Engrossed, Sam asked, “What happened?”
Veronica shrugged. “Leo had his soldier expelled from his family because he disobeyed Leo’s direct command to take Desmond alive.” Veronica paused, her nose wrinkling with distaste. “That’s where I came in. A vampire has the power to not only read minds, but to alter them, as well. Basically, I removed all knowledge from this soldier’s mind of anything to do with his information on Leo and his family. The whole process gave me a migraine. I left all his memories in tact up to the point where he joined Leo’s family.”
“Oh.” Sam pondered over this information and flicked a nervous gaze to Leo. There was still so much about him she didn’t know and she wondered if she wanted to. Leo gave Sam a long, solemn look.
“Veronica,” he growled, his gaze remaining fastened on Sam. “You’re frightening my one.”
“Don’t be silly, my darling. Your one is fine. She’s a lot tougher than you think.” Veronica paused as Maria cleared the dinner plates. “Oh, how is William, Leo? I haven’t spoken to him in ages.” Her blue gaze went to Sam. “I wasn’t as madly in love with him as I was with Van, but William was an exceptional lover. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out, and we have remained good friends.”
“William as in the William who was betrothed to Toni since she was born?” Sam asked, surprised.
“The one and the same.” Veronica laughed. “I heard Toni broke the betrothal and married your brother instead. And what a commotion that caused, I heard,” Veronica added, laughing as she gave Leo an admonishing look. “Really, Leo, accusing this delightful woman and her brother of trying to squander your sister’s inheritance.”
Leo’s mouth tensed. “I would rather we did not discuss that. It is in the past and Sam and I have resolved our issues. Toni is married to John and he makes her very happy.”
Sam lifted a brow his way. It was still surprising to hear him speak fondly of John, a big change from two weeks ago. His gaze met hers and she caught a hint of a smile on his face. He knew what she’d been thinking, she realised.
“Ah, true love. What a beautiful concept. Leo has been trying to match me up with his friends for years,” Veronica continued. “I keep telling him not to waste his time. I am one of those poor souls who have come to accept their one does not exist.”
“I thought all lycans have a destined mate, a soul mate?” Sam asked.
“We do, but sometimes circumstances prevent destiny from taking place,” Veronica said. “Some lycans die before they ever get a chance to meet their mate.” She took another sip of wine. “I believe my mate does not exist anymore, otherwise I would have met him.”
Sam had a feeling Veronica wasn’t too heartbroken over this. She seemed perfectly content being alone.
“I am, however, very happy Leo has found his one. He tells me you own a curiosity shop back home in Maine and you give your customers readings with the Tarot.” Veronica said. Sam was relieved. She didn’t sense mockery from the woman, only interest and sincerity. “Leo tells me you have a gift. You’re a psychic.”
“Yes.”
“He also told me you come from an impressive family. Your mother is a grade school teacher and your father is a pastor, and they’re very active in their community. Have they really been foster parents for thirty years?”
“Yes. I have fourteen foster brothers and sisters.”
“I have thousands of brothers and sisters. I win,” Veronica said, her blue eyes shining with mirth.
Sam couldn’t help but smile. She was really starting to like Veronica.
“So you’re leaving this beautiful island tomorrow. Have you ever been to New York, my darling?” Veronica asked.
Sam hid a smile realising she was now one of Veronica’s darlings. “Once, when I was younger. It was a field trip for school.”
“Ah, you will love it. Leo’s townhouse is positively spectacular.” A twinge of worry darkened Veronica’s beautiful features. “Leo, you will be extra careful, won’t you? Garos’s headquarters is in New York now and I want you and your warriors to be on your highest alert.”
“We are not called warriors anymore, Veronica,” Leo said dryly.
Veronica swished a hand in the air. “Nonsense. This may be the twenty-first century, but remember where you came from. You, my darling, are a warrior and you will always be a warrior.” She laughed. “You can hide behind your hotel mogul façade when you’re with humans, not when you’re with us.” She paused. “My offer still stands to accompany you and Sam tomorrow. There is word out on the streets Garos is planning another attack on your life.”
