Younger, Bree - Burn [All American Vampires 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Bree Younger

  Libby sat on the side of the bed and allowed the nurse to take her temperature and check her pulse and blood pressure. Surreptitiously, she studied the woman’s features, trying to figure out if she was a vampire as well. Her complexion was a smooth olive and her hair was a silky chestnut. She was quite striking-looking. Probably a vamp, then. Seems like they all looked like fashion models.

  Libby became aware that the nurse was studying her just as closely. She met her eyes questioningly.

  “Sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean to stare. I was just curious about the girl who rescued Ty Buchanan.” Libby wasn’t quite sure how to take that. She thought she detected a little condescension in her attitude, but she could’ve just been imagining it.

  “That’s okay.”

  “So is it true, then? What Doc said?” She pulled out a syringe and began efficiently taking some blood samples. “Well? Did you really rescue him?”

  Libby shrugged. She felt a little embarrassed. She certainly wasn’t any kind of hero.

  “He must have been very grateful to you.”

  Grateful? Hmm… “I guess.” She was uncertain how to answer the question.

  “Well.” The nurse smiled. “Surely he thanked you for what you did?”

  Had he? She didn’t really remember. He probably had when she was having her fit of hysterics, but she hadn’t been paying attention at the time. She just smiled and shrugged. “Well, he didn’t kill me.” She half laughed when she said it, but the nurse didn’t smile back.

  “I know he did more than that.” She leaned closer to Libby and sniffed her skin, loudly. “Smells like you got a sample of Ty’s special thank-you.”

  “What?” Libby was a little taken aback. What the hell? The nurse could smell Ty on her? Could all of them? Oh, God. Did everyone know she and Ty had slept together? She could feel the blush that flooded her cheeks.

  “Oh, don’t be embarrassed. You’re not the only female to have received Ty’s special attention. He does like to spread it around. In fact, I don’t think there are many females in the tri-coastal counties that haven’t had their own little taste of that vamp.” She laughed again, but the sound jarred Libby’s nerves.

  “I really don’t think that is something we should be talking about …”

  “You’re exactly right.” The voice from the doorway startled Libby, and she could tell it surprised the nurse as well. “Gossip is just that—gossip. And completely inappropriate in a professional health worker. Right, Maria? We have more important concerns right now. Like tending to our patient. I’m assuming you finished getting the blood samples. Perhaps you could take them and run those tests I asked for.” Libby could see Maria was chagrinned at being scolded by the doctor, especially in front of an audience. She immediately began gathering up the blood samples and moving across to a small table where she had set up some vials and tubes. He turned to Libby. “So, young lady—Libby, is that right?”

  She shook her head, immediately liking this older gentleman with his messy white hair and horn-rimmed glasses. “Yes. I’m Libby. Libby Shaw.”

  “Well, Miss Shaw, I’m Dr. Paul Broussard. But you can call me Doc like everyone else.”

  Libby smiled. “Nice to meet you, Doc. And please call me Libby.” She studied his face. Was he a vampire, too?

  He caught her eyes on him and smiled, a wicked twinkle in his eyes. “No, I’m not.”

  She groaned, mortified at being caught staring. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

  Waving his hand, he said, “Don’t apologize. It’s perfectly natural to wonder if I’m a vampire as well. I’m not. Just a friend of the family, so to speak. Vampires don’t grow older, you know, not like we do. And after a certain age, the human body can’t survive the change, so they don’t turn older humans. You won’t see any old men vampires who look like me.” He let out a fake sigh. “No, they all look like supermodels and movie stars, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. I’m afraid I’m a poor comparison. None of the ladies want me after they see them.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

  She giggled. “I like you just fine, Doc.”

  He smiled. “Excellent. You’re very good for my ego, Libby. Now, my dear, let’s see how you are.” He reached over and picked up the chart that Maria had been recording her vitals on and looked over it. “Everything looks good here.” He took a few minutes to check over her himself, looking in her eyes, examining the fading bite marks on her neck, and doing all the usual things her normal doctor did when she went for a basic checkup.

