Vampire Trouble (3 page)

Maya swallowed the urge to scream and rubbed at the bar faster. She glanced at Shane. He was walking slowly along the opposite side of the bar, keeping his eyes on her with his hands at his sides.

It was ridiculous. How could Shane have been in her dream…unless?

What if he had actually
been
there that night five years ago? What if he was there, outside that alley, and witnessed what happened but did nothing to help her? Maybe she'd repressed that part of the memory until now.

Panic, fear, and shame filled her, but she refused to cry.

“That human was beneath you,” Shane said quietly. He stood in front of her with his large, dark eyes tracking her every move. His long leather coat, undoubtedly lined with various sentry weapons, hung over his massive frame with almost regal perfection. “You should know that.”

“Exactly,” Maya said with forced sweetness. She refused to let Shane know how unsettled he'd made her. “That
was
kind of the point.”

“Why do you insist on wasting time with these human men?” He cocked his head to one side, the sharp angles of his masculine face and his chin covered by a perpetual five-o'clock shadow revealed in flickers by the strobe lights of the club. “It's not simply for their blood, is it?”

“I'll tell you what it is. It's none of your business.” Maya paused mid-swipe and puffed a long, blond strand of hair off her face, wrestling with her waning patience. “Why is everyone so damn concerned with what I'm doing?”

“It may not be my business.” Shane stepped closer, so the buckle of the belt on his leather pants clinked against the edge of the bar. He rested both hands on the bar and leaned in, that mesmerizing gaze latched firmly onto hers. “But I'm asking anyway.”

She needed to create some distance between herself and the powerful vampire. He unnerved her. Not because she thought he was going to hurt her but simply due to the power he possessed and the way her body reacted to his.

Every time those glittering eyes locked onto hers, she felt like a light switch went off inside her—but she willed away the sensation. What was the point of entertaining feelings like that when she had no intention of acting on them?

However, he was unavoidable, and night after night for the past few months, he'd been coming to the club, staring her down but saying little. His mere presence was unsettling. Shane was centuries older than she was and radiated raw, unadulterated strength.

She'd heard stories about his skills in battle, and the other girls in the coven speculated about his skills in the bedroom. Trixie and Sadie took bets to see who could bed him first, but he seemed oblivious to their advances. He was a warrior. A sentry with hundreds of years of experience, and by all accounts, the man was death incarnate.

Shane moved in between shadows like a phantom. Even for a vampire, he was fast.

“Tell me, Maya.” His voice seemed to surround her and pulled her from her thoughts. Her belly quivered as he leaned closer. “Why?”

Before Maya could answer him, Olivia's all-too-familiar voice interrupted their conversation.

“I'm glad to see you sent that kid on his way.” Olivia let out a weary sigh and sat on the bar stool to Shane's right. Her bright green eyes studied Maya carefully. While rubbing her swollen belly, she said, “I'm impressed you showed such restraint. That one was right up your alley.”

Maya said nothing. Shrugging, she cast a glance at Shane, who was giving her a smug, satisfied look. It made Maya want to punch him square in the nose. The house lights flicked on brightly, bringing Shane's arrogant grin into full view, and when the music shut off, his voice seemed to fill the entire club.

“Yes.” Shane pushed his hands off the bar and folded his arms over his chest. “Impressive, indeed.”

“Seriously, Maya.” Olivia ran a hand through her long, red curls and smiled. “You've come a long way in the last few months. Listen, I know I've been kind of bitchy and cranky, but this pregnancy has me all screwed up. Do you know I actually ate food the other day? Actual
human
food. I made Doug go out in the middle of the afternoon to get me a hot dog.”

“A hot dog?” Shane asked with more than a little disgust. “I won't even eat the hot dog vendor because of the stench.”

“I didn't realize you were such a snob,” Maya teased.

“I prefer to think that I have high standards,” Shane responded with a lopsided grin.

“Sounds snobby to me.” Trixie hoisted herself up onto the bar and sat behind Olivia. “Doug was probably just happy to have an excuse to go out in the sun.” Trixie cracked her knuckles and stretched her arms over her pink-haired head. “Damn. I'm not much for monogamy, but if I have a bloodmate out there, he better get his ass to New York quick. I'd love to feel the sun on my skin again—but I could do without getting knocked up and eating hot dogs. Gross.”

“Yeah.” Olivia made a face. “Don't ask me why or how, but I ate the whole thing. The worst part is that I freaking loved it—or the baby did. Anyway,” she said on a sigh, “I'm sorry if I've been tough on everyone, but you know how important it is that we leave the customers alone. It's in the best interest of the coven. My weirdo pregnancy is drawing enough attention from the supernaturals.” She rolled her eyes and let out a short laugh. “This is the pregnancy heard round the world, and apparently it's high on the list of things to discuss at this year's summit in Geneva.”

“Why do they even have that stupid meeting every year?” Trixie snorted. “Were, Amoveo, and vamp stuffed shirts all in one place? Sounds like a fuckin' bore.”

