Red Knight Box Set (Books 1,2,3): Contemporary Vampire Romance

by L. C White

  I swallow down the toastie, which I seem to have been chewing forever, brushing my hands free of crumbs. I can’t eat anymore. My appetite has been absorbed by Daniel’s eyes.

  “So, you think you’ll get a quick sale on this place?” Nathan asks.

  Finally, a work related question.

  “We have several interested parties. We did the research before we received the call,” I say.

  “I bet you did,” Sara smirks.

  “God, you’re a bitch,” Nathan flirts.

  “Yeah.” She runs her hand over his back, and kisses his cheek. “And you love it.”

  I feel like saying to them, ‘get a goddamn room.’ These people are ever so touchy feely with each other.

  “Maeve is our guest,” Liz says, kind of understanding that I’d rather be anywhere than sitting here, being interviewed and examined. “So treat her with respect.”

  The loud sound of porcelain scraping against marble, draws everyone’s attention. Daniel has slid his plate to the middle of the worktop, and is now making his way toward me. All of them watch as I pray he’s going to just pass me by, but his eyes tell me that’s not going to happen. I gulp down as he stops at my side. Oh god no. He’s leaning to my ear and I can’t bring myself to look. I feel the heat of his breath. I don’t fuckin know him, so why is he making me feel as though my heart is going to pop?

  Sara grins at me, liking the look of terror on my face.

  “Can I talk to you,” he whispers so deep and seriously.

  The warmness and closeness of him, has my entire body tingling with nervous static.

  “Please,” he utters as I draw in my lip.

  God, I’m making it so obvious I’m being effected by him. I feel like I have hot coals under my ass, and my cheeks are on fire. I close my eyes. I can’t escape the fact this family have employed me to sell their home. In a way, Daniel is my boss. I have no choice but to hear him out.

  My feet land on the parquet flooring, and I quickly follow him. I watch his shoulders as he walks with the strength of a soldier. He opens a black door opposite the stairs, and disappears inside. I take a few anxious breaths and follow.

  I move into a new extension. It’s a huge space which has been converted into a gym, with all the latest exercise equipment. It’s very masculine. All the walls are breezeblock grey. The floor is a polished concrete. It’s fridge cool. And the lighting is industrial, but dull.

  I stop only a few feet from the door. I guess I should be glad he’s not showing me his bedroom. He turns to me, around ten feet away, in the middle of the wide walkway.

  “Sorry about your car, and being a dick about it,” he says, quietly.

  He’s dangerous to me and so puzzling. The look he’s giving me, I can’t read. It’s like hate, need, and caution, all rolled into one. If I wasn’t so frigid, I’d try and open him up with a little seduction. I can’t deny that he turns me on, and no man has really ever had this effect on me before. I don’t understand how I can want to give my virginity to this guy. He has been an asshole, and he’s probably the kind of guy who’ll take what he wants, and then fuck me off.

  “I think you’re making a mistake,” he says.

  “What mistake?” I’m displaying my ‘what the fuck’ face.

  “Taking this job.”

  “Why?” I frown at him, the desire dwindling away. “Is this about my car? Because we’ve brushed that under the carpet.”

  “Shit, you have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

  He’s pissing me off with his moodiness. I’m here to do a job for them, and he’s trying to kick me out. This is really fuckin awkward now. I’m clearly unwelcome.

  “Look, I’m going to do my job as quick as I can, then I’ll be out of your hair.” I turn, waving the back of my hand at him. “Two days, max.” I make my way to the door.

  From nowhere, he’s behind me, holding my bicep. Not aggressively, but with imploration.

  “That’s too long,” he says.

  I turn to peer up at him and he releases my arm. He’s giving me that same look he did on that road.

  “I’ll… I’ll go and book into the B&B in the village, if it makes you feel better.”

  His head lowers as he tilts his green eyes on me. “You could do that, but you’d still be here every day. Every day you’ll be in danger.”

  “Are you actually threatening me?” I ask as my heart beats so damn fast.

  “No, not a threat. Just looking out for your wellbeing.”

