Vows of a Vampire (9 page)

Wearily Varick stalked to his room. So Luke wanted to challenge him. Fine. He’d be ready.

Chapter Six

Aubrey slept most of the day away, not wanting to leave the spot where she and Varick had lain together. New life pumped through her blood. Awakened from some deep sleep she couldn’t before shake. She knew it was all Varick’s doing and couldn’t wait to be back in his arms.

In mid-stretch, she glanced outside. The sky had a gray cast and black clouds billowed like smoke from a chimney. Definitely a storm coming. She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled. God he’d fucked her good.

A quick glance at the clock made her groan and grin at the same time. It was already four o’clock, but that meant in a few hours, they’d be back in bed together.

With most of the afternoon behind her, she decided to take a nice, long shower. The warm strands of water moved along her body in the same way Varick’s fingers had. Just thinking about his touch ignited new flames between her thighs and sent a rush of shivers across her skin.

For once she’d stopped letting fear drive her and had done something spontaneous. She’s tended to her own needs and ignored her insecurities. If her mother had been as happy as Aubrey felt right now, she could see why she’d fought so hard to make the relationship work. Aubrey never understood before how deeply a person could love another—the kind of love where nothing else mattered. Where risks only strengthened the bond. And she knew risks were involved by being with Varick, but they were worth it. Unconventional as their love might be, she’d never been happier.

Hair clean and smelling of fresh green apples, she quickly dried off and slipped on her robe, its fabric cool against her skin. In the kitchen she looked through cupboards and the fridge for something light to sate her appetite, settling on yogurt with fresh peaches. It tasted sweeter than ever and she savoured each spoonful. In between bites, she realised she couldn’t stop smiling.

Back in her room she sat at the vanity and took her time applying makeup. When Varick returned she wanted to look perfect. Decadent. She chose a striking red dress that hugged all her curves and matching red pumps. Hair long and slightly tousled, she beamed at her reflection. Yeah, she looked damn good. Wait until he saw her.

A bright flash of light broke her gaze from the mirror. Aubrey stepped up to the window and looked out, barely able to see through the rain. Trees and bushes swayed recklessly in the wind. She was surprised to see it so dark out at only six. Shivers shot up her back when a terrifying boom of thunder broke out and vibrated the windowpanes. She hoped Varick would arrive soon.

Another streak of light illuminated the sky and all the lights in the neighbourhood went out. She stood in the eerie quiet of the dark, her muscles tense. Aubrey hated the dark. Hand out in front of her, she felt her way to the dining room. In the third drawer of the hutch she grabbed an armful of candles and shuffled a few steps forward until her leg bumped the dining table. She set them down and felt around for the lighter.

Something smooth glided along her hand, startling her. She moved back until she hit the wall.

“Is someone there? Varick?”

She didn’t think it could be him. Another flash lit the room and streaked across the face of a stranger.

Aubrey’s blood drained from her face. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

An image of her mother running around the house, shrieking popped in her mind. Oh God, was this person here to kill her too?

A dusky voice spoke, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up.

“I’m Luke, a friend of Varick’s. Actually, I guess you could call him my brother.”

If she could get to the kitchen, she’d grab the butcher knife. Until then, she pressed up against the wall as if it were her safety net. “He didn’t mention anything about you coming here.”

A series of short flashes revealed he’d closed the distance between them and she fought the scream rising in her throat.

“Well, I confess, he doesn’t actually know about my being here. He probably wouldn’t appreciate it too much.”

“Then why don’t you go,” she offered, hoping to sound brave.

His wicked chuckle made her skin prickle. “No, I think I’ll stay, thank you. Did you know that a vampire can smell the blood of a mortal from hundreds of miles away?”

She didn’t like where this was going. “N-no. Why are you telling me this?”

“Varick made a mistake in bringing you to our coven. It’s not your fault, but unfortunately you’re the one who will have to suffer for it.”

Aubrey worried she wouldn’t make it to the kitchen and tried to think up another plan. With the triple locks on her front door, she’d never get out in time. Funny how that worked. “I’d like you to go. You’re scaring me.”

His voice sounded close. “You have every reason to be afraid. I promise to go easy on you.”

It took everything in her to not freak out. “What are you going to do?”

He sidled up to her quickly, his hands wrapping tight around her middle. Aubrey screamed and struggled to free herself from his grasp, but he held her tight.

The lightning lit up the room briefly, long enough for her to see that behind the fair-haired vampire stood another man, his face dark with red eyes.

“About time you got here Denzen. Help me pin her down.”

Her pulse pounded. “No, I beg you. If you go, I won’t mention you were here to anyone.”

His lips tangled against her hair as he spoke. “Sweetheart, no one will care. We have business, you and I. We’ll start with one bite.”

Her eyes widened. He meant to feed from her?

“Wait, I thought vampires didn’t feed on humans anymore?”

Again he laughed. “Is that what Varick told you? You see, some vampires drink from the blood supply in the cellar. It’s tasty, but I prefer fresh blood. Especially when it’s a woman’s. Much sweeter. Spicier. Arouses me something awful. I’ve craved you from the moment I noticed your scent clinging to every particle in the air of the West Chamber. Varick should have turned you when he had the chance, but now you’re fair game.”

