Alpha Lover

by Brenda Sparks

  “Which ballet are we seeing tonight?” Unable to take her eyes from him, Julie noted how stunning his profile was with its firm jawline and straight nose that peaked over his full sensual lips. Lips that promised soft kisses and wanton pleasure.

  The desire visible in his eyes said what he did not. “The Nutcracker.”

  Julie’s stomach knotted in response to his heated gaze. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips before she spoke. “Sounds perfect. Which company is performing it?”

  Nicholai’s eyes were aflame as he watched her tongue. “The Peterhof Ballet Company.”

  Julie’s mind worked the possibilities. Was this company named for the royal Peterhofs or for Nicholai? “Do you own the ballet company?”

  “Yes.”

  “You must be a very busy man,” Penny chimed in. “Owning a restaurant and a ballet company.”

  Finally, a strike against him, thought Julie. He’s probably so busy he doesn’t have time for a real relationship, just the occasional holiday fling.

  “I manage. Once I get a business up and running, I usually take a hands-off approach if I can find someone trustworthy to manage it for me.”

  “How many businesses do you own?”

  Julie shot Penny a reproachful look for the question.

  Nicholai thought for a moment as if trying to remember all the ventures he’d started. “Several,” he answered coyly. “But the ballet is one of my favorites. That’s why I called the troop back for this special production.”

  “What do you mean?” Julie asked.

  “They are on holiday for Christmas, but I asked them to return to the city to do a show just for you, Juliette.”

  “You mean only you and Julie will be in the audience?” Penny did not keep the incredulous tone from her voice.

  “That is so.” He turned toward Julie. “It will allow us the best seats in the house. It should be quite a show. My musicians play in perfect harmony, and my performers take the stage with flair and poise. They will draw you into the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

  “That must have cost a fortune!” Penny’s brows lifted to her hairline.

  Enough was enough. Better go before Penny asked him for his tax documents and bank statements. A broad smile spread across Juliette’s face. “I am ready, my good sir.”

  Nicholai offered his arm and a sexy smile. “Then your chariot awaits, madam.”

  Chapter 25

  Jara stared at the wooden door to Varrick’s chamber in disbelief. He dismissed her as if she was a common subject. She was royalty, the first born of the king. If she’d been ruler of the demons when their father stepped down, she would not have put a mate before their people. Nor would she have neglected her duties as she pined over a mixed blood.

  Jara stomped off down the hall heading toward Lane’s lab, her gown fluttering behind her with each step. If Varrick didn’t take his duties to their people seriously, she’d see to it Lane discovered a way to save them. She vowed to find a way to keep their breed from going extinct, even if she had to kill every vampire and human to do it.

  As the king’s sister entered the laboratory, her eyes were immediately drawn to the male sitting at a table in a white lab coat. He sat hunched over a microscope staring into the ocular lens, lost in thought.

  Lane raised his head from the microscope long enough to acknowledge Jara’s entrance. “Good morning, Jara.”

  “How are you today, Lane?”

  “Never been better. Did you tell Varrick our good news?”

  Jara puffed out an exasperated huff. “I tried. But he shuffled me out of his chamber so quickly, I didn’t get a chance to tell him we trapped a vampire, thanks to Caden stumbling onto one when an errand for Varrick took him to the next town.”

  Lane smirked. “I can’t believe our good fortune. The Great Spirit must be with us. That reminds me. Speaking of divine intervention, how is the guard doing?”

  Jara shrugged. “He’s a little worse for wear, but he’ll survive. The bloodsucker got in a few good licks. Speaking of which, how goes the experiment?”

  “Ahhh,” said the man, running a hand across his thickly bearded chin in thought. He straightened his lithe body to its full height and rounded the metal table, making his way over to where the vampire lay.

  Jara joined him on the opposite side of the metal embalming table. Titanium restraints bound the vampire’s wrists and ankles, keeping her from dematerializing. She lay on her stomach. Her clothing had been cut away as had most of the flesh from her back.

