by Brenda Trim
Her hands shook as she set her drink on the floor. “I don’t even know what to say. Are you going to kill me now that you’ve told me this?”
She hated how desire burned through her when he gently took her hands and clasped them between his large palms. How could her body still want this man, thing, whatever the hell he was? It made her sick to her stomach.
“A ghra, you are in no danger. I would never harm you. You mean more to me than you can imagine.”
“How can that be? Nothing I thought I knew about you is true. You aren’t even a man. What are you Orlando? You’ve been awfully quiet. Are you a vampire too?” She played through all her interactions with these two men. How did she miss this?
Orlando’s voice brought her head up. “It’s easier if I show you what I am. But, promise me you won’t freak out and run off screaming like a girl,” Orlando pleaded.
Elsie glared at Orlando. She opened her mouth to deliver her scathing reply, only to have her jaw drop open when he slid his fingers into the waistband of his pants then pushed them, along with his boxer briefs, to the floor in one sinuous move. His shirt followed suit. She knew that Orlando was fit, though she had no idea how well-defined and muscular his body was. He was a good looking man, but did nothing to arouse the craving in her that Zander did.
She liked the druidic-tribal tattoo on his left forearm. Her gaze continued down and she noted that he was well-endowed. Not to mention, erect. She stared at the floor, ignoring the menacing sounds coming from Zander. She may have wanted to see Zander naked, but Orlando was like a brother.
“Elsie, look at me,” Orlando commanded.
“What do…” her response died when Orlando’s body wavered. It was difficult to see what was happening through the bright light that emanated from him. The light was so bright it was difficult to see, but he appeared to be changing shape. His face shrunk, along with his limbs and body. Skin rippled along his back and fur sprouted. Actual fur covered his entire body. Before she blinked, he was on all four legs and had become the white cat she first met at the cemetery.
She was cemented to the sofa, utterly speechless. She had allowed that cat into her house countless times. She was stunned. She had suspected there were other creatures roaming the night besides the evil vampires. Well, evil skirm, if Zander was to be believed. Orlando’s body wavered again. Blinking against the bright light, she saw his form began to expand and grow. The fur remained white while he transformed into the largest snow-leopard she had ever seen.
He had to be at least five feet high on all fours, and over seven feet from head to tail. She noticed that no matter what shape he took, his eyes remained that familiar, bright, emerald-green. She realized his patch of black fur was in the same location as the tattoo on his arm.
“Oh my God! Orlando, is that you? Do you understand me?” She gaped as she stared at the most beautiful animal she had ever seen. The snow-leopard strode carefully to her side, obviously not wanting to scare her and nudged her leg with his nose. Her hand hesitantly reached out and her fingers stroked his fur briefly. It was as soft as silk. She yanked it back wondering what was going on around her.
That growl sounded from Zander again, and then he issued a guttural, “Shift”.
The snow-leopard backed away from her, shifting to human form. She watched as Orlando calmly pulled his pants on and then sat on the couch, her mind whirling.
“I’m a feline shifter and can take the form of any cat. And, yes, I can understand you, but I can’t respond. Are you okay, El? You’re white as a sheet. Please say something,” Orlando pleaded.
“I’m absofuckinglutely not okay. I don’t even know where to begin. I knew there were other creatures out there, but I had no idea people could change into animals. And to see it with my own eyes,” she shook her head, confused. “Are you like a werewolf who kills people? You say vampires aren’t evil that what I have been fighting is skirm. How do I know you are telling me the truth? I know what I’ve seen. What I’ve lived through.”
“El, I’ve been living with you for weeks now. You know me. I am no more evil than you. I only kill the bad guys,” Orlando reassured.
“Lass, we are no’ the creatures you believe. We are still the same males you have come to know. I hate to see that fear in your eyes. None of us would ever hurt you,” Zander replied. He reached out to stroke her cheek and she flinched away from him.
“I can’t believe this. It’s difficult to simply trust what you are saying. For over a year now I have been killing what I thought were vampires and now I’m supposed to believe they weren’t the same as you.” She struggled to accept the reality they presented. She felt betrayed by all of them. They had been lying to her and keeping an enormous secret this whole time. Could she ever trust them again?
She had begun to feel like she was a part of a family again, but now she didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. “I need you both to leave and don’t send any of your guys to my apartment. I need to be alone right now.” They both sat, staring at her and when they didn’t move she yelled, “Leave, now!”
*****
Sharp claws shredded Zander’s heart into pieces in his chest. He never truly believed his mate would reject him, but that is exactly what she had done. His biggest fear had come true. He had a new appreciation for the pain she referred to as her black hole, for he had developed one of his own. He was jealous of the red, chenille blanket she had wrapped around herself as she curled up in the chair. It should be his arms comforting her. His chest she curled into. Her eyes screamed she hated him and wanted nothing to do with him, ever again.
He turned to leave when her tears started, but found it impossible to go out the door. “I know ‘tis a lot to take in. You’re hurt and angry that we didna tell you this sooner, but understand that our mission is to keep humans and the Tehrex Realm safe. Your mission with SOVA posed an unknown threat that I was obligated to evaluate before arming you with information that could harm countless innocent beings. We all love and care for you. That was never a lie. I will be here if you need me.” He shut the door, leaving his heart in the hands of his Fated Mate.
