Demi's at Stake

by N. L. Hoffmann

  “I hope you’re not saying this because you plan to try to get into my pants, Troy. I’m not looking for a relationship.”

  He chuckled. “Neither am I, so you can rest easy. If you want, I can talk to Seth about joining up with you guys.”

  “That’s probably for the best. He might get the wrong idea if I just say you’re joining. You know, like thinking we’re more than just friends.”

  Pulling away, he nodded. “Exactly, so I’ll just head to his room. Do you have plans later? I can bring over some pizza and we can watch a movie. You know, just as friends.”

  I studied his face for a moment, debating on if he was trying to hit on me. He appeared to be sincere, so I nodded slowly. “I guess that will be okay.”

  “Great. I’ll talk to Seth, then get a room here. It’s probably best if I’m close to the rest of the team.”

  Again, I nodded. “Sure.”

  Opening the door, he walked out, leaving me to wonder what the heck just happened. Locking the door behind him, I pulled out my phone to call Cathal. I paused, staring at his number for a few minutes, debating if I wanted to step over the line. Did I want to ask if he killed those families? What would I do if he didn’t? Worse, what would I do if he did?

  I didn’t have an answer to either of those questions, which frustrated me. I didn’t like worrying over a man, especially a vampire! I kept praying that there was some good in him.

  Deciding I would call him later, I put my phone onto the table next to the bed. Maybe a nap would help. I was tired, probably from stress. In the past, it didn’t take us long to find and kill our target, then move on. This time, the murders kept piling up, and I didn’t know whether or not the man I wanted was innocent.

  Wanted...

  Did I just admit that to myself? Staring at my reflection in the mirror next to the TV, I frowned. This was what betrayal looked like. I was betraying everything I knew, including my family.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Seth called us together to discuss Troy joining us. Of course, by the time I showed up at Seth’s room, Troy was there, joking around with everyone. There was beer, chips, and salsa set out. Apparently, they started before I arrived.

  “Look who finally decided to show up!” Blair laughed, slapping her thigh.

  I raised my eyebrows at her. Was she drunk already?

  Ruby dunked a chip into the salsa. “Blair started before the rest of us. You know how much of a lightweight she is.”

  Troy chuckled. “I think it’s kind of cute.”

  “You think drunk girls are cute because they’re easy,” I pointed out.

  He shrugged. “It does make things simpler. Here. Have a beer.” He shoved one in my direction.

  Everyone laughed. I shook my head, grabbing the beer as I sat down next to him. He touched my thigh, his hand moving up until I squirmed uncomfortably. He squeezed gently, laughing at something Blair said. I didn't know if I could survive hanging around him.

  Seth cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. “Troy has come to me asking if it would be okay if he hunts with us. He has a rocky history with the rest of the Collins family, so he won’t be returning to them. Instead, he’s offered help to us. I think we should accept that help.”

  “How do we know that you can be trusted?” Ruby asked, staring at Troy.

  “My family has hated me for as long as I can remember. The only person I would do anything for is Franny, and she’s getting out of the game as we speak. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to me,” he promised.

  Blair crunched loudly on her chip and sighed. “I say we let him join.”

  Seth looked over to me and raised his eyebrows. I shrugged. “I guess we could use the help.” Turning to Troy, I narrowed my eyes at him. “If you betray us in any way–”

  He raised his hands in surrender. “I know. You’ll kick my ass.”

  “Something like that.” The look on my face must have showed him how serious I was because his smile slipped away.

  Standing, I grabbed my beer. “I’m going to head back to my room. I have plans tonight before we go hunting.”

  “Plans?” Seth asked.

  Blair giggled. “Her new boyfriend.”

  Ruby jabbed Blair in the ribs with her elbow when I shot both of them a glare. Ruby obviously couldn’t be trusted to keep her mouth shut.

  I waved at them as I walked out of the motel room. Quickening my pace down the walkway, I pulled out my phone to dial Cathel. Just as I hit send, I opened the door to my room...

