Vampire Trouble (7 page)

“But you're her maker. You turned her and drank her blood, which gave you her blood memories. Olivia, you should know more about her than anyone.”

“I should,” Olivia said quietly, “and to some extent I do. I know what happened on the night she died, and that was pretty fucking horrible, but that's it. For some reason, one I've never been able to figure out, I could only see the night she died. Her entire life before that is a blur, and the only one who will be able to shed any light on Maya's past is Maya.”

He nodded his understanding because of his similar experience when he drank Maya's blood. Shane refrained from mentioning that part to the czar. Before he could ask anything else, a gust of wind blew into the hallway and Doug appeared next to Olivia with a look on his face that hovered between concerned and annoyed.

“You're killing me, woman.” Doug linked his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek, which had her smiling wistfully. “You have got to come back to bed and get some rest.”

“Fine,” Olivia said, feigning an angry tone. She looked back at Shane and gave him a sad smile. “Whatever you do, Shane, go easy. Maya may act tough, but it's all bullshit. Which is one reason I'm less than thrilled she's going to work for Rat.”

“No she's not.” Shane folded his arms over his chest and ignored the smirk on Doug's face. “I will not allow it.”

“Good luck with that ‘not allowing it' shit, man.” Doug shook his head. Linking Olivia's fingers in his, he started pulling her toward their apartment. “That's a surefire way to piss off any woman, human or vampire.”

“It's not up to you, Shane, or me,” Olivia said. “Maya is not my property—she's my family. She's got every intention of starting work at Rat's club tomorrow night, and as you know, I gave her my reluctant blessing.” Shane opened his mouth to protest, but Olivia held up one hand, silencing him. “I am letting her do this because I'm assigning
you
as her personal babysitter. If it will make you feel better, you can tell her that you're her bodyguard. And I'm only doing this because the wolves will be hanging out there, okay?”

“Good move, babe.” Doug tried to pull her down the hall, but she held her ground. “Shane can handle Maya. After all,
she's
a youngling and
he's
older than dirt.”

Shane ignored the jab because Doug was even younger than Maya. His angel bloodline and the bloodmate bond with Olivia had not only made his transformation seamless, but had also fast-tracked all of his abilities. Doug may have been turned only a few months ago, but he was one of the most powerful vampires Shane had ever met. “I already told her that was the deal, and she's about as happy about it as you would expect.”

“What about my sentry patrols?” Shane asked out of duty, not because he wanted to be away from Maya. “We can't leave the city unprotected.”

“Doug can handle things,” Olivia said with a wink to her mate. “Besides, the big concern is the wolves, and they'll be hanging out at The Dollhouse. We kill two birds with one stone. You can keep an eye on Maya and the wolves at the same time.”

“Bed.” Doug swept Olivia off her feet as she shrieked in protest. “Now.”

“Remember what I said, Shane,” Olivia shouted through a laugh while Doug carried her away. “And don't let her out of your sight around those wolves.”

Shane watched the czars disappear down the hallway, with Van and Oreo close behind, and his thoughts immediately went to Maya. He opened the door to his apartment and stepped inside, and when the door closed shut behind him, Shane marveled at the silence. His gaze flicked around the large studio apartment with a new perspective. The place was decorated in shades of gray, void of all color, but this was the first time Shane felt the dullness.

Shedding his clothes, he made his way to the queen-size bed, still unmade from the day before, and slipped between the sheets with one thing on his mind—Maya. If he got pulled into Maya's dreamscape again, he would do a hell of a lot more than watch. He drifted into a quiet slumber, and as his eyes fluttered closed, Shane hoped for the first time in centuries to dream.

The
comforting
blanket
of
darkness
ebbed
slowly
like
fog
lifting
off
the
ocean, and with it came a rush of bone-chilling fear.

It
was
happening
again.

The
world
around
Maya
came
into
focus
with
horrifying
clarity, bringing a rush of memories she desperately wished she could forget. As she anticipated what was surely about to happen, a pathetic whimper escaped her lips. The same horrible event plagued her sleep night after night, and every time there was no escape, no one to hear her cries for help.

There
was
no
one
to
save
her
before, so why would this time be any different?

