Lucian tensed. “He forfeited his rights to this club by his recent activities. I won’t tolerate such behavior. If he gives you any trouble, call Ian.”
Dwayne nodded his understanding. “No problem.”
Lucian put his hand on the small of her back and escorted her inside. Rana took in the swanky establishment. A gleaming black marble bar took up one wall. Deep red carpet covered the entryway and the steps leading to the raised dance floor that took up the center of the room. People of various ages hung out by the French café tables surrounding the dance floor, while others took advantage of the lights under their feet and swiveled their hips to the latest hit song.
A tall man with light brown hair and golden eyes approached them, saying in a serious tone, “A word, Lucian.”
Lucian indicated the man in front of them. “My colleague, Ian Mordoor.” Cupping Rana’s elbow, he said to Ian, “This is Rana Sterling.”
“Nice to meet you, Rana.” Ian inclined his head to acknowledge her, then glanced at Lucian with an expectant gaze. Rana shooed Lucian on. “Go. I’ll be fine here for a bit.”
Lucian smiled. “It’s business. I’ll just be a minute.”
“What did your contact at the police have to say?” Lucian asked Ian as they walked away.
Ian gave a curt nod. “All taken care of. The video they have in evidence will only show snow once it’s played back.”
Lucian felt some of the tension in his chest release until something else occurred to him. “What about the man’s jacket? If the police discover another kind of blood on it…some that isn’t quite human, we’ll have a whole other problem on our hands.”
Ian raised his hand, his smile turning smug. “Taken care of. The jacket has been ‘lost’ in evidence. It’ll never be recovered.”
Nodding, Lucian said, “I owe your contact a debt of gratitude.”
Ian snorted. “He won’t be collecting on it. Let’s just say, he still owes me.”
Lucian raised his eyebrow. “That’s one hell of a debt if this didn’t cover it.”
“Saving him from a bullet…is priceless.”
“Aaaah!” Lucian said, nodding his understanding.
“I found the man Kraid paid to kill the human hunter.” Ian glanced at his watch. “He’s currently confessing to the murder as we speak.”
Lucian frowned. “Kraid didn’t kill the hunter himself?”
“Nope,” Ian said with a quick jerk of his head. “And he didn’t compel the man who did,” he paused, his eyes alight with excitement. “He paid him to do it.”
Lucian laughed. “Are you saying the man could identify Kraid?”
Ian folded his arms and chuckled. “He can now that I’ve helped him regain the memory of his meeting where Kraid paid him and gave him the ‘hit’ instructions.”
Lucian glanced over at Rana, who was bouncing and swaying to the music as she watched people on the dance floor. He smiled. He couldn’t help it. Everything faded to the background when he thought of her.
“I’ll take care of Kraid too,” Ian said, jerking his attention back to the issue at hand.
At that moment, Lucian’s cell began to ring. Pulling it out of his pocket, he saw it was an unknown number. Before he pushed the answer button, he was pretty sure he knew who was calling. “Calling to gloat?” Lucian asked.
Deep, pleased laughter grated in his ear. “Well, I don’t usually like to, but since you brought it up. How was your visit with the police today? Did they keep you busy?” Kraid tsked. “What will the counsel think when they find out you’re the main suspect in a murder investigation?”
Lucian gave a cold smile. “I’m not the one being investigated. You’d better hope the police can’t trace the money back to you.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Kraid growled.
Lucian didn’t answer right away, testing Kraid’s patience.
“What!” Kraid demanded.
“Haven’t you heard?” Lucian finally said in a smooth tone. “The police have the real killer in custody. He’s locked up nice and tight, probably sitting in front of a sketch artist as we speak.”
Before Kraid could respond, Lucian hung up and met Ian’s gaze. “Kraid’s mine. Understood?”
Rana was curious about the conversation she’d heard between Lucian and the bouncer. Then while Lucian wasn’t looking, she watched him talking to the other man. His stance had been commanding and authoritative. When Lucian returned to her side, she eyed him suspiciously. “An ‘in’ with the owner, huh? You’re the owner, aren’t you?”