  And yelped in surprise, seeing him standing there. “Holy shit. You scared me.”

  Cathal tilted his lips into a small smile. “I apologize. That wasn’t my intent. I came by earlier, but you were already gone. I just got back.”

  Something was...off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. He wore a pair of jeans and a faded blue t-shirt. I backed up a little bit to close the door, then sauntered toward him, his gaze on me. When I pressed my hands to his chest, his eyes closed briefly, then refocused on me. I sensed him putting distance between us and didn’t like it. I wanted to feel his desire again.

  Tilting my head up, I wrapped my hands around his neck, pulling his face down to mine. I kissed him softly at first, tracing my tongue over his lips. He sighed, hands moving to my waist. When I ran my tongue over one of his fangs, he growled, pulling back.

  “We can’t do this,” he said softly.

  Surprised, I frowned. “What do you mean? Isn’t this what you wanted?”

  “When I tell you what I’ve done, you’ll change your mind,” he whispered.

  My hands fell to my sides. “You killed those people, didn’t you?” Suddenly angry, I hit him in the chest with my fist. He grabbed my wrists. “You murdered them!”

  “I had no choice! They were attacking me. You want me to be on the run for the rest of my immortal life? I refuse to do that.” He let go of my wrists and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. This was the first time I had seen him really angry. “I tried to convince them it would end badly. I allowed them to put bullets in me and set me on fire. I tried just wounding them, hoping they would leave, but they continued fighting. I was becoming weak myself, so I had no choice but to end their lives.”

  “You could have left, Cathal.”

  “I refuse to run, Demi. Don’t you get that? I’m a warrior, and it’s in my blood to fight until the end.” Cathal’s eyes took on an eerie shine as he squared his shoulders. “Do you expect me to cower? Allow them to chase me into the night like an animal?”

  I took a deep breath, not sure what to say. Honestly, we’re all killers. We hunted the supernatural, and they hunted us in return. Did I really expect him to run away every time?

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, I placed my head in my hands. This was just getting worse and worse. People were dying. What was I supposed to do? I was a hunter. My priority was defending humans, not a vampire.

  “I don’t expect you to forgive me.” He squatted in front of me, lifting my face to look at him. “Just know that I’ll always watch over you. You’ll be protected, no matter where you go. I will travel to the ends of the Earth to make sure you live a long life.”

  When he stood, I grabbed his arm. “You’re leaving me?”

  “You can’t be with a monster. You have your people to worry about. I can’t ask you to pick sides, Demi. My feelings for you have grown so much, but I’m willing to risk a broken heart if that means making your life easier.”

  Surprised, I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him. At first, he didn’t move, as if giving in would negate everything he’d just said. Slowly, his body began to relax, his arms going around me and pulling my body into his. I moaned, sliding my tongue between his lips. He responded, trailing his hands up my shirt.

  Impatiently, I grasped the hem of his shirt, lifting...right as we appeared inside his bedroom. I chuckled as I dropped his shirt to the floor. I trailed my hands over his chest, eager to feel his ba
re skin.

  Lifting my shirt over my head, he took a long look at my body. “You’re so beautiful,” he said quietly.

  Not in the mood for talking, I kicked off my boots and undid my pants, pulling them down my legs, leaving me in only my bra and panties. He chuckled at my urgency, picking me up. I didn’t know what I was doing. The voices in my head screamed for me to stop before it was too late, but one look into his eyes had me drowning them out.

  As he laid me on the bed, I pulled him to me, kissing him softly as I ran my fingers down his chest to his stomach. He unbuttoned his pants, wiggling his hips to push them down. I kissed him down his jaw to his throat, nibbling on his neck until he shivered. Chuckling, I bit down harder, earning a growl in return. Cathal lowered his lips so he could kiss me along my neck and chest. I arched into him, wanting him as close as possible.