Fingers, like steel claws, dug into her bicep and her stomach roiled in protest, making her nauseous. The stale taste of booze coated her mouth, and her nostrils were swamped by the stench of her attacker's whiskey-soaked breath. He dragged her down the city sidewalk, and though she tried to fight, it was useless. Heavy and cumbersome from too much drinking, her limbs wouldn't cooperate, and try as she might, she could not extricate herself from his grasp.

His
name
was
Franklin
and
she
vaguely
recalled
being
excited
to
go
on
this
date, but that was all Maya could remember. The summer air was thick and soupy and stuck to her bare arms like heavy layers of cobwebs. His face, carved with cruelty, looked particularly evil in the flickering shadows of the city streetlights. How could she not have seen the brutality he was capable of? What kind of woman had she been, to go out with someone like this?

Maya
stumbled
when
her
stiletto
caught
in
a
crack
on
the
gum-stained sidewalk. Her ankle twisted painfully, making her cry out, and though she fell forward, her date yanked her to her feet and kept walking. They turned a corner and Maya pushed her long, blond hair out of her eyes, looking for someone, anyone who could help her. She was met with no response, and just like every time before, the streets around them were desolate. It was a wretched irony to remain unheard in a city that was brimming with people.

He
grabbed
her
shoulders, pulled her close, and tried to kiss her, but Maya shook her head furiously in protest.

No, please take me home,
Maya
whimpered
through
trembling
lips. Her hands found their way to his face, fingers rasping over his beard stubble. She attempted to keep his cruel mouth from hers, but he evaded her easily.

I bought you dinner and fed you drinks all fucking night. We both know where that leads.
He
spun
her
around
and
tried
to
kiss
her
again, but Maya continued to refuse.

No,
she
whimpered.
I want to go home.

I don't think so.
On
a
growl
of
anger, Franklin started dragging her into the alley next to the club.
I own your ass.
Linking
his
arm
around
her
waist, he laughed cruelly and pulled her into the dank, smelly corridor.

A
wretched
feeling
of
helplessness
filled
Maya. Her shoes were knocked off in the struggle, and the bottoms of her bare feet scraped over the rough pavement. She fought harder, because maybe, just maybe, this time would be different, but deep down Maya knew there was no escape.

A
few
seconds
more
and
the
worst
of
it
would
begin.

Franklin
threw
her
against
the
stone
wall
of
the
building, knocking the wind out of her and making her see stars. He pressed her there, the bumpy surface biting painfully into her bare shoulders, while he fumbled and reached beneath the skirt of her strapless dress.

One
hand
curled
around
her
neck, pressing the gold chain of her necklace into her skin, and Maya squeezed her eyes shut. She screamed and braced herself for the invasive, brutal onslaught she was about to experience. What usually came next didn't happen. There was no teeth-clattering blow to the head or humiliating invasion. Instead, a low guttural growl filled the night, and at the same instant, the weight of Franklin's unwelcome body was lifted from hers on a cool breeze.

Time
stopped.

Eyes
still
closed, her body shivering uncontrollably, Maya listened to the exquisite silence. Franklin was gone…but she wasn't alone.

Maya?
The
deep, familiar baritone rumbled around her gently.
Are you alright?

Shane?
His
name
escaped
her
lips
on
a
shaky
whisper
edged
with
disbelief
and
confusion. Uncertain what was happening, and still afraid that Franklin might come back and continue what he'd started, she kept her eyes screwed shut. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, and she pressed herself against the wall, hoping and wishing she could simply disappear or wake up.
What's happening?

I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner, but you'll have to forgive an old vampire for being a bit rusty in the dreamscape
. Maya flinched as Shane's large hand cradled her face with surprising tenderness. Her fingers trembled and she placed her hand over his, assuring herself that he was really there and she wasn't imagining this entire experience. Sighing with relief, Maya curled her hand over his and pressed it further against her tearstained cheek.
You are safe, youngling.

Finding
her
courage, Maya opened her eyes and found herself staring into the dark, intense gaze of Shane Quesada. Her brows knit with confusion because those were definitely the same eyes that had glared at her from the shadows the last time she relived this nightmare.

