Authors: Laurann Dohner
Strong, thick arms wrapped around her waist. She breathed
him in instead of the atrocious stench she’d adjusted to. Her nose buried into
the long strands of his hair. “You smell so good.”
His massive body tensed.
“Don’t let me go.” She didn’t mind dying if she could just
hold onto the memory of him. It meant she wasn’t alone, despite it not being
real. “Please. Don’t leave me.”
He drew her closer by tightening his hug. “I’ve got you,
Jasmine.”
She wished that were true. “I’m glad it’s you.”
He stroked her back. “You’re safe.”
Exhaustion took hold as his warmth surrounded her. Her eyes
closed as she clung to him and the fantasy that had brought him.
Chase softly cursed as the woman in his arms turned limp. He
could hear her steady heartbeat as he lifted her more securely into his arms.
He stood and turned to stare at the wolves. One of them spoke.
“What do we do with her? Can you wipe her memory? It would
be a shame to kill her after all she’s survived but there may be no choice.”
Chase hesitated. “She’s none of your concern. Clean this up
and remove all evidence of what happened. I’m taking her somewhere safe.
There’s been enough death here.”
He strode out of the basement with Jasmine cradled in his
arms. He’d liked the sweet, soft-spoken woman a little too much. She’d bravely
met him—a stranger—at night to show him possible sites for the pack to roam.
She’d also easily bought into his lies, making it possible to avoid altering
her thoughts. He’d found her attractive and had picked up her very subtle hints
that she was interested, but he’d ignored every one. She was the type of woman
he’d destroy. He refused to allow that to happen, despite the way his body had
reacted to Jasmine. He’d never allow harm to befall her, even if that meant he
was the one she needed to be protected from. Of course, now everything had
changed.
“Chase?”
He clenched his teeth as the shadow near the front door
moved. Arry stepped into his path, her green eyes narrowed. She shouldn’t be
there, yet she was. Irritation flashed as he stared back at her, knowing she’d
purposely arrived in hopes of him needing her somehow. It was never going to
happen.
“Open it and move.”
“Who is she? Dinner?” A pink tongue darted out to swipe
ruby-red lips. “Not very appealing.”
A growl of anger burst forth before he could halt his
instinct. Arry might actually mean her words. He and Arry were as different as
night and day. “Do as you’re told. She’s a survivor.”
“Not for long. She’s circling the drain.”
He trusted Arry’s sense of smell better than his own. She
was older. “Get the door,” he snapped. “You’re visiting my territory and you’ll
do as you’re told.”
“Fine.” She opened it wide, stepping out of his way. “You
should let me drain her and just end it. She’s got twelve hours at most.”
Not if Chase had anything to do about it. He glanced around,
certain no one watched. His senses didn’t tingle as he strode to his car and
gently adjusted Jasmine in his hold as he situated her in the passenger seat
and closed the door. He paused at the driver’s door to peer over the top of the
car. Arry stood silent, her blonde hair white under the street lights.
“Help them clean up that mess inside.”
“I’m here to see you, not dispose of rogue kill.”
“It’s an order. Do it or leave my territory.”
“So forceful.” Arry smiled. “I always liked that about you.”
She stepped closer, running her fingers over the curves of her breasts on their
way to hug lean hips. “I’d rather help you.”
The meaning was clear and he was tired of it. “Go help them
or just leave, Arry. There’s no reason for you to be here. Do as I say or I’ll
have to escort you out of my territory by force.”
He climbed inside the car and started the engine. Chase
didn’t miss the way the blonde stormed back into the house. She was going to be
a problem but she had been since her arrival a week before. Arry had always
been determined and selfish about getting her way. She was set on him.
He pulled away from the curb, darting glances at the
unconscious woman in the next seat. She was too pale, had lost weight since
he’d last seen her, and Chase decided Arry was correct—Jasmine wouldn’t survive
the next day unless he saved her life.
“Shit.”
The vampires in the area might have a problem with him
taking in a human. They posed a threat but the werewolf pack wasn’t strong
enough to win a challenge if anyone protested. He’d kill any vampires who
attacked. That would definitely piss off his two bosses, Blaron and Lethal, but
they wouldn’t be a problem. They were friends.
Taking Jasmine to the club wasn’t an option. She would need
his full attention while she recovered and he didn’t want to deal with any
bullshit. He headed to the place he kept on the sly. No one would find him
until he decided how to deal with the consequences of what he planned to do.
One more glance to his right assured him that the woman clung to life. He
refused to allow Jasmine to die.
The long driveway was cracked from years of purposeful
neglect to give it an abandoned appearance but the small light on the entry pad
remained on when he stopped the car. He punched in the code and the gate
blocking his path slowly wobbled to the side. He drove through and up to the
two-story hillside house.
