On the Edge of Destiny (Book 3) (A Vampire SEAL Novel) (8 page)

“Yes. There’s more to Ben you don’t know. Webb had a background check completed on Ben a few months ago. Records showed the boy lashed out at Mayor Edwards.”

“I knew that. So?” I said.

Back when Ben and I had first arrived on base when Sam was missing, Webb confronted Ben about his police file. Ben had attacked Mayor Edwards and was arrested, but his record was sealed since Chief of Police Garrett was best friends with Ben’s father.

“There’s…more,” Dad said.

Both heels of my feet were off the floor as I bounced on my toes.

“More?” I held my breath.

Ben had been a nice person, seeming to care about people. Sure, he’d been moody, and he had a temper. I’d always wondered why he changed moods all of a sudden. I knew he lost his mother to breast cancer not that long ago. Since then, he hadn’t been the same person. Still, what else could he have done?

Dad scrubbed his face with his hand. “When…he was fifteen, a girl accused him…”

I swallowed hard.

“Accused him of…what?” Sam asked hesitantly.

“The girl’s father pressed charges for inappropriate behavior. The girl’s statement indicated Ben was extremely angry that night and he’d hurt her.”

“Was it…?” I couldn’t bring myself to even say the word. Cliff had tried to do that to me. “Tried” being the operative word. Did Ben attempt something like that on this girl?

“The report never indicated rape,” Dad answered, no doubt reading my mind.

“How did he hurt the girl then?” Again Sam was the one to ask.

Air lodged in my throat.

Posture rigid, Sam kept his focus on Dad. I hadn’t seen Sam raging mad in a long time.

“The report didn’t say.” A deep line formed between Dad’s eyebrows, and the dark circles under his eyes seemed to grow darker.

Quiet pounded in the room as the three of us sat there like zombies—or at least, I did. Sam seemed ready to explode, and Dad…well, the color drained from his tan skin.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Or could I? After all, Ben did lash out at me in the hospital room.

Still, that didn’t mean Ben would’ve hurt me. The guy almost died saving my life. No way he could hurt a girl.

“When…did you find this out?” I managed to force out.

“After my conversation with Mr. Jackson two days ago, I dove deeper into their lives to understand what I was up against. The report came in yesterday. I’m stating the facts as the report outlines. Are they true? Maybe or maybe not. I’ve found in my line of work, humans and vampires fabricate stories to suit their own purposes. Ben’s actions, however, certainly support what’s in the report.”

“How so? To my knowledge he didn’t hurt me. He saved my life, Dad.” A chill went up my spine.

“He’s angry. He got into it with Sam yesterday for no reason. If I hadn’t stepped in when you were talking with him in the hospital room, he might have hurt you, Jo,” Dad said.

“Dad. I’m a vampire. He’s human. He couldn’t hurt me.” Maybe whatever the Plutariums injected him with was making him even moodier.

Sam laughed. “Are you forgetting what I told you earlier? The guy has some strength.” Then Sam turned his attention to Dad. “So, Pops. What are we going to do? Doc said Ben was human. But after yesterday, I’m questioning Ben’s mortality. Do you think the serum is slowly working on changing him?”

“I don’t know, Son.”

“Is there some way we can help him, Dad?” I asked.

Sam jerked his attention my way. “Are you freaking insane? If we help him that means he has to come on this base. And given what Pops just said, I don’t want Ben in proximity to you, Sis. He was a crazy person yesterday.”

“He’s your best friend, Sam. Again, he saved my life. That has to count. If he is changing into something…” I shook off the thought of Ben turning into anything and glanced at Dad. “Ben is alone. He has no one to turn to. What if his father starts to catch on? What happens then? We’re the only ones who can help him.”

Dad stood, rubbing his chin. Electricity charged the air as he crossed the room to the table near the door and picked up his phone. He took three long strides back toward us and sat down on the coffee table, facing Sam and me.

“I haven’t figured out how to handle this yet,” Dad said. “We do need to do something before Ben gets out of control, especially if his father finds out his son may not be human anymore. Things could get messier than they already are.”

