by Erin West
His hands clench the steering wheel. “That he is trying to change you into a vampire.”
“What? You guys are seriously off your rockers. This was a mistake. Please, take me back home. I can’t deal with any more crazy tonight.” My wide eyes lock on to his.
His are filled with either sympathy or pity.
I’m not sure which at this point, but I don’t care. My voice softens. “Don’t fucking look at me like that. I don’t need or want your pity. I want to go home.”
“No. I will never pity you. I only wish for your safety and happiness. Let me take care of you. Our healer is one of the best.” He reaches over the console and rubs my arm.
I relax into his touch, the buzzing becoming a sensation I anticipate and crave. “Fine. But I will leave whenever I want to.”
His breath swooshes out. “Yes, you can leave when you want.”
My eyes narrow. Is he being sincere? Do I trust him? I barely know him, but for some strange reason, I do.
The longer he keeps his hand on my arm, the more intense the buzzing becomes, heightening my awareness of the confined space we are in. I should break this hold he has on me and get out of the car, but I don’t want to. What would his lips would taste like?
He smiles at me, dimples making an appearance.
Oh, my God. That smile screams heartbreaker. Jealousy fills my gut at the thought of the number of women that have been graced with that smile. I pull away from the contact. My entire being rebels at the distance.
A new feeling swirls within me, growing in strength. It’s burning a path through my center. What the hell is this? Am I changing into a vampire?
Pain ricochets inside me, and I double over, a gasp escaping my lips.
“Are you okay? What’s going on? Talk to me.” He is in front of me by my next breath, scooping me up and out of the car.
He runs toward the house, and the front door opens before we reach it.
The pain is too much. Heat takes over my limbs.
“Shit, you’re burning up. Hold on. Don’t you change on me.” He clutches me closer to his chest as he carries me into a room. “Call the healer, now.”
I hope he isn’t talking to me. My eyes feel heavy and I can’t move anything as he places me on a bed. Blackness consumes me.
Coolness covers my face and I turn toward it. My eyes are still heavy, tiredness weighing down on me, but the burning within has subsided.
“She’s coming around,” a soothing voice whispers above me.
“Thank God. Did she go through the transformation?” His voice fades in and out, like he’s pacing.
Silence greets him.
He growls, “Give it to me straight. I can take it.”
“We won’t know for sure until she wakes. She doesn’t appear to have transitioned, but the true test will be when she wakes. I’ve never seen you act this way. Is she the one?” Her voice cracks as she mutters the words.
I can feel the hurt radiating from her. My heart breaks for her. She loves him, but her feelings aren’t returned.
“Faith…” His reply is cut off by a phone ringing.
She sighs beside me, placing her small hand on my forehead. Her sweet, herbal scent wafts around me, soothing my body and soul.
“You motherfucker. What were you thinking? You could have killed her,” he spits out, fury filling the room.
I strain in my subconscious to hear the other person. It must be Eli.
“She’s not showing signs. You better be grateful. I’d hate to have to kill you after all we’ve been through.”
Faith’s presence drifts farther away. “She’s stable for now. I’m going to head out. Call me if anything changes.”
Her sadness cloaks her now. Grief squeezes my chest. Hers or mine, I’m not sure.
“Sure. Thank you for coming.” Drake’s voice softens. “I’m still here… What? Hell no, you can’t see her. She’s in my protection now.” There’s a brief pause. “Do what you have to, but you’re not seeing her right now. You should have thought about that before you bit her and put her in danger.” There’s a loud bang on the wall where I assume he threw something.
His hand engulfs mine, gripping it tight, the buzzing stronger than before. “Come on. Wake up. I want to see those beautiful blue eyes.” He stands and moves away from the bed before a knock echoes in the room.
A voice I recognize from my apartment greets him. “Has she woken up?”
Drake sighs. “No, not yet. What is it?”
The man hesitates. “I just thought you should know that Elijah is on his way.”
