“Liam said that he saw them dump their bodies into the lake.”
My eyes filled with tears just thinking about the cruel way they’d been treated. Just like garbage. My parents. My aunt. My grandmother. More than anything, I wanted to get my hands on Faye, and the people who killed my family. Make them suffer for what they’d done. “I wish there was something we could do. A way to make them pay for everything,” I said, my teeth clenched.
He reached over and grabbed my hand, squeezing it. “Maybe in time we’ll get the chance to do it. I’ll even help you.”
My eyes met his. “Really?”
He nodded. “If that’s what you really want. Revenge?”
“I guess… I just really want someone to put an end to her violence,” I said, staring at our hands. Even though his was cold, I was still comforted by it. “The woman thinks she can do whatever she wants. Someone needs to stop her.”
“I agree.”
I let out a sigh. “Do you think they’ll come looking for us in Europe?”
“No, but if they do, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you,” he said firmly.
“As long as you don’t endanger yourself,” I said, pulling his hand closer to my face. I could now actually see the veins under the surface of his skin. “God, you’re so cold. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do? Besides, you know… offer you blood?”
He quickly released my hand. “I’m sorry. If I’m not careful, I’ll give you… hypothermia.”
My eyes widened.
He grinned weakly. “I’m kidding.”
“Really? Because, your hand is like ice and, I hate to say it, but your lips seem to be turning blue,” I said, staring at them in awe.
He touched his lower lip and frowned. “Really?”
“Yes. That’s why I’m so worried about you. Is this normal?”
He shrugged. “What is normal? To be honest, I really don’t know.”
“This can’t be good, Slade. There has to be a way to warm you up.”
He grinned. “I can think of ways, but you’d probably slap me.”
I stared at him in surprise and smiled. “I hope Liam’s not wearing off on you?”
“Never. I was thinking more of a kiss. Since my lips were blue.”
I wondered if kissing him actually would warm his lips. “Would it help?”
His eyes widened in surprise and then he sighed. “I wish it did. But, it wouldn’t.”
“I… um… I’d only be doing it for the sake of helping you feel better, obviously.”
He stared at my lips. “Because you’re worried about my health?”
“Yes.”
“I kind of like how you’re worried about me,” he said softly. “It’s… intriguing.”
My cheeks turned pink. “Friends do that. We are friends now, right?”
“Oh, of course,” he answered, looking very serious. “Absolutely.”
“And as your friend, I’m just looking out for you. So, if there’s anything I can do, within reason of course, let me know.”
“You know, there is something you can do,” he replied, staring into my eyes. “Quit worrying so much.”
A calmness swept over me and I relaxed. He was right. There was no reason to worry about a guy like him. He was rich, good-looking, and strong. I remembered how he’d torn the door away from the sheriff’s car and smiled at him. “I guess it’s silly, worrying about someone like you.”
“I don’t know about silly. If anything, it’s flattering,” he said, smiling at me. “You’re so different than what I’m used to. You’re so… real.”
I laughed nervously. “That’s me. Real. Real nosy and sometimes an emotional basket-case.”
His smile fell. “Don’t ever cut yourself down. You’re an amazingly strong, young woman. One who has been to hell and back these last few days. Chelsey, you should be proud of yourself. I know I am.”
My heart did a weird little flip-flop and I could feel my cheeks turn pink. I wondered if he was charming me. But something told me he wasn’t. That he didn’t have to. “Thank you,” I replied, still blushing.
He stiffened up and turned to look toward the entrance of the plane. “She’s here.”
“Oh?” I said, feeling panicky. I wasn’t even sure why. I’d never met the woman. Of course, she was a vampire.
“What should I do?” I whispered.
“Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” he said.
Within a couple of seconds, I heard voices, one being a female’s. “Watch your step,” said Steve as they approached.
“Okay,” replied the woman. Talia.
When she entered through the doorway, it felt like some kind of static charge had been released into the air. A prickly tension between Talia and Slade that encompassed the entire plane.