Sam growled. “I don’t like any of this. My best friend has a police record that I never knew. He’s in love with my sister, which I didn’t know either. And he may be a vampire now.” Sam shook his head. “Sorry if I’m having a hard time grasping all this.”

My heart went out to my brother. He’d always been known for his anger issues, but while a little anger edged his tone, he seemed more disappointed in his best friend.

I hopped off the chair and went to sit next to Sam. I gave him a hug. “I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“Son, I understand that this news of your friend may be hard to grasp, but let’s focus,” Dad said evenly. “Now, given Ben’s strength, we should run more DNA testing to confirm our suspicions.”

At Dad’s words, I let go of Sam and relaxed against the couch. Regardless of all this news about Ben, I needed to help him. Somehow, I felt responsible for all this. When I found out vampires existed and I could be one myself, I’d asked him to stay and help me find Sam. If he hadn’t, then he might not be in this situation.

“If he does come back on base, can we please keep him away from Jo?” Sam asked.

“I know you worry about me,” I said as I placed my hand on Sam’s back. “I know you’ve been protecting me all my life, but I can take care of myself now.”

“Sam,” Dad said. “I know you worry about your sister. If Ben agrees to letting us help him, he’ll be off limits to both of you. Now whatever we do has to be done by the book. I can’t have both governments all over me. For now, though, I need to address some of my emails, and I have to meet with Webb.”

At the sound of his name, I almost flew off the couch. “Where is he?” I asked.

“Webb’s in the control room. He’s waiting for me. But before I go, one thing. Jo, Webb told you about the fundraiser tomorrow night, correct?”

I nodded.

“Good. Alia Costner—I believe both of you know her from Durfee High School—has invited us to attend her father’s black-tie event.”

“Why?” Webb had given me a short answer for the question.

“When I called her about tutoring you, she wasn’t interested. But after I explained what happened with Blake and your powers, she said she would consider it. However, before she makes her decision, she would like to meet with you, Jo. And she thought the fundraiser would be a good venue for it. Her family raises money for various charities. This one tomorrow is to support the Illiteracy Foundation for humans. I’m sure she picked the venue so I’d donate money, too.”

“Why did she say no?” I asked.

“I’m not sure. We’ll find out tomorrow. It’s also wise if you know Ms. Costner is a natural-born vampire who decided not to make the change. Before you ask, I don’t know the story there at all,” Dad said.

“You know Kate is going to be there, Dad.” I knew Webb had told him, and maybe he had some insight about why she would be there.

“I do, pumpkin. Which is another thing we need to discuss, but we’ll do that tomorrow.” Dad stood, indicating the conversation was over. “Jo, your phone and a new key for the apartment are sitting on your bed. You two behave while I’m gone.” Dad snatched his keys off the table near the door before he left the apartment.

“I need to see Tripp.” Sam grabbed his phone then unfolded himself from the couch.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Ben and me,” I said as I looked up at him.

“It’s okay, Sis.” He tapped his heart twice. Our sign, which meant he loved me. Then he walked out, closing the door behind him.

What a welcome-home gift. After several minutes, I decided I wasn’t going to think about Ben. I couldn’t do anything for him right now, or maybe ever.

Chapter 6

I
’d played with my new phone, familiarizing myself with the apps. I’d also located my number, buried in the settings section. My only dilemma was I didn’t know anyone else’s phone numbers. I wanted to call Webb. After returning home yesterday, I hadn’t seen or heard from him.

Dad had said Webb was catching up on work. I contemplated a quest to search him out, but I didn’t want to bother him. He did have a job to do. Besides, I would see him tonight, although I was hoping I would get to spend a few minutes alone with him before the fundraiser.

Dad and Sam had left early this morning to pick up their tuxedos and my dress. According to Dad, Ms. Costner had a dress for me to wear for the black-tie gala. How she knew my size was beyond me. The last time she saw me, I was shorter and straighter in the hips. My new vampire body had graced me with some curves. I wasn’t complaining. I loved my new physical appearance. Not to mention the toned muscles, thanks to Olivia’s stringent workouts. The only thing I didn’t care for was the dark purple streaks that ran through my black hair.

