“Sir, you’ll need to leave the casino,” said the security guard.
The old man scowled. “I pay money at this hotel to use the casino. You can’t kick me out of here.”
The security guard’s lips thinned. “I’m only going to ask you one more time before I assist you myself. Leave the casino, sir.”
The old man waved his finger and raised his voice. “I’m going to issue a complaint. I haven’t done anything wrong, and you’re threatening me?”
Crap, it seemed like everyone in the casino had stopped what they were doing to watch the show. I wanted attention, but not this kind. I kicked myself for not getting rid of the old man myself, using charm.
The security guard grabbed the other man’s arm. “Let’s go.”
“Get your hands off me!” sputtered the man as he was ushered away.
Sighing, I sat back down at the machine and glanced at the clock on the wall.
Eight o’clock.
Still early in the evening for Vegas.
I wondered if there was a full moon tonight and if it made the Lycans stronger. As I thought about this, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around and sighed.
The guy who wanted to buy a drink for me earlier.
He sat down at the empty machine next to mine. “Pardon me,” he said, his brown eyes sweeping over me with appraisal. “You’re not using this machine, too, are you?”
He smelled of cologne and garlic, as if he’d just eaten. Oddly enough, it was the spicy cologne that nauseated me.
“No,” I replied, looking around again for Ethan or Duncan.
“Good. I’ve pissed off a lot of old ladies by sitting at their machines. One woman was playing three at once and I thought she was going to beat me over the head with her purse when I sat at one of them.”
“Well, I’m new at this, so one is quite enough for me.”
He smiled. “And, you’re definitely not an old lady.”
I nodded, and then returned my attention to the machine.
It amazed me that he still hadn’t taken the hint.
“I’m Jordan, by the way.”
“Hi,” I replied, staring at the fruit. No wins yet. “I’m Nikki.”
“Short for Nicole?”
“Yep,” I answered, pushing in my next wager.
“So, are you here by yourself?”
Trying not to roll my eyes, I turned to him. “No, actually I’m here with my… fiancé.”
His eyes sparkled. “Your fiancé? I’m surprised he hasn’t put a ring on your finger. I’m even more surprised that he’s left your side.”
I glanced down at my hand, which was obviously ringless. “My ring is being repaired and my fiancé should be here soon,” I replied.
“After that incident with the old man, I’ll keep you company until he shows. You’re too young and beautiful to be on your own.”
As annoying as he was, the compliment brought a smile to my face. “Well, thank you. I’ll be fine, however. I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sure you can,” he said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out his wallet and withdrew a photo. “Take a look at this.”
I turned towards the picture and my heart stopped. It was a picture of my brother, sleeping in a bed I didn’t recognize.
He lowered his voice. “If you want to see him alive, I suggest you get out of that chair and follow me. If you signal your friends or make any kind of rash movement, not only will your brother be killed, but so will mom. Understand?”
“Yes,” I replied, my voice shaky.
“Good,” he said. “Now, this is what’s going to happen, I’m going to get up, and you’re going to follow me outside. There are others of us watching you, so don’t try and escape or call attention to yourself. I mean it when I say that your family’s life is hanging on by a thread, and it’s quite a thin one.”
“I understand,” I said, clenching my teeth. The arrogant smile was bad enough, but the threats on my family were really pissing me off.
“Good,” he replied, standing up. “Now, don’t be long.”
I stared up at Jordan, wondering if I could take the jerk down and make him tell me where my family was. He was tall, but lanky, and didn’t seem too threatening.
“I’m not alone,” he said quietly, as if reading my mind. “And looks can be very deceiving, can’t they?”
I clenched my jaw.
He turned and began walking away.
Looking around the casino, I wondered again where the guys were, and decided that from now on, I’d be the one making the plans.
Not seeing them, I did the only thing I could do, and followed Jordan.
Chapter Ten
Max
After the three vampires left, Maximus grabbed the bottle of whiskey out of his desk and took five quick shots. Closing his eyes, he reveled in the short-lived burning heat it brought to the back of his throat and down to the pit of his stomach. Less than two minutes later, however, his body had processed everything, and he was back to facing the shit-storm he knew was coming.
Releasing a sigh, he stood up.
No time to rest.
Things were about to go down and that meant there’d be a mess for him to clean up when it was all said and done. Obviously, the girl and her friends were staying in Vegas, even with everything he’d told her. He only hoped she’d have a fighting chance. But, he knew better. No matter how strong these vampires were, they’d never survive an attack from Victor’s clan. They were crazed maniacs who killed without remorse, planning their attacks with brutal precision. When things finally went down, it was going to be ugly.
He thought again about the haunted look in Nikki’s eyes, and wished he could help her, but it was too risky, and certainly not worth dying for. Not when he was planning his own vengeance against Victor. That would take patience, and exact timing. Now was definitely not the right time.
His cell phone rang.
Rena.
“Yo,” he said into the phone.
“Yo?” she chuckled softly. “What are we, sixteen?”
He pictured her sexy mouth pulled up into a smile and grinned. She made him feel sixteen. “Sorry, what’s up?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m at the hotel.”