“Fuck. I guess I should have expected this. He’s one stubborn son of a bitch.” Drake’s exasperation is evident in his tone.
The man chuckles. “What do you want us to do?”
“Don’t let him in. I’ll be down in a minute.” Drake walks back to my side, leans down, and presses a kiss to my forehead.
After he leaves, the imprint of his lips tingles. Why am I not waking up?
Come on, body. Wake up. I struggle for what seems like hours, but my eyes finally open.
Cream-colored walls with splashes of light blue and dark wood furniture make up the room Drake put me in. I look around for him before I remember that he is somewhere else dealing with Eli.
Oh, shit. Eli. I bring my hand up to my neck to feel for punctures. When I encounter smooth, unmarred skin, I jump up from the bed and run over to the dresser mirror. With furrowed eyebrows, I inspect my neck. Nothing. There's not even a scar. Was I dreaming last night?
It couldn't have been a dream, because I'm at Drake's.
Anxiety and elation flood me before the door bursts open.
Drake stands in the doorway for a minute, giving me a chance to devour him with my eyes. He’s wearing khaki shorts and an olive-green t-shirt that stretches over his shoulders. It’s almost a shame to cover such a delicious body.
Damn. Why does he have to be so sexy?
“Hey.” He walks toward me with caution evident in his eyes as he inspects me from head to toe. “How are you feeling?”
I take stock of myself before answering. “I actually feel great.” I smile at him.
His eyes drop to my mouth.
“I don’t feel different. Am I a vampire?” I turn to look at my reflection in the mirror again. My skin is radiant, but I look the same. I open my mouth and run my tongue over my normal, blunt teeth.
Drake grabs my shoulders and turns me to face him, then wraps his arms around my waist. He makes me feel safe and cared for. That's a dangerous feeling to have. I need to rein it in.
“How long have I been asleep?” My voice is muffled by his chest.
“Almost twenty-four hours. I’ve been worried.” He squeezes me before letting me step back.
“Is my front door fixed? I should be getting home.” I turn and straighten the heavenly sheets to hide my disappointment. I need to figure out what my next step is going to be and find a new job.
“If that’s what you want, but I’d like the healer to look you over again. Can you let me do that for you?”
How can I say no to a sexy man who wants to take care of me? I nod.
The smile that lights up his face spreads joy through my chest.
He pulls his phone out of his pocket, swiping his finger across the screen. “She’s awake.” He hangs up. “The healer will be here soon. Are you hungry? Can I get you anything?”
“Okay.” I scoot to the edge of the bed. “Is there a bathroom?”
“Of course. It’s right through that door.” He points to the door on the opposite side of the bed.
“Thanks. I’ll be out in a minute.” I run through the door and take care of my business.
When I come out of the bathroom, there's a woman facing him. I get my first look at the one pining after Drake.
She’s a slender, petite brunette with kind eyes. She and Drake are having a conversation, but I can’t hear what’s being said.
His head whips over in my direct
ion and he smiles. “Better?”
I nod.
He walks over to me and then points to the slender woman. “Rose, this is Faith. She’s been taking excellent care of you.”
“Hi, it’s nice to officially meet you. Thanks for taking care of me.” I bite my lip. “I don’t know how home visits work, but I’ll give you my address and you can send me the bill.”
She holds her hand out before either of us can respond. “That won’t be necessary. Drake has already taken care of it.”
I shake my head back and forth. “No, that is not okay. Please, send me the bill. I insist. I can’t let him do that. He’s already done more than he should have.”
He points his finger at his chest. “Hello, he is standing right here and can speak for himself. As she said, it has already been taken care of. If it will make you feel better, how about after you get another job, you can pay me back?”
I can’t argue with his logic. It makes the most sense, and I’m not bringing in any money right now. I wonder how the girls are doing since Tip fired me.
