by Hart, Shauna
Before she could ask anything else, Mina headed toward the long hall that stretched out before them. “I’ll be back in a sec.”
****
Alec searched for her, his gaze scanning the crowd.
Why had she come here? Of all places?
He spotted her a few feet away. Her black hair hung around her shoulders in loose waves. Her violet eyes were wide as they surveyed the other inhabitants of the club.
When he had seen where she was heading, he couldn’t believe it. And the girl she was with...People pretending to be vampires. It made him sick. If they knew what they were asking for, they would surely change their course. The mere thought of Kat at the Dragon’s Lair made him want to smash something.
He had to find a way to get her out before anyone guessed who she really was. She had no idea just how dangerous it would be for her here if they knew the truth.
Inhaling deeply, he let her scent wash over him. It was deep, rich, and it taunted him.
His head turned and he spotted her on the fringes of the center room. He started to take a step toward her, but someone stepped in to block his path.
“Gen,” he greeted with a slight inclination of his head.
Genevieve’s eyes flashed at the use of the nickname. “I haven’t seen you in a while. Still out running errands for your master?”
The way she drew out the last word made his jaw clench. “I was just passing through,” he lied.
He couldn’t let her find out about Kat. If she did, her claws would come out.
Her eyes widened. “Are you actually here for pleasure?”
When he didn’t answer, she continued her long fingers trailing down his chest. “It’s been a long time since we played together. Do you remember?”
He did.
He had given up that life to find redemption.
“We had fun,” she reminisced.
Gen’s idea of fun was sharing the blood of a beautiful, young girl before making love. It had been the way he lived his life once. But those days were over.
She drifted over to his side, her gaze taking in the other patrons in the room. “There are a lot of lovely girls here tonight. We could enjoy a snack before we get reacquainted,” she suggested, her lips close to his ear.
The suggestion was not unexpected. Gen was not known for denying herself if she wanted something. She hadn’t practiced any form of restraint in years. She satisfied all of her appetites full on.
“I’m not staying, Gen.”
She pursed her lips in irritation. “Aren’t you tired of trying to be something you’re not, Alec?”
He cast a quick side glance at her before turning to search the crowd for Kat.
The man Gen knew years ago would have accepted the request with ease. But that was then. His life was different now. Tarquin made him understand how wrong it was to live that way. Alec didn’t have to live his life as the monster he had been created to be. He could choose a different path—His choice was the only thing that could not be stolen from him.
His mortal life may be over, but free will was still intact. Not that he was obsessive about it. Basic need would not allow him to be. He still needed blood to survive. He just became more selective about the people he drank from. He may be damned, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t find redemption by ridding the world of murderers and rapists.
“This is who I am.”
She rolled her eyes. “I remember a different time.”
He shot her a look filled with disdain. “A time that ended long ago.”
One eyebrow arched as the side of her mouth quirked up in amusement.
“We shall see.”
Chapter 3
Alec searched the crowd that was forming at the mouth of the room ahead. Kat stood close to the entrance. She pushed her black hair over her shoulder revealing the slender arch of her neck. He took a deep breath to still the hunger as he drew her scent in.
She turned to the side, her gaze searching the crowd and he slid into the shadows.
It was almost as if she sensed him.
But that was impossible.
People rarely saw what was right in front of them.
His gaze roamed the room, spotting several mismatched couples. He wondered if they had any idea how close to death they were.
Genevieve founded the Dragon’s Lair with Damien a few years ago. It was a convenient way to blend into society. A nice, respectable way for the vampires to eat in public. The humans who came here thought it was nothing more than a Goth-themed club. They came with the expectation of immersing themselves in the macabre.
Some lived.
Others didn’t.
But all of the members remained fiercely loyal. Then again, it wasn’t as if they had much choice. Who would believe that vampires were real? And walking around the streets of New Orleans every night? It was a nice story for Anne Rice to tell, but in the end, it was just that. A story.
At least, that was what the humans told themselves to help them sleep at night.
Back in the Dark Ages, things were much more complicated.
People believed in more than what they could see. Science had yet to steal faith…and fear. The stories created seductive creatures that could make you give up your virtue as well as your blood. But today that was just a myth.
They were killers. Each and every one of them.
Predators.
The reality was too horrifying for humans to believe.
It was an existence that no one would desire if they truly understood the consequences. Still, whenever he spotted people on the street with their black clothes and white makeup, he would smile. As if his kind would willingly draw attention to themselves. Their lives depended on staying hidden. And no matter what show Genevieve concocted with the club, it would always remain that way.
He glanced back at Kat. Her gaze was riveted on the room before her. He knew of the club’s vices. He could imagine the display that was being put on in front of her right now.
If it was even close to the things he witnessed here before, someone was going to die.
