Hawk (13 page)

Cara Brahnam had just hit the nail on the head. He did have a thing for Suzi and damn if he didn’t have it bad.

* * *

The little bastard hung by his throat, his feet dangling as he gasped for much needed life-giving oxygen. Rosalee allowed him to hang there, her hand tightening around his throat ever-so-slightly as she contemplated whether or not she’d allow him to live. His brown eyes nearly popped from their sockets and his fingers clawed at her hand. His incompetence had cost her sweet revenge yet again. Kaleb Tepes should be ashes by now and yet he still breathed air.

Had she seriously misjudged the little ass-kissing biker hanging by his neck?

Rosalee had zeroed in on him the moment she spotted him in a tavern next door to the Knight’s clubhouse alone, bitching nonstop over his lack of love for the leadership within his MC ranks to the bartender or anyone near who would listen. He hated the fact the Knights were in bed with the Sons.
They were no one’s puppet club, by god. He’d teach them sons of a bitches a lesson himself if need be.

His cocky attitude appealed to her, that and his desire to please. He had been all over her the minute she pulled out the stool next to him, promising sexual favors that he had unfortunately fell short of. Hell, she should’ve taken his sorry ass out then and there had she not needed eyes and ears within the club. Unfortunately most humans had trouble matching the stamina of a vampire … and no vampire alive today could match the thrill of fucking Kane Tepes. That vamp certainly knew his way around the bedroom, the kitchen, and every damn room in the house. She still hadn’t gotten over his dismissal of her, or the fact her bastard of a stepfather had allowed their union dissolved. Once she finished with Kaleb, she’d personally take out Kane’s newly acquired, supposed mate. Cara Brahnam would beg Rosalee for death by the time she finished with her.

No one crossed a primordial and slept with their mate.

Kane belonged to her … always would. They had been mated and mating was for life, regardless of whether her stupid-as-fuck stepfather had granted Kane’s wish to annul it. Cara’s days were numbered. Then she’d take out the rest of the Sons, one by one, until Kane agreed to take her back and forgive her for her involvement in their son’s death. They should’ve suffered their loss together. Instead, he had sent her to Italy, banished her for a misjudgment that had unfortunately caused Ion’s death.

Didn’t he know that she suffered too?

Rosalee would be damned if she’d ever allow the little detective to carry his next child and spend an eternity with him. She’d behead the bitch. Of course, she’d allow someone else to do the dirty work or Kane would never forgive her for such a deed. Then she’d be there to help him pick up the pieces. Remind him that she was his one true love, that Cara had been just a passing fancy. Who wouldn’t rather mate with a primordial than a newly turned vamp? Kane should feel lucky that she, Rosalee, had chosen him over all the primordials, for crying out loud. Any vampire would be honored to walk by her side. For that alone, Kane needed to be taught a little respect.

The biker kicked feebly and gasped, drawing her attention back to his dangling form. The fight seemed to drain slowly from him as he started to run out of oxygen. Rosalee sighed. Hell, she still needed the pain in the ass. Letting go of his windpipe, he dropped to a heap of tangled arms and legs, his hands surrounding his neck as he took in large gulps of air. He’d undoubtedly be hoarse for a couple of days, but no real damage done … yet.

“Now, are we ready to get serious?” She glared down on his form as he scrambled backward from her, stopped only by his back hitting the wall again. She raised one of her brows. “I will not allow your incompetence a third time. Is that clear?”

Hand still at his throat, he looked at her through bugged eyes. “How was I to know that Hawk and Gypsy had left the run to their Sergeant at Arms? They didn’t even tell Red. No one knew the Pres and VP weren’t there to help escort the Knights through Oregon.”

Rosalee advanced on him, flashing him her fangs. His limbs trembled as he cowardly placed a palm out as if to stop her. She’d show him pity because she was not yet done with him. But should he fail her a third time…

“You still live because I have use of you. Don’t fail me another time or you won’t live to see another day, biker.”

“How could I have possibly known?”

“You eat and sleep club business. You make it your job to know everything that goes on behind the clubhouse walls. Your president has gotten into bed with the Sons. And you … you are his right-hand, for fuck’s sake. As VP, you should know everything that the president does. He should be confiding in you all things Sons. You make that clear with him. I don’t care what you say, or how you do it. There will be no more excuses.”

