by Elisha Bugg
What on earth was he thinking?
This girl was trouble; an enigma he couldn't figure out.
Forcing his attention away from her and back to the two men he sat with, Thane noticed that Edwin watched her too.
“She’s why we’re here, isn’t she?” he accused, his frustration flaring to life inside of him. "You planned to come here knowing she'd be here?"
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t give me that shit. You haven’t stopped staring at her since she entered.”
“Thane’s right, you haven't,” Duncan, the other man with them chimed in, turning toward her with a smirk. “Why else would you pick to meet here? It’s not exactly private.”
“You know as well as I do that this place is owned by Oleander. We’re quite safe to talk here.”
Thane huffed. A vampire.
He didn’t hate the vampires, they were much more preferable to humans after all, but he didn’t like them either. They were leeches and they disgusted him, but they did come in handy within the Guard.
The only way to kill one, thanks to their incredibly quick regeneration, was to remove their head, or cut them into hundreds of small pieces; good luck with that. Vampires were known for their lightning reflexes.
As if on cue, Oleander joined them at their table, slouching in the chair with his long arm draped over the back.
"What can I do for you, Edwin? I'm a busy man."
"Did you get the information I asked for?"
"Yes, but it was tricky, especially when you insisted that she wouldn’t notice me there."
Thane growled, causing Oleander to flinch and push back into his chair.
Was he the one Anya had felt watching her? The one he'd sensed in her room?
Impossible. The presence surrounding her didn't smell like a vampire. In fact, it had no scent at all, confusing and disturbing him both.
He turned back to Oleander and scowled, clenching his fists to stop himself from breaking something.
He may be one of their allies, but Thane still wasn't sure where Oleander’s loyalties lie, and he certainly didn't trust him around women, especially this one. Anya was beautiful, he couldn't deny that. He found her irresistible and unbelievably tempting. But Oleander had a weakness for human females, everyone knew it.
"Calm down, wolf man. I haven't touched her."
Why was he defending himself? She was nothing to Thane. All he wanted to know was why Edwin had asked the vampire to watch her and gain information on her. What could he possibly need to find out that he couldn’t just ask her?
As the others continued to talk, Thane's attention drifted back across to where she stood.
She was smiling and laughing with her friends, the sound making his heart skip a beat, yet she seemed distant and uninvolved, holding back as she just went through the motions. He couldn't help but wonder why.
His ears pricked up trying to listen in as one of the men moved toward her and whispered in her ear.
"You look beautiful."
Thane had to agree, but as the boy slid his hand lower down her back, he saw red.
How dare he touch what's not his?
There goes the wolf again, playing tricks with his mind, claiming her for his own. She couldn't be his. How could she be? She was human, the only creatures Thane considered to be monsters.
Except, part of him knew she was different. That she wasn't cruel and judgmental like the rest of her kind.
Perhaps it was because she hadn't run screaming from him when she'd seen him as a wolf the other night. She'd looked upon him with curiosity and wonder, making his body tingle with the urge to go to her.
No. He couldn't let her get close to him. But neither could he look away.
He tried to force his attention elsewhere, telling himself not to become involved, but with each passing second it seemed impossible, especially when the fool stroked his hand over her body like he owned it.
Before he knew what he was doing, Thane jumped out of his seat and headed toward her, his heavy boots stomping on the wooden floor.
Quickly locking the beast away behind a well-enforced cage, he switched his direction toward the bar, making sure he knocked the boy as he passed.
The boy stumbled, cursing under his breath as he turned and watched Thane walk away, but he didn't say a word.
Thane knew he wouldn't. The only person brave enough, beside the other Guards, was Anya. Maybe she was tougher than he gave her credit for.
He shook his head, dislodging the thought before he clung to it.
He couldn’t afford to think of her like that. He needed to remind himself that she was just a scared little human girl. Someone who needed to be protected and couldn't fight for herself. Someone who came from a race of monsters. Someone he could never have.
Thane sighed and ordered a strong drink, hoping to calm the building rage. If he didn't gain control soon, something, or someone was going to meet the wrong side of his claws.
A strong tap on his shoulder had him spinning around, ready to snap until he saw her, hands on hips glaring up at him.
"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, tapping her foot on the floor as she scowled up at him.
"Ordering a drink. What's it look like?"
"You did that on purpose."
"I don't know what you’re talking about," he replied, turning his back on her.
She grabbed a hold of his arm and pulled him back around.
"Yes you do. You pushed into him on purpose. Why?"
The girl’s backbone was growing into steel.
This was not good.
He leaned down close to her face, hoping she would back down and run like she should have; but not her. She continued to glare, holding his gaze.
Impressive.
"Accident," he shrugged, hoping his voice didn't give away his burning desire.
"Bullshit," she snapped, her eyes flashing a brilliant green.
He was the one who stumbled back, confused by what he thought he saw.