  “Wow, you really are sick. Sick in the head,” I snap. “Maybe you should just stay out of my way while I work. You go and stay in the village. I don’t really want you near me either. You’re scary strange,” I snap. “If you so much as touch me, I’ll call the police!” I charge through the door, and straight up the stairs.

  That’s it, no more sucking up. I’m going to make sure I have this house surveyed and valued in one fucking day. This time tomorrow, I’ll be at home. Any other dealings with the Knight’s, my frigging Dad can sort out.

  Chapter 5: Vampire to Dhampir

  Daniel

  I hit the hell out of my punch bag. The chain makes a racket as the bag is pounded so hard by my fists, it tears. I want to hurt someone. I think I want to hurt her. It’s her scent. I was always told, that no matter what happens, I haven’t to be like my parents and drink blood, it will fuck me up irreversibly. But Maeve is a temptation unlike any other. I’m changing because she’s here. The headaches. The rage. The need for something darker. It’s stronger than any other feeling.

  Not once have I ever had the urge to embrace that vampire side in me. I’ve always thought it was necessary for them, but disgusting at the same time. I eat normal food, sleep, and shit. Yeah, I’m a freak, but mostly a human freak. I can’t stay here. Maeve was right. I’m the sick one. The one with the problem. I should go, before I do something there is no coming back from. Telling Liz and Adrien this, is a no-no. They’ll only start with the over-protective shit again. I have to deal with this on my own.

  I slam my fist into the bag one last time, and it flies off the chain and across the floor, stopping at Nathan’s feet as he enters. I wheeze in and out, glaring right at him.

  “Bad time?” he asks.

  I shake my head down at the floor.

  “You better not let Liz see those eyes of yours, Daniel,” he warns, stepping over the bag.

  “Just do one, Nathan.”

  I bet Liz has sent him in here to talk me down.

  “You need a fight.” He scruffs up my hair in a pally way. “Come on then.”

  He bobs around me, so I thrust him in the chest, hard. He falls backward on his ass. He leans against his hands, gawping at me in alarm. I don’t want to horse around. I want a real fight.

  “I don’t need you coming in here, telling me what to do. How to behave. I’m nothing like any of you! You’re dead, and I’m not.”

  “No, Daniel, you’re something entirely different.” He jumps up to his feet, brushing down his trousers. “But mostly, just lately, you’re a dick. I only came in here to say goodbye. “So.” He turns to the doorway as I bite down with guilt. “Bye Daniel.”

  FUCK.

  “Sorry.” I kick a piece of foam across the floor, slam my back against the wall, and slide down to sit.

  “For fuck sake,” he grumbles, joining my side. “We’re worried about you.”

  I turn to face him. “You know what, you should be worried.”

  “When did all this start; the anger, the weird red eyes?” He waves his finger at my face.

  “A couple of months ago, but it’s getting worse,” I admit. “Look, don’t tell anyone Nathan. I think it’s just another side-effect, or some shit. It will go.”

  “And the girl’s not helping; you like her?” he asks.

  I smirk. “I’ve liked plenty of girls. This isn’t like, this is something fucked-up.”

  “Love?” His brow bobs up and down.

  I laugh and slam my head
against the wall to look up to the roof.

  “It’s nothing to laugh about. Love is fucked-up, and it hits you like a car,” he says.

  “Is that supposed to be a joke?” I stare at him.

  He sniggers. “Call it what you like bud. But it happens you know. Vamps are prone to the whole insta-love shit. Look around you, happens all the time.” He gestures his hands as though he’s pulling back an arrow. “Cupid has a bow, your bow was that smashed up Beetle,” he winks.

  “You’ve read her haven’t you?” I ask in angry suspicion.

  He’s a dick if he has. He’s always told me it’s a bad thing, using his Vigore gifts on innocent humans.

  “Nathan.” I move to face him directly, seeing his evil grin. “You have sunk to a whole lower level.”

  I’m fucking mad he’s been inside her head. It’s mind rape. I clench my hand to form a fist. He’s well out of order.

  He holds up his hands. “I couldn’t block her. Her emotions are all over the show. To be honest, she’s a damn mess.”