I was lounging on the couch, playing with my phone, when it rang. I slid the bar on the screen from left to right to answer. “Hello.”

“Good morning, beautiful,” Webb said. His raspy voice set my stomach tumbling in a frenzy.

“Hey, baby.”

He growled and sighed at the same time.

“Something wrong?” My body warmed.

“You know I love to hear you say my pet name.”

Yeah, I did. “So, am I going to see you before tonight?”

“That’s one of the reasons why I’m calling. I have a few minutes. Where are you?”

“Um…I’m in the apartment.” Dad didn’t want me to go with him. He’d said he didn’t want to worry about me, that there were too many risks, and tonight was going to be challenging enough. That reasoning was weak at best in my book, but I hadn’t argued. Dad’s nerves seemed to be torn to shreds already.

“I’ll be right up.” The phone went dead.

Two minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

I flew off the couch and hesitated at the door. I didn’t want to seem too anxious, and I had to get the butterflies in my stomach under control. I took some deep breaths.

My visitor’s knuckles rapped again. I slowly opened the door. His woodsy scent trickled in.

I swept my gaze over Webb’s muscular body, absorbing every detail of the imposing solider. His black cargo uniform hugged all the right curves from head to toe. His brown hair hung loose around his shoulders.

His heart-stopping gaze scrutinized me as though he was deciding which part of me to taste first, causing my eyes to flash vampire. I would’ve run to him, but my legs wouldn’t move. He bit his bottom lip, and I let out a soft groan. His fangs descended.

In one heartbeat, the world shifted. Sweat pearled on my nape. A single droplet started a slow descent down along my spine. I stood statue-still as the lone bead trickled down my back, cresting over each vertebra before picking up speed to keep time with my out-of-control pulse.

When he kicked shut the heavy steel door, the spell broke. He grabbed me by the waist and lifted me into his arms.

I buried my face in his hair as my hands locked around his neck. My fangs shot out as I inhaled his scent of earth and male—a powerful male. Suddenly, I wanted to taste his blood again. I had to taste his blood again.

“Legs around my waist,” he commanded in a voice I wasn’t familiar with.

I did as he instructed as though he weaved another spell.

His hands snaked under the back of my shirt, and I inhaled sharply.

“Where’s your brother?” he asked as his fangs grazed the column of my neck.

“With my father off base.”

Every inch of me tingled as he slid his hands down to cup my butt. Strength and power slammed into me as his heart pounded against his chest. He carried me to the kitchen and set me down on the counter, the cold granite surface cooling the heat radiating off my body.

He kissed his way from my ear to my mouth—where our tongues tangled, each one fighting for control. I nibbled on his tongue then captured his bottom lip and suckled, tasting more of him, needing more of him.

He groaned, low and deep, running his fists through my hair. He abandoned my lips, settling on the column of my neck. I turned to give him better access; his fangs scraped along my skin. His tongue teased, and his lips explored as though he were searching for the right spot. The sensation and anticipation was downright sinful, which made my body quiver with need. A need that I hadn’t known existed.

“I want you to taste me,” I whispered low.

His mouth stopped cold. He rested his forehead against mine, breathing heavily. His tongue snaked out and licked my lips. “Not yet.”

“Then when?” I pouted, slipping my hands under his shirt, a place I’d come to love about the hard-bodied vampire. I relished every hill and valley along his abs. But the best part was how he reacted when my hand slid to just below his navel. I loved hearing him moan and the way his body tensed and quaked.

He closed his eyes as though my touch took away all his demons.

“You haven’t answered me.” Mindlessly, I withdrew my hands.

His eyes flew open, and he pouted. “Put them back.”

Leaning back against the cupboard, I crossed my arms over my chest. “No,” I teased. I had a bit of control over the vampire soldier.

“You’re playing with fire, Jo,” he warned, a smile twisting his lips.

I quirked an eyebrow.