*****
Enough crying, Elsie chastised. Call your sister. Cailyn would know what to do. She always knew what to do. Grabbing the cell phone Zander had given her, one more reminder that the creatures of her nightmares had infiltrated her life, she called her sister.
Cailyn answered on the second ring. “Is everything okay? What’s going on?”
She felt guilty about calling past midnight when she heard her sister’s groggy voice. “I’m not hurt, at least, not physically. I need to talk to you. I’m sorry for calling so late, but this can’t wait.”
She heard the rustling of sheets and imagined Cailyn sitting up in bed. “You know you can call anytime, day or night. Now tell me, what’s wrong. Your thoughts are all jumbled. I can’t make sense of anything.”
“What I’m about to tell you is going to sound crazy, but trust me, it’s real.” With a shaky voice, she told her sister what she had learned from Zander and Orlando about the creatures of the Tehrex Realm and the skirm who had killed Dalton. She purposely left out how she had been hunting skirm with SOVA for over a year.
“So, you’re telling me that you actually saw your friend, Orlando, change into that cat from the cemetery. And then, he turned into a giant, white leopard? Unbelievable.” Elsie heard the awe in her sister’s voice.
“That’s all you have to say? Unbelievable? This is a big deal, Cai.” How could her sister be so calm, when, once again, the fabric of her world was crumbling?
Cailyn released a heavy sigh and adopted her mother-tone. “First of all, it’s three in the morning, and I’m half-asleep. Second, these men, or whatever, have gone above and beyond in their support of you. They have given you countless gifts, an expensive car and enough money to live comfortably for years. They have never harmed you in any way and it’s obvious they care deeply.” She wasn’t wrong about any of that, but hello,
they weren’t human.
“You, yourself, said you would be dead if not for Zander’s brothers saving you from that attack. For me, all that matters is how they have given you their love, support and friendship. They have made your life better and made you smile again. I don’t care what they turn into, or what they consume, as long as it’s not you. Is it weird? Yes. But, is it the end of the world? No. My heart tells me they are kind and caring,” Cailyn paused then gentled her voice, “What is your heart telling you? Are you really worried about Zander being a vampire? Or is this about you wanting him?”
Elsie’s instincts screamed that these warriors were not malevolent beings, but it was difficult to see beyond the actions of the evil creatures who took Dalton from her. She had to admit that maybe she had wrongly associated Zander and the others with skirm. She didn’t even want to acknowledge that her sister had a point with her wanting for Zander.
“I do not want him,” she denied vehemently.
“El, anyone could see the raging hot chemistry between you two. It nearly incinerated the two of you. You may have loved Dalton, but what you have with him is something altogether different and I think that scares the shit out of you. Don’t let your past haunt your future.”
“I knew I needed to call you for a reason. You have a way of putting everything into perspective. I may not like what you say and I’m going to keep my head safely in the sand over that last part. But, you’re right Zander and Orlando and the others have always been good to me. I’m sorry for waking you. Go back to sleep. I’ll talk to you later today.”
“Don’t overthink everything, El. I love you, goodnight.”
She had a lot to contemplate before she would be comfortable around her friends again. It struck her that she did still think of them as friends. More than friends for one of them. What a mess.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Thoughts of Zander had haunted her for two days. His sexy smile, the tight fit of his white, Armani shirt and the way his black slacks hugged the best ass known to man. Well, not man, but vampire. Fire coursed through her blood and ignited desire low in her abdomen. She had felt a connection to him from the moment she first saw him. Did knowing he was not only a vampire, but the Vampire King change how she felt about him? Her logical mind said yes, they were two different creatures and not compatible, but her aching body screamed that it didn’t matter one bit. In fact, her body was begging for him to sink his fangs into her throat and take anything he needed. A yearning that disturbed her greatly.
She had reacted to Zander’s revelation poorly. Despite her conflicting emotions and disbelief, she missed her friends. She wanted to see them again. Talk to them. It had been lonely in her apartment. The only thing that had kept her company was her guilt over wanting Zander.
The ring of her cell phone intruded, and she scrambled to grab it from her trusty, leather backpack. She considered having voicemail pick up Orlando’s call when she saw his name, but, the truth was, she wanted to talk to him. “Hi, Orlando, I’m glad you called,” she rubbed her hand nervously up and down her thigh. Her throat tightened with emotions.
“I called because Santiago and I have had a development in the criminal case. Okay, so that’s just an excuse. I miss you. We all do.” She knew so little about these beings.
She wondered why Orlando and Santiago worked for the police and Jace for Harborview. Zander had said it was their mission to keep humans safe. What did that mean? Would they be willing to partner with SOVA? How would Mack take this news? Her hatred for vampires was so deep that Elsie doubted she’d take it well. She knew she’d have to tell Mack at some point, but wasn’t looking forward to that conversation and had been avoiding her. She had so many questions for them.