****
Kat’s eyes focused on the pair in the center of the room. A man in black stood behind a woman with blond hair. The woman wore a long, sheer white gown. She was naked underneath it, her dark nipples peaking through the gauzy material.
The man behind her searched the room, his lips tilted up on an expectant smile. His dark blond hair fell forward as he leaned in.
“Everyone, this is Alyssa.”
The room was completely silent. Kat glanced around to see that the other patrons were staring avidly at the girl.
“Alyssa has agreed to share with us tonight,” he informed. Turning to look at her, his eyebrows rose. “Haven’t you?”
When she didn’t immediately respond, he slid his hand around to gently caress the side of her neck.
The girl’s eyes were wide, but her face was devoid of emotion. “Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The man turned back to face the crowd. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Damien. I’ll be exploring Alyssa tonight.”
Exploring?
What the hell did that mean?
Just what did he plan to do with this girl?
A quick scan of the other patrons proved that they were not alarmed by the announcement. She told herself to calm down. After all, this was why she was here. She had to find out if the stories about the club were true.
Because if they were, girls were disappearing.
Damien’s fingers glided over Alyssa’s arm, and she let out a sigh of pleasure.
“Are you ready, Alyssa?” he asked, his voice taking on a husky tone that made Kat’s stomach tremble.
“Yes.”
He slipped the straps of her dress down her shoulders letting the material fall in a puddle at her feet. Alyssa stood completely still as he bared her body to the room. Her nipples puckered with arousal.
Kat looked around to find not
hing but hungry stares as everyone watched the scene unfold.
“Alyssa has a beautiful body. And we were lucky that she agreed to share it with us tonight.”
From behind, he reached around to cup her breast in his hand, his fingers toying with her nipple. Alyssa’s eyes glazed over.
“Look how full and beautiful her breasts are, how they flush with arousal,” he observed.
He leaned in to speak to Alyssa in a low voice. “Do you like the way I touch you?”
Alyssa breathed in shallow breaths as he continued to play with her. “Yes.”
His hand trailed lower to glide over her abdomen. “Spread your legs so that everyone can see how beautiful you are,” he whispered.
Alyssa readily complied.
Kat drew in a shaky breath as she watched his hand delve into the blond curls at Alyssa’s center. He looked up, and his gaze centered on Kat. A faint smile curved his lips as he began to rub lazy circles on the other woman’s clit.
“Look how easily she is aroused, how wet she gets with the lightest touch.”
Kat tried to look away but she couldn’t. His gaze drew her in and held her there unwilling to let go.
Alyssa’s head fell back against his chest as he continued to stroke her. Within seconds, she shuddered against him as an orgasm claimed her.
When she did, Damien released Kat from his gaze to place his mouth in the curve of Alyssa’s neck.
****
Alec watched the scene, his gut clenching in disgust. He looked around the room. No one even realized what they were witnessing. Every part of him raged at the cruel injustice that was being done to this girl. It was obvious that Damien had used his persuasion to make her acquiesce.
When Damien retreated into the shadows with Alyssa, everyone clapped like it was all a part of some macabre dinner show.
Everyone but Kat.
Alec’s gaze fastened on her. The look on her face was one of pure horror. His jaw clenched painfully. He had seen the way Damien looked at her. Damien wanted her. And it was up to Alec to make sure that never happened. He had to get her out of here before Damien finished with Alyssa.
Before Damien found out the truth…
Chapter 4
Kat took a long sip of her drink to calm her nerves.
Where the hell had Mina disappeared to?
One minute the girl was by her side and the next she was gone. Casting furtive glances around the room, Kat tried to locate her. Despite the curious looks she received in return, Mina was nowhere to be found.
Without warning, the room began to spin. The lights became colors that danced all around her. She looked down into her glass.
What the hell was in this drink?
Kat tried her best to control her breathing, but it felt like the floor was shaking beneath her feet. She was beginning to wobble when a strong hand caught her arm to steady her.
Her gaze rose and was met by an arresting pair of silver eyes. Unable to look away, she let him hold her up.
“Are you alright?”
The deep husky timbre of his voice seemed to reach out and stroke her intimately.
“I…”
Her mind swirled to images.
Images of his hands traveling over her body.
His mouth teasing hers open.
She tried to hold on to rational thought, but the effort was strained. The wine had to be drugged. It was the only excuse she had for letting him take her drink and lead her out of the club.
When they were in the courtyard, his gaze traveled over her length. She drew in a shaky breath as she struggled to remain on her feet.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded. “Yes,” she managed.
He fixed her with an intent stare. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Why?”
He hesitated for a moment before answering. “It’s just not safe.”
She should leave and go back inside. After all, she didn’t know him. She had no idea what his intentions were. But there was something about him, something familiar. Something that made her feel safe.
“Have we met before?”