  He undid my bra and pulled it off, depositing it onto the floor, then closed his mouth over one nipple, making me gasp. His tongue flicked over it several times before he glided over to the other one. Warmth ran through my veins. My need grew by the second.

  Reaching down, I grabbed his length, stroking it until he hung his head on a moan. He thrust a few times in my hand, then pulled away, pressing kisses down my stomach. I watched as he stopped right above my panties, hot breath blowing along my skin as he began to pull them down.

  Baring me completely, his gaze roamed over my body. He ran a hand down my side, over my hip, grasping my thigh, lifting my leg over his hip. “I want you more than you know, but I won’t go any further if you will hate me later.”

  “I don’t think I could ever hate you,” I responded.

  Getting the confirmation he needed, he slid into me, closing his eyes and moaning. He took a moment to gather himself, then stared into my eyes. As he slowly started to move, I felt my insides tighten. The sensations overwhelming me, I dug my nails into his back, urging him to move faster.

  Cathal lifted my ass so he could go deeper. His fangs lengthened, the sight giving me the sudden desire to feel them sink into my skin. I pressed my lips to his before running my tongue over one of the fangs. He groaned, pounding into me harder. I could feel my orgasm building quickly. When he reached down between us to stroke my clit, I exploded and cried out, digging my nails into his back. After several hard thrusts, Cathal grunted, gripping the sheets next to my head as he came.

  RESTING MY HEAD ON Cathal’s chest, I ran my fingers down his stomach, watching it quiver. I grinned, glancing up at him. He smiled down at me, brushing hair away from my face. Kissing his chest softly, I started to sit up, the sheet falling away from my body. His gaze raked over me, fire blooming in his eyes.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you,” he said, brushing the side of my breast with his knuckles.

  Leaning down, I kissed him. “There will be more times like this, I’m sure. I think you’ve created a monster, because I really want to have another go.”

  Grinning when I noticed his erection coming to life again, I climbed on top of him, guiding him into me. I slid up and down on him as his hands roamed over my breasts, pinching my nipples. Gasping, I went faster, wanting to reach the orgasm that had started building again.

  Quickly, Cathal flipped me onto my stomach. Raising my ass, he slid into me from behind, making me groan. He grabbed my hips and pounded into me. I muffled my cries in the pillow, grasping the sheet in both hands. When he reached around for my clit, I came, arching my back so he could go deeper. He hissed my name, releasing himself into me.

  When he fell over, he started laughing, dropping his hand to his forehead. “You could possibly kill me this way. I don’t know if my immortality will save me from you.” He leaned over, kissing me.

  Returning the smile, I glanced at the clock on his nightstand. “I should go.” I started climbing out of bed, but he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me to him.

  “Promise you’ll return to me,” he whispered.

  Nodding, I turned my head so he could kiss me again. “I promise. Plus, we have plans tomorrow night.” I pulled away from him and collected my clothes, yanking them on. “We have to visit my aunt, then return to see my mother. Did you forget?”

  “I remember your mother, but the aunt part is new.” He propped himself up on an elbow and watched me.

  “I just added that. So, are you okay with transporting me everywhere?”

  He swept out with one hand and said, “Your wish is my command.”

  Tying my boots, I smiled. “Good. Now, get me back to my room before they track me down.”

  Climbing out of bed, he walked toward me, naked.

  I laughed, holding up a hand and backing away. “Clothes, Cathal!”

  Feigning disappointment, he nodded, then quickly pulled on his clothes. He wrapped his arms around me. “Until we see each other again, my sweet.”

  AFTER MY SHOWER, I sat in one of the chairs by the table, watching TV. For the first time in a long time, I actually felt relaxed, which was saying a lot. Smiling to myself, I laid my head back on the chair, closing my eyes. I could really use a nap, but I knew my siblings would be coming by soon to see if I was ready.

  Not even two minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Getting up, I swung it open to find Troy. I motioned him in and shut off the TV.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  Troy closed the door, studying me, a hard expression in his eyes. “You have a boyfriend?”