As he lifted Jasmine out of the car he sensed a presence
behind him. One sniff assured him it was Jenny. He didn’t look back as he
spoke.
“We have a guest.”
“Is she one of us?”
He disliked being questioned but he had a soft spot for his
half sister. “No.”
“I smell vampire and death all over her. Is she turning?”
“No. She’s just a human victim and a special friend.”
“She’s in bad shape.”
“I know.” He kicked the car door closed and quickly walked
up the porch steps. “Open the door and prepare a bath in my room. I’m also
going to need blood.”
Jenny darted around him and threw open the front door.
“Okay.”
He went inside and turned, carrying his light burden down
the basement steps, and paused near the wine racks. Jenny gripped two bottles,
pushing them deeper into their slots to trigger the panel. The wall soundlessly
slid open, revealing a hallway. He strode down it to his bedroom.
He laid Jasmine across the end of his bed and began
undressing her. There wasn’t much to remove. The sight of the bruising and
bites on her pale form once again made him regret killing the rogue too
quickly. He’d deserved to suffer.
“The tub is filling.” Jenny paused. “Do you want me to wash
her?”
It was tempting but Jasmine was his responsibility. “No. Do
what I said. Bring me the blood. She’ll need clothing when she wakes.”
“I don’t have anything sexy.”
He growled, whipped his head in her direction and glared at
her. “She’s not my lover. Bring her one of those large nightshirts you wear.
That will do. Go.”
“Sorry.” Her gaze dropped in submission. “You said special
friend. I assumed wrong.”
Jenny rushed off without another word. Chase slid his hands
under Jasmine and lifted her into his arms again. It was going to be torture to
his libido to bathe her. He avoided looking at her breasts or other tempting
sights. It seemed a violation of his duty to notice those things while she was
so near death.
“You’re going to be fine,” he promised.
Chapter Two
Jasmine was warm and something smelled wonderful. She tried
to turn on her side but something held her firm. Her eyes opened to soft lights
around her and a face hovered just over hers.
“Easy,” Chase rasped. “You’re safe.”
Memory returned. She was delusional, fantasizing that her
sexy client had come to her rescue. His eyes were an incredible mocha brown
with swirls of blue, as striking as his handsome, tan face. He had the best
lips. They were full and lush, the kind she guessed would be wonderful to kiss.
Chase Woods was a guy who probably did everything really well.
She lay on something soft and comfortable with her upper
body slightly elevated so her head was higher than her legs. Dirt no longer
clung to her skin from lying on the basement floor. It took effort to look away
from Chase to glance at her surroundings. The room was spacious and a fire
burned in a brick-rimmed fireplace. The bed she rested on was large with silky
black sheets. She stared at Chase again.
“You need to help me help you.”
“Okay.” She would do anything he wanted as long as it kept
her mind from returning to the hellish nightmare of the dank basement.
His eyes fascinated her. She remembered them being dark
brown but they were lighter now and the hints of bright blue were an odd
combination. More of the vibrant color flared, spreading as she watched until
they glowed as if they were sapphires.
He took a deep breath and parted his lips. The sight of
sharp canines made her gasp. They were long, terrifying fangs. The arm around
her waist tightened.
“Don’t fight. I won’t hurt you.”
He lifted his other arm and she watched in rapt horror while
he bit into his wrist. Chase jerked his mouth away and shoved the wound at her
open mouth. Warm skin and blood touched her lips and tongue. It was instinct to
twist away but the arm at her waist lifted and his hand fisted into her hair to
hold her head in place.
“Stop fighting and drink.”
It was as if she lost her will to do anything else. She was
aware of swallowing the warm substance. It grossed her out but she didn’t gag
as she continued to do as he ordered. His voice sounded deeper and her daydream
had turned into an entirely new nightmare.
“This will heal you. You’ve lost a lot of blood and some of
your internal organs have begun to shut down. You’re safe, Jasmine. You know
me.” His eyes narrowed. “I’m sorry I have to force you, but this is for the
best.”
He finally pulled his wrist away and licked it. The second
he broke eye contact, she regained control of her body. She tried to twist away
again but he held her firmly by the hair. She managed to wipe at the wetness on
her mouth with her hand. Red blood smeared across her fingers.
A soft gasp drew her attention from the sight of it. A
pretty woman with dark hair stood a few feet from the bed with wide eyes and a
gaping mouth. “You’re sharing your blood with her? You can’t do that!”
Chase stared at the brunette. “Did you bring the blood?”
“Yes. It’s on the table. I thought it was for you.”
“This is none of your concern. Leave.”
“How can you say that? You should have asked me first.”
“This is my house.” His voice deepened into a snarl. “You’re
welcome to move out if you have a problem.”
The woman spun and fled the room. Jasmine stared at Chase
when he met her gaze.
