be as lucky one day.”

  A sharp stab of desire shot down her spine from the contact. “Any woman would be happy to have you in her life.” Confusion fogged her mind as thoughts of Xavier crowded thr
ough. “Never forget what I told you.”

  He leaned in until his lips were inches from hers. “When you grow tired of the bounty hunter, call for me.” His breath whispered over her cheek. “I’d gladly kill several men in order to be his replacement.”

  As her heart thudded in her throat, she gazed into the amber depths of his eyes, wavering. “I—”

  “If you hope to be alive to see tomorrow, you will kindly remove yourself from Hannah in the next two seconds.”

  The sound of Edwin’s irritated voice shattered the sexual tension of the moment. Xavier released her so suddenly she tumbled to the ground, landing hard on her backside.

  Oh, crap.

  “Edwin, before you fly off the handle, let me explain.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  An angry red haze clouded Edwin’s vision. He glanced at Hannah as she stared back. Guilt and fear shadowed her face, and for the moment, he did not care. He could only feel the powerful pull of the anger—and jealousy. Pure, white jealousy burned through his body when he remembered her in the werewolf’s arms. The urge to kill throbbed through his head, strong, sure, until his fangs few. His control slipped, and for one insane moment, he knew a desire for blood so powerful, he could not remember who he was.

  Edwin, are you okay?

  He blinked then glared at the human—his human. The fear dissipated, replaced by terror as he snarled. His chest tightened, the frantic pounding of his heart lessened the longer he looked at her. Hannah. His hope, his life. He heaved a heavy sigh.

  I am fine. But I am very angry at you. At him.

  Edwin transferred his attention to his old friend, Xavier. He caught the smug, mocking glint in the werewolf’s eye, and jealousy surged to the forefront of his mind once more as an ugly mustard yellowish green.

  Oooh, maybe now I’ll get to see you fight. You’re gorgeous when you’re worked up. I want to see you in action, muscles rippling, fighting for my hand.

  That one innocent comment acted as a fresh sea breeze. It took the edge off his anger and swept a good portion of the jealousy aside. For this one woman alone, he could—would—conquer his genes. With another deep breath, he glowered at her, ignoring the orange clouds of her anticipation as they scuttled through his mind.

  As much as I appreciate your glowing tribute to my physical appearance, I will not engage in fisticuffs to satisfy that raging curiosity of yours, spatzi. Does your lust for pugilistic theatrics know no bounds? He offered her a hand. “Get up.”

  “Thank you.”

  He dropped their bags on the ground, but released her hand as soon as she gained her feet. His trust had been shaken. “Explain.” By willpower alone, he forced his fangs to recede, praying to any deity who would listen that the abnormalities would stay hidden.

  She licked her lips. “I happened to meet Xavier while berry hunting.”

  Edwin disregarded his body’s response to her nervous gesture. “You do not happen to meet anyone, Hannah. Trouble follows you everywhere. You have quite a knack for it.”

  If she continued to look at him with those big eyes, he would have no choice but to drag her behind the bushes to relieve his need to teach her she was his alone. He did not think that sort of behavior would go over well with her independent spirit. And she would be angry. It was better not to incur her wrath at this point. Instead, he stalked over to the werewolf. He would work out his frustration and annoyance on Xavier.

  “Leighton.” He flexed his hands into fists in preparation for the fight.

  “Hello again, Mason.” Xavier’s grin was predatory as he gave Edwin a small, mocking bow. “I would like to say it’s a pleasure, but we both know that would be a stretch of the truth.”

  “Indeed.” He glared at the other man as he rolled up the sleeves of his red silk shirt. “Your actions require immediate justice.” His punch connected solidly with Xavier’s jaw. He grunted with satisfaction.

  The werewolf returned the jab, and then delivered a karate chop to Edwin’s shoulder. “You’ve taken me on twice before. Each time, we’ve ended in a draw.” Xavier’s punch landed squarely in the vampire’s mid-section.

  Edwin doubled over, clutching his stomach. “And once again, I must warn you that Hannah is not to be touched.” He gasped the words, but when he straightened, the anger that probably distorted his face into a gruesome mask burned strong.

  “Edwin, stop.”

  He ignored Hannah’s plea. “This does not concern you.” Edwin winced when the pain in his stomach blossomed. He threw another punch, pleased when Xavier staggered back a few paces.

  Xavier tossed a book and hat to Hannah. “Hold these for me, darling, while I teach your vamp why his days are numbered.”

  “Xavier!” Panic echoed in her voice.