He gave her a sidelong smile. “I didn’t want you to think I was trying to impress you.” His eyes lit like a kid’s seeking approval. “Did it work?”
“You’re incorrigible.” Rana laughed. “Yes, I’m impressed.”
A smug grin tugged at his lips as he pulled her close. “Good. I like it when you’re impressed.” He nuzzled her neck. “Are you ready to finish what we started last night?”
She blushed, thinking of her dream, but remembering their shared kiss in the parking lot and her house earlier, she smiled and swatted him away. “Slow down, Lucian. I’m trying to decide…a drink first or dancing?”
Kissing her knuckles, his eyes sparked with banked passion. “Dancing. I need another excuse to hold you close.”
He pulled her onto the dance floor as patrons moved to the upbeat tempo all around them. The song ended right when Lucian and she made it to the middle of the dance floor. A Latin tune started up, its fast-paced rhythm thrumming through her veins.
Lucian’s lips brushed against her ear. “Have you ever danced the Salsa?”
She shook her head. “No.”
Putting one arm around her waist, he grasped her hand, and held her arm out, flashing a smile. “You’re about to learn.”
After a few mishaps, Rana had the basic steps down. Lucian was an excellent dancer. He smoothly directed, patiently taught, and seductively encouraged. Before the song ended, she had the swing of the dance. She couldn’t help the tug of disappointment when the music stopped.
“Did you like it?”
She smiled. “I’m just sorry that it’s over.”
His eyes seemed to glow with knowing intensity. “Let’s wait and see, hmmm?”
When Marc Anthony’s I Need to Know started up, she smiled at him. It was an older song, but one that fit the type of dance perfectly.
Lucian pulled her against him and moved his hips with hers to the fast paced Salsa steps. Before long, they moved as one. It was as if she anticipated his next move before he made it and followed in suit. And the odd thing was, some of the twists and turns he’d adapted as they danced.
She locked eyes with his silver ones and became so focused on him, even the music seemed to dim in the background. The people gyrating around them faded away, leaving just Lucian and her on the lit-up floor, dancing to the sensual beat. At that moment in time her whole world centered on Lucian.
He pulled her closer until her chest touched his, then his lips brushed her neck and he said in a deep baritone, “I need to know”.
His suggestive tone made her breasts tingle. Even the soft cotton of her bra felt almost painful as it brushed against them. The way she reacted…this instantaneous attraction felt right with him. It seemed natural to just let go and enjoy the temptation and pleasure he offered. She closed her eyes and relished the feel of his lips on her neck, his thigh between her legs, rubbing against her. Her thighs tightened in response to the hardness of his leg between them, reminding her of her very first dream about Lucian in the cemetery—and just how well he knew how to use that thigh. Rana’s heart raced as she began to throb. An aching need built with each brush of their bodies.
At some point, the pace of their dancing changed and slowed. Lucian slid his hands down her spine and grasped the curve of her butt in his palms, pulling her flush with his erection. Rana swallowed the moan that threatened to escape.
His hot breath fanned her ear. “We’re in pe
rfect harmony. Do you feel it? I can’t wait to sink into your warmth. I want to feel you shatter around me, Rana. Every last tremor.”
Oh, God, he’d nailed it, big time. Rana couldn’t stop her gasp this time. She was so turned on by his suggestive words, the uncomfortable throbbing between her legs deepened to an unbearable, needy pulse.
Lucian lifted her off the floor, pressing against her. “I thought I could hold back, my sweet, but you’re driving me insane. Please tell me I don’t have to wait any more.”
The people were gone and it was just the two of them. She wrapped her arms around his neck at the same time she lifted her legs around his waist, letting her body settle on his erection. She moaned at the contact, reveling in the slight relief she experienced as he pressed his hardness against her. When he rocked his hips to the seductive rhythm, rubbing against her once more, she imagined him driving deep inside her, as deep as he could get. Rana reflexively tightened her legs around him. She couldn’t wait any longer either. She needed to feel alive and this time she wanted it to be real.
Her heart hammered and her skin felt sensitive with the need to be touched. “Yes,” she whispered against his mouth just before she kissed him.