  Jara fisted a hand in her black hair and yanked her head up off the table. “Looks like it has seen better days,” she commented, dropping the vampire’s head down carelessly.

  Lane gave an insouciant shrug. His black eyes captured Jara’s as he spoke. “If I am to discover the reason behind its ability to heal, certain things must be done. I’ve already discovered it can heal from stab wounds, burns, and even animal attacks.”

  “What attacked it?”

  “I allowed my wolf to take me, and I did the attacking to inflict the exact type of damage I wanted.”

  Jara nodded in understanding. “It’s much thinner than I thought it would be.”

  The vampire moaned when she poked a protruding rib.

  “I’ve been starving it to keep it weak.”

  Jara leaned her hands against the table. “So you’ve learned what will not kill it. Have you discovered what keeps it immune to human diseases?”

  Lane shook his head, sending his dark auburn hair swirling about his face. “Not yet. I need more time. I have a supposition, but I’ll need to do more testing.”

  Jara’s eyes widened when a thought struck her. “Shouldn’t you be wearing more protective gear? I thought vampires carried disease.”

  “Actually, I’ve discovered the subject seems to be disease free. In fact, I’m willing to bet all vampires are disease free. But be that as it may, I am taking a few precautions until I prove the hypothesis.”

  After donning a pair of black latex gloves, Lane pulled a syringe from the pocket of his lab coat. He uncapped the twenty-gauge needle and forcefully jammed it into the vampire’s excoriated back. As she screamed, he slowly pulled the plunger, collecting yellow spinal fluid into the vial.

  “That’s interesting,” remarked the scientist as he plunged a second needle into a different part of the vampire’s spine. “Usually cerebrospinal fluid is clear.”

  “Like water?” asked Jara as the vampire threw back her head and let out another agonized scream.

  “Exactly, but this fluid is yellow, not clear. Perhaps this is the key to their immunity somehow. I’ll have to run lots of tests. I’ll need more samples, make sure it’s the same color in every part of the spine and brain.”

  Lane walked over and typed into his computer, absorbed in thought, oblivious to the whimpering cries of pain that filled the room.

  “I’ll leave you to it then,” Jara said, as she crossed the lab. “Let me know if you find anything,” she instructed over her shoulder before closing the lab door.

  ****

  Nicholai handed Juliette from the silver sports car and straightened to his full height. His thirsty eyes roamed over her body, drinking in the sight of her in the satin gown. She looked a vision, with stray wisps of her hair falling softly around her face, her neck bare. The dress swayed when she moved to retrieve her coat, flowing over the curves he found so enticing. Nicholai swallowed hard, ruthlessly suppressing the rising desire that threatened to course through his veins to thicken in his most manly part.

  “My cheeks hurt,” Julie admitted.

  Nicholai chuckled. “I imagine they hurt from all the smiling you have done tonight.”

  “And why shouldn’t I be smiling? The ballet performance was stunning. The little girl dancing with her warrior prince to celebrate his victory over the mouse king looked sublime. The musicians played in perfect harmony.”

  “I knew the way you stood up and yelled bravo, you enjoyed the performan
ce.”

  “What wasn’t to love? The luxuriant lobby with those crystal chandeliers and the plush carpeting, the red velvet seating, the magnificent stage? And now we’re here.”

  Nicholai looked over at his mate, pleased she had found the performance to her liking. He had wanted her to have an especially good time this evening, hoping it might put her in an amiable mood. He intended to broach the subject of her and Penny coming to stay in his home. And with luck, she’d be more malleable to the idea this time.

  Things had been quiet these past few days. No so-called accidents as of late. The blank spots had disappeared. But Nicholai knew from his years of training that sometimes a lull in the action only meant the enemy was gathering the troops, readying for a fight. His battle-weary instincts told him trouble might be coming, and he wanted to get his heartmate in the protection of his home before it arrived.

  “I thought you would enjoy meeting the cast. I hope you did not mind attending this little after party.”