Oh, shit. Mia. I bet she’s been trying to get in touch. Where the fuck is my phone? I pat my pockets and look on the furniture around the bed.
Drake steps up beside me. “Is something wrong?”
I pat all of my pockets again. “I can't find my phone.”
His eyebrows furrow. “I don't think you brought it with you.”
“I need my phone. Can you take me to get it?”
“Okay, we'll get your phone.” He touches the small of my back. “Let Faith give you a quick check-up first.”
Faith observes the interaction between us. “Can you have a seat on the bed, please?” She points to a spot close to the end of the mattress, and I follow her direction.
She shines a penlight in my eyes then uses her stethoscope to listen to my heartbeat. Moving it to my back, she looks down. “Take a couple of deep breaths.”
She loops it around her neck. “How are you feeling? Any pain?”
I shake my head. “Do you do a lot of house calls?”
“Yes. I mainly work within the pack, but I own a small family practice as well.” Her eyes meet mine for a moment.
My eyebrow raises. “Pack?”
Faith cuts her eyes up to Drake’s face.
He gives a slight shake of his head.
What was that about? “What’s the verdict? Am I a vampire?”
She puts her stethoscope and penlight into a bag. “Do you want the good or bad news first?”
“Good.”
“Good news, no. Bad news, I don’t know why the transition didn’t happen.” Her face shows her bewilderment, like I’m a puzzle she needs to solve.
Who cares why it didn’t happen? A smile pulls up the corners of my lips. Thank God. I can’t handle turning into a vampire right now.
“That’s great news.” I turn my head up to meet Drake’s from my sitting position. “Can you take me home now?”
He hesitates, glancing at Faith for a moment before looking back at me. “Sure. Let’s go.”
I put my shoes on and walk out of the bedroom before realizing I have no clue where I’m going. I stand outside the bedroom door, waiting for Drake to catch up. Muted voices come through the door and I lean my ear against it, hoping to hear what they’re discussing, but I can’t hear a damn thing.
The door swings open and I fall into a hard chest. Strong arms wrap around me. I would know that buzzing feeling from anywhere. I meet amber eyes filled with amusement.
“Hear anything good?”
That damn smile of his makes my knees weak every time. “Nope. Ready to go? I realized I don’t know where I’m going.”
He stands me up on my own two feet. “Yes. I’ll give you a tour later.”
My eyebrows furrow. “A tour? I thought you were taking me home.”
“I am. Come on.” He grabs my hand and walks down a hallway that brings us to the top of the stairs. The buzzing is even more intense than before.
My core heats up. Down, girl. This shit needs to cool down. I’ve gone most of my twenty-four years without thoughts of sex. Now, it seems to be the only thing on my mind. Damn these men for creating this problem.
My skin feels tight and uncomfortable. I need relief.
When we step outside, Drake’s Tesla is waiting for us in front of the house and one of the men from my apartment is standing beside it.
Ever the gentleman, he opens my door and helps me into the vehicle, closing the door behind me. He has a conversation with the other man before getting into the driver’s side.
I turn toward him. “What was that about?”
He places his foot on the brake, starts the car, then takes off down the long driveway. “Curious, are we?”
“You don’t have to tell me.” I cross my arms and look out of the window, watching the scenery.
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know, but you’ll have to spend time with me first.” He meets my gaze while switching gears.
The ball is in my court now.
“Anything I want, huh?” I gaze out of the window, houses blurring together as we pass by.
Grinning, he glances my way. “Yes, but each question requires a full day of spending time with me.”
If he thinks that will deter me, he is mistaken. He doesn’t have to bribe me to spend time with him. He’s the most comforting person I’ve ever been around, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s completely delectable to look at.
What is going on with me? The temptation to jump his bones grows stronger every minute I’m in his presence. I meet his gaze and toss my hair. “I think I can handle that.”
Chuckling, he reaches out and intertwines our fingers. “I’m glad.” He winks at me. “Got a question for me now? I’d kind of like to lock down a day with you before we get to your place.”
