Sleeping Rose

by Erin West

  One second, he’s pinning me to the wall, and the next, he’s flying across the alleyway with a man standing over him. The man turns toward me, and I glimpse amber, glowing eyes. Like the eyes of the wolf I’ve been seeing in the park.

  “Drake?” My eyes widen, and he gives me a devilish smile before Eli attacks him. Fists fly, and grunts come from both men. Blood covers their faces and knuckles with no end in sight.

  “Back off, Elijah. She’s mine,” Drake snaps between punches.

  “That’s not possible,” Eli bites out with clenched teeth.

  “What the fuck is going on here?” I feel like I’m screaming at the top of my lungs, but I’m being ignored. If they are going to act as if I’m not here, I’ll make it happen. I pick up my things and leave them fighting. I can’t believe they know each other. It gives me more reason to avoid both of them.

  I turn off the hot water in the shower and hear banging on the door. What now? After grabbing a threadbare white towel, I wrap it around my body.

  “I’m coming. I’m coming. Geesh,” I holler while making my way there.

  The door doesn’t have a peephole, so I open it without removing the safety chain at the top. Eli greets me in the same dark jeans and a clean, button-up shirt rolled up to his elbows, looking as if he just walked off the cover of GQ magazine. He doesn’t look like he was in a knock-down, drag out fight outside of Tip’s an hour ago.

  Just the thought of Tip sends a crack of pain through my still-fresh, broken heart. My eyes narrow and I try to slam it in his face.

  He keeps me from closing the door with one hand. “Rose, we need to talk.”

  “I told you to leave me the fuck alone.” I cross my arms.

  “I can’t. Invite me in and I’ll explain.” His voice is demanding, but there’s a hint of pleading there as well.

  Wanda opens her door, phone in hand, “Mister, I asked you to let Rose be. I’m calling the police.” She presses two numbers on the phone before he is in front of her.

  I unlock and swing the door open. “Please, don’t hurt her. You can come in. Wanda, it’s okay.”

  Wanda looks up at me with suspicion clear in her bright blue eyes. “Are you sure, dear? Don’t let this man bully you. I don’t care how hot he is. You give me the go-ahead and I’ll dial the police right now.”

  She is dead serious, and I love her for being protective of me. I don’t even care that my personal life will serve as gossip for her and the old biddies for a while. “I’m sure. Thank you.” I smile to reassure her.

  She humphs, pointing a bony finger into Eli’s chest. “Don’t you hurt her, or you’ll have to deal with me.” Her eyes glare daggers at him.

  “No chance of that, Ms. Wanda. I only want to talk to her. I plan to take very good care of her. Here’s my number if you ever need to reach me.” He hands her a business card.

  When he turns around, the sexy smile on his face makes the breath catch in my throat. Why does he have to be so damn good-looking? I peek around him to see a devilish glint in Wanda’s eyes. Cheeky woman was planning that.

  He steps in close and I can feel his body heat surrounding me. Smoldering, sea-green eyes gaze at me. “Are you going to let me in?”

  I have to clear my throat. “Sure.”

  “Then you’re going to have to move out of the door.” He crowds in closer.

  I take a step back into my apartment, holding the door open. The room feels smaller with his massive frame invading the space.

  He inspects my living quarters before turning back to me. I expect to see disgust or condemnation in his eyes, but instead, there’s hunger.

  “You better go change,” his eyes scan my body from head to toe, “or I’ll ravage you before we can talk.”

  Why does that thought turn me on? My nipples harden through the towel and wetness pools at the junction of my thighs.

  Eli’s tortured groan fills the space between us. He takes a few steps toward me. “I’d love to see how far that blush goes.” His words make my arousal skyrocket.

  I can’t help but glance down at the erection on full display in his tight jeans. I lick my dry lips and hold out my hand. “Stop. I’ll be right back, and there won’t be any of that. Ever.”

  His laugh follows me into my room.

