Sigma

Vanguards - 5

by

Annie Nicholas

Chapter 1

Sam set Sugar’s small pink suitcase in the trunk and slammed it shut. Love sucked. No matter what Sam did in a relationship, he got screwed. If he loved a woman, she wasn’t interested. Or worse, she fell in love with someone else.

Not that he blamed Sugar, his only human friend, for breaking his heart years ago. Who could compete with a Nosferatu vampire warrior? Not him.

The Omegas, his small pack of friends, had hired Daedalus to teach them how to fight over two years ago. The Nosferatu could twist Sam into a pretzel, dip him in hot sauce, and have him for dinner without breaking a sweat. His kind was a different class of vampire, more monster, less human. Considering Sam could lift a mini van over his head showed the vampire’s strength and skill. Sometimes he wondered if Sugar was the only reason Daedalus hadn’t eaten him yet.

His inner beast grumbled, sulking in the corners of his mind. Ever since Sugar had been attacked on his watch, when Katrina’s old werewolf pack from China had broken into their home, his animal nature didn’t seem interested in the outside world. Even when he shifted to his beast form, it remained distant, not sharing in the hunt, or even sex.

His love for the human female had faded over the years and transformed into something more brotherly, but the rejection still ached. Every woman he’d been involved with took off. Some base instinct kept him from caring about anyone new and he was tired of it. Shit, even his beast couldn’t stand hanging around him anymore.

All his roommates had shacked up, but he still slept in an empty bed, the one-night-stand wonder. Fuckable, but not worth loving. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. He tried to believe…

The rehabilitation center night security guard let him park his car in front of the entrance, since Sugar was being discharged. Six weeks in physical rehabilitation, yet she still couldn’t move her left side. The scans showed she’d suffered a stroke after the attack, something that could happen to trauma patients, even young ones.

Daedalus, her vampire lover, was supposed to be picking Sugar up. That’s why they’d arranged a late night discharge, but the vampire had vanished, leaving a note for Sam to take care of Sugar. The asshole didn’t need to write an or else on his message. It was implied. Sam rubbed his temples, his pulse pounding, the sure sign a migraine would be paying him a visit soon.

He and Daedalus had never been on the best of terms. The vampire had discarded Sam when he first started training the pack to fight, and focused only on Eric as alpha. The vampire had known Sam’s feelings for Sugar, yet had still stolen her away. Now, the bloodsucker could barely look at him. Daedalus blamed him for Sugar’s injuries.

The vampire was right, though. It was Sam’s fault. He was Sugar’s Sigma. Spice, his pack’s female alpha and Sugar’s twin, had charged him with shadowing her sister. Not every pack owned a Sigma, not every pack needed one. They protected the innocent or the weak, like orphaned pups or the elderly, who had no children to care for them. In his case, he took care of their token human.

He strolled through the corridor of the rehab center, his footsteps echoing in the quiet, and he waved at the nurses. One offered him an inviting smile. Something he would have pursued a few weeks ago. However, his interest in humans had waned. Too fragile for a shifter.

Light streamed from Sugar’s room and he stuck his head through the open doorway. The place smelled of disinfectant, but Spice and Katrina had done a great job of making the room look homey. Thick blankets lay on the bed and a stack of books on the bedside table. They’d even hung pictures of the pack on the wall.

He sighed. “I didn’t think to bring a box to pack her belongings.” The pack should choose someone else as Sugar’s Sigma. He could barely take care of himself.

“No worries.” The young nurse helping Sugar sit on the edge of the bed smiled at him. “I’ll pack her things and someone can come pick them up tomorrow.”

Daedalus hadn’t spared any expense on Sugar’s recovery–private center, the best doctors, and her own nurse. Still, the Nosferatu should be here to take Sugar home. That’s what mattered to her.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Sugar supported her limp left arm in a sling as the nurse attached the heel brace on her left ankle. Sugar glanced at him and a huge lopsided grin spread across her face.

His heart skipped a beat. The stroke she’d suffered after the attack hadn’t affected any of her true beauty. She contained an inner light that wasn’t affected by her trauma.

“Hey.” He couldn’t stop from returning the silly grin. The original pack members were waiting at the brownstone for her return with an intimate surprise party.

“Hey.” Her gaze wandered away from his as she checked behind him. “I’m almost ready. Daedalus couldn’t make it?”

He shook his head. He could make excuses for the vampire, but stayed silent.

Her smile faded a little. “That’s okay. Me and you always manage to have fun together no matter what.” She tried to hide her hurt feelings, but he’d known Sugar long enough to see through the veil of cheer.

The nurse set the wheelchair next to her and locked it.

Sugar reached for the far armrest with her good hand and shifted her weight to the edge of the bed.

His heart dropped and he stepped forward, ready to lift her in his arms, but the nurse gave him a don’t-you-dare look over Sugar’s head.

With halted grace, Sugar shuffled onto the chair and settled her paralyzed limbs. He understood the need for her independence, but it destroyed a piece of his soul each time he watched her move.

He forced his hands to relax. Nosferatu warrior or not, he would have some things to say to Daedalus about this, even if the vampire could tie him into a pretty bow for crossing him.

She straightened her light sweater. “I’m ready.”

“Then let’s do it, boss.” He steered the wheelchair out of the room and zoomed down the hall. As he passed the nurses’ station, he popped a wheelie with her chair.

She squealed in delight. The sound eased the tight knot in his gut. He didn’t care what the doctors said about Sugar’s poor recovery. She had options most humans didn’t have. Living with a pack of shifters and having a vampire fiance, Sugar could choose to become either one and heal.

They just needed to convince her.

He parked the chair by his car and opened the passenger door. His need to care for her would suffocate him, but he didn’t cradle her in his arms like his instincts cried for him to.

She held out her hand. “Let’s dance.” Somehow she always knew what to say or do to ease the suffering of those around her. This was another of those moments.

“How?” He took her delicate fingers in his hand. She’d done all her occupational therapy with Daedalus or Spice. He didn’t know how to help.

“Place my hand on your shoulder. Then support my hips, especially my left side.”

Following her directions, they ended up standing face to face. Her body pressed against his. He cleared his throat. “Daedalus will tear my hands off if he hears about this.”

“He won’t. If he wanted to dance, then he’d be here.” Her smile took the edge off her words. “Now, shuffle your feet with mine as we turn, then sit me in the car.”

“It would be easier if you’d let me carry you around.”

“This is more fun.”

Guilt still shadowed his soul. He set her on the seat. “Sug…I wish you’d reconsider–”

She pressed her fingers to his mouth. “No. My physiotherapist thinks I’ll be on crutches by the end of the month.” She lifted her left leg into the car. “Is this why Daedalus sent you? To sweet talk me into becoming a vampire?”

He sighed. “No…maybe.” Chuckling, he shook his head. He wouldn’t put it past Daedalus to have arranged this pick-up for that reason. “He never actually asked me to do it.”

Leaving the wheelchair with the guard, Sam jumped into the driver’s seat and prayed his car would start. Maybe he should have borrowed someone else’s vehicle. Cranking the key, he listened to the whine and pumped the gas pedal three times. Four would flood the engine and two was never enough to turn it. The motor roared to life as black smoke spewed from the tail pipe.

“Why don’t you buy another car?”

“Babe, this is a classic.”

“You can afford something better. I know the pack has you watching over me during the day for Daedalus.”

He twisted in his seat. “You do?” So much for being sneaky.

“You’re my Sigma. Spice explained it to me.” She touched his cheek with her fingertips. “You’re always so sad and angry around me lately.”

He blinked, then geared the car into drive. Pulling out of the parking lot, he remained silent.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She fiddled with the edge of her sweater.

Shoulders sagging, Sam sighed. “I’m the one who should be sorry, Sug. I’m saving my money.” Without having to look, he could sense her perking interest by her scent.

“For what?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. A rainy day?” A house of his own would be nice. Maybe he’d meet the right female and want to buy her a ring. Glancing at Sugar, his heart ached, but it didn’t last long. He’d once thought he’d met that special someone, but now he had moved on.

“Does this rainy day have a name?” Teasing humor laced her question.

“Not yet. I’m still hunting.” He grinned. It would be nice having Sugar home again. She was the heart of their family. The place had echoed with emptiness in her absence.

“Oh Sam, women aren’t prey. One-night-stands are not the way to find love. That’s like taste testing at the supermarket. You need to slow down and enjoy the meal.”

His stomach grumbled at the mention of food. There would be a ton at home. “If I recall right, you and Daedalus didn’t wait. Right into the cooking pot.”

She gazed out her window. “And look where I am.”

Sam’s gut clenched. “He would have been here. I’m sure of it.” He swallowed around a lump in his throat. The vampire had better have a good reason for hurting her. She’d suffered enough and shouldn’t be made to feel like a burden. “Something really big must have come up, end of the world proportions, for him to have missed tonight.”

“Something bad…”

He took the on-ramp for the interstate, reaching for her hand, but a car shot past him and cut him off. He swerved into the next lane to avoid a collision, barely missing the vehicle. “Asshole!”

Sugar clung to the chicken bar above her head, but didn’t utter a word.

With both hands on the wheel, he sped and maneuvered next to the car.

A woman with short brown curls spoke into a cellphone, oblivious to them, as she clutched her steering wheel with a white knuckled grip. She kept glancing at her review mirror, her eyes wide and frantic.

Sam’s boiling blood cooled to a simmer. He didn’t need to smell her to sense her fear. He checked his own mirror.

A black sedan tailed her. The back window on the driver’s side lowered and a man leaned out.

“What is he doing?” He glanced over his shoulder to make sure he’d seen right. The guy held a rifle. “Duck!” He shoved Sugar down, bending her in half, and then slammed on his brakes to let the gunman pass.

Sugar struggled under his hand. “Get off me.”

The gunshot split the night air. The rear window of the car driven by the woman shattered into shards, scattering on the highway.

Using her good arm, Sugar swatted Sam’s grip on her neck and pulled herself upright. “Are they shooting at her?”

“Yeah.” He fumbled his cell out of his jean pocket. “Can you call nine-one-one?”

“Why are you slowing down?” She pointed at the car chase ahead of them on the almost empty interstate. “You’re Sigma, you’re supposed to protect. Go help her.”

“No.” Sam tossed the cell on her lap. “I’m your Sigma.”

“Then you’re fired.” She slapped her hand against the dash. “Go.” Her voice cut like sharp glass. “Can you really turn your back on someone in need?” She pointed to her chest. “I can’t. Move this rust bucket.”

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” He shoved the gas pedal to the floor. “Daedalus is going to tan my hide and use me as a throw rug.”

“Never mind him.” She waved her hand in the air, as if dismissing the thought of her lover.

* * *

Clementine’s car wouldn’t go any faster. She’d bought the piece-of-shit from a second-hand dealer for cash so she wouldn’t leave a paper trail for Pal Robi to follow. She glanced at her review mirror again.

Unlike the ancient vampires’ unbeating hearts, her young undead pulse galloped. How had they found her? “I can’t shake ’em.” Her cellphone lay on the passenger seat now with her master on speaker.

“Take the next exit. I’m not far and on an intercept course. Evade them at all cost until we meet. I’ll take care of them then.”

The back window shattered with a loud shot. “Jesus!” She swerved the car toward the shoulder, keeping her head low, and regained control before hitting the cement wall. “I’m not trained for this.” Being a vampire didn’t mean being immortal as most humans thought. The older the vampire, the better they healed, but at her mere one hundred and twelve years, a big hole in her head could kill her. Or worse, leave her in a zombie-like state.

“Drive, Clementine,” her master yelled over the phone before it slid off the seat.

She was doing her best. They didn’t teach car chase driving to accountants at Pal Robi. She left that yahoo crap to the ones who wanted risks.

The screech of tires grabbed her attention. She glanced back. Another car chased her. Great. Let’s have a parade.

It squeezed between her and the gunman’s car. What the hell? She squinted at the mirror. Had she seen that hunk of junk before? It was the same one she’d almost collided with upon merging on the interstate.

“Master? There are two cars now.”

“I need that thumb drive.” He sounded furious.

Cold sweat beaded over her skin. It slicked her palms where she gripped the steering wheel. “I know. I know.”

She’d been so careful following her master’s directions. She had still let him down. No one was supposed to know she’d stolen the data. She jerked in her seat as one of the cars bumped hers.

Struggling to maintain control, she passed a sign announcing the next exit in one mile. She chewed her bottom lip, almost puncturing it with a fang. “I’m at the exit. What now?”

“There’s a wooded park to the north. Ditch the car and run. Take the phone. I’ll be there within minutes.”

“North? Which way is north?” She crunched numbers for a living. She didn’t have an internal compass.

“Make a right at the lights. And don’t wait for it to turn green. Blow through it.”

She could add racing a car through Chicago, being shot at, and corporate espionage to her resume after this week.

She’d offered her master loyalty in exchange for safety all those decades ago.

This was not safe.

Chapter 2

The vehicle carrying the gunman went around Sam’s car and passed them.

Sam glanced from them, back to Sugar. “I don’t know what you’re expecting me to do. I’m not exactly driving a racing car.” He followed the vehicles down the off-ramp. “Have you dialed nine-one-one yet?” His heart skipped a beat as he glimpsed the excitement on Sugar’s face.

She clutched the seat belt with her good hand. “No, I’m too busy hanging on.”

He shook his head. “Forget this. I’m not risking you.” He eased off the gas. “Enough excitement for one night.”

The first car, driven by the woman, screeched to a stop at the park. Leaving her vehicle on the grass, she jumped out and ran for the shadows of the trees.

Sam punched the dash. “What is she doing?”

Her pursuers followed suit, leaping out their doors. The gunman knelt, taking aim with his rifle.

“Sam!” Sugar cried out and pointed.

He held his breath and braced his arms against the steering wheel. Pressing the gas pedal to the floor, he aimed for the gunman. His vintage car jumped the curb and roared over the grass.

Light flashed from the gun’s barrel as the man pulled the trigger. The shot rang through the night air.

Sam flinched, the sharp noise assaulting his sensitive hearing. However, he couldn’t tear his gaze from the fleeing woman.

With arms flung out in front and a red bloom expanding on her pink t-shirt, she collapsed onto the grass, face down, not moving.

Heart racing, Sam blinked his unbelieving eyes. “Fuck!” He spun the wheel, clipping the murderer with the fender of his car. His beast roused for the first time in months and it peered through his eyes. For one glorious moment they were one without the shift.

“Get down on the floorboards, Sug.” The last thing either of them needed was for her to be shot.

She undid her belt and wiggled off her seat, melting to the floor.

Once she was as safe as could be, he charged out the car door and released his beast. It tore through his flesh with aching familiarity. Claws punctured from the tips of his fingers as fur sprouted from his flesh. He embraced the pain. The shift happened fast, shredding his clothes off in an explosion of blood and fabric.

The engine of his car let out a death rattle, leaving a blanket of silence over the park. He stepped in front of the headlights, allowing his shadow to paint over the men.

Someone hissed.

Sam straightened and cocked his head to the side. Okay, not men.

Vampires.

