“Mr. Bane?” The portly contractor emerged from the back of the club, hitching up his pants while he approached and looking even more nervous than usual. Wiping sweat from his brow, he handed Killian a piece of paper. “I dunno how this got back there, but I found it in your office. Someone must have slipped it under the door. I run a tight ship, Mr. Bane. I know none of my guys put it there.”
Killian took the paper and felt tension settle in his neck when he saw the familiar handwriting. Anger fired through him as he read the anonymous message.
We don’t want your kind in this city.
Take your pack of animals and go back to where you came from.
Mark my words—if you open this club, it will be the last thing you ever do.
Blood will run.
“I know it’s none of my business, Mr. Bane, but you should really take this to the cops.” Mike laughed nervously and looked over his shoulder at Ivan, who was sitting across the room and staring at the human. “Anyway, we finished up in your office. You wanna have a look before they start painting? My guys are gonna put in the rug tomorrow, and then that interior design lady can do her thing.”
“Thanks, Mike. I appreciate your concern but this is just probably someone’s idea of a sick joke.” Killian caught Ivan’s eye briefly. Another fucking note, and this one threatens actual violence against us. Ivan and David had been taking turns running perimeter sweeps, and in between they hung around like the dutiful security team his father insisted he have. Killian thought having them was overkill, but based on notes like this, maybe not. “I’ll be back there in just a minute, but tell your crew to go ahead and start painting.”
The older man grunted his understanding before waddling back to Killian’s office. Ivan’s emotionless gaze clocked the contractor as he passed by, and Killian didn’t miss the nervous tension in the human’s body language. Waving Ivan over, Killian chuckled and shook his head. Why do you scare the poor old guy like that?
What? Ivan hoisted himself from the chair and crossed to the prince. All I did was look at him. It’s not my fault most humans are afraid of their own shadows.
“What do you think? Are these threats credible?” Ivan closed the cover on his iPad and positioned himself at the end of the worktable. “That’s the third note in the past two weeks, Killian, and this time whoever it was actually got inside the building. My money is on the bloodsuckers.”
“I haven’t picked up any vamp scents.” Killian looked past Ivan and spotted two construction workers coming out of his office. “Have you?”
“No, but who else would send notes like that?” Ivan’s eyes glittered and his jaw muscle flickered. “Tonight I’ll be doing background checks on every human on Mike’s crew. I should have done it before, but to be honest, I didn’t really think we had to worry. I was obviously wrong.”
“You think it’s the work of familiars, don’t you?” Killian said what he knew Ivan suspected. Familiars were among the select number of humans who actually knew about the existence of vampires. “Damn it.”
“Probably.” Ivan snagged the paper, and the lines between his eyes deepened. “Shit’s getting real, Killian. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? We can still go home.”
“No fucking way.” Killian took the paper back, folded it, and stuck it in his pocket. “I’m not gonna get scared off by some prejudiced vampire who’s too big of a pussy to put his name on these notes.”
“Understood.” Ivan watched Killian intently, obviously mulling over what he was going to say next. “Are we going back to The Coven tonight?”
“No.” Killian shook his head and kept his gaze on the blueprints. He could feel Ivan’s inspecting gaze on him, but Killian maintained a casual tone in his voice. “I don’t plan on spending any more time there. After Ms. Pemberton gives me her professional feedback on the Loup Garou, my business with her will be finished.”
“Oh really?” Ivan asked with more than a little skepticism.
“Yes, really.” Killian stood to his full height and leveled a serious gaze at Ivan. It may not have been an outright challenge, but Ivan’s meaning was clear. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No, sir.” Ivan’s jaw clenched. “Definitely not.”
“Good.” Killian kept his tone even and controlled. “If the Loup Garou is going to open on time, I have to keep my eye on the ball. As it is, the damn sign company isn’t here yet. I need to simplify my life to maintain my focus. I have to minimize the distractions.”
Well, get ready for another one. David’s voice cut into Killian’s mind with a weary tone. We have visitors.
Killian’s brow furrowed when he met Ivan’s quizzical expression. Clearly David had spoken to both of them. Killian was about to ask David what the hell he was talking about when a high-pitched, familiar female voice echoed through the space. “Killian Bane, you get your fine-lookin’ ass over here and give me a kiss.”
Son of a bitch…Christina.
Christina Wolcott was the general’s daughter, and if the king had anything to say about it, Killian’s future mate and the mother of his children.
The look of shock on Killian’s face must have been comical because Ivan had to turn away to keep from laughing out loud. Waving a quick hello to Christina, Ivan made a beeline for the back of the club. Killian couldn’t blame the guy. He wanted to hightail it out of there too.
Squelching a groan, Killian put on the biggest smile he could muster before turning around to greet his surprise visitor. Dressed head to toe in one designer dud or another, she certainly looked like she belonged in Manhattan as opposed to the wilds of Alaska. Her long honey-blond hair was perfectly coiffed and framed her lovely oval-shaped face. Everything about Christina screamed money and high society, and he’d bet a million dollars she spent at least an hour a day primping. Flanked by her two best friends—and high-ranking she-wolves—Christina stood in the vestibule of the club with her manicured hands clasped in front of her and a come-hither look on her face.