  At this moment, I’m happy that I don’t have a studio apartment and there’s a door for me to hide behind. I throw on a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt before joining him in the living room. I plop down on the brown chair I got at a thrift store.

  He takes a seat on the couch closest to me. “Are you going to ask if I want a drink?” There’s a spark of humor in his eyes.

  “No. Because you won’t be here long enough for a drink.” I cross my legs.

  His eyes are drawn to my legs. “Who are you?”

  “So, we are back to that. I told you already. I don’t know what more you want from me. I’m an ordinary girl trying to survive this world.” I shrug my shoulders and clasp my hands together in my lap.

  “No, you’re anything but ordinary. This,” he looks around us, “this is not surviving. You’re existing.” His penetrating stare pulls me in, red glowing around the edges of his irises.

  “Who are you?”

  He grins, fangs descending. “You know what I am. Don’t act naïve.”

  Holy shit. My eyes weren’t playing tricks on me last night. What the fuck did I do by inviting him in? “It’s not possible.”

  He moves to sit closer to me. “Don’t play games with me. I’m too old to deal with that.”

  Even though I’m petrified, I’m aroused and curious. I scoot closer to him. I’m unable to resist, even though I know how wrong it is. I lick my lips. “I’m not playing games.”

  He reaches out and takes my hand, electricity shooting between us. “You have to be.” He leans closer, his breath hitting my face. “What are you?”

  His breath smells sweet, with a metallic hint. It’s the most erotic thing I’ve ever smelled. I lean into him, not thinking. My lips touch his and I’m drowning in his spell again. Moaning, I deepen the kiss.

  He grabs my thighs and picks me up, placing me on his lap.

  I’m now straddling him and feel him harden against me. I begin thrusting against him as our kiss grows more frantic.

  He groans and grabs the back of my hair, pulling so that my head is tilted to the side.

  Leaning forward, his cool lips touch my neck and his tongue flicks the skin.

  For some crazy reason, I want him to bite me.

  He groans and then pulls back slightly, his lips and fangs still grazing my skin. “You better stop, or I won’t be able to.”

  Needing him, I moan and pull him back against my neck, urging him on.

  He pauses even though his hands are kneading my ass.

  Will he just bite me and take me, so I can stop all these crazy feelings already?

  He gets up and slams me against the wall. His lips brush against my ear. “You asked for it.”

  I’m dizzy with his scent and don’t understand what he just said. Before I can think anymore, I feel his sharp teeth against my neck, and then they sink in.

  Pleasure like never before rushes through my body and straight to my core. I could almost orgasm from these sensations if I wanted to. Before I can encourage it further, there is a loud banging at the door.

  Who the hell could that be?

  Eli sinks his fangs in deeper and groans, sucking greedily at the punctures while moving his hand up my shirt.

  Oh goodness, yes.

  The door splinters apart and Eli is pulled off me.

  He snarls and turns to attack, my blood coating his lips, but then stops short.

  Tearing my eyes away from him, I find Drake standing in my apartment along with five other tall, muscular guys. Oh, my God. What the hell just happened? I pull my shirt down and touch my neck where Eli just bit, my hand coming away with blood. Wait… He bit me.

  Drake is looking at me with an unfathomable expression
, his amber eyes capturing mine.

  Eli pulls away and wipes a little bit of my blood from his mouth. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You need to leave.” He moves in my direction.

  One tall, muscular guy with brown hair and goldish eyes steps in between Eli and me. He crosses his arms over his bare chest, making his shoulder and arm muscles bulge. Whatever his exercise regimen is, that’s who I need to be training with.

  I have no clue why none of my new guests have shirts on or where they came from.

  Drake comes over and touches my neck where I’m still slightly bleeding. “Are you okay?”

  The buzzing begins at his touch, and his abs and chest are on full display, making my mouth water. He’s hot as hell. His eight-pack is all on display for me. What would he taste like? I bet he would be salty and musky, which gets my hormones even more ramped up.

  He puts his finger under my chin and forces me to look up at his face. He has a smirk and his dimple is on full display. “Like what you see?”