She sighed. “I’m surprised you haven’t sold yet and bought some island in the Bahamas.”
“I’d never do that. I mean, I could. I’d just never be able to live with myself,” he replied. The truth was, most of the income he earned from the hotel was donated towards zoos, reserves, and animal shelters.
What could he say? He had a soft spot for animals.
“Your love of animals is amazing,” she replied. “You’re a better man than most, Maximus Johnson.”
In need of a better woman, he wanted to say, like her.
Unfortunately, even if she was into him, it would never happen. Although he’d been with a human in the past, the pain of watching someone age and eventually die was heartbreaking and intolerable. He’d tried it once, and it had left him feeling hollow for many years after. Deep down, he knew it was better to be alone than to drag a woman like her into his world. Not only was it dangerous, but it wasn’t fair for Rena or even her daughter, for that matter.
“Listen, meet me at the Mandarin. We’ve got another homicide.”
“Shit.”
“Well, I’m almost positive that it’s our perp from the description of what was called in. I’m already on my way.”
“I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay.”
He hung up, grabbed a nine millimeter Luger, and a handful of nickel-plated silver bullets. Something told him that they’d soon be coming in useful.
***
Rena
Rena hung up the phone and tossed it on the seat next to her. Something bothered her about the way Max had reacted to the news, as if it hadn’t surprised him in the least. Hell, it shouldn’t even surprise her, now that they had a serial killer on their hands.
But she knew Max had connections around the city and wondered if he was holding back information, and if so, why?
Don’t be a fool, she told herself. It’s Max. He’s as law-abiding and unscrupulous as they came. Not only was he her partner, but the guy gave almost everything he made to charity. He was a saint.
She smiled at that.
Animal charity.
She’d even checked it out herself. So he was a little quirky? It didn’t matter to her one way or another. It was Max and she knew she could trust him indubitably. She could see it in his eyes. Not only was he a decent man, but it was obvious he had feelings for her that he kept restrained. Why he hadn’t acted on them was an even bigger indicator that the guy had a lot of integrity, and didn’t want to chance ruining what they already had. Not that she’d mind if he ever tried making a move. Not only was he kind and generous, but he was an amazing looking man with his dimples, corded muscles, and honey-colored eyes. She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t fantasized about him on one or two occasions. But, they were partners and she didn’t want to wreck their relationship any more than he did. The real mystery was – why a gorgeous man like that was still single and alone? He’d never mentioned a girlfriend, lover, or even a one-night stand, and she’d told him everything about her pitiful love-life. Of course, he was a guy and they weren’t as loose-lipped with their relationships. Still, it was a shame that a guy like him was single and alone.
Maybe she should try setting him up?
The thought of him with one of her friends didn’t settle well either. She obviously couldn’t date him, but she wouldn’t help him get laid, either.
What did that say about her?
“That you’re a selfish bitch,” she said out loud.
Regardless, she trusted him. He had her back and if he was holding out on something, he was more than likely waiting for the right moment to say something. Or, maybe he was just trying to protect her. Either way, they were partners and good friends. She trusted him with her life.
***
Max
When Max arrived at the scene, Rena was waiting, a deeply disturbed look in her eyes.
“You holding up okay?” he asked, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms. The grisly crime scenes had to be getting to her.
She cleared her throat. “Yeah, why?”
He reached over and pulled a strand of hair from her lips. “You look pale.”
She exhaled heavily. “This one is pretty fresh, and for some reason, personally more disturbing than the others. I guess the vic kind of reminds me of Carl.”
“Who is it?” he asked, staring past her towards the two CSI technicians, who were also working the scene.
She glanced down at her notes. “Sixty-four-year-old man from Florida. Retired golf pro, Haden Larsen. Vacationing with his wife, Marilyn. Apparently she was downstairs in the casino when the crime occurred. Playing Blackjack and sipping vodka sevens.”
“She sober?” he asked.
“She is now.”
Max walked to the bed where the older man was lying, naked and very much mutilated, just like all the others. It looked like someone had not only clawed the man to death, but had also removed his manhood, placing the mangled piece of flesh next to the body.
“Uh,” he grunted, taking a step back.
“Whoever did this is one sick fuck,” she muttered. “Shows no mercy.”
“I agree,” he answered, moving over to the man’s neck. Fortunately, whoever had killed him, had failed to cover up the tiny holes near the man’s collarbone, just like the last victims. Obviously, this vampire was proud of his calling card.
Damn vampires.
He glanced at the mutilated jewels again, and felt his blood boil. Closing his eyes to calm himself, he vowed to destroy this bastard with his own bare hands. Not only for the killings, but for rubbing every one of these deaths in his face.
“What the hell are those?” asked Rena, leaning over the holes.
“Someone messing around,” he muttered. “Who knows, maybe the sick bastard thinks he’s a vampire.”
She snorted. “Like I said, sick fuck, living in his own fantasy world.”
“Agreed. Well, at least we know it’s the same perp. Did anyone see anything?”