Sam’s pleasant dinner started to evaporate. Her earlier worries rushed forth and she gave Leo a startled look. He didn’t appear in the least bit concerned, but when his eyes met hers, something on his face hardened and his mouth tensed.
“You do not need to accompany us,” Leo said once her returned his gaze to Veronica. “You are needed in Ireland and your mission remains as planned. Our new division requires your expertise.”
Veronica made a face. “I hate these training weeks. My function with the family is I train the newly promoted divisional leaders,” she explained to Sam. “We have divisions set up all over the world and are constantly adding more. We have no choice. Garos and his monsters infiltrate more cities than we can keep up with.” She sighed. “I miss those days at the beginning when we didn’t have to worry about rebels and fanatics. It was a simpler life when few lycans existed.”
“Veronica, forgive me for asking, but how old are you?” Sam asked.
The stunning woman smiled. “I am almost one thousand years old.” Sam gasped. “I look fabulous, don’t I? I stopped celebrating my birthday four hundred years ago.” She gave Leo a reproachful look. “Don’t tell me you haven’t given your one a brief history lesson?” She clicked her tongue twice and turned her attention to Sam. “The first lycan was created a little over one thousand years ago. No one really knows how this came to be. In the beginning, there was no threat on humankind, no one tried to take over the world, and all the lycans lived in perfect harmony and peace together. We still lived in secret, but we were happy.”
Sam was fascinated and would have asked Veronica more questions, but Maria entered the dining room and asked everyone if they wanted coffee and desert. Everyone said no, and Maria left with a smile on her face after Leo complimented her on the dinner.
He pushed back his seat and rose. “Veronica, we will save the history lesson for another time. It was good to see you again, but it is late, and Sam and I have an early start in the morning for the airport.”
“Of course, my darling,” Veronica said, her gaze resting knowingly on Sam. “Off to bed, you two.”
Sam blushed and wondered if Veronica had just read Leo’s mind.
Chapter Seven
Sam lay in Leo’s arms, a contented smile on her face. Their lovemaking took her to heights she never dreamed possible, and she wondered if all the ones experienced such passion.
“I wonder if Veronica is asleep,” she said suddenly.
“I doubt it. She likes to take walks after midnight. My guess is she strolling down by the port at this very moment.”
“I’m glad you introduced me to her, Leo.”
He tightened his hold around her. “And I am happy you two liked each other.” He paused. “Sam, I want us to be married as soon as possible.”
His statement came out of left field and Sam frowned. “I thought we agreed we would take this one day at a time. I have my shop in Maine—“
“Toni can run it for you and you can visit it from time to time. I can open another shop for you in New York.”
“Yes, but what about my customers? The ones I give readings to? They depend on me. Leo. I can’t just abandon them.”
“We will figure that one out.”
“And then there’s Elizabeth who I love and can never leave. My God, what about Alek? I know I just met him two weeks ago, but the thought of him living in that run down
orphanage on this island until he’s eighteen breaks my heart. There are so many things I have to resolve before we can even consider marriage.”
“I told you we could adopt Elizabeth, and Alek, too, if you wish it. I am fond of the boy, as well.”
“They’ll have immortal parents, Leo, and I’ll watch them grow old and die. No, I can’t do that.”
Leo inhaled slowly. “Sam, you do want to be with me forever, right?”
That was the one thing she was certain of. “Yes,” she whispered.
“Then we will figure everything out in time.”
“My…my life back in Maine feels like it’s a million miles away—my shop, Elizabeth, Toni, my volunteer work at the orphanage.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I would very much like to meet your little Elizabeth.”
“You will. She’s my first stop when we arrive in Maine. You’ll love her, Leo.” She paused, her mind going through the past couple of weeks. “Do you remember how much you hated me when we first met?” She asked with a smile. “You were so arrogant and pompous.”