“Thank you again, Steve,” said the dark-haired woman, smiling at our pilot.
I stared at the small woman in shock. I don’t know what I’d expected, but it wasn’t her. With her large, brown eyes and stylish chignon, she seemed perky and almost… elfish. She actually reminded me of Audrey Hepburn. Classic, beautiful, and not in the least bit threatening.
“You have no idea how much this means to me and Aiden,” she went on. “We have a meeting with an important client tomorrow morning for this new project. I’m expected to be there and thanks to you, I won’t have to miss it.”
He placed her carry-on in one of the small compartments and closed the door. “It’s my pleasure. I’m glad I could help.”
“You’re a lifesaver,” she said, looking around the plane. When she noticed me and Slade, her smile widened.
“And so it begins,” whispered Slade.
Talia walked over to us. Something told me that she’d heard him, but chose to ignore his comment. “I wasn’t aware that we were going to have celebrities on board. This is amazing! Slade, it’s been years since we’ve seen each other.”
Slade’s smile was cool. “Yes, it has.”
Her own smile didn’t falter. “Well, it’s so nice to see you. I know things were a little rocky the last time we met and,” she sighed. “I … I truly hope that we can put all of that ugliness behind us.”
“I already have,” said Slade.
“Good,” she said and then her eyes moved to me. “Now, who is this young woman sitting next to you?”
“My name is Chelsey,” I answered, giving her a friendly smile.
Her eyes drifted to my jeans and wrinkled T-shirt, then up to my hair, which I knew pretty much still looked like crap. “Are you with the band, too? Or just a really lucky fan?” She snapped her finger a couple times. “What do they call you girls here in the States… groupies?”
I stopped smiling. “I’m not a groupie.”
“She’s much more than that,” said Slade firmly. He put his hand on my knee. “Chelsey is my fiancée.”
I’M NOT EXACTLY sure what came over me, but I wanted Talia to understand that Chelsey was somebody special. Especially when I noticed the way she was staring down at her so snootily.
Chelsey, her mouth open in surprise, looked at me.
“I know we were going to keep it a secret until after we got back to Romania, but I think it’s about time everyone knew. Don’t you, babe?”
She continued staring at me, at a loss for words.
I looked up at Talia, who was watching us closely, and grinned. “I suppose I’m never going to hear the end of it now.” I put my hand around Chelsey’s shoulder, pulled her closer, kissing her on the forehead. “Obviously I can’t keep something this big a secret.”
“Wow, congratulations,” said Steve, coming up behind Talia. “Both of you. I had no idea.”
“Thanks,” I said. “It was supposed to be a secret. I’m probably in the doghouse now.”
Talia slowly smiled. “Yes, you just might be. Well, congratulations. Both of you. I take it Chelsey is aware of your special gifts and… diet?”
“Of course,” I replied, wanting to slap the smug
expression from her face. She deserved far more than that, though. “Fortunately, I was given the chance to explain to her what I was. Nobody else interfered.”
Her face took on a pained expression. “You’re not still blaming me about Vanessa, are you? For God’s sake, Slade. She was my sister. She deserved to know the truth.”
“Yes, you were her sister,” I replied coolly. “Too bad you used it for your advantage more than hers.”
Before she could respond, the door opened up and Liam stepped inside, followed by Melody, who was laughing at something he’d just said.
“Chelsey, we picked you up a Snickers bar. I remembered how much you loved them,” said Melody, waving it in the air.
“Thanks,” she replied, her voice hoarse.
“Hello, you must be Talia?” said Liam, holding out his hand.
She smiled and shook it. “I am and you must be Aiden’s brother? You look just like him.”
“Thankfully, he’s rich and I’m… almost famous. It makes up for our ugly mugs.”
“There is nothing ugly about either of you, and you know it,” she replied. “He has women calling him all day and you… I’m sure you have hundreds of female fans who adore you.”
“Thousands. But, who’s counting,” said Liam, smiling broadly.