Is that his girlfriend? Wife?
He seemed to guess
her thoughts.
“That’s my sister. I just surprised her but she’ll adjust to
you being here.”
“What is going on?” Jasmine hated how soft her voice
sounded, a near whisper.
“You were attacked by a rogue vampire but you’re safe now.
This is my home.” He picked up a warm, wet washcloth and dabbed gently at her
fingers. He then cleaned away the blood on her face. “It’s your home now too.”
She wasn’t sure what alarmed her the most.
Did he say
vampire?
It would explain his fangs and that he’d made her drink blood.
What
does he mean—it’s my home too?
Fear edged up her spine but it wasn’t as bad
as being chained inside a basement with a homicidal madman.
“Your eyes…”
“Easy,” Chase rasped, dropping the washcloth on a side
table. He leaned in and cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb along her
hairline. “I know this is a lot to learn after what you’ve suffered. I’ll
answer all your questions.”
The first one that came to mind popped out of her mouth.
“What are you?”
“I’m a rarity.” His hand dropped from her skin but he stayed
close. “I’m a mixed breed—werewolf and vampire.”
She wondered why all the really handsome men had such major
flaws. Chase Woods was nuts. Of course, it wasn’t real. “Okay.” There was no
use arguing with a hallucination.
“That doesn’t distress you?” One dark eyebrow arched.
“It would if this were real.”
He drew in a deep breath then sighed. “What would it take to
convince you it is?”
“I’d be in a hospital if I’d survived and the police had
found me. Your eyes would be brown too.”
“Humans aren’t allowed to know about us. They usually scream
and then promptly attempt to kill us. We police our own. The vampire who took
you was bad and I was sent to kill him.”
“So you’re a vampire hunter?” She must have watched too many
movies to create this fantasy. “With magical eyes?”
“I’m an enforcer.”
“Nicer title.”
Chase really was a good-looking man when he grinned. “Yes.”
“Okay.”
“You’re being very agreeable.”
“This beats reality. It isn’t the kind of dream I usually
have about you though.”
Interest sparked in his eyes. “You dream about me?”
“All the time. You’re hot, Chase. I flirted but you ignored
me. I don’t blame you,” she went on. “I drove by that Goth club you work at a
few times and saw some of the women going inside. They all looked like
strippers, lingerie models or porn stars…and I don’t.”
“I don’t date any of them.” His hand returned and he stroked
her cheek with his thumb. “You’re much more attractive to me than any of those
women.”
Jasmine laughed. Her body didn’t ache anymore and she felt
good. “Now I know this is a dream. That’s such a load of bullshit.”
He grew solemn. “Never put yourself down.”
“I’m not. My boobs are real, I like to eat, and no one is
ever going to want to pay me to be on film without my clothes. I’m more of the
girl-next-door type.”
“Exactly. There’s a sweetness about you that I find very
appealing. You fascinate me.”
“I would say you must lead a very boring life but I know
better. Your club has a reputation for being pretty wild.”
“It’s not technically my club. I just work there, running
security.”
“Ah. Do you get tired of patting down all those super-skinny
girls? Are they too bony?”
He chuckled, his eye color fading to brown. “Let’s just say
I prefer someone with curves and a personality. Those women didn’t last long
the few times I attempted relationships.”
“You dumped them?”
He leaned back and stopped touching her. “No. They couldn’t
handle my lifestyle.”
“Jealousy.” She could understand that. “It would be tough
knowing you were hanging around all those women with your looks. You must get
hit on often.” She paused, unable to resist. “You admitted to being part dog.”
She laughed at the joke. He didn’t.
“You’re almost fully recovered.”
He took her hand to study her wrist. Jasmine looked too and
the ugly injuries from the shackles she’d fought were gone. Pink, healthy skin
appeared unmarred.
“Very cool dream. I wonder if I can fly.”
His gaze held hers. “No. That’s one thing you can’t do. You’ll
be a little bit stronger, faster, and you’ll heal quickly from most injuries.”
“Am I a vampire now?” The concept was intriguing.
“No.”
“You’re almost his mate.” The cold voice belonged to a
rail-thin, tall blonde who stepped closer to the bed. Her eyes—fixed on
Chase—resembled two chunks of jagged emeralds. “How could you?”
He rose to his feet. “How did you even find this place,
Arry?”
“You were so worried about her that you didn’t notice my car
trailing yours.” She glanced around. “Tell me you aren’t completing the bond.
She’s
human
.”
Jasmine could hear the insult in the other woman’s tone and
she looked to Chase for answers. “Who is she? What is she talking about?”
“Leave,” Chase ordered the blonde coldly, ignoring the
questions. “You aren’t welcome here, Arry.” He took a threatening step forward.