His chest rumbled with a deep laugh. “And now?”
“You’re still arrogant, but I love you anyway.”
He gave her a squeeze. “Let us get some sleep. We need to get up early and pack.”
She nestled deep in his embrace and nodded. “Good night, Leo.”
“Good night, Sam.”
****
They rose at the crack of dawn and packed their luggage. Sam smiled, pleased at how well they worked together. She watched him open his drawer and pull out a gun. Her pleasure faded.
Leo’s face was serious as he brought it to her. “This is for you. It is loaded with quicksilver bullets. This is how you release the safety catch, and this is how you put it back into place. It is easy to use. All you have to do is point and shoot.” He went back to his drawer and pulled out a small case. “Keep the gun in here when you travel through airports. The x-ray machines will not detect it. Here. Take it and put it in your luggage.”
Her head was spinning as she stared at it.
Leo grimaced. “Sam, you must carry this on you from now on. I can get you a shoulder brace or you can hide it in your waist band. Some female lycans prefer leg straps. Veronica always keeps a silver dagger and portable wooden stake strapped to her thigh.”
She reached for it, her hand shaking. “I’ve never held a gun before.”
“I want this on your person at all times, do you understand me? I can take you to a driving range and teach you how to shoot. Sam, Garos’s men will not think twice about shooting you with silver.”
She stared at gun, nodding slowly.
“We should land in New York around four o’clock Eastern,” Leo continued. “Matt will be there to pick us up and he will drive us to my place. In a couple of days, we will be in Maine.”
Leo slung a large duffle bag over his shoulder and picked up the two large suitcases. “Meet me downstairs. I will come back up for the last bag.”
Her carrying case was left and a smaller suitcase. She picked them up. “You don’t have to do that, Leo. I’ll carry these.”
She followed him downstairs and Leo placed the bags down in the main hall. Maria came out from the entry that led to kitchen. Sam could tell by her expression, the housekeeper was upset they were leaving.
She gave Maria a big hug, with promises she’d see her again soon, and ten minutes later, the car was packed and Sam and Leo headed for the airport.
Her thoughts went to Veronica and how Sam and Leo had bade her goodbye when she had left earlier in the morning to catch a flight to Ireland. As they drove away, Alek’s sweet, young face settled on her mind. Sam released a broken sigh.
“Are you all right?” Leo asked, concern lacing his tone.
“Yes. I was just thinking about Alek.”
Leo remained silent, and Sam leaned her head back in her seat and closed her eyes.
****
After what seemed like forever in the plane and through customs, Sam exhaled a relieved breath and walked to the waiting area where friends and family waited for the arrivals.
“Ah, there he is,” Leo said.
Having heard so much about Matt, Sam was curious to meet him. She looked around and her gaze stilled on a tall, gorgeous man striding toward them, his face creased into a smile.
He was built strong like Leo, Matt’s hair more black than brown, and as he drew nearer, Sam was caught by the piercing gaze of his dark eyes. He wore faded blue jeans, a black shirt, and his stride was long and confident. She dragged her gaze back up to his face. There was a ruthless, dangerous air about him Sam found riveting and she wondered if all of Leo’s family were gorgeous.
Matt extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Sam. I’ve heard a lot of great things about you.”
Sam’s hand disappeared in his, and she smiled up at him. “Likewise.”
He released her hand, smiling. “I hope the plane ride wasn’t too uncomfortable and long.”
“Actually, it felt like it wasn’t going to end, but Leo and I kept busy doing crossword puzzles.”
Matt gave Leo an amused look, his dark brow raising. “Crossword puzzles? You don’t say.”
Leo’s mouth tensed. “Sam needed to keep busy and she required my assistance.”
“Of course she did,” Matt replied, his expression still amused. “It’s good to see you, Leo.”