Shit. Time to get his ass kicked. As a four-hundred-pound, bipedal beast of blood-thirsty-fury, he jumped and landed on the attackers, raking his claws across the closest vamp’s neck, almost decapitating him. Using the momentum, he reached forward and stabbed the second in the heart, twisting his wrist to shred the organ.

He crouched, claws extended and ready.

Crumpled on the ground, neither assailant attempted to rise.

Sniffing, Sam drew closer. He’d won? They weren’t exactly his first vampires. His trainer and Sugar’s fiance, Daedalus, was a Nosferatu warrior. In comparison, these bloodsuckers were sissies.

He sprinted toward the injured female. What should he do? The police wouldn’t be happy about vampires and shifters being involved in a human shooting. If this got out to the press, there would be riots.

She struggled to sit.

He slowed, his steps faltering. That shot should have killed her. He shifted back to human form so he could speak. “Don’t move.” Kneeling next to her, he placed an arm around her shoulders. Blood coated his hand.

“Help me up. They can’t get me.” Her words came out halted, between gasps.

“Stay still. I’ll call for help.”

She grabbed his arm with surprising strength. “No.”

He slipped his hands around her slight build and stroked the hair from her face. “You’ve been shot. You need a hospital, you’re going into shock.”

She shook her head. “Bullets hurt, but they missed my heart.” Delicate fangs flashed between her rosebud lips as she spoke. “My master is on the way.”

He blinked. He’d landed in the center of a vampire squabble. Of all the stupid things he could have done, this topped the list. Eric, his alpha, would help Daedalus skin him. Scooping the female in his arms, he carried her back to his car while shaking his head. “There are other ways to settle differences besides guns. What if a human had been caught in the cross fire?”

The gunman rolled onto his knees.

Without breaking stride, Sam kicked him in the head with a satisfying crunch. Pain raced through his bare foot and he grimaced, but the hurt was worth it. He twisted at the sound of screeching tires. “I hope this is your master. I don’t think I can shift again so soon.”

A sports car rounded the corner, speeding in their direction.

He dashed toward his vehicle, intent on shoving her into the back seat until he knew for sure who drove toward them.

“That should be him.” She gave the car a feeble wave. “I think.”

Twisting toward the slowing black Audi, he skidded to a stop. A familiar baldheaded Nosferatu launched from the driver’s side. Sam’s heart plummeted. “Oh, shit.”

Daedalus stopped mid-stride and their stares met. “What the fuck are you doing here? You’re supposed to be picking up Sugar.” His gaze traveled to Sam’s car. “You didn’t.”

“Wait, I can explain. She–” He held up the vampire in his arms. “Was in trouble…”

Before Sam could finish, the Nosferatu was in his car. “Babe?” Daedalus glared at Sam from the passenger side. Amazing the windshield didn’t melt. “What are you doing here and not safe at home?” Daedalus gathered Sugar in his arms.

“There was shooting–” Sam tried to explain, but what was the use? The Nosferatu had already decided not to listen.

Daedalus’s stare traveled to the female vampire, then to the unconscious ones on the ground.

“Sugar told me–” Sam was a loser. Nothing he said could defend his actions. As Sigma, he sucked with extra lemon sauce.

“Don’t be angry at Sam. I forced him to follow.” Sugar caressed Daedalus’s cheek. “Where were you?”

“Trying to help her.” He gestured to the half-conscious vampire in Sam’s arms. “And keeping you safe.” The Nosferatu deflated before Sam’s eyes. “Fuck, I can’t believe you brought her into a gun fight.”

“Daedalus.” Sugar swatted his shoulder and squirmed in his arms. “Put me down.”

He ignored her and tried to give her a kiss.

She turned her face and gave him a cheek.

“We’ll speak about this at home.” He buckled her in the car and closed the door before approaching them. Stopping by the gunman’s body, he stared intently at the face. “I don’t remember him, Clementine.”

“They hired him after you left,” the female vampire responded. “They are a lot of new vampires at Pal Robi in the last few months, since most of the older ones have left.”

“Do you still possess the thumb drive?”

“Yes, Master.” She squirmed in Sam’s arms and removed it from her back pants pocket, handing it to Daedalus.

Master?

Without hesitation, the Nosferatu unsheathed a long knife, almost machete sized, from beneath his leather trench coat and decapitated both vampire attackers.

Sam sucked in a breath. “That’s murder.”

The look Daedalus gave him said he was lucky to keep his own head attached to his shoulders. “Take Clementine back to the brownstone. Don’t get involved in any more trouble.” He grabbed Sam’s shoulder, and the bones creaked under the pressure. “And don’t mess this up.”

Stabbed in the stomach by his words, Sam nodded in silence. He’d done it again. He’d let Sugar down.

She’d seemed so full of life, almost her old self, as she demanded he help the vampire female. It was the right thing to do, wasn’t it? He didn’t know anymore. Right and wrong had blurred ever since the Omegas, their old small pack, had absorbed Chicago’s major shifter pack, combining to become the Vasi. Eric, one of his best friends, had defeated the old corrupt alpha by beating the crap out of him, which left him in charge of Chicago. Sam wouldn’t have left him in such a bind alone. Hell, none of them had. They had all moved into Sugar’s brownstone and had helped the huge pack come together. Sugar’s twin, Spice, even had shacked up with Eric and had become their alpha female.

They’d been so young and naïve when they’d hired Daedalus to train them to fight. Sam hadn’t expected Eric to actually win the challenge. For fuck sakes, he’d had been fine with just living through the whole nightmare. They’d fought off take-overs, kidnappers, and recruited a slayer. Not bad for a bunch of omega dweebs.

“Sam?” A small voice broke into his thoughts.

He shook his head, ignoring his growing shame, and smiled at the petite vampire in his arms. Her short, spring-formed curls cut close to her head stirred in the breeze. She appeared delicate and fragile in his arms. With rosebud lips, sparkling brown eyes, and a flush blooming over her pale cheeks, she almost seemed human. “You call him master?” He nodded toward the departing Audi. “What do I have to do to get you to call me that?”

* * *

Ignoring the burning in her back, Clementine swung her arm in an arc and slapped the smug grin off Sam’s face.

He staggered, almost dropping her, but kept his hold and balance. She must be weak from blood loss. The strike should have knocked him out.

Wriggling out of his arms, she clutched her sides. Pain radiated from her spine around to her abdomen. Sharp stabs still plagued every breath. She lifted the edge of her ruined t-shirt and examined her front. No exit wound.

The bullet was still in her, which meant it would hurt until someone dug it out. Her stomach turned at the idea. “I’m going to be sick.” She sunk to her knees and bowed her head.

“Easy.” Sam rubbed her neck. “Slow breaths. What can I do to help?”

She glimpsed his bare thighs, her eyes wandering higher and growing wider. “You’re naked.” She focused on the grass again, her nausea forgotten.

He chuckled. “I haven’t had time to dress since shifting.” He pulled on a pair of torn jeans that hung too low on his hips. If anything, they made him appear more appetizing.

“I need to feed.”

“Here.” He offered her his wrist.

“First, we need to dig out the bullet in my back. If I feed now, I’ll heal faster and then you’ll have to cut me open again.”

Silence.

She glanced at him.

His face drained of color as he swallowed visibly. “I don’t think we should hang around here, though.” He gestured to the decapitated Pal Robi security.

“I agree.” On unsteady legs, she rose and shuffled to his car.

He raced ahead of her and opened her door, then set his shredded shirt over the passenger seat. “Blood stains are hard on the upholstery.”

Ignoring the half-naked shifter, she curled forward on her seat, splinting her sides. For a moment she had mistaken him for a gentleman.

“Seat belt.” He reached around her.

She jerked at his touch, wincing at the sharp stab. “Are you joking? I’m shot and you’re worried about a belt?”

“After the night I’ve had? We’re bound to get into more trouble. It follows me like a bad smell lately. The last thing I need is to have a car accident and you thrown from the vehicle.” He weaved the belt through her limbs and clipped her in. “You are one tough broad. That bullet should have torn right through you.”

She almost smiled at his praise, but it galled her. “The bullets are special made to lodge in a vampire’s body. Not to kill, but to wound and slow prey with pain. As the wound heals, it hurts more.”

He shuddered. “Sadistic bastards.”

“Daedalus developed them.”

“Why am I not surprised?” He closed her door and entered on the driver’s side. “They wanted you alive, then?”

“Sam, can we talk less and drive more? My wound is closing.”

The engine protested as Sam cranked the key and pumped the gas pedal. His shaggy dark brown hair settled around his shoulders in a just-fell-out-of-bed way. Thick muscles moved under his skin as he cranked the key again.

Was that a prayer he’d just mumbled under his breath? She had risked her eternal existence for her master and he had abandoned her. Left her shot, with a stranger in a car that wouldn’t start, for a damaged human female.

Maybe the rumors were true? Whispers at Pal Robi suggested Daedalus had grown a heart.

She smiled inside. That would be something to witness.

Sam cursed a string of swears that left her ears stinging. The car wouldn’t start and sirens sang in the distance. He started swearing again.

The pain worsened but it didn’t compare to her growing fear. What were they going to do? She wasn’t accustomed to having to make split second life-depending decisions. Her world had consisted of meetings and memos.

Jumping out of the car, Sam opened her door, undid her belt, grabbed his cellphone, and carried her away like a hero out of a fairy tale. “We need to not be here.”

“Too bad it wasn’t closer to dawn. The bodies would vanish with the sunlight.” She stared over his shoulder at the dead vampires.

He jogged away from the cars. “Doesn’t matter. In this city, they’ll do a minimal investigation because no humans were involved. However, it’s still better not to be here. They might want a scapegoat and sometimes they forget to give vampires cells with no windows. If you get what I mean.”

The jostling jarred her injuries. “Where are we going?” She gritted her teeth, trying not to cry out.

He crossed the street and entered the first alley available. Continuing to jog until he rounded the corner of the building, he set her on her feet, then pulled out his phone. “I’ll call for someone to pick us up.”

She leaned against the wall and sank to the ground, a hard lump forming in her chest. “The cops will look for you once they run your plates.” She never should have answered her master’s call, never downloaded those secured files, and never have come to Chicago.

“Damn, my phone is dead. Where’s yours?”

She shook her head. Her phone lay in the grass where she’d dropped it when she was shot. Tears burned behind her eyelids as she squeezed them shut.

Sam growled, the sound fierce and frustrated. He knelt by her and gently gathered her in his arms. “It’ll be okay, Clementine. I’ll take care of you.”

Good, it was about time someone did. She leaned her head on his shoulder. She would not cry. She would not cry. She kept repeating this litany as if it were a defensive spell, but the tears were close to winning.

“I see a motel down the block. It’s not five star, more like a shit hole, but they might not ask about my clothes or your blood, and they’ll have a phone in the room. I can take care of your bullet in there.”

Chapter 3

Sam ground his teeth at Clementine’s stubbornness and hovered around her in case she fell.

Blood soaked the back of her pink t-shirt and dripped, leaving a gruesome trail as she walked along the exterior balcony toward their motel room on the second floor. “You paid with cash like I told you?” She weaved on unsteady feet.

“Yes, ma’am.” He barely had enough money in his wallet to buy a soda now. “No credit card to track.” He reached out to grab her elbow, but she swatted his fingertips. Reflexively, he shook the sting away. “Playing tough and insisting on walking doesn’t get you brownie points if you pass out.”

He unlocked and opened their room door. The scent of cheap air freshener and stale sweat swept over him. He turned and sneezed.

“Bless you.”

He wiped his mouth. “Thanks.” Wasn’t there some supernatural law against vampires being polite?

“It smells odd in here.” She leaned against the door frame and pointed to the faded yellow bed. “Can you pull off the blanket?”

“We got what we paid for, a cheap-ass room. At least they don’t charge by the hour.” He winked and did as Clementine asked, then watched as she crawled onto their bed, lying on her stomach. “What can I do to help?” The deep red stain continued to spread under his scrutiny. “When Daedalus was staked, he didn’t bleed like this.”

She twisted around and whispered, “You were there?” With her blue eyes wide, she appeared very young, but vampires were experts at fooling people. Clementine could be five hundred years old, for all he knew. With a wig, Daedalus looked twenty, younger than Sugar. He chuckled at the memory and recalled the expression of horror on Sugar’s face. “It happened in my old apartment.”

“You’re one of the original Omegas?”

“You make it sound like a bad thing.” They’d had five pack members at the beginning, before Daedalus came and changed everything. Now they numbered in the triple digits and were called the Vasi. He pointed at her wound. “Can you bleed to death?”

She rolled back onto her stomach. “No, but I’ll need to feed before the blood lust takes over me. You have to remove the bullet.”

He grabbed the edge of her shirt and tore it open, exposing her back.

She hissed and glared at him over her shoulder. “I could have taken it off.”

Pasting mock surprise on his face, he laid a hand on his chest. “Where’s the fun in that?” Not waiting for her response, he went into the bathroom and washed off his pocketknife. A pair of tweezers would have been handy. And some gauze. He grabbed a face cloth instead. “Do I need to sterilize my knife or find some antiseptic?”

“I’m a vampire. Disease doesn’t plague us.”

He shrugged off her prickly tone, betting she was as gentle as the sound of her name on his lips. “Good, because I can’t provide either.” On his knees, he straddled her legs and leaned forward to examine her wound. He planted his palm between her shoulder blades.

“What–” She struggled under him. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t want you to move.” Using his shifter strength, he shoved her flat against the bed and wiped the blood away. “Stop wiggling so much. It’s distracting.”

“Not like you can do more damage.” Her words came out muffled.

“No, but you’re turning me on.”

She went limp, her breathing heavy and strained.

He couldn’t help but chuckle. This shitty day was getting better. Using the tip of the pocketknife, he gently probed her wound. “Tell me if it hurts.” The hole in her flesh was deep. It appeared as if her backbone had absorbed the impact of the bullet. Damn, vampires were tough.

A few years ago, he would have fainted at the idea of digging out bullets from damsels in distress. So much had changed since the small pack of omegas hired a Nosferatu warrior as a teacher.

Eric had become alpha of Chicago and married his high school crush, serious Robert fell in love with a slayer, of all things, and Tyler finally found the balls to ask Katrina to marry him.

And Daedalus stole Sugar’s heart.

Not that Sam had ever owned it. She was better off with the wealthy and powerful vampire. Safer. Sam just fucked everything up.

His heart didn’t belong to anyone but himself.

The knife clinked against metal and Clementine jerked.

He wiped the area clean to get a better visual. “The bullet’s entrenched, but I should be able to ease it out with a few simple cuts. This will hurt. Maybe I should call Daedalus first and have him knock you out with some Nosferatu mental voodoo.”

She laughed. A quiet, sorrowful sound that grabbed him low in the gut. “I can take the pain. I don’t need my master to hold my hand.”

There it was again. Master. The title irked him more than it should. From what little he knew of vampire society, most weren’t free. Their masters owned them, kept them under control, so the human population wouldn’t fear and hunt them like the old days. It had never occurred to Sam that Daedalus owned some. Bet the others didn’t think about it either.