“I told you it wouldn’t happen when you showed up.”
Arry planted her hands on her hips. “Our clans fear us and
we’re alone. It’s a given that we’ll mate.”
“We’re not feared. We’re pitied. Our vampire traits make it
more difficult to mate in the wolf way.” He paused. “I chose her. There’s
nothing for you here.”
Arry chewed on her bottom lip. “It’s easier if we mate.”
“I want to be happy.”
“Sex would be good between us.”
“It’s not enough.”
Arry glanced at Jasmine. “What can she give you that I
can’t?”
“Her thoughts were easy to read. She’s sweet and funny.” He
paused. “Smart. Honest. She’s everything I want in a mate.”
Jasmine slid out of bed and walked to Chase. One glance down
her body revealed a frumpy, faded nightshirt that hit just above her knees. It
was comfortable, covered her for the most part, though she’d never seen it
before in her life. Her attention returned to Chase and she tapped his
shoulder. He turned, peering down at her. His eyes were blue again.
“You read my mind?”
“It’s a vampire trait. I can only read surface thoughts, but
yes.”
“She isn’t even sure this is reality.” Arry chuckled. “It’s
too crazy to be real. That’s what she’s thinking. That and something about
infection from the bites. I see the attraction is mutual. She thinks you’re
incredibly hot but your eyes are confusing her.”
Jasmine was stunned as she looked at the blonde. The dream
was becoming more than a little disconcerting. “Stay out of my head.”
“It’s real. He saved you from that basement and healed your
wounds. Vampires and werewolves do exist. His eyes change color when he’s
angry, turned-on, or using our special traits.” Arry opened her mouth, fangs
extending. “See? The better to bite with. You’re beginning to believe. You’re afraid.”
It was true. Everything seemed too real and denial was great
but it could only last for so long. Jasmine dropped her hand and backed away
from Chase as fear crept up her spine until the hairs at the base of her neck
stood on end. He reached for her but she jumped out of the way to avoid his
touch.
“Trouble in paradise.” The blonde snorted. “Wipe her
memories and send her home.” She approached Chase. “Mate me. We’re the same.”
His head snapped forward. “We aren’t. Leave, Arry. Return to
wherever you came from. We’ll never be mates.”
“We’re in a world that has no place for our kind.” She
paused. “Vampires don’t trust us completely, regardless of your faith in them.
While your little wolf pack tempts me to try to find one of my own, you know
you only rule them because they fear your strength. They’d chop you into pieces
if given the chance because you aren’t truly one of them. I catch some of their
thoughts, the way you must too when their guards are down. It has to be tiring
to always worry they will come at you. I’d have your back and you’d have mine.”
“My friends and pack are none of your business. I’d be more
worried, if I were you, that they’ll come after you. They swore allegiance to
me. You’re just a visitor who refuses to follow orders. Watch your own back and
get out of my house. Never return here or reveal the location. I’ll hunt you
down and kill you if you do.”
Jasmine watched them stare at each other as more chills ran
down her spine. It was obvious the two weren’t friends, not even close, and the
dangerous vibes pouring from Chase were strong enough for her to feel. The room
seemed to grow colder as the seconds passed.
The blonde raised her hands in defeat. “I’ll go but call me
after this blows up in your face. No human is going to accept and love you for
what you truly are. She’s already frightened and it hasn’t yet fully sunk in.”
Arry spun around but hesitated by the open doorway, turning
her head to peer at him. “Your den is safe. I’d never betray you regardless of
the stupid mistakes I believe you make.” She glanced at Jasmine, then
retreated.
Chase watched Arry go and faced Jasmine. She’d backed into
the corner by the fireplace. He knew her thoughts centered on using the fire
poker as a weapon if he attacked. He wanted to assure that wouldn’t happen.
“I’d never hurt you.”
“You’re really part vampire and werewolf?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
She was too cute. Part of her wanted to bolt but she was
also very curious. Her strong attraction to him helped. She’d fantasized about
him often since they’d met. He could read all that as he concentrated on her
thoughts. It would be easy to force her to agree to mating him but once the
bond took, she’d have free will. It would be a bad way to start their future
together. It was also forbidden.
“My parents had sex.” She frowned, not appreciating his
attempt at humor. “My father was a vampire, my mother a werewolf and vampire
half-breed.”
“Vampires don’t have kids. They can’t.”
“You read that in a book.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t sparkle or burst into flames in the sun. I bet you
read that too.” He continued before she could voice her thoughts. “I don’t
shift into a wolf. My bloodlines aren’t pure enough. I don’t have a tail, nor
do I howl at the moon when it’s full. I don’t kill people to drink blood but
yes, I need it. We buy it from blood banks. There are always employees willing
to make some extra income by selling contaminated blood instead of destroying
it.”