The man quickly nodded. “I promise. If Red knows what’s going down, I’ll see to it that I am in the loop.”

“See that you do, Bird. I won’t show you mercy a third time. Cross me and the Knights will be looking for a new VP and you’ll be fitted for a casket. Do I make myself clear?”

“Absolutely. You’ll see. I’ll deliver Hawk to you on a platter next time.”

Rosalee gripped the front of his tee and pulled him to his feet, their gazes mere inches apart. “You do, and I will see your wish come true. I’ll turn you and you can live your days out as a vampire. Cross me and you’re a corpse. Got that?”

He quickly nodded again.

“Good. Now I find that I’m hungry.”

Without waiting for consent, Rosalee tipped his head to the side and sank her fangs into his flesh and began to take her fill. Bird’s gasp filled the air and his penis hardened. She could easily drain the bastard and probably would once he outlived his worth. Stupid human. Did he seriously think she went around turning humans into vampires?

Chapter 13

Suzi hadn’t slept more than a few hours. Her eyes stung, dry as dirt, from shedding more than a few tears over the course of the long night. What the hell had she done? She could blame the endorphins racing through her caused by the act of feeding, but she knew better. Nourishing a vampire was most definitely a sexual act, but she had done so over the years without acting on the raging hormones surging through her. No, she had wanted to get Hawk off, wanted him to know that she was no longer the naive eighteen-year-old who hadn’t a clue what to do with a man, let alone one sexy-as-hell vampire. And had it not been for Lyle’s untimely arrival, she would’ve managed to finish what she started.

She may not like Kaleb much, but that didn’t stop her from desiring him. Only a cold corpse would be immune to his deadly charm. Damn, but she acted no better than a nymphomaniac on a dry streak. Insert Kaleb’s fangs and she went weak at the knees, bat-shit crazy, and all but begging him to take her.

Hiding the fact she wanted in his chaps in the worst way wasn’t an option either.

Hell no, his nostrils flared whenever she got wet. He knew damn well the effect he had on her. Just the thought of last night’s activities involving her on her knees and her mouth wrapping his velvety, hard-as-steel cock and she was crossing her legs. Her night had been dream-filled with unrequited desire, needs she had no intention of giving purchase to. She deserved to suffer after the way she left Kaleb standing in Draven’s office, moments away from completion.

Talk about a tease.

After tossing and turning for the hundredth time, she finally gave up the hope of getting any sleep and put in a phone call to the one person who might understand, Cara Brahnam. They had been friends going way back, and even though they had lost touch for several years, when she came back into Suzi’s life, they had taken up right where they’d left off. No one understood her better than her best friend from school. Thankfully, she had been more than willing to drop any plans she might have had and promised to come by for coffee.

Tamera had left for the newspaper about a half hour prior, starting the pot before she left. Suzi had filled the redhead in about her disastrous night upon arriving home, and how Kaleb had wanted to kill her Uncle Lyle. Maybe involving him hadn’t been such a good idea. The ever-optimistic Tamera thought Lyle could take care of himself. One look at the large man and Tamera figured Kaleb would concede to defeat. Her roommate had no idea how determined Kaleb could be when he wanted something. He might think her a cold-hearted bitch, but Suzi knew his desire for her ran thick through his veins. Kaleb Tepes was but a hairsbreadth away from giving into what they both tried so hard to deny.

Following her rapid descent down the stairs the previous night, Lyle met her at the bar and had been the gentleman, taking her home without question. He’d been concerned about her well-being, but Suzi assured him that Kaleb would never hurt her … at least not physically, though she had kept that little nugget of information to herself. Kaleb may not raise a hand in harm, but he had the power to stomp all over her heart as just he had in the past.

Never again.

His growl following her down the steps and fleeing into the night, had haunted her throughout the night. She had callously left him on the verge of an orgasm. Suzi smiled weakly as she took a sip of her coffee. Kaleb no doubt finished the job, calling her all sorts of colorful words as he reached gratification. A knock sounded on the front door, drawing her attention and disrupting her from her reflections. Rising, she walked across the polished wooden floors and opened the door.

Cara handed her a coffee-shop cup with a cardboard sleeve, then gave her a one-armed hug. “Caramel latte, two shots of espresso.”