My heart flutters at his words and our connected hands. I may have been a stripper, but he is the first man I’ve ever held hands with. This seems intimate.
I bite my lip, trying to focus on the topic at hand. He’s offering me answers, but what question do I want to ask first. “How did you know I lost my job?” My chance to ask anything and that’s what pops out of my mouth.
Some of my tension evaporates, but it doesn’t feel like it was my own. In fact, I know it’s not my own. I’m not tense; I’m just restless and confused.
His shoulders seem to relax some at my question. “Well, that’s an easy question and those types are the ones I like best.” He squeezes my hand. “Eli told me.”
Ugh, of course he did. Eli is a pain in the ass. I almost wish I had never gone to Club Fetish that night. All of this could have been avoided. However, he is one mighty fine pain in the ass. Just thinking about our kiss makes me hot.
I bet Drake’s kiss would be amazing, too, with his strong chest pressed up against me. He makes just sitting there look sexy, with his muscles bulging under his shirt and his lips full.
He applies the brakes and turns toward me. “You’re very distracting like this.”
I shake my head, trying to get some clarity. Oh, shit. I’m leaning over the console and treating him like eye candy. I let my hair fall so that it fans me, hoping it comes off like I did this on purpose. “So are you.”
He groans and shifts around. “I want to do this right.”
What the fuck does that mean? “What are you talking about?”
Reaching out, he cups my face in his hand. “Us.”
I halfway open my eyes, feeling comforted and at home with his touch. “What about us?”
He grins. “I’m crazy about you. You deserve someone who is patient and won’t take advantage of you. I’m that guy. I want you.”
I startle back. I want him, too. That’s not good. Relationships muddy the waters, and feelings cause confusion. You can’t look out for number one that way. But, somehow, I can’t walk away from him. I’ve never felt comforted before, and he gives me that. I’ve known him for less than two days, but I trust
him wholeheartedly. “Okay.”
He brushes his lips against mine.
It’s the sweetest sensation I’ve ever felt, and I move toward him to deepen it.
He pulls back. “Remember, I’m going to be patient.” He grins and taps me on my nose. “I plan on kissing you thoroughly, but only when you’re ready. You’re not ready yet, and I don’t want to regret it tomorrow.”
He’s right. I’m not ready, despite what my body is telling me, and I need time to adapt to these overwhelming feelings that have taken control of me. “Thank you.”
Putting the car back in drive, he takes my hand again. “You don’t need to thank me. This is what you deserve.”
I sit back in my seat and lay my head back against the headrest. I didn’t think men like him still existed in this world. I’m glad that I was wrong.
Chapter Seven
Pulling up to my apartment, I find that I don’t want to get out of this car. I want to stay with Drake. What the hell is wrong with me? I wonder how many times I have thought that exact question over the last twenty-four hours.
The car stops and Drake hops out.
I take a deep breath, readying myself for him to head back to the mansion. My passenger door opens, and he helps me out.
He shuts the door behind me.
I turn toward him. “Well, thank you. I guess I’ll be seeing you around.” I head toward the door.
Before I get too far, he catches my arm. “Hey, you aren’t getting rid of me yet. I need to make sure your door is fixed.”
Shit, that’s right. It’s been a whirlwind. I force myself not to smile. “Okay, let’s go.”
I head up the stairs, eager to check out my apartment. When I reach the top, Drake grabs my waist, stopping me.
He looks at me and frowns. “I’m sorry, but you have a visitor. Do you mind if I go first?”
How the hell does he know I have a visitor? I can’t even see my door yet. “Is someone meeting us here?”
He shakes his head. “No, I wouldn’t do that without you knowing.” He runs a hand through his hair, muscles bulging. “It’s someone who doesn’t know boundaries.”
Damn, he looks good. Wait. Someone who doesn’t know boundaries? “Is it that psycho?”