"Why did you push him?" she asked again, more calmly as though finally noticing who she was staring down.
"You looked uncomfortable."
Anya turned around, taking in the room, smiling when Edwin caught her eye.
"Why?" she whispered when she turned back to him. "Why were you watching me?"
"Edwin is fond of you. I was curious what he saw in you."
It wasn't a lie. Edwin seemed to care more about her than anyone else in his life.
He was determined to keep her safe.
He’d even asked the vampire to keep an eye on her and find out some information.
She didn't need to know that he was jealous of the boy touching her, or that he was fighting to control the wolf that was howling inside, begging to claim her before anyone else could.
Anya blinked up at him several times, relaxing her stance, buying into the half-truth he told her.
"Edwin’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a family,” she paused, looking over to where he sat, smiling wistfully toward him. “He thinks I need protecting from something, though he won’t tell me what he’s afraid of.”
“Maybe you do,” Thane replied, more to himself than to her.
"What’s your name? I still don't know what to call you."
"Thane."
"Thane," she repeated, making his heart stop. The way his name sounded on her lips like a punch to his soul.
"You may scare me, Thane, but something tells me you're a good guy."
"Don't be so sure," he mumbled.
She moved closer, the warmth of her body making his skin burn.
Hesitantly, she reached her hand out, stroking a finger over his rough jaw and the scar that marked it. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw tight to stop himself moaning and grabbing hold of her.
"There's something gentle inside of you, no matter how hard you try and hide it. Why else would you have helped me?"
Her cheeks flu
shed red as she removed her hand, letting it fall limp by her side.
The first thing he noticed was her eyes as they glazed over, making her look lifeless and scared. Her breathing slowed, her heartbeat now weak to his ears.
"What's wrong?" he demanded, placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her steady.
Slowly she turned to his hand, before locking her eyes back to his. Her eyes now so bright it pained him to look at them.
Had she drank too much? It would explain her sudden courage, but nothing could explain those eyes.
"Anya?"
Edwin appeared by his side the next instant, concerned and looking over his shoulder at the group she had been spending time with.
"Get her out of here, Thane. Nobody can see her eyes like that."
Thane nodded, trying to usher her out of the building, but she wouldn't budge.
Frustrated, he lifted her over his shoulder in a fireman's lift and headed toward the door.
He expected her to struggle and fight against him, but she felt limp and lifeless in his arms. Her skin cool against his.
Too cool; like ice.
"What do you think you're doing?" the boy demanded after breaking away from the group, moving in Thane's way when he tried to step around him.
Instead of answering, Thane pushed the boy aside and raised a brow, daring him to make a move again.
"W-where are you taking her?" he stammered, cringing at himself, and making Thane smile.
"You can't just take her like that."
The boy stood taller this time, trying to square his shoulders, but he still came up short compared to Thane's towering height.
"Hugh, I asked him to take her home. Miss Shaw has had a little too much to drink."
"Then I'll take her home."
"I don't think that would be wise, do you?" Edwin countered in a none too polite tone. "You've had a little too much to drink yourself, and you're not known for your restraint."
Hugh's face turned scarlet, frowning at Thane before turning back to Edwin scowling like a spoilt child, exactly like Thane thought he was.
"What makes you think he's more trustworthy?" he asked, staring pointedly at Thane as he crossed his arms.
Thane didn't care to listen to the boy any longer. He pushed him aside once more and barged his way out of the pub.
He needed to get her home and away from the eyes of strangers.
There had to be a reason her eyes were glowing like that and he intended to find out.
Chapter Six
Anya sat on the edge of her bed, teasing a comb through her wet and unruly hair, when she heard a hammering knock at the front door. The suddenness of it taking her breath away, causing her to drop the comb to the floor.
With a sigh, she made her way down the steps, the pounding knock growing louder and louder in her head.
“Hang on,” she growled, fastening her hair behind her as she went to cross the small hall, only to freeze, staring blankly at the distorted shape through the frosted glass oval in her door.
That was not like her at all.
She may have been stressed about waking up with no memory of the night before; or how she'd made it home only to find herself draped in somebody's leather jacket, but snapping and shouting was normally a last resort.
Perhaps she'd come back too early.
Except, how was she supposed to stay away when she missed everyone here?
For months Keri had begged her to come home, insisting she needed to meet her new friends. Though honestly, Anya didn't see what the big deal was.
Chase, Keri's boyfriend seemed like an arse, with his wandering eyes and massive ego.
And Hugh; she wasn't sure how she felt about him. He was a nice, compassionate guy, but she got the feeling he was hiding something. Not to mention his frightening father.
No. The less she saw of them, the better.
But the person she missed the most, the one who'd never wanted her to go in the first place, was Edwin.
He was family. Not once making her feel unwelcome or like an outsider as he brought her up alone. For as long as she could remember, he'd been there. Her rock, but now he seemed to be lying to her as well.