“You don’t believe me,” he drawled before gently grabbing my nape with one hand and drawing me closer to him with the other. My breasts smashed against his chest, soft to hard, with my butt teetering on the edge of the counter.

“Webb, it’s a simple answer,” I said, giggling.

“I’ll make you a deal,” he offered. “You put those magical hands back on my stomach, and I’ll tell you when you’ll be ready.”

I snorted. He made me sound as if I was a piece of steak.

“Are you going to stick a fork in me to see if I’m done?” I asked sarcastically. I couldn’t help myself.

“Deal or not, Jo. You decide.”

Oh, what the hell. I snaked my hands under his shirt again, staring into his vampire-obsidian orbs.

Blinking long lashes, he groaned. “You make me crazy.”

I rubbed his abs, his chest, before slipping my hands around to his back.

The alpha vampire was complete putty in my hands. I continued to explore, running my nails along his back and everywhere my hands could go. He purred instead of growled—a sound that left me clothed in goose bumps.

I’d kept my part of the deal. “It’s your turn.”

Smiling, his hands coasted up my thigh. “Thank you.” Then he stepped away. “Your bloodlust should be under control in about another month or so, if it’s not already. Vampire law states new vampires must wait four months before they can take blood when necessary from another vampire. But vampires usually don’t drink from each other unless…” He sauntered over to me, his hands taking hold of mine. “Unless it’s an emergency or there’s an”—his eyes latched onto mine—“intimate connection.” His voice was all kinds of sexy.

I swallowed hard, loud enough to be heard above the compressor on the fridge.

Heat infused my cheeks and shot throughout my body as though my blood was gasoline and someone had lit the match.

“You’re blushing, Jo,” he said.

No kidding.

“But the law applies to me, not you. I want
you
to taste my blood.”

He pressed his body against my knees while his hands trailed up my legs. “Until you’re free and clear of the law, that won’t happen,” he said, gentle but resolute.

After a long moment of silence, he lifted me off the counter then set me down on two shaky legs. “Let’s talk about something else. I think we both need a break.”

Wasn’t that the truth? I wasn’t going to argue, either. I had to process what he’d said. It seemed the intimacy of the act was as if I would be losing my virginity, and I wasn’t ready for that. Or was I?

Webb and I spent the rest of our alone time programming my phone with numbers for my dad, Sam, a few of the sentinels, the control room, and, of course, him. After we finished, he had to leave to get ready for the fundraiser. For him, it wasn’t about getting dressed in a tuxedo, even though I couldn’t wait to see him in one. He had to meet with the sentinels to ensure plans were set for the security detail at the event tonight.

Afternoon pressed in by the time Dad and Sam returned, hands full of garment and shopping bags. They placed everything on the chaise lounge by the window. I jumped off the couch to investigate. My jaw dropped when I peeked in one of the bags.

“You guys went shopping for shoes?” I asked incredulously, pulling out a shoebox.

Sam flicked his thumb at Dad. “He did. I waited outside. I don’t do shopping.”

I wasn’t surprised. As a human, Sam hated when I wanted to go the mall to look at clothes I couldn’t afford to buy.

“But I thought you were picking up your tuxes. Don’t they give you shoes with your tuxes?” I didn’t know the first thing about renting a tux, but I watched a movie once in which the groom was getting fitted for a tux, and the store had a selection of shoes for him to pick out.

“Those shoes are for you, Sis.”

“What?” My jaw dropped lower.

What planet was I on? My father was buying me shoes? Oh, I had to see what kind of taste he had.

“Before you freak, I know a thing or two about ladies’ fashion.”

Both Sam and I laughed uncontrollably.

My father raised then lowered his eyebrows as if to say,
Fine. See for yourself.

I flipped the lid on the first shoebox, and my eyes grew wide. The silver high-heeled sandals were exquisite. I threw down the box and hugged my dad, who was standing next to me with a smug grin on his face.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome, pumpkin. They should fit. I went in your room and checked your shoe size from a few pairs you had in your closet.”

“What about the dress? Will they match?”