David stood behind the women with an apologetic look. I’m so sorry. She insisted on coming in.
Not your fault. Killian glanced at David briefly. I think it’s a safe bet that I have my father to thank for this little surprise.
“Well?” Christina asked in that breathy trying-too-hard-to-be-sexy voice. “Are you going to say hello to me or not?”
“Of course.” Killian widened his smile and strode toward her before taking her hand in his and kissing it with all the formality he could muster. They’d known each other their entire lives. When they were teens, he’d even stolen a kiss or two, but he’d quickly discovered she wasn’t for him. Christina was beautiful, educated, and from the right bloodline, and yet kissing her had elicited about as many sparks as making out with a melon.
He dropped her hand more quickly than he should have, and a look of disappointment flickered briefly over her face. Part of him felt guilty. She wasn’t a bad person… She just wasn’t for him. “It’s always a pleasure to see such lovely ladies, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not surprised.” He tilted his head and smiled at her companions. “Linda and Diana, good to see you.”
The two women, dressed in outfits similar to Christina’s, nodded wordlessly. They reminded Killian of drones. No personality and no voice of their own. All they did was buzz around Christina, their queen bee.
“Haven’t you gotten formal?” Christina brushed her hair off her shoulder before swatting his arm playfully and walking past him, farther into the club. “I can see that all this time in the city has fine-tuned your social skills. Just as well; you’ll need them once you’re king. I can understand now why your father hasn’t dragged you back to Alaska.” Turning slowly, she surveyed the space as though she were a prospective buyer for the club or something, and every warning bell in Killian’s gut fired. “You’ve been a busy boy.”
“I’ve wanted to r
un my own club for a while. I stumbled across this space after my visit to the city last year and couldn’t resist the opportunity.” Killian held his hands behind his back and sidled over to Christina. He cast a look at Linda and Diana that made it clear he wanted them to stay right where they were. “So, what brings you to the Big Apple? Business or pleasure?”
“A bit of both.” Christina sighed. She smoothed the lapel of her cream-colored silk jacket and adjusted the gold chain of her shoulder bag. Her blue-eyed gaze clapped onto his and she inched closer, invading his personal space, which made him remarkably uncomfortable. “I’ve been wanting to take a little vacation. When I visited with your daddy last week, he told me about your adventures here in New York. Well, I have to tell you, I was green with envy. After all, the shopping in Manhattan is second only to Paris. For goodness’ sake, the girls and I flew in this morning and we already did some damage at Saks. We haven’t even checked into our hotel yet.”
“I see.” Killian kept his voice light, fighting the urge to growl his displeasure. He made a mental note to call his father and thank him for such a wonderful surprise. “Taking a vacation in the city and shopping definitely falls under the category of pleasure. You shop like a pro, and if there were an Olympic category for it, you’d have the gold medal.” Yet another reason he felt zero attraction to Christina. “Where does business come into play?”
“That’s where you come in, Killian.” She giggled and trailed one pink fingernail down his shirtsleeve. “You and your club. Well, our club.”
“Our club?” A sense of dread curled in his belly. “What are you talking about, Christina?”
“Yes.” She flashed a red-lipped smile before traipsing away and looking around the space some more. “Our club.”
Fury swirled in Killian’s chest when he realized what she meant.
“You’re the other investor,” he said in a barely audible tone.
“I am. Well, my daddy is.” Christina let out a sigh. Smiling, she turned around on spindle-like stiletto heels and captured his now-furious expression. Either unaware of or unconcerned by his reaction, she closed the distance between them, her smile deepening. “That makes you and me partners.” She lowered her voice while her eyes drifted over him. “In business if not in the bedroom…at least not yet.”
Too furious to say a word, Killian stared at Christina through the glowing amber eyes of his wolf. He didn’t give a holy hopping shit if one of the construction workers emerged from the back and saw it. Christina’s manipulations didn’t shock Killian, but his father’s involvement in this trickery was unforgivable.
“I’ll buy you out,” he growled. Killian inched his large frame closer so that he towered over her petite form. “This is my place, and the investor was supposed to be a silent partner. That was the deal.”
“Things change, Killian.” Christina shrugged. “Speaking of which, I think we should change the name. The Loup Garou seems a tad obvious, don’t you think?”
“I think it’s my club and I’ll decide what to name it.” Killian kept his voice quiet but firm. “You may be an investor, Christina, but I still hold the controlling interest. This is my place.”
“That may be true, Killian,” she sang in a deceptively sweet voice. “But if my daddy withdraws his funding, you won’t have a club to name. Will you? From what I hear, you put every penny you had into this little investment.” Before he could tell her to stick it, she yelped and glanced at the gold Rolex on her wrist. “Would you look at the time? I have to be going.”
Killian gritted his teeth when she kissed him on the cheek, and she brushed past him to the door where Linda and Diana were chatting with David. Killian’s mind raced. How the hell was he going to get out of this mess? Sucking in a deep breath, he shifted his eyes back to their human state, but he kept them fixed on the meddlesome she-wolf.