  “Mind? Everyone has been very nice and most of them speak enough English that I don’t need an interpreter. I’m having a blast.”

  “It was the least I could do to reward my company for agreeing to do the special performance.”

  “I can’t believe you closed the Cold Shoulder, had it elaborately decorated and hired a gourmet chef to cater the event.”

  Nicholai glanced around. The decorator had done very well. It looked like Christmas. Red and green dripped from the lights. Each table contained a festive centerpiece. All the musicians, dancers, and crew milled about with large smiles. He’d spared no expense to make sure the wine and champagne flowed like Kivach Falls.

  When the music started for the Prisyadki, several of his dancers hit the floor. Julie’s foot tapped to the beat.

  He extended his hand to her. “Care to dance?”

  “I don’t think I can do that. Look at the way they are kicking out their legs. It’s like they are trying to stretch their legs after sitting for too long.”

  Nicholai’s hearty laugh burst forth. “They do look like that, don’t they? Come, Juliette. We should dance. It will be fun.”

  “Oh, all right.”

  Julie took his hand and allowed him to lead the way to the dance floor.

  All around them people squatted with their arms crossed over their chests, kicking out one leg, then the other, in time with the music while onlookers yelled encouragements. With the first kick of her leg, Julie’s balance, a bit off from the alcohol, sent her to the floor. Her leg flew up as her bottom hit the hard surface with a dull thud. The black gown pooled around her thighs, and Nicholai put on a burst of preternatural speed. He grabbed the material and pulled her to a stand, keeping her from exposing herself to all those watching.

  Everyone laughed, including Julie.

  “See, I told you I couldn’t do that dance,” Juliette said between giggles.

  “Perhaps you have had a little too much to drink.” Nicholai brushed a wisp of hair from her eyes. “I should take you back to the hotel.”

  Julie nodded. “Maybe you’re right. It’s been a great night, but I’m tired.”

  After bidding the troupe goodnight and making arrangements for the manager to close the restaurant after the party, Nicholai helped Juliette don her coat and escorted her to the car.

  They rode in silence. Julie appeared lost in thought on the quiet drive back to the inn, and Nicholai couldn’t resist slipping into her thoughts to make sure she had enjoyed the evening.

  I can’t believe Nicholai arranged a private performance just for me. He must be starting to have some real feelings for me to go to all that trouble and expense.

  He barely suppressed the smile. If only she knew the half of it. Real feelings didn’t begin to describe how he felt about her. He adored her, loved her like no other. Totally smitten, he’d treasure her until the day they both went into the Great Beyond.

  As they drove toward the inn, a thrill warmed his body when Julie imagined the future with him. She believed it would be filled with grand surprises that would take her to exotic places and wonderful people. And through their adventures, she believed they’d come to love each other deeply. She allowed herself to wonder what having children together might be like.

  He saw the vision she conjured of their children. He fought the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth. She imagined a little boy who looked like a younger version of himself and a little girl who had an uncanny resemblance to what his sister, Natasha, looked like in her youth.

  The anxiety eased from Nicholai’s shoulders. Relief flooded his body. His mind calmed with the realization not only had his heartmate enjoyed the evening, but she also contemplated a future with him and cared for him as he did for her.

  She was correct; they would have beautiful children together, but he hoped their little girl would look like her. If she’d only trust him with her heart, he would protect her, love her. Keep her safe.

  The thought brought the tension once more into his body, and he white knuckled the steering wheel. Julie still might be in danger. Every instinct within screamed at him to protect his mate. To do so effectively during daylight hours, she needed to be within the walls of his home. And he had yet to convince her to stay with him. He decided to mention the subject once more.

  Nicholai cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Juliette, have you given any more thought to staying with me?”

  His mate startled in surprise, then straightened in her seat. “No, I hadn’t thought about it.”

  “I wish you would consider my offer. I have more than enough room for you and Penny at my home.”

  Julie nodded in acquiescence. “There’s no doubt about that. You have plenty of room, but we don’t want to put you out.”