Clementine clenched the sheets in her hands. “I’ll do my best not to scream.”

“Don’t worry. In this part of town, they’re used to it.”

As she twisted around to glare at him, he pried the bullet from her flesh and popped it out.

Eyes squeezed shut and mouth open in a silent scream exposing her delicate kitten-like fangs, she shuddered under his body.

His heart wrenched at the sight and a wave of nausea rocked him. He didn’t get off on pain. Though, he’d love to see that expression on her face once more, but this time in ecstasy, not agony. He shook his head. He could be a sick bastard sometimes.

Fresh blood pooled in her wound as she squirmed once more. “Get off me.” Her ass bucked against his cock, sending a jolt of lust straight to his balls.

He’d never had a vampire–odd, considering his low standards. As long as it was female and willing, he’d bed anyone once. Letting his fingers trail along her skin, he held her down a little longer. A small subliminal suggestion of what he could offer.

“Asshole.” She rolled him off with a sharp twist of her hips.

He fell next to her. “At your service.” Sticks and stones couldn’t break his bones, and name-calling wouldn’t hurt him.

Clutching her tattered shirt to her chest, she sat on the edge of the bed and dialed the room phone. “Master?”

Sam moaned and rested his forearm over his eyes. It was better for her to explain what happened. He didn’t need to hear more bitching from the Nosferatu.

“We’re at Motel Twelve by the park. Sam’s car wouldn’t start and I was too injured to walk.” She remained silent, listening. “My car was too damaged to drive.”

Squeezing his eyes tight, he kept quiet. God, he hadn’t even thought to take her car. It didn’t seem in that bad of condition. He peeked at her. She’d lied for him.

“Sam’s taking good care of me. The bullet is out and he’s offered to feed me.” She raised a questioning eyebrow at him.

He nodded, a little dumbfounded. Gratitude and shame knotted his chest, considering only a few minutes ago he’d been thinking of her as just a possible fuck.

“Okay, we’ll be here.” She hung up. “Daedalus will come as soon as he has Sugar settled at home.”

* * *

What was with the human worship? It sounded like a party in the background as she’d spoken with her master. Someone else besides him could watch Sugar for the thirty minutes it would take to retrieve them. The room darkened as her vision tunneled. She gripped the edge of the bed and shook her head.

“Clementine?”

“Lightheaded.” She waved Sam’s hand away. His touch stirred too many unexplainable desires. They’d barely met, under terrible circumstances. However, her skin still tingled wherever he’d touched her.

Closing her eyes made the dizziness worse. How much blood had she lost? She glanced at Sam, who lounged on the bed in his torn clothes. “None of this fazes you, does it? The fighting, the running, the gunshots?”

He shrugged. “A few years ago, it would have. Life’s hard in the pack. It’s adapt or perish.” He eyed her as if trying to figure out what species of bug she belonged to. “Thanks for explaining things to Daedalus. We don’t get along too well. He’s not my biggest fan.”

A hot flush washed over her. From lack of blood or from his gratitude, she wasn’t sure. Drinking from him, pressed against his strong, muscled body, would be a fantasy come true. What female hadn’t dreamed of a wild shifter in bed?

Except when imagination and reality collided, all her hidden insecurities suddenly jumped out and did the conga. She was plain for a vampire: short brown hair, little boobs, too much junk-in-the-trunk. Not exactly a vixen of the night those stupid human movies portrayed.

She needed to feed and Sam had agreed to her backhanded request. Licking her lips, she knelt on the mattress. “Where would you like me to bite?”

A crooked, sensual smile spread across his mouth. “Are you always this polite to your meals, Clementine?”

“Of course. Just because we’re not human doesn’t mean we have to act like monsters.”

He tugged his shirt off, exposing a hard muscled chest, and then lifted his chin, offering her his jugular.

Hunger growled to life in her body. Overpowering. Fast. Bloodlust seized her, and any semblance of control disintegrated as her vision went red.

Rich fluid coated her tongue. Salty and warm, it eased the cramps in her stomach. She sank her teeth deeper into the source of her bliss, and then popped open her eyes.

Swallowing reflexively, the warmth spread from her stomach into her starved system. She lay on top of Sam, his arms and legs sprawled across the bed. She released her clenched bite on his neck. Oh crap, had she killed him? “Sam?” Her voice trembled and she shook his shoulder. How much had she drank?

He still had that sultry smile on his face as he peeked at her under heavy lids. The dark chocolate of his gaze melted over her body. “Hungry?” His flesh healed where she’d bitten him.

Something dripped from her chin. She swiped a hand across her mouth and stared with widening eyes at the blood on her palm. “Merciful heavens, I’m an animal. I’m so sorry.” The apology didn’t cover her horror. She hadn’t lost control since she’d been a fledgling. “The blood loss–it’s been a long time since the lust has gripped me so hard.” Desire to lick her palm almost overwhelmed her. She needed to feed more.

“I’m used to being fed upon. We’re Daedalus’s main source, but I like your style of feeding better.” He ran his hand over her bare spine and quirked an eyebrow at her. “The wound is gone?”

Now that she’d fed, her body healed fast. Tissue had knitted together, growing seamless, smooth skin where her injury had been. “Yes.”

He raised his chin and offered his neck once more. “Better to feed from me than attack the housekeeping.”

She licked her lips. Straddled over Sam’s hips, she couldn’t ignore his erection pressed against the juncture of her thighs. Desire to rock against it swept through her body. Hanging her head, she took a shaky breath. She was in over her head.

He brushed his fingertips over her hair. “Is there someone else?”

She gave a sharp snort of contemp. “No.”

He rose onto his elbows. The motion made her lean back, sliding her pussy over his cock. An electric itch ran over her nerve endings and set butterflies loose in her stomach.

“Do you have someone? Umm…a mate?” She’d sound stupid if that was the wrong word. They didn’t have shifters around Pal Robi, so she had to go by things she’d read in magazines and books.

“No. I’m a bit of a loner.” He rested his hand on her thigh. “I gather you might be more interested in a full course meal than just a snack.”

She stared at his nice-boy-next-door handsome face and the knots in her lower back tightened. Oh hell, when would she ever receive another chance like this? Biting her lower lip, she nodded. She could use a good, no-strings-attached fuck, the kind that left a woman limp and too exhausted to think. And Sam seemed like the kind of male who could provide those things and more.

However, Sam contained all the right amounts of dominance and tenderness that attracted her on so many levels she couldn’t even count them. She’d grow strings. She knew she would. And like he said, he was a loner.

Ever since her master had dragged her into this mess, she’d been on the run. Pal Robi was a security company he’d created, but it was a front for vampire government, a seat of power for the Prime of the northeastern part of America. Some idiot had thought he’d gathered enough supporters to take it away from Daedalus, even sent one of the best slayers after him.

Now, who owned the slayer? Who had a large pack of wolf shifters at his back? And who’d just obtained a list of names of potential traitors on a thumb drive stolen straight from Pal Robi computers by little old her?

Daedalus would triumph. He always did because he took risks such as helping a pack of omega shifters. Maybe it was about time she took one too.

She rocked her hips, rubbing Sam’s hard cock against her more sensitive areas. “Yes, I think I deserve a full course meal–and dessert.”

Chapter 4

Sam tensed and fisted the sheets of the bed as Clementine rubbed against his erection. The way she gazed at him and called him dessert sent all his blood rushing to his cock. It throbbed, trapped behind the zipper of his jeans. He hadn’t taken a lover in months and all those pent up urges suddenly roared to life.

Her veil of innocence vanished as a spark of mischief twinkled in her eyes.

She unclipped her bra and tossed it to the floor with her torn t-shirt, setting her perfect handful-sized breasts free. Rosy pink nipples perked in the cool air, her pale skin flawless.

He sucked in a breath. His inner beast howled as a wave of her scent rolled over him. Clementine stirred his animal nature. After months of uneasy quiet, his beast responded to this vampire like she was more than a packmate.

Taking slow, deliberate breaths, he calmed his beast. She’d be theirs. No point in tearing the rest of her clothes off and scaring her away. Delicate creatures like Clementine needed caressing, not crazed animal fucking. The muscles in his back and arms twitched with the effort to not pin her to the bed until the beast finally retreated. Just a little. But enough. He rested his head back on the mattress and reached for the bouncy temptations of her breasts, wanting to twist those little buds until she panted for more.

A sharp slap to his hand stopped him. “Ouch.” He jerked his hand back. Her strength and speed were more than he would have guessed, but then again, she’d tossed him on the bed like he weighed nothing when she’d fed from him. That was sexy as hell.

“I didn’t give you permission to touch me.” Her sweet smile transformed into something more sensual.

He grinned back, enjoying this side of his new bedmate. Resting his hands behind his head, he relaxed into the pillows. “I might like this game.” His beast remained close to the surface, waiting to pounce and play with the half-naked vamp. A growl rumbled within his body. “For now.”

“I don’t play with my food.” She grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it over his head with one swift motion. “I devour it.” Licking a solid line along the center of his chest, she trailed her hard nipples over him as well.

Desire flared hot as his head was jerked back by her hand tangled in his hair. The sting of her delicate fangs triggered his balls to clench. He moaned. Pain and pleasure made sex a sharper experience. It drew him into the moment, setting his worries aside, and kept him there. Living in the now, hot and sweaty.

He ran his hands along her back, his vixen too entranced by blood to reprimand him. The erotic touch of her lips on his neck was like nothing he’d experienced. Daedalus was the only vampire who’d fed from him prior to tonight. Nothing sexual in that bite.

She tugged at his hair with one hand while caressing his shoulder with the other. Her bite more tender than predatory.

Relaxing into her embrace, he fluttered his eyelids closed. Ever since Katrina’s old pack had attacked their home six months ago, he hadn’t taken a female to his bed. He’d been pretty carefree with his partners, but didn’t have the time to waste anymore. He needed to prove to his friends, and to himself, that he took his role as Sigma seriously.

So, he took a backslide with Clementine. The sacrifice was worth it.

“You taste better than I’d thought.” She eased her hold on him and trailed a line of kisses along his jaw. The soft brush of her lips, her words, lit a hole in his chest he hadn’t been aware existed. “I’m going to do terrible things to you, Sam,” She whispered close to his ear.

A shiver ran down his spine. “Promise?”

She laughed, the sound a little uncertain. “I’ll do my best.” Directing her kisses south, she moved over his chest, along his abs, and stopped just below his navel where she focused on undoing his pants.

Trying to keep his breathing even, he followed her progress, leaning onto his elbows the closer she came to his cock. He fisted her short, brown curls, a wild mess, and jerked her head up. “Let me.” With one hand, he unbuttoned his fly, then slipped the waist band over his hips. Cool air slid over his hard-on, his need to sink into the warmth of Clementine’s pussy peaked into a commanding urge.

Stroking his cock with her small fingers, she traced the veins running over his shaft. “Are all shifters generally this thick?”

He groaned and arched into her ministrations. “I couldn’t tell you.” Fuck, she knew all the right things to say. He chuckled; of course she did. She was probably a hundred times more experienced than him and four times his age.

Sighing, he rolled his eyes. “Don’t play coy with me.”

She jerked her hand away, a deep red flush spread across her cheeks right to the tips of her ears.

Frowning, he wanted to kick himself in the ass for wrecking the mood. He tilted his head to the side. “You’ve never been with a shifter?”

“No. Where would I have met one? Pal Robi is all vampires with a few human employees.”

He aimed a rolling growl at her, almost purr-like. “A virgin?” He already knew the answer, but needed to return the confidence he’d stolen from her, especially if he wanted her hands back on him.

“Hardly.” She gripped his dick tight, the flare of determination in her narrowing eyes. With deliberate grace, she arched over his cock, her mouth hovering at his tip, and then at a leisurely pace she grazed the sharp edge of her fangs over his pulsing shaft.

He couldn’t look away. Oh shit. Not while she used her teeth to scrape along his sensitive flesh. “Be nice.”

Warm lips sealed tight around him. At an achingly slow pace, she slid him deeper into her mouth. Deeper still, until her throat engulfed him, then she swallowed. The fine muscles convulsed around him, squeezing tight.

Sam flung his head back, digging his heels into the mattress. “Fuck. Yes.” Something could be said for talent.

She stroked him in and out of her mouth, sucking him closer to the edge. The combination of soft tongue and sharp teeth had him at Clementine’s mercy. He’d have promised her anything to have her never stop.

She tugged his jeans off and squeezed her slim body between his thighs, cupping his balls in a firm grip.

He looked down, watching his cock slip out from between her wet lips. “More.” He wasn’t beyond begging.

* * *

Clementine loved the blazing unspoken demand in Sam’s eyes. She grinned at his plea. “Not yet.” Fear never tainted his sensual musky scent. If anything, her fang play seemed to excite him more.

She allowed her fingers to linger over the pulse in his groin. “Would you like me to bite you here?”

He swallowed visibly. “Yes.” His smooth skin appeared untouched where she sensed his blood pulsing through him. He really told her the truth about never having a vampire lover. She’d fed enough to quench her need, but his taste was addictive. His blood was so full of strength and power that it thrummed through her body.

With precise aim, she pierced his femoral artery. His blood flowed once more. The flavor differed from humans. It filled her weak body, healing her, replenishing all the blood she’d lost. And all from two bites. This third was a bonus.

No wonder Daedalus bemoaned the loss of pack alliances from the old times.

Sam undulated his magnificent body on the bed. Moans escaped him as he clung to the pillow under his head. She stroked his cock faster, his hips moving in time with her. This passionate male inspired naughty ideas. He’d held her down to the bed before, an example of his potency in comparison to her unnatural strength. He wouldn’t be easy to tame.

She released him and held pressure on his wound. It sealed quicker than a mortal’s.

“You’re killing me.” He spoke between heavy breaths.

Her dead heart fluttered and she rose to her knees. “Did I take too much?”

A deep, sensual laugh was his answer. The sound wrapped around her like a mink coat. “Not that kind of death.” He sat up and pulled her onto his lap and claimed her mouth. Forceful lips parted hers as he thrust his tongue inside, and strong hands clasped her head so he could devour her like a beast. He rolled on top and pinned her to the mattress with his solid body, tearing her pants from her hips.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. She wanted control. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she went to roll him off, but Sam had other ideas.

He pushed inside her pussy with a single hard thrust.

She cried out. The burning stretch left her bereft of thought. Pressing her body against his, she almost lifted them both off the bed. “Oh my God.”

He growled, not like the sexy noises he had tossed at her. This one contained an edge of threat. He rode her hard and fast.

Pain flamed from her shoulder as he returned her bite, his teeth and jaw made for crushing, not piercing. She clawed at his ass, needing all of him inside of her. Where had her control gone?

Releasing her shoulder, he lifted himself off her body. With little effort he pinned her arms over her head. She’d underestimated him. Young shifter didn’t equal weak shifter. Note made.

Stealing another kiss, he drove into her without mercy, giving her no quarter to move.

Something unknotted inside her, snapping loose a hidden secret. Pleasure from its awakening rose inside her as her shifter rode her in crazed passion.

Grunting with each stroke, he never released her mouth.