The
line
between
his
brows
deepened
and
the
sharp
angles
of
his
handsome, masculine face seemed even harsher than they did in the mortal plane. In spite of her situation, she wasn't afraid of him. Even though he was a formidable warrior, the man had gentleness within him that she'd never seen until now.

His
wavy, chestnut hair curled temptingly over the collar of the long, leather coat, and his square jaw was covered by that ever-present five-o'clock shadow. Those intense eyes stood out above all else, dark pools of brown, peering at her from beneath thick, furrowed brows. Maya shivered. It was like he saw past all of her mistakes, her bad choices, and her bullshit to the vulnerable part of herself that she never wanted anyone to see again. Her gut instinct was to run but she was too tired. Exhausted from fighting and running…just…tired.

Thank you
, Maya whispered. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and a sob wracked her body. Shane gathered her into his arms and cradled her against the broad expanse of his chest. Weeping, Maya's fingers curled around the lapels of his coat.
Thank you for making it stop.

One
strong
arm
linked
around
her
waist, while his other hand cradled the back of her head, holding her while she cried. Shane said nothing, which was exactly what Maya needed. She didn't need someone to tell her it was okay or that the pain would fade over time or some other load of crap. All she wanted was to be comforted, held, and cherished, to be allowed to weep and let it all out. He rocked her slowly in the shadow of the buildings, and Maya cried until she had nothing left.

Limp
and
exhausted, she sagged against Shane's much larger form. When her sniffles subsided, she could swear the sound of the ocean was swirling around them. Calm and soothing, the gentle, lapping sound of waves washed over her. Swiping at her sore eyes, she lifted her head to look at Shane and was immediately distracted by their new surroundings.

They
were
no
longer
in
the
dark, dirty alley but standing on a white, sandy beach beneath a cloudless azure sky. Maya let out a sound of wonder, and her hand flew to her mouth in awe. They were in a stunningly exotic location, and the best part was the warmth of the bright yellow sun that blazed over them with balmy warmth. It didn't burn. Letting out a laugh, she tilted her face to the beautiful tropical sky. Maya hadn't thought she missed the sun—until now.

You did this?
Maya
looked
around
in
awe.
You made this place?

Yes, but my only regret was not being there sooner,
Shane
murmured, taking her hand in his and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Maya's stomach fluttered when his lips brushed over her flesh with the gentlest of strokes, and he held her protectively in the shelter of his body.
I can assure you that won't happen again.

Wh-which part?
Maya
asked
quietly.
The nightmare…or you watching what happened?

Neither.
Shane's voice dropped to low, dangerous tones and his grip on her tightened. A look similar to shame washed over his face.
You will never go through that again. It has been centuries since I walked in the dreamscape, and until last night, I never thought I would again. I didn't even realize what was happening at first, and by the time I did…you were gone.

So you weren't there the night it actually happened? You don't think I deserved it?
Maya
asked
in
a
barely
audible
voice. She closed her eyes, terrified at what the answer might be.
That I asked for it?

What?
Shane's body tensed against hers. One strong finger brushed along the line of her jaw and settled under her chin.
Maya, look at me.
Maya
bit
her
lip
and
steeled
herself
before
opening
her
eyes
and
forcing
herself
to
look
at
him. She was prepared to see anger, pity, disgust…but not kindness.

What that animal did to you was indefensible. I would never stand by and watch a woman victimized like that, human or vampire, and if I had been there that night—
a
growl
rumbled
in
his
chest
—I would have eviscerated that piece of shit until there was nothing left but a dry husk.

Olivia beat you to it.
Worried
that
he
might
vanish,
Maya
curled
her
fingers
tighter
around
his
coat
and
pulled
him
closer. She looked out at the blue, rippling ocean that stretched out endlessly before them.
She doesn't know that I know, but Trixie told me that Olivia killed him while I was in the transformation sleep.

I'm not surprised.
Shane
reached
between
them
and
took
her
hands
in
his
before
cradling
them
to
his
chest.
Olivia is one of the most responsible makers I've encountered in my four centuries, and that's saying something. I didn't even get the pleasure of ripping his throat out in the dreamscape. The son of bitch vanished into thin air, but then again, it's not really him, is it?

What do you mean?
A
feeling
of
dread
crawled
up
Maya's back as she turned her eyes to Shane's.