I enter Alex’s office. “Sire.” I nod in respect.
“Grant. Thank you for coming on such short notice. Please sit.”
“Thank you.” I sat in the black leather chair in front of Alex’s desk.
“Will there be anything else?” Drew stands at the doorway.
“No. You may go.” And without another word, Drew disappears and closes the door.
“Where have you been hiding yourself?” His massive body swallows the executive chair he sits in.
“You know where I’ve been, Alex. Making money for you and keeping the peace.”
Alex raises a brow and crosses his arms. “Is it safe to assume the casino is doing well?”
My hand moves across my neck. “Yes, you may assume.”
Alex is my friend, but he is also my king. I know I am walking a fine line with my lack of civility. Alex gives me a lot of leniency with my responsibilities. But I also know my place and need to tone down the sarcasm.
“I have a project for you.” A manila folder appears in his hand, and he tosses it at me.
“What’s this?” I open the folder and know he is not sending me on vacation, but an irritating mission.
“Finn Bailey.”
My head falls back on the chair cushion. “What has he done now?” I pinch my eyes closed.
“What hasn’t he done?” Alex stands and crosses the room, pouring himself a drink. He raises a crystal tumbler to me.
“No, I’m good. Thanks.”
Alex navigates back and leans on his desk in front of me. “I need you to find out what he’s up too.”
“There are rumors he has been kidnapping humans and selling them as blood bags to the highest bidder. I haven’t been able to gain any concrete evidence and need you to find out if the rumors have any truth.”
A master vampire selling humans on the black market warrants the final death. “You want him gone.”
“I do.”
“Isn’t there someone else you can send?” There must be someone else who could follow Finn around. My girl’s birthday is only a few weeks away and I have to have everything ready for her.
He stands at his full height, six-foot, seven inches and looks down at me. “James has asked to step down from the council. That will leave an open seat. I am hoping to interest you in joining the council, Grant.”
If there is ever a time for me to tread lightly, it is now. However, I can’t keep my thoughts to myself. “Alex, we’ve talked about this. I am not interested in politics. Your council members are ancient, and I don’t want to spend my time arguing with them.”
“But that’s just it. You are not ancient. You have what I need, Grant. Someone with the ability to cut through political bullshit and focus on what matters. Someone who still has a modicum of humanity.”
Alex steps around his desk and seats himself. “If you don’t take this seat, Finn will want it. Keeping him off the council just because no one likes him, isn’t enough of a reason.” He tents his fingers together. “He is power hungry and will only think of himself. Both the human world and the supernatural world will be in jeopardy. I want to block any chance he has to gain a council chair. The power given to council members should only be given to those worthy of it.” He leans forward. “You are worthy of this position.”
“Fine. I’ll check on Finn.” I stand up and straighten my suit jacket. “If I can prove he has been breaking our laws, will you find someone else to take the council seat?”
He eyes me. “I want you on the council, Progeny. But I will not force it on you, unless we cannot prove Finn’s trespasses. If you cannot find evidence against him, you take that position. Understood?”
I groan. “Understood, Sire.”
“Finn has invited me to another one of his card games. It’s tomorrow night at his hotel off the strip. Take Nick with you. He has been around very little the last six months. You need to give him a break from whatever you have him doing. A night out with you is just what he needs.”
“He’s been working on a special project for me.” I’ve had him shadowing my girl, protecting her. She has no idea she has her own personal protection, and that’s for the best.
“I see. I trust that he is staying out of trouble then?” Alex raises his eyebrow.
“Yes, Sire. He is.”
The king hesitates for a moment, but decides not to ask what my special project is. He’ll know soon enough. We’re only a few weeks away.
“Thank you, my friend. You are the only one I trust these days. I appreciate your loyalty.”
I nod my respect to him. “Sire.” Alex knows I wouldn’t deny helping him with Finn or anything else. But I need to figure out what Finn is up to. Alex will let me off the hook regarding the council seat and will find someone who will meet Alex’s expectations. Time to get to work.