“Tamera made coffee,” Suzi said matter-of-factly, taking the offered cup. “But this is so much better.”

“I thought you might think so. You sent me the SOS and I was worried. I thought the treat might cheer you up. So what the hell has Kaleb done this time?”

Cara kicked off her shoes and strode over to the sitting room, dropping into the large, cushioned chair facing the picture window, curling her legs beneath her. She took a sip of her own coffee and sighed.

“Delicious. I’m so glad you called. It gave me a reason to run out for real coffee. Not that rot-gut stuff the guys call coffee at the clubhouse.”

Suzi sat in the adjacent brown, worn-leather recliner, placing her paper cup on the leather and wood trunk that acted as a coffee table in the center of the room. Leaning back, she pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Tears filled Suzi’s eyes. She swatted away the lone tear that passed her lashes and cleared her throat.

“You’re going to think I’m an idiot, Cara.”

“What happened?” She leaned forward and laid a hand on Suzi’s knee. “I’m sure whatever it is, Kaleb is likely at fault. He wouldn’t know how to treat a woman even if she came with an instruction book. You want to tell me about it?”

Suzi took a deep breath. Where to start? She knew Cara wouldn’t judge her. Cara likely felt that Kaleb deserved everything he got. He was far from innocent in what had transpired. After all, he had been the one who demanded they see each other every three days so that he could feed, when there were plenty of willing donors to take her place.

Finishing with her tale of the evening, omitting the part about voluntarily giving Kaleb head and leaving him with a full-blown hard-on as she raced into the night with her fake fiancé, she waited for a reaction from Cara, who sat tight-lipped. Suddenly, she cracked a wide smile, then burst into laughter.
Great.
Not exactly the reaction she had hoped for. Shouldn’t she be pissed at her brother-in-law for being so rude to Lyle?

Heat rose up Suzi’s neck and centered in her cheeks as she waited for Cara’s mirth to subside. She wasn’t sure if she should be mad at Cara for her reaction, or maybe join her, realizing the ridiculousness of the situation. Besides, Kaleb had been the one left to suffer. Not that she hadn’t left the club horny herself, but by the time she had arrived home and humiliation had set in, her ardor had cooled … at least until the erotic dreams began.

“I’m not laughing at you, Suzi,” Cara finally said, containing herself. “Really … it’s Kaleb who’s the butt of this joke.”

“How do you figure?”

“You should have seen him last night when he got back to the clubhouse. He was ready to murder someone. I know now, you were the cause of his sour mood.” Cara sat back and took another sip from her coffee and sighed. “Though, I’m not quite sure why Lyle Murphy, or his arrival up the top of the stairs, would cause such an outlandish reaction from Kaleb. Lyle is as gentle as a giant teddy bear. The man is beyond nice.”

Suzi had a hard time looking Cara in the eyes, knowing full well why Kaleb had been so angry. But how does one admit to being so turned on you couldn’t control yourself, then not bothering to finish what you started?

“So you know Lyle?”

“Of course, I do,” Cara said. “He owns Murphy Bar’s next door to the Blood ‘n’ Rave. I used to hang there occasionally with the guys from work. Now? I’m not so sure I’d be welcome. My coworkers aren’t too happy with my choice of mate.”

“I don’t suppose” Suzi toyed with her fingernails.

Cara leaned forward and laid a hand over Suzi’s, stilling her actions and forcing Suzi to look at her. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“I don’t know what you mean. I’ve told you about Hawk and how he reacted to Lyle.”

One of her brows rose. “Yes, but you obviously left an important detail out. What is it?”

Suzi looked out the window. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Come on, Suzi.” She drew her attention back. “What kind of a detective would I be if I didn’t detect that you’re nervous about something that happened. You can’t even look me in the eye. What is it? You have to know I’ll take your side in this. Kaleb deserves everything you dish out and then some.”

Suzi stared at Cara, another tear slipping past her lashes, feeling the need to confess the entire story. She hadn’t even told Tamera about her naughty desire to get Kaleb off.

“I won’t judge you, Suzi. Surely, you know that.”

Suzi nodded, then took a deep breath before letting Cara in on the other of part of her tale. She sure hoped her good friend wouldn’t judge her. Suzi had openly cursed the ground Kaleb walked on. What would Cara think when she found out how Suzi truly felt?

