by Grosso, Kym
“Oh my God!” Laryssa squeaked as she fell backwards, fully expecting to crack her head open on one of the many sharp-edged desks that sat adjacent to where she’d been working. As she felt strong male hands slide up under her ribcage, grazing her breasts, she gasped. She wasn’t sure whether to thank the stranger or call the police, but as she turned her face to try to see him, she immediately recognized her rescuer.
“It’s you,” she stammered, clutching his arms. Laryssa giggled nervously, realizing how once again she’d foolishly fallen in front of the sexy vampire. And like last night, he’d caught her. She couldn’t believe how clumsy she’d all of a sudden become. She tried to relax and find her footing, but her heart was beating so fast that she could barely think. What is he doing here in my shop? How did he find me?
Like a story book flipping pages, her mind whirled until she remembered what she’d done last night at the club. She’d fought off the asshole who’d grabbed her at the bar. The feel of his hands around her throat had forced her fear into overdrive. The knife had only been a few inches away, but still too far. Desperation had taken over as her power surged, calling the blade to her fingertips. Jamming it into his neck was as instinctive as breathing. Kill or be killed, she’d always choose the former. She’d run into the alley, refusing to discuss it with management. The only one who knew her was Avery and there was no way her friend would have divulged her identity to the vampire. She’d be more likely to turn him into a three horned sheep before she’d squeal. The only way the vampire could have found her would have been if he’d followed her home.
A brush to her breast reminded her that she was still being held upright by him, and Laryssa felt her face grow red. Arousal licked over her skin. Cautiously, she rooted her shoes on the floor and turned around, steeling her nerves.
“I’m so sorry,” she said.
“My pleasure, mademoiselle, but I suggest you avoid heights in the future.”
Surreptitiously, she stole a glance at him, which reminded her how incredibly handsome he was. His short dark hair was perfectly coiffed. His white dress shirt hung casually over the waistband of his jeans. Laryssa forced herself to look away, trying not to stare at the masculine features of his face. Straight nose, square jaw and perfectly kissable lips… lips that were smooth talking and way too articulate, teasing her with every word he spoke. Beads of sweat broke out across her forehead. It felt as if someone had turned up the heat, her skin was on fire. She noticed his eyes were no longer on hers and had dropped to her chest. They lingered only a second, and then he met her gaze and smiled. She looked downward and noticed that several buttons had come undone in her fall, revealing the edges of her white lace bra. Could this day get any more embarrassing? Laryssa’s fingers shook as she buttoned her sweater.
“I’m so sorry. I just…you just…I just…” Great, first I’m a klutz and now I can’t speak. She bit her lip, paused and then took a deep breath before starting again. “Thank you for catching me.”
“Again.” Léopold watched her as she adjusted her clothes, wishing to rip the rest of the pearly buttons from their fragile seams. But he refused to let the beast within take what it wanted. No, he’d find out what the hell she was before showing her his true nature. “Yes, thank you…again.” She smoothed down her skirt, trying to pretend she hadn’t just fallen into his arms and let him feel her up in the process. Business, think business. Her pulse slowed and she willed herself to appear nonchalant.
“We met last night, remember?” he pressed. Léopold smiled and ran his hand over the colorful marquetry in rosewood that scrolled through a seventeenth century secretaire. Interesting that she could deliberately control the flow of her blood. It further piqued his concern about her species. What was she?
Laryssa’s eyes met his, widening at the confirmation that he knew exactly who she was.
“Yes, yes I do. But I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.” Vampire. Big bad vampire. Laryssa watched intently as he fingered the furniture, trailing his thumb over the symmetrical scenes as if he was caressing a lover.
“Lovely.” Léopold flashed his eyes to hers.
“What?” Laryssa realized that he was toying with her, purposefully trying to make her nervous.
“I said, it’s lovely. The neoclassical architectural structures. The white marble top. Doré bronze mounts.”
“Is there something specific I can help you with?”