She preferred dominating her males. She needed that power to own them, rule them. None had been shifters, though. None of them Sam.

Ecstasy crashed over her.

He swallowed her cries as the wave of her climax sent her spiraling, unaware of anything else but this male.

The world returned one sensation at a time. Huge male crushing her, his musky scent infusing the air, his tender kisses pressed to her neck, his hand cupping her breast.

“Oh dear God.” How did she express the best-sex-ever without inflating his head to humongous proportions?

An arrogant chuckle told her it was already too late. He trailed his fingers between her breasts, holding her down a little longer, a small reminder of his superior strength.

Her gut knotted up and she pushed against his shoulders. “We should get ready to leave. My master will be here soon.” She budged him a few inches, but he settled back on top of her.

Silken kisses continued along her jaw toward her ear. “I want more.” Warm licks tickled her earlobe.

Squirming in his arms, she wiggled as the delicious sensation assaulted her diminishing control. “Sam, it’ll be dawn soon.”

With an exaggerated sigh, he rolled off.

She wiped the hair from her face with shaky hands. “Pushy jerk.”

He lay on his side next to her, a crooked smile on his face. “If you keep calling me pet names, I might start thinking you care.”

She couldn’t pry her gaze from him, all masculine power and solid muscle. He moved with the grace of a predator and fucked like one too. She leaned her face on her hand, and to her horror, she sighed. All the tension she’d carried for weeks had melted away in a flash of shifter passion. “You’re not what I would’ve expected.” She sat on the edge of the bed and stretched.

“What do you mean?” The bed shook as Sam moved closer to her, his breath hot on her shoulders.

She shrugged, doing her best impression of nonchalant while her insides quivered at his presence. “Everyone at Pal Robi has heard of Daedalus’s pet project, the Omegas, but I thought that referred to a weak pack. You don’t seem weak.”

“Ah.” His hands snaked around her waist. “The original members of the Omegas all live together with Daedalus and Sugar. We were all omegas of different packs once, but we’ve grown into more over the past years.”

“Under my master’s guidance.”

“Yeah, I guess he helped.”

“You should be careful of making Daedalus your enemy. I’ve known him a long time and he always wins.” She glanced over her shoulder at him and resisted shaking him.

“I’m not the one with the grudge, sweetheart.”

Chapter 5

“Here.” Sam offered her his shirt. It was ripped, but in better condition than her torn-in-half one.

Clutching it to her chest, she sat on the edge of the bed. She should stick with mortal lovers. None of them could have turned the tables on her like Sam had just done. Control gave her the sense of security she needed. The shifter turned her inside out and upside down. She felt safe yet insecure around him. What a disaster.

A knock on the motel room door startled her out of her funk. Wrapping the sheet around her body, she stood to answer it when a strong hand grabbed her upper arm.

“Let me.” Sam blocked her way.

She regarded his back. He was protecting her? It was almost cute. Then again, she’d just been shot by her own kind. Pal Robi would send more of their people after her. Now that they knew she’d stolen from them, there would be a bounty on her head. She needed to start thinking like a fugitive and less like a simple accountant.

Sam peeked through the eyehole, then opened the door to reveal her master. “Daedalus.”

He leaned against the frame, a non-existent eyebrow raised. His gaze traveled from her, dressed in a sheet, to Sam, still naked. “Love at first sight?”

Heat from warm borrowed blood rose to her face. She tossed Sam his torn jeans. “Put something on.” Caught red-handed messing around with a shifter her master apparently didn’t like. Her judgment just kept getting worse. Wasn’t she supposed to grow wiser with age?

Sam grinned at her as he tugged on his pants

She glared in return. “Stop it.”

“I’m not doing anything.” But his grin grew wider with the hidden knowledge that he knew exactly what kind of effect he had on her. The torn material only enhanced Sam’s appeal. She knew he was silently laughing at her. Such arrogance begged to be squashed.

“Enough.” Daedalus closed the door behind him. She’d known him from almost the time of her making and recognized the tiny signs of strain around his mouth and eyes. He was worried. What could he possibly be concerned about?

Butterflies flitted in her stomach, threatening to make her lose the precious blood Sam had gifted her. “Master? What am I to do now?” For one hundred and seven years, she’d been indebted to Daedalus as a servant–whatever she had to do to get the task done in return for protection. She’d never failed him until tonight. Would he set her loose to fend for herself?

“I’m not sure.” He added his glare, at Sam, to hers. “I’ve had an upset fiance to deal with and haven’t looked at the data you retrieved for me yet.”

“She’s mad you didn’t pick her up at rehab. Not because of the shooting. Sugar wanted to help Clementine.” Sam guided her behind him once more, blocking Daedalus from her view. “I helped her, not you. Clementine would have been vampire bait if she’d had to wait a second longer. You need–” Sam’s body rose from the ground as her master picked him up by the throat.

“Don’t tell me what I need to do.”

She froze, torn between her duty and her new growing affection for this shifter with a death wish.

Sam kicked his heels as he struggled for breath.

She placed her hand on her master’s wrist and gathered what courage she’d grown over the century. “Before you tear out his throat, I must confess that I think he speaks the truth.” Her knees knocked together under Daedalus’s cold stare. Nothing frightened her more than his displeasure, but unlike most Nosferatu, he was a just master and didn’t maim or kill on a whim. “He did save me.” This aggression toward Sam was from more than this evening’s events.

Without warning, Daedelus released him.

The shifter landed on his feet and gasped for breath.

She stepped between both males, her hands reaching behind her to stroke Sam, to calm him. The hairs on the nape of her neck stood on end. She didn’t need to see him to know that he was close to shifting. He had taken care of her when no one else would. The least she could do was return the favor.

Daedalus sat on the edge of the bed, his face devoid of emotion. “We should discuss your safety.”

A lump developed in her throat. She fought the urge to swallow, refusing to give away her anxiety.

“It won’t be long before Pal Robi discovers their agents didn’t recover the thumb drive.”

Fear bloomed in her stomach. “I didn’t mean to endanger your home.”

“You didn’t. My enemies know where I am, but now I have the information I need to make an accurate list of names.” With only a slight scowl and a lowering of his brow, a shadow of nightmares formed over her master’s face.

Those idiots were dead. Daedalus had watched the rise and fall of empires, created kings, and watched mortal lives flash before his existence. Clementine chose well to follow him.

In the paranormal world, someone who wished to survive allied themselves with the strong. Her master had always kept her safe even in the most dangerous predicaments, because he was the strongest vampire she’d ever met.

“I have a safe house that is not affiliated with Pal Robi. No one knows about it.” He nodded at Sam. “Not even the Vasi. I’m going to hide Sugar there until these matters are settled, even though she’s adamant about staying home.” He handed her a folded piece of paper, a set of car keys, and a cellphone. “Here are the directions and a vehicle. Sam will remain to protect you. I’ll keep my word and find you somewhere safe to stay until I have my nest under control again. Listen to Sam.”

Her heart fluttered and she restraint the urge to glance at her shifter lover. No, not lover. That was too personal. They barely knew each other, but they were going to have some time to change this.

Sam cleared his throat. “So, I’ll be guarding Sugar as well?”

Clementine ground her teeth. The human again. She’d have to find out what special thing this female contained, and bottle it.

“Spice will be there to help. Once arrangements have been made, we’ll transport Clementine out of the city.” Folding his arms over his chest, Daedalus didn’t release Sam’s gaze. “Don’t fail me.”

Sam opened his mouth to respond, but her master had already left before he could speak, slamming the door in his face. The shifter punched it. “Bastard.” He took a few deep breaths before facing her. “I don’t give a shit about failing him, but I won’t fail you. I’ll keep you safe, Clementine.”

Something warm trickled over her flesh that had nothing to do with his blood coursing through her veins. “I never had a doubt.”

Chapter 6

Clementine’s faith splashed him like a bucket of cold water. Nodding, he raced around the motel room gathering the remaining shreds of his clothes. He couldn’t remember anyone ever trusting him so completely. What had he done to deserve it? Sam wished he knew so he could continue.

“I can’t wear any of my clothes.” She held up the shirt he’d torn in half and gave him a shy smile.

A wash of heat burned his face at the reminder of how hungry he’d been for her. Hell, how hungry he was growing for her again. The sheet covering her body didn’t pose much of a barrier between them. Clementine’s combination of sweetness and strength was like nothing he’d encountered before in a woman. Shifter females were strong but those he’d encountered had a feral edge. This delicate vampire’s blush had a strong affect on him. How had she stayed so adorable?

Sam pushed those thoughts away.

It wouldn’t be long before she lost interest. It was best to keep things simple so he wouldn’t get hurt. “You can wear this, and we’ll tie the sheet around your waist for now.” He handed her his shirt and busied his mind with the directions Daedalus had left.

Scratching his head, he read over them twice, not believing what the fucker had done. He hated to admit it, but it was an excellent location. No one would ever think to look there.

“Are they not clear?” Clementine leaned against his arm to peer at the paper.

He stared at where they touched and took a shaky breath. His gaze traveled to her face, tracing over her delicate nose and her soft, short curls. She looked so innocent, yet she’d had no trouble pinning him to the bed and doing as she’d pleased to his body.

Her stare met his and her scent resembled prey’s.

Sam’s beast roared inside his head, almost shattering his skull. Apparently, the rest of him agreed with it as he crushed her against the wall and sought her soft, small mouth.

She made tender moaning noises in her throat as he parted her lips and entered her mouth, tasting his blood upon her tongue. His beast was so close to the surface. If he didn’t get his shit together he’d shift on her, and he doubted she’d be into that sort of thing.

He pushed away, digging his nails into the wall over her head. “We have to get you to the safe house. It’s almost dawn.” Fuck, fuck, fuck.

The way she sized him up with her doe-like eyes begged him to claim her. If she wasn’t careful, he just might accept her unspoken offer. There weren’t any rules about not taking a vampire into a pack. The Vasi tolerated Daedalus, so they would accept her. He shook his head and stepped away from Clementine before any more stupid ideas came to his mind. “Let’s go.” He grabbed her arm, not risking her hand. Boyfriends held hands. He wouldn’t fall into that trap, he had to stay strong. She’d be gone in a day and he’d only be a fond memory at best. The shifter she fucked after being shot kind of remembrance. Not very romantic.

“Sam? What’s wrong?” She yanked her arm out of his grasp. “Why are you so angry?”

“I’m not.” He just about yelled at her. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and shoved his beast back in his corner. “I’m not,” he repeated a little calmer, a little saner. “I just want to make you safe, and we’re running out of time.” He pointed to the sky.

She nodded and took his hand. “Okay, lead on.”

He should tug away instead of grasping her fingers, and enjoying the way her tiny hand fit so well in his, but it had been so long since any female had seemed willing to be with him other than in his bed. He didn’t want to let go.

“There’s the car.” Daedalus had left them a rental in the parking lot. The description had been with the directions. The vampire was nothing if not thorough. They belted in and he backed out, driving without needing to look at the directions again. He’d been to Daedalus’s safe house many times in his past, just not in the last few years. The sentimental asshole. “Exactly how did you get mixed up with Daedalus?” He squeezed the steering wheel tight while trying to keep his voice nonchalant.

“My master saved me from my maker not long after I’d been turned vampire.”

That title again, it grated on his nerves. “Do you have to call him that? It’s not like he’s around to hear you.”

“It’s a sign of respect. He’s done a lot for me over the decades and I appreciate all his efforts, enough to risk my existence.” She crossed her arms and glared out the passenger window.

“Were you lovers?” He groaned inside. He couldn’t believe he’d asked that. From her expression, neither could she. “Sorry, none of my business.” But the way she groveled for the Nosferatu ate at Sam. The chances that Daedalus had fucked her were pretty high. Let it go, dude.

They drove in silence, his autopilot on since he’d driven this route so many times. What was wrong with him? Maybe he’d hit his noggin when he slammed into those vampires with his car. Sure, Clementine turned his head and had his cock doing the one-man salute, but so had a lot of other females. However, none of them had twisted him in knots.

He glanced at her as she faced away from him. She’d stolen information from Pal Robi. That took balls. The tight security wouldn’t have been easy to breech. That kind of stunt required a warrior’s heart. However, she claimed to not be one. “What did you do at Pal Robi?”

She turned in her seat to face him, a new hurt in her eyes. “Accounting. I crunch numbers for a living.”

Shaking his head, he gazed up at the sky, asking for divine guidance. “Daedalus should never have involved you in this.” He eased his grip on the wheel before he bent it.

“He didn’t have a choice. I’m the only one he could really trust in the company who nobody would expect to betray them.”

Sam ground his teeth and grunted, since he couldn’t trust his mouth. They’d been lovers, he knew it.

“I owe him. He’d saved me. More than once. I couldn’t let him down. I only wish I could have gotten away clean, but I always refused training.” She slumped in her seat as if defeated.

“Hey.” He groped with his hand until it found hers and squeezed. “You did better than most. You got him the information. I think you did great.”

She contemplated their hands in her lap. “Sam?” She met his gaze. “I never slept with him. He’s too dominating for my taste.”

He barked out a laugh. “And I’m not?”

To his surprise, she laughed too. “You should be, but it’s different with you.” She shrugged and looked back out the window.

“Now, wait a second, you can’t say that to me and not elaborate. You don’t want me trying to read your mind. I’ll get it wrong every time.” He tried to make it a joke, but he was dead serious.

She gave him a shy peek, a blush on her cheeks. “His personality dominates everything around him, but yours doesn’t drown me out. You seem more laid back and easy going than an alpha-jerk.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “I didn’t mean that.”

“About your master? Yes, you did.” He parked the car in front of a familiar building and leaned toward her until she was pressed against her door. “And I’m glad you like me better, because I don’t share.” He couldn’t resist brushing a curl from her forehead. “Come on, let’s go inside before you get a sunburn.”

He stepped out of the car and stared at the apartment building. Shaking his head, he led Clementine inside. The dead silence that greeted them set him on edge. He pressed his ear to the nearest door, only to have it swing open to an empty apartment. Had Daedalus bought the whole building?

They climbed to the third floor. Memories of carrying an empty coffin up this staircase flashed inside his head. He took a deep breath and shook off his ghosts.

A light touch on his arm almost sent him into the ceiling.

“What’s wrong?” She pressed against him while trying to look in three directions at the same time.

He paused in front of the only locked door they’d come across, and unlocked it. “Welcome to Sugar’s old apartment.”

* * *

Clementine kept from rolling her eyes at Sam’s announcement. Ever since they’d entered the building, it seemed like he’d been lost in his thoughts. Now she knew that it was ghosts from his past plaguing him. She’d heard of the Omegas and their story awhile ago when Daedalus left Pal Robi for Sugar. How her master had saved the small pack by teaching their alpha to fight. They’d all been living in this building.

Stepping into the apartment, she blinked at the over-stuffed comfy furniture in the living room, then gazed at the French doors leading out to a balcony.

“There used to be a garden out there.” Sam closed and locked the door behind them. “We had a lot of good times here. Let me check out the other rooms.”