  Maria walked over, holding up a small vial with a dark violet-colored liquid. Without comment, she passed it to the doctor. He looked at it briefly then passed it back. Smiling, he turned to Libby. “I’m going to put you on an IV and give you some fluids. The blood loss is relatively minor, although a bit more than you’d give in a normal donation. The body will take care of that on its own over the course of the next several days.”

  She nodded.

  “We just need to replace some of the nutrients and liquids that you lost. If you’ll just lie down on the bed?”

  Libby lay down and the nurse quickly set her up an IV. She had just started the fluids when the door opened and Ty’s brother walked in.

  “Hi, Doc. How’s the patient?” Libby met his eyes and saw the concern on his attractive face.

  “She’s going to be just fine. I’m getting some fluids in her right now, and then she’ll be right as rain.”

  “Excellent.” He crossed over and stood next to the bed. “Libby?”

  She nodded.

  He covered her hand with his. “I want you to know that whatever you need, it’s yours. I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for Ty, and we will never forget it.”

  She could feel herself beginning to blush again. “I only did what anyone would do.”

  “No. You did more. You saved my brother’s life at risk of your own. Believe me, there are plenty who would have run in the opposite direction. If there is ever anything that we can do for you, you have only to ask.” He pulled out a card and quickly scribbled something on the back before placing it on the bed beside her hand. “These are my phone numbers, including my private cell line on the back. Don’t hesitate to use it whenever you need to.”

  “It’s really not necessary”

  He held up a hand. “I believe it is.”

  “Well, there is actually one thing you could do for me.”

  He quirked up a brow. “Name it.”

  “My SUV. We left it in Pearl River County when we—er—borrowed the pickup. I really need it…”

  He nodded. “Already taken care of. Anything else?”

  “Could you make sure that the truck gets returned to its owner? And the window in the cabin we stayed at…”

  Quinn’s serious expression lightened a bit, his mouth curving up in a brief smile, and Libby realized just how startlingly handsome he was. “Ty said you would want us to take care of all that. You’re something else, aren’t you, Libby Shaw?”

  “It was just weighing on my mind.”

  “Well, let me assure you that as soon as we locate the cabin and the owner of the truck, we will make full restitution for any damages done.” He gazed down at her, and she noticed how much he and Ty resembled one another. Even though Quinn was so dark and Ty so much fairer. And Quinn had seemed rather dour and severe while Ty was the wild boy. But they had the same smile. And the same eyes.

  “How is Ty? Is he going to be all right?”

  Quinn nodded. “He’s fine. He just needs to get some rest.” Glancing over toward the doctor and nurse, he said, “Could you excuse us for a few minutes?”

  “Of course, of course,” the doctor began urging Maria toward the door, though it was obvious she was reluctant to leave. After the door closed behind them, Quinn pulled a chair over beside the bed and sat down. “I understand that you know what Ty and I are and the rest of us are.”

  She bit her lip, aware that it revealed her nerves to him.

&
nbsp; “No. Don’t be scared. I’m not going to hurt you or anything. I just needed to talk to you about the need to keep our secret.”

  She nodded. “Ty already explained, and I would never ever do anything that would hurt him or anyone. Believe me. That’s the last thing you have to worry about.”

  “Good. For us, it’s a matter of life and death. Something that we take very seriously.”

  “She understands that, Quinn.” Ty’s voice interrupted them.

  Libby couldn’t believe how glad she was to see him standing in the opened doorway. He’d changed clothes and obviously showered, his hair still a little damp. He looked incredibly good to her. “Ty.” She reached out a hand, and he moved forward, sitting beside her on the bed.

  “How are you feeling, Lib?” She felt his eyes studying her closely, taking note of the IV line. She thought she detected a hint of guilt in his expression at the sight, and she gave his hand a slight squeeze to let him know she didn’t blame him for taking her blood.

  “I’m feeling better, Ty. A lot better.”

  “You still look too pale to me.”

  “Aw. You really know how to flatter a girl.”

  He grinned. “Doc said he’d be in soon to unhook you from all this crap.”