Dad, the old-fashioned vampire, actually rolled his eyes like some teenager. “Your dress is in this white garment bag. Yes, they do match. Also, I did check your size while I was in your room. Ms. Costner had the gown tailored yesterday to fit you. I would’ve had you fitted for it, but there wasn’t time. Don’t worry. It will fit,” he said, no doubt responding to my perplexed expression or thoughts.

I unzipped the bag. A stunning midnight-blue evening gown hung inside. I eased the chiffon dress from the bag as though the strapless beauty would shatter if I didn’t handle it with care. My gaze caressed every detail of the knotted sweetheart neckline that carved out the breasts, falling to an empire waist with diamond-studded beads. The skirt had shirring just above the hips and draped effortlessly to the floor.

“Close your mouth, Sis,” Sam said as he leaned against the back of the couch with his legs crossed at the ankles.

Tears clouded my vision.

“Hey, pumpkin. What’s wrong?” Dad asked.

“I’ve…never…”

“It’s okay. I know life hasn’t been easy for you. This is a borrowed dress, but I can buy you one of your own.” Dad wiped a tear from my cheek.

I felt like Cinderella all of sudden. I’ve never had anything so beautiful in my life. In foster care, Sam and I always got hand-me-downs.

“I’m going to my room,” Sam announced. “I need to catch a few winks for this boring thing tonight.” He disappeared.

“Pumpkin, I need to check on a few things and brief Webb on my visit with the guardians. Why don’t you make sure the dress and shoes fit and rest up?”

I nodded. We only had a couple of hours before we had to leave. So Dad collected his tuxedo and went to his room. I did the same with my things and went to my room and laid out the dress on my bed.

I slipped on the shoes. Fortunately, they fit perfectly. They also had a low enough heel that I didn’t need to learn how to walk in them. I’d seen some girls at the human high school who had worn heels so high they could barely walk. Satisfied the shoes fit, I tried on the gown and traipsed over to the mirror.

Tears came to my eyes. The gown fit like a glove.

Now I had a major dilemma—my hair. I had no clue how to do anything with my hair except a ponytail, and the outfit needed elegance, not screaming tomboy.

An idea tumbled out of my brain. I quickly changed back into my jeans and ran to Dad’s room. I knocked. “Dad?”

He came to the door. “What is it?” he asked, walking toward his desk.

He’d completely rearranged his room. The cabinet that had displayed all the guns, daggers, and swords was now lined with books. Unsurprisingly, the titles displayed on the spines involved military and weapons. The bed had been moved to the wall left of the door, which made the room look bigger. Where the bed had been, between the bathroom and closet door, now sat his safe. Actually it appeared to be a new safe, if I weren’t mistaken.

Dad sat down at a small wooden desk on the right wall adjacent to the cabinets.

“Where’s Olivia?” I asked.

“Not sure. Why?” He busied himself with reading the screen on his laptop.

“I need her help.” I shoved my hands into my back pockets.

“Okay. Why don’t you call her?”

Crap. Why didn’t I think of that? Webb had helped me program her number into my cell. I guess I wasn’t used to having my own phone.

“Thanks, Dad.” I ran to my room, grabbed my phone, and called her.

After two rings, she picked up. “Hello.”

“Olivia? Jo here.”

“Oh. Hey.” She sounded surprised.

“Um, I was wondering if you could help me with something.”

“What is it? You want to train?”

I laughed. Boy, that was the furthest thing from my mind right now. “No. I need some help with my hair for this evening.”

I needed my best friend, Darcy. She was the fashion queen. But I couldn’t expect her to rush over here, not without Dad’s permission—she was human. Plus, time was of the essence. I had to call her at some point, though. I hadn’t spoken to her in a few days.

Olivia laughed. “You know, Jo, I don’t do much with mine.”

“Yeah, but your hair always looks nice in the French braid.”

Dead silence answered me. I almost thought she’d hung up. Then she cleared her throat. “Okay. I’ve been to a few of these soirees. I’ll be up in about an hour.”

I had time to shower, so I did. Thirty minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom and banged on Sam’s door.

“Enter,” he said.

I poked in my head. “The shower is all yours.”