She sighed and meandered around the area. Besides the furniture and rugs, there was little else in the room. No television or radio, not even any books. What would they do to fill the time? She smiled to herself while listening to Sam’s movements. There were a few things she’d still like to do with him. Her lower abdomen grew warm and fuzzy. The longer she stayed around the shifter, the longer her list grew.

He stalked back into the room, his brow low and a frown on his lush lips. “I found some spare clothes in the bedroom, but there’s only one bed.”

The warmth vanished at his annoyed tone. “You don’t want to share my bed?” The nerve of him making her feel wanted and then–

“Sure I do.” He shot her a cocky grin. “But Sugar and Spice are supposed to arrive soon. We’ll have to sleep in shifts.”

“Oh.” She did her best to hide her chagrin by inspecting the empty shelves. The way he said Sugar’s name, as if in reverence, made her want to bite something. Hard. Maybe she’d finally find out what the human held over her master and this shifter. “You’re her sigma, right?”

He nodded.

“So you must be close.” God, where was she going with this? She knew Sam wouldn’t sleep with her master’s fiance, but something was there. All her instincts cried out each time he spoke about her.

“She’s my best friend.” He stepped closer and sniffed.

“What are you doing?” She shoved him away.

“I swear I could smell…” His grin grew wider. “You’re jealous?”

“No.”

“Now you’re lying.” He laughed.

“Stop it.” She pushed him aside. “For someone who claims to be bad at reading minds, you seem pretty sure of yourself.”

He tapped his nose. “Certain emotions have a scent.”

She spun to enter the bedroom, intent on slamming the door on him, but his arms snaked around her and held her tight. “You don’t have any reason to be jealous. Sugar belongs to Daedalus and I don’t belong to anyone.”

Until now. Jerking in his arms, she glanced at him over her shoulder almost afraid he could smell that thought. She swallowed as their gazes met and a surge of attraction snapped in the air. Nothing would have pleased her more than to peel him out of those jeans, but dawn was drawing closer and her body grew heavy.

He guided her to the large bed, taking most of the space in the bedroom, and tucked her under the covers. The window was already covered in thick, black plastic to prevent sunlight from entering the room. Was that what he’d been doing in here?

She brushed her fingertips along his jaw. “Thank you.”

He jerked from her touch. “For what?”

“Taking care of me.” She tilted her head at the glimpse of pain she’d just witness hidden behind his cocky attitude. It tugged at her heart. Didn’t anyone in the pack appreciate him?

“That’s my job.”

“You’re not my sigma, Sam.” But it would be nice if he were. Her eyelids slid closed and she sank into the pillows.

He bent and kissed her. It wasn’t heated and passionate like before, but gentle and caressing. He took his time to explore her lips before nipping her bottom one. “You’re welcome,” he whispered.

Chapter 7

Clementine woke and peered at the strange ceiling fan spinning above her. She wasn’t in her coffin. Groaning, she rolled over to come nose to nose with a handsome male. Her stomach clenched.

Sam.

Hunger rose, but not for blood. She scowled at him, trying to raise her internal defenses as they crumbled between her mental fingers. Falling for a shifter was a mistake. Her master wouldn’t let her take him back to Pal Robi.

“Morning–uh well, night, I mean.” He grinned and it shattered all her control.

She grabbed his messy hair and pulled him into her embrace, pressing her lips against his. The thin torn t-shirt she wore was the only barrier between them. When it came to Sam she didn’t have any natural resistance. It was like she was trying to screw up her life on purpose.

He flowed over her, pressing her body into the mattress, his mouth opening to let her in. Heat radiated from his body and seeped into her cold, dead one.

She broke the kiss and shoved him off. When she woke, her self-control was at its weakest. Hunger burned her insides. She needed blood to quench this fire, but she’d already ravaged Sam yesterday. What kind of person would he think she was if she did the same thing again? Yesterday, she had an excuse, but not this morning. Damn, only one day and she’d let him under her skin. Her master had to send her somewhere else tonight. She wouldn’t last against Sam’s charm.

“Whoa, did I catch you mid-dream or something?” He raised his hands away from her, genuine confusion on his face.

“Or something.” She sat on the edge of the bed and hugged herself. “I ache. I have to hunt.”

Someone knocked on the bedroom door, sending her onto her feet ready to flee. “We have to share those sheets, so no funny business in there, Sam.” A sharp female voice traveled into their room.

She glanced at Sam and raised her eyebrow.

“My alpha female, Spice. She’s here to help guard Sugar, her twin, and you. I’m the night shift.” He rose to his feet and rummaged through the closet, tossing her some clothes. “Those should fit.” He grabbed some for himself. “Come out when you’re dressed and I’ll introduce you.” Closing the door behind him, he left her alone.

She blew a curl off her forehead. Closing her eyes, she tried to centralize her thoughts, like her master had taught her ages ago, but to no avail. What was she doing? Sam had shaken her. She picked up the clothes. He’d chosen a dress for her to wear–she gave it a weary smile. He liked her. Was that really a bad thing?

After pulling the dress over her head, she went out to meet his alpha female and her twin. She’d sort of met Sugar on the field of battle yesterday. Nothing like making a good first impression, but according to Sam it had been Sugar’s idea to help. She needed to cut the human some slack, especially since Sam accused her of jealousy. No need to prove him right.

The scent of fried meat greeted her entrance. A slim blonde cooked at the stove while Sam hovered around her. She swatted him with the spatula. “It’s not done.”

“I’ll eat it raw.” He pleaded with an empty plate in his hands. “I’m starving.”

“You’re always hungry.” She shooed him away again. “I’ll serve you when it’s all cooked. It won’t be long.” The female regarded her. “Go play host to the vamp.”

“Spice, be nice.” Sam gave Clementine an apologetic grimace.

“What? This is me being nice. I didn’t call her a bloodsucker or a zombie breeder.”

“Spice!” Another female voice, almost the same as the cook’s, shouted from the living room. “Ignore her. She’s not a people person.”

Clementine let Spice’s backhanded insults slide off and followed the other voice. Sam remained in the kitchen waiting for food. She gave him a small smile. He’d been so busy taking care of her yesterday and she hadn’t given his needs a single thought. She was a jerk.

Sugar sat on the couch, her legs propped with pillows, and a book on her lap. “I brought some reading material. Feel free to borrow some.” She pointed to a stack of books on the floor.

“Thanks.” Clementine sat across from her. Sugar appeared frail, where her twin was vibrant. The left side of her face drooped a little and she spoke with a lisp. Sugar was broken. Her master had left his small empire for a mortal on the verge of dying. Was this love?

“Don’t let Spice get to you. She’s hormonal.” With her right hand, she mimicked a big lump over her belly.

Clementine furrowed her eyebrows, not sure what Sugar meant.

“She’s going to have puppies.” Sam entered the living room and settled on the floor by Clementine’s feet. He shoveled eggs and steak into his mouth like he’d never seen food before.

Spice collected Sugar, setting the book aside and assisting her to stand.

“I’m not ready for bed, yet. Clementine just woke. I wanted to talk a little longer.” Sugar frowned at her sister, then gave Clementine a weak smile.

Spice braced her shoulder under Sugar’s arm. They fit well together. “It’s been a long day and I’m tired from the move. The stress from worrying about Eric is just about killing me. Please, can’t we just go to bed?”

“Eric will be fine. Daedalus will watch over him.”

Spice snorted. Apparently, she shared Sam’s opinion of her master.

Clementine shot them both a look. “Where did they go?”

“To do some surveillance on Pal Robi.” Spice helped Sugar walk to the bedroom. “They all went, except us. I don’t like this hiding stuff.”

“You have to keep the babies safe.” Sugar rubbed her sister’s stomach with a possessive hand.

“I know. I know.” She kissed her twin’s cheek. “I’m just grumpy.”

“Hormonal.”

“Whatever.” Spice closed the bedroom door, leaving Clementine alone with Sam.

“Don’t worry. They always squabble like that.” Sam rested his head on her lap and patted his stomach. “That was good.”

Her concern wasn’t with the twins, but with those surveying Pal Robi. She hoped the information she’d given her master was correct. Things were moving so fast and she’d made a habit of existing at a slower pace than mortals. In the last two days she’d experienced more emotion and action than in the last two decades.

Sam rubbed his face on her knee. “I’m going to shower. Want to join me?” He rose and set his dirty dishes in the sink.

She rubbed her sweaty palms on her knees. Did she want to continue existing, or did she want to try living?

Sam hesitated by the bathroom door and glanced at her.

“I’m coming.” She raced into his arms.

* * *

Ushering Clementine into the bathroom, Sam locked the door and pegged her with a glare. “About hunting, as long as I’m around, I’d rather you feed from just me.”

“I can’t feed from you every day. You’ll grow weak and die.” She rubbed his biceps and gave them a little squeeze.

Her small hands on his flesh instantly sent the go signal for a hard-on. The flimsy dress he’d chosen for her clung in all the right places, just like he’d hoped. “I’m not mortal. Shifters heal fast.” He considered her. “You have to feed every day? Daedalus doesn’t.”

“He’s a lot older than I am.” Her smile eased the sting of her sharp words.

“I know I’m breaking all kinds of rules by asking, but how old are you?”

Her smile faded a little. “It shouldn’t matter.”

“But it does. You seem a bit naive, but a word or phrase slips out that gives me a different impression. I just don’t want you playing me. If all you want is a good romp, that’s fine, but be straight about it.” Deep down, he discovered he really didn’t want a fling. His beast edged closer to the surface, listening intently to their conversation as if hanging onto their every word.

She stepped away and clutched her hands together. “I’m not playing games. I’m not that type of vampire.”

Sam swept her back into his arms. “Good.” And he meant it. He felt a little short of breath and giddy. Somewhere between a gunfight and eggs, he’d crossed the line into wanting more with this vampire female. Was he really ready to risk his heart again?

“I’m one hundred and seven years old.”

He swallowed with a dry throat. This shouldn’t be a surprise. He’d been expecting the age difference.

“That’s an average for most vampires. The stupid ones die younger.”

“But Daedalus takes care of you.”

“He saved me. My maker liked to cr-create whores for himself. Once he grew bored of me, I was placed up for sale. My existence would have been much different, much worse, if my–if Daedalus hadn’t purchased me. He let me remain sheltered as I wished. Never asking me to do th—things my maker wanted. Never asking me to do anything dangerous.”

Cupping her chin, he drew her face closer to his. “Until now.”

“He needed me. How could I have said no?”

“You’re the bravest female I’ve ever met.” She’d left the safety of her cozy job to risk her eternal life doing something she wasn’t trained for. The bastard of a Nosferatu shouldn’t have given her this task.

She licked her bottom lip as she glanced at his neck.

It sent his heart rate skyrocketing. He released her and turned on the shower before she changed her mind like she’d done in bed.

Steam filled the room. He spun around and groaned.

Clementine stood naked, her small, firm breasts waiting to be caressed. She set her dress on top of his pile of clean clothes, and then hooked a finger in his belt loop. “Aren’t you worried that I might corrupt you, young shifter?”

His cock hardened. “I’m game.”

“Kiss me.”

Without hesitation, he leaned over, brushing his mouth across the soft skin of her lips, and waited. Giving her every opportunity to change her mind and push him away. After what happened when she woke, he wanted her to be sure about being with him. She slid her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, her erect nipples gliding against his chest.

He ran his tongue along her lips until she opened her mouth. His touched hers for a moment before retreating. Another flickering touch and again, he coaxed her, persuaded her, finally to trace his tongue back into his mouth. Unable to resist, he moaned at her sensual rub, of the graze of her delicate fangs as she sucked on his tongue.

With a tug, she undid his shredded jeans and helped undress him. They staggered under the blast of hot water from the shower where she pinned him against the cold tiled wall with her supernatural strength.

He could have easily broken her hold, but she had this I’m-going-to-suck-your-cock-dry look in her eyes that kept him very, very still.

She knelt before him, never breaking eye contact. The water poured over her head, running in streams along her perfect pale skin, and plastering her short hair to her head. She appeared even younger, more innocent than before. Guiding one of his legs to the edge of the tub, she settled between his thighs and licked the drops of water off his balls.

He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall. Oh God, those little licks were driving him crazy. He ran his hands over her head. Like silk, her hair slipped through his fingers. All the while she kept licking, sipping, and kissing all the important bits around his groin except the hardest, aching part. “Clementine.”

“Yes, Sam?” She pressed her fangs over the pulse point in his thigh.

A tremor of anticipation ran through his legs and he clutched the shower curtain rod to keep from sliding onto his ass. He didn’t know which he wanted more, her sucking on his dick or on his artery. Both would be ecstasy.

She moved forward and drew his cock into her mouth, manipulating the hard shaft with her tongue and lips. The edge of her fang caught on his tender foreskin. He growled at the burn but she soothed the nick by laving the blood away.

Leaning into the slippery wet walls, he rested his head against the corner of the shower. “Oh God. Yes.” The words came out strangled as he tried his best not to shout. The twins wouldn’t appreciate the noise, but the feel of Clementine sucking on his cock awoke the beast. It struggled against his control, trying to break free to claim her. He gasped and arched his back. “Shiiiiit.” The shift was almost upon him.

Waves of heat pounded from his insides and she slid him deeper with each stroke until her lips met the root of his shaft. Then she swallowed. All those fine, strong vampiric muscles in her throat constricted around him and she eased his cock out, caressing every inch of him, until he popped from between her lips.

He took a shuddering breath. He hadn’t even realized he’d been holding it. “Holy Toledo.” If she did that again, he wouldn’t be able to hold back. With a mind of their own, his hands helped Clementine back to her feet.

“Didn’t you like it?” She wiped the water from her eyes.

“Oh baby.” He swept her against the wall, guiding her legs around his waist, and pressed his tip at the entrance to her wet pussy. “I’m going to show you how much I liked it.” Swooping his mouth onto hers, he ravaged the inside with such a hunger that she sagged against him. He tore away from the kiss long enough to hear her speak one word.

“More.”

It barely left her lips before he kissed her again, rubbing the tip of his cock over that sensitive, delicious bud. The friction made his balls clench tight. He’d never wanted a female more, but he only swept the outside of her pussy before pulling away and doing it again. Matching his tongue to his body, he stroked the inside of her mouth until she writhed against him.

She dug her nails into his ass and drove his cock partway inside.

The unexpected pleasure tore a groan from deep inside his chest. He reached down and flattened his palm against her back, moving lower until his hands cupped her hips, drawing her even closer so he rubbed on her with his movements. Easing inside of her with a small thrust, he clenched his teeth at the piercing, primal desire pulsating within his groin.

Incomprehensible words escaped her lips. Their heartening tones and her clenching hands encouraged him to pick up the pace. Her pussy clenched around his hard shaft, winding tighter with each firm stroke, until his body burned with a single belief.

“Mine…”

It was a declaration of pure possession that his rational mind couldn’t believe he’d made.

She grasped his hair and yanked his head back. “Fuck yes, I’m yours.” Then she pierced his carotid with her fangs, drawing his blood in greedy gulps.

The weakness in his knees didn’t come from blood loss, but the shards of pure ecstasy that kicked into his lower back and spread into his groin. It erupted through the tip of his cock as he spilled his seed inside of her.