  I nod before I can stop myself. Something is wrong with me.

  Eli hisses and is between Drake and me in a flash.

  How the hell did he just move that fast? Oh, wait. He’s a vampire. When did strange become my norm?

  Glaring, Drake lifts his chin at him. “You better move. She belongs to me.”

  Taking a step toward him, Eli grins. “No, she’s mine. Her blood now proves it. You dogs don’t like anyone that has been marked anyways.”

  Oh, hell no. I reach out and grab his hand. “I’m yours? I don’t belong to anyone.”

  He turns around and scowls. “Now is not the time, Rose.” His tone is firm, brooking no argument.

  Did he just talk to me like I’m a child? I kick him in the nuts, causing him to fall down on the ground.

  “What the fuck is your problem? I’m trying to protect you.” He grunts from the ground, his face pale with pain.

  I glare at him and then Drake. “I’m not a piece of property. I’m not either of yours.”

  Drake pinches the bridge of his nose. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry. Of course, you aren’t property.”

  Okay, what am I supposed to do here? He’s being too agreeable. How can I stay mad at that?

  Laughing, Eli stands, pain etched on his handsome face. “You, little girl, better never do that again.” He points to Drake. “Unlike him, I’m not a pussy.” His black hair is slightly messed up from our shenanigans earlier and his teeth are now normal. He takes a step closer to me. “You are mine, and I don’t give a rat’s ass if you have a problem with it. Officially, even Drake won’t be able to disagree with it tomorrow.”

  Why the hell does he have to be so attractive and such an ass? And why can’t I get my body under control, both with him and with Drake? And why in the world would things change tomorrow? He’s a fucking psycho.

  Drake’s fist clenches, and he moves his head toward Eli before two of the shirtless men move to either side of him.

  Taking a step toward him, Drake comes up beside me. “It’s time for you to go, Elijah. You’re outnumbered. Don’t make this more of a problem than it already is.”

  Eli’s nostrils flare. “Are you fucking serious? I’ve marked her. She’s mine. This will cause war.”

  Drake’s handsome face turns fierce. His jaw clenches, and anger radiates off him. “Are you trying to threaten me? You may be important, but even the council wouldn’t approve your crazy notion at a time like this.”

  I reach out and touch Drake’s arm. It bothers me that he’s so upset. I want to make things right for him.

  His body relaxes marginally, and he turns to give me a wink.

  Growling, Eli begins to move in my direction, but the two men beside him grab his arm and hold him back.

  Motioning toward the door, Drake stares Eli down. “Leave now. You’ve done enough damage for one night. We can discuss this further tomorrow.”

  Howling comes from outside my apartment complex. How is that possible in the ghetto?

  Eli leers at him with fangs descended. “We sure as hell are going to discuss this in the morning.” His eyes meet mine. “If he so much as touches you, I’ll kill him.”

  Lifting my chin, I snarl. “Not if I kill you first.”

  He walks toward the door but turns before he exits. “Oh, you can try. That will make the end result that much more explosive.”

  Before I can respond, he’s already out the door. That bastard.

  “Hey.” Drake takes my hand, pulling me toward him. “Are you okay?”

  I smile at the concern showing on his face. He does seem like a nice guy. “Yeah, that guy rubs me the wrong way.”

  Mashing his lips together, he glances back at my neck. “It didn’t sound like it from outside your door.”

  Shit, is he being serious? He could hear me all the way out there. “Well… you must have heard wrong.”

  He lifts a hand up. “No, I didn’t mean anything by it. That’s part of their make-up, seducing their prey.”

  Is he being real? I mean, Eli did bite me and he does have fangs, but… there is no way that is possible. Right? “Are you all fucking with me? Am I being punked?” I look around, hoping to spot the hidden camera. It’s the only logical explanation.

  His forehead is creased, confusion evident on his face. “Punked?”

  One of the remaining silent, shirtless guys chuckles. “It’s a prank show on MTV.”

  Looking back at me, he shakes his head. “Why would we be pranking you?”