Aubrey kicked and screamed, but the two men overpowered her. Down to the floor she fell, knocking her head against the cherry wood floor. She continued to struggle, despite the fact they had her pinned.

“Get off me!”

Luke twisted her hair in his fist and forced her head to the side.

“Stop struggling or I’ll let you bleed to death.”

She tensed her neck muscle. Two against one, she didn’t stand a chance. Tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision.

“Please, don’t do this,” she sobbed.

Luke’s lips were so close to her neck she could feel his cold breath. “Oh, sweetheart. I like the way you say please.”

Aubrey held her breath as two sharp points pierced her neck. The pain beyond anything she’d felt before. Excruciating. Her pulse pounded deep and heavy.

 
“Varick,” she cried out.

More pain followed as he sank his teeth in deeper.

She was vaguely aware of the other vampire’s presence until the lights came on. With a twisted smile he gazed down on her.

“Luke here should have been leader. Not Varick. But you can thank your boyfriend for leading us to you. We haven’t smelled blood as pure as yours for ages. I’ll bet you taste good, bitch.”

Her stomach clenched. All the goodness in her life seemed sucked right out of her. Why hadn’t Varick come for her? Couldn’t he sense her fear?

It seemed like forever before the pain subsided. Luke sat up, a trail of blood dripping down the sides of his mouth.

“God, woman, you taste incredible.”

His eyes practically glowed in the dark as he stared at her, his chest rising and falling.

“I took more from you than I should have, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve never tasted blood like yours.”

Denzen knelt down and licked his lips. “Hey, man. Let me have a turn.”

She watched the exchange of dirty looks, doing her best to stay conscious.

“Like hell. She’s mine. This is my gift to Varick for what he did to me.”

Luke turned back to her and wiped his mouth on his sleeve, leaving a stain.

“I’ll let you rest for a short while then I’ll feed from you again.”

 
Aubrey lay on the floor, eyelids fluttering. A beautiful darkness beckoned to her, and she wanted to heed it. To let it wrap itself around her and take her someplace safe. To take her to Varick.

Varick buttoned up his shirt. He couldn’t wait to be with Aubrey again tonight. In a short while they’d be tangled up in each other’s arms. The thought alone made his cock convulse. He had a surprise in store for her. Something she wouldn’t be expecting.

First he needed to nourish himself with blood from the cellar.

He took the stairs two at a time and caught a glimpse of Blake walking in the hall. The sting of betrayal sent his adrenaline on high.

Hands to his mouth, he hollered. “Blake, I’d like a word with you.”

His brother turned and returned a half-smile. What he wouldn’t give to smash those lips in.

Varick charged forward, leaving little room between them. Fortunately everyone else cleared out, leaving the two of them alone to talk. His body shook as he struggled with the right words. “How could you inform the coven of my bringing Aubrey here when you swore you wouldn’t say anything.”

The smile he’d shone instantly vanished, settling into a frown. “What? I didn’t say a word.”

He couldn’t take the innocent act, it only pissed him off more. “Like hell. What, you pretend to be my friend to my face and then stab me in the back when I’m not around? I trusted you.”

Blake took a tentative step back, but didn’t tear his gaze away. “Hey, brother, I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. I said I wouldn’t tell, and I meant it.”

If only he could believe. “If anything happens to her, I’ll rip your throat out. Understand?”

“I’m not sure where you got your information, but they lied. I didn’t tell a soul, I swear.”

He hesitated. “Luke said…”

Blake lunged forward and got right in his face. “I see. The one person you have no reason to trust tells you something, and all of a sudden you take his word over mine? I don’t think so.”

The words were like a light bulb going on over his head. Why would he trust anything Luke said? “He didn’t name names, but you’re the only one I told.”

“Then someone listened to our conversation, because I didn’t make any mention of her. You ought to know me better than that. Like you I’m a man of my word. Maybe more so.”

The comment stung, but he bit back a harsh return. Instead he moved out of the face-to-face confrontation and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. It’s just when it comes to Aubrey, I tend to react first and think later.”

“What happened to distancing yourself from her?”

He shrugged. “My intentions were good, but I lack willpower. What can I say?”

Blake bellowed and slapped him on the back. “I hope she’s worth it.”

“She is. If you see Luke, tell him I’m looking for him.”

His brother bowed his head. “Will do. While you’re visiting your lady love, I’ll see if anyone overheard anything. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Varick turned to leave and almost ran straight into Melenge.

“Hey you sexy beast. What’s your big hurry?”

He couldn’t help but notice she stood naked in front of him.

“I don’t have time for this right now.”

Her violet eyes locked on his. “Oh, you’ll make time for me.”

Varick crossed his arms. “And why would you say that?”

She brushed a nipple against his arm and wetted her lips. “What if I told you someone paid a visit to your precious mortal? Someone you’re not particularly fond of.”

Every muscle in his body tensed. “Who visited her? Was it Luke?”

Melenge raised a finger and pressed it against his lips. “Humour me, first. I have to know. When you’re asleep, can you feel me sucking your cock?”