She stood and paced the floor as she cleared the lump from her throat. “I miss you guys, too. You’ve helped me so much, and I treated you terribly when you revealed who you are. I understand why you kept it a secret and why you need to. Obviously, people wouldn’t handle the news well. They’d be afraid and some would hunt you down.” If she were honest, she would have been a part of that ignorant group. “Oh, Orlando, I’m so sorry for kicking you and Zander out of my apartment.”
“There’s no reason for you to be sorry. But, we never left. We’ve been keeping watch over you outside your apartment. We wanted to make sure you remain safe.”
She smiled. She should’ve known they would continue to watch over her. It warmed her heart knowing they cared so much, and could forgive her behavior. But, that is what family did. They forgave each other. “Do you guys want to come over? I’m making enchilada soup.”
“You know it, cupcake. I’ll bring Mexican martinis and the gang.”
“And, make sure Zander comes with you. I owe him an apology, as well.”
*****
Three martinis in, Elsie was relaxed and laughing. She guessed she had hurt Zander, since he hadn’t shown up with everyone else. She never intended to hurt him and felt terrible about it. His piercing, blue eyes and sexy smile continued to haunt her. Ever since learning what he was, she wanted to learn all about him. What did his fangs looks like? Did his eyes glow, or had she imagined that? Did he feed from women? And, why did the mere thought of him sinking his fangs into another woman’s neck set her teeth on edge and make her want to kill someone?
Zander’s scent tickled her nose. She whirled, her glass hit the linoleum floor and the shards scattered like roaches scuttling in search of a dark corner. She couldn’t move, and not because she would cut her feet if she did. His delectable scent had enveloped her and her body heated, readying for his penetration. They stared at each other from across the counter. She’d been so lost in her own head, she hadn’t heard him arrive.
“Zander. I’m glad you came. I owe you an apology. My behavior was appalling and I hope you can forgive me.” She was mesmerized by his intense presence. “Let me clean this up and then I can get you a bowl of soup and a martini.” She smiled widely at him.
“A ghra, I have missed you terribly. Doona move,” She gasped as he reached across the counter, picked her up, and brought her into his chest. “Orlando, clean up the glass and get me a drink and a bowl of my lass’ soup.”
She smirked at his familiar domineering attitude. “I can see that Mr. Bossy Pants is back. And, can I just say you’re strong.”
That sexy growl of his vibrated from his chest against hers. “’Tis Dr. McYummy to you, lass.”
She threw her head back and laughed. “I’m glad you came, Dr. McYummy. I have wanted to talk to you. I’m so sorry for what I said. I had been operating under certain assumptions for so long and I needed to process what you said.” She had the urge to nestle closer into his chest, but at the same time, her guilt surfaced, forcing her to wiggle in his arms until he put her down. It seemed as if she had lived with these battling emotions for eons and she wondered if it would ever end.
Zander took her by the arm and led her to the couch. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap. She didn’t fight him and shoved aside her reactions. “I knew it would be a lot to take in, but I couldna go on without you knowing the truth of me. Let’s no’ dwell on the past, but move forward. I canna say how happy I am to be here right now. You look beautiful.” He nuzzled her neck and placed a tender kiss behind her left ear. A zing traveled from the point his lips touched through her body.
She was breathless already. God, how she wanted this vampire. “Thanks. You look gorgeous, too. But, you probably hear that from women all the time.”
His hands ran up and down her arms. She struggled to accept the attention and what she truly wanted with this vampire. She had her vows to Dalton and that didn’t permit anything more.
“All that matters to me is what you think. There are no others. In my seven hundred sixty-five years, I havena wanted anyone like I want you,” he husked, causing her to shiver.
Why did his voice affect her so? Her eyes remained glued to his lips while he spoke. Did he say he was seven hundred sixty-five years
old? For Gods sakes, he looks like he’s in his thirties! The difference in their ages should turn her off, but still her eyes were glued to his mouth, and her thoughts ran through everything she wanted him to do with it. The bright, blue glow of his eyes distracted her from his mouth.
She wasn’t caught long, as his low groan forced her gaze back down to his mouth, where she saw his white fangs peeking out from his full lip. She gulped down another martini to stop herself from discovering what he tasted like, everywhere. Despite her attempts at control, her guilt and betrayal surfaced. She pushed back. Five minutes with him and all she could think about was hot, sweaty sex. She was weak and pathetic.
*****
In hearing his mate’s thoughts, Zander used his telepathic abilities to tell the others to leave her apartment. He wanted privacy with his mate.
He turned her in his lap so she straddled him. The position brought his groin in contact with her center. He cupped her cheeks in his palms and brought his lips down across hers. She froze in his embrace. He rubbed his hands up and down her back, calming her. Slowly she relaxed and moved her lips against his.
He pressed kisses across her mouth to her neck and back. When he returned to her lips, she opened for him and he deepened the kiss, careful to keep her in the moment. She took over and became aggressive in her exploration of him. He nearly lost his seed at the slip and slide of their passionate kiss.
She tensed and their bond told him she was allowing her emotions to get the better of her. “Nay, a ghra. Stay with me. There is nothing wrong with what we’re doing. You will no’ berate yourself for what happens between us.”