  The werewolf waved an elegant hand in the air as if shooing away a fly. “It’s a wonder she prefers such a stiff and humorless man like you.” His next jab clipped Edwin’s jaw. “She needs to broaden her taste in men.” He wiped at the blood that trickled from his lip. “You are an old man, Mason, past your prime, losing your power.”

  “I wonder if you will think the same once I finally best you.” Edwin circled around his foe. “She is mine.” Somewhere at the back of his consciousness, he wanted to impress her with his fight skills.

  “That’s enough!” She dropped Xavier’s stuff then maneuvered her body between them, a hand on each chest. “This is ridiculous and has gone way too far. I’m embarrassed to know either of you.”

  “Step back, Hannah, this is between me and Xavier.” Edwin’s chest heaved as he glared at the werewolf.

  “I’ll be with you in a moment, angel. I will easily trounce the vampire.”

  Xavier’s mocking grin revived Edwin’s anger. Power crackled in the air as the tension grew.

  “Like hell you will.” The hand on his chest was the only thing which restrained him. “Move aside, Hannah.”

  “Stop it, both of you!” She held his gaze, before she turned to Xavier. “Why don’t you sit on that rock while I speak with Edwin? I will be with you shortly.”

  Xavier pouted but stood his ground. “I wish to free you from the clutches of the tormented one.” He flexed his muscles, shrugging out of his suit jacket.

  “You’re pretty messed up yourself, wolf-boy.”

  “That he is.” Edwin lunged forward, but this time Hannah shoved him. He stumbled back, watching her warily.

  “Now, Xavier.” She grasped the werewolf’s arm and her voice took on a sing-song quality as if she spoke to a toddler. “Look, you’re bristling all over. That can’t be healthy.” The blond hair on his arms slowly turned into fur. She gave him a shove toward the rock. “I have an idea. Tuck your tail in and give me two minutes. Things will be fine.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  Edwin’s anger surged when she smiled at the werewolf before she joined him. He glanced at his bruised knuckles and blew out a breath in an effort to calm himself.

  She laid a hand on his arm. He jerked at her touch. “Grow up.” She sucked in her breath and pinched the bridge of her nose as if she were in pain. “So much rage. You’re cluttering my mind.”

  “It is justified.” He crossed his arms over his chest, steeling himself against her touch, her very presence. She had the power to distract him with only a look. As he met her gaze, shock slammed into his chest at the terror in her eyes.

  She was afraid of him. Gently, he probed her mind. Frenetic spirals and circles of red and black tumbled before him. He felt her tremble as she stood, uncertain.

  Is he angry enough to kill me? Will it hurt? How will he do it?

  Edwin read the thoughts she let escape, unchecked, and hated himself for causing her pain. Have I indeed lost her? Blue triangles of doubt twirled across his consciousness. When she shut him out of her mind, it was his turn to be insecure. “I am waiting, Hannah.”

  “Nothing happened between me and Xavier. Nothing ever will. I’ve made a commitment to you, and I intend to stick by my
word.” She held his face between her palms. “If you’re going to be with me, you need to stop being so jealous. Half the population of this world is male. Eventually, I’m going to have to interact with some of them. It doesn’t mean I’m going to jump into bed with every man I talk to. The last thing I need is for you to try and bite the UPS man.”

  His jaw clenched. “I saw you in his embrace.”

  “Damn it, you’re not listening to me!” She dropped her hands to her sides as if in defeat. “An impromptu hug of gratitude for a bit of counseling I provided him, that’s all.” She held his gaze, determination in her green depths. “You either believe me or you don’t. It’s as simple as that. It all comes down to trust.”

  Edwin stole a glance at the werewolf, annoyed at the avid interest on his face. He swung his gaze to the woman before him, and his heart lurched. “I am sorry. I am still learning how to live with these new emotions. I have been alone too long.”

  Hannah’s breath whooshed from her body. “It’s a start.” Absolution washed over him when she smiled. “But, there is one thing you must do for me.”

  As the last vestiges of anger left him, love for her replaced the empty spaces, filling him with renewed hope. “Anything.” He wrapped his arms around her, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. “I can deny you nothing.” It was true. She had caught him soundly. And he was all right with that.

  “You need to apologize to Xavier.”

  “Absolutely not!” He stepped away, his mouth set in a hard line. Even he had limits.

  She gripped his hand. “You try my patience, bounty hunter. I’m about to wash my hands of you. Fantastic sex surely can’t be worth this hassle.”

  “But Hannah…” He allowed her to tug him to the rock where Xavier waited, an amused expression dancing on the werewolf’s face.

  “Now, you boys apologize to each other.”

  Edwin tossed her look, hoping he conveyed a martyred expression. What do I get if I do apologize?