Nick and I follow a brunette cocktail server through the back of the bar in Finn’s hotel and into a dark hallway. Halfway down the hall, she knocks on the only door on the left and waits. One of Finn’s men stands guard, a shifter, providing security to the people inside the room.
“Hi Alicia.” The wolf looks her up and down. He then moves his gaze towards Nick and me. “Who are these guys?”
Before the poor girl can say a word, Nick speaks up. “I’m Nick Moretti.” He tilts his head in my direction. “This… is Grant Cooper.”
The wolf gasps as he moves to open the door. “Master Cooper. Welcome.” He follows protocol and nods his respect to me and waits for Nick and me to enter.
Nick steps forward and slips something in Alicia’s hand. “Thanks, Doll.” She gives Nick a megawatt smile before she turns and heads back up the hallway. He enjoys taking care of people, especially the spunky brunette.
I look over the surroundings. It’s been a long time since I stepped foot into one of Finn’s establishments. The place is full of wood paneling and stained red carpet. Finn not only has bad taste in decor, but he has no issue draining someone without cleaning up after himself. The stained carpet is evidence of his poor judgement.
“Grant, Nicholas. It’s good to see you.” Finn stands up from the poker table and makes his way over. “I’m surprised to see you two.” He looks from Nick to me.
“Our sire sends his regrets. He would have attended, but there was an unscheduled council meeting he needed to attend. I hope you don’t mind us taking his place.”
“There is always room for you, Grant.” Finn smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He and I are at odds with each other most of the time, but he is trying his best to be cordial.
“Please sit down. You remember Ashton and Charles, don’t you?”
I reach over and shook Ashton’s hand. I remember him visiting Alex here in Las Vegas a few months ago. Apparently, he is back. “How are you?” He gives me a courtesy handshake and fills his mouth full of peanuts. Human food holds no nutritional value for vampires. Instead, we need blood to sustain ourselves. But when we are in mixed company, it is necessary for us to dine for the sake of appearances.
“Charles.” I watch as the blonde brute salutes, then continues on tapping his phone.
Nick nudges my shoulder and dips his head toward Finn and another guest. We sit down and regard the man arguing with Finn. “Isn’t that Joe Kennedy?”
My newest employee is arguing with a master vampire. If I thought he realized what Finn was, I would guess Joe has a death wish. What is he doing here with Finn? Alarm bells are going off in my head. Joe can’t be conspiring with Finn to infiltrate my organization. I glamoured Joe into thinking he was my right-hand man. I smirk to myself, remembering how much that angered Nick. It is the only way we can keep a close eye on him and his daughter.
“I didn’t come here to deal cards for you and your friends. I expected you had invited me to play tonight.” The man’s jaw tightens. “I am a legitimate businessman, not a card dealer.”
The room grew quiet. Finn straightens up and smiles down at the frustrated father of one. “My apologies
, Joseph. I did not mean to offend you. Please, join us.”
“Thanks.” Joe settles in the empty chair two over from me when recognition hit him. “Mr. Cooper! Funny meeting you here. Looks like we run in the same circle of friends.”
“Joe. How’s your daughter doing?”
“Kelly? She’s good.” His enthusiasm fades. It is most likely because he didn’t have a clue how Kelly is doing. Nick and I know more about my girl than he ever will.
“How old is she again? Sixteen, Seventeen?”
“She’s got a birthday coming up in a few weeks and she’ll turn eighteen. Kelly keeps talking about moving out on her own, but I don’t think that will happen anytime soon.”
“Oh? Why is that?” Nick chimed in.
Joe taps his hand on the table. “She’s just not ready. She is clueless of how the real-world works.”
“The real world? How do you mean?” Nick clears his throat when I growl.
“You know. She feels you have to follow the rules. There is no gray area with her. It’s right or wrong; good or bad; black or white. She’s got to learn that sometimes you have to do what you got to do to get ahead in life. She’s just not there yet.”