  Okay, now I’m getting pissed. “Because this whole day has been fucked up. Is he really a vampire, and if so, what are you?”

  He looks back at the guy next to the door. “Why don’t you go find something and repair her door?”

  The other guys nod and then leave the room.

  He walks to me and cringes when he sees the bite marks. “Starting to feel disoriented?”

  Uh… I’ve been feeling disoriented all day. Ever since meeting the wolf and going to Club Fetish, my world has been turned upside down. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  He reaches up and plays with a strand of my hair. “Can I take you to my place? We don’t want this to happen here.”

  Is he propositioning me? He does look delectable right now, but a girl needs a little wooing, right? “A little presumptuous now, aren’t we?”

  His dimples return and are on full display for me. “Well, I wasn’t actually referring to that. Whose mind is in the gutter now?” He chuckles.

  Why do I not have a filter? Times like this, I wish I could just go back in time and shut me up. “Well, what the hell am I supposed to think?”

  “That’s fair.” He leans up against the wall and looks down at me. “But I just want to take care of you. Nothing is needed in return.”

  I want to argue, but he’s being sweet, and I have no door. Also, he was able to make Eli leave, so that’s something. If I stay, he might return. “Okay, but no funny business.”

  He holds two fingers up. “Scout’s honor.”

  Why in the hell does that make me want to jump his bones? He’s sweet and adorable. “Okay, let’s go.”

  He takes my hand and the buzzing courses through our joined hands. He and the wolf do this to me. What the fuck is going on?

  “Are you okay to walk?” His face is lined with worry.

  Why does he keep asking how I’m feeling? “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go.”

  We walk out the door and down the stairs. When we reach the landing, a man with a shirt on pulls up in the dark black Tesla Model Three from the gym. He must be lost. And he has to be scared out of his mind.

  The gentleman gets out of the car. “Here you go, sir. I’ll go help the others.” He hands the keys to Drake and disappears around the building.

  I glance back to the keys he was just given. “This is yours?”

  “Yeah, do you like it?”

  I point to the vehicle. “This would pay for my apartment for like five or ten yea
rs.”

  He frowns. “Yeah, well, it’s environmentally friendly and we sure need that in this town.”

  That we do. It angers me to see how careless people are about our environment around here. I may not have money, but at least I recycle.

  He opens the door for me and I slide in. The dark leather seats are comfortable, and the car is fully-loaded inside. I don’t think I’ve ever been in something this nice.

  He slides in on the driver’s side and winks at me. “We’ll be there soon, and hopefully we can figure something out. I won’t lose you.”

  At this point, I’m tired of asking questions, so I sit back and enjoy the ride.

  Chapter Six

  We’ve been riding in the car for over thirty minutes now, leaving the city behind. We turn down an old dirt road and drive for another ten minutes.

  Where the hell is he taking me? Maybe I made the wrong decision by coming with him. They say that most serial killers come off as nice, dutiful citizens. Shit, good thing I got in some practice this morning.

  Right when I’m about to open the car door and jump out, houses come into view. They are decent-sized and clustered together. We drive between dozens of them until a larger house on a hill comes into view.

  He pulls in front of the large stone house and stops the car, turning to smile at me. “Home Sweet Home. Are you still okay? I’m going to get our healer soon to see if we can do anything, or if it’s already too late.”

  I don’t do doctors. Had I known he was planning on me seeing one, I wouldn’t have come. “I can walk just fine, and I don’t need your doctor.”

  His jaw drops. “You want to change?”

  Why the hell would I want to change? My yoga pants are just fine. “No, I’m good. I changed when I got home.” I look out the window. This is so fucking weird.

  He sighs. “You’re not being funny. We need to get you to her before it’s too late.”

  I glare at him. “Too late for what?”

  His amber eyes glow, just like the wolf’s. What the hell? He can’t be the wolf, right?

  His tone is almost a whisper. “He didn’t tell you?”

  “Tell me what?” My heart feels like it’s racing.