“And the Fae, the Brotherhood, and the Witches,” Olivia added. “Don't forget them.”

“They gather to share information and keep the lines of communication open.” Shane's voice cut through the room. “It started centuries ago. The first summit was the catalyst for the truce between our race and the werewolves.”

“Truce or no truce, I still don't trust the wolves.” Olivia's tone grew serious. “I think it's ridiculous that a pregnant vampire warrants attention from the world's supernatural leaders.” She shrugged. “Whatever.”

“Why are they even going to discuss it?” Maya's brows knit together with concern. Olivia may be bossy and a killjoy, but she was also Maya's maker and her friend. No matter what rules she made Maya follow, she'd love Olivia like a mother for her entire existence. “What are they worried about?”

“Human politicians aren't the only ones who waste time and money.” Olivia's words were laced with exasperation. “The other supernaturals probably want reassurance from the Emperor that he's not plotting some kind of master vampire race or something.”

“Will they all be in attendance?” Shane asked casually. Maya noticed the way his body seemed tightly wound and ready for action at all times. “I assume the Emperor has a sentry attending with him?”

“Yes and yes. King Heinrich of the wolves, Prince Richard Muldavi of the Amoveo, Zemi the Fae queen, and Willow from the Witches' Council. I heard the Brotherhood is being represented by Asmodeus. Anyway, thanks again, Maya, for sending that guy on his way. I like to avoid trouble with humans on a regular day—and especially during the stupid summit week.”

“Actually, I didn't send him away.” Maya tossed the rag into the sink without taking her eyes off Shane. She jutted her chin toward him and leaned back against the register. “He did.”

“Really?” Olivia's red brows flew up and she looked from Shane to Maya. Running one hand over her rounded belly, she said, “Then I should be thanking Shane while I remind
you
of the rules.”

“Maybe I'm sick of the rules,” Maya snapped, frustration crawling up her back. Olivia said nothing but arched one eyebrow in response. “Maybe I'm tired of living and working under a damn microscope all the time with every vampire in Manhattan trying to control me and tell me what to do.”

“No one is trying to control you, Maya.” Olivia's tone softened and she looked at Maya with something akin to pity, which only made it worse. Nobody else knew the extent of the attack Maya suffered like Olivia did, and whenever she gave Maya that look, it made her feel pathetic.

“This is not just about you, Maya, and you know it. Everyone has had to adjust to the new rules, and really, it's only
one
new rule. No feeding on customers in the club. We live in a big city with millions of able-bodied people. Why are you fighting me on this?”

“I'm tired of everyone butting into my life. Maybe I just want to be able to go to work without feeling like my every move is being watched.”

“What are you saying?” Olivia asked with genuine curiosity. “I thought you liked working at The Coven.”

“I do—I mean, I did—but it's just too much, Olivia.” Maya kept her attention on Olivia but could feel the weight of everyone else's stares. Even Damien had come in from his position bouncing at the door and now stood by Shane. “All of us working together all night and living right next door in the apartments downstairs. Besides, with everything going on, I thought you'd be happy to be rid of me for a while.”

“You're one to complain,” Trixie interjected. “If I have to listen to one more Celine Dion song, I might scream. That shit seeps through the apartment walls and makes me crazy, but you don't hear me complaining.”

“Trixie.” Olivia held up one hand but kept her concerned expression on Maya. “Let her finish.”

Maya straightened her back, finally voicing the frustration she'd been feeling over the past few months.

“I mean it's different for you and Doug, Olivia. You guys are mates and have your own place at the Presidium's offices, but…I don't know…living and working together…it's too much. I feel like I'm suffocating and the walls are closing in on me.”

Before Maya could respond, an unfamiliar voice boomed through the club.

“This isn't the only joint in town, kid.”

Irritation flickered over Shane's face at the sound of Rat's voice slithering into the club. Maya didn't have to look at Olivia to know how displeased she was by the vampire's arrival.

“Hello, Rat,” Olivia said wearily.

“Dude, your timing sucks,” Trixie said, laughing.

“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Shane murmured, turning slightly to his left and peering down at their unwelcome visitor.

Rat was short and bald with a wiry build, and while he was stronger than any human, he was no match for Shane. The guy owned a strip club in the city that catered to both humans and vampires, but everyone knew it was a cover for a prostitution ring. Maya gave Rat a quick smile and fiddled with the emerald in her necklace. She didn't miss the look of disapproval from Shane, but of course, that only encouraged her. Maya knew Rat found her attractive, and even though she wasn't interested, if flirting with him would annoy Shane, then she was all for it.

“Don't you have your own club to tend to?” Shane said tightly.

“Nice to see you too, Quesada.” Rat sat on a bar stool to Shane's left and winked at Maya. When he grinned, his two gold front teeth glinted at her. His bald head gleamed like a lightbulb, and the tattoo of a viper slithered out from beneath his collar, around his neck, and up the back of his skull. “You're a barrel of laughs, Quesada. I'm starvin'. You got anything back there for your nonhuman clientele, blondie?”