“We’re staying at the Ritz, Killian.” Christina stuck her nose in the air and gave him a wicked grin. “Why don’t you and the boys come pick us up around nine?”
“For what?” His body hummed with anger and frustration, and he barely got the words out.
“Your daddy tells me you’ve been spending quite a bit of time at that place—The Coven? I suppose it’s wise to have a solid understanding of the competition.” Her lip curled with disgust, making her feelings about vampires quite clear. “I believe some research would do me good. Because unlike what your father told you, I’m not going to be a silent partner. Pick us up at nine and don’t be late.”
Without another word, she flounced outside. The door slammed loudly behind her.
“Motherfucker,” Killian said, slamming his fist onto the table.
“Is she for real?” David asked, moving cautiously toward the prince.
“I think so.” Killian ran his hands over his face and let out a shout of frustration. Hands on his hips, he looked at David and Ivan, who’d emerged from the back office. “I can’t believe my father did this to me.”
“I can.” Ivan studied him, his expression serious.
“Me too,” David said evenly. “The king just gave you a ball and chain named Christina. He probably figures one of two things will happen.”
“Like what?” Killian shouted. “What could he possibly have been thinking?”
“Option one,” David began. “You get fed up with her meddling, pack it in, and head back to Alaska. He’s got a better chance of getting you mated if you’re back there. If it isn’t to Christina, you’ll find another she-wolf.”
“Not happening.” Killian shook his head and folded his arms over his broad chest. “What’s your other theory?”
“Option two?” David stuck his hands in his pockets and shot Ivan a knowing look. “By forcing you and Christina to spend all this time together, maybe he thinks that the two of you will hook up. Then he gets the future queen he always wanted.”
“Also not happening.” Killian rolled his eyes. “I’m not remotely attracted to her. And even if I was, this little stunt she pulled would have snuffed it out. Trickery and deceptive behavior are not a turn-on.”
“Would it be so bad?” Ivan asked with a shrug. “Christina’s hot.”
“Then feel free to mate with her,” Killian said flatly. “You have my blessing, Ivan.”
“Me? That’s crazy.” Ivan shrugged awkwardly and looked away, making Killian immediately regret his remark. “I’ll go patrol outside. Let me know when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll pull the car around.”
Killian let out a frustrated sigh as Ivan headed to the door and out of the club. He seemed to be fucking things up at every turn.
“Yeah, well, you know she’s not my type.” David let out a short laugh. Killian gave him a wry smile and nodded. “What’s your next move?”
“I’m going to play along.” Killian glanced to the doors of the club and a smile curled his lips. “Believe me, David. By the time I’m done with Christina, she’ll want nothing to do with the club, this city, and—with any luck—me.”
“What’s the game plan?” David asked with a tone that betrayed his unease with the situation. “If I’m going to be able to do my job, it would be helpful if I knew what you’re up to.”
“For starters, we’re going to do what the lady wants and take her to The Coven.”
“Holy shit.” David looked at Killian like he’d lost his mind—and maybe he had. “Are you serious? She hates vampires.”
“Absolutely. Fighting with Christina will get me nowhere. For now, my best bet is to keep her happy, at least until I can figure out what will make her give up and go back to Alaska.” Killian’s lips curved as his mind drifted to Sadie. “If Christina wants to do some research and get to know the competition, I’m more than happy to oblige.” He slapped David on the shoulder and gave his friend a reassuring smile. “In the meantime, I’m going to have a look at my office, and then I’m gonna call the sign com
pany and find out where the hell our sign is.”
Fishing his phone out of his pocket, Killian walked toward the back of the club as David’s concerned voice drifted into his mind. Why do I think the competition you’re referring to has nothing to do with the club?
* * *
The sun was setting as Sadie stared at her cell phone and a knot of nerves rumbled in her gut. After what happened at the pool last night, there was no way on earth she was going with him to his club. Being alone with Killian in any way was a really bad idea. Fingers shaking, she punched in a text message and hit Send.
I can’t make it tonight. Something suddenly came up. Sorry. Maybe another time.
Relief wafted over her once the message was on its way, and she stuffed the phone in the pocket of her jacket. About two seconds later, the damn thing buzzed with Killian’s response.
Isn’t that the same excuse Marcia used in an old Brady Bunch episode to blow off her date so she could go out with another guy? Next thing u know, you’ll say u have a date with George Glass, Jan’s imaginary boyfriend.
Sadie laughed out loud as she texted him back.
LOL. Nope. No other werewolf clubs to inspect.
Nibbling her lower lip, she rubbed the smooth surface of the screen and waited for his response. After what felt like forever, his text buzzed through.
Promise you’ll come tomorrow.
His handsome face drifted through her mind as she texted back.
Okay. C u tomorrow.
What the hell was she doing?
* * *
Normally, when The Coven was this crowded with humans, dancing and spending money like it was going out of style, Sadie would be riding high. Tonight, however, she felt anything other than normal. Part of it was probably because she hadn’t slept all day. She’d been too preoccupied with thoughts of Killian Bane.
She could have slept. God knows she was exhausted, but she didn’t. Insomnia wasn’t keeping her awake—it was fear. Sadie was terrified that she’d dream.
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