Her muffled cries joined his as she rocked her hips and clutched him close.

The previous urgent fire was replaced with a cozy euphoric high. His knees buckled and they slid down the wall together as he continued to pound into Clementine. That far-off roaring turned out to be his. The ache in his loins was satisfied and, from Clementine’s limp body pressed over his, he’d say her hungers were too.

The shower water grew cooler and she finally raised her head from his shoulder.

He brushed the curls from her face. “You’re so beautiful.”

She gave him that shy smile he was beginning to cherish. “So are you.”

Chapter 8

Clementine left the bathroom almost stumbling over her own feet as Sam’s powerful shifter blood coursed through her body. Her fingers and toes tingled and it wasn’t from the energy her feeding provided, but from a certain male with a gifted cock.

Hot damn, Sam could ask her to fulfill whichever of his fantasies anytime.

The cellphone her master had given her beeped with the sound of a text message . She hurried over to where she’d left it on the kitchen counter. Scrolling through the small list, she recognized her master’s number.

Sam strolled into the room towel-drying his hair. She loved the way his sweatpants clung to his ass and legs.

She could ignore the text. Maybe erase it and pretend she’d never received it. Torn between her desire to remain with Sam as long as she could and her duty to her master, she clutched the phone to her chest.

Sam smiled at her and played with her wet curls. “What do you want to do tonight? I’m sure I can find a deck of cards around here somewhere.”

A century of duty toward her master won her internal battle. Her master deserved her obedience more than she deserved happiness. He’d given her freedom no other would have offered. Not during the time period she’d been made. Females had just been objects then. “I have a message. Daedalus wants to meet at–” She glanced at the text again. “Northerly Island Park.”

“Where?” Sam cocked an eyebrow at her and took her phone to read it. “That’s an odd place to meet. It’s on the lake and probably closed at this time of the night.” He shook his head and dialed a number on her phone and waited a moment before hanging up. “The bastard’s not answering.”

Clementine snagged her phone back from him. “He may have shut the ringer off. He was doing surveillance, remember?”

“Quick work, if you ask me.” Sam pursed his lips as he stared at her almost as if he was going to ask something, then he shook his head again, walking away to the door. “Well, let’s go. The park’s clear across town.”

She scanned the small apartment, sorry to leave it. She didn’t have anything to bring; not even the clothes on her back belonged to her. Twisting around, she offered Sam a small smile, then took his hand. His touch gave her strength, made her feel braver. “I wish we’d have met under different circumstances.” She rose on tiptoe, placing a small kiss on his lips. She’d have forever to wonder what if.

He blinked. “Me too.” Then he squeezed her hand. “Doesn’t mean I can’t visit, right?”

It took all her self-respect not to jump up and down in glee. She grinned, glad he’d offered without her asking. “I’d like that.”

They left the twins a note on the fridge, not wanting to wake them, and exited building. Once in the car, she swiveled in her seat to face him as he drove. “Why is Sugar still human?”

“That’s a million dollar question. If you could figure out a way to convince her to cross over, Daedalus would probably give that much and more.” Sam chuckled. “I haven’t the foggiest idea. And if she wanted me to know, she would have told me by now.”

“You never asked?” She couldn’t keep the incredulity out of her voice.

“Why should I, when everyone else we live with has?” He shrugged. “It’s her choice.”

She leaned forward and regarded the unwrinkled skin of his face. His youth made her ache. “That’s very wise for someone so young. I would have liked a choice.” The residual anger at her maker stirred deep in her gut. It would never go away.

“You were made against your will?” He touched her face in the close quarters of the vehicle. “So was I. That’s probably why I don’t pester Sugar like her sister and Daedalus. They both chose this type of life.”

“What would you have done if you had remained human?” She leaned toward him, her gaze intent on his face as the hard edges softened. What would it have been like if they’d both been human? Sam could take her to dinner, maybe they could have watched the sunset without her bursting in flames.

“Nothing spectacular, probably would have married a nice girl and had some kids by now. I never wanted to go to college. Maybe I would have picked up a trade.” He shrugged. “You?”

The ancient anger grew cold and spread over her body, chasing away the warmth Sam had given her. “I was married when they took me.” She rubbed her numb arms. “We lived on a small farm in Texas. I guess I would have had the same dream as you.”

“What happened to your husband?”

Cold became empty. “They killed him.” She’d stopped mourning him decades ago, but wished she could remember what his face looked like. Even vampire memories fade with time. “My maker was looking for pretty humans and my husband didn’t qualify.” She tried to give Sam a smile but failed. She’d killed their amicable mood.

He pulled her against his side, wrapping his arms around her tight.

She leaned into his strength and absorbed his living heat. He didn’t make small talk or try to cheer her up and she appreciated the silence. For a shifter, he sure understood a vampire’s pain.

“Where do you think Daedalus will send you?” Sam twirled her curls around his finger as he drove with the other hand.

“I don’t know. I’m just an accountant. But I’ll ask him to stay close enough for you to visit.” The words were out of her mouth before she could filter them. Oh, what an idiot she could be. He’d said he wanted to see her again, but she shouldn’t push. The more desperate she appeared, the faster he’d leave her.

He kissed the top of her head. “Good. I’d hate to have to take a plane. I’m not crazy about flying.”

Bubbles of relief rose in her chest as she smiled the kind of grin that went ear to ear. Now she understood why her master had left Pal Robi. She’d do the same for Sam.

The lake came into view and Sam parked the car in an empty lot.

* * *

A blanket of unease settled on Sam’s shoulders as he shut the engine off. Daedalus, or at least someone from the pack, should have been here to meet them. “I don’t like this. Try calling him again.”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “He texted me.”

“Indulge my paranoia. I know my alpha. Someone should be here already.”

“How could anyone fake a text?” She dialed. “There’s no answer.”

Frowning, he scanned the dark parking lot. If he wanted to trap someone, this would be a good location. The water surrounded the park on three sides, leaving only one way in and out. Easy to guard, or block, if need be. “My alpha knows more about computers and tech than I do, but I’m sure there’s a way to make a text look like it came from Daedalus’s phone.” He chewed on the inside of his mouth. “Fuck this. I’m getting you out of here until we hear from someone again.”

He geared the car into reverse and twisted to look behind them. His heart seized in his chest. “What the fuck?” He slammed on his brakes and geared it back into park. Someone blocked his way, but he could only make out a dark silhouette. Exiting the car, he faced the person, half expecting Daedalus.

Being partially right sucked. The person was a vampire, but not the one he wanted. Shit. “Mind getting out of the way, buddy?” Sam knew the ass wouldn’t budge, but he stalled as he scanned the area and assessed their fucked up situation. He’d get Clementine out of here alive if it was the last thing he ever did. Calling to his beast to awaken it, he gestured to Clementine to join him.

The lot was well lit, but the surrounding forest left plenty of places to hide for both assailants and them. He heard Clementine exit the car.

“Sam?” Her voice rose with her fear, as did her scent. She hurried to his side.

Others moved in the dark, those of the vampire persuasion, from their scents.

“Give us the female and you can leave.” The male pulled a wooden stake from his pocket. “This isn’t pack business. It’s best for you to stay out of this.”

A low growl rolled in his throat as he tracked the stake in the vampire’s hand. His beast joined his thoughts. How dare they threaten his mate? The question splashed over him like a cold wave. He glanced at Clementine with her delicate features and brown, short curls. It felt…right.

“Clementine,” the vampire blocking their way addressed her, “don’t make us hurt him. Come along.” He gestured for her to follow him.

She stared at the male, then back to him. Her fear scent surrounded them. “What guarantee can you give me, Luke?” She stayed by Sam. Her faith in his protection appeared absolute, and it touched him more than any words of affection could have.

“I’m dead no matter what he tells you,” he whispered low enough for only her ears. “Get ready to grab onto me.”

“On my honor, if you come peacefully, we will let him go.” Luke pressed a hand over his unbeating heart.

For the second time in twenty-four hours, Sam released his beast in a painful shift that exploded through his flesh in one swift shot. His borrowed clothes shredded around his larger size, fluttering to the ground.

Clementine jumped onto his back, wrapping her limbs around him as he raced into the dark and who knew what else.

The Pal Robi vampires were upon him before he cleared the light. The weight of Clementine on his back disappeared and he heard her distressed cry. He couldn’t see past the wall of vamps on him, but he snapped, bit, and clawed his way through their flesh while following the sounds of Clementine’s voice.

A gun fired.

The flesh on his thigh burned where the bullet grazed him, but the wound didn’t heal. The fuckers were using silver bullets and meant business. He howled, unable to speak and order Clementine to run.

“Sam!”

He caught a glimpse of her as her fellow vampires and co-workers chased her into the woods. Tearing the nearest vampire in half, he broke out of the melee and followed her scent. Fear made her smell sharp and easy to find. He bulldozed through bushes and over a couple of vampires before seeing Luke, the asshole who had tried making her empty promises, aim a rifle at her fleeing back.

With a roar, Sam leaped the distance and knocked the gun from the vampire’s grip. It went off by his head, the percussion ringing his ears. He grasped his skull and stumbled toward Clementine.

She appeared before him, her lips moving, but he couldn’t hear her. Shoving him aside with her vampire strength, he sensed more than heard another shot. Clementine picked up Luke’s rifle and returned fire.

His hearing was beginning to return, thanks to his fast shifter healing, but his leg still bled where it had been hit with silver. They couldn’t fight this many vampires and survive. He had to get her out of this park.

Folding his throbbing ears back, he shook his disorientation away and followed her lead back toward their car.

Chapter 9

Sam’s beast form was the most magnificent creature she’d ever seen as he fought at her side. He spent most of his time yanking her out of the way of being hit or shot while ignoring his own injuries. She couldn’t see his blood in the rush of action, but she could smell it.

Her shifter was hurt and she couldn’t do anything to help him, except try to keep him alive. She swung the rifle she’d taken from Luke’s unconscious form and used it like a bat, knocking one of their assailants across the head. She didn’t want to waste any bullets until absolutely necessary.

A sharp bark caught her attention. She spun to see Sam point at the car, then she raced toward it. As they drew closer, she saw someone had taken the time to slash all their tires. “Sam?” She turned to face him, knowing he couldn’t speak, yet needing some kind of guidance as to what to do next.

He scooped her onto his back without hesitation and took off on all fours, gaining speed over the flat parking lot.

She clung to his waist with her legs and gripped his fur with one hand, the other holding the rifle. Twisting, she tried to aim it, but Sam’s movement made it too hard.

Racing over the land bridge connecting the island to Chicago, he ran toward a populated area.

Her eyes widened. She could see the headlines now. Racing werewolf, ridden by rifle-toting vampire, rampages through the city. “Sam, what are you doing?” If the Pal Robi vampires didn’t kill them, the police would.

He ran onto the main street. Even at this time of the night, there was still quite a bit of traffic. Cars screeched to a halt when he crossed without slowing. He bound over one moving vehicle, his claws scraping over the roof and leaving scratches in the paint, and then maneuvered around another that had stopped in their way.

She glanced over her shoulder and didn’t see anyone pursuing them. Where had they gone? Sam’s plan had worked. By heading into a populated area, they’d gotten their assailants to back off. For now. She leaned her body against his back, giving him a one-armed hug. “You did it. You saved me again.” His silken fur rubbed her cheek and she imagined how delicious it would feel against her bare body.

Sirens grew louder in the distance. Someone had already reported them. Their species weren’t illegal anymore, they’d been declared citizens years ago but, God forbid, they didn’t act like humans. The police wouldn’t be happy about Sam being in beast form in public. It was frowned upon. Who knows, some mortal could have a nightmare or something equally idiotic. The rifle wouldn’t help, but she wasn’t willing to let it go yet. Those Pal Robi jerks might still be around. Growing up on a small farm had taught her a few useful skills. Shooting was one of them.

Sam ran behind an abandoned store and set her by the Dumpster. He shifted back to his man form and she spotted the bleeding wound on his thigh.

She knelt in front of him and assessed the injury, controlling her base instinct to lick at the blood. “I thought shifters healed when they changed forms?” It would need stitches if not.

“We do unless it’s caused by fucking silver.” He grimaced and limped to the wall where he slid to the ground. “Fuck, that stings.” He offered her a little smile, but sweat beaded on his forehead and the color drained from his face.

* * *

Sam’s heart drummed in his chest. The bullet graze hurt, but the silver poisoning in his blood caused him the most pain. If it got worse, he wouldn’t be able to shift. “Call Daedalus again. See what the fuck is going on.” He closed his eyes and caught his breath while she dialed.

Clementine gasped and glanced at her phone before responding. “Luke?”

That name had his eyes flying open. The vampire at the park had Daedalus’s phone. Ah, shit. And a pile of it. That explained everything.

“What did you do to Daedalus?” Clementine’s voice grew quiet. “I don’t believe you. It would take an army to kill him.” A tear trickled from the corner of her eye.

Sam grabbed the phone and shut down the connection. “He’s lying, babe.” He held his arms open for her. She fit so perfectly within them. She’d been amazing in the park, fighting at his side like a she-demon.

“I’ll call Spice. She might have heard from them by now.” He dialed and listened to the ring. And ring. Wake up, already. Spice’s voicemail answered. He hung up and dialed again. She always answered. She was the pack alpha female and with Eric gone on a mission, she ran the pack. The phone kept ringing. “Something’s wrong at the safe house, Clementine. Spice sleeps with one eye open. She wouldn’t miss a call. She’d have pounced on the first ring, waiting on Eric.”

“How can something be wrong? It’s a safe house. No one is supposed to know about it but us and Daedalus…” Her fingers fluttered to her mouth. “You don’t think they could have really captured him, do you?”

“Fuck no, he’d never betray Sugar. I’m not his biggest fan, but when it comes to loyalty, I know she’s his highest priority.” He scratched his head. “Luke has D’s phone and texted us–” Gaping at the device in his hand, he wanted to smash his head against the brick wall for being so stupid. “They traced the fucking text to the apartment. Oh, shit.”

He stood, his hurt leg almost giving out. “I have to get back. They’re my responsibility. Fuck, Sugar can’t even run and Spice is pregnant.” Could shifters die from heart attacks? Because he was having one right now. He smashed the phone against the ground, shattering it into pieces. “We need to get away from here. Luke could have traced that last call.”

Reaching for his beast, he tried to shift, but it wouldn’t rise to his call. His knees gave out and he landed hard on the asphalt.

“What’s wrong?” Clementine clasped her hands around his face.

“The silver from the bullet is in my blood stream. It doesn’t take much to weaken a werewolf and I can’t shift.”

Cold claws of fear gripped Sam’s heart. Spice had told them about her experience when she couldn’t shift when Chen had poisoned her with silver. He’d shrugged it off, but now he knew his alpha female had balls of steel for keeping her head together through that ordeal.

He curled over his knees, pressing his forehead to the ground, and called to his beast. The twins needed him and so did Clementine. What kind of sigma was he?

Cool fingers slipped into his. “What do you need? I’ll get it for you, no matter what it is.” She crouched close to him and spoke by his ear.