Finn finishes speaking to the guy guarding the door, then returns to the game. “Joseph, tonight’s buy-in is fifty-thousand dollars.” Finn sits down in the spot next to me. “Do you have cash, or would you like me to extend credit for the evening?”
I watch Joe pale. He is out of his element. I’m not sure how he fits into Finn’s little party, but I suspect Finn is playing with his food.
Joe needs to be careful. I share a look with Nick and know he is worried. “Uh. Credit would be great. Thanks, buddy.” He nods and takes the offered poker chips. Finn’s slow smile twists his lips.
Nick glances my way and makes eye contact. We both are assuming the same thing. Finn is up to something, and Joe is his target.
The door opens once more, and the little brunette is back. “You need my help, Mr. Bailey?”
Finn stretches his arms out wide. “Alicia, we need a dealer this evening.” Would you be a dear and step in for me?
Alicia nods and walks to the last empty seat at the table. A girl of many talents.
“What would you like to play, Mr. Bailey?”
Rubbing his hands together, he replies. “Tonight, we are playing Texas Hold’em. I trust everyone here understands how to play.” He regards Joe. “Joseph, are you familiar with it?”
“Just call me Joe. And yeah, I know it. Deal the cards sweetheart.” Joe settles himself into his seat and follows as she deals the first hand.
The room empties as the night progresses. Nick is out. He is tired of losing. He continues to sit next to me, arms crossed, observing the action. I, Finn, and Joe remain.
Joe is doing well. I detect he has been cheating. He is solid, practiced. I am sure Finn sees Joe’s deceit, but he allows it to continue.
Alicia deals the last card. Joe purses his lips. “I’m all in.” He looks up at me and waits.
“I’m out gentlemen.” I fold, hoping this game will be over soon.
Joe eyed Finn. He must expect Finn to fold also, but he doesn’t.
“I call.” Finn places his hand face up. “Four of a kind, aces.”
The air rushes out of Joe’s lungs. He places his hand out for everyone to look. “Pair of kings.” Sweat rolls down the side of his face.
“Well, Joseph. It seems it isn’t your night.” Finn claps Joe’s shoulder. “You owe me fifty grand. We can settle up tomorrow, my friend.” He is giddy.
Nick and I both stand. “Gentlemen. Thank you for this evening. I will give Alex your regards.” I gesture for Nick to follow me.
Finn bounces across the room. “Yes. I’m glad you stopped in tonight Grant.” He shakes my hand and nods at Nick. “Nicholas, always a pleasure.”
Nick smiles and follows me out the door into the hallway. I lean in toward my long-time friend. “We need to figure out what Finn wants from Joe. He cannot have the funds to pay Finn.”
“Agreed. What do you want me to do, Boss?”
We make it outside of the building. I can still smell the staleness from the poker room on my clothes, and I welcome the cool night air.
“Follow Finn and find out what you can. I’ll meet you back at the penthouse before sunup.”
“Sure thing.”
“Wait. Is Tony watching Kelly this evening?” Before I send Nick on a wild goose chase, I want to make sure she is safe first.
“Yes. I’ve got Tony on her tonight.”
“Okay, good. I’ll see you soon.”
Nick turns away and melts into the shadows as I head up the street to the Contessa.
Climbing out of the shower, I blow out a breath. Have I made the right decision to wait for Kelly to turn eighteen before bringing her into my world? To wait for her to become a legal adult somehow made sense the day we found her in the casino with Joe. I could have taken her then, but I was in shock. A vampire finding a fated mated was so rare, I have had a hard time accepting it was true.
In that moment, I justified waiting for her because she is not of legal age. But it doesn’t matter how old she is. In my world, age is irrelevant with fated mates. When the fates become involved, nothing will change it. You have no control over it. It is what it is. Don’t misunderstand, it is gratifying to have found her. But this will turn her reality of life upside down, and I am not sure how she will react. I decided then the best thing to do was wait. Maybe it’s time to rethink this decision now that Finn is involved.
I use a bath towel to dry my hair and pull a pair of black sweats and a white t-shirt out of my dresser. I can hear the elevator door open just as I finish getting dressed.