While they shared a kiss, the music came rushing back, the crush of people on the dance floor continued to swivel to the thumping music, oblivious to them.
Rana unlocked her legs from Lucian’s waist and slid to the floor, heat rising to her cheeks at her uninhibited and very public behavior. She took a step back. What was it about this man that stripped away all her inhibitions?
Lucian pulled her against him once more and planted a hard, branding kiss on her lips. Lifting his head, he met her gaze, his own intense and searching. “Don’t pull away, Rana. I couldn’t bear it.”
She gave a nervous smile. “Maybe I’ll take that drink now.”
Smiling, Lucian started to lead them off the dance floor, then he paused and nodded to the tall man, Ian, he’d spoken to earlier across the room. The man was holding a cell phone to his ear, but his gaze was locked with Lucian’s in another “we need to talk” look. “I need to speak with Ian once more.” Settling her on the stool at the bar, Lucian ordered her a glass of wine, then brushed his knuckles across her cheek. “Enjoy your wine. I’ll be right back.”
Even though Rana’s insides fluttered like crazy, she smiled and picked up her wine to let him know she wasn’t backing out.
As soon as Lucian reached him, the man hung up with a serious look on his face. I had no idea the clubbing business could be so intense, Rana thought as she sipped her wine. Now that she was alone, she had more time to think about her actions on the dance floor and her cheeks flooded with renewed heat. He’ll think I’m some kind of animal if I start ripping his clothes off the minute we get in my door. I’ve got to calm down and show some decorum. Maybe fresh air will help clear my head. She jumped off the stool and walked toward the club’s entrance. I want this man more than anything. Why does that realization scare the hell out of me?
Chapter Six
“Kraid had help.”
Lucian narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Ian clenched his jaw. “Kraid wasn’t alone when he killed the vampire hunter. Drace was there. It wasn’t in self-defense like he claimed. They hunted down, then tortured the man.”
Lucian turned to face his friend. “Do I want to know how you came about this information?”
“Let’s just say you have two less Rueans to worry about and leave it at that shall we?” Ian’s even expression faded and his eyes turned cold. “You’ve got Kraid, I’ll take care of Drace.”
“No. Let them both face the council.”
Ian looked shocked. “They’ll go rogue, disappear on us.”
“Kraid won’t run and Drace follows whatever his brother does. The way Kraid sees it, he did us a favor by killing that hunter. Just like he had the other one killed last night. The bastard’s too arrogant to skulk away. He sees himself as Vité already.”
“That’s a scary thought,” Ian snorted.
Lucian gave Ian a searching look. “There are those who support his views on humans.”
Ian clapped him on the back. “If anyone can convince the other leaders of the necessity for balance, it’s you.”
“Thanks for confirming my suspicions. It should help with Kraid’s dismissal as the Ruean leader. The council will punish Drace for his actions. I’ll take care of Kraid personally as soon as I’m Vité.”
*
When Lucian walked over to the bar where he’d left Rana and saw her stool was empty, his heart jerked and worry gripped him. Where’d she go?
I’m really unhappy with you right now, Lucian. Kraid’s voice entered his head. He tsked, continuing, You were serious about banning me from the club? We’ll have to have a heart-to-heart about that. I’ve so enjoyed the willing donors I found there.”
For Kraid to speak in his mind, the conniving bastard was close.
Looks like you’ll have to work for your food, Lucian replied as he headed for the door. Kraid had to be right outside.
I guess I’ll have to settle for what’s right before me. He made a sniffing sound. Mmmm, you smell good. She smells sweet and pure.
Lucian reached for the door handle, anger rising that Kraid had just stepped beyond fanning the flames between them. He’d declared war.
Just like the scent I smelled on you the other night.
Lucian froze. His heart stopped. No! He can’t have Rana.
