Claws and Fangs

by Laurann Dohner

  “Twenty minutes at most. Just stay inside the room and no one will bother you. I will lock the door, and I’m the only one with a key.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Anything, Matty.”

  He said it in a husky, sexy way with that accent of his that she loved to hear. “Why do you always come home in a limo right before dawn? What do you do every night after I assume you work here? Doesn’t this club close around two?”

  He hesitated.

  She had a sinking feeling from the little information she’d learned that she knew what he did at night. “You hunt for food?”

  “I hunt, but not for food. I’m a bagger now. My search for blood from hosts was over as soon as we were able to bribe blood banks into selling to us. Not all vampires share that approach, but we don’t like harming humans. My friends and I actually go after vampires who kill humans once the club closes.”

  His answer confused her. He seemed to understand.

  “Clubs and bars do close around two in the morning. That means victims aplenty for vampires looking for drunk humans who are easy to prey on. They risk exposing us when they murder humans to take their blood. It’s too dangerous these days to leave behind bloodless bodies, and it’s no longer a necessity to survive. I don’t drive, and that’s why I have someone chauffeur me around.”

  “Will you be working tonight? Can you drop me off at my house?”

  He hesitated. “I’m taking the evening off. We’ll talk when I return. Eat, lass. Enjoy a warm bath.” He glanced around the room. “It may look a bit rough with the concrete but the amenities in the bathroom are very modern.”

  He spun on his bare feet and walked to the door. His sword rested against the wall. He grabbed it up as he jerked open the door and disappeared into the darkness. No lights lit the hallway. She shivered at the thought of trying to sneak out...

  She was in the basement of some vampire club.

  The smell of food drove her to inch closer to the side of the bed, release the sheet, and slide off the edge. The cold floor made her shiver as she tied the thick, fancy robe around her waist. He’d left a covered plate with wrapped silverware on a desk in the corner. A drink waited there as well. She lifted the lid, staring at steak and eggs with hash browns. Her stomach rumbled. She was hungry.

  * * * * *

  “What are you doing?”

  Blaron frowned at his friend. “Informing you that I’m taking the night off. And can you have someone find me a good home? I’m not holing up with you for long, Lethal.”

  “You’d be safer. I told you living amongst humans wasn’t the smartest thing to do. A hunter spotted you. Just move in here again.”

  “No.”

  “You’re so stubborn.”

  “So are you. I need to go.” He turned away but Lethal’s voice halted him.

  “I’m stunned you brought a human here. You really shouldn’t have. I realize your home was invaded but you should have sent her to a hotel or something if you believed her safety was compromised. I take it that you aren’t lovers yet, since you asked for the key to my place to shower?”

  He spun around to face his friend. “We’re lovers but our relationship is very new. I came on too strong so I’m giving her some breathing room. She’s very special to me.”

  Lethal tilted his head and a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I see. You’ve bitten and fed from her? What happened to your sworn oath of not taking blood even from willing women?”

  Anger tensed Blaron’s body. “She’s the one for me.”

  Shock gripped the other vampire’s features. “Are you certain? You said your relationship was new.”

  “I’m certain. We just hit it off perfectly. It’s almost instinctual for me to keep Matty at my side.”

  “How did you find her?”

  “She found me. She’s a neighbor who saw a hunter sneaking into my home and came to save me. We just met this morning.”

  “That little lass you carried in came to your rescue?” He chuckled. “What did she do? Scream to warn you?”

  “She had hogtied the hunter by the time I reached them. She’s quick and smart.”

  “And you have bedded her already? That was fast.”

  “It happened before we came here. As I said, she’s my one.”

  “Have you told her that you plan to keep her?”

  “I’m getting there.”

  “Good luck. I take it she knows what we are?”

  “She guessed before she ever met me. She’s a brave lass.”

  “How did she guess?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “Shorten it for me.”

  “It seems she was watching my home for a bit, since hers was across the street. I got the impression she doesn’t go out much. It’s given her plenty of time to study me.”

  His friend leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk he sat behind. “You’re telling me she figured out you’re a vampire and still came to your defense when a hunter found your lair?”

  “Yes. She’s a special lass.”

  “That seems an understatement. Most of them would either want to kill you or attempt to blackmail you into turning them into one of us, ever since all those stupid movies came out. Good luck telling her that you’ve chosen her to spend your life with. She won’t be happy.”

  “Maybe she will be.”

  Lethal chuckled. “Always the optimist. Of course, perhaps she’s a vampire movie fan. Let me know how it goes when the reality of it sets in for her—or maybe I’ll hear the screaming from my office. We’ll go hunting without you tonight. You stay to inform your lass of her future.” He opened a drawer and withdrew handcuffs lined with fur. “Here’s to love. You may need these to convince her to stay.”

  Blaron stood. “I won’t be needing those.”

  “Take them. It’s best to be prepared.” All humor faded from his features. “She’s a danger to us if you don’t convince her to stay with you. You brought her here and I don’t wish to close the club down.”

  “She has no idea where we are.”

  “She’s guarded to make sure she doesn’t snoop around or try to leave?”

  “No. She won’t flee.”