Nick is shrugging out of his jacket as I enter the living room. “Hey boss.”
“What did you find?”
My friend sits down and places his boots on the coffee table. He makes himself right at home. I feel the cushion hit my back as I sit down across from him. I raise an eyebrow.
“You were right. Finn is up to something. I overheard him talking to one of his minions on the phone. He’s planning something, and it has something to do with Joe.”
I narrow my eyes at Nick. “What do we know? Do you agree Joe is attempting to pull some con on Finn?”
Nick nods. “Yeah and Finn is already a step ahead of him. Tell me why Alex wants us to watch Finn in the first place?”
“He is suspects Finn is kidnapping humans and selling them as blood bags.”
We sit in silence for a moment before Nick speaks. “I bet he knows about Kelly and she’s what’s motivating him. If he’s kidnapping and selling women as blood bags, she’ll end up in his sights. She may already be his next target. But why the game? Why doesn’t he just take her?”
“Do not let him get near her. Do you understand me?” I can feel my fangs protrude from my lips.
“We need to figure this thing out with Finn and prove his guilt.”
“I know, Boss.” Nick raises his hands up in surrender.
I am on my feet and standing in front of the window overlooking the strip.
“Boss, maybe Finn is just playing with Joe because he can. If Joe starts something and Finn realizes he is trying to take something from him, I can see Finn turning it around and taking something from Joe instead.”
“Tomorrow we will shadow Joe and Kelly. We need to know as much as we can about Joe and how he fits in with Finn.” I turn back to watch Nick get up from his seat. “
Well, I’m gonna hit the sack. I take it tomorrow will be a long day. Don’t worry. We’ll keep your girl safe. I promise.”
“Let’s hope you keep that promise.” Because if he doesn’t, if something were to happen to her… I can’t think about it. I take a deep breath. “Good night, Nick.”
“Yeah, night Boss.”
Chapter 3
Kelly
The cheap store-label vodka bottle sits empty on the coffee table. My nose scrunc
hes at the sharp odor. Joe has one leg latched around the arm of the couch; his other leg stretched out in front of him. My shoulders roll inward as I acknowledge to myself, this is my father. His snoring is mind-numbing. Joe’s drinking is getting worse. He doesn’t have an off switch or know when it is best to slow down for the night. Joe drank until he passes out. Last night is no exception.
“Sometimes I don’t know who the parent is around here. You or me?” I whisper. I feel as if I am more of a hinderance to him than anything else, but he keeps me around for no other reason but to help him with his cons. He has used me in most every con game he’s played as far as I can remember. The other night at the horrible hotel lounge is a prime example. He thinks I make him look like a legitimate family man, giving his marks a false sense of security. Joe tells me I have to go with him and play the part because he gives me a place to live. It’s how I contribute to living expenses. If he can pull a good con, we can eat for a while.
School will be out soon, and I will be graduating. My plan is to no longer be a burden to my father. Saving my money, four thousand, six hundred dollars to be exact, has been part of my plan to leave on my eighteenth birthday. When I become a legal adult, I plan to make my own decisions. Joe won’t be able to tell me what I can and cannot do, and I won’t have to play a part in his con games.
I can’t be late for school this morning, so I pick up my books and leave the apartment. Joe is still passed out on the couch.
The sun warms my skin, making me smile. I step out on the sidewalk in front of our apartment and inhale the fresh air. My Converse All-Stars carry me toward the street. A prickle itches its way up my neck with a sense of foreboding. I try to keep my movements casual and turn to see what set my radar off.
A tall man is leaning against the tree nearest to me. His dark brown eyes meet mine. A little cocky smirk appears on his lips as he catalogs my face, my hair, and I imagine what I was wearing. His tailored suit and slicked back hair have alarm bells going off in my head. He did not belong on this side of town, and I label him as a threat. Suits just don’t belong where I live.
Paid in Full: Kelly Kennedy Series (Book One) Page 2