“You get directly to the point?” Léopold had intended to play with her a bit, throw her off her game. Yet his little rabbit wasn’t frozen in the field like he’d anticipated. No, she rebounded nicely, and now stood confidently like a wildcat, poised to attack.
“I don’t really have time to waste. So yeah, I’d like to know why you followed me from the club. And I really want to know what you are doing in my shop.”
Léopold merely laughed and crossed the room to admire a chair and matching settee.
“Circa 1775?”
Laryssa walked over and placed her hand on the elegant Louis XVI chair. “Yes. How did you know? It’s a very special piece. It has the mark of Versailles Palace on it.”
“Indeed.” Léopold sat in the chair, wrapping his fingers around its arms. “Nothing but the best. Fit for a king.”
“And I suspect you’d like being a king.” She put her hands on her hips, waiting for him to respond.
“Ah, a king I never was. But I’ve dined with kings, and I can assure you that while they enjoy the extravagances of the rich, they often lose their heads. Easy come, easy go.”
“Why are you here?” Laryssa brushed her hair back, attempting to regain her composure. “Are you looking for something specific?”
“Oui, pet. But not an antique. While I do enjoy shopping, this is hardly the time.” Léopold lost the smile, allowing his eyes to pierce hers. “So I shall get to the point. What are you?”
Laryssa lost her ability to rein in her pulse and her heart began to fiercely pump hot blood through her veins. Her lips tightened, and she clenched her jaw. How dare he ask about her? What the hell did he want from her anyway? Dear God, she had enough issues with the darkness on her tail and now he was asking about her origins.
“What do you mean, ‘what am I?’ I’m the owner of this store. Does that answer your question?” Laryssa asked, her voice growing louder. “Who are you?”
“Léopold Devereoux. That’s who I am. I can be your angel or nightmare, depending on the day. So listen up. What. Are. You?” Léopold didn’t make a move. He sat completely still, anticipating her answer.
“Get out of here right now. I don’t have to tell you anything.”
Laryssa realized she’d made the classic mistake of turning her back on a predator and within seconds, she found herself backed against the wall. A mixture of fear and arousal flared as he pressed his body against hers. His hands caged her, and he’d effectively pinned her to the wall without ever restraining her arms. She breathed deeply, inhaling the clean male scent that surrounded her, and she sagged against him. Please God, don’t let me be attracted to him. This is wrong. Even as she told herself that he was nothing but trouble, she could feel the heat grow between her legs.
“What are you?” Léopold whispered into her ear. His lips brushed her hair and he resisted the urge to kiss her.
“Please…I can’t tell you,” she begged.
“Laryssa…there’s a child.” Léopold knew no other way to be than honest. He’d swear her to secrecy if he was wrong and she wasn’t aware. Deep in his gut, he knew she was the being he was looking for, the one who’d help him save Ava.
“Oh God. It’s true then,” she breathed into his chest. Her fingers rose to clutch his shirt. How can he possibly know about what I sensed? A baby? One born like me?
“You must help me, mon petit lapin. Tell me what you are.”
“No. I can’t.” He couldn’t possibly know what he was asking of her. They’d kill her. Hell, he’d kill her. She shook her head but didn’t release the fa
bric curled into her fists.
“You must.” Léopold’s hand snaked up toward her throat. His mind warred against the urge to fuck her. At the same time, his frustration grew; her determination to withhold information was maddening. The child could die if she refused to help him. He wouldn’t let it happen…not again.
“No,” she whispered. Laryssa froze under his touch. As his fingertips grazed her collarbone and his thumb settled into the hollow of her neck, she closed her eyes, pressing her forehead into his chest. On fire with fear and the hot need growing in her belly, she relaxed into him, desiring the submission he sought from her. He could break her neck like a twig, but she sensed that he wouldn’t hurt her. It was irrational, she knew.
“How can I trust you? I don’t know you.” A hot tear escaped her eye.