  “It would be safer if you stayed with me.” His grip on the steering wheel tightened.

  “I don’t see any reason for us to move into your home. Nothing else has happened since the Palace. I doubt I’m in any danger.”

  Nicholai eased the car to the curb in front of the inn and turned to face Juliette, his mouth drawn in a tight line. He took her hand in his before he spoke. “You should seriously consider my offer. I would feel better if the two of you were staying with me.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. It would be silly to pack up all our stuff to stay with you for just a couple of days. We’re leaving Russia soon.”

  Nicholai’s heart seemed to drop to his toes. Only a few more days! He didn’t have much time to win the love of his mate before she returned to England. The thought made him want to compel her to stay. However, his honor refused that path. He would not force her to do anything. If she remained with him, moved into his home, it would be because she wanted to, not because he forced the compulsion on her.

  “Penny and I discussed it the night we returned from the palace.”

  “And what did the two of you decide?”

  “We decided to stay at the inn until we go home.”

  Home. Nicholai hoped in a few days the word might mean somewhere entirely different to her. He turned his most charming smile on her. “Very well, I will respect your wishes. Just promise me one thing.”

  Julie’s teeth tugged at her lower lip. “What’s that?”

  Nicholai brought her hand over his heart. “Promise me you’ll be extra careful when I am not with you. I care about you greatly. Keep your eyelids open.”

  Julie smiled. “I think you mean keep my eyes open.”

  “Those, too. I don’t want any”—his fingers made quotation marks in the air—“accidents to happen.”

  Nicholai leaned across the seat, stopped his face a handbreadth from hers. “Promise me, lastochka.”

  A warm smile graced her beautiful face. “I promise.”

  Nicholai closed the scant distance between them and took her creamy lips in a kiss. As he deepened the caress, his hand slid slowly along her arm then rested on the nape of her neck. His tongue pushed between her moist lips to taste her thoroug
hly. Her lilac scent filled the car, flooded his lungs.

  The passion between them rose. Julie’s heartrate increased in time with his own. Their breaths mingled, becoming one. He feathered light, maddening kisses along her jaw, then grasped the lobe of her ear between his teeth.

  A soft moan escaped from Juliette’s lips when Nicholai tugged the lobe. His warm breath blew sensuously in her ear. A shiver shook down her spine. Nicholai’s lips moved over her delicate neck, rested over the spot where her pulse beat the strongest.

  His tongue darted out to caress the throbbing vein. He lapped at the temptation. It called to him, beat at him. Demanded he take what his body needed. What he craved.

  Her blood tasted so sweet, intoxicating. Unlike any other he had experienced in over two centuries. Unique as if it were made only for him. The thought of its flavor heated his blood, driving his need higher. Fangs lengthened in response to the hunger within his body. Hunger for her life-giving sustenance.

  Hunger for her that would no longer be denied.

  Nicholai pushed into her mind, ready to take control if needed.

  Nicholai’s breath warmed her neck, and the sensation made her own breath hitch as she realized he opened his mouth. She expected the sensation of his lips suckling at her. Instead, she felt a slight sting, a nip on her neck.

  Ready to ease her pain, Nicholai didn’t need to.

  Quickly the sting abated, replaced by the sensation of Nicholai drawing against her skin. His lips felt silken. Each draw against the flesh made her stomach tighten. She rubbed her thighs together, seeking to ease the ache between them.

  Her hands fisted in his supple hair, holding him to her neck while she bared it to his ministrations. She drifted away, allowing the ecstasy to consume her. His powerful arm coiled around her waist, pulled her against his hard male body. A grunt pushed from her when her hips were drawn against the center console, but she didn’t care. She wanted to be closer to his body, and the slight pain only added to the experience.

  Julie’s groan vibrated against his lips. Licking the small wound on her neck closed, he eased the grip on her waist. He’d taken less than a pint, but when it nourished his cells, it gave him a flow of power unlike he had ever experienced before. He felt alive, agile, potent.