  Lethal stood, glaring. “She is the enemy if she does. She could put us at risk of being attacked by her kind if they were to believe her. One post on an Internet social site and we’d have hunters from all over the world descending on us. I don’t want to move. We’ve built a life here, Blaron. Are we clear?”

  “Perfectly.” Blaron gripped the handle of his sword. “Don’t threaten her, Lethal. She’s mine, and we’ll fight if you try to harm a hair on her precious head.”

  Lethal’s stance relaxed. “I didn’t say I’d cause her harm. I would, however, make certain she couldn’t tell anyone about us. Make sure we have no reason to come to blows. Friends are hard to keep as the years wear on. I don’t want to lose you because I stir your anger by locking her up or trying to erase her memories.”

  They regarded each other and Blaron released his sword. He grabbed the handcuffs off the desk. “I’ll be in my room.”

  “You should lock her in when you leave her alone. For her safety and ours.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do.”

  “Fine.” Lethal sighed. “Just be careful. I would hate for a little human to kill you if she’s so inclined. You’d probably hand her your own sword to stab you with.”

  “Matty and I have a connection. I’m certain she’ll want to stay with me once she understands that.”

  “I hope so, for our sakes. You put us both at risk by bringing her here.”

  “She’s no threat. I’ll romance her into agreeing to be my companion.”

  Lethal grinned. “Do you remember how? Would you like some pointers?”

  “You’re as old as I am, you bastard.” Blaron grinned, remembering they were as close as brothers. Lethal wouldn’t harm Matty. He relaxed. “I sure wouldn’t ask advice from you if I need
ed it.”

  “I’ve taken far more lovers over the years than you have.”

  “I did fine with her earlier this morning.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. Have fun but not too much!” Lethal’s amused tone irritated him.

  Blaron departed quickly. “Asshole.”

  “It takes one to know one.”

  Chapter Five

  Matty rose from the warm bath, her hair washed, and tucked a towel around her body. The door in the other room opened. She froze, afraid it might not be Kilt, but instead some other vampire. The door closed and she heard a growl.

  “Matty? Are you in there?”

  “I’ll be right out.”

  She knew that Scottish brogue. He’d returned. She dried off quickly, wished for clothing, but only had the robe to put back on. The blood-red color of it made her feel like a walking advertisement for a vampire meal on legs. Bad pun. Don’t go there. She hesitated at the door but turned the handle, opening it up.

  It surprised her to see that Kilt had showered and changed. His hair was still damp and the sight of him in loose black pants was enough to make her gawk. He looked like some kind of blond pirate out of a film with his long hair, the breeches, and a sword hung low from a belt secured at his waist. He stared at her with his sexy eyes when she finally stopped noticing his shirtless, muscled chest. The guy had the best body she’d ever seen.

  “You ate.” He looked pleased as he smiled. “I take it the food was enjoyable? The plate is clean.”

  “They serve good food. You were right.”

  He shrugged, drawing attention to those broad shoulders. “I had heard but I don’t eat food anymore.”

  “Ever?”

  “I used to but it’s been a long time.”

  “But you can eat it though?”

  He hesitated. “I don’t need it, and I lost the urge to eat with others a good hundred years ago. Blood is what I need.”

  She unconsciously reached up and touched her neck. There wasn’t a mark where he’d bitten her, she’d check in the mirror, but the memory remained. Kilt followed her hand with his gaze and licked his lips. The air between them seemed to warm up in the chilly room as both of them were reminded of what they’d done together on his desk.

  Matty dropped her hand quickly. “Have you eaten?”

  He hesitated. “Are you offering to feed me?”

  She took a step back and bumped the doorjamb of the bathroom, missing the opening, and halted. “No.”

  He reached for his waist, unfastened the belt, and turned his back on her to place his sword on the table by the bed. She watched him, leery of what would happen next. The guy weighed at least a hundred pounds more than her and was bodybuilder big. Their gazes met again when he faced her.

  “I fed and showered to give you time to yourself. We need to talk.”

  “Yes, we do. I need to go home. I’m sure that I’m safe. That jerk was after you, not me.”

  “You haven’t asked what I did to him.”

  She hesitated. “I don’t want to know.”

  “Fair enough.” He took a hesitant step toward her. “I’m an honorable man. I want you to know that. You’ll learn, but we don’t know each other yet.” He stopped feet from her, watching her closely. “I’d never cause you harm, and I’d give my life to protect yours. Those are things you can always count on from me. I’m honest and I will pledge total loyalty to you. I’m a bag feeder, so there won’t be any other women in my arms.”

  Mute, Matty listened. It sounded as if he were trying to make something more out of the crazy one-morning stand they’d had. Her heartbeat increased. The idea of dating him wasn’t totally a bad one. She’d never forget him, and could admit he’d already become a part of her life while she’d watched him from her bedroom window. He said he wouldn’t be returning to his house. That meant she wouldn’t see him again as soon as they said goodbye—unless he was asking her out.

  “In the old days, a vampire couple would’ve fed off humans. The best way to ensure a human could survive without knowing what we were was feeding off them during sex.” His cheeks blushed slightly. “Those days are over, and I’d kill anyone who touched you, even for feeding purposes.”