“I left Hawk with a hard-on.”

Cara chuckled. “I’m sure it wasn’t the first time he fed and didn’t get laid. It’s really not a big deal, Suzi. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

“No, it wasn’t just excitement from communion.” Suzi shifted in her chair. “I fed him, and I should’ve stopped there. But I didn’t.”

“Did Kaleb take advantage of you? If so, I will knock his block clean off his shoulders when I get back to the clubhouse.”

“More like the other way around.”

Cara’s gaze rounded, but she patiently waited for Suzi to elaborate.

“I took advantage of him, Cara … and then I didn’t have the decency to finish him off.”

“You had sex?”

“No. I was giving him a blow job when Lyle knocked on the office door to check on me, to make sure that I was okay.” Suzi winced, rubbing the back of her neck. “Hawk was probably damn near on the edge when I stopped. I was so humiliated. So instead of being an adult about it, I just turned tail and left.”

Cara sat perfectly still, not saying a word until a bubble of laughter burst forth. Suddenly, she was laughing so hard she was mopping up tears from her eyes. Suzi couldn’t help but chuckle herself. She supposed if the shoe were on the other foot, she would’ve found the situation damn near hysterical. After all, she would bet that Kaleb wasn’t used to being denied.

“I’m sorry, Suzi.” Cara tried hard to contain her humor. “But surely you have to find this hilarious.”

“Well, maybe not exactly hilarious. You remember I have to deal with him in two days again when he’s ready to feed. I’m not so sure he will be amicable company.”

Cara winced. “That or you’ll be dealing with a vampire bent on seducing the pants off you. You best be careful, Suzi. I think you might be playing with fire.”

Suzi shrugged, unwound her arms from her knees, then leaned forward and grabbed her coffee. “Hawk probably just found another willing female after I left.”

“Would that bother you?”

She pondered the question when she came up with the one answer that disturbed her most. Tears sprang back to her eyes as she looked at Cara. “I don’t think I want to know if he did.”

“So it would.”

Suzi nodded. “I’ve been trying hard to deny that I want Hawk. I always have. But I also knew I would be just setting myself up for hurt. So it’s been easier to hide behind the hate I’ve carried around in my heart these past ten years.”

“Suzi,” Cara leaned forward and placed a hand on Suzi’s knee again. “You have to go after what you want. If you want Kaleb, as I think you do, then I’ll help you. He won’t know what hit him.”

Suzi swatted at a tear. “You’re forgetting he hates me.”

“Does he think you hate him?”

“With every fiber of my being.”

Her lips turned up. “He thinks you hate him, when you really don’t. Maybe he doesn’t hate you either, Suzi. What if he’s denying what he feels? Self-preservation can be a bitch.”

“You’re forgetting about Ion.”

Cara leaned back, settling into the deep cushions of the chair. “Why don’t you fill me in on that part of the story. The most you’ve told me is that after Kaleb acted like you no longer existed, you dated Ion.”

“Hung with,” Suzi corrected. She had never shared Ion’s secret with anyone … until now. She trusted Cara, and if she were to get her understanding, then she needed to know what had really happened. “Ion and I were good friends. We were there for each other, told each other secrets no one else knew.”

“That was before I left town, right?” Cara asked.

Suzi nodded.

“You couldn’t share it with me?”

“You wouldn’t have understood. I was a donor. You would have freaked knowing I was feeding vampires. As you recall, I took you to the Rave. You left town rather quickly following that night … without saying goodbye.”

Care winced. “Guilty.”

“I had my reason for keeping it all a secret, Cara. I thought by taking you there, maybe you could see for yourself, maybe even join the donors. But it didn’t work that way. Instead, I frightened you into leaving town. You stayed away ten years.”

“I left because of Kane.”

“But you would’ve never known about Kane and the vampirism if I hadn’t taken you there.”

Cara narrowed her gaze. “You think I blamed you?”

“I didn’t know what to think, Cara. All I knew was I took my best friend to a den of vampires and then you left me.”

“I’m so sorry, Suzi. I had no idea what you were thinking, or into for that matter. I didn’t leave because of you. I left because I feared the monster I saw that night.”