The knock grew louder, bringing her sharply back to reality.
“Sorry, I-” Anya began, pausing mid-sentence when she saw Keri stood in front of her.
“K-Keri?”
She wasn't sure who she'd expected to find banging at her door, but it certainly was not her.
“Hey chick. You look rough,” Keri commented, looking her up and down with a scowl. “That guy didn't touch you, did he?”
“Which guy?”
“The same one who took you home after the party.”
No. Not him again.
She hated to appear weak in front of anybody, but with him, she got the feeling he would enjoy it.
She could not give him that satisfaction.
“Hugh argued of course. He's a gentleman like that,” Keri winked, nudging Anya with her shoulder. “but the guy wouldn't listen. I was worried he'd done something to you. Maybe he was the reason you had to rush home in the first place.”
“W-what do you mean?”
Her memories were still foggy. Little snippets of the evening breaking through the haze.
The loud music, and bright lights. The colourful, alcoholic drinks Keri had passed her not long after she'd gotten there. The sweet flavour still lingering on her tongue. Only now it mixed with something bitter and metallic.
“Well, you didn't have much to drink. Then you went to talk to him, and next thing I knew you were passed out, being carried by him.”
Could he really be responsible?
She didn't know him, and she certainly wasn't sure she should trust him. But he'd saved her from falling when she'd only just met him. Carried her home and waited for her to wake before leaving.
He'd even draped his coat over her last night to keep her warm.
Those weren't the actions of a man who meant her harm.
Besides, he knew Edwin. He wouldn't trust just anybody with her safety, that she knew for certain.
No, Keri had to be wrong.
“Who is he?”
“He's a friend of Edwin's.”
Thane.
That's right. She knew his name.
Some of what Keri was telling her must be the truth, but then she always had exaggerated.
“Doesn't mean he didn't spike your drink or something just to take you home for a second time,” Keri sneered, her eyes seeming to sparkle briefly as she turned to glance back over her shoulder.
Maybe Anya should find Edwin and speak with him. She just couldn't believe he'd entrust her safety with someone who was dangerous. Someone who was capable of tampering with her drink.
“You busy?” Keri asked, quickly changing the subject when she turned back to face her.
“I was just on my way to work.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot you worked weekends at the bookshop. Only, I've got something important to talk to you about. Can you swing by Hugh's when you're done?”
“Erm.”
The last place Anya wanted to go was back to Hugh's, risking bumping into his father. But Keri was squeezing her hand painfully tight leaving her with little choice.
“I guess so.”
The sun was already beginning to set when Anya found herself outside Grosvenor hall, Hugh's mansion. Her heart was in her throat, staring up at the building that towered above her.
There was something intimidating about the way the gargoyles scattered on the rooftops loomed over her, watching as she drew closer.
She hadn't noticed them the last time she was here. The light spilling from the open doorway and windows had obscured her view in the darkness.
Now that it was daytime, she could see everything about the oppressive building that terrified her.
A small voice inside told her to run, never step foot inside, but she shook her head and trudged forward. It couldn't be that bad. She'd been
here once before.
Gulping, she climbed the steps leading to the huge oak doors and raised her hand to knock.
The doors swung open before her hand made contact with the wood. It was like something out of a horror movie. The voice inside now screamed in protest as she crossed the threshold.
No turning back now, she told herself taking in her surroundings and turning back to the entrance, expecting to see Keri holding the door open. Instead, a short, plump, and balding older man stood in her place.
He looked quite friendly, at first, until he smiled. His big grin reminding her of a rodent. All teeth and squinty eyes, making her take an instinctive step back.
“Follow me, Miss Shaw,” he called in a monotonous voice as he began to lead her through the corridors.
Everywhere looked the same to her. All whites and creams, reminding her of a hospital.
Trudging along behind the small man, Anya glanced from side to side, hoping to see something interesting, but nothing caught her eye; not until she spotted a flash of colour to her side.
A thick, blood red curtain hung in front of an unusual wooden door. Dark mahogany, etched with strange symbols and carvings.
The closer they stepped, the more her intrigue grew, even as her heart pounded in her chest.
She studied the etchings, noticing what appeared to be men holding a variety of weapons, surrounded by intricate symbols and writing carved in a language that made her head throb as she tried to remember where she'd seen them.
One by one the older man begun to unlock a series of bolts and chains securing the door. Each click and groan of metal made her squeeze tighter around her middle.
What could possibly be so important that they had to take such measures to keep it hidden?
Her heart raced faster, the voice springing back to life inside her head, telling her once again to run as the door before her swung open.
She stepped inside and looked around another endless and plain corridor, just like all the rest.
This wasn't what she expected. Not at all.
Suddenly, the door clicked shut behind her, the man locking it just as tightly as it had been the other side.