“Doesn’t look like it, but I haven’t had a chance to interview anyone but the wife yet,” she sighed, “who’s probably still hysterical.”
“Where is she?”
“Downstairs receiving counseling from one of the chapel ministers.”
“What was her story?”
“Says she went down to gamble while he was in the shower. I guess he was supposed to meet her downstairs, and never made it. That’s all we know up to this point. Hopefully CSI can tell us more, right, Harry?”
The older technician, a balding man with glasses, gave her a solemn look. “We’ll try our best, Rena.”
She smiled grimly. “I know you will. Anyway, Max, let’s start interviewing the other guests on this floor and see if they’d heard or seen anything unusual in the last few hours.”
Even if they’d witnessed the attack, they wouldn’t remember. Not with vampire persuasion. It would be a total waste of time, but he certainly couldn’t admit to knowing that. “Sounds good,” he replied.
“Wait,” said Rena, bending down. “Lookie at what we have here. Harry?”
Harry walked over and picked up a long red strand of hair with his tweezers. He smiled. “Good eye, Rena.”
“Thanks.”
“Is that the wife’s?” asked Max, staring at the strand.
“No, she has short blond curls,” replied Rena. “This just might be something. Finally a break?”
Max rubbed the side of his goatee and nodded. “Very well could be.”
“Could a woman really be this sadistic?” asked Rena, glancing back towards the body. “And have the strength to pull these murders off?”
“Well, she might have someone helping her,” replied Max. “Could be two perps.”
“Or the murderer could actually be a guy with long red hair,” replied Harry. “Don’t always rely on the obvious.”
“True,” said Rena.
“Although, the vic is in bed and naked,” stated Harry. “Some kind of kinky sex rendezvous gone bad?”
“It’s Vegas, very good possibility,” said Rena. “Hopefully we’ll know more from the lab reports.”
Max nodded. Although it was unusual for a vampire to lose hair, it wasn’t unheard of. Obviously, the old man had put up a struggle and had gotten extremely lucky. An image of Caleb’s daughter, Celeste, flashed through his brain. He always knew that bitch was insane.
Chapter Eleven
Nathan
Glancing at his watch, he wondered what in the hell was keeping Celeste. Unfortunately, his cell phone was dead and nobody had thought to grab his charger from the cabin. Frustrated, he decided to give her five more minutes before starting his own search for Nikki at some of the nearby chapels. He knew it was a longshot, but better than sitting around, twiddling his thumbs. Besides, he really didn’t want to face his mom after the embarrassing incident with Celeste.
Thinking back at the horrified expression on his mom’s face, he cringed. What in the hell was I thinking?
Truth was, he hadn’t been thinking, at least about anything other than seeing Celeste or any other hot girl naked, for that matter. Except for an occasional pondering of cars, boats, and his missing sister, his mind couldn’t gravitate away from sex for too long. He didn’t feel too guilty about it, however. It was the curse of being an eighteen-year-old guy with a constant boner.
“Hey, sexy,” purred Celeste, coming up behind him. She brushed his cheek with her lips and clutched his arm. “Miss me?”
He ignored the question. “I almost didn’t think you were coming.”
She rolled her eyes. “God, I had to listen to my dad yell at me for an hour. He really flipped out. But,” she smiled, “it’s all good now.”
H
e pulled her towards the hotel exit. “Seriously, I’m surprised he wasn’t angrier at me. Most dads would have gone totally ape-shit, walking in on something like that.”
She smirked. “Well, he felt sorry for you. Blamed it all on me.”
“Seriously?”
“I know. Crazy, right?”
Jesus, why weren’t more dads like Caleb?
He chuckled. “I guess there was one benefit of me being laid up in bed the past few days. It saved me from getting my ass kicked by your dad.”
“We’re eighteen and legal. I seriously doubt that he would have gone that far. Besides, he adores your mom and wouldn’t dream of making her mad.”
“You’re his daughter, though.”
Her eyes hardened. “Sometimes I think he forgets.”
“Come on, he adores you. You’re all he talks about when he’s not trying to impress my mom.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Really?”
“Hell yeah.”
She bit her lower lip, a pensive look on her face.
“God… I wish I could shake off this dizziness,” said Nathan, wiping fresh beads of sweat from his forehead. “I just feel like crap.”
“I still think you should be in bed, with me nursing you back to health.”
An image of her naked and tucking him into bed almost made him turn back around. “As interesting as that sounds, I seriously need to try and find some answers about Nikki, and get something to eat. I’m so hungry I could clear out all of buffets in Vegas.”
“We’ll find you something to eat. I have Daddy’s credit card.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Did he give it to you?”
With a small smile she replied, “He normally doesn’t refuse me anything, so in a matter of speaking, yes.”
“Good enough for me,” replied Nathan, although he was certain Caleb was going to be pissed off when he found out. He’d already heard him complaining about hotel charges. This was not his problem, however. As they stepped outside, he stared in awe at the multitude of neon lights on the crowded strip. It looked like a giant amusement park for grownups.
Vengeance (Night Roamers) Book Three Page 7