She laughed. “Not you, apparently.” Talia looked at Melody. “Let me guess, Liam, this is your fiancée?”
Liam’s smile evaporated. “Come again?”
Talia nodded toward me. “I just assumed that because Slade was finally settling down, you might be too.”
“Slade?” replied Liam. He looked at me, puzzled.
“He doesn’t know yet,” I said. “Listen, buddy, Chelsey and I are getting married. I should have told you before…”
He stared at me as if I’d gone mad. “What?”
“Oh, my God, are you serious!?” cried Melody, clapping her hands together.
Chelsey decided to play along. “Yes,” she said, patting my thigh. “We’re hoping for a summer wedding, right, honey?”
Relieved, I nodded. “Yep. Anything you want, babe.”
“This is freaken fantastic!” squealed Melody. “I knew you guys were finally warming up to each other, but this… this is crazy awesome! Can I be your Maid of Honor?”
“Of course,” said Chelsey as Bradan, Sean, and Jimmy entered the plane.
“We’re back,” said Jimmy. “And with time to spare.”
“You find a guitar?” I asked, noticing that he wasn’t carrying a case.
“No. I’m just going to have one custom made.” He looked at Talia. “Hi. You must be Talia.”
“Yes and you are another member of Venom? I’m pretty sure I recognize you from your CD cover. Jimmy, right?”
He grinned. “Yep. You bought our CD?”
“I did and have to say – it’s simply wonderful. Every song is better than the last. I also have all of your songs on my iPod, too.”
“Cool,” replied Jimmy. He waved his hand toward Sean and Bradan. “You probably recognize these two bums as well?”
She looked at them. “Of course. Bradan and Sean. I have to have all of your autographs before we leave the plane. Is that okay?”
“Of course. Anything you want,” said Jimmy. I could tell from the look in his eyes he was interested in more than just giving her the autograph. I made a mental note to pull him aside and set him straight. She was toxic and he needed to quarantine himself from a bitch like her.
Josh stepped onto the plane, surrounded by the pungent smell of menthol cigarettes and coffee. I welcomed it, however. It helped hide his human scent. My hunger was definitely off of the charts now. Oddly enough, I found it less difficult to control in regards to Chelsey and Melody. I chalked it up to the fact that they both meant something to me, now. Even Melody, who was naïve and obviously hung up on Liam.
Then there was Chelsey.
The desire I had for her was dangerous, in every sense of the word. But, I also felt driven to protect her. As far as Josh went, he was a stranger. I wouldn’t have as many qualms about using him for blood.
I sighed.
It was going to be a very long flight. My stomach already ached for sustenance and I knew it would only get worse. Good thing Josh would be in the cockpit the entire flight.
“Are we all here?” asked Josh, crumpling up an empty cigarette pack.
“Yes, I believe so,” said Talia, walking over to him. She held out her hand. “Hello. I’m Talia.”
He threw away the empty pack of cigarettes and then shook her hand. Just like Jimmy, he seemed enamored by her.
“I’m Josh, your co-pilot,” he said, staring into her eyes. “Goodness, has anyone ever told you that you look like that actress… what was her name… Natalie Wood?”
“I’ve been told Audrey Hepburn once or twice,” she laughed. “But I’ll take Natalie Wood. Nice to meet you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” he replied, not yet releasing her hand. “If you need anything. Anything at all, dear. Just let me know.”
She pulled her hand back gently. “I will. Thank you,” she said, with a knowing smile. “You’re very kind.”
“Okay, then,” said Steve. I think we’re good to get ready to go. The plane has been refueled, so we’ll lock her up, and then check in with the tower. I’ll let you know when we’re given the approval to lift-off.”
“Sounds great,” said Talia, looking around. “Aiden mentioned that there was a place for me to… take a nap? A back bedroom?”
“Yes,” said Steve. “This plane is the only one I’ve ever seen with actual sleeping accommodations. I’ll show you where it is.”