“Her name is Maya,” Shane interjected before Maya could respond, while sending a glance toward her. “You would do well to address her like you would a lady.”

A lady? Yeah, right. Maya almost scoffed out loud. She nestled the necklace in her cleavage before plastering on a big smile.

“Don't you pay any attention to him, Rat. You can call me whatever you like. Shane may be the sentry of the city, but he's not my maker, my daddy, or my husband.” Maya smiled broadly at Rat, reached beneath the bar, and pulled out a bottle of blood. It was common practice for all vampire establishments to keep blood on hand, just in case. Leaning both elbows on the bar, she wiggled the bottle at Rat, and if she didn't know better, she'd swear she heard a growl coming from Shane. “Shall I heat it up for you?”

“No, that's okay,
Maya
,” Rat said dramatically as he took the bottle from her. “Room temp is just fine.”

Shane watched Rat remove the cap and drink the blood greedily while keeping his beady eyes on Maya or, more specifically, her cleavage. Shane pulled out a stool and sat between Rat and Olivia and directly in front of Maya.

“I may not be Maya's maker, but I am in charge of keeping order in this city among our kind.” Folding his hands on the bar, he didn't miss the face Maya made before pushing herself away from the counter. Shane smirked and flicked his attention back to Rat. “State your business or be on your way, because as you can see, the club is closed. I'm sure Damien and the ladies have things they need to be doing.”

“I came by to see the czar, not you, so how about if you go fuck yourself? As far as the ladies are concerned,” he said with a wink to Maya, “I have plenty of things they can
do
.”

“Not with you.” Trixie cringed.

“Oh please.” Olivia sighed.

In a blink, Shane grabbed Rat by the neck, stood from his seat, and held him in midair like a rag doll. The smaller, younger vampire flailed his legs uselessly, bared his fangs, and clawed at Shane's hand, but it was no use. Standing away from the bar, Shane continued to dangle Rat a foot off the ground with absolute ease. Maya didn't realize she was backing away until her butt hit the register. Trixie hopped off the bar and linked her arm through Maya's in a reassuring gesture.

That
is
one
badass
vampire.
Trixie's voice, laced with awe and admiration, flickered into Maya's mind.

More
like
bossy
, Maya shot back.

And
sexy.
Trixie bumped her hip against Maya's playfully.
Damn, girl. Can't forget sexy. I'd give my left fang to take a tumble with him, but if you ask me, he's got it bad for you.

No
way.
Maya didn't want to admit that she thought Shane was sexy. She locked eyes with Shane and her stomach flip-flopped, reminding her, briefly, of what it was like to be human.

His lips lifted at the corners briefly before he looked back at Rat.

“You try my patience.” Shane's tone, low and deadly, filled the club, which had fallen silent. Sadie, the club's DJ and Olivia's oldest coven member, flew down from the DJ platform and stood in a protective position next to Olivia. “As you can see, the rest of Maya's coven is not in the mood for you and your misogynistic attitude, either.”

“Misogynistic?” Sadie folded her arms over her breasts, nodding her approval. “I'm impressed. You're full of surprises, Shane.”

“No surprise how bossy he is,” Maya muttered.

Shane slanted a doubtful look in Maya's direction before turning his attention back to Rat. “Olivia is the czar of this district, and when you are in my presence, you will treat her and every other woman you encounter with respect.” He put Rat back on his feet, yanked him close, and growled in his ear. “Or you will deal with me.”

“Let him go, Quesada,” Olivia said evenly. “We'll give him three minutes to say what he came to say and then he'll be leaving. Won't you, Rat?”

Maya did her best to stop staring at Shane, but it was an effort in futility. In spite of his annoyingly overbearing nature, he was magnetic, powerful, and frightening all at once. Maya's fingers drifted to the necklace again as she studied him. It was no secret that Rat was a troublemaker and would probably stab Olivia in the back in a hot minute, so she couldn't really blame Shane for his reaction.

“Yes,” Rat gurgled and his eyes bugged out.

“Speak.” Shane released him but stood ready to take further action. He glanced briefly at Maya. “And choose your words carefully.”

“Thanks.” Rat rubbed at his neck absently and took a step backward, increasing the distance between himself and Shane, but he backed right into Damien, the club's bouncer. Rat almost jumped out of his skin. “Shit, your coven just seems to come out of the fuckin' woodwork, Olivia.”

“Two minutes and thirty seconds,” Shane murmured.

“Alright, alright.” Rat held his hands up. “I just wanted to let the czars know that we've got some special visitors coming into the city, and given Olivia's
condition
, I thought she'd want a heads-up.”

“What visitors?” Olivia asked quietly.

“Werewolves.” A smile slithered over his face. A collective groan rose from the group. Wolves and vampires had battled each other since the beginning of time, and even though a treaty was in place, the tension still ran thick beneath the surface. A few lone wolves lived in the city but not an entire pack. “Not just any wolves. It's the prince and his little pack of bachelors.”