  She smiled in relief. “Good.”

  Quinn moved slightly, drawing her attention. His gaze was swinging back and forth between her and Ty, an odd expression on his face.

  Ty spoke again. “I want you to stay here, Libby, at least until everything is settled down, and I can be sure that you’re going to be all right.”

  Libby was shocked. “I can’t do that, Ty. I have a job, obligations. I need to get back home.”

  “You won’t be feeling like working, Lib. Not for a few days, anyway. Call in sick. Tell your boss that you have the flu or something.”

  She thought it over. He was right. She really didn’t feel as good as she said she did. Everything was starting to catch up with her, she supposed. She was tired and sore, and her stomach was a little nauseous. But still…

  “I can rest and recuperate at home, if I need to, Ty. It’s silly for me to stay here.”

  “Let us do this for you, Libby,” Quinn added. “We owe you so much. Stay here at the casino. You won’t even have to lift a finger. Catered meals and maid service. Now really, how can you say no to that?”

  She could feel herself weakening. It sounded wonderful. The chance to stay in this gorgeous casino. And to be near Ty. She tried not to let that idea influence her, but still…

  “How long do you want me to stay? I can only miss a few days work.”

  “Two weeks.” Ty didn’t even hesitate.

  “What? No way. I can’t stay here for two weeks.”

  “How about one week, Libby. Ty?” Quinn offered a compromise. She could tell he was surprised at the byplay between her and Ty. She narrowed her eyes at Ty and then turned to Quinn. “Two days.”

  He quirked up an eyebrow. “Five.”

  She considered it. She did have some time owed to her, so Rocco wouldn’t be able to say anything. She hadn’t had a vacation in a while because she couldn’t really afford to go anywhere so she figured what was the point. The offer was very, very tempting. Staying in a luxury hotel, being coddled and pampered for five days.

  “Four days. I really need to be back at work by Friday.”

  Quinn smiled and stood. “Excellent.” He turned to his brother. “Ty, I’m going to my study. Why don’t you join me there when you’re done here? We have a lot we still need to talk about.”

  She saw Ty nod his head, and Quinn said good-bye and left just as Maria came back in.

  “Ty? I didn’t know you were in here. How are you feeling?” Libby watched narrowly as Maria moved closer to Ty. “We were all terribly worried about you, sweetheart.” She laid her hand on his arm and leaned closer. “If you need anything, anything at all. You just let me know, you hear?”

  Ty just stood there, a blank expression on his face. Libby pursed her lips and looked away.

  “Thanks, Maria. Are you here to take out the IV?” Ty asked.

  “Oh. Yes, of course. How are you feeling, Libby?” She moved over efficiently and removed the needle, placing a bandage across the site to stop the blood. “There you go. Good as new.”

  Libby didn’t say anything, just raised her eyebrows.

  Maria turned back to Ty. “So, Ty, maybe we can get together later, and you can tell me all about your little adventure. It’s been too long since we…talked.” Libby saw her flutter her eyelashes. Actually flutter her eyelashes. She didn’t know people really did that. “Of course, I knew you’d be all right. Nobody could hold a big, strong vampire like you for long.” She squeezed his biceps. Libby tried not to gag.

  “Well, actually”—he stepped back and pulled his arm out of Maria’s grasp—“if it weren’t for Libby here, I’d probably be a crispy critter by now.”

  “Yes, of course. We’re all just as grateful to Libby as we can be.” Maria cast her a spiteful grin and finally managed to corner Ty against the dresser. “Anyway, welcome home.” She leaned up and planted a kiss right on his lips. To Ty’s credit, he just stood there, arms down at his side, obviously making no effort to return the kiss, but Libby was steaming by the time Maria stepped away.

  “Maybe I should leave so you two can be alone?” she asked, sarcastically.

  “Well…” Maria looked like she was seriously considering the idea.

  “No. Of course not.” Ty cast Maria an irritated look. “In fact, I think we should probably leave and let you get some more rest. If you’ll give me your address, I can send someone over to your place to pack you some clothes and things that you’re going to need for the next few days.”