“Food might help. All this shifting and fighting takes energy. I’ve had only one meal in the past two days.” That might be why he couldn’t shift. It required stamina to shift twice in one day. He’d never had trouble before, but then he hadn’t fought vampires and been shot.

The sharp scent of blood surrounded him, but it wasn’t his own. He glanced at Clementine.

She was cutting her wrist deep with a piece of broken glass that surrounded the Dumpster.

“Stop.” He flinched as she dug deeper.

“If it’s too shallow, it will close fast.” She brought her wound to his mouth. “Drink. My blood should heal you and give you the energy you need.”

His stomach curled. “Babe.”

“Do it. The twins need you.” She touched his cheek. “I need you.”

He pressed his mouth around the wound and drank. She tasted of fine salt and velvety cream. Her blood trickled down his throat and awoke a more savage instinct within his beast. Gripping her arm, he sucked harder.

She hissed, but didn’t deny him.

Power pulsed from his stomach. It flooded his veins and pounded in his heart. His beast roared at his summons. He wrenched his mouth off Clementine. “Hot fucking damn.” He staggered to his feet and glanced at the healing wound on his legs. “Daedalus never healed us like that.”

“His kind can’t. His blood would kill you. Nosferatu are a different class of vampire. More creature than human.”

Sam wanted to lean back and howl at the moon. He wanted to tear Clementine’s clothes off and fuck her against the brick wall. Shit, he swung his head back and forth. He had something to do first. “My thoughts are all…” He rubbed his forehead. “I’m all instincts right now. My beast, it’s got more control over me than usual.” Sweat ran over his limbs. Clementine’s blood was like crack for shifters. “Was I supposed to be doing something?”

“The twins, we need to help them.”

“Yes, the twins. I can’t drive like this.”

“We don’t have a car. Shift and I’ll ride you like I did before.”

He snarled and yanked her close, his cock hard and ready. “I want to ride you.” The seam of her dress sleeve tore.

She gasped. “Later, Sam.” Then slapped him across the face hard. “You have to take control. Sugar’s in danger. You’re her sigma.”

He blinked. The human female, the one who smelled nice and who was always kind to him, made him feel wanted. With a shudder, he shifted to his beast form as Clementine suggested and allowed her onto his back. It was time to hunt.

Chapter 10

The race across the city left Sam breathless upon arriving at the apartment building. They kept to the alleys and less traveled roads, trying to avoid humans and Pal Robi vampires.

If those bloodsuckers hurt Daedalus and his pack mates, there would be hell to pay. First, he needed to make sure the twins were safe. Please let them be sleeping. They could have been so tired that the phone didn’t wake them. On both calls he’d made.

His heart dragged like a lead anchor. At least the run had helped to wear off his blood high. What an aphrodisiac. He could have drilled a hole through granite with the hard-on it had given him.

All the windows of the building were dark, which was normal for this time of night. They crouched across the street, hiding behind a parked car.

He shifted back to human form so they could talk. “Stay here. I’ll go inside and check things out, then come back for you.”

She set the butt of the rifle between them. “And if the vampires who want me dead show up? Do you mind if I shoot them out here on the street or should I ask them to wait for you to come back first?”

Raising an eyebrow, he stared hard at her. “You’re going to start being a smartass now?”

“Sweetie, you’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to knowing me.”

He sighed. They didn’t have time for this.“Fine, follow me. Stay close and don’t make any noises, but if we’re attacked, run.”

“Don’t get hurt. I understand.”

His stomach clenched at all the horrible possibilities. He pulled her into his embrace, crushing his lips to hers, tasting her as if it could be his last time. If they survived the night, he’d make things more permanent with Clementine. He was done with one-night-stands and heartless flings. He appreciated her delicate strength and courage.

She moaned into his mouth and clutched at his flesh before pulling away. “Let’s finish this. I have other things I’d rather be doing with you than hunt assholes.”

He grinned at the determination in her eyes. “How good are you with that gun?”

“Terrible, but I can manage to not shoot myself or you.” She clicked the safety off and nodded for him to go.

In a crouch, he crossed the street with Clementine close behind. They opened the front door wary of another ambush. He breathed a sigh of relief when they met no resistance and scooted inside. Quiet as phantoms, they crept up the stairs to Sugar’s old apartment.

Choking on a snarl, he halted before the door. It hung a little ajar. He’d locked it tight before leaving. No way one of the twins had left it open. Fuck.

He waved Clementine behind him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her aim her rifle at the door. He sure hoped she told him the truth about not shooting him. Normal bullets could still kill him if they pierced his heart or head.

Taking a deep breath, he called upon his beast to stay close to the surface before storming the entrance ready to shift in a split second’s notice. The door swung against the wall with a crash as he halted in the living room.

Silence greeted their entrance.

Clementine pushed past him and raced to the bedroom. “They’re not here,” she called out.

Dread swallowed his gut. Were they too late? Had the Pal Robi vamps taken them? He inhaled, but didn’t capture the scent of any strangers. “They left the apartment on their own. I don’t smell the presence of anyone else.” He twisted around, trying to find a scent track to follow, but they’d all been through the doorway recently. The scents were all a tangled mess.

“Where would Spice take Sugar?” Clementine handed him a pair of sweatpants. “Not that I don’t mind the view, but I don’t need the distraction.”

“Thanks.” He hopped into the pair of sweats. “Good question. What would make her move Sugar?” He gestured for quiet and listened, using his beast’s natural hunting instincts. At first he heard nothing unusual. Then it came, the sound of a window sliding open in the Omegas’ old apartment down the hall. He grabbed Clementine’s hand and descended the stairs at break-neck speed.

He should have thought of it before. The vamps knew the twins were in the building, but not which apartment. Daedalus had bought this place with more than sentiment in his heart. He’d known searching all the rooms would take an enemy time.

Spice must have heard them coming, just like he had, but after his loud entrance into the apartment, the vamps knew where to search. At least this way he could draw them away from the twins.

As they reached the lobby, the front door shattered inward. Two vamps charged him. He shoved Clementine toward the basement door as he shifted once more. How long would her blood sustain him?

With his claws, he decapitated the first vampire, then tore the heart out of the second. He walked backward, following Clementine into the basement where they could draw the bloodsuckers and make a stand. In the dim light, he traced her scent. Then, to his shock, the twins’. He hung his head. Oh no, he’d led the vampires straight to them.

A white figure stepped out of the shadows. Spice in her beast form. How many? She asked via the mind link packs shared.

I don’t know. Where’s Clementine?

She’s with Sugar, hiding in the furnace room. There’s only one door to it and she should be able to defend it with her rifle. Sugar has a small handgun too.

Really? He folded an ear to the side and tilted his head. Sugar was the most non-violent person he’d ever met.

Not all her rehab was about dressing herself. I made sure she could handle a small caliber weapon, since she can’t run anymore.

He rubbed his nose against the underside of her muzzle in a submissive, yet affectionate way. You’re the best.

She gave him a playful snip. And you’re a flirt. Let’s go kick some vampire ass. She shoved by him.

Alpha, you should stay with your sister. He could smell the blast of Spice’s fury. For the pups’ sake.

She twisted and caressed her lower abdomen. I will always be alpha first, Sam. You are all my children. We fight together. She turned her back on him and hid by the staircase exit.

The shadows were thick, leaving plenty of places for him to lay an ambush. Sam swung into the rafters and prepared to attack from above. The last place they’d expect to find a four-hundred-pound shifter. He licked his muzzle and listened to the footfalls racing to their area.

How many could they fight, and for how long? He glanced at Spice. Did you call the Vasi? They’d need backup.

Eric is on his way. Daedalus lost his phone during a skirmish. They knew we’d be compromised somehow by that, but called me too late to warn you. I’m glad you and Clementine didn’t get hurt. For a bloodsucker, she’s kind of sweet.

Yeah, she really was.

Gunshots announced the Pal Robi vampires’ arrival.

Watch out! They’re armed with silver bullets. He launched himself over Spice, as he’d planned, and tackled three vampires before they could get any more shots off. He pinned them to the stairs as Spice finished them.

Something burned in his back. He glanced over his shoulder at a dagger handle protruding from his flesh. Great, probably silver too. He yelped as Spice yanked it out without a warning. Thanks, I think.

Pussy. She twirled the blade around her clawed hand. Let’s move to the next floor.

He followed and groaned. Not because of the pain, but because she seemed determined to fight and possibly get hurt. We should wait for Eric.

The look she tossed him should have withered his balls. No one attacks me on my territory.

Yes, Alpha. He set her behind him once they reached the lobby. But they’ll have to get through me first. He prepared for a tussling match with her, but she remained quiet.

Listen.

He grew still. Cars arrived outside their building. Lots of them. Shit. He braced his legs as he watched the wave of fresh vampire meat flood the lobby.

They poured over him, biting and tearing at his flesh, but he wouldn’t let them past.

He was Sigma.

He protected.

Sam! Spice’s mental cry gave him the strength to toss the first wave back.

Blood dripped from his fingertips. His or theirs, he didn’t know. He pushed Spice toward a corner, something he could defend.

She tried to skirt around him. Let me help.

The pups come first. Before you, Clementine, or Sugar. Sorry, my instincts just won’t let me listen to you. He snarled at the next wave coming armed with guns this time. He couldn’t fight this, but he could bar their bullets from the pups. His beast was one with him. The closest they’d ever been together.

A rifle fired in the basement and his heart broke for failing Clementine. He’d promised…

* * *

Clementine aimed for their heads–the hearts made too small of a target. The older ones would survive the wounds, but it would take time for them to heal, giving her and Sugar a few more minutes.

Where were they all coming from? Had Pal Robi sent all their new security teams? She doubted it. These vampires didn't seem trained. The warriors she'd met at work would have killed them by now. So who were they?

Knocked off her feet, she landed on her back across the room. She gasped from the pain radiating from her shoulder from a bullet. With an ungraceful roll, she rose to a knee.

Sugar sat in her chair, handgun on her lap as she stared at the flow of vampires aimed in her direction. Her fingers never even reached for the weapon.

A pit of dread opened in Clementine's gut, swallowing what little hope she'd had. It didn't stop her limbs from reacting. She aimed her rifle and shot the vampire closest to the human.

“Sugar, duck!” A male voice roared over the chaos just before the attacking vampires were yanked out of the room.

Clementine recognized her master's voice. She sagged against the rifle. Not the safest thing to do, but her weariness ran bone deep. Blood dripped along her arm. She probed her wound with a finger. It was almost healed.

Cries carried from outside the furnace room, where they'd been hiding, and Sugar flinched, twisting her head away from the open door.

Clementine staggered to the entrance, blocking Sugar's view. Her master, covered in blood, finished tearing the head off the last remaining attacker in the basement.

He raised his gaze to meet hers. “Sugar?”

“She's fine, if a little shaken. Sam?”

“Finishing off the others with his pack.”

She leaned against the frame and breathed a sigh of relief. Surviving this fiasco without him would have destroyed the joy she'd discovered in life again. “You lost your phone. It's how they found us.”

“We came straight here when I realized it was missing.” He wiped the blood from his hands on his pants and strode toward her, but she didn't move out of his way.

She stopped him with a hand on his chest and dropped her voice. “We need to talk about Sugar.”

He blinked and followed as she led him away from the door a few feet.

Clementine leaned in to whisper in his ear. “She didn't lift a hand in defending herself. She left her gun on her lap the whole time.”

Daedalus nodded. “She abhors violence. I told Spice she'd never use it.”

Clementine glanced away from her master, clenching the rifle in her hands. She swallowed, then met his gaze. “I think she wanted them to kill her.”

His brow furrowed as he leaned in. “That's quite an accusation.”

“I know, and I don't make it lightly. I'm worried for you.”

He stepped back. “For me?”

“You love her, but she's mortal.” She glanced at the stairs. “I'm beginning to understand what the price of such a loss would cost.”

A small smile crossed her master's lips as he considered her for moment. “You are a most loyal subject, Clementine. I’ll watch her, and I think you should stay with us for awhile.”

She grinned at his invitation as butterflies danced in her stomach. “That would be agreeable.”

He dismissed her with a wave and turned his attention to his human fiance.

Twisting around, Clementine watched as Sam raced down the stairs in his human form. He wore a pair of shorts, from God-knew-where, but his hide was intact.

Her heart soared and she flung herself into his arms, wrapping him tight in a hug.

He eased away to finger the hole in her shirt made by the bullet and raised an eyebrow.

“I only got shot once. That's much less than I expected.” She tangled her fingers in his thick, shaggy hair and pulled him into a kiss. The electric current his touch sent through her flesh gave her a sense of life. Hard and deep, she locked her lips with his. She never wanted to let go. And with her master's invitation for her to stay, she wouldn't have to. Would Sam like that idea?

She leaned away with a wild laugh. “I can’t believe we survived.”

Sam gave a low whoop and swung her around. “Maybe you won’t have to leave right away.”

She opened her mouth to tell him the good news–

“Sam!” Daedalus stepped out of the furnace room, helping Sugar walk.

Landing on her feet hard when her shifter released his hold on her, Clementine grabbed him for balance. She twisted to face her master and her stomach clenched. Granite had more warmth than the Nosferatu. She’d seen this expression on his face before, and someone’s death usually followed.

Sugar stroked his chest. “It’s not his fault.”

“Stop defending him all the time. He’s your sigma. Your safety comes first.” Daedalus poked Sam in the chest with his finger. “You shouldn’t have left her here alone with Spice.”

“But–” Sam frowned and straightened his spine. “I didn’t have a choice. You charged me to protect too many with no resources. I had to make a choice and there was no way I’d send Clementine out in the city by herself. The twins should have been safe here.”

Her chest swelled as Sam verbally claimed her. His protective nature drew her like no male ever had. She blocked her master’s move toward her shifter. “This attack was from your carelessness, not Sam’s. We left because of the text sent to my phone from you. It led to an ambush that should have killed me.” She sensed Sam step closer from behind, and then he placed a hand on her shoulder. His warmth spread through her body.

Daedalus stared at her, his frown melting into confusion. He pursed his lips and lifted his chin. “I may have expected too much of you. I hadn’t planned on the safe house’s location being compromised.”

That was the closest Clementine had ever heard her master come to an apology.

Sam’s hand clenched on her shoulder. “None of us did.”

“The important thing is we’re all safe and unharmed.” Sugar touched Daedalus’s jaw and drew his gaze toward her. “I’m tired and want to go home.”

Chapter 11

Sugar held her limp arm to her chest as Daedalus carried her from his car into their bedroom. She could have walked–well, at least limped–inside.

Robert, the pack’s beta or second in command, followed them with his small troop of omegas he’d been training. They surrounded her and Daedalus as they made their way into the brownstone.

She had a glimpse of what the president must feel like with the secret service. Except his people were highly trained, whereas theirs just shifted and tore their enemies apart. A shudder shook her.

“You’re cold.” Daedalus held her tighter.

No, she was creeped-out, but she kept silent. He always grew upset with her inability to naturally accept his and the shifters’ violent natures. There were groups of people begging to be turned from human to creature, some of them ill or crippled like her. She had options they never would, yet she couldn’t bring herself to say yes.

