He leaned in and planted a kiss on her nose. “You’re right, and I’m sorry.”
“Hey, I was thinking ... Can we get a delivery of regular food to come here? You know, bread, milk, teabags, that kind of thing. I don’t want to be presumptuous, but if I’m going to be spending some time here, I kind of need some human stuff.”
“You can have anything you want. Take my credit card and use the computer. Order anything you like. Money isn’t an issue.” He paused and then said, “And, Lauren, you can live here now, not just stay here, okay? What’s mine is yours and all that jazz. You don’t need to ask for anything. Just order whatever you want.”
She gestured down to the shirt she wore. “And some clothes? I don’t need anything fancy, just some basics.”
He got that wicked glint in his eye and moved in closer, his hand slipping beneath the back of the shirt to cup her bottom in his palm. “I’m not going to pretend I don’t like you wandering around this place in only my shirt, but I guess The Directive will be here soon, and I don’t want anyone else getting an eyeful of these gorgeous legs.”
She hid a smile. “You didn’t seem to mind too much when you were getting me naked on the balcony last night.”
His hands went to the buttons of her shirt. “Is that an invitation to get you naked again?”
“Well, it wasn’t,” she said, taking a step even closer, “but since you’re offering.”
His hand slipped around the back of her neck and he kissed her, teasing nibbles of her lips, his tongue darting into her mouth. She pressed her hips closer, already feeling the ridge of his erection between them. She was still swollen from their last session, but she wanted him again.
In his pocket, his phone buzzed.
“Damn it,” Nikolai swore.
Lauren twisted her lips. “It might be important.”
“Yeah, it probably is.” Though she could sense his reluctance, he took the phone out of his pocket and swiped the screen to answer. She watched his expression as he listened to whoever was on the other end. “Sure. No problem. I’ll see you shortly.”
“Who was it?”
“A man named Henry Grimes. He’s a powerful witch and part of a special taskforce working for The Directive to help protect Bloodmates.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “We need a special taskforce to protect us?”
“Think about it. If something were to happen to you, I would lose my mind. I’d lose my ability to control the desire for blood, and I’d probably end up killing a lot of people. There are vampires out there who are far older and stronger than I am. What if one of them was to lose his or her Bloodmate? They could be used as political weapons, and bring about the fall in the respect vampire-kind has worked to gain all these years.”
“I see.” She nodded her understanding. “I hadn’t thought of it like that. So, are there a lot of us out there?”
“A lot of Bloodmates?”
“Yes.”
Nikolai shook his head. “Not at all. They’re a rare thing to come across, so it’s surprising a number have been located recently. Of course, when I say a number, it’s really only been a handful, and that’s taking in the whole globe.”
She didn’t know how she felt about that. Of course, she felt special, but it was also a lot of responsibility. The only thing she’d ever been responsible for in the past had been herself.
The buzzer to the penthouse rang with a jarring blare, and Lauren jumped again at the sound.
“Shit!” She clutched her hand to her chest.
Nikolai turned for the door. “It’ll be The Directive.”
Sudden nerves fluttered in her stomach. The Directive sounded official and kind of intimidating. What if they took one look at her and realise she didn’t belong? Would they see her as some street kid who only managed to get herself kidnapped because she’d pick-pocketed the wrong person? She hadn’t even told Nikolai about that side of her life. What if he was horrified at the way she’d lived and didn’t want to know her anymore? Then she remembered how he’d said he’d been involved with the Russian mafia, which meant he’d been into organised crime many years ago. He probably wouldn’t have a leg to stand on if he tried to judge her for a little stealing in order to have a bed to sleep in and food in her belly.
Nikolai was already at the front door, buzzing up the men who’d been sent here to protect her. She suddenly realised she was only wearing Nikolai’s shirt. “Shit, shit, shit.”
Nikolai turned to her with a frown. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not even dressed!”
Deciding the dress was more appropriate than the shirt, she ran for the balcony., and snatched it up from the pile they’d left it in the previous night. Then she ran for Nikolai’s bedroom, praying she’d make it there before the man from The Directive made it up to the penthouse.
She did, and she slammed the bedroom door shut behind her, breathing a sigh of relief. She went into the bathroom and shed herself of her clothes, and quickly jumped beneath the shower. She couldn’t meet all these people smelling like sex and a night of captivity. She wasn’t a vain person—far from it—but she had some self-respect.
In less than a minute, she was back out again and drying off. Instead of putting on her dirty underwear, she found a pair of Nikolai’s clean boxer shorts and pulled them up under the dress instead. With all the ruffles, no one would ever know, though the shorts did look pretty funny combined with the expensive dress.
Still, she would have preferred her usual jeans and vest-top combo, but this was better than meeting some Directive people wearing only Nikolai’s shirt.
She went to leave the room, and then paused at the closed door. Muffled male voices came from the other side, and a fresh wave of nervousness flooded through her. She didn’t know why she was so nervous—it wasn’t as though she’d done anything wrong, apart from the whole pick-pocketing thing. But these were vampires and maybe even other supernatural creatures. She doubted any of them had led their lives fully without sin.
Lauren took a shaky breath and forced herself out of the room.