  “Um...” No other words formed.

  “I’m saying this wrong. I’m not good with words but the passion between us can’t be denied. I’m attracted to you, the sex was incredible, and sleeping with you wrapped inside my arms, against my body, was heaven on Earth. I’ve never known such rightness as touching you.”

  For a guy not good with words, he said the right ones to melt her heart. She still couldn’t talk though. And he shocked her further by dropping to his knees before her and staring up at her face with sincerity.

  “You bring me to my knees. I pledge my life to yours, Matty. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you to be my companion.”

  She swallowed hard. “What is that? Your girlfriend?”

  He hesitated and offered a hand, holding it out to her. She placed her trembling one in his. He brought it to his lips to place a kiss on the back of her hand, turned it in his, kissed her palm. His gaze never left hers.

  “It’s a lover, a friend, and you’d use the term wife. It’s a lifetime commitment...and we don’t age. I’m going to be honest with you. It’s forever—and that could be a long time. I’ve met a vampire over a thousand years old.”

  Her knees locked together to keep her on her feet and the wall at her back kept her standing. “You want to turn me? Make me a vampire?”

  He nodded, still holding her hand. “I don’t want to lose you to old age or illness. Humans are frail. You’d be much stronger as a vampire.”

  She yanked her hand out of his and hugged her waist. “No.”

  Pain etched his features. “Why not? Isn’t that something tempting? You’ll never age and I’ll always protect you. I’m a skilled warrior. Only the sun could kill you, or a beheading. No one would ever get close enough to stake you to the ground or touch that pretty head of yours.”

  “I...this is insane. You don’t even know me. We had sex once, and while I’d only kind of thought you might be a vampire, you’re real. I’m still reeling from the fact they exist! And why would you offer that to me? I don’t understand.”

  “Kisses don’t lie, nor do our bodies. You’re a perfect fit for me.”

  “It was sex one time. That’s crazy to think just because it was good that we should get married. We’re strangers!”

  “What we shared was special, Matty.”

  He had a sexy voice, and she had to agree on the special part. The sex they’d had on his desk had blown her mind. What if every time he touched her it was that intense? She ran her gaze over his body and the urge to touch him again surfaced.

  “We’ll have a long time to get to know each other.” He smiled, drawing her attention back to his face and his eyes. “I look forward to it.” He paused. “And if you believe that was just ‘good’ sex, I obviously need to take my time the next round.” His gaze lowered to the tie of her belt. “Open it up. I’m on my knees already...just hook a leg over my shoulder.” He brushed his hair back, winked, and licked his lips. “I’ll show you greatness.”

  Her jaw dropped open. “You...”

  “Plan to do a little worshipping of your bonny body.” He reached for her.

  Matty launched herself against the wall, avoided his hands, and ran for the door. The guy planned to seduce her, bite into her again, and make her a bloodsucking creature of the night. That wasn’t on her “to do” list. He might be hot, have a rocking body, be totally hung, but no guy was worth giving up chocolate forever. Besides that, they were strangers.

  She’d nearly reached the door when his arm snagged her from behind, around her waist. Kilt hugged her to his body, wrapped his other arm over her chest, and lifted her right off her feet. She twisted her head to stare at him with fear as he frowned at her, inches from her face.

  “Don’t be afraid.”

  “Put me
down!”

  “I won’t hurt you. Are you afraid it’s going to be painful? It won’t be.”

  “I don’t even know you, and I’m not ready to get married. Or whatever you call it.” She struggled but his strong arms refused to release her. She did, however, feel his body respond when something hard pressed against her ass. She froze and gawked at him.

  “Sorry.” He shrugged, turned them both to face the bed, and sighed. “I can’t help it. I want you despite this not being the best time to be sporting a pole.”

  “A pole?”

  He cleared his throat. “My dick is hard anytime I touch you. Is that clearer?”

  He gently dropped her on the bed and Matty rolled, sat up, and her gaze lowered to the breeches. He either wasn’t wearing underwear or they were thin, because his “pole” was pointing straight out, the material of his pants stretched taut. She raised her eyes to stare at him.

  “We’re not having sex—and don’t bite me.”

  “How about we make love but I don’t bite? I’m prepared this time for how strongly I will react to you.” He grinned. “I need to convince you it’s better than good between us.” He stared at her lap. “Open the robe and I’ll take you to heaven.”

  “Um, no. Fangs and that area aren’t meeting. No way. I don’t have any piercings down there and never plan to get any.”

  He chuckled. “Do you know what fangs are good for when I’m licking you?” He parted his lips, revealing they were fully extended. “They fit perfectly on the sides of that pretty little pearl to give my tongue full access. I won’t have to use my hands to keep you spread enough to get to it well. They will be otherwise occupied.”

  The vivid picture he painted made her breath freeze inside her lungs and her body responded. She inched back, scooting away from him. “I think I should go home.”

  “Damn. I was afraid of this.” He frowned. “You’re scared. I won’t force you to turn but you’ve got to at least give us a chance before you say no.”