Religion didn’t stop her. Neither did stubbornness, as her twin, Spice, believed. It was simple fear. Would she still be herself after the change? She’d watched her sister after she’d become infected with the shifter virus. Spice had always been on the selfish side. Not anymore, she was all about the pack now. But was that from the change?

Robert barked out a few orders and the omegas scattered, two of them bumping into each other.

She flinched at the impact and swallowed a laugh. A frustrated sigh whispered from her vampire lover. Their guards still needed a lot of training.

Daedalus entered their bedroom. Well, she thought of it as theirs, but when she’d returned from rehab she’d noticed his clothes no longer occupied closet space. Ever since she’d been injured, he’d started to drift away. She couldn’t blame him. She was mortal and she was dying.

He glanced at Robert, who still followed. “Your omegas are…” Holding her with one arm like a small child, he pulled back the covers with the other hand before tucking her in. “Raw.”

“Daedalus.” She had warned him to be nicer.

“What? I thought I was being generous with that assessment.”

Leaning against the doorframe, Robert shook his head. “I know. I’m hoping once this Pal Robi thing is over that you’ll take over their training.”

“No, no.” Daedalus shook his head. “Once I claim what is mine, I doubt things can go back to the way they once were. I won’t have the time to dedicate to the Vasi. I’ll need to clean house in my own clan. That will take time.”

Her heart shrank at his declaration. However, it gave her a glimmer of hope. Would he leave her? That could make things easier.

“I’m a computer geek, not a warrior. They need someone better.”

Rubbing his bald head, her vampire stared at the floor. “I might know someone, who might help, but this needs to wait until we’re secure.”

Robert nodded and closed the bedroom door.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Daedalus opened her bedside table drawer and pulled out her medication list.

She rolled her eyes before she could stop herself.

It didn’t escape his notice. Nothing ever did. “What? Spice said you missed your hypertension and blood thinner pills, but I can’t remember their names.”

Oh yes, her wonderful blood thinner pills that probably made her taste like paint remover. Thank goodness, he hadn’t tried to feed from her since she’d recovered. She would be devastated if he gagged.

He leaned closer. “You know, there was a time when you couldn’t wait to get me in bed.” He traced his fingertip over her bottom lip. Having a stroke had killed her libido, but apparently Daedalus wanted to resurrect it.

She gave him a shy smile, a blush burning her cheeks right to the tips of her ears. How could he still want her? She just didn’t feel sexy in this state.

Heat ignited in his gaze as it traced from her face to her breasts. “I remember–” His finger brushed over her skin as it traveled along her throat to outline the neckline of her blouse. “You liked being tied to the bed while I–” He flicked her budding nipple and she gasped. “Did what I pleased to your lush, wanton…”

Her heart went aflutter and she shut her eyes. She had loved those nights he’d tortured her with pleasure for hours. Those times were over. She glared at him and shoved his hand away. “I’m not ready.”

He set his hand on her thigh and licked his lips before turning away. Hurt radiated off his powerful body.

What kind of relationship could she offer him? He’d had every opportunity to leave while she’d been in a coma, but apparently he’d stayed by her side day and night. All the best doctors had been flown in to see her and she’d probably still be in a vegetative state if not for them. Most importantly, he’d kept her human. She’d been helpless to stop him from changing her, yet he loved her enough to respect her wish to stay mortal. She sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired.”

He stroked her leg. “I’ll go get your pills.”

She watched his perfect ass retreat from the bedroom as he hurried to the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Flopping her head back, she listened to the water running as her vampire rummaged through all her pill bottles.

Once he had Pal Robi back, he could focus his attention on his people again. She hadn’t thought he’d ever leave her, but now that she’d considered the idea, it would work better this way. He would need something to occupy his time after she was gone.

She’d come to realize a few weeks ago that even with the medicine she would still die soon. The pills only postponed the inevitable and the doctors told her she’d never recover one hundred percent. She’d be half a woman.

Daedalus returned with a glass of water and a pill cup.

She took both without complaint. “Can you make me something to eat?”

He grinned, the hurt fading from his eyes. “A sandwich?”

“Sure. I’m starved.” She waited until he left before spitting out the pills into her hand. Pulling the blankets off, she swung her good leg over the edge, dragging the paralyzed one with her hand, and reached for the tissue box on the nightstand.

The door swung open again and Daedalus entered. “Mayo or… What are you doing?”

“Umm, going to the bathroom, I want to shower.”

He came to carry her, but she swatted him away.

“I can limp there.” The pills in her hand scattered on the floor. Shit. She shut her eyes for a moment, knowing he hadn’t missed them flying out her hand.

He bent to pick up one of the pills. “You dropped this.” Handing it back to her, he frowned as he picked up the other pill. “Sugar, do you have something to tell me?”

She swallowed. “No.”

He stared at her with his sea blue eyes, piercing through her thin veil of deception. Folding his arms over his chest, he waited.

“You want me to swallow the pills that were on the floor?”

“I want you to tell me why those pills aren’t already in your system.”

“It must be my lip.” She pointed to the droop. “They must have spilled out instead of going down.”

He snorted. “Bullshit.” His frown deepened. “How long have you been doing this?”

She blinked, her tears rising, but she would not cry. There were few decisions left for her to make, most of her independence stolen from her in a moment of shifter violence. When and how she lived or died was one of the few things she still controlled.

“Sugar?” His voice shook. He knelt so he could look her in the eye.

Cupping his chin with her one good hand, she drew him close enough to place a chaste kiss on his mouth. “It’s better this way. We always knew that one day I would die. It will just be sooner than we planned.”

He yanked his chin from her grasp. “Fuck, no.” Storming from their bedroom, he returned with fresh pills. “Take them.”

Sugar sighed and fingered them in his palm. “You can make me swallow them tonight, but you can’t be there to watch each time.”

“Your sister will make sure you take them when I’m not there.”

She smiled. Who would have thought that her lover and sister could ever work together? “How long would you force me to live this way?” She gestured to her paralyzed side.

“Forever, if I had my way.” He pulled her into his arms and settled into bed with her cradled on his lap. “Cross over. Be with me.”

She shook her head, not daring to meet his gaze. If he kept harassing her about becoming a vampire, she might weaken enough to accept one day, but not tonight.

He leaned his head against her shoulder. “You want me to continue after you’ve gone, but I don’t see how. It’s a little selfish of you.”

That snapped her head up. “No, it’s not. It’s selfish of you to keep asking.”

“You knew what I was when you returned for me at my home. I gave up everything to be with you. I–I just assumed that eventually you’d make us more permanent. How is that selfish?”

“I can’t see myself preying upon people to live.”

“It’s a natural instinct, Sugar. You’d get use to it.”

“And if I killed someone by accident?”

“I’d be there for you. I wouldn’t turn you loose as a fledgling. I would watch over you, help you hunt, protect you as any good vampire mate should.” He closed his eyes and held his hand open. “Take the pills.”

She wouldn’t put a gun to her head any more than she would accept Daedalus’ offer, but by not taking her medications she was letting nature take its course. Just like this evening with the gun. She would have shot to protect Clementine, but not herself.

For the moment, she had a Nosferatu warrior meeting her gaze with a plea. She swallowed the damn pills. But they couldn’t watch her forever.

Chapter 12

Sam watched the girls fuss over Clementine. He rested on the couch in the living room. They had arrived at the brownstone together after Robert gave them the all clear.

Katrina brought the petite vampire some fresh clothes and Esther disarmed the rifle Clementine insisted on carrying.

He rested his chin in his hand and smiled. Home at last.

Eric and Robert climbed the stairs to their office, discussing the layout of Pal Robi Inc. and possible plans.

Tyler entered the room carrying two beers and flopped onto the couch next to him. “This evening sucked.”

“You’re the king of understatements.” Sam held up the beer Tyler handed to him. “Here’s to surviving.” His friend clunked his bottle against his. Draining it empty, Sam set his bottle aside.

Clementine’s gaze met his and his heart seized. She would be sent away, God knew where, maybe alone. Who would protect her? What if she forgot about him? He rubbed his chest but the ache was too deep.

There were still a few hours of night left. Daedalus would set another coffin for her in his den. Pity she couldn’t sleep in his bed, but the sunlight risk wasn’t worth taking. But they still had those hours…

“She’s too good for you.” Tyler sipped his beer.

“Like you deserve Katrina?” But he agreed with his friend. Clementine was smart and brave. Would she be content with him?

His friend and pack mate lifted his bottle. “Touche, but I’m willing to commit to her and be her sex slave as long as she wishes. What about you?”

“I just met Clementine.”

“Have you–umm…”

“Fucked? Yes, not that it’s any of your business.” He folded his arms over his chest and glared at the floor. “I’m going to ask her to stay.” He said the words so fast he wasn’t sure Tyler heard.

His friend went still. He’d heard. “I was just teasing, dude.”

Sam gazed at the ceiling for a second. “I’d decided this before our little heart to heart.” He twisted to face Tyler. “She stood up for me against Daedalus.” Sugar was the only other person who’d ever done that for him, but what he felt for Clementine was so much stronger. She’d not only faced off with the Nosferatu, but she stood up to her master. Something he doubted she’d ever done in her hundred years of servitude.

“And you both still have arms. Nice. Daedalus has been carrying a huge chip on his shoulder ever since Sugar was hurt.” Tyler flinched at his own comment. Even though he wasn’t responsible for the Asian pack’s strike, he still expressed guilt at not being home that day.

Scratching his chin, Sam regarded his friend. He guessed in some way they all carried regret from that attack. He wasn’t alone in feeling like a failure. They’d all done their best to protect Sugar. He took a deep breath, the first in many months, and turned his attention to his possible future.

Clementine.

Bumping fists with his buddy, he rose to his feet and joined her in the kitchen. A whiff of her scent snaked around him and he inhaled deeply.

She smiled as he approached.

“I’ll show you where you’ll be spending the day.” He entwined his fingers within hers and whispered in her ear. “And my bedroom if you want.”

Her grin became more inviting. “Show me.”

He led her to the basement he shared with Tyler, Katrina, and Daedalus. His bedroom was the smallest, since he didn’t share it with anyone. “I’m surprised we have a spare coffin. It isn’t like we have any vampires who visit.”

“Hmm…my master–” She cleared her throat. “Daedalus made the arrangements.”

“He must have quite the foresight.”

“He’s had months to prepare. He called me the night Sugar was hospitalized with orders. He knew I’d eventually make it to Chicago. The idea was for me to sneak out the information and bring it here. Not lead a high speed chase from the airport.” She shrugged. “He should have chosen someone else for the task. There are plenty of others with better skills who are still loyal to him.”

Sam paused in front of his bedroom and wiped his sweaty palms on his pants. “Doesn’t matter why, I’m just glad he did.” He drew her inside the room, where a queen-sized bed dominated the space. A few free weights lay scattered on the carpet by the bookshelf and a gaming console. Taking her hands in his, he tried to catch his breath. This was proving more difficult than he’d thought. What if she said no? His stomach rolled. He’d swear off females for good. “Clementine, I–I want you to stay.”

She nodded. “I am.”

“I mean more than just today.”

“I am.” Laughing, she threw back her head. “I’m so relieved you asked. I didn’t know how to broach the subject without sounding desperate.”

“You are?” His beast howled inside his head with blinding pain.

“Daedalus thinks it would be safest if I stayed. I want to, but I didn’t want to force myself on you. I–I hoped you would ask.”

The strong band constricting his chest grew tighter. “I want us to get to know each other so I–I can be, so we can have a relation–well, we–”

“You want to court me?” She squeezed his hands.

“Yes!” He let go his breath. God, what was wrong with him? He was being a jackass.

“Good.” She kicked his bedroom door closed. “Because I plan on keeping you.” She shoved him, her small body more powerful than most would think.

The bed caught the back of his knees and he landed on his back. Blinking at the ceiling, he shook his head, then raised it as Clementine crawled over his body. Her eyes glittered with an inner light, her short curls wild around her delicate face. He grabbed her shoulders and pegged her with a stare. “Do you mean that?”

“You doubt me?”

“I’d rather not lay my heart on a platter to be feasted on.”

“My dear shifter.” She moved closer until she straddled his hips and cupped his face. “I do not leave a trail of broken hearts in my wake.” She pressed a kiss on his lips, butterfly-light and sweeter than any other they’d shared. “And I plan on feasting on your whole body, not just your heart.”

“Well, I know for a fact that I haven’t broken any hearts.” He whispered against her lips. “Someone would have to love me first to do that.”

She blinked and ran her fingers in his hair. “You have the power to break mine.” Tugging him closer, she deepened the kiss.

Moaning, he took what she offered, his spirit soaring at what she hinted at. He wrapped his arms around her and guided them back onto the mattress with her on top. He gave a throaty laugh when her dainty fingers curled under his waistband, and he lifted his hip to help make undressing him easier.

* * *

Clementine would have floated away if Sam hadn’t held her so tight. He’d asked her before he’d known she was staying. Her chest strained with contained joy.

Slipping his pants off his hips, she sensed his arousal against her stomach. He wore nothing now, since he hadn’t changed out of the shorts after the fight. A wave of heat spread over her body. “I can’t get enough of you.” She clawed at her own clothes.

In a flurry of hands, Sam helped her undress. He went to rise and switch their positions, but she pinned his shoulders to the mattress. “Not so fast.” She slid her pussy over his hard cock.

He arched under her weight. Pressing against her, his breathing grew heavier. “Are you going to take me by force, sweet Clementine?” He added a southern twang to his voice.

It sent shivers through her limbs and broke through her self-control. With a swift jerk, she yanked his head aside and punctured his neck. The spill of his warm blood rushed down her throat, easing the need in her gut. He’d be her only source as long as they were together.

“Shit, yes.” Sam cupped her ass and pushed his cock into her core.

Her pussy burned with the stretch as he stroked a little deeper with each thrust. He’d dominated her every time they’d been together, but not this time. She released her bite as she guided his hands from her hips to her breasts. Sitting, she took control of the thrusts.

Residing at Pal Robi had been safe, controlled, and stale. She hadn’t realized it until meeting Sam. For the last few decades she’d only existed, not lived. Her wild shifter risked his life to protect those around him and showed her that taking a chance could be worth so much more than hiding behind a veil of safety. How could she ever return?

Easy. She couldn’t.

She sank his cock into her taut core until their hips met. There had been almost no foreplay. However, she was wet for him. Just a little too tight. She gasped for breath.

“Fuck.” Sam squirmed under her, his eyes shut tight and his muscles flexing as if he tried to hold himself back. He squeezed her breasts in his palms and groaned. “I’m so close.”

Increasing her rhythm, she pounded him with carnal delirium. Lost in bliss, she cried out his name over and over again until the heat of his seed warmed her core.

She fell against him, exhausted and very satisfied.

Sam gathered her in his arms, hugging her against him. “For once, I’m glad Daedalus came into the Omegas’ lives.” He kissed the top of her head.

“Why?”

“I never would have found you otherwise.”

Content

Sigma
Vanguards - 5
by
Annie Nicholas

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12