All faces turned towards her. Nikolai was there, of course, and she recognised the man at his side—the same dark haired man who’d been with him when they’d rescued her. Nikolai’s maker. Ivan, she thought he was called. Standing with them was a shorter man with blond hair—a couple of shades lighter than Nikolai’s—and blue eyes that were a shade darker. He didn’t smile at her as she entered, but ducked his chin to acknowledge her. Another two men were with him, and she instinctively picked up that they were of a lower level than the blond man. Perhaps they were present to act as physical backup to the more diminutive man, though, despite his smaller stature, she got the impression he was someone you wouldn’t want to mess with.
“Henry Grimes,” introduced Nikolai. “This is the woman all the fuss is about. Lauren Morgan.”
“It’s good to meet you, Lauren.”
He put out his hand to her, and she took it. She heard an accent. American. What kind of supernatural was he? He certainly didn’t look like a vampire, and when she shook his hand, his skin was warm.
The man from The Directive released her, and she turned to the other men in the room.
“Nice to see you again, Lauren,” said Ivan. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I can see why Nikolai is so wrapped up in you.”
Nikolai shot him a warning glance. Though Ivan was Nikolai’s maker, and therefore older, she got the impression Ivan was the more reckless of the pair. Nikolai seemed solid and steadfast, whereas Ivan was more flighty. Hadn’t they been at the werewolf’s club in the first place because of Ivan? She didn’t know the full story, but she was sure she’d caught something about him dating the daughter of the wolf who had taken her. A thread of unease wound through her. Didn’t that mean Ivan’s allegiances were divided? Was he truly trustworthy?
Nikolai certainly seemed to trust him, but she couldn’t help thinking that trust might be misplaced. Was Nikolai blinde
d because Ivan was his maker? She stored the thought away.
Henry spoke up again, commanding their attention. “Apologies none of the others were able to make it. The rest of my team are still caught up in France, and Jana is currently in Scotland dealing with a similar case.”
Nikolai nodded. “Yes, I know. I spoke to her first.”
His face pinched. “So, you’ll have heard we have a number of these cases popping up across the world? There seems to be a greater number in America, but that might just be the ones we’ve heard about.”
“I understand. It’s a busy time for The Directive.”
“It certainly is. I don’t think we’ve ever experienced a time when we’ve had to deal with so many cases at once.”
“Any idea what’s causing it?”
“Not yet, but we’re working on finding out.” He rubbed his hand across his mouth, a couple of lines appearing between his fine blond eyebrows as he thought. “We need to go to the club where Lauren was held, and talk to this werewolf, Deacon Thorn.” He looked to her. “Lauren, you will stay here. I’ll leave Price and Jennings here to protect you. You’ll be perfectly safe.”
Lauren straightened her back. She assumed Price and Jennings were the two other men, who as of yet hadn’t actually spoken. “I will do no such thing. I’m coming with you.”
“It isn’t safe for you out there,” said Nikolai. “The vampire who bought you is still at large.”
She motioned around her. “But I’ll have all of you with me. Five of you, against one vampire. Don’t you think you’ll all be enough to protect me? I’ve seen the films where everyone splits up and someone ends up dead. It’s always safer for everyone to stay together.
The supes all exchanged glances.
“Okay,” Henry relented. “But you stay close to us at all times.”
Lauren nodded. That would do. “I’m going to need some new clothes, though. There’s no way I’m going back to that club wearing this.” She motioned down at the dress.
“Okay. We’ll send Price and Jennings out to find you something.”
“Jeans, t-shirt, and some trainers,” she said. “Nothing flash.”
The men didn’t look terribly comfortable at the idea of shopping for her. She wasn’t too keen on it either, but she doubted they were going to let her go out browsing any time soon. She also could have done with some new underwear, but there was no way in hell she was going to let these guys buy her some. She’d make do with the strapless bra and Nikolai’s boxer shorts for the moment.
“The Canary Wharf shops will still be open,” Nikoali said. “It’s only ten minutes drive from here.”
Both Price and Jennings nodded and, without a single word or complaint about being sent off on such a domestic task, left the penthouse. Lauren hoped they had some idea about sizes, and weren’t going to come home with clothes that were either too tiny or too big.
Nikolai gestured to his leather couches. “Why don’t we all take a seat.”
Awkwardly, they did as he suggested. Lauren sat beside Nikolai, feeling safer with her thigh pressed against his.
“So, Lauren,” Henry said, focusing on her again. She didn’t like it when he did that. He had a strange kind of intensity to his gaze that made her feel as though she’d either burst into flames or shrink inwardly until she vanished into nothing. “Nikolai says you have fae blood.”
She nodded. “I guess so, though I don’t know anything about it. I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t experienced things for myself over the last few days.”
“What kinds of things?”
“The ability to hear Nikolai’s thoughts at times, and then...” She tailed off, her cheeks heating. How could she tell this man that some weird blue light appeared on her hands and arms when she orgasmed?
Nikolai stepped in for her. “When we’re intimate, a light appears over Lauren’s hands and arms. We don’t know what it does, but it seems to be a manifestation of emotion, maybe?”