  I’d wondered when that was going to come up. Shaking my head, I sighed. “No, I don’t.”

  Relieved, Troy grinned. “Good, because I thought we had something.”

  “I told you no relationships.”

  He reached out for me, pulling my body to his. When I pushed him away, he looked at me, brows furrowed. “Something’s different. You’ve changed since the last time I saw you.”

  Shaking my head, I grabbed my coat so I could strap on my weapons. “I just started thinking about my goals in life. I decided the best thing for me right now is no men.” I would probably go to hell for all the lying I was doing. “I just can’t worry about hurt feelings and whatever else comes with that mess.”

  “We don’t have to do a relationship. This could be a no strings thing,” Troy insisted, grabbing for my arm. I jerked away, prompting him to look into my eyes. “There is another man. Shit. Why didn’t you just say so?”

  I glared at him. “There isn’t a man, Troy. Let me guess. Since you can’t get into my pants, you’re going to leave now, right? That’s what most men do when they can’t get what they want. Just one thing on their mind.”

  Scowling, Troy took off his hat, tossing it onto my bed. “I said I wanted to help and meant it, Demi. I just don’t understand what’s changed. We have heat between us.” He reached for me again, hooking a finger through my belt loop. Smiling softly as he pulled me closer, he wrapped his arms around me. “I’m confused.”

  Placing my head on his chest, I sighed, taking in his scent. “This is why I want to avoid men. You always end up confused, needing explanations, acting insecure.”

  “You’re so irresistible. I don’t know if I can stay away.”

  His hands trailed under my shirt, sending shivers through my body. Lowering his head, he tried to kiss me, but I turned my face. He frowned.

  “You’re serious about this?”

  Nodding, I moved away from him again. “Yes, I am.”

  Troy opened his mouth to say more, but a knock at the door had us both pausing. He swung it open, revealing my sisters and Seth. Each raised their eyebrows.

  Grabbing my stuff, I pushed past Troy. “Let’s get the show on the road!” I said, hurrying to the SUVs.

  “She seems awfully chipper.” Ruby nudged Blair. Both snickered.

  Seth shot a glare at Troy, who raised his hands. “I’m innocent.”

  Climbing into the driver’s side of the SUV, I waved for them to hurry up. Seeing the flash of something out of the corner of my eye, I turned around, the barrel of a g
un pointing at my face.

  “Start the vehicle and drive.”

  I furrowed my brows. “Dante? What the hell?” I turned back around to look out the windshield. My siblings and Troy stood, frozen in place, as if afraid to do anything that would get me shot.

  “I said to start the fucking car. If any of you try to follow, I will blow her damn head off!” he yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.

  Doing as he instructed, I put the key into the ignition and started the SUV, backing the vehicle out of the parking spot and pulling onto the main road. He barked directions, the gun twitching causing my body to flinch each time.

  “Give me your damn phone,” he said suddenly.

  Reaching into my pocket, I pulled it out, handing it to him. He rolled down the back window and tossed it out.

  “Don’t need your brother tracking you down.”

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “None of your damn business. Just follow my instructions.” He leaned forward, hot breath fanning against the side of my face. I could smell cigarettes, combined with the scent of his cologne. “I’ve been waiting for this moment all week. I’ll have your hot little ass in my hands in no time.”

  “What do you want with me?”

  “You’ll find out soon enough.” He laughed, looking out the back window, probably making sure nobody was following. “You think you’re a tough bitch, but I’m even tougher. I’ll show you what a real man is.” Leaning forward again, he sniffed my neck. “You smell good. Real good.”

  I tasted bile in my throat. He was disgusting, my stomach roiling with the combination of nerves and revulsion. There was no way in hell I would allow him to touch me. If I had to, I’d die fighting.

  I tried to memorize the route, but he had me making so many turns, I soon lost track. Eventually, he pointed to a dirt road up ahead. I slowed to turn down it.