The corners of his lips twitched up. “I don’t believe so. I’m sure I would remember you.”
She wobbled again, and he caught her, his arm sliding around her waist. She leaned into him, her chin tilting back to meet his eyes.
“I could swear I’ve seen you before,” she murmured.
“Maybe in another life,” he suggested his voice husky.
Kat’s head was spinning from the drink. Her eyes focused on him. His dark brown hair was a little long. It curled over the collar of his shirt. She ached to run her fingers through it. His jaw was perfectly sculpted, his full lips begging for her kiss. Even though the arm around her waist was cool, it heated her blood. She felt her nipples harden into tight buds against the material of her dress.
What was wrong with her?
Whatever was in the house wine was potent stuff. Suddenly, the world began to spin violently and she collapsed against him.
****
Damien felt the life drain from the girl in his arms as the sweet taste of her blood filled his mouth. When he was finished with her, he passed Alyssa to the man at his side. He turned away as the man took the girl and hurried out the back door. She would be disposed of like all the rest.
Damien headed back out to the drawing room, his gaze scanning the crowd. Most of the patrons thought they had just seen an elaborate production. But it was no show. To him, it was nothing more than dinner. Still, he grew tired of the charade. Humans were so easy. Easy to command. To enthrall.
And after four hundred years, he was bored. There was no sport anymore. As much as he had always enjoyed mesmerizing them, it seemed like little more than a chore now. If it wasn’t for the necessity of feeding he would have stopped years ago. But the club enabled them to stay in one place, to live freely if that’s what you call it. He moved through the crowd like a vapor stealing into their thoughts, releasing their hidden desires. Tonight, though, he had only one thing on his mind.
The woman with the dark hair.
Where had she disappeared to?
He watched her watching him with Alyssa, had felt her longing, her untapped desire. He tried to ease into her mind, to tease her. But for the first time in years, he hadn’t been able to. In that moment, he made up his mind to find her as soon as he finished with Alyssa.
What was it about her that called out to him?
Was it just the anonymity of her thoughts, the fact that he couldn’t read her as easily as he could read everyone else?
No, there was something else.
She was different.
He could feel it.
After walking through the rooms several times, his search turned up nothing. His gaze still searching for her, he inhaled deeply to see if he could pick up her smell.
Suddenly, he felt a presence at his side. He didn’t have to turn to know who it was.
“Unhappy with tonight’s selection?” Genevieve inquired.
“It is the same selection we have seen for weeks.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Now that’s not true. I’ve seen several faces disappear recently.”
He sighed heavily.
“Someone in particular you are looking for?”
He sometimes forgot that Genevieve knew him so well.
When he didn’t answer, she continued. “Her name is Kat Montague.”
He turned to face her. “Who?”
“The woman you’re looking for.”
His eyes narrowed. “And you know this how?”
A diabolical smile slid across her mouth. “I make it my business to know our patrons.”
He turned to look at the crowd before him, not wanting her to be able to read him.
“She’s not human,” she observed casually.
“I know.”
“So, what is she?” she prodded.
His lips formed a grim line. �
��That is what I intend to find out. Is she upstairs?”
She shook her head. “I would have been informed if she was using a room. She must have slipped out after the show.”
He inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing as he picked up another scent. “Am I mistaken or was a visitor from the past here as well?
Genevieve didn’t look at him. “No one I recall.”
His jaw clenched, but he said nothing.
She may have gotten away tonight, but her luck would not hold out for long. Because for the first time in years, Damien actually wanted something, craved it.
And what he craved…was her.
****
Alec laid her gently on the bed. Getting away so easily was a shock, even to him. He leaned down to remove her arms from his neck, but to his surprise she tightened her hold pulling him down on the bed beside her.
“Don’t go,” she murmured.
Her eyelids hung low, her mouth curved in a smile of satisfaction. Alec felt a longing deep in his gut. He shouldn’t want her to say these things, shouldn’t want her to desire his presence, but he did.
“I must,” he replied solemnly.
Her hands caressed his face, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.
“Don’t leave me. Not again,” she whispered.
Again?
Had he heard her right?
He reached up, his hand gently encircling her wrist to pull her hand away. But she resisted, lacing her fingers through his.
“Stay with me tonight.”
More than anything he wished he could give in and just forget about all his obligations. For years he had been watching her. And for years he had been tormented—tortured with visions of a future that could never be. He was a member of the Vigilate, ordered to protect her. There would never be a day when his thoughts could be enacted. Never be a day when he could give in to the temptation to be with her. To do so would mean death for certain.
“I can’t,” he answered honestly.
She leaned up, her lips mere inches from his. Her breath wafted over his face.
How he longed to close the distance, to show her how much he desired her.
“Please don’t leave. For once, just stay with me.”
His eyes widened as he stared at her.
She couldn’t know what she was saying.