  Maria’s eyes widened. “Next few days?”

  Libby grinned. “Why, yes. Didn’t you know? I’m going to be staying here to recuperate from my ordeal. Ty and Quinn have invited me to be their guest. Isn’t that just wonderful? I’ll be staying with them in their apartment.”

  The outraged look on Maria’s face was perfect, and it was all Libby could do not to burst into laughter. Silver linings, Lib. Silver linings.

  * * * *

  Ty was glad to get away from Maria. What the hell had gotten into the girl? Sure they’d fucked a few times, but it had been strictly recreational sex. The way she’d been acting you’d have thought they were dating or something. And that was never the hell gonna happen. He knew what Maria was like. She just better not try to turn those fangs of hers on Libby, or she’d be out on her ass.

  As soon as he entered Quinn’s study, thoughts of Libby and Maria were pushed aside. RJ, Hawk, and Doc were all gathered around Quinn’s desk, their faces serious and determined.

  “Ty? Come on in and sit down.” Quinn gestured to the empty chair. “How are you feeling? Doc says everything seems fine, but you still need to take it easy for a few days.”

  “I’m okay, Quinn. A helluva lot better than I could’ve been, believe me.”

  A dark look entered Quinn’s eyes but was quickly shuttered. Quinn didn’t wear his feelings for all to see, but Ty knew that the past hours had been tough for him.

  Doc added, “He’s in good shape, as I said. Ty, you probably need to drink more blood than usual for the next day or so to replenish all that you lost while your body was trying to repair itself. But that’s about it. You were a very lucky vampire.”

  Ty shook his head. “I know it, Doc. I owe Libby my life.”

  Doc smiled. “That’s true. She’s a very brave and interesting young woman.”

  “How is she, really? Did I…did you find any venom in her blood?”

  Doc exchanged a look with Quinn. “Yes. You definitely injected her with a fair amount for a single bite. She’ll probably be feeling the effects for a bit, which is why it’s good that you persuaded her to stay here where we can keep an eye on her.”

  Ty’s mouth tightened, but he nodded in understanding.

  “Why hasn’t
she already gotten sick?”

  The doc considered. “She’s probably already experiencing some of the effects. Tired, irritable. Probably a headache. She may be feeling a little nauseous. It’ll get worse as the venom spreads throughout her system. It usually takes a couple of days before the worst hits.”

  “The worst?”

  Doc nodded. “She’ll be a little lethargic, possibly very thirsty, too. Achy. Maybe a little feverish. It’ll feel like a bad case of the flu. As small as she is, it’ll probably hit her pretty hard. Make sure she gets plenty of fluids, preferably juices like orange, apple, even tomato would be good. Try to avoid anything that would dehydrate her. Nothing salty if possible.”

  “Okay.”

  “The fluids I gave her will help to dilute the effects. Luckily it wasn’t enough to cause any serious damage. Just give her ibuprofen for the pain. She also may experience a little sun sensitivity, so it’s best if you keep her inside during the day.”

  He grimaced. “Right.”

  “The blood you took was minimal. A little more than usual but nothing dangerous. Her vitals look good, too. Other than that, as long as she doesn’t get injected again for the next week or so, the venom will dissipate in her system, and she’ll be good as new.”

  “Good.” He huffed out a breath of relief.

  “Well.” The doctor stood. “I’ll let you get on with it. Call me if either of you needs me.” With a last nod and good-bye to everyone, the doctor left.

  Ty sat there, contemplating again how lucky he and Libby had been to have escaped relatively unharmed.

  “We need to go over what you learned about those bodies in Waveland. Don’t leave anything out. I want every single detail you can remember.” Quinn’s voice pulled him back to the matter at hand.

  Ty pushed his concerns for Libby aside and concentrated on his role as Council Shield. He needed to find out what the hell was going on. Taking his time, Ty recounted everything he could recall of the past couple of days, answering the questions the two men shot at him. When they had exhausted every possible detail from him, it was his turn.

  “I still can’t believe I missed figuring out those bodies were bloodslaves and not victims of some rogue vamp.”