In a flash, Lucian stood outside. Dwayne lay sprawled on the ground, his head at an odd angle. His throat had been ripped out, blood flowing from the gaping wound. Apparently, Kraid was being picky about his dinner tonight. When Lucian saw a group of college-age men approaching the club, he was thankful for the bench that partially hid Dwayne’s body. He compelled the group to leave, making sure to include any others who might be near. He didn’t need to deal with the police again right now. He’d take care of Dwayne’s funeral arrangements himself. Once the young men turned back toward their car, he quickly moved to the side of the building.
Kraid held Rana in front of him like a shield. “Nice of you to join us,” he drawled as his hand fisted in her hair. He had her neck bent back to receive his bite, his teeth an inch from her throat.
“Lucian!” she called out, terror filling her eyes. She tried to pull away, but stiffened when Kraid’s teeth hovered closer to her neck.
Lucian kept his expression even while he spoke in her mind. Be calm, Rana. I won’t let Kraid harm you. Trust me.
She whimpered. He could tell that speaking in her mind only freaked her out more, but he needed her help to save her.
“I told you what would happen if you so much as thought about going near my mate, Kraid,” he said in a deadly tone.
Kraid’s laugh sent a chill down his spine. It was a crazed man’s laugh, as if he were hyped-up on drugs. Nothing was worse than a vampire out of his mind. The bloodlust meant no emotions would enter his mind as he went on a killing rampage.
Kraid’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing to glittering slits. “Do you think I’m afraid of you?”
“You should be.” Lucian kept his expression unaffected as he spoke to Rana mentally, Rana, when I say ‘now’, I want you to jerk free of Kraid’s grasp, then move away as quickly as possible. Blink if you understand me. His heart thumped with relief when she blinked.
“You’re getting all worked up over a woman. A human, no less. Have you learned nothing?” Kraid sneered, letting a look of utter disgust reflect in his eyes.
Without a second thought, Lucian bared his fangs, hissing his fury. Rana’s gasp of shock permeated his bloodlust-filled brain, sinking his heart. Now she knew the truth.
That’s it, Lucian, show her the real monster inside you. Kraid smiled, thrilled that he’d revealed Lucian’s secret.
Now, Lucian said in her head.
Rana stomped on Kraid’s foot with her high-heeled shoe and ripped away from
his grasp.
Lucian cleared the ten feet distance in a single leap, pouncing on Kraid before the vamp knew what hit him, sending them both to the ground. They roared and hissed at one another, rolling on the pavement and slamming into the building. He clasped Kraid’s throat tight between his fingers, cinching them closed around it.
Kraid clawed at him, shredding the skin on his shoulders. Lucian slammed his fist into Kraid’s chest, loosening the vamp’s grip on his arms.
When Kraid’s claws swiped close to his throat, Lucian decided he’d played long enough. He dug his fingers past the flesh and muscle of Kraid’s chest, seeking his heart, when the sudden sound of screeching tires, followed by a dull thud, slammed through his consciousness.
Rana!
He looked up to see her body sailing through the air, hit by an oncoming car as she’d tried to run across the street. Guilt ripped at his heart as he shoved Kraid away and rushed to her. She wouldn’t have been running if it weren’t for him and his vampire world.
He couldn’t get to her side fast enough. As he crouched over her, he heard Kraid’s gleeful voice in his head as he flew away. I can’t believe dumb luck just took care of your mate for me. I still have the riding crop I used on the horse that killed Elizabeth. Thought it made a nice souvenir. Go back to mourning, Lucian. The Kendrians need a strong leader.
Shaking with fury and disbelief, Lucian reached for Rana’s pulse. Finding none, he roared his rage and anguish into the dark sky.
Rana stood staring at Lucian while he leaned over her body, cradling her in his arms. The man who’d hit her had jumped out of his yellow cab and was babbling incoherently to Lucian. “I hit her. Oh, God. She just ran out in front of me. What have I done?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. He’s a vampire. He’s a vampire. The words reverberated in her head. She’d finally found some happiness in her life and Lucian turned out to be a vampire. Life just wasn’t fair.
A thin, older man walked up and stood beside her. He observed Lucian speaking in calm tones to the cab driver who’d hit her.
Love's First Bite: Bad Boys and Alpha Vampires Boxed Set (6 book bundle) Page 52