“Myself as well.” Leo snapped his head around and sniffed, startling Sam. “We are being watched.”
“I know,” Matt said. His smile disappeared and was replaced with a grim look. “I’ve been followed since I left home.”
Sam was frightened. “Garos’s men?” She whispered nervously, afraid she’d be over heard.
Leo placed his arm around her. “You do not have to whisper. They can still hear you and they know we are aware of them. Do not fear. They will not attack in a crowded airport. As much as we covet our secret existence, so does Garos.”
“Thankfully, that’s the only thing we have in common with that monster,” she murmured.
Matt smiled. “I like your one, Leo.”
Leo’s gaze softened as he gazed down at her. “As do I, my friend.” Warmth spread through her body at the possessive look he gave her. He kissed the top of her head and looked at Matt. “We need to get out of here.”
“My car’s not far,” Matt said.
The drive to Leo’s home was long as traffic jams rose at each bend. Sam was grateful Matt’s car was air-conditioned otherwise she didn’t know how she was going to survive. New York’s stifling humidity in the summer was a far cry from the dry heat of Greece. She stared at the back of Leo’s and Matt’s heads. They were discussing something in low, deep tones, but Sam didn’t pay much attention to what they were saying. She was perfectly happy sitting in the back, watching the metropolitan splendour of New York city roll by. Fatigue from the traveling still plagued her and the sound of Leo’s and Matt’s deep, sultry voices almost put her to sleep.
After a long while, Leo turned his head slightly. “We have arrived, Sam.”
Matt pulled into the empty parking space marked reserved and Leo got out of the car and opened Sam’s door. He smiled down at her as he took her hand.
She stood beside him and glanced up and down the street. Leo gestured to the building in front of the parking space.
“This is my permanent residence when I am not travelling.”
Sam stared at the four story townhouse and gasped. Red brick surrounded four stories of large, white framed widows, balconies trimmed in gold railings. The entrance was deep, with a forest green awning protecting it from the elements, a uniformed doorman standing in front of the large, wooden doors. Sam kept forgetting Leo was a multi-millionaire and his magnificent townhouse reminded her just how rich he was.
A weird sensation pricked her skin and she instinctively drew her gaze to the doorman. He appeared as normal as any everyday doorman, with matching cap an
d all, but she sensed something primitive and wild beneath his surface. Sam frowned.
Leo must have interpreted her gaze correctly because he said, “I see more of your abilities are developing. Max in a lycan. He has been guarding my home for eighty years.”
His guard didn’t look older than thirty-five and upon closer look, Sam noticed his muscular form beneath his navy uniform, his strong face, his penetrating stare. She released a small breath. He was a lycan, all right.
“Your home is spectacular,” she said, glancing up at Leo.
“I am pleased you like it. It is your home, too, now.”
Matt opened the trunk and Leo strode to his side. They pulled the bags out of the car and carried them to where Sam stood. They all made their way to the entrance, the guard nodding briefly at them as he pressed a button on the side. Moments later the door opened and Sam had to stifle a gasp.
A tall, thin man stood at the entrance, his appearance ghoulish. Sam was riveted to him. He was evidently an albino, with chalk white, short cropped hair, deep angles along his cheekbones, his reddish brown eyes staring at them with an almost ghostly intent. He was dressed all in black and towered over Leo and Matt by a few inches.
“Master, it is good to see you have arrived safely,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.
Good lord, Sam thought, he even sounded ghoulish.
“Hello, Fritz. This is Samantha Hope. Sam, this is Fritz de Groot, my butler.”
Everything about this man was unusual, even his name, she thought. “Hello,” Sam said, annoyed with herself that she sounded fearful. This man had probably had his share of stares and whispers growing up, she didn’t need to add to it.
He gave Sam a wooden look. “It is a pleasure, Ma’am.”
Sam smiled. “Please call me Sam.”
Tall Dark Handsome Lycan, Book 2 Page 7