“Tell me, pet. And while you’re at it, I’d like to know why you don’t fear me.” Léopold fingered her throat, holding her fully exposed to him. His fangs snapped down, both in anger and hunger for the woman in his arms. Her breath warmed his shirt, and he rocked his hardness into her belly, letting her feel what she was doing to him. He fisted his other hand into her long hair and pulled her head backward, revealing the smooth skin of her neck. Was she crazy? Why wasn’t she scared of him? She should be screaming, not aroused. Goddammit, she was making him insane.
“I…I know…you won’t hurt me.”
“And how do you know this?” He pressed her further against the wall, and she released a small moan.
“I don’t know…I just know you won’t.”
Léopold bent his head forward, grazing his fangs across her delicate skin. He didn’t draw blood, but earned a small squeak from her lips. He swore that if she didn’t tell him within the next thirty seconds, he’d taste of her blood.
“Please, don’t,” she cried. “The child.”
“Oui, the child,” he repeated. In the heat of the moment, he’d lost sight of why he was even there. Having her in his arms had become all that mattered, taking her, dominating her.
“I need to be able to trust you. You can’t tell anyone…please,” Laryssa pleaded.
“I swear it to you. Now tell me,” he breathed. Before he could stop himself, he dragged his tongue from the hollow of her neck up to behind her ear. She tasted like the sweetest tropical fruit. For the love of the Goddess, he had to have her. He settled his teeth once again against her flesh, but didn’t break the skin. It was pure torture and pleasure all at once.
“I…I can do things. Move things…by thinking it.” She made the decision to tell him this much, but it was too soon to trust him with all her secrets. Still, her instincts told her that she needed to seek his protection. She released his shirt and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him toward her.
Not much could shock the ancient vampire, but the feel of her hands around him made him go stiff. What kind of game is she playing? She’d just admitted that she could invoke telekinesis. Immediately, he released her, breaking away from the sumptuous vixen who threatened his sanity. Her look of surprise, then disappointment jarred him further. Instead of running, she fell down into one of her antique chairs and wrapped her arms around herself as if she was missing the feel of him on her skin. He spun around, plowing his fingers through his hair, taking a cleansing breath, willing his erection to subside. What the fuck is going on with her? With me? She must be some kind of witch to have this effect on him. He needed to get it the fuck together and damn soon. He thanked the Goddess that Dimitri wasn’t with him to bear witness to his idiocy.
“You’re a witch?” He bit out, and turned to face her.
“No, not a witch. Listen, Léopold.” She lowered her eyes, shaking her head and pressing her fingers to her forehead. “I want to trust you. I need to trust someone, but I can’t tell you everything. Not yet. I’ll say this much, the child you speak of…I’ve felt her. I can’t say how, I just did. But I’m alone. There’s no one like me.”
“What do you mean you’re alone? Surely there must be others.”
“No. Just me. I wasn’t born this way. I’ve only met one other person like me, but she’s not here. Not in the city. We don’t keep in touch.”
“But how did you know? About the child? Or this other person?”
“How do you know when you’re around other vampires?”
“Scent. The power. I feel it.”
“And I feel it too. Like a hum over my skin, in my mind.”
“Did someone infuse you with this magic?”
“It’s not magic.”
“It has to be magic. I’ve seen it happen with witches and vampires. What are you?”
“It’s not important. What’s important is the child.” And living. I really like living.
“What else do you know about the child?”
“Nothing. I just could feel her.” She dropped her head into her hands unable to tell him anymore. The dark ones were going to kill the baby. And her. Worse, she wasn’t sure how to stop them. Avery had been her only hope of hiding. But the evil was growing stronger. “You need to protect her.”
Laryssa’s voice sounded desperate and Léopold grew gravely concerned. He slowly approached and knelt before her. She kept her head lowered, refusing to look at him. Léopold put a hand on her knee and with the other, cupped her face until her gaze met his.
“You can trust me. I can help you. But you have to let me in.”