“Thank you, Steve.”
“Of course,” he answered. “My pleasure. Do you need your bag?”
“Oh, yes. As a matter of fact I do. Brought a little snack with me,” she said and looked at me. “Speaking of which, you look like you could use something to perk you up. I’m willing to share, if you’d like to join me.”
I’d rather starve to death than share whatever kind of meal she had hidden in her carry-on. “No. I’m good. Thank you.”
“Suit yourself. If you change your mind,” she grinned. “You know where you can find me.”
“Right,” I said.
“Thank you,” she said, as Steve took her bag back out of the compartment. They began walking toward the plane’s berth but then she stopped abruptly. “Happy traveling, everyone.” She looked over her shoulder and with a smirk, said, “And don’t forget to say congratulations to the happy couple.”
“What happy couple?” asked Bradan.
Talia covered her mouth. “Sorry. I forgot that not everyone knew about it yet.”
“What is she talking about?” asked Jimmy, as Talia disappeared with the pilot.
“Chelsey and Slade,” answered Melody. “They’re getting married.”
Bradan, Sean, and Jimmy turned to me in shock.
I grinned. “Surprise.”
“HERE IT IS,” said Steve, opening up a door that led to a nicely sized bedroom.
I walked inside and nodded my approval. Quaint, but undeniably luxurious for an airplane. “This is very nice, I must say.”
“Indeed. Where would you like this?” he asked, holding up my travel bag.
My lip curled up. “I’d like it on the bed.”
He set it down and then turned to me. “Is there anything else you’d like ‘on the bed’?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
He grinned. “I just wanted to make sure we were both still on the same page.”
“Of course, darling. How much time do we have?” I asked, pushing him down.
“Enough,” he whispered as I unzipped his pants.
AFTER I WAS done pleasuring him, he tried slipping his hand under my skirt, but I pushed him away. The thought of a lycan touching me in my most intimate spot was nauseating. It had been hard enough placing my lips on his wretched skin. But it had to be done, whether I liked it
or not. “Now, don’t you have a plane to fly?”
He smiled. “Yes… but, it doesn’t seem fair. You need attention, too.”
I hid my disgust. “If you want to make me happy, you’ll just stick with our plan. Part of which is to get us to Dublin as quickly as possible.”
Sighing, he stood up. “Okay.”
“Don’t be like that. You know if they suspect anything going on between us, it could get back to Aiden. We can’t risk that.”
“I know.”
I smiled. “Good. Now, once we’re in the sky, send Josh back here. I brought a snack, but there’s nothing like fresh, warm blood.”
“Okay. If that’s what you want.”
“It’s all going to work out, Steve. And soon, we are going to be rich. Richer than our wildest dreams.”
He grinned. “I’m looking forward to it. And I’m also looking forward to celebrating properly. Just the two of us, beautiful.”
I forced a smile. “Me, too.”
Before I could respond, he grabbed the back of my head and pulled me to his lips. I allowed him to kiss me, but it didn’t stop the bile from rising in the back of my throat.
“Steve,” I warned, pushing him away. “We need to liftoff, don’t we?”
He touched the front of his zipper. “I think I’m going to need to liftoff again. Soon.”
Lycan.
All of them were animals. I was surprised he didn’t start humping my leg. “Later. Get going, before Josh gets suspicious.”
“Sorry. You just have this effect on me,” he answered, walking toward the door. He turned around and winked. “Once I make love to you, I know you’re going to feel the same way about me. The things that I can do with my tongue.”
I pointed to the door. “Well then get going so you can prove how skilled you are, lover.”
He saluted me. “Your wish is my command. You change your mind about a mid-flight quickie, though, let me know.”
“I will,” I said, blowing him a kiss. “Now, go.”
He blew me a kiss back and then finally left me alone.
“Finally,” I muttered, unzipping my carry-on. The things I did for Lucian. He owed me big-time.
Slade (Venom Series) Book Two Page 13