  I slowly uncurl my fist as a wave of curiosity crashes over me. If I had the gifts I had when I was a child, would I have used them on her? Probably. I eyeball him, waiting for some sort of information.

  “Really?” he grumbles. “I accidently read her, doesn’t make it right that I tell you her thoughts.”

  “I’ll tell Liz,” I threaten.

  “You really think that’s a good idea? You were all against me reading her a second ago, and now you’re threatening me.” He gets up to his feet. “I’m kind of disappointed in you.”

  “Alright, I’m not going to tell Liz. But just give me something will you.” I can’t believe I’m begging him.

  “I’ll give you some advice. Calm the fuck down. Stop blaming everyone for your existence. And just try and be nice to Maeve. Don’t go near her if you just want a quick fumble and fuck. She’s not like most girls.” He winks, walking to the door.

  ***

  Zero sleep. Zero fuckin peace. Nathan’s advice whirled around my head all night. Even though she’s painful to be around, maybe he was right. She’s not the average chick. She’s complex and deep. The drawings are a dead giveaway she’s different. Not different like me, but in a good way.

  “Hey,” Liz chirps as I trudge into the kitchen, needing coffee.

  “Hey,” I say in a yawn, shuffling my bare feet over the cool floor as I reach for the coffee jug. “Where is everyone?” I ask, really only wanting to know where Maeve is.

  “Ben is car shopping, Dom has gone back down to London with Nathan and Sara, and your dad is showing Maeve around,” she says, sliding a mug of coffee toward me. “I don’t think the girl has slept. Came down here at four this morning. It was awkward coming up with an excuse why Adrien and I were up at that time.” She pauses and stares strangely at me for a second. “I’ve called Gwen.”

  “What!” I slam my coffee mug down on the counter.

  “I’m worried about you.”

  I don’t fuckin believe this. Obviously Nathan can’t keep his big trap shut. I should have known, he’s always kissed her ass.

  “There’s nothing wrong with me,” I yell. “I don’t need a fuckin blind witch to tell me that!”

  “What about your eyes, the mood swings, and sweats.” She’s trying not to yell. “Dom told me about your funny episode with Maeve. Were you going to hurt her?”

  “No!”

  She pushes herself off the kitchen worktop in a huff. “Well, just to be on the safe side, you’re going to talk to Gwen, and stay away from Maeve. Ben will be bringing her a new car first thing tomorrow, then she can go home.”

  I leave my coffee and stride toward the stairs. I think I might actually pack my bags, and leave this fucked up coven for good.

  “Daniel, wait,” she calls after me.

  I blow out the anger and turn to her. “I’ll stay away from Maeve, but I’m not letting that witch screw around with my head again. I told you, there is nothing wrong with me.” I climb the stairs two at a time, refusing to listen to her fussing.

  ***

  I’ve followed orders and stayed away from Maeve. I’ve stayed away from everyone. I’ve buried these messed up aggressive desires deep, and I’m running them off in a small area of woodland, a mile out from the house.

  I’ve never been this far out before. The only time I spent here was when I was a child, and my parents were too overprotective to let me out of their sight. Now they don’t have a choice. They know I will do what I want, regardless of their fears. I’ve come to this secluded shithole for them, so if I want to push my body to the limit, I’ll do it.

  It’s cold, misty, and damp, but I secrete sweat as my feet pound down in the dirt and autumn leaves. I stop, bending over to catch my breath in an open area.

  I straighten up with my hands on my hips, looking through the branches at the grey sky. I’ve not seen the sun once since I got here. It’s great for vampires, but not for me. It’s so fuckin dismal.

  It comes on again suddenly, that screwed up head pain and rage. Why now, out here? I’m nowhere near her. I’m nowhere near the house. Just as I think I’ve gained some control over it, it adapts and springs back to the surface. I feel like there’s two of me. One with feeling, and one without. Both battling inside to seize the opportunity to use me as a puppet.

  I wince, bringing my hands up to cover my eyes, breathing through it. My feet stagger backward as I hiss and spit.

  “GOD!”