Henry’s lips pursed. “I see. Well, it’s something to keep an eye on, but obviously isn’t our primary concern. That has to be making sure Lauren is protected while we investigate the charges.”
Nikolai cocked an eyebrow. “Investigate?”
“Yes, of course. The charge of trafficking people to be sold to vampires is a very serious one. It’s not something that’s going to be taken care of overnight.”
“Of course. I understand.”
Despite his words, Lauren watched a different emotion creep over his face, and she didn’t miss the way his hands flexed into fists. Like him, Lauren wanted these people to storm into that club and take the place apart, but she guessed it wasn’t so easy. Just because they had accused someone of doing something terrible didn’t mean they were instantly tarred as guilty.
They went over the events of what had happened, describing everything in detail. Henry made notes and asked questions, trying to get a complete picture from their side before they went and questioned Lauren’s abductors.
In less than an hour, the two bodyguards returned carrying a number of shopping bags. They handed them over to Lauren, who accepted them gratefully. She’d be happy to get out of this damned dress. Not only was it not something she’d ever wear, she also didn’t like having something Deacon Thorn had purchased.
Taking the bags, she vanished back into the bedroom to change and prepare herself for what was coming next.
Chapter 13
Together, they all left the penthouse and went down to the building’s car park below.
Lauren looked good dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. They fit her slender shape well, and for the first time Nikolai felt like he was seeing the person she’d been before he’d come into her life.
He didn’t like them being out in the open, however. Normally, the night brought him peace, but not tonight. Now, everywhere seemed to hold a portent of danger. Every dark crevice held the promise of someone hiding within the shadows. Every vehicle might be used to snatch away his Bloodmate. Every stranger they passed might be in collusion with the vampire who’d paid to own Lauren.
He wanted to feel reassured by having members of The Directive around him, but the nagging fear wouldn’t leave him. He should be happy about being able to march into the club with Henry Grimes and the others at his shoulder, to take Deacon down for what he had done to Lauren, and hold him accountable, and force him to give over the name of the other vampire, but instead unease nibbled away at his edges, leaving his nerves frayed, like rats on a sack filled with corn.
Henry and his two companions had arrived in one car, so they needed to divide between that vehicle and Nikolai’s car. “Take Price and Jennings with you,” Henry said. “I’ll ride with Ivan. Just gives you that little extra bit of protection in case something happens. Of course, we’ll be right behind you, so don’t think for a moment that you won’t also have backup.”
“Thank you, Henry.”
Nikolai didn’t know the exact scope of Henry’s powers, but he knew the witch must be powerful to be a part of The Directive. He hoped those powers would be put to use, should they need them.
They drove through the city. Nikolai didn’t think he’d ever been so tense in his life. Even in the early days, when he’d first come to London and didn’t know if the person who’d taken his human life had followed him over, he’d felt less stressed. He had more at stake now. He could handle losing his own life, but if something happened to Lauren, that would be the end of him. He kept glancing over to her, making sure she was still there, still real.
They drove across the East End of London and found two parking spots on the street on the other side of the road to the club. Behind them, the second car also pulled up, and Ivan and Henry climbed out. Nikolai stepped around to the other side of the car so he could put his arm protectively around Lauren’s waist.
Nikolai surveyed the front of the club. He remembered pulling her from the place only twenty-four hours earlier, dragging her through the streets in her dres
s and heels. The same rage he’d experienced at finding her locked behind bars surged through him again, and he gritted his teeth, trying to hold back his emotions. He’d need to keep it together, and he knew that was going to be hard, especially when he was faced with the son of a bitch who’d taken her.
It was still early, but a few people milled around, some queuing to get inside the club, while others hung out. A group of young people chatted while one of them finished a cigarette and threw the butt to the ground, bouncing red embers on the black tarmac.
Nikolai glanced over at Lauren. “If a single person so much as looks at you the wrong way in this place, I swear to God ...”
Her hand on his arm calmed him. “It’ll be okay, Nikolai. No one is going to let anything happen. We’re just going in there to talk. To put a stop to this.”
“You think whatever vampire bought you is going to just walk away? If he’s had a taste of your blood, he’s not going to just ask for a refund and let things go.”
Henry stepped forward, interrupting their conversation. “We can’t let him do that, anyway. It’s against the law for a vampire to buy a person against their wishes. There are protocols that need to be followed.”
“So, maybe he’ll realise he’s in trouble and just run?” she said, and he heard the hope in her voice.
“I want to believe that, too, Lauren, but you have no idea how enticing you are. If he’s had a taste of you, he’ll be like a drug addict trying to get his next fix. He won’t care that it’s against the law or that it might get him in trouble. He’ll keep coming for you until he gets what he’s paid for.”
Her lips tightened, and she lifted her chin. “Then we’ll have to find him and make sure he can’t.”
Nikolai risked a smile. She looked so fierce standing there, her dark eyes blazing, her shoulders back, her small chin lifted. He almost hoped the other vampire would get a glimpse of her, so he could see she wasn’t someone who would allow herself to be bought and used. She was a fighter, and she was brave, and, right in that moment, he thought he’d never been prouder of a single person his whole existence.
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