Laryssa’s eyes began to water. She didn’t want to cry, but the warmth of his voice surrounded her in a shroud of security. His piercing eyes had softened, revealing the heart of a protector, a man who felt deeply, perhaps more so than she ever thought possible. She hadn’t felt safe in so very long. And here he was offering her trust. She wanted so badly to be able to rely on someone other than herself.
“The dark ones. They’re here,” she whispered.
“What are you talking about? Who’s here?”
“I’ve seen them…their black eyes. Like angels of death.”
Léopold cared, he really did. Clearly she believed what she was saying. But he was skeptical of what she was telling him.
“Ma chérie, it’s not that I don’t believe in evil. I’ve seen it first hand, but…”
“Hollow eyes…well, they’re not really hollow. They’re black, so dark…it looks like there’s nothing in the sockets. And it’s not just them…there’s someone driving them, someone leading them. I know it. It’s like they just stand there. Waiting.” Laryssa knew it sounded crazy, she really did. But she’d seen them.
“Waiting for what?”
“I don’t know. Maybe for someone to give them orders.” She looked up and caught his gaze. He didn’t believe her. She sighed and shook her head. “I’m telling you the truth. There’s something out there.”
Léopold paused, trying to think of the diplomatic words that eluded him. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know that someone had tried to kill the child. The Caldera Wolves Alpha had told him that he’d felt a dark presence. Léopold considered the possibility that perhaps the infant carried the evil within her, but dismissed the idea as soon as it surfaced. No, there had to be another answer. And as crazy as Laryssa sounded, she was his only lead at this point.
“I’ve lived a long time and seen all kinds of terrible things.” Many done by humans. “But I’ve never heard of the beings you describe.”
“But they’re real,” she protested, her eyes begging him to believe her.
“I’m not saying they’re not. I’m just saying that I haven’t seen them.”
“But you don’t believe me.”
“Someone tried to kill Ava.”
“What?”
“I told you she was in danger. I found her in the middle of Yellowstone. There was a blizzard. The nanny tried to kill her, but I saved her. Now she’s here.”
“In New Orleans?” Her heart began to race.
“Yes. She’s safe…for now.” Léopold let his hand slip down to the chair, but not before he slid his thumb over her qu
ivering bottom lip. “I think you should meet her.”
“You need to get her out of here…away from them. They’ll find her….if they haven’t already,” she insisted.
“Are you sure you could tell if she’s like you?” Whatever the hell Laryssa was, she was holding back, denying him the truth. Supernatural, she admitted as much. He needed more if he was going to save the child. He didn’t necessarily believe that she’d seen what she thought she saw. But if someone had tried to kill Ava and she and Ava were somehow related, it wasn’t a stretch to think that someone was after Laryssa, too.
“Yes.” Of course she could tell if they were the same. But if the two of them were together in the same room, she couldn’t predict what would happen.
“You’re coming with me now,” Léopold told her. This was utter bullshit. If she wasn’t going to tell him everything, he’d put her and the infant together, see what happened. He wanted the wolves to meet Laryssa. If Ava’s mother had been wolf, maybe they’d be able to sense shifter in her.
“No.”
“What do you mean, no?” Incensed, he shook his head. First she lets him practically strangle her and now she was going to refuse him? The woman was certifiable. She obviously had no idea who he was or what he was capable of.
“Uh, I think you heard me. I thought vampires were supposed to have bionic hearing or something like that,” Laryssa replied, worried that it could be dangerous for both her and the baby if they got together. “Are you hard of hearing? Or just hard headed? No, don’t bother answering. The bottom line is that I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to meet the child. Not only that, I can tell you don’t believe me. So there’s no way I’m leaving my shop in the middle of the day to go off with you. But I’m going to hold you to your word. You promised not to tell anyone what I am. I may not look like much but if you don’t keep it quiet, I’ll….I’ll…well, I don’t know. But I will be really mad and trust me…I can take on a vampire if I need to.”