  I turn and I’m standing before a tree. I involuntarily punch the bark so hard, that the trunk splinters like it’s been hit by the cartridge of a shotgun. Holy fuck. I step back frowning, studying the tree and my bloody knuckles. Shit, that hurt, but I really want to do it again.

  With my teeth locked together, I throw my fists at the tree. A left, right, and left again. Bang- bang-bang. The force of each blow, lifts the roots up from the ground beneath my feet. I stop moving, looking at the broken tree.

  A shockwave tremors through my body. It makes me fall to my knees, growling into my dirty bloody hands.

  “You okay?” her distant voice calls out. “Can you hear me?”

  Of course I can hear her. I can sense her every fuckin movement. Why the hell is she even out here? Maeve, my deadly Achilles heel. Oh this is just frigging great. I know as soon as she sees my face, she’s going to see the devil in me. My lungs billow in and out, I’m trying to meditate this shit away. Push it down deep into my core.

  I hear her dropping equipment at my side. She’s standing over my body.

  “I’ll call the house,” she fusses.

  That’s it, I’m up on my feet in a millisecond. “No, I’m fine.”

  I look down at her scowling rosy face. She’s wearing a cream woolly hat and a padded black coat. She’s doing the Good Samaritan thing, but I can see she’s nervous of me. She looks innocent and kind of cute, but sexy at the same time. As our eyes get stuck on each other, the pain lessens in my head. I’m more interested in her feelings.

  “I’m fine, please put your cell phone away.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes really.”

  She slides her cell back into her pocket, looking at the tree I’ve just beaten up. Quickly, I fling my arms behind my back to hide my damaged hands.

  “Okay.” She begins to pick up her equipment, cautiously.

  I watch her struggling to hold a tripod and surveying equipment. She clumsily holds it all to her chest, refusing to look at me. I watch the red blush emerge on her cheeks and roll my eyes at her. I don’t want her to be embarrassed, and she’s making me feel shitty.

  With her hands full, she backs away from me with a wonky step.

  “I’ll… I’ll get back to, err… work then,” she utters, wanting to get away, fast.

  She nearly curtsies at me before turning. I chuckle behind her back, as a weight lifts away from me. I’m actually thinking of something other than what I am.

  “Hold on,” I call after her. “Let
me give you a hand with all that.”

  Chapter 6: Chivalrous & Strange

  Maeve

  “No, no.” I breathlessly march up a small incline, and back onto the path as he chases me. “Really, I can manage. You just carry on with whatever it is you were doing.”

  I’m moving fast. I don’t want his help. He’s the strangest guy I’ve ever met. Not only because he exudes sex appeal, and makes my virgin legs quiver. But he’s made it quite clear he doesn’t like me, and wants me gone sooner, rather than later. I don’t understand him at all. Now he wants to help me?

  Oh god, he’s jogging at my side. I’m not going to look at him. He’s probably only doing this to feed his narcissistic bratty ego. He’s probably doing this for entertainment.

  I can’t stop him. As I make huge nervous strides through the fog, his hands are grabbing at all my stuff. I kind of fight against him, pulling it back into my chest, but stop when I notice his hands are all messed up. Vigilant of him, I release my things as he holds his head down. He adjusts his grip of the tripod, clumsily.

  “Yeah, I sort of got into a fight with a tree,” he replies honestly, his eyes all woeful and awkward.

  Why the hell do I feel sorry for him? He’s obviously insane. He’s scary. He’s got trouble written all over him. But I actually want to tell him it’s perfectly okay to go around knocking down trees with your hands, just to make his eyes lighter. I won’t though.

  He turns back on the path and begins to walk ahead. I hang back, my head completely consumed by perplexing thoughts about him.

  “You coming then,” he calls, as I ogle the back of his strong arms, and his very pert backside moving away.

  I mumble the f-bomb over and over as I hurry to his side. He glances at me as I keep up with his military style steps. I feel so damn hot with nerves, and my throat is so tight. I gulp and roll my head around subtly.

  “Have you nearly finished?” he asks.

  The vapour of his breath floats across to me, and I clearly enjoy inhaling him. I enjoy it too much and have to hold in a horny sigh.

  “Don’t worry,” I say, sharp. “I’ll be gone before you know it.”